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Objective: To assess the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) through parental/caregiver perceptions. Material and Methods: Children and adolescents aged 4-18 years enrolled in an ASD center at Manaus, AM, Brazil, were assessed for dental caries by clinical examination. A trained and calibrated examiner performed all exams. The "Parental-Caregiver Perceptions Questionnaire" (PCP-Q) and the "Family Impact Scale" (FIS) were used to assess OHRQoL. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Fifty-one children/adolescents of both sexes participated in the study. The mean age of patients was ten years (3.0), and most were male (76.5%). Forty-five (88.2%) mothers had more than nine years of schooling, and 28 (54.9%) earned equal to or less than two Brazilian minimum wages. The global PCP-Q score ranged from 0 to 25, with a mean value of 7.41 (6.64). The impact score values were significantly higher in individuals with caries experience in primary dentition (p<0.05). No significant differences in OHRQoL scores existed regarding family income and maternal schooling. Conclusion: According to parental/caregiver perceptions, children and adolescents with ASD had a higher impact on the PCP-Q functional limitation domain. Caries experience in primary teeth contributed to higher mean scores in all PCP-Q domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the prevalence of sleep bruxism, related factors, and quality of life of preschool children and their families. The sample was 475 children between 4 and 5 years old enrolled in schools in the city of Bauru-Brazil. Parents/legal guardians answered two questionnaires, one to assess the presence of bruxism and related factors and another that was the validated Brazilian version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (B-ECOHIS). Intraoral clinical examination was performed by two trained examiners (Kappa = 0.82) within the school environment. The data were analyzed using statistics and the Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman correlation coefficient. The significance level was p < 0.05. The prevalence of sleep bruxism was 47.4%. The highest prevalence was related to Class I canines and marked overjet, oral habits, such as nail biting, lip biting, chewing gum, and mouth breathing. Children with agitated sleep, reports of headache, and those considered aggressive, anxious, and/or shy were also more related. Conclusion: In the studied sample, sleep bruxism prevalence was high and related to important oral and general factors. Data also indicated SB as the main factor that interfered in the OHRQoL of children and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of the Human Activity Profile (HAP) by comparing scores with accelerometer data and by objectively testing its cutoff points. This study included 120 older women (age 60-90 years). Average daily time spent in sedentary, moderate, and hard activity; counts; number of steps; and energy expenditure were measured using an accelerometer. Spearman rank order correlations were used to evaluate the correlation between the HAP scores and accelerometer variables. Significant relationships were detected (rho = .47-75,/? < .001), indicating that the HAP estimates physical activity at a group level well; however, scatterplots showed individual errors. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to determine HAP cutoff points on the basis of physical activity level recommendations, and the cutoff points found were similar to the original HAP cutoff points. The HAP is a useful indicator of physical activity levels in older women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonparametric methodologies are proposed to assess college students' performance. Emphasis is given to gender and sector of high school. The application concerns the University of Campinas, a research university in Southeast Brazil. In Brazil college studies are based on a somewhat rigid set of subjects for each major. For this reason a simple GPA comparison may hide true performance. Therefore, we define individual vectors of course grades. These vectors are used in pairwise comparisons of common subject grades for individuals who entered college in the same year. The relative college performances of any two students are compared with their relative performances on the entrance exam score. A procedure based on generalized U‐statistics is developed to test if there is selection bias in the entrance exam by some predefined groups, which is equipped with asymptotically normal distribution under both null and alternative hypotheses. Maximum power is attained by employing the union intersection principle, and resampling techniques such as nonparametric bootstrap are employed to generate the empirical distribution of the test statistics and get p‐values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this in vivo study was to verify the accuracy of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the measurement of horizontal periodontal bone defects. Six patients with periodontitis were selected, and eight maxillary molars were assessed. A total of 72 measurements were performed. The images were obtained using CBCT, and measurements were performed using the appropriate software. Periodontal bone defects were measured during the surgical intervention using the cementoenamel junction as the reference point. There were no statistically significant differences between clinical and CBCT measurements (P > .05). CBCT accurately reproduced the clinical measurement of horizontal periodontal bone defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Salivary enzymes may be used to diagnose periodontal conditions. Salivary arginase activity (SAA) is related to susceptibility to bacterial infection. Therefore, the aim of this controlled interventional study was to determine the SAA before and after non­surgical periodontal therapy. Method and Materials: Eighty-nine subjects were selected: 31 periodontally healthy patients (controls), 27 gingivitis patients, and 31 chronic periodontitis patients. Plaque and Gingival Indices, probing depth, and clinical attachment level were monitored. The presence of Campylobacter rectus, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, and Prevotella intermedia was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction. Salivary total protein level and SAA were also established by spectrophotometry. Clinical and arginase data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon, Mann-Withney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests (P < .05). For microbial data, the chi-square test was used. The Pearson correlation test was also used between each parameter evaluated. Results: After therapy, due to a significant reduction in SAA, the values observed for the gingivitis and periodontitis groups were similar to those found in the healthy group. Interestingly, after therapy, SAA followed the same positive pattern showed by the overall improvement of clinical parameters (gingivitis and periodontitis groups mean values, pre- > posttherapy) and by the reduction of target pathogens (gingivitis group T forsythia, pre- > posttherapy; periodontitis group P gingivalis, T denticola, P intermedia, and T forsythia, pre- > posttherapy). Conclusion: Based on the reduction of SAA after therapy, in accordance with the expected reduction in clinical and microbiologic parameters, it was concluded that SAA has the