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Background: The effects of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on the lung parenchyma of patients with COPD, to our knowledge, have never been assessed by high-resolution CT (HRCT) scanning.Methods: HRCT scans were obtained at the apex, hilum, and basis of the lungs at functional residual capacity while on spontaneous respiration and at the end of CPAP trials of 5 cm water (H(2)O), 10 cm H(2)O, and 15 cm H(2)O in 11 stable patients with COPD and eight healthy volunteers. Lung aeration was assessed by quantitative density parameters and by qualitative analysis of each CT image after processing by means of a density-based color-mask computational algorithm. The quantitative parameters were density histograms, the relative area of the lungs with attenuation values < -950 Hounsfield units (percentage of hyperaerated areas) and the 15th percentile (the density value separating the 15% voxels of least density).Results: A CPAP of 5 cm H(2)O caused little increase in lung aeration in both groups, but in some patients with COPD, CPAP deflated some regions of the lungs. CPAP levels of 10 cm H(2)O and 15 cm H(2)O increased the emphysematous zones in all sectors of the lungs, including dorsal and apical regions in patients with COPD compared to little hyperaeration predominantly in the ventral areas in healthy volunteers.Conclusions: Nasal CPAP causes variable effects on regional lung aeration in relation to the applied pressure and the regional distribution of emphysema in patients with COPD. Low pressure levels may cause regional lung deflation in some patients. High levels increase the emphysematous areas wherever they are located inside the lungs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aedes aegypti is a cosmopolitan vector for arboviruses dengue, Zika and chikungunya, disseminated in all Brazilian states. The Eco-Bio-Social (EBS) strategy is vital in Aedes aegypti control as it mobilizes stakeholders (government, professionals, society, and academics) to promote healthy environments. This paper describes the rationale and methods of expanding the EBS strategy for Aedes aegypti control in Fortaleza, Northeast Brazil. A cluster, non-randomized controlled clinical trial was developed to analyze the strategy's effectiveness in vulnerable territories (high incidence of dengue and violent deaths; low HDI; substandard urban infrastructure, high population density, and water scarcity). We selected two intervention and two control groups, resulting in a sample of approximately 16,000 properties. The intervention consisted of environmental management by sealing large elevated water tanks, introduction of beta fish in waterholes, elimination of potential breeding sites, and mobilization and training of schoolchildren, endemic disease workers, health workers, social mobilizers, and community leaders; community surveillance of arboviruses; construction and validation of a booklet for the prevention of arboviruses in pregnant women. We analyzed the costs of arboviruses to government and households, the intervention cost-effectiveness, chikungunya's chronicity, and acceptance, sustainability, and governance of vector control actions. The primary outcome (infestation) was analyzed using the house, container, and Breteau indices. We hope that this study will help us understand how to scale up strategies to fight Aedes aegypti in vulnerable areas.

Background: Delirium is a common complication after cardiac surgery in older adult patients. However, risk factors and the influence of delirium on patient outcomes are not well established. We aimed to determine the incidence, predisposing and triggering factors of delirium following cardiac surgery., Methods: One hundred seventy-three consecutive patients aged ≥60 years were studied. Patients' characteristics and two cognitive function assessment tests were recorded preoperatively. Perioperative variables were blood transfusion, orotracheal intubation time (OIT), renal dysfunction, and hypoxemia. Delirium was assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit. The composite outcome consisted of death, infection, and perioperative myocardial infarction until hospital discharge or 30 days after surgery, and for up to 18 months., Results: One hundred six patients (61.27%) were men and the age was 69.5 ± 5.8 years. EuroSCORE II index was 4.06 ± 3.86. Hypertension was present in 75.14%, diabetes in 39.88%, and 30.06% were illiterate. Delirium occurred in 59 patients (34.1%). Education level (OR 0.81, 0.71-0.92), hypertension (OR 2.73, 1.16-6.40), and mitral valve disease (OR 2.93, 1.32-6.50) were independent predisposing factors for delirium, and atrial fibrillation after surgery (OR 2.49, 1.20-5.20) represented the potential triggering factor. Delirium (OR 2.35, 1.20-4.58) and OIT ≥ 900 min (OR 2.50; 1.30-4.80) were independently associated with the composite outcome., Conclusions: In older adult patients submitted to cardiac surgery, delirium is a frequent complication that is associated with worst outcome. Independent risk factors for delirium included education level, hypertension, mitral valve disease, and atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery.

Objectives: Post-transplantation hypertension is prevalent and is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and subsequent graft dysfunction. The present study aimed to identify the factors associated with arterial stiffness as measured by the ambulatory arterial stiffness index., Methods: The current study used a prospective, observational, analytical design to evaluate a group of adult heart transplantation patients. Arterial stiffness was obtained by monitoring ambulatory blood pressure and using the ambulatory arterial stiffness index as the surrogate outcome. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to control confounding., Results: In a group of 85 adult heart transplantation patients, hypertension was independently associated with arterial stiffness (OR 4.98, CI 95% 1.06-23.4) as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure averages and nighttime descent., Conclusions: Measurement of ambulatory arterial stiffness index is a new, non-invasive method that is easy to perform, may contribute to better defining arterial stiffness prognosis and is associated with hypertension., Competing Interests: No potential conflict of interest was reported.

Background: Recent studies have reported that peripheral neuropathy (PN) is common in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and raised the possibility that levodopa neurotoxicity is the main culprit., Methods: We evaluated the presence of large & small (autonomic) fiber PN in 54 consecutive patients with PD or parkinsonism in a tertiary outpatient clinic from Brazil. Initial PN screening consisted of history/neurological exam and skin wrinkling test (SWT). In addition, we also performed Nerve conduction studies/Electromyography (NCS/EMG) in all patients with PN signs/symptoms and/or abnormal SWT., Results: Thirty eight patients with PD (10 women, mean age: 63 ± 2.1 years, P < 0.05 versus parkinsonism, mean disease duration: 8 ± 0.8 years) and 16 patients with other forms of parkinsonism [7 women, mean age: 50.1 ± 3.9 years, mean disease duration: 6.9 ± 1.1 years] completed clinical neuromuscular evaluation. SWT was performed in 48 patients (33 PD, 15 parkinsonism). In the PD group, SWT was abnormal in 57.6% of the tested patients (comprising 50% of all PD patients). In the parkinsonism group, SWT was abnormal in 37.5% (comprising 35.3% of all parkinsonism patients). NCS/EMG was performed in 39 patients (26 PD and 13 parkinsonism). Twelve out of the 26 PD (34.2% of all PD) and 4 out of the 13 parkinsonism (23.5% of all parkinsonism) had abnormal NCS/EMG results. Neuropathy prevalence was similar in PD and parkinsonism groups as detected either by NCS/EMG or SWT., Conclusions: Large fiber and small (autonomic) fiber PN are common in patients with PD and parkinsonism. The etiology for the neuropathy was likely to be multifactorial and may be secondary to PD itself.

