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Bullying is a widespread phenomenon that affects many children and adolescents in Brazilian schools. A pilot research study was carried out in four schools (one private and three public) located in Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. A combination of self-administered questionnaires and focus groups with students as well as interviews with teachers were undertaken to investigate the prevalence of bullying and how restorative practices can help to deal with conflict. Approximately 80% of the student participants in the study reported having experienced bullying in the school setting. Restorative practices implemented in these schools appear to contribute to the improvement of the school climate through reparative dialogue. (Contains 6 tables and 1 figure.)

The literature has usually regarded street‐level bureaucrats (SLBs) as relatively privileged bureaucrats, neglecting an important sub‐group of these civil servants: low‐status SLBs. Even though they may be members of a team with other SLBs who have more status, they may suffer from intraorganizational inequality, meaning unequal access to resources and the requirement that they perform informal tasks associated with their unequal position in the organization. We examine the unique challenges low‐status SLBs are often confronted with, and how they cope with them. Based on 94 interviews with community health workers in Brazil, we identify several types of burdens associated with their ambiguous tasks, as well as the strategies they use to cope with these burdens. The analyses suggest that the burdens and coping strategies are an important source of the inequality on the team. The paper discusses the importance of considering the diversity of roles occupied by SLBs and the inequalities within teams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dengue virus (DENV) causes an important disease and directly affects public health, being the arbovirus that presents the highest number of infections and deaths in the Western Brazilian Amazon. This virus is divided into 4 serotypes that have already circulated in the region. Methodology: Molecular characterization of a cohort containing 841 samples collected from febrile patients between 2021 and 2023 was analyzed using a commercial kit to detect the main arboviruses circulating in Brazil: Zika, DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, DENV-4 and, Chikungunya. Subsequently, Sanger sequencing was performed for positive samples. Results: The cohort detected 162 positive samples, 12 for DENV-1 and 150 identified as DENV-2, indicating co-circulation of serotypes. The samples were subjected to sequencing and the analysis of the sequences that obtained good quality revealed that 5 samples belonged to the V genotype of DENV-1 and 46 were characterized as DENV-2 Cosmopolitan genotype—lineage 5. Conclusion: The results allowed us to identify for the first time the Cosmopolitan genotype in Rondônia, Brazilian Western Amazon, and its fast spread dispersion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Investigating dimensions of oppositional symptoms may help to explain heterogeneity of etiology and outcomes for mental disorders across development and provide further empirical justification for the "DSM-5"-proposed modifications of oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). However, dimensions of oppositionality have not previously been tested in samples outside Europe or the United States. In this study, we used a large Brazilian community sample to compare the fit of different models for dimensions of oppositional symptoms; to examine the association of psychiatric diagnoses and symptoms with dimensions of oppositionality; and to examine the associations between dimensions of oppositionality and parental history of mental disorders. Method: A Brazilian community sample of 2,512 children 6 through 12 years old were investigated in this study. Confirmatory factorial analyses were performed to compare the fit of alternative models, followed by linear and logistic regression analyses of associations with psychiatric diagnosis and parental history of psychopathology. Results: A three-factor model with irritable, headstrong, and hurtful dimensions fitted best. The irritable dimension showed a strong association with emotional disorders in the child (p less than 0.001) and history of depression (p less than 0.01) and suicidality (p less than 0.05) in the mother. The headstrong dimension was uniquely associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the child (p less than 0.001) and with maternal history of ADHD symptoms (p less than 0.05). The hurtful dimension was specifically associated with conduct disorder (p less than 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings from a large community sample of Brazilian children support a distinction between dimensions of oppositionality consistent with current "DSM-5" recommendations and provide further evidence for etiological distinctions between these dimensions. (Contains 1 figure and 5 tables.)

In the absence of validated biomarkers to control the cure of Chagas disease, PCR-based diagnosis is being used as the main tool for an early indication of therapeutic failure. However, since it is considered a technique of complex reproducibility, mainly due to difficulties in establishing accurate controls to guarantee the quality of the reaction, the use of PCR for Chagas disease diagnosis is restricted to specialized centers. In an effort to disseminate the molecular diagnosis of Chagas disease and its applications, new diagnostic kits based on qPCR have been made available in the market in recent years. Here, we show the results of the validation of the NAT Chagas kit (Nucleic Acid Test for Chagas Disease) for the detection and quantification of T. cruzi in blood samples of patients suspected of Chagas disease infection. The kit, composed of a TaqMan duplex reaction targeting the T. cruzi satellite nuclear DNA and an exogenous internal amplification control, presented a reportable range from 104 to 0.5 parasite equivalents/mL and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.16 parasite equivalents/mL of blood. In addition, the NAT Chagas kit detected T. cruzi belonging to all six discrete typing units (DTUs—TcI to TcVI), similarly to the in-house real-time PCR performed with commercial reagents, which has been selected as the best performance assay in the international consensus for the validation of qPCR for Chagas disease. In the clinical validation presented here, the kit showed 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity when compared to the consensus in-house real-time PCR assay. Thus, the NAT Chagas kit, which is produced entirely in Brazil under the international standards of good manufacturing practices (GMP), appears as an excellent alternative to enable the molecular diagnosis of Chagas disease in public and private diagnostic centers, as well as to facilitate the monitoring of patients under etiological treatment participating in clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The primary objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and comorbid factors (sleep bruxism and headaches). This study was a cross-sectional population survey in the city of Maringá, state of Paraná, Brazil.Materials and Methods: Axes I and II of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (RDC/TMD) were used for assessment of TMD signs and symptoms. The population was users of the Brazilian public health system (SUS), of both sexes, between the ages of 20 and 65 years, and not seeking treatment for TMD.Results: The selected population (N = 1,643) was composed mostly of (a) women (65.9%), (b) married or single individuals (90.6%), (c) Caucasians (70.1%), (d) individuals aged 32.7 ± 10.3 years, (e) individuals earning a medium income (75.1%), and (f) those who had completed a high school education or higher (79.9%). According to the chronic pain grade classification (CPG) in the RDC/TMD Axis II, 36.2% of the population had some degree of TMD pain (CPG I to IV); however, only 5.1% had severe limitation due to pain (CPG III or IV). In the RDC/TMD Axis I diagnoses, 29.5% presented with muscle disorders (group I), 7.9% with disk displacements (group II), and 39.1% with other joint disorders (group III). Headaches were present in 67.9% and awake and sleep bruxism in 30% and 33.4% of the population, respectively.Conclusion: The prevalence of signs and symptoms of TMD was high in this population, but with low disability; however, the proportion of patients in need of treatment was much lower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Chronic Chagas Cardiomyopathy (CCC) usually develops between 10 and 20 years after the first parasitic infection and is one of the leading causes of end-stage heart failure in Latin America. Despite the great inter-individual variability in CCC susceptibility (only 30% of infected individuals ever present CCC), there are no known predictors for disease development in those