potential to serve as a reliable method to access to the therapeutic response of chronic periodontitis subjects treated with nonsurgical periodontal therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the prevalence of orofacial manifestations between patients with and without sickle cell anemia and to investigate the distribution of such events in patients with sickle cell anemia by sex and age. Method and Material: A cross-sectional study was conducted in which 330 subjects divided into two groups (a group of individuals with sickle cell anemia and a healthy control group) were examined. Results: It was observed that patients with sickle cell anemia had a significantly higher prevalence of previous mental nerve neuropathy (P = .000) and delayed tooth eruption (P = .006) than patients without the disease. Regarding the distribution of orofacial manifestations in patients with sickle cell anemia by sex and age, the only statistical associations were between the prevalence of previous mental nerve neuropathy and sex (P = .023) and previous mandibular pain and age (P = .019). Conclusions: This study found that sickle cell anemia is associated with the prevalence of previous mental nerve neuropathy and delayed tooth eruption. Moreover, previous mental nerve neuropathy is more frequent among females with sickle cell anemia, and previous mandibular pain is more frequent among individuals older than 21 years of age with sickle cell anemia. Further studies using a methodology similar to the one in this study are necessary considering the scarcity of studies using this approach. (Quintessence Int 2011;42:701-709) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present novel methodology to assess undergraduate students' performance. Emphasis is given to potential dissimilar behaviors due to high school background and gender. The proposed method is based on measures of diversity and on the decomposability of quasi U-statistics to define average distances between and within groups. One advantage of the new method over the classical analysis of variance is its robustness to distributional deviation from the normality. Moreover, compared with other nonparametric methods, it also includes tests for interaction effects which are not rank transform procedures. The variance of the test statistic is estimated by jackknife and p-values are computed using its asymptotic distribution. A college education performance data is analyzed. The data set is formed by students who entered in the University of Campinas, Brazil, between 1997 and 2000. Their academic performance has been recorded until graduation or drop-out. The classical ANOVA points to significant effects of gender, type of high school and working status. However, the residual analysis indicates a highly significant deviation from normality. The quasi U-statistics nonparametric tests proposed here present significant effect of interaction between type of high school and gender but did not present a significant effect of working status. The proposed nonparametric method also results in smaller error variances, illustrating its robustness against model misspecification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depression is frequent in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and predicts mortality in dialysis patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of depression among patients on hemodialysis. We conducted an observational cross-sectional study at two hemodialysis centres in the metropolitan area of Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil, between September and October 2010. The occurrence of depression was evaluated according to Beck Depression Inventory II. Among 148 patients interviewed, the mean age was 46?±?13 years and 54% were male. The average time on dialysis was 5.3?±?5.2 years. Depression was found in 101 (68.2%) cases. Depression was classified as mild (49.5%), moderate (41.5%) and severe (9%). Only 15.5% had prior depression diagnosis. Follow-up with Psychologist was being done in only 32.4% of cases. Patients with depression had a higher frequency of antidepressant use (20.7% vs. 4.2%,p?=?.01) and benzodiazepines (33.6% vs. 8.5%,p?=?.001). Among patients using antidepressant, improvement of symptoms was reported by 81.6%. Depression is one potentially modifiable risk factor in ESRD. The investigation and multidisciplinary approach of depression should be part of routine evaluation of patients on dialysis. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aims and objectives To evaluate the incidence of winged scapula following surgical breast cancer treatment, determine its evolution over time and correlate factors that might influence this incidence. Background Winged scapula is a complication that may occur as a result of exposing the long thoracic nerve during axillary lymphadenectomy for the treatment for breast cancer. There is no consensus in the literature about the incidence of this complication after surgical treatment for breast cancer, and complication rates range from 1·5-74%. Design This is a prospective cohort study. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted including 57 patients with breast cancer who underwent surgical treatment. Each patient was assessed before and after the surgery, by means of Hoppenfeld manoeuvre. The incidence rate of winged scapula was calculated at four different times. Results At the preoperative assessment, none of the patients presented with winged scapula, while 16 patients (28·1%) were shown to have this complication after the procedure. The incidence of winged scapula decreased over time. Factors associated with winged scapula were as follows: patients younger than 50 years, clinical stage I and II and no neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Other factors that were evaluated, such as type of surgery, number of lymph nodes compromised and removed, as well as body mass index, were not associated with the risk of winged scapula. Conclusions This study demonstrated that the incidence of winged scapula is low and decreased over time. Furthermore, a greater incidence of winged scapula was noted in young women at an initial stage of the disease who had not been treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Relevance to clinical practice The result of this work may have great impact, for demonstrating what risk factors are significantly associated with winged scapula after surgical treatment for breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the involvement of cytokine production in neurotrauma, there is still controversy regarding cytokines levels and clinical outcome following severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Objective: The present study was designed to investigate whether cytokine levels (of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70 and TNF-α) are associated with primary outcome (death or survival) after severe TBI. Methods: This prospective study enrolled 24 male patients, victims of severe TBI. Venous blood samples were taken in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) (study entry), 24 and 48 hours later. Plasma cytokine levels were assayed by flow cytometry. Results: Severe TBI was associated with a 42% mortality rate. TBI patients had a significant increase in the levels of all cytokines measured, except for IL-1β, compared to controls. Statistically significant increases in the IL-10, -8 and -6 levels were observed in the non-survivors TBI patients compared