Origo dictionis figuratae et utilitas

Arkit: 1 arkintunnukseton lehti, A-B4 C1.

De ultimo pulchri judicandi principio

Dedicatio: Johannes Borgström.

De veritate aesthetica

Dedicatio: Johannes Gummerus.

De veritate aestetica

Arkit: 1 arkintunnukseton lehti, F-G4 H2.

De veritate aestetica

Arkit: 1 arkintunnukseton lehti, D-E4.

Spatial patterns of malaria in a land reform colonization project, Juruena municipality, Mato Grosso, Brazil

Background: In Brazil, 99% of malaria cases are concentrated in the Amazon, and malaria's spatial distribution is commonly associated with socio-environmental conditions on a fine landscape scale. In this study, the spatial patterns of malaria and its determinants in a rural settlement of the Brazilian agricultural reform programme called ""Vale do Amanhecer"" in the northern Mato Grosso state were analysed. Methods: In a fine-scaled, exploratory ecological study, geocoded notification forms corresponding to malaria cases from 2005 were compared with spectral indices, such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the third component of the Tasseled Cap Transformation (TC_3) and thematic layers, derived from the visual interpretation of multispectral TM-Landsat 5 imagery and the application of GIS distance operators. Results: Of a total of 336 malaria cases, 102 (30.36%) were caused by Plasmodium falciparum and 174 (51.79%) by Plasmodium vivax. Of all the cases, 37.6% (133 cases) were from residents of a unique road. In total, 276 cases were reported for the southern part of the settlement, where the population density is higher, with notification rates higher than 10 cases per household. The local landscape mostly consists of open areas (38.79 km(2)). Training forest occupied 27.34 km(2) and midsize vegetation 7.01 km(2). Most domiciles with more than five notified malaria cases were located near areas with high NDVI values. Most domiciles (41.78%) and malaria cases (44.94%) were concentrated in areas with intermediate values of the TC_3, a spectral index representing surface and vegetation humidity. Conclusions: Environmental factors and their alteration are associated with the occurrence and spatial distribution of malaria cases in rural settlements.

Influence of Urea, Isopropanol, and Propylene Glycol on Rutin In Vitro Release from Cosmetic Semisolid Systems Estimated by Factorial Design

Rutin, one of the major flavonoids found in an assortment of plants, was reported to act as a sun protection factor booster with high anti-UVA defense, antioxidant, antiaging, and anticellulite, by improvement of the cutaneous microcirculation. This research work aimed at evaluating the rutin in vitro release from semisolid systems, in vertical diffusion cells, containing urea, isopropanol and propylene glycol, associated or not, according to the factorial design with two levels with center point. Urea (alone and in association with isopropanol and propylene glycol) and isopropanol (alone and in association with propylene glycol) influenced significant and negatively rutin liberation in diverse parameters: flux (g/cm2.h); apparent permeability coefficient (cm/h); rutin amount released (g/cm2); and liberation enhancement factor. In accordance with the results, the presence of propylene glycol 5.0% (wt/wt) presented statistically favorable to promote rutin release from this semisolid system with flux = 105.12 8.59 g/cm2.h; apparent permeability coefficient = 7.01 0.572 cm/h; rutin amount released = 648.80 53.01 g/cm2; and liberation enhancement factor = 1.21 0.07.

Prognostic Value of Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography With Early Injection of Atropine With Versus Without Chronic Beta-Blocker Therapy in Patients With Known or Suspected Coronary Heart Disease

Although a new protocol of dobutamine stress echocardiography with the early injection of atropine (EA-DSE) has been demonstrated to be useful in reducing adverse effects and increasing the number of effective tests and to have similar accuracy for detecting coronary artery disease (CAD) compared with conventional protocols, no data exist regarding its ability to predict long-term events. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of EA-DSE and the effects of the long-term use of beta blockers on it. A retrospective evaluation of 844 patients who underwent EA-DSE for known or suspected CAD was performed; 309 (37%) were receiving beta blockers. During a median follow-up period of 24 months, 102 events (12%) occurred. On univariate analysis, predictors of events were the ejection fraction (p <0.001), male gender (p <0.001), previous myocardial infarction (p <0.001), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy (p = 0.021), calcium channel blocker therapy (p = 0.034), and abnormal results on EA-DSE (p <0.001). On multivariate analysis, the independent predictors of events were male gender (relative risk [RR] 1.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13 to 2.81, p = 0.013) and abnormal results on EA-DSE (RR 4.45, 95% CI 2.84 to 7.01, p <0.0001). Normal results on EA-DSE with P blockers were associated with a nonsignificant higher incidence of events than normal results on EA-DSE without beta blockers (RR 1.29, 95% CI 0.58 to 2.87, p = 0.54). Abnormal results on EA-DSE with beta blockers had an RR of 4.97 (95% CI 2.79 to 8.87, p <0.001) compared with normal results, while abnormal results on EA-DSE without beta blockers had an RR of 5.96 (95% CI 3.41 to 10.44, p <0.001) for events, with no difference between groups (p = 0.36). In conclusion, the detection of fixed or inducible wall motion abnormalities during EA-DSE was an independent predictor of long-term events in patients with known or suspected CAD. The prognostic value of EA-DSE was not affected by the long-term use of beta blockers. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. (Am J Cardiol 2008;102:1291-1295)