chronically infected. Methodology/Principal findings: We describe a new susceptibility locus for CCC through a GWAS analysis in the SaMi-Trop cohort, a population-based study conducted in a Chagas endemic region from Brazil. This locus was also associated with CCC in the REDS II Study. The newly identified locus (rs34238187, OR 0.73, p-value 2.03 x 10−9) spans a haplotype of approximately 30Kb on chromosome 18 (chr18: 5028302–5057621) and is also associated with 80 different traits, most of them blood protein traits significantly enriched for immune-related biological pathways. Hi-C data show that the newly associated locus is able to interact with chromatin sites as far as 10Mb on chromosome 18 in a number of different cell types and tissues. Finally, we were able to confirm, at the tissue transcriptional level, the immune-associated blood protein signature using a multi-tissue differential gene expression and enrichment analysis. Conclusions/Significance: We suggest that the newly identified locus impacts CCC risk among T cruzi infected individuals through the modulation of a downstream transcriptional and protein signature associated with host-parasite immune response. Functional characterization of the novel risk locus is warranted. Author summary: Chronic Chagas Cardiomyopathy (CCC) usually develops between 10 and 20 years after the first parasitic infection and is one of the leading causes of end-stage heart failure in Latin America. Despite the great inter-individual variability in CCC susceptibility, there are no known predictors for disease development in those chronically infected. We describe a new susceptibility locus for CCC through a GWAS analysis in the SaMi-Trop cohort, a population-based study conducted in a Chagas endemic region from Brazil. The newly identified locus on chromosome 18 is also associated with 80 different traits, most of them blood protein traits significantly enriched for immune-related biological pathways. Finally, we were able to confirm, at the tissue transcriptional level, the immune-associated blood protein signature using a multi-tissue differential gene expression and enrichment analysis. We suggest that the newly identified locus impacts CCC risk among T cruzi infected individuals through the modulation of a downstream transcriptional and protein signature associated with host-parasite immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tax evasion remains a relevant problem in Brazil and worldwide. Behavioral Economics has sought to understand this behavior by carrying out experiments that aim to understand the decision-making process of individuals. This work aims to analyze how the structure of the decision-making context can influence the effectiveness of behavioral interventions that seek to increase tax compliance. Through content analysis of scientific articles in the area, five contextual categories were identified that influence the experiments. Thus, the research provides an understanding of contextual aspects and how they influence the design of interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community health workers (CHWs) are framed as the link between communities and the formal health system. CHWs must establish trusting relationships with the community and with the broader health service. How to find the optimal balance between the various strands of work for CHWs, and how to formalise this, has been the focus of different studies. We performed an extensive documentary analysis of federal legislation in Brazil to understand the institutionalisation of the CHW workforce in Brazil over the last 3 decades. The paper offers three contributions to the literature: the development and application of an analytical framework to consider the institutionalisation process of CHWs; a historical analysis of the professional institutionalisation of CHW in Brazil; and the identification of the paradoxes that such institutionalisation faces: firstly, institutionalisation focused on improving CHW remuneration created difficulties in hiring and paying these professionals; when CHW are incorporated within state bureaucracy they start to lose their autonomy as community agents; and that the effectiveness of CHW programmes depends on the improvement of clinical services in the most deprived areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Identify main factors of lipid-lowering adherence in familial hypercholesterolemia. • Positive genetic result is a predictor of increased use of lipid-lowering drugs • Adjust the treatment after the genetic result to reduce LDL-C levels. Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by the presence of high levels of total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Statin treatment is recommended for all adults with FH. Objective : Here we have studied the main predictors of the use of lipid-lowering agents at one-year follow-up in a large cohort of FH patients. Methods: Open prospective cohort of individuals resident in São Paulo, Brazil who were enrolled in a FH cascade screening program. We used a multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine predictive variables for the non-adherence of lipid-lowering drugs. Results: A total of 1,360 HF participants were included. At the one-year follow-up (T1), the rates of lipid-lowering treatment were 92%, 76%, and 78% from the genetic positive proband (index cases, IC), genetic negative IC and genetic positive first-degree relatives, respectively. Receiving a positive genetic test for FH (OR: 4.85; CI 95%: 2.97 – 7.93, p value < 0.05), use of lipid-lowering treatment at T0 (OR: 5.01; CI 95%: 3.18 – 7.90, p value < 0.05) and age (OR: 1.04; CI 95%: 1.02 – 1.06) were independently associated with the use of a lipid-lowering drug at T1. Conclusion: Index cases with a positive genetic result increase their prevalence of lipid-lowering medication use. Positive relatives did not have the expected adherence; we could notice a significant increase in the prevalence of treatment starting after a positive genetic test. The independent predictors for lipid-lowering treatment were age, a positive genetic test and previous institution of treatment before the genetic test result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the globalized agri-food system of the 21st century, plantations of genetically modified crops have increased considerably worldwide, justified by arguments such as food security and feeding the world's population. In Brazil, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have indisputably consolidated as a hegemonic type of market-centered agriculture, despite continuous resistance. Therefore, the research question guiding this study is what are the discursive articulations that prompted GMO hegemony in Brazil, despite the distinctive counterhegemonic articulations shaping this field of struggle? Grounded on Laclau and Mouffe's political discourse theory (PDT) of hegemony formation, we qualitatively assess a corpus of mainstream newspaper articles and documental sources to develop a longitudinal analysis of the GMO arena. Our analysis of key periods helps elucidate GMO hegemony establishment in Brazil, comprising six articulation processes conducted by pro-GMO actors concerning anti-GMO discourses. Our paper contributes to a better understanding of how hegemonic actors in rural Brazil shaped articulation practices to establish GMO hegemony, diminishing state and media control, and fostering market-oriented arrangements. • GMOs represent a cornerstone of agro-neoliberalism in Brazil, despite resistance. • This hegemony developed through discursive articulations that aim at fixing meanings. • A longitudinal analysis enabled these discursive articulations to be identified. • Key periods over the last decades led to the settlement of GMO hegemony. • Pro-GMO actors followed a modus operandi, comprising six articulation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To study the relationship between the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism and oxygen uptake (VO2) before and after exercise training. Methods: Police recruits (N = 206, 25 ± 4 y) with RR (n = 75), RX (n = 97), and XX (n = 33) genotypes were selected. After baseline measures, they underwent 18 wk of running endurance training. Peak VO2 was obtained by cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Results: Baseline body weight was not different among genotypes. At baseline, XX individuals displayed higher VO2 at anaerobic threshold, respiratory compensation point, and exercise peak than did RR individuals (P < .003). Endurance training significantly increased VO2 at anaerobic threshold, respiratory compensation point, and exercise peak (P < 2 x 10-6), but the differences between XX and RR were no longer observed. Only relative peak VO2 exercise remained higher in XX than in RR genotype (P = .04). In contrast, the increase in relative peak VO2 was greater in RR than in XX individuals (12% vs 6%; P = .02). Conclusion: ACTN3 R577X polymorphism is associated with VO2. XX individuals have greater aerobic capacity. Endurance training eliminates differences in peak VO2 between XX and RR individuals. These findings suggest a ceiling-effect phenomenon, and, perhaps, trained individuals may not constitute an adequate population to explain associations between phenotypic variability and gene variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontal disease is an infectious inflammatory disease related to the destruction of supporting tissues of the teeth, leading to a functional loss of the teeth. Inflammatory molecules present in the exudate are catalyzed and form different metabolites that can be identified and quantified. Thus, we evaluated the inflammatory exudate present in crevicular fluid to identify metabolic biological markers for diagnosing chronic periodontal disease in older adults. Research participants were selected from long-term institutions in Brazil. Participants were individuals aged 65 years or older, healthy, or with chronic periodontal disease. