Emerging Marine Diseases: Climate Links and Anthropogenic Factors

Mass mortalities due to disease outbreaks have recently affected major taxa in the oceans. For closely monitored groups like corals and marine mammals, reports of the frequency of epidemics and the number of new diseases have increased recently. A dramatic global increase in the severity of coral bleaching in 1997-98 is coincident with high El Niño temperatures. Such climate-mediated, physiological stresses may compromise host resistance and increase frequency of opportunistic diseases. Where documented, new diseases typically have emerged through host or range shifts of known pathogens. Both climate and human activities may have also accelerated global transport of species, bringing together pathogens and previously unexposed host populations.

Biological, physical and chemical properties at the Subtropical Shelf Front Zone in the SW Atlantic Continental Shelf

The physical aspects of the Subtropical Shelf Front (STSF) for the Southwest Atlantic Continental Shelf were previously described. However, only scarce data on the biology of the front is available in the literature. The main goal of this paper is to describe the physical, chemical and biological properties of the STSF found in winter 2003 and summer 2004. A cross-section was established at the historically determined location of the STSF. Nine stations were sampled in winter and seven in summer. Each section included a series of conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) stations where water samples from selected depths were filtered for nutrient determination. Surface samples were taken for chlorophyll a (Chl-a) determination and plankton net tows carried out above and below the pycnocline. Results revealed that winter was marked by an inner-shelf salinity front and that the STSF was located on the mid-shelf The low salinity waters in the inner-shelf indicated a strong influence of freshwater, with high silicate (72 mu M), suspended matter (45 mg l(-1)), phosphate (2.70 mu M) and low nitrate (1.0 mu M) levels. Total dissolved nitrogen was relatively high (22.98 mu M), probably due to the elevated levels of organic compound contribution close to the continental margin. Surface Chl-a concentration decreased from coastal well-mixed waters, where values up to 8.0 mg m(-3) were registered, to offshore waters. Towards the open ocean, high subsurface nutrients values were observed, probably associated to South Atlantic Central Waters (SACW). Zooplankton and ichthyoplankton abundance followed the same trend; three different groups associated to the inner-, mid- and outer-shelf region were identified. During summer, diluted waters extended over the shelf to join the STSF in the upper layer; the concentration of inorganic nutrients decreased in shallow waters; however, high values were observed between 40 and 60 m and in deep offshore waters. Surface Chl-a ranged 0.07-1.5 mg m(-3); winter levels were higher. Three groups of zoo and ichthyoplankton, separated by the STSF, were also identified. Results of the study performed suggest that the influence of freshwater was stronger during winter and that abundance distribution of Chl-a, copepods and ichthyoplankton was related to the Plata Plume Waters (PPW), rather than to the presence of the STSF. During summer, when the presence of freshwater decreases, plankton interactions seem to take place in the STSF. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

DRIVING AND RESTRICTIVE FACTORS IN THE PROCESS OF KNOWLEDGE CREATION: A COMPARATIVE CASE STUDY IN BRAZILIAN TECHNOLOGY-BASED ENTERPRISES

The article aims to analyze the process of knowledge creation in Brazilian technology-based companies, using as a background the driving and restrictive factors found in this process. As the pillars of discussion, four main modes of knowledge conversion were used, according to the Japanese model: socialization, externalization, combination and internalization. The comparative case method through qualitative research was carried out in nine technology-based enterprises that had been incubated or have recently passed through the stage of incubation (so-called graduated companies) in the Technology Park of Sao Carlos, state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Among the main results, the combination of knowledge was identified as more conscious and structured in graduated companies, in relation to incubated companies. In contrast, it was noted that incubated companies have an environment with greater opportunities for socialization, internalization and externalization of knowledge.

Suicidal ideation during pregnancy: prevalence and associated factors among low-income women in Sao Paulo, Brazil

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation among low-income pregnant women living in Brazil. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 831 women surveyed during 20 to 30 weeks of pregnancy using the Self-Report Questionnaire-20. The prevalence of suicidal ideation was 6.3%. The factors associated with suicidal ideation were common mental disorders, single partner status, past psychiatric history, and smoking tobacco. All cases of suicidal ideation were associated with common mental disorders.