to the survivors sub-group measured in the first sample (study entry) and in the subsequent sample (24 hours later). There were no significant differences in IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-12p70 levels between survivors and non-survivors in any time sampled. Conclusions: The findings indicate that increased IL-10, -8 and -6 levels may constitute an early predictor of unfavourable outcome in severe TBI patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To evaluate the impact of traumatic dental injury ( TDI) among Brazilian adolescents on their families' quality of life (QoL). Design A cross-sectional study was carried out with a population-based sample of 1122 schoolchildren aged 11-14 years selected using a multistage sampling procedure. Parents/caregivers answered the Brazilian version of the 14-item Family Impact Scale (B- FIS) to assess the impact on family's QoL. The main independent variable was TDI, which was diagnosed using the Andreasen classification. Malocclusion, dental caries, gender and socio-economic classification were the other independent variables. Poisson regression analyses were carried out ( P < 0.05). Results The prevalence of TDI was 14.8%. The multivariate model demonstrated that families of adolescents diagnosed with fracture involving the dentine or dentine/pulp were more likely to report a negative impact on the overall B- FIS score [rate ratio ( RR) = 1.44; 95% confidence interval ( CI): 1.10-1.88] as well on the Parental/Family Activity ( RR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.09-1.94), Parental Emotions ( RR=1.45; 95% CI: 1.03-2.04) and Family Conflict ( RR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.01-2.11) subscales in comparison with those who had no signs of TDI. Conclusions Families of adolescents with more severe TDI were more likely to report a negative impact on QoL, affecting family activities and emotions, which can result in family conflicts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate spirituality and blood parameters associated with stress in patients with facial musculoskeletal pain. Twenty-four women with chronic facial musculoskeletal pain (CFMP) and 24 healthy women were evaluated with a protocol for orofacial characteristics, research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders and the Spiritual Perspective Scale. Blood samples were collected to analyze blood count, cortisol, ACTH, C3, C4, thyroid hormones, total immunoglobulin, C-reactive protein and rheumatoid factor. The study group was more spiritualized than control group. Individuals with a high score of spirituality had less myofascial pain, less bruxism and fewer complaints. They also had lower levels of ACTH and IgE. Spirituality was higher in the study group and can be considered an important tool for coping with CFMP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of the present population-based cross-sectional study was to evaluate the association between untreated dental caries, considering stages and activity, and the impact on OHRQoL among preschool children and their parents/caregivers. Methods A randomly selected sample of 451 Brazilian preschool children aged three to 5 years underwent a clinical oral examination for the assessment of dental caries using the ICDAS II criteria. Parents/caregivers were asked to answer two questionnaires: one on the OHRQoL of the children ( ECOHIS) and another on the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the children and families. Statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test and hierarchically adjusted Poisson regression models. Results The prevalence of early childhood caries was 51.2%. The majority of teeth with caries exhibited severe decay (60.6%). Untreated severe decay, such as active lesions within visible dentin ( P < 0.001), extensive active and inactive cavity without pulp exposure or fistula ( P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively), extensive cavity with pulp exposure and absence of fistula ( P = 0.003) and root remnant ( P = 0.002), were associated with a negative impact on quality of life. Conclusion Active and inactive untreated severe carious lesions were associated with a negative impact on the quality of life of preschoolers and their parents/caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The aims of the present study were to assess caries experience among Brazilian children aged eight to 10 years and determine social factors of this disease, through a multilevel approach. Methods This is a cross-sectional study in which a representative sample of 1204 eight-to-ten-year-old children were randomly selected from 19 public and private schools in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. After formal authorization from the parents, the children were clinically examined at school by two calibrated examiners (Kappa=0.78). Individual socioeconomic status was determined using household income, number of residents in the home and parents'/caregivers' schooling. The social vulnerability index and type of school were used as contextual variables. The outcome variables were severity score of dental caries in permanent teeth ( DMFT index), dental caries experience in permanent teeth ( DMFT = 0 or ≠ 0), severity score of dental caries in primary teeth (dmft index) and dental caries experience in primary teeth (dmft = 0 or ≠ 0). Results The minority of children (37.2%) had dental caries experience. Chi-squared and Mann-Whitney tests showed that age, parents'/caregivers' schooling, household income and type of school were associated with dental caries experience in permanent and primary teeth ( P < 0.05). Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis tests and Spearman correlation coefficient showed that age, parents'/caregivers' schooling, household income, and type of school were associated with severity score of dental caries in permanent and primary teeth ( P < 0.05). In multilevel approach, the individual variables, age and household income demonstrated association with dental caries experience and with severity score of dental caries in primary teeth ( P < 0.05). Type of school was also associated with dental caries experience and with severity score of dental caries in these teeth ( P < 0.05). In the Poisson multilevel approach, the analysis of the final estimation of variance components of the null model revealed a significant difference among the 19 schools with regard to severity score of dental caries in permanent teeth too ( P < 0.001). Younger children and attending private schools showed lower severity score of dental caries in permanent teeth. Conclusion Dental caries experience and severity score of dental caries in primary teeth was influenced by age, household income, and the type of school The dental caries experience in permanent teeth was influenced by age, parents'/caregivers' schooling, household income, and type of school, whereas the severity score of dental caries in permanent teeth was influenced by age and type of school. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the study on the effects of various veno-active drugs (VAD) on chronic venous disease (CVD) patients' quality of life, limb volum reduction, and tibiotarsal range of motion. It details how the study was conducted which involved 136 patients with CVD who were asked to complete a questionnaire. The results reportedly revealed that VAD is linked with improved quality of life and may relieve CVD symptoms.