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to evaluate potential biomarkers in 120 crevicular fluid samples. We identified 969 metabolites in the individuals. Of these, 15 metabolites showed a variable importance with projection score > 1 and were associated with periodontal disease. Further analysis showed that among the 15 metabolites, two (5-aminovaleric acid and serine, 3TMS derivative) were found at higher concentrations in the crevicular fluid, indicating their potential diagnostic power for periodontal disease in older adults. Our findings indicated that some metabolites are present at high concentrations in the crevicular fluid in older adults with periodontal disease and can be used as biomarkers of periodontal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diffuse solar irradiation (H D) data are essential for the design and management of photovoltaic solar systems, biosphere-atmosphere modeling, and other applications. However, H D observations are scarce in several locations, especially in tropical regions. Employing hourly diffuse solar irradiation (H D h) and global solar irradiation (H G h) data collected between 2002─2003 and 2007─2008 in Alagoas State, Northeast Brazil, this study assesses various modeling techniques. Empirical models, including third-degree polynomial, logistic, sigmoidal, and rational functions, were compared with AI methods such as artificial neural networks (ANN), support vector machine (SVM), and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). Additionally, it explores how solarimetric and meteorological variables impact the performance of these models. The empirical models showed similar performance in estimating K D h (= H D h / H G h) (r2 > 0.726, modified Willmott – d m > 0.704, and RMSD < 0.103), with the third-degree polynomial model standing out. The empirical models had difficulty estimating K D h for hourly atmospheric transmittance (K T h) > 0.80, which indicated that they are not able to adequately simulate clear sky conditions, mostly due to surface reflections and clouds at the end of the day. ANN (r2 > 0.718, d m > 0.702, and RMSD < 0.105) showed better precision and accuracy of estimates for a greater number of schemes in relation to SVM and ANFIS (r2 > 0.704, d m > 0.699, RMSD < 0.108) and to empirical models. AI methods were able to represent the complexity of these conditions, with overall performance in estimating K D h superior or equivalent to empirical models. This study underscores the significance of exploring diverse methods for H D estimation, demonstrating promising potential for accurate and reliable estimation of hourly diffuse solar irradiation. • Hourly diffuse solar irradiation fraction (K D h) was estimated using atmospheric transmittance(K t h). • Empirical models and artificial intelligence (AI) methods were assessed. • Solarimetric and, or meteorological variables were considered on AI methods. • The empirical models and AI methods had similar overall performance. • The AI methos estimating better the complexity of K D h for K T h > 0.80 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronotype or diurnal preference is a questionnaire-based measure influenced both by circadian period and by the sleep homeostat. In order to further characterize the biological determinants of these measures, we used a hypothesis-free approach to investigate the association between the score of the morningness-eveningness questionnaire (MEQ) and the Munich chronotype questionnaire (MCTQ), as continuous variables, and volumetric measures of brain regions acquired by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Data were collected from the Baependi Heart Study cohort, based in a rural town in South-Eastern Brazil. MEQ and anatomical 1.5-T MRI scan data were available from 410 individuals, and MCTQ scores were available from a subset of 198 of them. The average MEQ (62.2 ± 10.6) and MCTQ (average MSFsc 201 ± 85 min) scores were suggestive of a previously reported strong general tendency toward morningness in this community. Setting the significance threshold at P >.002 to account for multiple comparisons, we observed a significant association between lower MEQ score (eveningness) and greater volume of the left anterior occipital sulcus (β = −0.163, p =.001) of the occipital lobe. No significant associations were observed for MCTQ. This may reflect the smaller dataset for MCTQ, and/or the fact that MEQ, which asks questions about preferred timings, is more trait-like than the MCTQ, which asks questions about actual timings. The association between MEQ and a brain region dedicated to visual information processing is suggestive of the increasingly recognized fluidity in the interaction between visual and nonvisual photoreception and the circadian system, and the possibility that chronotype includes an element of masking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infectious bursal disease (IBD), also known as Gumboro disease, is a viral infection that causes mortality and immunosuppression in chickens (Gallus gallus). VP2 and VP3 are the major structural viral capsid components and are the most immunogenic proteins of IBD virus (IBDV). Reliable diagnostic tests using VP2 and VP3 produced in heterologous systems are important tools to control this infection. One advantage of an IBD diagnostic based on VP3, over those that use VP2, is that VP3 has linear epitopes, enabling its production in bacteria. Results: We tested the suitability of recombinant VP3 (rVP3) as a diagnostic reagent in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Compared with a commercial test, rVP3 ELISA showed high sensitivity and specificity as a diagnostic tool for vaccinated animals. In addition, rVP3, but not the commercial ELISA, was able to detect antibodies in nonvaccinated chickens, probably developed against circulating IBDV strains. It was possible the assessment of VP3 regions antigenicity using chicken antisera. Conclusions: The full-length recombinant VP3 can be used to assess post vaccination immunological status of chickens and its production is feasible and inexpensive. The evaluation of VP3 regions as candidates for general use in the diagnosis of IBD in chickens should be conducted with caution. Our work was the first to identify several regions of VP3 recognized by chicken antibodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Brugada syndrome (BrS) has diagnostic challenges and controversial risk assessment. We aimed to investigate invasive and noninvasive parameters in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients from a Brazilian cohort of type‐1 BrS. Methods: Patients with spontaneous and drug‐induced type‐1 BrS were classified into two groups, asymptomatic (n = 116, 84.1%) and symptomatic (n = 22, 15.9%; 13 with arrhythmogenic syncope, 9 with aborted sudden cardiac death). Genetic testing, EPS parameters, and electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters were analyzed. Results: A total of 138 consecutive patients were eligible, 101 men (73.2%), mean 41.4 years, mostly probands (79%). Spontaneous pattern, observed in 77.5% of the patients, was associated with symptoms only if expressed in V1 and V2 standard position (not high precordial leads; p =.014). All symptomatic patients were probands. The presence of right ventricular outflow tract conduction delay (RVOTcd) signs, positive EPS, and SCN5A status was similar between symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects. During the mean 75‐month follow‐up, eight patients had appropriate therapies. All had spontaneous type‐1 ECG pattern and 2/8 (25%) were asymptomatic, with positive EPS. The overall LAE incidence of 1.1% per year dropped to 0.27% in asymptomatic patients. RVOTcd occurred more frequently in SCN5A carriers (QRS‐f 33.3% vs. 7.7%; p =.005, AVR sign 58.3% vs. 13.6%; p <.001; deep S in lead I 75% vs. 48.5%, p =.025%), as well as longer HV interval (66 vs. 49 ms; p <.001). Conclusions: Spontaneous type‐1 Brugada pattern in standard leads and proband status were more frequent in symptomatic subjects. RVOTcd, more common in SCN5A carriers, did not predict