Electroacupuncture (EA) has been used to treat many diseases, including heart failure (HF). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of chronic stimulation in the ST36 acupuncture point on haemodynamic parameters and baroreflex function in rats with HF. Cardiovascular parameters assessed were heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and the reflex cardiovascular response of HR triggered by stimulation of baroreceptors in animals with HF subsequent to acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: Sham Control - animals without HF and without EA; HF Control group - animals with HF and without EA; and HF EA group - animals with HF that received the EA protocol. Six weeks after surgical induction of AMI, the EA protocol (8 weeks, 5 times a week) was performed. The protocol was applied with EA at the ST36 point, frequency of 2 Hz, pulse of 0.3 ms and intensity of 1-3 mA for 30 min. Haemodynamic parameters and baroreceptor function were assessed. There was no difference between groups in the variables HR, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), which were evaluated with awake animals (p>0.05). There was an increase in the mean arterial pressure (MAP) in the HF EA group compared to the HF Control group (p<0.05). The maximum gain of the baroreflex heart rate response (Gain) was higher in the HF EA group than the HF Control and Sham Control groups. Chronic EA in the ST36 point increased the MAP and baroreflex sensitivity in rats with HF., (Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Background: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is the recommended treatment by leading global guidelines. However, 30%-40% of selected patients are non-responders., Objective: To develop an echocardiographic model to predict cardiac death or transplantation (Tx) 1 year after CRT., Method: Observational, prospective study, with the inclusion of 116 patients, aged 64.89 ± 11.18 years, 69.8% male, 68,1% in NYHA FC III and 31,9% in FC IV, 71.55% with left bundle-branch block, and median ejection fraction (EF) of 29%. Evaluations were made in the pre‑implantation period and 6-12 months after that, and correlated with cardiac mortality/Tx at the end of follow-up. Cox and logistic regression analyses were performed with ROC and Kaplan-Meier curves. The model was internally validated by bootstrapping., Results: There were 29 (25%) deaths/Tx during follow-up of 34.09 ± 17.9 months. Cardiac mortality/Tx was 16.3%. In the multivariate Cox model, EF < 30%, grade III/IV diastolic dysfunction and grade III mitral regurgitation at 6‑12 months were independently related to increased cardiac mortality or Tx, with hazard ratios of 3.1, 4.63 and 7.11, respectively. The area under the ROC curve was 0.78., Conclusion: EF lower than 30%, severe diastolic dysfunction and severe mitral regurgitation indicate poor prognosis 1 year after CRT. The combination of two of those variables indicate the need for other treatment options.

Background: 30-40% of cardiac resynchronization therapy cases do not achieve favorable outcomes., Objective: This study aimed to develop predictive models for the combined endpoint of cardiac death and transplantation (Tx) at different stages of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)., Methods: Prospective observational study of 116 patients aged 64.8 ± 11.1 years, 68.1% of whom had functional class (FC) III and 31.9% had ambulatory class IV. Clinical, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic variables were assessed by using Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier curves., Results: The cardiac mortality/Tx rate was 16.3% during the follow-up period of 34.0 ± 17.9 months. Prior to implantation, right ventricular dysfunction (RVD), ejection fraction < 25% and use of high doses of diuretics (HDD) increased the risk of cardiac death and Tx by 3.9-, 4.8-, and 5.9-fold, respectively. In the first year after CRT, RVD, HDD and hospitalization due to congestive heart failure increased the risk of death at hazard ratios of 3.5, 5.3, and 12.5, respectively. In the second year after CRT, RVD and FC III/IV were significant risk factors of mortality in the multivariate Cox model. The accuracy rates of the models were 84.6% at preimplantation, 93% in the first year after CRT, and 90.5% in the second year after CRT. The models were validated by bootstrapping., Conclusion: We developed predictive models of cardiac death and Tx at different stages of CRT based on the analysis of simple and easily obtainable clinical and echocardiographic variables. The models showed good accuracy and adjustment, were validated internally, and are useful in the selection, monitoring and counseling of patients indicated for CRT.

Introduction: the H. pylori infection affects more than half of humanity, being a public health problem. Its prevalence is significantly higher in developing countries like Brazil. It has been suggested that H. pylori infection may influence the intake and caloric homeostasis., Purpose: to compare nutritional status and food intake of patients attended by National Health System, with and without H. pylori infection., Methods: 140 patients were assessed. They performed upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to investigate the presence of H. pylori. Body weight and height of the patients were measured. Food intake was investigated through two 24-hour recalls, with data transformed in grams and analyzed in DietWin Professional 2.0 software. The findings were compared using the chi-square test or Student's t-test, adopting p < 0.05 as significance level., Results: there was predominance of patients with excess weight for both Hp - (60.3%) and Hp + (67.7%), with no difference between them. Food intake of assessed groups was similar., Conclusion: no differences were found in nutritional status and food intake between the two studied groups., (Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.)

Aim: Aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between endothelial dysfunction, evaluated through flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery, and preeclampsia., Methods: A case-control prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 81 pregnant women of between 20 and 39 weeks and 5 days, among whom 40 had preeclampsia and 41 were controls. The right brachial artery was identified using color Doppler, between 2 and 5 cm above the cubital fold. The diameter of the brachial artery was measured by calculating the distance between the proximal and distal intima (D1) during diastoles. Ischemia was caused for five minutes and the artery measurement was repeated 60 seconds after ending the compression (D2), during diastoles. The FMD (%) was calculated through the equation: (D2-D1)/D1 × 100. The association between independent variables and the presence of preeclampsia was estimated through odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI)., Results: Seventy-five percent of the pregnant women with preeclampsia and 26.8% of the normotensive women presented reduction in the diameter of the brachial artery (OR = 8.18; 95% CI: 2.74-25.04) (P = 0.000). A greater proportion of the pregnant women with pre-eclampsia (42.1% vs. 14.3%) had a history of a mother with hypertension during pregnancy (OR = 4.36; 95% CI: 0.89-23.51) (P = 0.045)., Conclusion: We identified an association between endothelial dysfunction, evaluated through FMD of the brachial artery, and preeclampsia.