Objective This 1-month longitudinal study assessed whether the oral status and the oral-health-related quality of life ( OHRQoL) of children changed after four sessions of an educational preventive programme. Study population and methods Fifty Brazilian students (11-12 year old) were examined for signs and symptoms of gingivitis using the Community Periodontal Index and two questions about gingival bleeding. The OHRQoL was measured using the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Child Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (Child- OIDP). Higher scores indicated worse OHRQoL. The results were analysed using the Shapiro-Wilk, Chi-square, Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann-Whitney tests. The magnitude of the mean change was calculated using the effect size. Results Twenty-four percentage of children had more than six sites with bleeding at follow-up compared with 58% at baseline. There was a significant decline in the intensity and extension of impacts at follow-up. A significant improvement in the clinical status and oral hygiene was observed for both transitional categories. There was a significant decline in the Child- OIDP scores of those reporting 'much improved'. A significant improvement in the global ratings of oral health was observed at follow-up. Conclusions In the studied sample, an improvement occurred with respect to the severity of disease, intensity and extension of impacts and global ratings of oral health after 1-month follow-up. These results suggest that improving the global transition in health by enhancing coping and management skills while inducing slight changes in the clinical status and the specific aspects of health compromised by the disease is possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective Although chronic periodontitis ( CP) is a multifactorial condition, few studies have investigated the potential association of gene variants with the outcome of periodontal therapy. In a previous study, we reported that variants in the interleukin- 8 ( IL8) gene were associated with CP in a Brazilian population. The aim of this nonrandomized study was to investigate whether genetic susceptibility to CP, conferred by the presence of the IL8 ATC/ TTC haplotype, influences the clinical outcomes of nonsurgical periodontal therapy and the IL-8 protein levels in the gingival crevicular fluid. Material and Methods Forty-one individuals were grouped according to the presence (susceptible to CP; n = 21) or absence (not susceptible to CP; n = 20) of the IL8 ATC/ TTC haplotype. These individuals received nonsurgical periodontal therapy from one periodontist, who was blinded to the genetic status of each patient, and follow up continued for 45 d. The clinical parameters and gingival crevicular fluid samples were collected at baseline and on day 45. The IL-8 levels were determined by an ELISA. The data were subjected to the Mann-Whitney U-test, Wilcoxon and Spearman tests and to multiple logistic-regression analysis. Results No significant differences between patients with or without the IL8 ATC/ TTC haplotype were found for the outcome of nonsurgical periodontal therapy and IL-8 levels. The multiple logistic-regression analysis did not show a statistically significant association between the IL8 haplotype and the variables studied. Conclusion In this longitudinal clinical study, we observed that neither the outcome of nonsurgical periodontal therapy nor the IL-8 levels were influenced by the IL8 ATC/ TTC CP-susceptibility haplotype. Additional studies of CP patients from other ethnic populations are necessary to confirm these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which compared the relation between body composition and autonomic modulation in swimmers and non-athletes. Topics include heart rate variability (HRV), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM) and muscle mass. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the methodology of the study are also discussed.

This article describes the analysis o f the frequency, type and risk factors relating to errors in the preparation and administration o f medications in patients admitted to a public hospital in Brasilia Federal District, Brazil, which serves a population of approximately 500000 inhabitants. Patients are commonly affected and harmed by medication errors, almost half o f which are preventable. This is a cross-sectional, descriptive and exploratory study conducted in a clinical medicine unit. Direct observations were made by eight nurse technicians. The type o f error, the type of drug involved and associated risk factors were analysed. Relationships between the occurrence of errors and risk factors were studied with logistic regression models. Of the 484 observed doses, 69.5% errors occurred during drug administration, 69.6% during the preparation stage, 48.6% were timing errors, 1.7% were dose-related errors and 9.5% were errors o f omission. More than one error was detected in 34.5% o f occasions. Unlabelled drugs increased the risk o f timing errors by a factor o f 13.72. Interruptions in preparation increased the risk o f errors by a factor of 3.75. Caring for a larger number o f patients (8-9) increased the risk of timing errors by a factor o f 8.27. The research shows the need to manage the risk of medication errors in their real-life contexts by interposing safety barriers between the hazards and potential errors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the analysis of the frequency, type and risk factors relating to errors in the preparation and administration of medications in patients admitted to a public hospital in Brasilia Federal District, Brazil, which serves a population of approximately 500 000 inhabitants. Patients are commonly affected and harmed by medication errors, almost half of which are preventable. This is a cross-sectional, descriptive and exploratory study conducted in a clinical medicine unit. Direct observations were made by eight nurse technicians. The type of error, the type of drug involved and associated risk factors were analysed. Relationships between the occurrence of errors and risk factors were studied with logistic regression models. Of the 484 observed doses, 69.5% errors occurred during drug administration, 69.6% during the preparation stage, 48.6% were timing errors, 1.7% were dose-related errors and 9.5% were errors of omission. More than one error was detected in 34.5% of occasions. Unlabelled drugs increased the risk of timing errors by a factor of 13.72. Interruptions in preparation increased the risk of errors by a factor of 3.75. Caring for a larger number of patients (8--9) increased the risk of timing errors by a factor of 8.27. The research shows the need to manage the risk of medication errors in their real-life contexts by interposing safety barriers between the hazards and potential errors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the influence of aerobic capacity on the activation of the central serotonergic system and exercise fatigue in young men that ingested a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and were then subjected to moderate-intensity physical exercise. The maximal oxygen consumption of sixteen volunteers was measured during an incremental test. The volunteers were divided into two groups: subjects with higher (HAC) and lower (LAC) aerobic capacities. The volunteers were subjected to four experimental trials in which they ingested either placebo or paroxetine (10, 20 or 40 mg) and, 4.5 h later, cycled at 60% of their maximal power output until reaching fatigue. None of the three paroxetine doses influenced the total exercise time in the LAC group. However, for the HAC group, the time to fatigue in the 20 mg paroxetine condition was 15% less than that in the placebo condition (76.3 ± 5.1 min vs. 90.0 ± 7.9 min; p < 0.05). The time to fatigue was higher in the HAC group than in the LAC group for all treatments. Our results provide additional evidence that aerobic capacity modulates the activity of the serotonergic system. However, contrary to what would be expected considering previous reports, the activation of the serotonergic system in exercising subjects in the HAC group was not less than that in the LAC group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed the association between food insecurity and dental caries in 7- to 9-yr-old schoolchildren. We performed a cross-sectional survey nested in a population-based cohort study of 203 schoolchildren. The participants lived in the urban area of a small town within the western Brazilian Amazon. Dental examinations were performed according to criteria recommended by the World Health Organization. The number of decayed deciduous and permanent teeth as a count variable was the outcome measure. Socio-economic status, food security, behavioral variables, and child nutritional status, measured by Z-score for body mass index ( BMI), were investigated, and robust Poisson regression models were used. The results showed a mean ( SD) of 3.63 (3.26) teeth affected by untreated caries. Approximately 80% of schoolchildren had at least one untreated decayed tooth, and nearly 60% lived in food-insecure households. Sex, household wealth index, mother's education level, and food-insecurity scores were associated with dental caries in the crude analysis. Dental caries was 1.5 times more likely to be associated with high food-insecurity scores after adjusting for socio-economic status and sex. A significant dose-response relationship was observed. In conclusion, food insecurity is highly associated with dental caries in 7- to 9-yr-old children and may be seen as a risk factor. These findings suggest that food-security policies could reduce dental caries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on research which was conducted to investigate the training routines used by Brazilian judo athletes and their perceptions of the routines before Olympic game partcipation and to investigate differences between award winners and non award winners. Researchers evaluated 61 athletes. They found that there were no training differences between winners and non winners except for goundwork randori practice, which was performed less by winners.