symptoms in BrS patients. EPS exhibited limited prognostic value for this low‐risk population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying communities at different stages of urbanisation and industrialisation can teach us how timing and intensity of light affect the circadian clock under real‐life conditions. We have previously described a strong tendency towards morningness in the Baependi Heart Study, located in a small rural town in Brazil. Here, we tested the hypothesis that this morningness tendency is associated with early circadian phase based on objective measurements (as determined by dim light melatonin onset, DLMO, and activity) and light exposure. We also analysed how well the previously collected chronotype questionnaire data were able to predict these DLMO values. The average DLMO observed in 73 participants (40 female) was 20:03 ± 01:21, SD, with an earlier average onset in men (19:38 ± 01:16) than in women (20:24 ± 01:21; P ≤.01). However, men presented larger phase angle between DLMO and sleep onset time as measured by actigraphy (4.11 hours vs 3.16 hours; P ≤.01). Correlational analysis indicated associations between light exposure, activity rhythms and DLMO, such that early DLMO was observed in participants with higher exposure to light, higher activity and earlier light exposure. The strongest significant predictor of DLMO was morningness‐eveningness questionnaire (MEQ) (beta=−0.35, P ≤.05), followed by age (beta = −0.47, P ≤.01). Sex, light exposure and variables derived from the Munich chronotype questionnaire were not significant predictors. Our observations demonstrate that both early sleep patterns and earlier circadian phase have been retained in this small rural town in spite of availability of electrification, in contrast to metropolitan postindustrial areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex condition comprising a 'clustering' of components representing cardiometabolic risk factors for heart disease and diabetes; its prevalence rate is high and consequences serious. Evidence suggests that light exposure patterns and misalignment of circadian rhythms might contribute to MetS etiology by impacting energy metabolism and glucose regulation. Objective: We hypothesised that individuals with MetS would show disrupted circadian and sleep parameters alongside differences in light exposure profiles. We investigated this using data from a cohort study in Brazil. Methods: Data from 103 individuals from the Baependi Heart Cohort Study aged between 50 and 70 were analysed. Motor activity and light exposure were measured using wrist-worn actigraphy devices. Cardiometabolic data were used to calculate the number of MetS components present in each participant, and participants grouped as MetS/non-MetS according to standard guidelines. Between-group comparisons were made for the actigraphy measures; additionally, correlation analyses were conducted. Results: Motor activity and circadian profiles showed no differences between groups. However, the MetS group presented lower light exposure during the day and higher light exposure at night. Correlation analyses, including all participants, showed that greater daytime light exposure and greater light exposure difference between day and night were associated with reduced MetS risk (a lower number of MetS components). Also, the light exposure difference between day and night correlated with body mass index across all participants. Conclusions: The observed results suggest a direct association between light exposure and MetS which appears to not be attributable to disruptions in circadian activity rhythm nor to sleep parameters. This link between light exposure patterns and MetS risk could inform possible prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite several available methodologies for Chagas disease (CD) serological screening, the main limitation of chronic CD diagnosis is the lack of effective tools for large-scale screening and point-of-care diagnosis to be used in different CD epidemiological scenarios. Taking into account that developing such a diagnostic tool will significantly improve the ability to identify CD carriers, we aimed at performing a proof-of-concept study (phase I study) to assess the use of these proteins in a point-of-care platform using serum samples from different geographical settings of Brazil and distinct clinical presentations. The diagnostic accuracy study was conducted on a panel of two WHO International Standards (IS) and 14 sera from T. cruzi-positive and 16 from T. cruzi-negative individuals. The results obtained with the test strips were converted to digital images, allowing quantitative comparison expressed as a relative band intensity ratio (RBI). The diagnostic potential and performance were also determined. Regardless of the geographical origin or clinical presentation, all sera with T. cruzi antibodies returned positive both for IBMP-8.1 and IBMP-8.4 chimeric antigens. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) values was 100% for both antigens, demonstrating an outstanding overall diagnostic accuracy (100%). Based on the data, we believe that the lateral flow assays based on these antigens are promising methodologies for screening CD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many factors influence the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Here, we investigated the associations between socio-demographic characteristics and familial history with the 5-year incidence of T2DM in a family-based study conducted in Brazil. T2DM was defined as baseline fasting blood glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL or the use of any hypoglycaemic drug. We excluded individuals with T2DM at baseline or if they did not attend two examination cycles. After exclusions, we evaluated a sample of 1,125 participants, part of the Baependi Heart Study (BHS). Mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to assess T2DM incident given different characteristics. At the 5-year follow-up, the incidence of T2DM was 6.7% (7.2% men and 6.3% women). After adjusting for age, sex, and education status, the model that combined marital and occupation status, skin color, and familial history of T2DM provided the best prediction for T2DM incidence. Only marital status was independently associated with T2DM incidence. Individuals that remained married, despite having significantly increased their weight, were significantly less likely to develop diabetes than their divorced counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the 15th century, ~900,000 Native Americans, mostly Tupí speakers, lived on the Brazilian coast. By the end of the 18th century, the coastal native populations were declared extinct. The Tupí arrived on the east coast after leaving the Amazonian basin ~2,000 y before present; however, there is no consensus on how this migration occurred: toward the northern Amazon and then directly to the Atlantic coast, or heading south into the continent and then migrating to the coast. Here we leveraged genomic data from one of the last remaining putative representatives of the Tupí coastal branch, a small, admixed, self-reported Tupiniquim community, as well as data of a Guaraní Mbyá native population from Southern Brazil and of three other native populations from the Amazonian region. We demonstrated that the Tupiniquim Native American ancestry is not related to any extant Brazilian Native American population already studied, and thus they could be considered the only living representatives of the extinct Tupí branch that used to settle the Atlantic Coast of Brazil. Furthermore, these data show evidence of a direct migration from Amazon to the Northeast Coast in pre-Columbian time, giving rise to the Tupí Coastal populations, and a single distinct migration southward that originated the Guaraní people from Brazil and Paraguay. This study elucidates the population dynamics and diversification of the Brazilian natives at a genomic level, which was made possible by recovering data from the Brazilian coastal population through the genomes of mestizo individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Violence against the elderly is a serious global problem, and its manifestations have profound impacts on the health and quality of life of these people. As a socio-historical problem, violence is part of the history of mankind and has increasingly manifested itself against women, including the elderly. The aim of this article is to analyze the social experiences of elderly women who have suffered violence and sought the State's safety net, as well as the perspective of professionals who work in social services that deal with violence against the elderly in Manaus - AM, Brazil. The results point to an understanding of violence associated predominantly with physical violence, followed by verbal and moral violence, all experienced within the scope of interpersonal relationships. Results also point to the need to disseminate legal protection instruments and to better train professionals to deal with the specificities of