Immunophenotyping and remodeling process in small airways of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias: functional and prognostic significance

Background and Aims: To test whether different degrees of immunologic and fibrotic airway remodeling processes occur in idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs), with impact on functional tests and survival, we studied the collagen/elastic system and immune cell density in the bronchiolar interstitium of lungs with the major types of IIPs. Materials and Methods: Histochemistry, immunohistochemistry and morphometric analysis were used to evaluate collagen/elastic fibers and immune cells in the bronchiolar interstitium of open lung biopsies of patients with cryptogenic organizing pneumonia [COP/organizing pneumonia (OP) = 10], acute interstitial pneumonia [AIP/diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) = 20], nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP/NSIP = 20) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis/usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) = 20. Results: OP lungs presented a significant increase in collagenous/elastic fibers and in the total density of immune cells in the bronchiolar interstitium compared to controls, DAD, NSIP and UIP. We observed a significant increase in CD4, CD8 and CD20 lymphocytes, as well as in neutrophils, macrophages and plasma cells in OP. The increased amount of elastic fibers in the bronchiolar interstitium from OP lungs has a direct association with forced vital capacity (FVC) (r(s) = 0.99, P = 0.03). The most important survival predictor was CD20+ lymphocytes in the bronchiolar interstitium. In decreasing order, patients with UIP [Odds Ratio (OR) = 35.01], high forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/FVC FVC (OR = 7.01), increased CD20+ lymphocytes (OR = 4.44) and collagenous/elastic fiber densities (OR = 2.03 and OR = 1.49, respectively) in the bronchiolar interstitium were those who had the greatest risk of death, followed by those with AIP, NSIP and COP. Conclusion: Different degrees of immunologic and fibroelastotic airway remodeling processes occur in the major types of IIPs with impact on physiological tests and survival.

Adjustment of homeless adolescents to a crisis shelter: Application of a stress and coping model

The present study examined the utility of a stress and coping model of adaptation to a homeless shelter among homeless adolescents. Seventy-eight homeless adolescents were interviewed and completed self-administered scales at Time 1 (day of shelter entry) and Time 2 (day of discharge). The mean duration of stay at the shelter was 7.23 days (SD = 7.01). Predictors included appraisal (threat and self-efficacy), coping resources, and coping strategies (productive, nonproductive, and reference to others coping). Adjustment outcomes were Time I measures of global distress, physical health, clinician-and youthworker- rated social adjustment, and externalizing behavior and Time 2 youthworker-rated social adjustment and goal achievement. Results of hierarchical regression analyses indicated that after controlling for the effects of relevant background variables (number of other shelters visited, sexual, emotional, and physical abuse), measures of coping resources, appraisal, and coping strategies evidenced distinct relations with measures of adjustment in ways consistent with the model's predictions with few exceptions. In cross-sectional analyses better Time I adjustment was related to reports of higher levels of coping resources, self-efficacy beliefs, and productive coping strategies, and reports of lower levels of threat appraisal and nonproductive coping strategies. Prospective analyses showed a link between reports of higher levels of reference to others coping strategies and greater goal achievement and, unexpectedly, an association between lower self-efficacy beliefs and better Time 2 youthworker-rated social adjustment. Hence, whereas prospective analyses provide only limited support for the use of a stress and coping model in explaining the adjustment of homeless adolescents to a crisis shelter, cross-sectional findings provide stronger support.

Prevalência e fatores associados aos comportamentos sedentários em adolescentes

OBJETIVO Analisar a prevalência e fatores associados aos comportamentos sedentários em adolescentes. MÉTODOS Estudo transversal com adolescentes de 10 a 17 anos de idade, de ambos os sexos, pertencentes a uma coorte de nascimentos entre 1994-1999 na cidade de Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brasil. Para o levantamento dos dados, foi utilizado um questionário contendo informações sociodemográficas, econômicas e de estilo de vida e aferição de dados antropométricos. Determinou-se como comportamento sedentário o uso de televisão e/ou computador/vídeo games por um tempo igual ou superior a 4 horas/dia. Avaliou-se a associação de comportamentos sedentários com o índice de massa corporal, tanto na infância quanto na adolescência, e com variáveis sociodemográficas e comportamentais por meio de regressão logística hierarquizada. RESULTADOS A prevalência global de comportamentos sedentários foi de 58,1%. Dos 1.716 adolescentes estudados, 50,7% (n = 870) eram do sexo masculino. Na análise multivariada, após ajuste para fatores de confusão, as variáveis que permaneceram associadas com os comportamentos sedentários foram: idade (14 anos ou mais) (OR = 3,51; IC95% 2,19;5,60); classe econômica elevada (OR = 3,83; IC95% 2,10;7,01); maior nível de escolaridade da mãe (OR = 1,81; IC95% 1,09;3,01); residir no interior (OR = 0,49; IC95% 0,30;0,81); atividade física insuficiente (OR = 1,25; IC95% 1,02;1,53); experimentação de bebidas alcoólicas (OR = 1,34; IC95% 1,08;1,66) e excesso de peso na adolescência (OR = 1,33; IC95% 1,06;1,68). CONCLUSÕES A elevada proporção de adolescentes em atividades sedentárias e a não associação dessas atividades na adolescência com o excesso de peso na infância indicam a necessidade de intervenções para redução de vários comportamentos de risco. O incentivo à prática de atividade física como forma de reduzir os comportamentos sedentários e consequentemente o excesso de peso entre os jovens torna-se fundamental.