Objective: To evaluate the total activity performed by women with low-risk pregnancy as well as translate and pursue a cross-cultural adaptation of the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) to the Brazilian reality., Design: We conducted a cross-sectional quantitative study including 305 women between 16 and 40 years of age with low-risk pregnancies., Setting: The Department of Public Health, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil., Methods: We applied an adapted version of PPAQ to assess the levels of physical activity and the intensity in the metabolic equivalent task (MET), which could be distinguished as follows: sedentary (< 1.5 METs), light (1.5-3.0 METs), moderate activity (3.0-6.0 METs), and vigorous activity (>6.0 METs). The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare energy expenditure (MET) with socio-demographic variables., Results: More than half of the participants performed activities that were classified as light (51.4%). If we group the activities that were categorized as sedentary and light, this value increases to 74.7%, showing a high prevalence of insufficiently active pregnant women. Lower energy expenditure was observed in the third gestational trimester among pregnant women with lower educational level, single women, and mixed-race women (p < 0.05)., Conclusion: There is a prevalence of physical inactivity during the three trimesters of pregnancy. The results validate PPAQ for the Brazilian population to serve as a basis for future public policies focused on combating the health problems of mother-infant pairs.

The pathophysiological mechanisms of arterial hypertension during hemodialysis (HD) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are still poorly understood. The aim of this study is to investigate physiological, cardiovascular and neuroendocrine changes in patients with ESRD and its correlation with changes in blood pressure (BP) during the HD session. The present study included 21 patients with ESRD undergoing chronic HD treatment. Group A (study) consisted of patients who had BP increase and group B (control) consisted of those who had BP reduction during HD session. Echocardiograms were performed during the HD session to evaluate cardiac output (CO) and systemic vascular resistance (SVR). Before and after the HD session, blood samples were collected to measure brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), catecholamines, endothelin-1 (ET-1), nitric oxide (NO), electrolytes, hematocrit, albumin and nitrogen substances. The mean age of the studied patients was 43 ± 4.9 years, and 54.6% were males. SVR significantly increased in group A (P<0.001). There were no differences in the values of BNP, NO, adrenalin, dopamin and noradrenalin, before and after dialysis, between the two groups. The mean value of ET-1, post HD, was 25.9 pg ml(-1) in group A and 13.3 pg ml(-1) in group B (P = < 0.001). Patients with ESRD showed different hemodynamic patterns during the HD session, with significant BP increase in group A, caused by an increase in SVR possibly due to endothelial dysfunction, evidenced by an increase in serum ET-1 levels.

Objective: To evaluate the pulmonary function in high-risk pregnant women., Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study on 60 pregnant women, of whom 30 were high-risk and 30 were low-risk cases, with gestational age ≥28 weeks. For the high-risk group, preeclampsia and/or gestational diabetes were the conditions taken into consideration. To evaluate pulmonary function, the following parameters were assessed: forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), Tiffeneau index (FVC/FEV1) and forced expiratory flow (FEF25-75%). Fisher's exact test or the chi-square test was used to analyze the variables., Results: There were no statistical differences in the pulmonary function parameters according to gestational age (p > 0.05). Similarly, there were no statistical differences in the pulmonary function tests for the variables of smoking habit, birth weight, Apgar index, duration of gestation, childbirth type and need for the newborn to go to the intensive care unit (p > 0.05). For the pregnant women with preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, only FEF25-75% presented statistical significance (p = 0.01 and 0.034, respectively)., Conclusion: In high-risk pregnant women, pulmonary function suffered alterations characterized by limitations regarding airflow through the airways, although without repercussions on gestational outcome.

Background: This study intended to implement a novel intervention strategy, in Brazil, using an ecohealth approach and analyse its effectiveness and costs in reducing Aedes aegypti vector density as well as its acceptance, feasibility and sustainability. The intervention was conducted from 2012 to 2013 in the municipality of Fortaleza, northeast Brazil., Methodology: A cluster randomized controlled trial was designed by comparing ten intervention clusters with ten control clusters where routine vector control activities were conducted. The intervention included: community workshops; community involvement in clean-up campaigns; covering the elevated containers and in-house rubbish disposal without larviciding; mobilization of schoolchildren and senior inhabitants; and distribution of information, education and communication (IEC) materials in the community., Results: Differences in terms of social participation, commitment and leadership were present in the clusters. The results showed the effectiveness of the intervention package in comparison with the routine control programme. Differences regarding the costs of the intervention were reasonable and could be adopted by public health services., Conclusions: Embedding social participation and environmental management for improved dengue vector control was feasible and significantly reduced vector densities. Such a participatory ecohealth approach offers a promising alternative to routine vector control measures., (© The author 2015. The World Health Organization has granted Oxford University Press permission for the reproduction of this article.)

A modified imprint method, Press-Imprint-Smear, was compared with histopathology for the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Amastigotes were seen in 69 (92%) of 75 individuals in one or both assays. The Press-Imprint-Smear was positive in 85.3%, and histopathology was positive in 44%. Press-Imprint-Smear is a rapid and relatively sensitive method for the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis., (© The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.)

Objective: To evaluate combinations of larvicides and fish which are predators of larvae of Aedes aegypti, namely Betta splendens, Trichogaster trichopterus and Poecilia reticulata., Methods: We used 15 water tanks with a capacity of 250 litres of water. In 10 tanks, larvicide - Temephos, Bti and Novaluron - was added, the other five contained only one specimen of fish and unchlorinated water. The fish were monitored for a week without changing the water, and their survival recorded on a form. An estimate of the Kaplan-Meier survival was performed to determine the significance of the tests., Results: Betta splendens showed the lowest mortality range of larvicides tested., Conclusion: Combined use of larvivorous fish and larvicides in large water tanks is feasible., (© 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: A coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR)≥2 is adequate to infer a favorable prognosis or the absence of significant coronary artery disease., Objective: To identify parameters which are relevant to obtain CFVR (adequate or inadequate) in the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) during dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE)., Methods: 100 patients referred for detection of myocardial ischemia by DSE were evaluated; they were instructed to discontinue the use of β-blockers 72 hours prior to the test. CFVR was calculated as a ratio of the diastolic peak velocity (cm/s) (DPV) on DSE (DPV-DSE) to baseline DPV at rest (DPV-Rest). In group I, CFVR was <2 and, in group II, CFVR was ≥2. The Fisher's exact test and Student's t test were used for the statistical analyses. P values<0.05 were considered statistically significant., Results: At rest, the time (in seconds) to obtain Doppler in LAD in groups I and II was not different (53±31 vs. 45±32; p=0.23). During DSE, LAD was recorded in 92 patients. Group I patients were older (65.9±9.3 vs. 61.2±10.8 years; p=0.04), had lower ejection fraction (61±10 vs. 66±6%; p=0.005), higher DPV-Rest (36.81±08 vs. 25.63±06 cm/s; p<0.0001) and lower CFVR (1.67±0.24 vs. 2.53±0.57; p<0.0001), but no difference was observed regarding DPVDSE (61.40±16 vs. 64.23±16 cm/s; p=0.42). β-blocker discontinuation was associated with a 4-fold higher chance of a CFVR<2 (OR= 4; 95% CI [1.171-13.63], p=0.027)., Conclusion: DPV-Rest was the main parameter to determine an adequate CFVR. β-blocker discontinuation was significantly associated with inadequate CFVR. The high feasibility and the time to record the LAD corroborate the use of this methodology.