this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Studies on metabolomics and CKD have primarily addressed CKD incidence defined as a decline on eGFR or appearance of albuminuria in the general population, with very few evaluating hard outcomes. In the present study, we investigated the association between metabolites and mortality and ESRD in a CKD cohort. Setting and methods: Data on 454 participants of the Progredir Cohort Study, Sao Paulo, Brazil were used. Metabolomics was performed by GC-MS (Agilent MassHunter) and metabolites were identified using Agilent Fiehn GC/MS and NIST libraries. After excluding metabolites present in <50% of participants, 293 metabolites were analyzed. An FDR q value <0.05 criteria was applied in Cox models on the composite outcome (mortality or incident renal replacement therapy) adjusted for batch effect, resulting in 34 metabolites associated with the outcome. Multivariable-adjusted Cox models were then built for the composite outcome, death, and ESRD incident events. Competing risk analysis was also performed for ESRD. Results: Mean age was 68±12y, mean eGFR-CKDEPI was 38.4±14.6 ml/min/1.73m2 and 57% were diabetic. After adjustments (GC-MS batch, sex, age, DM and eGFR), 18 metabolites remained significantly associated with the composite outcome. Nine metabolites were independently associated with death: D-malic acid (HR 1.84, 95%CI 1.32–2.56, p = 0.0003), acetohydroxamic acid (HR 1.90, 95%CI 1.30–2.78, p = 0.0008), butanoic acid (HR 1.59, 95%CI 1.17–2.15, p = 0.003), and docosahexaenoic acid (HR 0.58, 95%CI 0.39–0.88, p = 0.009), among the top associations. Lactose (SHR 1.49, 95%CI 1.04–2.12, p = 0.03), 2-O-glycerol-α-D-galactopyranoside (SHR 1.76, 95%CI 1.06–2.92, p = 0.03), and tyrosine (SHR 0.52, 95%CI 0.31–0.88, p = 0.02) were associated to ESRD risk, while D-threitol, mannitol and myo-inositol presented strong borderline associations. Conclusion: Our results identify specific metabolites related to hard outcomes in a CKD population. These findings point to the need of further exploration of these metabolites as biomarkers in CKD and the understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms related to the observed associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Interpatient variation of warfarin dose requirements may be explained by genetic variations and general and clinical factors. In this scenario, diverse population-calibrated dosing algorithms, which incorporate the main warfarin dosing influencers, have been widely proposed for predicting supposed warfarin maintenance dose, in order to prevent and reduce adverse events. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of the inclusion of ABCB1 c.3435C>T and CYP4F2 c.1297G>A polymorphisms as additional covariates in a previously developed pharmacogenetic-based warfarin dosing algorithm calibrated for the Brazilian population.Methods: Two independent cohorts of patients treated with warfarin (n = 832 and n = 133) were included for derivation and replication of the algorithm, respectively. Genotyping of ABCB1 c.3435C>T and CYP4F2 c.1297G>A polymorphisms was performed by polymerase chain reaction followed by melting curve analysis and TaqMan® assay, respectively. A multiple linear regression was performed for the warfarin stable doses as a dependent variable, considering clinical, general, and genetic data as covariates.Results: The inclusion of ABCB1 and CYP4F2 polymorphisms was able to improve the algorithm’s coefficient of determination (R2) by 2.6%. In addition, the partial determination coefficients of these variants revealed that they explained 3.6% of the warfarin dose variability. We also observed a marginal improvement of the linear correlation between observed and predicted doses (from 59.7 to 61.4%).Conclusion: Although our study indicates that the contribution of the combined ABCB1 and CYP4F2 genotypes in explaining the overall variability in warfarin dose is not very large, we demonstrated that these pharmacogenomic data are statistically significant. However, the clinical relevance and cost-effective impact of incorporating additional variants in warfarin dosing algorithms should be carefully evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Canine Visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is a serious public health problem, thus for its control, the Ministry of Health in Brazil recommends the rapid diagnosis and euthanasia of seropositive dogs in endemic areas. Therefore, our group had previously selected six recombinant proteins (rLci1, rLci2, rLci4, rLci5, rLci8, and rLci12) due to their high potential for CVL diagnostic testing. The present study aims to produce an immunodiagnostic test using the aforementioned antigens, to improve the performance of the diagnosis of CVL recommended by Brazilian Ministry of Health. Methodology/Principal findings: To evaluate the recombinant proteins in the serological assays, positive and negative samples were selected based on parasitological test (culture) and molecular test (qPCR) of splenic aspirate. Initially, we selected 135 dog serum samples, 73 positives (symptomatic and asymptomatic) and 62 negatives to screen recombinant proteins on ELISA platform. Then, for rLci5 ELISA validation, 361 serum samples collected in a cross-sectional study were selected, being 183 positives (symptomatic and asymptomatic) and 178 negatives. In the screening of the recombinant proteins, rLci5 was the only protein to present a performance statistically higher than the performance presented by EIE-LVC test, presenting 96% (IC 95%; 85–99%) vs. 83% (IC 95%; 69–92%) of sensitivity for symptomatic dogs, 71% (IC 95%; 49–97%) vs. 54% (IC 95%; 33–74%) for asymptomatic dogs and 94% (IC 95%; 83–99%) vs, 88% (IC 95%; 76–95% of specificity. Thus, the rLci5 protein was selected to compose a final ELISA test. Validation of rLci5 ELISA showed 87% (IC 81–91%) of sensitivity, 94% (IC 95%; 90–97%) of specificity and 90% accuracy. Testing the EIE-LVC with the same validation panel, we observed a lower performance when compared to ELISA rLci5 (sensitivity of 67% (IC 95%; 59–74%), specificity of 87% (IC 95%; 81–92%), and accuracy of 77%). Finally, the performance of current CVL diagnostic protocol recommended by Brazilian Ministry of Health, using DPP-LVC as screening test and EIE-LVC as confirmatory test, was compared with a modified protocol, replacing EIE-LVC by rLci5 ELISA. The current protocol presented a sensitivity of 59% (IC 95%; 52–66%), specificity of 98% (IC 95%; 95–99%) and accuracy of 80% (IC 95%; 76–84%), while the modified protocol presented a sensitivity of 71% (IC 95%; 63–77%), specificity of 99% (IC 95%; 97–100%) and accuracy of 86% (IC 95%; 83–89%). Conclusion: Thus, we concluded that rLci5 ELISA is a promising test to replace EIE-LVC test and increase the diagnostic performance of CVL in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Molecular tests designed to detect the presence of active RHD gene among D- donors have been successfully applied in people of European ancestry, but not in admixed populations with a considerable frequency of RHD*Ψ. Our goal was to evaluate the performance of a molecular screening tool for identifying active RHD alleles among Brazilian blood donors classified as D- C+ and/or E+.Study Design and Methods: Pools of five DNA samples of serologically D- C+ and/or E+ donors were checked by a RHD polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay specific for RHD Intron 4 and Exon 7. When a pool result was positive, samples were genotyped individually for RHD Intron 4 and Exon 7, RHD*Ψ, RHCE*Cc, and RHD zygosity. Donors suspected of active RHD gene were further evaluated by whole-coding region and flanking intron direct sequencing.Results: A total of 405 donors were included. Two percent exhibited active RHD gene, codifying D-weak (38 and 45) or DEL phenotype. The most prevalent DEL allele was RHD*DEL1 (c.1227G>A), which is proven to be immunogenic. A high frequency of RHD*Ψ was detected in the donors with nondeleted RHD alleles (31%), far superior to the frequency of RHD variant alleles (15.5%). The proposed approach presented sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 85.7% for identifying active RHD gene.Conclusion: The strategy of checking D- donors with RHD PCR followed by exclusion of RHD*Ψ allele has proved efficient in identifying weak-D and DEL phenotype in the Brazilian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background There is little information about familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) epidemiology and care in Ibero-American countries. The Ibero-American FH network aims at reducing the gap on diagnosis and treatment of this disease in the region. Objective To describe clinical, molecular, and organizational characteristics of FH diagnosis in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, and Uruguay. Methods Descriptive analysis of country data related to FH cascade screening, molecular diagnosis, clinical practice guidelines, and patient organization presence in Ibero-America. Results From a conservative estimation