Prognostic Value of a New Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Parameter in Chronic Heart Failure: Oxygen Uptake Efficiency at Peak Exercise - Comparison with Oxygen Uptake Efficiency Slope

INTRODUCTION: A growing body of evidence shows the prognostic value of oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES), a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) parameter derived from the logarithmic relationship between O(2) consumption (VO(2)) and minute ventilation (VE) in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognostic value of a new CPET parameter - peak oxygen uptake efficiency (POUE) - and to compare it with OUES in patients with CHF. METHODS: We prospectively studied 206 consecutive patients with stable CHF due to dilated cardiomyopathy - 153 male, aged 53.3±13.0 years, 35.4% of ischemic etiology, left ventricular ejection fraction 27.7±8.0%, 81.1% in sinus rhythm, 97.1% receiving ACE-Is or ARBs, 78.2% beta-blockers and 60.2% spironolactone - who performed a first maximal symptom-limited treadmill CPET, using the modified Bruce protocol. In 33% of patients an cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or cardiac resynchronization therapy device (CRT-D) was implanted during follow-up. Peak VO(2), percentage of predicted peak VO(2), VE/VCO(2) slope, OUES and POUE were analyzed. OUES was calculated using the formula VO(2) (l/min) = OUES (log(10)VE) + b. POUE was calculated as pVO(2) (l/min) / log(10)peakVE (l/min). Correlation coefficients between the studied parameters were obtained. The prognosis of each variable adjusted for age was evaluated through Cox proportional hazard models and R2 percent (R2%) and V index (V6) were used as measures of the predictive accuracy of events of each of these variables. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves from logistic regression models were used to determine the cut-offs for OUES and POUE. RESULTS: pVO(2): 20.5±5.9; percentage of predicted peak VO(2): 68.6±18.2; VE/VCO(2) slope: 30.6±8.3; OUES: 1.85±0.61; POUE: 0.88±0.27. During a mean follow-up of 33.1±14.8 months, 45 (21.8%) patients died, 10 (4.9%) underwent urgent heart transplantation and in three patients (1.5%) a left ventricular assist device was implanted. All variables proved to be independent predictors of this combined event; however, VE/VCO2 slope was most strongly associated with events (HR 11.14). In this population, POUE was associated with a higher risk of events than OUES (HR 9.61 vs. 7.01), and was also a better predictor of events (R2: 28.91 vs. 22.37). CONCLUSION: POUE was more strongly associated with death, urgent heart transplantation and implantation of a left ventricular assist device and proved to be a better predictor of events than OUES. These results suggest that this new parameter can increase the prognostic value of CPET in patients with CHF.

Nutrição mineral de leguminosas tropicais: III. concentração e acúmulo de macronutrientes e determinação do coeficiente de digestibilidade in vivo da Leucaena leucocephala (LAM.) de Wit cv. Peru em função da idade

As leguminosas tropicais constituem atualmente uma fonte de proteína de alta qualidade além de outras qualidades como produção de madeira no caso das arbustivas e como proteção contra erosão nas demais. Sendo a leucena (Leucaena leucooephala (Lam.) de Wit cv. Peru) uma espécie bastante promissora para a pecuária brasileira, foi conduzido um ensaio de campo com a finalidade de se conhecer o hábito alimentar dessa leguminosa. O ensaio foi instalado visando obter dados para análise de crescimento, concentração e extração dos macronutrientes (N, P, K, Ca, Mg e S, Mn e Zn) e matéria seca digestível das folhs "in vivo", em bovino, em função da idade da planta. A partir dos dados obtidos, constatou-se que: a) a produção de matéria seca total é maxima aos 360 dias de idade e o maior incremento na produção de folhas, expresso em matéria seca, se dá dos 240 aos 360 dias; b) as concentrações de nitrogênio e potássio diminuem nas folhas e caules com a idade da planta, ao passo que a de cálcio no caule não é afetada pela idade; c) aos 360 dias, época de produção máxima de matéria secam as folhas contém em 535,46 g/planta: 16,36 g nitrogênio, 0,61 g de fósforo, 10,65 g de potássio, 8,08 g de cálcio, 1,58 g de magnésio, 0,51 g de enxofre; d) aos 360 dias, os caules contém em 1783 g/planta: 15,82 g de nitrogênio, 0,65 g de fósforo, 20,37 g de potássio, 7,01 g de cálcio, 0,44g de magnésio, 1,06 g de enxofre; e) o acúmulo de macronutrientes na planta aos 360 dias obedece a seguinte ordem: N > K > a > g > S > P; f) aos 360 dias, a matéria seca digestível das folhas é 51,05%.