Introduction: In the district of Sobral, for the decade of 2000 at the same time that political measures were implanted towards the decrease of children mortality, discussions have begun about health and educations conditions, as well as life quality of children aged between 5 and 9, which is an age group of lesser vulnerability as far as health goes, although of major importance in the development of healthy habits and for the child's development itself., Objective: Based on such scenario, it was set up a cohort of children aged between 5 and 9 and residents of the urban area of the district in order to study health and education conditions and quality of life which are essential for the future of these children in light of the Social Determinants of Health., Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with a cohort of children born from 1990 to 1994, home interviews, clinical evaluation and lab exams. The structure for the development of the research was elaborated based on the model of attention towards the health of Family Health Strategy. In this report, the results of such home interviews shall be presented in regards to socio-demographic and environmental conditions in general, with a more detailed analysis of life styles, educational levels, child labor, nutrition and the use of health services by children.

Purpose: To evaluate the maternal risk factors that require newborn assistance in neonatal Intensive Care Units (ICU)., Methods: A prospective observational case-control study was conducted on 222 pregnant women (1:1 case-control ratio) attended at a public maternity. The following variables were analyzed in the puerperae: age at menarche, age at first sexual intercourse, history of chronic diseases, habits, prenatal care, obstetric history, clinical complications during pregnancy and childbirth, and sociodemographic variables. The variables of the newborns were: Apgar scores, gestational age, birth weight, presence or absence of malformation, need for resuscitation, and complications during the first 24 hours. Proportions were compared using the Fisher exact test or the Person γ2 test. Multivariable models were developed by logistic regression analysis using adjusted Odds Ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI)., Results: Regarding reproductive history, ≥3 pregnancies and 2 or 3 previous cesareans were sytatistically significant (p=0.0 and 0.0, respectively). Among the complications that required assistance in the neonatal ICU, prematurity was responsible for 61 cases (55.5%), followed by risk of intrapartum infection in 46 cases (41.8%). Regarding the maternal history, the presence of hypertensive disease showed statistical significance (p=0.0). Premature rupture of membranes was strongly associated with the need for the neonatal ICU (Odds Ratio - OR=6.1, 95%CI 2.6-14.4)., Conclusions: Premature rupture of membranes and hypertensive disease should receive special attention in prenatal care due to their strong association with newborns requiring assistance in the neonatal ICU.

Introduction: The Brazilian National Health System may reduce inequalities in access to health services through strategies that can reach those most in need with no access to care services., Objective: To identify factors associated with the use of health service by children aged 5 to 9 years in the city of Sobral, Ceará, northeastern Brazil., Results: Only 558 (17.0%) children used health care services in the 30 days preceding this survey. Children with any health condition (OR = 3.90) who were frequent attenders of primary care strategy of organization (the Family Health Strategy, FHS) (OR = 1.81) and living in the city's urban area (OR = 1.51) were more likely to use health services. Almost 80% of children used FHS as their referral care service. Children from poorer families and with easier access to services were more likely to be FHS users., Conclusion: The study showed that access to health services has been relatively equitable through the FHS, a point of entry to the local health system.

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery and to identify risk factors associated with the disease spectrum., Methods: Liver biopsy was performed in 60 patients who underwent bariatric surgery, after other causes of liver disease were excluded. Clinical, biochemical and histological features were evaluated., Results: NAFLD was detected in fifty-seven patients (95%) of the sample and forty patients (66.7%) of the total sample met the criteria for NASH. Perisinusoidal fibrosis was only found in three (7.5%) patients with NASH. The γGT was an independent predictive factor associated with the degree of hepatic steatosis. The variables such as dyslipidemia and ALT were independently associated with the presence of Mallory's corpuscles with the following values, respectively, OR 0, 05, 95% CI 0.002 to 0.75, P = 0.031 and OR 10, 99, 95% CI 1.44 to 83.93, P = 0.021., Conclusions: Non alcoholic fatty liver disease seems to be an obese-related condition with approximately half of asymptomatic morbidly obese patients having histological NASH. The γGT was an independent predictor of the degree of steatosis.

Medications, alcohol and smoking can cause fetal damage. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 326 mothers of the Fortaleza General Hospital to evaluate the use of drugs, alcohol and smoking during pregnancy and its relation to teratogenic potential in different population characteristics, between 2006 and 2007. Postpartum women who had their babies in the research site were included and those whose babies were not admitted as hospital inpatients were excluded. Chi-square tests and t-tests were used in the analysis, with a p value <0.05 considered significant. 96.6% of the mothers took medications (2.8 drugs/ pregnancy) and self-medication occurred in 11.3% of the cases. Single women took more drugs with high teratogenic potential (p=0.037). 11 cases of fetal malformation were observed, five of them were exposed to high teratogenic risks. Smoking occurred in 11.3% and alcohol use in 16%. Being single was found to be a risk factor for exposure to high teratogenic potential. Quality of prenatal care and other sociodemographic variables weren't related to exposure to teratogenic risks.

Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The present study was undertaken to identify the main cardiovascular diseases and their risk factors in 160 patients with ESRD on hemodialysis (HD) in Brazil. Their mean age was 47 ± 39 years. The main risk factors for cardiovascular diseases were arterial hypertension (89.4%), dyslipidemia (78.3%), low high-density lipoprotein levels (84.2%) and low physical activity (64.1%). Family history of coronary insufficiency and high low-density lipoprotein levels were significantly associated with coronary artery disease (P = 0.005 and P = 0.029, respectively). Sedentary life style, diabetes mellitus, secondary hyperparathyroidism and hyperglycemia also showed a significant association with the underlying vascular disease (P = 0.017, P = 0.039, P = 0.037 and P = 0.030, respectively). Hypercalcemia, hypertension and black race were factors significantly associated with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (P = 0.01, P = 0.0013 and P = 0.024, respectively). Our study shows that the most prevalent cardiovascular diseases in patients with ESRD were left ventricular hypertrophy, atherosclerotic disease, valvular disease and coronary artery disease. Hypertension and dyslipidemia were the common risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases. The present study was undertaken to identify the main cardiovascular diseases and their risk factors in 160 patients with ESRD on HD in a single center in Brazil.