of an FH prevalence of 1 of 500 individuals, there should be 1.2 million heterozygous FH individuals in Ibero-America and roughly 27,400 were diagnosed so far. Only Spain, Brazil, Portugal, and Uruguay have active cascade screening programs. The prevalence of cardiovascular disease ranged from 10% to 42% in member countries, and the highest molecular identification rates are seen in Spain, 8.3%, followed by Portugal, 3.8%, and Uruguay with 2.5%. In the 3 countries with more FH patients identified (Spain, Portugal, and Brazil) between 10 and 15 mutations are responsible for 30% to 47% of all FH cases. Spain and Portugal share 5 of the 10 most common mutations (4 in low density lipoprotein receptor [ LDLR ] and the APOB3527). Spain and Spanish-speaking Latin American countries share 6 of the most common LDLR mutations and the APOB3527. LDL apheresis is available only in Spain and Portugal and not all countries have specific FH diagnostic and treatment guidelines as well as patient organizations. Conclusions Ibero-American countries share similar mutations and gaps in FH care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Bioetica is the property of Conselho Federal de Medicina and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper investigates fire spread through surface fuels of the Brazilian Amazon by using a three-dimensional, fully transient, physics-based computer simulation approach. Computer simulations are obtained through the solution to governing equations of fluid dynamics, combustion, heat transfer and thermal degradation of the vegetative fuel. Surface fuel fires composed mostly of dead leaves and twigs were numerically simulated and the calculated rate of spread was compared to findings from field observations. The importance of air humidity, vegetation temperature, moisture content, surface to volume ratio and bulk density was evaluated through the variation of each one individually in numerical simulation runs. Conclusions show that in the range of parameter variation considered, the most important parameters are the vegetation moisture, surface area to volume ratio, and bulk density. The vegetation initial temperature and air humidity, in the range of variation studied, did not influence the fire rate of spread. The numerical simulations also showed that the radiation process is very important and directly affects the fire rate of spread. Convection is less important because of the absence of external wind. The model is able to capture the main effects of a surface forest fire typical of the Amazon, and can be used as a numerical tool for studying such fires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: OSA has a familial aggregation pattern indicating that it can be partially caused by a genetic component. However, the heritability of OSA has been estimated based on the study of families of obese probands of urban populations with established OSA diagnosis. The objective of this genetic-epidemiologic study is to study families ascertained from a general rural population to determine an unbiased estimate of OSA heritability.Methods: We studied a sample of families living in Baependi, a small rural southeastern Brazilian city. Participants were assessed for anthropometric measurements, physical examination, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, blood samples for glucose and cholesterol determination, and overnight home portable monitoring.Results: We studied 587 participants (399 women) from 91 families, with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) of 4 (2-8) participants per family. The median age of the population was 44 years (IQR, 29-55 years) and median BMI was 25.0 kg/m(2) (IQR, 22.1-28.6 kg/m(2)). OSA, defined by apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) > 5/h, was diagnosed in 18.6% of the sample. Two polygenic models, model I (no covariate effects) and model II (with covariate effects), were fitted to the data in all analyses. Heritability estimates for AHI were 0.23 and 0.25 for model I and II, respectively. Covariates (age, sex, and BMI) showed no significant effects on the heritability estimate for AHI.Conclusions: The heritability of AHI in a rural population with low levels of obesity is intermediate (25%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Polymorphisms in the LPA gene were associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, there are differences in the allelic frequencies, Lp(a) levels, and significant association with CAD according to ethnic groups. In this scenario, the main aim of this study was to assess the influence of the LPA polymorphisms on coronary lesions in Brazilian patients. Methods 1,394 consecutive patients submitted to coronary angiography to study suggestive CAD and twenty coronary segments were scored. Genotyping for the LPA rs10455872 and rs3798220 polymorphisms were performed by high resolution melting analysis. Results The frequencies of the rs10455872 G and rs3798220 C variant alleles were 6.4% and 6.2%, respectively. LPA rs10455872 G variant allele was associated with higher odds ratio of having coronary lesions in an adjusted model (OR = 2.02, 95%CI = 1.10-3.72, p = 0.02). Scores of coronary lesions (extension, severity, and Gensini scores) were significantly different among rs10455872 genotype groups. Coronary lesions was not associated with LPA rs3798220 (OR = 1.09, 95%CI = 0.67-1.76, p = 0.73) and scores of coronary lesions were not different among rs3798220 genotypes. Conclusions We confirmed the association of the LPA rs10455872 with CAD in a large sample of Brazilian patients. For the LPA rs3798220, our finding is consistent with studies which showed the lack of this genetic association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to broaden understanding of the phenomenon of legitimacy of civil society organizations (CSOs), interpreting it in the light of the critical capacity theory, proposed by Boltanski and Thévenot (2006). More specifically, it identifies, by means of discourse analysis of representative actors from the field, which are the justifications supporting the action and existence of CSOs, providing them with legitimacy. Having as a basis the theoretical framework and an analysis of the trajectory of the field in Brazil, some hypotheses were formulated: 1) that several reasonings are used in the justifications; 2) that the meeting between these reasonings provokes disputes and conflicts; 3) that it enables constructing footbridges; and 4) that there are predominant reasonings isolating the existence of other ones. Through discourse content analysis of 46 representative actors of the field of CSOs in the Brazilian South region, the hypotheses were tested and we found out that the predominant legitimacy dimensions in these CSOs are the pragmatic and moral, which stimulate the adaptation of CSOs to externally set standards, making plurality and, thus, democracy in the field weaker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Independent of other cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, increased arterial stiffness has been established as a predictor of morbidity and mortality. The main aim of this study was to investigate the impact of diabetes on arterial stiffness in a representative sample of an urban Brazilian population plus Amerindians. Methods: A total of 1,415 individuals from the general population were randomly selected plus 588 Amerindians from a native community in Brazil. In addition, a sub-sample of 380 individuals from the general population had 5-year follow-up data. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured with a non-invasive automatic device (Complior, Colson; Garges les Gonesses, France) and increased arterial stiffness was defined as PWV ⩾ 12 m/s. Results: In the overall group, diabetic individuals had higher frequencies of increased arterial stiffness and hypertension. They also had higher values of PWV, body mass index, total cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic and diastolic blood pressures compared to non-diabetic individuals (p < 0.01). In an analysis stratified by hypertension, PWV values and increased arterial stiffness frequency were higher in diabetic individuals in both groups (hypertensive and non-hypertensive) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, higher risk for increased arterial stiffness was observed in the diabetic individuals from the overall group (OR = 2.27; CI = 1.47-3.52, p < 0.001) and from the hypertensive group (OR = 2.70; CI = 1.58-4.75, p < 0.001), adjusted for covariates. Regarding the ethnic stratification, diabetic individuals from Amerindian, White, and Mulatto (mixed-race) groups had higher PWV values and a greater frequency of increased arterial stiffness compared to non-diabetic individuals. Both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals had higher PWV values after 5 years. There was no significant difference in the 5-year PWV progression in diabetic compared to non-diabetic individuals. Conclusions: These results confirm, in a sample of Brazilian population, that the presence