Objective To assess the impact of hospitalization on the oral health status of individuals hospitalized for a short period of time. Material and Methods This was an observational study of hospitalized patients. The plaque index ( PI), gingival index (GI) was measured at baseline (T0 - first 24 h of hospital admission), and at 3 (T1), 7 (T2), 14 (T3) days. Results One hundred and sixty-two patients were examined at baseline (T0), 35 examined at 3 days (T1), 23 at 7 days (T2) and 16 at 14 days (T3). The main reason for loss of patients was hospital discharge. The mean PI increased at T1 (0.97-1.21; p < 0.001), at T2 (1.06-1.30; p < 0.007) and at T3 (1.19-1.44; p < 0.03). Gingival index ( GI) increased at T2 (0.74-0.96; p < 0.04) and at T3 (0.74-0.96; p < 0.02). Conclusion Oral health, assessed through PI and GI, deteriorates after a short period of hospitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Kineanthropometry & Human Performance is the property of Brazilian Journal of Kineanthropometry & Human Performance 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.)

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Kineanthropometry & Human Performance is the property of Brazilian Journal of Kineanthropometry & Human Performance 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.)

Background Chagas' disease is an important cause of heart failure, and early identification of cardiac involvement may help to identify patients at risk for disease progression. Two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking (ST) strain seems to be a useful tool to detect incipient ventricular dysfunction. This study aims to analyze if 2D strain can detect contractility abnormalities in asymptomatic patients with Chagas' disease. Methods Seventy-eight asymptomatic Chagas' disease patients (46% male; age 44.7 ± 8.6 years) with normal cardiovascular exams and a control group of 38 healthy subjects (58% male; age 44.1 ± 9.2 years) were included in the study. Using 2D strain software, left ventricular ( LV) end-systolic longitudinal, radial, and circumferential strain were measured. Global right ventricular ( RV) longitudinal strain was also assessed. Results Echocardiographic parameters of LV systolic and diastolic function were similar between patients and controls. 2D longitudinal strain in the basal inferior, and inferoseptal walls, as well as apical segment of the inferolateral wall were lower in patients compared with controls. 2D radial strain was reduced in several segments of the LV walls as well as the global radial strain. 2D circumferential strain at the basal segment of the anterior wall showed a lower value in patients compared with controls, whereas global circumferential strain was similar between patients and controls. 2D RV strain did not differ between groups. Conclusion In a subgroup of asymptomatic patients with Chagas' disease without evident cardiac involvement, 2D strain was reduced compared with healthy individuals, suggesting incipient LV dysfunction in these patients. 2D ST strain has the potential for detecting early myocardial impairment in the setting of Chagas' disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the plasma levels of CCL2, CCL3, CCL11, CCL24, tumor necrosis factor alpha, sTNFR1, and sTNFR2 in subjects exposed to silica (SES) with and without silicosis compared with unexposed reference control group, and their associations with the radiological severity and duration of exposure to silica. Methods: Fifty-seven SES; 36 with silicosis and 22 subjects in control group, were included in the study. Results: CCL3, CCL24, sTNFR1, and sTNFR2 were increased in SES and in SES with silicosis than in controls. There were no differences in the levels of CCL2, CCL11, or tumor necrosis factor alpha. The sTNFR2 level was greater in SES with silicosis than in SES without silicosis. There was a positive correlation between sTNFR1and sTNFR2 and the radiological severity and time of exposure to silica. sTNFR2 was associated with all categories of radiological severity. Conclusion: sTNFR2 is associated with silicosis severity and early exposure to silica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Kineanthropometry & Human Performance is the property of Brazilian Journal of Kineanthropometry & Human Performance 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.)