Prevalence of asthma and risk factors associated: population based study in Sao Paulo, Southeastern Brazil, 2008-2009

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of asthma and risk factors associated in children and adolescents. METHODS: Population-based cross-sectional study with 1,185 female and male children and adolescents carried out in the city of Sao Paulo, Southeastern Brazil, from 2008 to 2009. Data were collected through home interviews. Respondents were selected from two-stage (census tract, household) cluster random sampling stratified by gender and age. Multiple Poisson regression was used in the adjusted analysis between the outcome and socioeconomic, demographic, lifestyle and health condition variables. RESULTS: Of all respondents, 9.1% (95%CI 7.0; 11.7) reported asthma. After adjustment, the following variables were found independently associated with asthma: age (0 to 4 years vs. 15 to 19) (PR 3.18, 95%CI 1.20;8.42); age (5 to 9 years vs. 15 to 19) (PR 6.37, 95%CI 2.64;15.39); age (10 to 14 years vs. 15 to 19) (PR 4.51,95%CI 1.95;10.40); allergy (yes vs. no) (PR 2.22, 95%CI 1.24;4.00); rhinitis (yes vs. no) (PR 2.13, 95%CI 1.22;3.73); health conditions in the 15 days preceding the interview (yes vs. no) (PR 1.96, 95%CI 1.23;3.11); number of rooms in the household (1 to 3 vs. 4 and more) (PR 1.67, 95%CI 1.05;2.66); and skin color (black and mixed vs. white) (PR 2.00, 95%CI 1.14;3.49). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed the importance of factors associated with asthma including rhinitis and allergy; age between 5 to 9 years old; black and mixed skin color; and household with few rooms. Frequent health problems are seen as a common consequence of asthma.

Decentralization and regionalization: dynamics and conditioning factors for the implementation of the Health Pact in Brazil

Decentralization and regionalization represent constitutional guidelines for the organization of the Unified Health System, which in the last 20 years has required the adoption of mechanisms to coordinate and accommodate federative tensions in Brazil's healthcare sector. This paper analyzes the national implementation of the Health Pact between 2006 and 2010 involving a strategy that reconfigures intergovernmental relations in the sector. The study involved the analysis of documents, official data and interviews with federal, state and municipal managers in the Brazilian states. The content of the national proposal is initially discussed, including its implications for health policy. The different rhythms and degrees of implementation of the Health Pact are then reviewed, with respect to adherence by states and municipalities and the formation of Regional Management Boards. Lastly, the conditioning factors for the multiplicity of experiences observed in the country are identified and the challenges facing progress toward a decentralized and regionalized health system in Brazil are discussed.

SOCIAL POLICY AS REGIONAL POLICY: MARKET AND NONMARKET FACTORS DETERMINING REGIONAL INEQUALITY

We decompose the recent changes in regional inequality in Brazil into its components, highlighting the role of spatially blind social programs. We aggregate personal income micro data to the state level, differentiating nine income sources, and assess the role of these components in the observed changes in regional inequality indicators. The main results indicate that the largest part of the recent reduction in regional inequality is related to the dynamics of the market-related labor income, with manufacturing and services favoring deconcentration. Labor income in agriculture, retirement and pensions, and property rents and other sources favored concentration. The social programs Bolsa Familia and Beneficios de Prestacao Continuada are responsible for more than 24 percent of the reduction in inequality, although they account for less than 1.7 percent of the disposable household income. Such positive impact on regional concentration is impressive, since the goals of the programs are clearly nonspatial.

Low Apgar scores at 5 minutes in a low risk population: maternal and obstetrical factors and postnatal outcome

Objective: To evaluate the association between Apgar scores of less than seven at five minutes (AS(5min) < 7) and antenatal factors and postnatal outcomes. Methods: A retrospective cohort and case-control study of 27,252 consecutive term newborns in a low risk obstetrical population between January 2003 and December 2010. Maternal and infant databases were reviewed from all cases with AS(5min) < 7 (n = 121; 0.4%) and 363 cases with AS(5min) >= 7 at 5 minutes who were randomly selected by a computer program. The main outcomes were neonatal death, newborn respiratory distress, need for orotracheal intubation and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and hypoxic-ischemic-encephalopathy. Results: After multiple regression analysis, repeated late decelerations on cardiotocography (OR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.4-4.1) and prolonged second stage of labor (OR: 3.3; 95% CI: 1.3-8.3) were associated with AS(5min) < 7, as well as neonatal respiratory distress (OR: 3.0; 95% CI: 1.3-6.9), orotracheal intubation (OR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.2-4.8), need for NICU (OR: 9.5; 95% CI: 6.7-16.8), and hypoxic-ischemic-encephalopathy (OR: 14.1; 95% CI: 3.6-54.7). No other antenatal factors were associated with AS(5min) < 7 (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Repeated late decelerations and prolonged second stage of labor in the low-risk population are predictors of AS(5min) < 7, a situation associated with increased risk of neonatal respiratory distress, need for mechanical ventilatory support and NICU, and hypoxic-ischemic-encephalopathy.