of diabetes is associated with increased arterial stiffness and it may contribute in part to increased cardiovascular risk in diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Null genotypes of glutathione S-transferase (GST) exhibit the absence of enzymatic activity and are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Recent reports have related both lower and higher urinary sodium excretion (USE) to higher cardiovascular risk. Here we investigate the impact of GSTM1 and GSTT1-null polymorphisms on USE in a Brazilian population. METHODS We cross-sectionally evaluated 1,308 subjects from the city of Vitoria, Brazil, based on clinical history, physical examination, anthropometry, analysis of laboratory parameters, measurement of USE, and GST polymorphisms genotyping. RESULTS The frequency of GST M1, T1, and double-deletion polymorphisms was 51%, 22%, and 11%, respectively. Individuals with the GSTM1-null genotype had lower USE than those with the non-null genotype (92.1±52.3 vs. 102.8 ± 6 0.7 mEq/12h; P < 0.001). Linear regression analysis adjusted for confounding factors revealed that the GSTM1-null genotype was independently associated with USE (P = 0.001). In addition, diastolic blood pressure and triglyceride levels were higher in GSTM1-null individuals than in non-null individuals in the highest tertile of USE. Finally, the presence of GSTT1-null or double-deleted genotypes did not influence USE or affect the interactions between USE and the variables studied. CONCLUSIONS Deletion of GSTM1 was associated with low USE and modulated the interaction between sodium intake and blood pressure in Brazilian subjects. These novel findings may provide a new unexplored link between sodium regulation and GST homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Recent studies reported the association of SLCO1B1 haplotypes with the development of musculoskeletal side effects during simvastatin use. The aim was to evaluate the pharmacogenetic association of SLCO1B1 haplotypes with atorvastatin-induced myalgia in a sample of individuals on high-dose atorvastatin regimens. Methods: One hundred and forty-three patients with familial hypercholesterolemia were followed for at least 12 months while receiving atorvastatin. Genotypes for the rs2306283 (c.A388G) and rs4149056 (c.T521C) polymorphisms were detected by high-resolution melting analysis. These markers form four distinct haplotypes (*1A, *1B, *5 and *15). Results: During the follow-up period, 14 (9.8%) patients developed myalgia and 16 (11.2%) presented CK levels more than 3 times the upper limit of the normal range. No association of the SLCO1B1 rs2306283 and rs4149056 genotypes or haplotypes with the presence of myalgia or creatine kinase (CK) values was found. Presence of rs2306283 AG + GG genotypes was not associated with increased risks of myalgia or abnormal CK values (OR 2.08, 95% CI 0.62-7.00, p = 0.24 and OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.21-1.26, p = 0.15 respectively). The presence of rs4149056 TC + CC genotypes was also not associated with increased risk of myalgia or abnormal CK values (OR 2.24, 95% CI 0.47-10.72, p = 0.31 and OR 1.51, 95% CI 0.57-3.96, p = 0.41 respectively). Conclusions: Our findings reaffirm that the SLCO1B1 genetic risk appears to be greater in those patients receiving simvastatin compared with those receiving atorvastatin. This suggests that the importance of SLCO1B1 haplotypes depends on the specific statin that has been used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in genotyping technologies have contributed to a better understanding of human population genetic structure and improved the analysis of association studies. To analyze patterns of human genetic variation in Brazil, we used SNP data from 1129 individuals - 138 from the urban population of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and 991 from 11 populations of the HapMap Project. Principal components analysis was performed on the SNPs common to these populations, to identify the composition and the number of SNPs needed to capture the genetic variation of them. Both admixture and local ancestry inference were performed in individuals of the Brazilian sample. Individuals from the Brazilian sample fell between Europeans, Mexicans, and Africans. Brazilians are suggested to have the highest internal genetic variation of sampled populations. Our results indicate, as expected, that the Brazilian sample analyzed descend from Amerindians, African, and/or European ancestors, but intermarriage between individuals of different ethnic origin had an important role in generating the broad genetic variation observed in the present-day population. The data support the notion that the Brazilian population, due to its high degree of admixture, can provide a valuable resource for strategies aiming at using admixture as a tool for mapping complex traits in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some mechanisms have been proposed to explain the role of bradykinin on glucose homeostasis and some studies reported that the BDKRB2 +9/-9 polymorphism was associated to the transcriptional activity of the receptor. In this scenario, the main aim of this study was to evaluate the association of the BDKRB2 +9/-9 polymorphism with diabetes mellitus risk in the Brazilian general population. This study included 1,032 subjects of the general urban population. Anthropometrical, blood pressure, biochemical, and genotype analyses for the BDKRB2 +9/-9 bp insertion/deletion polymorphism were performed. Individuals carrying +9/+9 or +9/-9 genotypes had higher glucose values (84.5mg/dL versus 80.6mg/dL, resp.) and higher frequency of diabetes mellitus (7.6% versus 3.6%, resp.) compared to individuals carrying -9/-9, adjusting for age and gender. In addition, higher diabetes mellitus risk was associated to presence of the +9/+9 or +9/-9 genotypes (OR= 1.91; 95% CI = 1.09-4.19; P = 0.03). Our data suggest that the BDKRB2 +9/-9 polymorphismmay act as a geneticmodulator of glucose homeostasis. It was previously associated to insulin sensitivity, glucose uptake, and insulin secretion, and, in this study, data suggest that the polymorphism may increase susceptibility to chronic metabolic conditions such as diabetes in the Brazilian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Odonto Ciencia is the property of EDIPUCRS - Editora Universitaria da PUCRS and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

BackgroundThe impact of increased central arterial stiffness as a predictor of morbidity and mortality, independently of other cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, has been established. The main aim of the present work was to investigate the association of ethnicity on arterial stiffness in different ethnic groups from the Brazilian population.MethodsA total of 1,427 individuals from the general population were randomly selected from the Vitoria City metropolitan area and 588 Amerindians from a native community in Brazil. The ethnicity of the general population was classified by a standard questionnaire as Caucasian descent, African descent, or Mulattos (considered racially mixed subjects). Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured with a noninvasive automatic device (Complior, Colson; Garges les Gonesses, France).ResultsHemodynamic data of PWV, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean blood pressure (MBP) was higher in African descent individuals than in the other groups (P < 0.001). These results were still observed after adjustment for age and mean arterial pressure (P < 0.001). In addition, studying only normotensive individuals, PWV adjusted levels were higher in African descent individuals, and lower in Amerindians when compared with other ethnic groups (P < 0.01), showing, without the possible confounder effects of time and severity of hypertension or medication use, that PWV is associated with ethnicity in our population.ConclusionThe study of different ethnic groups from a highly admixtured population was able to demonstrate an association between ethnicity and arterial stiffness.American Journal of Hypertension (2011). doi:10.1038/ajh.2010.244 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine reference values for tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and pulsed Doppler echocardiography for left ventricular diastolic function analysis in a healthy Brazilian adult population. Observations were based on a randomly selected healthy population from the city of Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil. Healthy volunteers (n = 275, 61.7% women) without prior histories of cardiovascular disease underwent transthoracic echocardiography. We analyzed 175 individuals by TDI and evaluated mitral annulus E′- and A′-waves from the septum (S) and lateral wall (L) to calculate E′/A′ ratios. Using pulsed Doppler echocardiography, we further analyzed the mitral E- and A-waves, E/A ratios, isovolumetric relaxation times (IRTs), and deceleration times (DTs) of 275 individuals. Pulsed Doppler mitral inflow mean values for men were as