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Background: To compare the best fetal weight formula with different biometric tables on the weight of Brazilian newborns. Methods: This observational study has tested the performance of different common fetal weight formulas and biometric tables. Weight estimates were performed by the methods of Warsof et al. (1977), Shepard et al. (1982), Hadlock et al. (1985), Furlan et al. (2012) and Stirnemann et al. (2017). The biometric tables selected were the following: Snijders and Nicolaides (1994), Hadlock et al. (1984), Papageorghiou et al. (2014) and Kiserud et al. (2016) and correlated to Pedreira et al. (2011) database, which was considered the gold standard. Statistical analyses were performed using the mean relative error, average absolute error and the Pearson correlation coefficient (r). Results: The best r was found when using the Snijders and Nicolaides (1994) biometric table with weight formula by Stirnemann et al. (2017). The average relative error was lower when using weight formula by Shepard et al. (1982) with biometric tables by Snijders and Nicolaides (1994), Papageorghiou et al. (2014) or Kiserud et al. (2016). On average, absolute error, the lowest r was obtained for the Furlan et al. (2012) weight formula and the Papageorghiou et al. (2014) biometric table. Conclusions: The best correlation was found for biometric table by Snijders and Nicolaides (1994) and fetal weight formula calculation for the estimation of Brazilian newborn weight by Stirnemann et al. (2017). Background: To compare the best fetal weight formula with different biometric tables on the weight of Brazilian newborns. Methods: This observational study has tested the performance of different common fetal weight formulas and biometric tables. Weight estimates were performed by the methods of Warsof et al. (1977), Shepard et al. (1982), Hadlock et al. (1985), Furlan et al. (2012) and Stirnemann et al. (2017). The biometric tables selected were the following: Snijders and Nicolaides (1994), Hadlock et al. (1984), Papageorghiou et al. (2014) and Kiserud et al. (2016) and correlated to Pedreira et al. (2011) database, which was considered the gold standard. Statistical analyses were performed using the mean relative error, average absolute error and the Pearson correlation coefficient (r). Results: The best r was found when using the Snijders and Nicolaides (1994) biometric table with weight formula by Stirnemann et al. (2017). The average relative error was lower when using weight formula by Shepard et al. (1982) with biometric tables by Snijders and Nicolaides (1994), Papageorghiou et al. (2014) or Kiserud et al. (2016). On average, absolute error, the lowest r was obtained for the Furlan et al. (2012) weight formula and the Papageorghiou et al. (2014) biometric table. Conclusions: The best correlation was found for biometric table by Snijders and Nicolaides (1994) and fetal weight formula calculation for the estimation of Brazilian newborn weight by Stirnemann et al. (2017).

Objective Lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (LAL-D) is an underdiagnosed autosomal recessive disease with onset between the first years of life and adulthood. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective therapy and long-term survival. The objective of this article is to recognize warning signs among the clinical and laboratory characteristics of LAL-D in pediatric patients through a scope review. Sources Electronic searches in the Embase, PubMed, Livivo, LILACS, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, Open Gray, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses databases. The dataset included observational studies with clinical and laboratory characteristics of infants, children and adolescents diagnosed with lysosomal acid lipase deficiency by enzyme activity testing or analysis of mutations in the lysosomal acid lipase gene (LIPA). The reference selection process was performed in two stages. The references were selected by two authors, and the data were extracted in June 2020. Summary of the findings The initial search returned 1593 studies, and the final selection included 108 studies from 30 countries encompassing 206 patients, including individuals with Wolman disease and cholesteryl ester storage disease (CESD). The most prevalent manifestations in both spectra of the disease were hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, anemia, dyslipidemia, and elevated transaminases. Conclusions Vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, and splenomegaly may be correlated, and may serve as a starting point for investigating LAL-D. Familial lymphohistiocytosis should be part of the differential diagnosis with LAL-D, and all patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy should be submitted to intestinal biopsy.