Epidemiological characterization and risk factors associated with leptospirosis in the brazilian semiarid

Alves C. J., Alcino J. F., Farias A. E. M., Higino S. S. S., Santos F. A., Azevedo S. S., Costa D. F. & Santos C. S. A. B. 2012. [Epidemiological characterization and risk factors associated with leptospirosis in the brazilian semiarid.] Caracterizacao epidemiologica e fatores de risco associados a leptospirose em ovinos deslanados do semiarido brasileiro. Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira 32(6): 523-528. Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Centro de Sa de e Tecnologia Rural, Unidade Academica de Medicina Veterinaria, Av. Universitaria s/n(o), Patos, PB 58700-970, Brazil. E-mail: clebertja@uol.com.br The aim of this investigation was to determine the herd-level and animal-level prevalence of leptospirosis in sheep from the semiarid of Paraiba State, Northeast Brazil, as well as to identify risk factors. Blood samples were collected from 1,275 sheep from 117 flocks in 19 counties in the Sertao mesoregion, Paraiba. For the serological diagnosis of leptospirosis the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) using 24 Leptospira spp. serovars as antigens was carried out. Of the 117 flocks studied 33 (28.20%) presented at least one seropositive sheep, and of the 1,275 animals 69 (5.41%) were seropositive with titers ranging from 100 to 3,200. Reactant serovars were Autumnalis (49.30%), Andamana (27.53%), Sentot (17.39%), Whitcomb (4.34%) and Australis (1.44%). Herd size > 48 sheep (odds ratio = 2.26; 95% CI = 1.33-5.07; p = 0.021) and participation in animal exhibits (odds ratio = 9.05; 95% CI = 0.96-85.71; p = 0.055) were identified as risk factors. The need was suggested for studies on the isolation of the agent, characterization of its pathogenicity and its economic impact on sheep flocks of the region, and sanitary control in sheep agglomerations was recommended.

Babassu Nanoemulsions Have Physical and Chemical Stability

Babassu is considered one of the greatest native resources in the world and its oil is used in body and hair formulations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term stability in oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions containing babassu oil prepared by emulsification phase inversion submitted to the centrifugation, thermal stress, and heating/cooling cycle tests. The formulations showed no change compared to the droplet size, polydispersity index, pH, and electrical conductivity values after thermal stress and heating/cooling cycle tests. Based on these results, the nanoemulsions obtained can be considered as promising disperse systems for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.

Cognitive function in patients with chronic pain treated with opioids: characteristics and associated factors

Background The paucity of studies regarding cognitive function in patients with chronic pain, and growing evidence regarding the cognitive effects of pain and opioids on cognitive function prompted us to assess cognition via neuropsychological measurement in patients with chronic non-cancer pain treated with opioids. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 49 patients were assessed by Continuous Reaction Time, Finger Tapping, Digit Span, Trail Making Test-B and Mini-mental State Examination tests. Linear regressions were applied. Results Patients scored poorly in the Trail Making Test-B (mean?=?107.6?s, SD?=?61.0, cut-off?=?91?s); and adequately on all other tests. Several associations among independent variables and cognitive tests were observed. In the multiple regression analyses, the variables associated with statistically significant poor cognitive performance were female sex, higher age, lower annual income, lower schooling, anxiety, depression, tiredness, lower opioid dose, and more than 5?h of sleep the night before assessment (P?<?0.05). Conclusions Patients with chronic pain may have cognitive dysfunction related to some reversible factors, which can be optimized by therapeutic interventions.

The prevalence of falls and associated factors among the elderly according to ethnicity

The historical and cultural characteristics reflect the Brazilian population. Elderly blacks are disadvantaged in socio-economic and demographic, clinical, functional and psychosocial aspects, reducing their social autonomy and functional independence. The decline in functional status due to variables associated with age and ethnicity can contribute to disabling events, such as falls. Socio-demographic, clinical and functional aspects related to falls were analyzed; Mobility, functional status and cognition were measured, with a statistical significance of pd '' 0.05. The sample of 196 elderly people was 48.5% white, 28% brown, 23.5% black, with an average of 69.9 years. There was reduced mobility classified as a medium risk for falls in 60% (p<0.013) among the elderly. With reference to groups analyzed, there were significant differences between variables for family income (p < 0.029), the occurrence of falls (p < 0.006), fear of falls (p < 0.023) and near-falls (p < 0.000). Blacks fall more often (p < 0.03). Statistical significance was revealed between ethnicity and self-reported occurrence of falls, fear of falling and the occurrence of near-falls, functional limitation and medium risk falls due to reduced mobility, with increased frequency of falls for elderly blacks.