follows: E-wave: 71 ± 16 cm/sec, A-wave: 68 ± 15 cm/sec, IRT: 74.8 ± 9.2 ms, DT: 206 ± 32.3 ms, E/A ratio: 1.1 ± 0.3. Pulsed Doppler mitral inflow mean values for women were as follows: E-wave: 76 ± 17, A-wave: 69 ± 14 cm/sec, IRT: 71.2 ± 10.5 ms, DT: 197 ± 33.3 ms, E/A ratio: 1.1 ± 0.3. IRT and DT values were higher in men than in women (P = 0.04 and P = 0.007, respectively). TDI values in men were as follows: E′S: 11± 3 cm/sec, A′S: 13 ± 2 cm/sec, E′S/A′S: 0.89 ± 0.2, E′L: 14 ± 3 cm/sec, A′L: 14 ± 2 cm/sec, E′L/A′L: 1.1± 0.4. E-wave/ E′S ratio: 6.9 ± 2.2; E-wave / E′L ratio: 4.9 ± 1.7. In this study, we determined pulsed Doppler and TDI derived parameters for left ventricular diastolic function in a large sample of healthy Brazilian adults. (Echocardiography 2010;27:777-782) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A risk score model was developed based in a population of 1,224 individuals from the general population without known diabetes aging 35 years or more from an urban Brazilian population sample in order to select individuals who should be screened in subsequent testing and improve the efficacy of public health assurance. External validation was performed in a second, independent, population from a different city ascertained through a similar epidemiological protocol. The risk score was developed by multiple logistic regression and model performance and cutoff values were derived from a receiver operating characteristic curve. Model’s capacity of predicting fasting blood glucose levels was tested analyzing data from a 5-year follow-up protocol conducted in the general population. Items independently and significantly associated with diabetes were age, BMI and known hypertension. Sensitivity, specificity and proportion of further testing necessary for the best cutoff value were 75.9, 66.9 and 37.2%, respectively. External validation confirmed the model’s adequacy (AUC equal to 0.72). Finally, model score was also capable of predicting fasting blood glucose progression in non-diabetic individuals in a 5-year follow-up period. In conclusion, this simple diabetes risk score was able to identify individuals with an increased likelihood of having diabetes and it can be used to stratify subpopulations in which performing of subsequent tests is necessary and probably cost-effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on ophthalmic oncology encompasses the care of tumors of the eye and ocular adnexa and oncology is not listed as a medical specialty by the Federal Council of Medicine, so it is a part of Ophthalmology. Topics include the contribution of Brazilian ophthalmologists to the care of eye cancer patients can be traced back many years.

We undertook a preliminary characterization of the tyrosinase produced by a strain of Lentinula boryana from Brazil, with a view to evaluate its potential for biotechnological applications. The enzyme was similar to other fungal tyrosinases in many respects. When the crude extract was characterized, the tyrosinase activity was optimal at pH=6 and was not particularly thermostable, with half-lives of about 10 min and 1 min at 50 and 60 °C, respectively. We purified the enzyme with ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by ion exchange chromatography on a DEAE Sepharose column, obtaining a yield of 33 % and a 5.3-fold enrichment. The purified preparation gave three bands on SDS-PAGE, with molecular masses of 20, 27 and 47 kDa. This preparation showed substrate inhibition kinetics with L-DOPA (3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine), with a KM of 1.9 mM and a K1 of 72 mM. Under the same reaction conditions, a commercial mushroom tyrosinase followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics, with a KM of 0.51 mM. Although the present study did not identify properties that would make the tyrosinase of L. boryana more suitable in biotechnological applications than tyrosinases from other mushrooms, it has made a contribution by showing that the enzyme suffers substrate inhibition by L-DOPA, something that has not previously been reported for mushroom tyrosinases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. The polymorphism C825T of the gene encoding the G-protein b3-subunit ( GNB3) was found to be associated with an increased prevalence of hypertension in a number of studies. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between this polymorphism and blood pressure phenotypes in an urban, large and ethnically mixed population of Brazil. 2. Individuals ( n = 1 568) were randomly selected from the general population of the Vitória City metropolitan area. The GNB3 C825T polymorphism was genotyped in each individual. Baseline cardiovascular risk factors were collected for all participants. Cardiovascular risk variables and genotypes were compared using anova and the Chi-squared test for univariate comparisons and logistic regression for multiple comparisons. 3. A statistically significant interaction between the 825T allele and obesity was observed for systolic blood pressure (SBP; P = 0.02). In fact, the C825T genotype was predictive of SBP only in individuals with increased body mass index ( P = 0.02). In addition, in a multiple logistic regression model conducted in the obese population and adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, diabetes, triglycerides and total cholesterol, the presence of the T allele was significantly associated with a 1.5-fold (95% confidence interval 1.04–2.26) increased risk of hypertension. Lack of statistical power does not explain the absence of other positive gene–environment interactions. 4. The present results suggest that an important gene ¥ environment interaction may take place between bodyweight regulation and the GNB3 gene. This finding provides further evidence for a role of the 825T allele in hypertension susceptibility and may be used for better disease stratification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Takahashi T, Schreiber R, Krieger JE, Saad STO, Costa FF. Analysis of the mechanism of action of the Brazilian type (Aγ−195 C → G) of hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin. Eur J Haematol 2003: 71: 418–424. © Blackwell Munksgaard 2003. We report an in vitro expression study of the A γ-globin gene promoter containing the A γ−195 C → G mutation that causes the Brazilian type of hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH). To demonstrate that this mutation results in increased promoter strength, we evaluated the mutant promoter linked to the hypersensitive site-2 of the locus control region with the luciferase reporter gene system and examined protein interactions by eletrophoretic mobility shift assay. The transient expression was studied in three cell lines: K562, HEL and 293, and indicated increased promoter activity of the promoter containing the Brazilian mutation in all cell lines. The protein–DNA interaction showed that, in contrast to the A γ−198 T → C mutation which has increased affinity for the Sp1 protein and creates a motif that behaves like a novel CACCC box in the γ promoter, the Brazilian HPFH mutation decreases the affinity at the Sp1 protein and does not act as a CACCC motif. These results suggest that this mutation may act to increase the A γ-globin chain production. In addition, the mechanism by which this increased production occurs is different to that of the −198 mutation. Other proteins may be involved in the overexpression of the γ-globin chain and/or may be dependent upon the DNA structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil's cost-of-living adjustments have spread the burden of inflation more fairly, but there is less chance for price stabilization. The advent of double-digit inflation in the U.S. has shaken the confidence of many Americans in our basic ability to maintain a reasonable level of price stability with conventional macroeconomic policy measures. Unflattering comparisons with South American rates of inflation have led to pointed suggestions that we may have something to lean from those tropical nations that have had considerable practice both in living with inflation and in combatting it. Although economic growth was rapid during most of the inflationary periods (a performance which suggests a high degree of adaptability to inflationary conditions), rapid price increases were clearly damaging to the Brazilian economy. The inflation impeded development of a capital market, eroded the real value of tax revenues, discouraged voluntary saving, and distorted investment patterns. Price controls were an important but less successful element of the government's anti-inflation strategy.

The article reports that according to a study, thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP) rs7212 polymorphism is associated with arterial stiffness in the Brazilian general population. The study sample was based on a cross-sectional design in the urban population of Vitoria City, Brazil. A sample of 2044 participants of either gender, 25-64 years of age, was chosen according to the nearest birthday after a random selection of domiciles.