Background Endemic dental fluorosis has already been described in some regions of the world. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional and psychosocial impact of direct aesthetic restorative treatments in endemic fluorosis patients in the northern state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Was a quasi-experimental intervention study. Methods The reference population consisted of individuals between 9 and 27 years of age that were served by a project intended to recover the smiles of patients with severe fluorosis. The questionnaires were administered on two occasions, 24 months apart (before and after dental treatment). Initially, descriptive analyses were conducted. Prevalence and severity, as well as the extent of the functional and psychosocial impact of oral disorders were estimated based on the Oral Health Impact Profile instrument (OHIP-14). Comparisons between baseline and follow-up and between treatment techniques were carried out using the McNemar, Wilcoxon, and Mann-Whitney tests. Results The study involved 53 individuals, with a mean age of 15.9 years, treated with microabrasion, dental composite, or a combination of both techniques. The treatments performed proved to be competent for reducing the functional and psychosocial impact of oral disorders as measured by the OHIP-14, pointing to the possibility of establishing protocols to be used in programs aimed at restoring the aesthetics and functionality of the anterior teeth in large populations. Conclusions After performing the direct aesthetic restorative treatments in patients with endemic fluorosis, a significant improvement was observed in the prevalence and severity, as well as the extent of the functional and psychosocial impact of oral disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to investigate the burnout syndrome in Brazilian young tennis players. The sample consisted of 88 tennis players, 69 male (M =15.3 years; SD = 1.2) and 19 females (M = 15.1 years; SD = 1.3). The Athlete Burnout Questionnaire and a characterization questionnaire were administered. It was used descriptive (frequencies, percentages, maximum and minimum) and inferential non-parametric statistics (Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney), establishing significance of p< 0.05. Tennis players with less practice time (1-3 years) had lower rates of physical and emotional exhaustion (p= 0.005, A= -0.57) than those who trained for longer (4-7 years). Tennis players with lower training volume (up to 10 hours per week) had higher rates of burnout (p= 0.009, A= 0.33), sport devaluation (p= 0.011, A= 0.56) and reduced sense of accomplishment (p= 0.002, A= 0.44) than those with higher volumes (11 to 20 hours per week). The associations meet with theoretical assumptions of burnout syndrome and researches that investigated this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between adiponectinaemia and food intake among obese women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease ( NAFLD). Methods In total, 60 obese women were examined by abdominal ultrasound for liver steatosis and subcutaneous and visceral adiposity. A standard interview (including questions about alcohol intake, medical history and physical activity), a physical examination (including height, weight, body mass index, waist and hip circumferences, waist-to-hip ratio, and body composition) and biochemical and clinical parameters (including serum glucose and insulin, homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance, lipid profile, aminotransferases, C-reactive protein, adiponectin, leptin, resistin, tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 levels and blood pressure) were performed. Food intake was evaluated by a qualitative food frequency questionnaire. Results Twenty-four NAFLD patients and thirty-six controls were analysed. The Mann-Whitney test showed lower adiponectin levels in the liver disease group compared to controls ( P < 0.05). The Pearson correlation coefficient indicated that adiponectinaemia was negatively correlated with lipid profile and serum tumour necrosis factor-α ( P = 0.05) and was positively associated with adiposity measures and serum leptin ( P < 0.05). By simple linear regression, all of these variables predicted serum adiponectin levels. Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests indicated that, in both groups, food intake showed no differences, although sucrose and fatty foods were associated with lower adiponectin levels in the liver disease group ( P < 0.05 and P < 0.05, respectively), as well as in the control group ( P = 0.05 and P < 0.05, respectively). Conclusions Hypoadiponectinaemia in NAFLD was associated with dietary sucrose and fatty food intake, emphasising the important role of diet in the occurrence of this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A meal replacement may be an effective strategy in the management of obesity to increase antioxidant intake, attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation. In the present study, we investigated the efficacy of a new nutritional supplement to reduce metabolic risk parameters in obese women. Methods: In a randomized controlled crossover study (2 × 2), 22 women (percentage body fat 40.52 ± 3.75 %; body mass index-BMI 28.72 ± 2.87 kg/m; 35.04 ± 5.6 years old) were allocated into two treatments: hypocaloric diet and drink containing 'Human Ration' (HR) consumption (CRHR), and hypocaloric diet and control drink consumption (CR). The study consisted of 2 periods of 5 weeks with 1 week of washout in two orders (CR → CRHR and CRHR → CR). Caloric restriction was 15 %, based on estimated energy requirement. Anthropometric, clinical and metabolic risk parameters were assessed at baseline and at the end of each period. Results: Some metabolic risk factors were favorably modulated in both interventions: reduction in body weight (CR −0.74 ± 1.27 kg; p = 0.01; CRHR −0.77 ± 1.3 kg; p = 0.02), body mass index (BMI) (CR −0.27 ± 0.51 kg/m; p = 0.02; CRHR −0.30 ± 0.52 kg/m; p = 0.01) and HOMA-IR (CR −0.35 ± 0.82; p = 0.02, CRHR −0.41 ± 0.83; p = 0.03). However, CRHR reduced waist circumference (−2.54 ± 2.74 cm; p < 0.01) and gynoid fat (−0.264 ± 0.28 g; p < 0.01), and increased HDL-c levels (0.08 ± 0.15 mmol/l; p = 0.04). Conclusion: Associated with hypocaloric diet, the intake of a nutritional supplement rich in phytochemicals as a breakfast substitute for 5 weeks had no additional effect on weight reduction than caloric restriction alone, but increased central lipolysis and improved the lipoprotein profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Previously, it was showed that vegan diet improves the metabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins by increasing the plasma clearance of atherogenic remnants. The aim of the current study was to investigate this metabolism in lacto-ovo vegetarians whose diet is less strict, allowing the ingestion of eggs and milk. Transfer of lipids to HDL, an important step in HDL metabolism, was tested in vitro. Methods: Eighteen lacto-ovo vegetarians and 29 omnivorous subjects, all eutrophic and normolipidemic, were intravenously injected with triglyceride-rich emulsions labeled with C-cholesterol oleate and H-triolein. Fractional clearance rates (FCR, in min) were calculated from samples collected during 60 min. Lipid transfer to HDL was assayed by incubating plasma samples with a donor nanoemulsion labeled with