Objective: The role of religious involvement in mental health has been increasingly investigated in psychiatric research; however, there is a shortage of scales on religiousness in Portuguese. The present study aimed to develop and validate a brief instrument to assess intrinsic religiosity (Intrinsic Religiousness Inventory - IRI) in two Brazilian samples., Method: The initial version was based on literature review and experts' suggestions. University students (sample 1; n = 323) and psychiatric patients (sample 2; n = 102) completed the Duke Religiosity Index (DUREL), the IRI, an instrument of spirituality measurement (WHOQOL-SRPB), as well as measurements of anxiety and depressive symptoms., Results: The IRI showed adequate internal consistence reliability in sample 1 (Cronbach's α = 0.96; 95% CI; 0.95-0.97) and sample 2 (α = 0.96; 95% CI; 0.95-0.97). The IRI main component analyses indicated a single factor, which explained 73.7% and 74.9% of variance in samples 1 and 2, respectively. Strong correlations between IRI and intrinsic subscale of the DUREL were observed (Spearman's r ranging from 0.87 to 0.73 in samples 1 and 2, respectively, p < 0.001). The IRI showed good test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients > 0.70)., Conclusion: These data indicate that the IRI is a valid instrument and may contribute to study intrinsic religiosity in Brazilian samples.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of multidisciplinary pulmonary rehabilitation program on cognitive function in COPD patients, adjusting for potential confounders (gender, age, tobacco consumption, and educational level). In this prospective study, 34 COPD patients were submitted to neuropsychological testing before and after a 3-month pulmonary rehabilitation program. A control group with 18 healthy subjects of similar age, sex, and educational status was used to compare the cognitive function of COPD patients and healthy subjects at baseline. The association between the rehabilitation and change on th scores of cognitive variables, adjusted for each covariate, was estimated by means of linear random-intercept regression models. At baseline, the COPD patients had worse cognitive function with regard to verbal learning, memory, subjective organization, and verbal processing in comparison to the healthy volunteers. The improvement in cognitive performance by the COPD patients was evidenced even after adjusting for the sociodemographic factors that could potentially interfere on cognitive function. Male gender and age less than 65 years old were associated to higher scores in verbal learning and memory at baseline and after the rehabilitation program. The clinical approach to COPD-induced cognitive dysfunction should include participation in pulmonary rehabilitation programs. There were gender- and age-related differences in cognitive scores that persisted after rehabilitation.

One of the clinical forms of Hansen's disease is silent neuropathy, which consists of progressive nerve damage in the absence of pain and hypersensitivity to palpation. This study estimated the proportion of silent neuropathy and associated factors. A cross-sectional study was performed in Fortaleza, Ceará State, Brazil. Patients were asked about the presence of decreased sensation involving touch, heat, pain, and numbness. Nerves were palpated to identify thickness, abscess, and pain. Lymph samples were drawn for parasitological tests. Strength of voluntary muscles in the feet and hands was evaluated. The sensitivity of specific points on the feet and hands was measured using Semmes-Weinstein monofilament. The sample included 233 patients. The proportion of silent neuropathy was 5.6% (95%CI: 3.0-9.4), and factors significantly associated with silent neuropathy were: age (p = 0.011) and disability (p < 0.000). These results will help identify cases of silent neuropathy, targeting patients at higher risk.

Background: The physiopathology of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), a severe form of Dengue Fever, is poorly understood. We are unable to identify patients likely to progress to DHF for closer monitoring and early intervention during epidemics, so most cases are sent home. This study explored whether patients with selected co-morbidities are at higher risk of developing DHF., Methods: A matched case-control study was conducted in a dengue sero-positive population in two Brazilian cities. For each case of DHF, 7 sero-positive controls were selected. Cases and controls were interviewed and information collected on demographic and socio-economic status, reported co-morbidities (diabetes, hypertension, allergy) and use of medication. Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate the strength of the association between the co-morbidities and occurrence of DHF., Results: 170 cases of DHF and 1,175 controls were included. Significant associations were found between DHF and white ethnicity (OR = 4.70; 2.17-10.20), high income (OR = 6.84; 4.09-11.43), high education (OR = 4.67; 2.35-9.27), reported diabetes (OR = 2.75; 1.12-6.73) and reported allergy treated with steroids (OR = 2.94; 1.01-8.54). Black individuals who reported being treated for hypertension had 13 times higher risk of DHF then black individuals reporting no hypertension., Conclusions: This is the first study to find an association between DHF and diabetes, allergy and hypertension. Given the high case fatality rate of DHF (1-5%), we believe that the evidence produced in this study, when confirmed in other studies, suggests that screening criteria might be used to identify adult patients at a greater risk of developing DHF with a recommendation that they remain under observation and monitoring in hospital.

This study was carried out to evaluate the residual effect of three larvicides under laboratory conditions for 100 days in Aedes aegypti. The larval mortality rate was measured without water renewal or with daily water renewal (80%). With temephos, there was 100% mortality in both groups until the 70th day. In the Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti)-WDG test, there was no difference during the first 20 days. With Bti-G, without water renewal, mortality was sustained above 90% for up to 35 days. The second experiment (with water renewal) reduced the mortality to below 90% after the first 20 days. When renewed water was provided, the residual effect was significantly lower for all larvicides.

Background: The aim of the present study was to determine the validity of the Brazilian version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) with 30 (GDS-30), 15 (GDS-15), 10 (GDS-10), 4 (GDS-4) and 1 (GDS-1) items and to calculate the optimum cutoff points for identifying depression among elderly primary care subjects., Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 220 elderly patients recruited from four primary care clinics in northeastern Brazil. The following measurements were obtained: sociodemographic variables, Katz scale of independence in activities of daily living, and the GDS with 30, 15, 10, 4 and 1 item(s). A psychiatrist blinded to the results of the GDS applied the mood module of the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-IV for the diagnosis of major depressive episodes as the "gold standard.", Results: The use of the cut-off point of 10/11 for the GDS-30 produced sensitivity and specificity rates of 92.0% (95% CI: 70-98) and 79% (95% CI: 73-85), respectively. The positive predictive value (PPV) and the negative predictive value (NPV) were 49% and 98%, respectively. The optimum cut-off point for the GDS-15 was 4/5, at which sensitivity was 87% (95% CI: 71-95) and specificity was 82% (95% CI: 76-91), PPV was 51% and NPV was 97%. At the cut-off point of 3/4 the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for the GDS-10 were 76% (95% CI: 60-89), 81% (95% CI: 75-87), 46% (95% CI: 33-59%), and 94% (95% CI 89-97%), respectively. The optimum cut-off point for the GDS-4 was 0/1, at which sensitivity was 84% (95% CI: 68-93%); specificity was 75% (95% CI; 68-91%); PPV was 41% and NPV was 96%. For the GDS-1, sensitivity was 47%, specificity was 96%; PPV was 69% and NPV was 90%., Conclusions: The GDS-30, GDS-15, GDS-10 and GDS-4 proved to be good screening instruments for depression in primary care clinics in Brazil, whereas the GDS-1 failed to perform adequately.