Objective: To review the literature about children’s and parent’s perceptions on surgical attire. Data source: A systematic search was conducted in the databases EMBASE, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences (LILACS), PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science. Grey literature was searched on Google Scholar, Open Grey and ProQuest Dissertations, and Theses Database. Data synthesis: A total of 2,567 papers were identified. After a two-phase selection, 15 studies were included in narrative synthesis. Children favored wearing white coats in five of the nine included studies (55.5% [95%CI 48.3-62.7]; p=1.00). With respect to parents’ preferences, results of vote counting showed that in 11 of 15 included studies, they favored physicians wearing white coats (73.3% [95%CI 67.9-78.6]; p=0.11). Conclusions: Children and parents have preferred physicians to wear a white coat with a very low certainty of evidence. RESUMO Objetivo: Revisar a literatura sobre as percepções de crianças e seus pais a respeito de trajes médicos. Fontes de dados: Buscas sistemáticas foram conduzidas nas bases de dados EMBASE, Literatura Latino-americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus e Web of Science. A literatura cinzenta foi pesquisada no Google Scholar, Open Grey e ProQuest Dissertations e Theses Database. Síntese dos dados: Foram identificadas 2.567 publicações e, após uma seleção de duas fases, foram incluídos 15 estudos na síntese qualitativa. As crianças tinham preferência pelo uso de jaleco branco em cinco dos nove estudos incluídos (55,5% [IC95% 48,3-62,7]; p=1,00). Em 11 dos 15 estudos incluídos, os pais tinham preferência pelos médicos que utilizavam jaleco (73,3% [IC95% 67,9-78,6]; p=0,11). Conclusões: Com uma qualidade baixa de evidência, crianças e pais preferem os médicos que usam jaleco branco.

ObjectiveThe systematic review aimed to compare agreement with behavior guidance techniques (BGT) between parents of children with special health care needs (SHCN) and those non-SHCN.MethodsA structured search of Cochrane Library, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences, PubMed, PsycInfo, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Database, Opengrey and Google Scholar was taken up to October 2020. Two authors selected studies independently, extracted the data, assessed the studies’ methodological quality using the Joanna Briggs scale and the Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).ResultsForty-eight studies covering the parents’ agreement with BGT were included and 41 were retained for random-effects proportion meta-analysis. The methodological quality assessment varied from low to high. Among the parents of non-SHCN children, the agreement with BGT varied from 84.1% (95% CI: 75.8-90.9; p2 93.3%) for tell-show-do to 25.7% (95% CI: 17.8-34.4; p2 90.4%) for passive protective stabilization, without hand-over-mouth. Among the parents of children with SHCN, the acceptance of BGT varied from 89.1% (95% CI: 56.1-99.7; p2 95.7%) for tell-show-do to 29.1% (95% CI: 11.8-50.0; p=0.001; I2 84.8%) to general anesthesia.ConclusionThere is very low certainty in evidence that both the parents of children SHCN and non-SHCN were more likely to agree with basic BGT and that they were less likely to agree with the advanced ones.

HIV-exposed but uninfected (HEU) children represent a growing population and show a significantly higher number of infectious diseases, several immune alterations, compromised growth, and increased mortality rates when compared to HIV-unexposed children. Considering the impact that the gut microbiota has on general host homeostasis and immune system development and modulation, we hypothesized that HEU children present altered gut microbiota that is linked to the increased morbidity and the immune system disorders faced by them. Our experiments revealed no differences in beta and alpha diversity of the gut microbiota between HEU and unexposed children or between HIV-infected and uninfected mothers. However, there were differences in the abundance of several taxa from the gut microbiota between HEU and unexposed children and between HIV-infected and uninfected mothers. Functional prediction based on 16S rRNA sequences also indicated differences between HEU and unexposed children and between infected and uninfected mothers. In addition, we detected no differences between HEU and unexposed children in relation to weight, weight-for-age z scores, albumin serum levels, or microbial translocation and inflammation markers. In summary, HIV-infected mothers and their HIV-exposed children present alterations in the abundance of several taxa in the gut microbiome and the predicted functional metagenome when compared to uninfected mothers and unexposed children. Knowledge about the gut microbiome of HEU children in different settings is essential in order to determine better treatments for this susceptible population.

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common microvascular complications presenting by patients diagnosticated with diabetic diseases. Uncontrolled hyperglycemia may manifest as visual impairment and blindness. The early detection of DR is essential to minimize the risk and consequence of visual diminishing. The standard gold diagnoses tool relies on different imaging modalities and requires a judgment of expert photographers, which are not available in most of the primary care centers or remote location. In that scenario, an automate or semiautomated DR screening systems can contribute to improving the accuracy of the diagnostic. Thus, we performed a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis to evaluate the Decision Support Systems (DSS) in diagnosing DR. The overall Diagnostic Odds Ratio was 73.15 (95%CI: 37.54-142.50), sensitivity was 97.70 (95%CI: 97.50-97.90) and specificity was 90.30 (95%CI: 90.00-90.60). Our results corroborate with the concept of usefulness of DSSs in early diagnosis, screening and preliminary evaluation of suspicious images of DR.