radioactive lipids. Results: LDL cholesterol was lower in vegetarians than in omnivores (2.1 ± 0.8 and 2.7 ± 0.7 mmol/L, respectively, p < 0.05), but HDL cholesterol and triglycerides were equal. Cholesteryl ester FCR was greater in vegetarians than in omnivores (0.016 ± 0.012, 0.003 ± 0.003, p < 0.01), whereas triglyceride FCR was equal. Cholesteryl ester transfer to HDL was lower in vegetarians than in omnivores (2.7 ± 0.6, 3.5 ± 1.5 %, p < 0.05), but free cholesterol, triglyceride and phospholipid transfers and HDL size were equal. Conclusion: Similarly to vegans, lacto-ovo vegetarian diet increases remnant removal, as indicated by cholesteryl oleate FCR, which may favor atherosclerosis prevention, and has the ability to change lipid transfer to HDL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The association of infections such as periodontitis with atherosclerotic diseases is well documented. In spite of the high diversity of the human oral microbiota, and its close contact with the circulatory system, few oral species were detected in atherosclerotic plaques. Thus, we attempted to evaluate the microbial diversity of atherosclerotic plaques from patients with different periodontal conditions, submitted to endarterectomy by a broad-range microbial method. Materials and Methods Patients indicated for aorta endarterectomy due to myocardial infarction were recruited for periodontal clinical examination. The microbial diversity of atherosclerotic plaques ( n = 35) was evaluated by sequence analysis of bacterial 16 S r RNA libraries. Results Bacterial DNA was detected in 12 endarterectomy specimens (34.3%). Twenty-three bacterial species/phylotypes were identified. Proteobacteria and Firmicutes comprised 78.3% and 21.7% of the identified taxa, respectively. Fifteen (60.9%) phylotypes were reported as yet uncultivable or as yet uncharacterized species. Two uncultured phylotypes were previously detected in the human mouth. The periodontopathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans was detected in seven samples (20%), followed by Pseudomonas species. There was no association between periodontal parameters and detection of A. actinomycetemcomitans or other phylotypes in atherosclerotic plaques. Conclusion Our results suggest a role of the oral microbiota in the development of inflammation in atherogenesis, particularly of A. actinomycetemcomitans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study design:Although the knowledge described about risk factors and venous thromboembolism (VT) in the general population, the impact of these factors in the development of thromboembolic events in patients with spinal injury (SI) caused by spinal cord injury (SCI) is poorly understood.Objective:Evaluate the impact of risk factors in the development of thromboembolic events in patients with SCI.Setting:Brazil, São Paulo.Methods:Observational, prospective and cross-study. Eligible patients (n=100) had SI by SCI, >18 years. The degree of motor and sensory lesion was evaluated based on American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS). Blood samples were collected for coagulation exams, hemogram, laboratory and biochemical analyses. Ultrasonography analyzes were performed from deep and superficial venous systems of lower limbs. Quantitative real-time PCR experiments were performed in order to investigate mutations in the prothrombin (G20210A) and Leiden factor V (G1691A) genes.Results:The main finding of this study was the higher occurrence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in patients with Leiden factor V and hyperhomocysteinemia. There was no association between SI for DVT, VT and thrombophilia. Also, there was no relation between lupus anticoagulant and anti-cardiolipin.Conclusion:There is an important difference in the incidence of DVT in patients with SI by acute and chronic SCI. Therefore, the conduct of the investigation for thrombophilia should be based on clinical factors, risk factors for DVT and family history of thrombosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: to evaluate the relation between patient adherence and therapeutic effectiveness of hypolipidemic agents in clinical practice. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 417 patients using hypolipidemic drugs (simvastatin, atorvastatin) between 2003 and 2010 was performed. The population studied consists of patients assisted by the Public Health Service in the far-west region of the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The Medication Possession Ratio obtained from pharmacy refill data was used to measure patient adherence. Therapeutic effectiveness was evaluated based on the difference obtained in the serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDLcholesterol and triglycerides, before and after taking the drug, in an average time of 8.3 months. Results: Following the treatment with hypolipidemic agents, it has been observed a reduction of 14.3% for total cholesterol, 19.6% for LDL-cholesterol, and 14.4% for triglycerides. HDL-cholesterol increased by an 8.0% average. The major changes in lipid profile were promoted by atorvastatin 20 mg daily. The medication adherence rate decreased over the monitoring period. Adherence rates below 60% were associated with therapeutic failure, while rates equal to 80% or higher were associated with the best response to the lipid-lowering drugs. Conclusion: Adherence to hypolipidemic agents is higher at the beginning of the treatment, but it decreases over time, affecting the achievement of therapeutic goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The impact of the intermediate care unit (IMCU) on post-intensive care unit (ICU) outcomes is controversial. Materials and Methods: We analyzed admissions from January 2003 to December 2008 from a mixed ICU in a teaching hospital in Brazil with a high patient-to-nurse ratio (3.5:1 on the ICU, 11:1 on the IMCU, 20-25:1 on the ward). A retrospective propensity-matched analysis was performed with data from 690 patients who were discharged after at least 3 days of ICU stay. Results: Of the 690 patients, 160 (23%) were discharged to the IMCU. A total of 399 propensity-matched patients were compared: 298 were discharged to the ward and 101 were discharged to the IMCU. Ninety-day mortality rate was similar between the IMCU and ward patients (22% vs 18%, respectively, P=.37), as was the unplanned ICU readmission rate (P=.63). In a multivariate logistic regression, discharge to the IMCU had no effect on the 90-day mortality rate (P = .27). Conclusions: In a resource-limited setting with a high patient-to-nurse ratio, discharge to IMCU had no impact on 90-day mortality rate and on unplanned readmission rate. The impact of discharge to the IMCU on the outcome for critically ill patients should be evaluated in further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Paulista de Enfermagem is the property of Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Escola Paulista de Enfermagem 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.)

Copyright of Acta Paulista de Enfermagem is the property of Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Escola Paulista de Enfermagem 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.)

Copyright of Acta Paulista de Enfermagem is the property of Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Escola Paulista de Enfermagem 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.)