Respiratory diseases and associated factors: population-based study in Sao Paulo, Brazil, 2008-2009

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of acute bronchitis, rhinitis, and sinusitis among children and adolescents and identify associated factors. METHODS: This is a population-based, cross-sectional study. A household survey was conducted with 1,185 children and adolescents from the city of Sao Paulo (Southeastern Brazil), from 2008 to 2009. The participants were selected by means of probability sampling, stratified by sex and age, and by two-stage cluster sampling. For the adjusted analysis, multiple Poisson regression was used. RESULTS: Of the respondents, 7.3% reported acute bronchitis, 22.6% rhinitis and 15.3% sinusitis. After the adjusted analysis, the following characteristics were associated with self;reported acute bronchitis: age 0 to 4 years (PR=17.86; 95%Cl: 3.65;90.91), 5 to 9 years (PR=37.04; 95%CI: 8.13;166.67), 10 to 14 years (PR.=20,83; 95%Cl: 4.93;90.91), allergy (PR=3.12; 95%Cl: 1.70;5.73), black and mixed-ethnicity (black and white) skin color (PR=2.29; 95%Cl: 1.21;4.35), and living in a household with 1 to 3 rooms (PR=1.85; 95%Cl: 1.17;2.94). As to self-reported rhinitis, the following characteristics were associated: age 10 to 14 years (PR=2.77; 95%Cl: 1.60;4.78), 15 to 19 years (P.R=2.58; 95%Cl: 1.52;4.39), allergy (PR=4.32; 95%Cl: 2.79;6.70), asthma (PR=2.30; 95%CI: 1.30;4.10) and living in flats (PR=1.70; 95%Cl: 1.06;2.73). Concerning self-reported sinusitis, the following characteristics were associated: age 5 to 9 years (PR=2.44; 95%Cl: 1.09;5.43), 10 to 14 years (PR=2.99; 95%CI: 1.36;6.58), 15 to 19 years (PR=3.62; 95%Cl: 1.68;7.81), allergy (PR=2.23 (95%CI: 1.41;3.52) and obesity (PR=4.42; 95%Cl: 1.56;12.50). CONCLUSIONS: Respiratory diseases were more prevalent in population groups with defined characteristics, such as age group, self-reported diseases, type of household and obesity.

Evaluation of the propylene glycol association on some physical and chemical properties of mineral trioxide aggregate

Duarte MAH, Alves de Aguiar K, Zeferino MA, Vivan RR, Ordinola-Zapata R, Tanomaru-Filho M, Weckwerth PH, Kuga MC. Evaluation of the propylene glycol association on some physical and chemical properties of mineral trioxide aggregate. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 565570, 2012. Abstract Aim To evaluate the influence of propylene glycol (PG) on the flowability, setting time, pH and calcium ion release of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Methodology Mineral trioxide aggregate was mixed with different proportions of PG, as follows: group 1: MTA + 100% distilled water (DW); group 2: MTA + 80% DW and 20% PG; group 3: MTA + 50% DW and 50% PG; group 4: MTA + 20% DW and 80% PG; group 5: MTA + 100% PG. The ANSI/ADA No. 57 was followed for evaluating the flowability and the setting time was measured by using ASTM C266-08. For pH and calcium release analyses, 50 acrylic teeth with root-end cavities were filled with the materials (n = 10) and individually immersed in flasks containing 10 mL deionized water. After 3 h, 24 h, 72 h and 168 h, teeth were placed in new flasks and the water in which each specimen was immersed had its pH determined by a pH metre and the calcium release measured by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer with a calcium-specific hollow cathode lamp. Data were analysed by using one-way anova test for global comparison and by using Tukeys test for individual comparisons. Results The highest value of flowability was observed with MTA + 20% DW and 80% PG and the lowest values were found with MTA + 100% DW. They were significantly different compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). The presence of PG did not affect the pH and calcium release. The MTA + 100% PG favoured the highest (P < 0.05) pH and calcium release after 3 h. Increasing the PG proportion interfered (P < 0.05) with the setting time; when used at the volume of 100% setting did not occur. Conclusion The addition of PG to MTA-Angelus increased its setting time, improved flowability and increased the pH and calcium ion release during the initial post-mixing periods. The ratio of 80% DW 20% PG is recommended.

USE OF BARU OIL (Dipteryx alata Vog.) TO PRODUCE BIODIESEL AND STUDY OF THE PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BIODIESEL/PETROLEUM DIESEL FUEL BLENDS

We describe production of methyl and ethyl esters derived from baru oil (Dipteryx alata Vog.). Water and alcohols are removed from the biodiesel obtained by simple distillation. We study the acidity, density, iodine number, viscosity, water content, peroxide number, external appearance, and saponification number of the oil, its methyl and ethyl esters (biodiesels) and their blends (B5, B10, B15, B20, and B30) with commercial diesel fuel.