Objectives To evaluate the effects of transdermal nitroglycerin (GTN) and sildenafil citrate on Doppler velocity waveforms of the uterine (UtA), umbilical (UA) and fetal middle cerebral (MCA) arteries in pregnancies with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Methods This was a prospective study of 35 singleton pregnancies (gestational age, 24–31 weeks) with IUGR and abnormal UtA and UA Doppler waveforms. We compared maternal arterial blood pressure and Z-scores of the pulsatility index (PI) of UtA, UA and fetal MCA before and after application of a transdermal GTN patch (average dose, 0.4 mg/h), oral sildenafil citrate (50 mg) or placebo. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA for paired samples. Results There was a significant decrease in UtA-PI after application of GTN (21.0%) and sildenafil citrate (20.4%). A significant reduction in UA-PI was also observed for both GTN (19.1%) and sildenafil citrate (18.2%). There was no difference in UtA- and UA-PI when the GTN and sildenafil groups were compared. No changes in Doppler velocimetry were observed in the placebo group and no significant change in MCA-PI was observed in any group. Maternal arterial blood pressure decreased with administration of both GTN and sildenafil citrate in those with pre-eclampsia. Conclusion The use of transdermal GTN or sildenafil citrate in pregnancies with IUGR is associated with a significant reduction in both UtA and UA Doppler PI, as well as maternal arterial blood pressure. Neither drug affected the MCA-PI. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The aim of this study was to use the Data Mining to analyze the profile of the use of contraceptive methods in a university population. We used a database about sexuality performed on a university population in southern Brazil. The results obtained by the generated rules are largely in line with the literature and epidemiology worldwide, showing significant points of vulnerability in the university population. Validation measures of the study, as such, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the ROC curve were higher or at least similar as compared to recent studies using the same methodology.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of decision support systems in the diagnosis of breast cancer by means of a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies of diagnostic accuracy. The first step of the research, which consisted of the initial research of abstracts and titles identified from the research strategy in the databases was performed by two researchers independently. In this stage, 622 references were retrieved in the databases and, through a consensus meeting, 183 articles were selected for full reading.

Objective: to determine, by Doppler-echocardiography, the frequency of cardiac diastolic dysfunction in asymptomatic and clinically stable pediatric patients with vertical infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), from the cardiovascular viewpoint. Methods: this was an observational, prospective, and cross-sectional study, performed at a regional referral clinic for patients with HIV, in a convenience sample of 94 individuals, assessing biventricular diastolic function by Doppler-echocardiography, and weight, blood hemoglobin, and percentage of lymphocytes T-CD4+. Results: fifty patients had diastolic dysfunction. Left ventricular dysfunction occurred in 38.7%, and the predominant type of dysfunction was decreased myocardial compliance. Right ventricular dysfunction was observed in 29.4% of the sample, and abnormal relaxation was the most prevalent type. Simultaneous biventricular dysfunction occurred in 14.1% of the individuals. There was no association between dysfunction and the immune status. Conclusions: diastolic dysfunction occurred, individually or simultaneously, with no association with immune status; decreased myocardial compliance was predominant in the left ventricle, and abnormal relaxation in the right ventricle. Resumo: Objetivo: verificar, por meio do ecocardiograma com Doppler, a frequência de disfunção cardíaca diastólica em pacientes com infecção vertical pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana na faixa pediátrica, assintomáticos e clinicamente estáveis do ponto de vista cardiovascular. Métodos: estudo observacional, prospectivo e transversal, realizado em um Ambulatório de Referência Regional para pacientes portadores do vírus da imunodeficiência humana, com uma amostra de conveniência de 94 pacientes, avaliados pelo sexo, idade, peso, função diastólica biventricular ao Doppler, hemoglobina sanguínea e percentual de linfócitos T-CD4+. Resultados: apresentaram disfunção diastólica 50 pacientes. Disfunção ventricular esquerda ocorreu em 38,7% deles, e o tipo de disfunção predominante foi diminuição da complacência miocárdica. A disfunção ventricular direita foi evidenciada em 29,4% da amostra, sendo o tipo relaxamento anormal o mais prevalente. Disfunção biventricular simultânea ocorreu em 14,1% dos indivíduos. Não houve associação da disfunção com o estado imunológico. Conclusões: foi verificada disfunção diastólica, isolada ou simultânea, sem associação com o estado imunológico, sendo a diminuição da complacência miocárdica mais comum no ventrículo esquerdo e relaxamento anormal no ventrículo direito. Keywords: Ventricular function, Infectious diseases, Children, Palavras-chave: Função ventricular, Doenças infecciosas, Crianças

OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether therapy with sildenafil citrate prolongs gestation in women with preeclampsia. METHODS In a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 100 singleton pregnancies with preeclampsia between 24 and 33 weeks of gestation were randomized to 50 mg oral sildenafil citrate every 8 hours or placebo. The primary outcome was prolongation of pregnancy from randomization to delivery. Secondary outcomes were changes in resistance indices of uterine, umbilical, and middle cerebral arteries by Doppler, fetal and maternal complications, and adverse neonatal outcomes. Power analysis estimated that to detect a difference of 5 days in pregnancy duration, 43 patients would have to be randomized to each group. RESULTS From June 2013 to October 2015, 50 patients were randomized to each group. Pregnancy duration was on average 4 days longer (14.4 days, 95% confidence interval [CI] 12.5-16.6 days compared with 10.4 days, 95% CI 8.4-12.3 days, P=.008) and percent reduction in pulsatility indices of uterine and umbilical arteries higher (22.5% and 18.5%, compared with placebo 2.1% and 2.5%, P

Osteoporosis has recently been acknowledged as a major public health issue in developed countries because of the decrease in the quality of life of the affected person and the increase in public costs due to complete or partial physical disability. The aim of this study was to use the J48 algorithm as a classification task for data from women exhibiting changes in bone densitometry. The study population included all patients treated at the diagnostic center for bone densitometry since 2010. Census sample data collection was conducted as all elements of the population were included in the sample. The service in question provides care to patients via the Brazilian Unified Health System and private plans. The results of the classification task were analyzed using the J48 algorithm, and among the dichotomized variables associated with a diagnosis of osteoporosis, the mean accuracy was 74.0 (95% confidence interval [CI], 61.0-68.0) and the mean area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.65 (95% CI, 0.64-0.66), with a mean sensitivity of 76.0 (95% CI, 76.0-76.0) and a mean specificity of 48.0 (95% CI, 46.0-49.0). The analyzed results showed higher values of sensitivity, accuracy, and curve of the ROC area in experiments conducted with individuals with osteoporosis. Most of the generated rules were consistent with the literature, and the few differences might serve as hypotheses for further studies.

This research was motivated by the need of a stochastic approach to inference processes on the complex knowledge that guides the medical decision. From this situation developed a mathematical model to Bayesian inference with inaccurate input variables and states of superposition characteristics. The domain of application and verification of the model is related to support clinical reasoning specialist to diagnose children and adolescents with metabolic risk. Bayesian techniques are used in the support for a diagnostic classification, however it is unprovided to infer about the variable which imprecise factor affects the accuracy of the results. Beyond the complexity that makes this scenario, a formal hybrid scheme that gathered Fuzzy Sets and Bayesian Techniques has been developed with the purpose of endorsing the specialist clinical reasoning with a casual and inaccuracy context relations. The model proposes an inference on overlapping states. From actual data records were done simulations applying the model and the results indicated that patients would gradually evolving into a high risk scenario while a Bayesian Expert System classic would be classified in less worrying levels. These results were also verified and confirmed by a team of medical experts consulted during this research. It is expected that the model can be attached to knowledge systems used by medical experts to guide their patients. It is believed to be applicable in other domains whose uncertainty is the biggest problem related to information or knowledge.