Background and Objective Our group recently found higher levels of serum long chain- polyunsaturated fatty acids ( LC- PUFAs) in patients with chronic periodontitis compared to controls. However, the effect of periodontal treatment on LC- PUFA serum levels has not been investigated. The primary aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of periodontal treatment on LC- PUFA serum levels. A secondary aim was to assess the effect of dietary ω-3 supplementation on clinical outcome. Material and Methods The test group was composed of 10 patients with generalized chronic periodontitis (mean age 44 ± 6.4 years) treated with scaling and root planing associated with 4 mo of ω-3 supplementation eicosapetaenoic acid ( EPA) plus docosahexaenoic acid ( DHA), 3 g/d. The placebo group was composed of 11 patients (47.9 ± 10.5 years) that received scaling and root planing plus placebo. The periodontal examination included probing depth, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing and visible plaque index. Docosapentaenoic acid ( DPA), EPA, DHA and arachidonic acid ( AA) were detected using gas chromatograph. Results In the placebo group, all LC- PUFAs levels reduced significantly ( DHA, DPA and AA, p = 0.004; EPA, p = 0.008). In the test group, only DPA and AA showed a significant reduction ( p = 0.005). Moreover, a significant decrease in the ratios AA/ EPA and AA/ DHA ( p = 0.005) was observed in the test group. Conclusion Non-surgical periodontal treatment reduced significantly the serum levels of all analyzed LC- PUFAs except those presented in the supplementation. The ω-3 dietary supplementation had no effect on clinical outcome of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Vestibular Disorders Activities of Daily Living Scale (VADL) is considered an important subjective assessment to evaluate patients suffering from dizziness and imbalance. Although frequently used, its metric characteristics still require further investigation. Objective: This paper aims to analyze the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the VADL in an elderly population. Method: The sample comprises patients (≥65 years old) with chronic dizziness resulting from vestibular disorders. For discriminant analysis, patients were compared to healthy subjects. All subjects answered the VADL-Brazil by interview. To examine the VADL validity, patients filled out the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and the ABC scale and were tested on the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI). To evaluate the VADL responsiveness, 20 patients were submitted to rehabilitation. Results: Patients (n=140) had a VADL total score of 4.1±1.6 points. Healthy subjects scored significantly less than patients in all the subscales and in the VADL total score. The VADL-Brazil was weakly correlated with the DHI and moderately to the ABC scale and the DGI. Instead of the original 3 subscales, factor analysis resulted in 6 factors. The VADL was capable of detecting changes after rehabilitation, which means that the instrument has responsiveness. Conclusions: This study provided more data about the psychometric properties and usefulness of the VADL-Brazil. The use of such a reliable and valid instrument increases the knowledge about disability in patients with vestibular disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Evidence suggests that plasma retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) and insulin resistance are related to body fat (BF). We aimed to assess the relationship between RBP4 and insulin resistance with obesity in a mixed (skin color) cohort of the Brazilian population. Methods: A nested case-control study was conducted in 227 schoolchildren aged 7-14 years. Schoolchildren with a high BF percentage (% BF, ≥ 30 for girls and ≥ 25 for boys) were identified as the obese group ( n = 137), and those with lower values were identified as the non-obese group ( n = 90). Percentage of body fat (% BF) was determined by tetrapolar bioimpedance (Quantum II, RJL System), RBP4 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Immunology Consultants Laboratory), plasma fasting insulin by chemiluminescent immunoassay (Access Immunoassay System) and insulin resistance by the homeostasis model insulin resistance (IR) index. Serum lipid profile and arterial blood pressure were evaluated. Results: The significant independent risk factors associated with obesity were as follows: male sex, increased serum LDL-C, RBP4 and IR. Among children with higher RBP4, the association with obesity increased significantly (from 3.1 to 8.5) in the presence of insulin resistance, when compared to higher RBP4 and non-insulin resistance. Conclusion: IR and RBP4 showed significant associations with obesity and traditional CVD risk factors. They might therefore be used as a marker for CVD risk and have clinical implications in the development of comorbidities associated with obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: to evaluate the renal function of patients in an intensive care unit, to identify the predisposing factors for the development of renal failure, and to develop an algorithm to help in the control of the disease. Method: exploratory, descriptive, prospective study with a quantitative approach. Results: a total of 30 patients (75.0%) were diagnosed with kidney failure and the main factors associated with this disease were: advanced age, systemic arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, lung diseases, and antibiotic use. Of these, 23 patients (76.6%) showed a reduction in creatinine clearance in the first 24 hours of hospitalization. Conclusion: a decline in renal function was observed in a significant number of subjects, therefore, an algorithm was developed with the aim of helping in the control of renal failure in a practical and functional way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study was to identify the sociodemographic, clinical, and functional determinants of quality of life in elderly (older than 60 years) patients from a Psychosocial Care Center. The sample was randomly selected patients undergoing treatment at the center during the study period. Quality of life was assessed using the brief version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQOL-BREF) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment for older adults (WHOQOL-OLD). A total of 50 elderly individuals with a mean age of 67.5 ( SD = 5.72) years were included in the study. A hierarchical linear regression showed that clinical characteristics, such as severe symptoms of depression and a higher number of comorbidities, were related to lower quality of life. Better functional capacity and more frequent visits to the center were determinants of higher quality of life. These findings underscore the importance of assessing quality of life and of taking this variable into account when planning health interventions for elderly patients at a Psychosocial Care Center. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Paulista de Enfermagem is the property of Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Escola Paulista de Enfermagem 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.)

Copyright of Acta Paulista de Enfermagem is the property of Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Escola Paulista de Enfermagem 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.)

Objectives: To relate nutritional status with food acceptance by patients undergoing alveolar bone grafting and to elaborate an interdisciplinary instrument for data collection, involving nutrition and nursing teams. Design/Intervention: A prospective, longitudinal, and comparative study with a quantitative approach was conducted in a tertiary institutional hospital. The nutritional anthropometric evaluation was performed one day before surgery (M1) and at hospital discharge (M2), by measuring body mass index (BMI), triceps skinfold thickness (TST), subscapular skinfold thickness (SST), and arm muscle circumference (AMC). The interdisciplinary instrument for data collection was used. Patients: The sample comprised 150 patients, aged 10 to 20 years, of both genders, who agreed to participate in this study. Results: Most of patients were well-nourished during the study. There was correlation between BMI and Σ TST + SST at M1 and M2 (P < .0001) and between BMI and AMC (P < .0001). Concerning food acceptance, 145 patients had adequate intake and 5 did not. Comparisons between the groups of patients revealed decreases in values for BMI, Σ TST-F SST, and AMC from -0.37, 0.0, and 0.3, respectively, at M1 to -0.71, -3.0, and 0.0, respectively, at M2. BMI and AMC showed similar decreases in both groups. Conclusions: The interdisciplinary instrument was useful and appropriate for associating nutritional status with food acceptance, adding value for teamwork. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]