The objective of this study is to investigate how blood pressure is measured in different outpatient clinics. This is a retrospective study performed with 1,000 patients, randomly selected among patients followed in different outpatient clinics in Fortaleza, Brazil. Among the 1,000 patients, 962 had available records. The older the patient, the greater the possibility of having had blood pressure measured. In subsequent visits, blood pressure was measured more often than in the first visits. Blood pressure was measured more often among patients with chronic disease. The specialty with the highest proportion of blood pressure measurement was cardiology (85%). At the surgery, dermatology and traumatology clinics, blood pressure was measured in less than 5% of visits, and at the ophthalmology, sexually transmitted diseases, psychiatry, proctology and otolaryngology clinics, blood pressure was not measured in any visit. Cardiology, endocrinology, nephrology, geriatrics and internal medicine were the specialties where blood pressure was more frequently measured. It is important to measure blood pressure in any medical specialty in order to give early diagnosis of hypertension and provide adequate blood pressure control., (Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

The presence of pathogens or predators in water may alter oviposition behaviour of gravid female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. We evaluated the oviposition behaviour of A. aegypti in recipients containing larvivorous fish (Betta splendens and Poecilia reticulata). In four breeders, fish specimens were placed in 15 l of dechlorined water. Four control breeders only contained dechlorined water. Breeders with eucatex ovitraps and approximately 100 male and female mosquitoes were placed in wire netting cages. During a period of 7 weeks, eggs on the ovitraps were counted weekly. The median number of eggs laid in recipients with B. splendens (32.5/week) was lower than in those with P. reticulata (200.5/week) and the control group (186.5/week; P < 0.0001). The oviposition activity index (OAI) for P. reticulata did not show any considerable difference between posture in deposits with and without fish (-0005). Deposits with B. splendens showed a lower position than those used as controls (-0627). We conclude that B. splendens can be used to effectively prevent gravid A. aegypti females from laying eggs in large water containers.

The two fish species Betta splendens (Regan) and Poecilia reticulata (Peters) are known predators of Aedes aegypti (L., 1762) larvae. Both species have been used for biological control in northeastern Brazil. However, the feasibility of these fish for the control of Ae. aegypti larvae in domestic containers may be limited by their survival in chlorinated water, as supplied by the public water system. We exposed fish to three different concentrations of chlorine: 1, 1.5, and 2.0 mg/liter. All B. splendens survived at 1.0 mg/liter chlorine concentration; 72.5 and 39.3% of B. splendens survived chlorine concentrations of 1.5 and 2.0 mg/liter, respectively. In contrast, only 4.4% of P. reticulata survived at a chlorine concentration of 1.0 mg/liter. We conclude that B. splendens may be an appropriate species for biological control of Ae. aegypti in domestic water tanks.

Objective: Failure of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) has been associated with short-term adverse effects related to the use of masks. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence, type and intensity of adverse effects, as well as the comfort, of total face masks (TFMs), facial masks (FMs) and nasal masks (NMs) during NIV., Methods: This was a randomized crossover trial involving 24 healthy volunteers submitted to six sessions of NIV in bilevel positive airway pressure mode using the TFM, FM and NM masks at low and moderate-to-high pressure levels. A written questionnaire was applied in order to evaluate eleven specific adverse effects related to the use of the masks. Comfort was assessed using a visual analog scale. The CO2 exhaled into the ventilator circuit was measured between the mask and the exhalation port., Results: The performance of the TFM was similar to that of the NM and FM in terms of comfort scores. Higher pressure levels reduced comfort and increased adverse effects, regardless of the mask type. When the TFM was used, there were fewer air leaks and less pain at the nose bridge, although there was greater oronasal dryness and claustrophobia. Air leaks were most pronounced when the FM was used. The partial pressure of exhaled CO2 entering the ventilator circuit was zero for the TFM., Conclusions: The short-term adverse effects caused by NIV interfaces are related to mask type and pressure settings. The TFM is a reliable alternative to the NM and FM. Rebreathing of CO2 from the circuit is less likely to occur when a TFM is used.

Despite increased vector control efforts, dengue fever remains endemic in Fortaleza, Northeast Brazil, where sporadic epidemic outbreaks have occurred since 1986. Multiple factors affect vector ecology such as social policy, migration, urbanization, city water supply, garbage disposal and housing conditions, as well as community level understanding of the disease and related practices. This descriptive study used a multi-disciplinary approach that bridged anthropology and entomology. A multiple case study design was adopted to include research in six study areas, defined as blocks. The water supply is irregular in households from both under-privileged and privileged areas, however, clear differences exist. In the more privileged blocks, several homes are not connected to the public water system, but have a well and pump system and therefore irregularity of supply does not affect them. In households from under-privileged blocks, where the water supply is irregular, the frequent use of water containers such as water tanks, cisterns, barrels and pots, creates environmental conditions with a greater number of breeding areas. In under-privileged homes, there are more possible breeding areas and environmental conditions that may improve the chances of Aedes aegypti survival.

Purpose: to evaluate factors associated with women's dyslipidemia during menopause., Methods: case-control study of prevalent cases and controls selected from a dedicated outpatient clinic. From recent biochemical parameters found in patients' files, women have been grouped in 'case' and 'control'. Women who presented any alteration in the blood levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and/or HDL-cholesterol were considered as case, and the ones who presented normal levels of them, as control. Data concerning socioeconomic situation, physical activity, etilism and tabagism, anthropometric measurements and food ingestion have been collected and then compared between the groups. Ratios have been compared by the chi2, Fisher's exact test and/or t-Student test, depending on the distribution type. The crude relationship between each factor and the presence of dyslipidemia has been estimated by logistic regression., Results: data have been collected from 84 women aged from 42 to 59 years, as 45 of them were grouped as case (dyslipidemic) and 39 as control (non-dyslipidemic). Age average of cases and controls was 52.1+/-4.2 and 52.2+/-4.7 years old, respectively. The sample showed to be homogeneous for the socioeconomic characteristics (income, occupation and schooling), physical activity practice, etilism and tabagism, and food ingestion, with no significant correlation with dyslipidemia. The groups presented an income up to two minimal wages, low schooling level (up to the fourth grade of lower school), and the housewife occupation. Smoking and drinking alcohol was not very frequent. Practicing physical activity was non-existent, thus characterizing a sedentary population. Food ingestion was adequate for carbohydrates, protein, lipids, but not for cholesterol (excessive) and fibers (insufficient), in both groups. Concerning the anthropometric evaluation, there has been an association with dyslipidemia, as the body mass index (BMI) and the waist circumference (WC) were significantly larger in case than in control. The waist-hip ratio has been similar in both groups. Weight excess has been found in most of the cases (73.3%) as almost half of them (44%) presented WC >88 cm, which represents a very increased risk., Conclusions: it is possible to conclude that, in the studied sample, only the anthropometric measurements have been considered as risk factors associated with dyslipidemia, during post-menopause.

The etiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is complex and multifaceted. Psychosocial factors play a role in such a process. Several reports suggest that IBS patients have increased psychopathology scores as compared with population controls. The influence of depressive symptoms on rectal sensitivity thresholds vary across different studies. The influence of predominant bowel habits on rectal sensitivity thresholds as determined by barostat-based investigations is not well established. The present report aimed to investigate the influence of depressive symptoms on rectal sensitivity in different subtypes of IBS patients (diarrhea/constipation-predominant vs. alternating subtypes). Depressive symptoms correlated well with first pain sensitivity threshold in alternating patients (n = 8; [rho] = -0.77; p = 0.02) but not in diarrhea/constipation predominant symptoms (n = 11; [rho] = -0.44; p = 0.27). These data suggest that depressive symptoms might impact pain thresholds differently according to the subtype of IBS.

Background: To compare estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by Schwartz formula and cystatin C-derived formula in a large population of children with a large spectrum of renal disease., Methods: Serum creatinine, cystatin C and estimated GFR were determined in 273 children, 254 with renal disease, and a mean age of 10.0+/-4.4 y. Nineteen children were used as control, with a mean age of 8.5+/-4.2 y., Results: The children had nephrotic syndrome (16.5%), glomerulonephritis (11.4%), neurogenic bladder (11.4%), hydronephrosis (9.8%), asymptomatic hematuria (11%), chronic renal disease (5.9%) and other diseases (11%). Cystatin C, creatinine, Schwartz estimated GFR and cystatin C estimated GFR (mean+/-SD) were 1.30+/-1.03 mg/dl, 0.82+/-1.20 mg/l, 143+/-72 ml/min/1.73 m(2) and 88+/-36 ml/min/1.73 m(2), respectively. Although GFR estimated by creatinine and cystatin C had a significant correlation, the Bland-Altman analysis showed greater differences between GFR estimated by the 2 methods, with a mean difference of 50 ml/min. Besides, >50% of the patients with a reduced cystatin C estimated GFR had a normal GFR when analyzed by the Schwartz formula., Conclusions: Our data shows that cystatin C-based GFR is more sensitive than previous study had demonstrated. It is important to perform studies in specific populations to determine the variability in GFR measurements.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of fish as predators of the Aedes aegypti larvae in laboratory conditions., Methods: The male and female of five different fish were included in the experiment. The tests to measure their consumption ability lasted five weeks for each species. Each trial involved four test tanks and four control tanks. Two control tanks contained just one fish, and the other two just larvae. Each of the test tanks contained one fish and the larvae. During the first week, 100 larvae were placed in the tank, with an additional 100 added every week, up to a maximum daily amount of 500 larvae. The length and weight of the fish were measured at the beginning and end of every week., Results: A total of 369,000 larvae were used. The Trichogaster trichopteros was the only species in which both sexes ate 100% of the available larvae. The Betta splendens failed to eat only 15 larvae. The male Poecilia reticulate showed a strong capacity for larvae eating, compared with the female of the same species. In terms of weight and size, the Betta splendens proved capable of eating 523 larvae per gram of weight per day., Conclusions: The female and male Trichogaster trichopteros and Astyanax fasciatus, and the female Betta splendens and Poecilia sphenops proved to be the most effective predators of the Aedes aegypti larvae. And although the male Poecilia sphenops and female Poecilia reticulata were less effective, they were also capable of eradicating the total number of Aedes aegypti larvae that could appear over 24 hours in a breeding site under natural conditions. The male Poecilia reticulata, however, proved incapable of doing so.

The susceptibility of Aedes aegypti to temefos was evaluated by means of samples of eggs and larvae from four large counties in the state of Ceará (Fortaleza, Barbalha, Juazeiro do Norte and Crato). The technique standardized by the World Health Organization for tests with larvicides was used. The CL50 of eight samples from populations of Aedes was determined, as were their respective resistance ratios, compared to the CL50 of the susceptible Rockefeller strain. All populations submitted to the experiment showed resistance to temefos, with resistance ratios varying between 8 and 16. Analysis of these results reinforces prior evidence regarding the dissemination of temefos resistance in different locations in the state, subjected to considerable pressure for control in recent decades. The larvicide may lose its effectiveness if an urgent attempt is not made to reestablish the susceptibility of Aedes aegypti in these areas, profoundly affecting control campaigns currently under way.

The residual effect of temefos (commercial applications A, B and C) and Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (D and E) on Aedes aegypti larvae was evaluated, in recipients with water renewal. Forty-four beakers of 1,000ml each (8 for each application and 4 controls) were used. In each beaker, 25 larvae were introduced daily. After 24 hours, the dead larvae were counted, the beakers emptied to 200ml and refilled to original volume, with addition of new larvae. The duration of the maximum residual effect (100% of mortality) was: A-19; B-39; C-40; D-8; E-19 days. The mortality ratio of all applications remained equivalent for 25 days; B, C and E maintained MR equivalent up to 45 days; B and C showed MR 2.40 times greater than E, between 46-95 days; B, compared with A, showed MR 1.90-7.51 times greater between 26-95 days. The conclusion was greater effectiveness of two presentations of temefos, even in an epidemiological situation with long exposure to the product and renewal of water in recipients.

Over the last few years, several cases of feline leishmaniasis (FL) with cutaneous and visceral forms have been reported around the world. Nonetheless, the real susceptibility of cats to infection with Leishmania spp. and the outcome of leishmaniasis in these animals are poorly understood. Experimental studies on feline models will contribute to the knowledge of natural FL. Thus, in order to determine the susceptibility of domestic cats (Felis catus) to experimental infection with Leishmania braziliensis, 13 stray cats were infected with 10(7) promastigotes by the intradermal route in the ear and nose simultaneously and followed up for 72 weeks. Soon after infection, the earliest indication of a lesion was a papule on the ear at 2 weeks post-infection (w.p.i.). The emergence of satellite papules around the primary lesion was observed about 4 w.p.i. Two weeks later these papules coalesced and formed a huge and irregular nodule. Thereafter, there was lesion dissemination to the external and marginal surface of the ipsilateral ear, and later to the contralateral ear. At 10 w.p.i., some nodules became ulcerated. Nose lesions presented a similar evolution. At both sites, the largest lesion sizes occurred at 10 w.p.i. and started to decrease 15 days later. Ear and nose nodules healed at 32 and 40 w.p.i., respectively. Specific L. braziliensis IgG antibody titers (optical density> or = 0.01 as positive result) were detected as early as 2 w.p.i. (0.09 +/- 0.02) in only three animals (23%), and all cats had positive titers at 20 w.p.i. (0.34 +/- 0.06). Only three animals (38%) continued to show positive serology at 72 w.p.i. (0.08 +/- 0.02). Up to that time, none of the cats had lesion recurrence. In a feline model of cutaneous leishmaniasis, it seems that there is no correlation between active lesions and positive serology. The implications of these data are discussed.

Canindé has a population of 71,235 inhabitants. In April 2001, the city started using larvivorous fish in cement water tanks, as a means of biological control of Aedes aegypti larvae. During house-to-house visits by health agents, instead of treating the water tank with larvicide, a Betta splendens fish was introduced into each tank. The number of houses and the number of tanks was estimated by monthly surveys. Then, the number of tanks per house was determined. Taking into account this estimated number and the number of houses visited, the infestation level for each kind of deposit was analyzed. In January 2001, 70.4% of the water tanks presented mosquitoes. Following the intervention, in January 2002 only 7.4% were positive and by December 2002 the rate had dropped to 0.2%. The efficacy of Betta splendens as a biological control agent in cement water tanks was clearly demonstrated, by achieving a 320 times reduction in the infestation level.

Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to high blood pressure among adults in a low-income community in Caucaia, Ceará, Brazil, as well as factors influencing their attitudes toward behavioral risk factors (smoking, alcohol consumption, salt and fat consumption, and lack of physical exercise) were studied. A total of 228 individuals were interviewed using a structured interview protocol. Thirteen focus groups provided a more in-depth analysis of attitudes. According to the findings, the reasons behind behaviors and attitudes are linked to emotions and socioeconomic issues. Behavioral changes involve giving up certain pleasures, for people who are struggling to survive in living conditions imposed by poverty. Living in poverty interferes with the possibility of behavioral change.

Objective: The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is higher in patients on hemodialysis than in the general population, probably due to greater exposure to risk situations. The purposes of the study were to determine anti-HCV antibodies prevalence among hemodialysis patients and dialysis clinics and patients factors associated with HCV transmission., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 752 hemodialysis patients in all 12 dialysis clinics of Fortaleza, Brazil, and were screened using third generation ELISA. Sociodemographic, clinical, and epidemiological data of 663 patients were collected through interviews. Nosocomial factors were assessed using a specific questionnaire tool. Statistical analysis was conducted using Student's t test, odds ratio and multivariate analysis., Results: The prevalence of anti-HCV was 52% (390/746; ranged from 6% to 72%). The anti-HCV positivity was higher in patients who had previous peritoneal dialysis (OR=1.76; 95% CI 1.12-2.76) and blood transfusion (OR=2.75; 95% CI 1.25-6.03). Dialysis age has been associated with anti-HCV positivity (OR=1.47; 95% CI 1.35-1.61). Clinics practices associated with anti-HCV positivity were: previous preparing of heparin (OR=2.92; 95% CI 1.23-6.92), failure in gloves use or change (OR=5.73; 95% CI 1.75-18.72), unsatisfactory dialysis machine disinfection (OR=2.79; 95% CI 1.57-4.96), and patient isolation in dialysis room (OR=0.18; 95% CI 0.05-0.61)., Conclusions: The results show high anti-HCV prevalence among hemodialysis patients and the association of nosocomial factors with new HCV infection cases.

Deltamethrin-impregnated PVC dog collars were tested to assess if they were effective in protecting dogs from sand fly bites of Lutzomyia longipalpis and Lu. migonei. A protective effect against Old World species Phlebotomus perniciosus was demonstrated before. Four dogs wearing deltamethrin collars and three dogs wearing untreated collars (not impregnated with deltamethrin) were kept in separate kennels for over eight months in a village on the outskirts of Fortaleza in Ceará, Brazil. Periodically, a dog from each group was sedated, placed in a net cage for 2 h in which 150 female sand flies had been released 10-15 min before. Lu. longipalpis were used 4, 8, 12, 16, 22, 27, and 35 weeks after the attachment of the collars. Lu. migonei were used 3, 7, 11, 15, 22, 26, and 36 weeks after attachment. During 35 weeks, only 4.1% (81 of 2,022) Lu. longipalpis recovered from the nets with the deltamethrin collared dogs were engorged, an anti-feeding effect of 96%. Mortality initially was over 90% and at 35 weeks was 35% with half of the sand flies dying in the first 2 h. In contrast, 83% of the 2,094 Lu. longipalpis recovered from the nets containing the untreated collared dogs were engorged and the mortality ranged from zero to 18.8% on one occasion with 1.1% dying in the first 2 h. Similar findings were found with Lu. migonei: of 2,034 sand flies recovered over this period, only 70 were engorged, an anti-feeding effect of 96.5%, and mortality ranged from 91% initially to 46% at 36 weeks. In contrast, engorgement of controls ranged from 91 to71% and a mortality ranged from 3.5 to 29.8%. These studies show that deltamethrin impregnated collars can protect dogs against Brazilian sand flies for up to eight months. Thus, they should be useful in a program to control human and canine visceral leishmaniasis.

To identify the critical vector density that potentiates dengue outbreaks in an endemic site and to identify obstacles to anti-dengue activities, we correlated a series of dengue outbreaks in a Brazilian city with the intensity of its anti-vector source-reduction activities. The proportion of houses infested by vector mosquitoes correlated inversely with intensity of anti-mosquito interventions, and the vector population developed independently of rainfall. Local periods of drought promoted vector abundance in two ways: residents stored water in which vector mosquitoes could breed, and cholera outbreaks due to contaminated water diverted local health workers from routine anti-vector activities. One dengue outbreak became apparent to authorities more than two months after it commenced but would have been identified almost immediately had dengue-like disease in indicator hospitals been monitored. Active surveillance, therefore, offers a window of opportunity for promptly executed anti-dengue interventions. Source-reduction measures that suppress vector infestations to less than 1% of houses effectively avert outbreaks of dengue.