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o programa de rastreamento neonatal da Secretaria de Estado da Saúde de Santa Catarina, em relação ao hipotireoidismo congênito (HC), e estimar sua prevalência nas crianças rastreadas. MÉTODO: Foram rastreadas 390.759 crianças no período de 01/94 a 12/98, sendo avaliada: a cobertura do programa, as idades na coleta da 1ª amostra de sangue para dosagem de TSH, os tempos para envio da amostra ao laboratório central (LACEN), resultado da dosagem do TSH e localização das crianças com exames alterados e as idades na 1ª consulta e no início do tratamento e a dose de L-T4 prescrita. RESULTADOS: A cobertura do programa foi de 81%, tendo sido detectadas 123 crianças com HC, com prevalência de 1:3.177. A idade média das crianças na coleta da 1ª amostra foi de 17,6 dias. As médias de tempo foram: 7,4 dias para a chegada da amostra ao LACEN, 2,4 dias para o resultado da dosagem do TSH e 7,6 dias para a localização da criança e a 1ª consulta. Todas as crianças detectadas foram atendidas no Hospital Infantil Joana de Gusmão e tinham, em média, idade de 40,2 dias na 1ª consulta e no início do tratamento. A dose média de L-T4 prescrita foi 12,5µg/kg/dia. CONCLUSÃO: O tempo para a dosagem do TSH e a dose de L-T4 prescrita são adequados. As demais variáveis estão fora do tempo preconizado, acarretando atraso no início do tratamento. A prevalência de HC é de 1 caso para cada 3.177 crianças rastreadas. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the neonatal screening program for congenital hypothyrodism (CH) of the Health Secretariat of the State of Santa Catarina and determine the prevalence of CH among screened children. METHODS: 390,759 newborns were screened for CH between 01/94 and 12/98 to evaluate: the program coverage, children's age at the time of the 1st blood sample for TSH measurement, time to transport blood samples to the core laboratory (LACEN), time to obtain TSH results, time to locate children with abnormal exams, maternal age at the time of the 1st clinical appointment and beginning of treatment, and dose of L-T4 prescribed. RESULTS: Program coverage was 81% and 123 children were diagnosed with CH and the estimated prevalence was 1:3,177. The mean age at the time of the 1st blood sample was 17.6 days. The mean intervals between blood sampling and the various outcomes were: 7.4 days to transport samples to LACEN, 2.4 days to obtain laboratory results, 7.6 days to locate positive-screened children and bring them to their 1st clinical appointment. All positive-screened children were evaluated at Joana de Gusmão Sick Children Hospital. The mean age at the time of the 1st clinical appointment and beginning of treatment was 40.2 days. The mean dose of L-T4 prescribed was 12.5µg/kg/day. CONCLUSION: Time between TSH dosage and prescription of L-T4 is appropriate. All other variables are outside the recommended time frame, resulting in delays to initiate therapy. The prevalence of CH among screened children is 1:3,177.

Background : Bayesian classifiers have the advantage of determining the class to which a given record belongs compared to traditional classifiers, taking as base the probability of an element belonging to a class. Thus, the diagnosis of diseases such as osteoporosis and osteopenia can become faster and precise.This paper presents an assessment of the accuracy of the Bayesian classifiers Bayes Net, Naive Bayes and Averaged One-Dependence Estimators to support diagnoses of osteopenia and osteoporosis. Method : The methodology that guided the development of this research relied on the choice of database, the study of the Bayes Net, Naive Bayes and Averaged One-Dependence Estimators algorithms, and the description of the experiments. Results: The algorithm with the highest specificity was Bayes Net, (53.0±0.27). The highest accuracy was obtained using the AODE classifier (83.0±0.17). Our results showed higher mean instances correctly classified using the Naive Bayes algorithm (82.84±14.42), and the average of incorrectly classified instances was higher for Bayes Net (17.46±14.76). Conclusion: Based on the statistical measures analyzed in the experiments (instances classified correctly and incorrectly, the kappa coefficient, mean absolute error, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, recall, F-measure, and Area Under Curve (AUC)), all classifiers showed good results, thus, given these data, it is possible to produce a reasonably accurate estimate of the diagnosis.

Objetivo: analisar um registro hospitalar de câncer pediátrico, descrevendo a ocorrência de casos novos; verificar a relação com sexo, idade, raça e extensão clínica da doença; relatar a mortalidade das crianças com câncer; explorar a associação de casos novos com as variáveis demográficas propostas, extensão clínica da doença e status vital. Métodos: estudo observacional, descritivo, longitudinal em crianças até a idade de 14 anos completos, procedentes de Santa Catarina. As 371 crianças portadoras de casos novos de câncer foram atendidas no ambulatório de referência regional entre 1994 e 1998, e registradas segundo a Classificação Internacional do Câncer na Infância. Foi aplicada a análise de correspondência múltipla para avaliar as variáveis categóricas. Resultados: foram registrados 371 casos novos de câncer, com distribuição constante por ano, no período estudado. O câncer ocorreu no pré-escolar em 41,5%, e no sexo masculino em 55,8%. A leucemia foi observada em 36,6%. O estádio não localizado da doença na ocasião do diagnóstico ocorreu em 55,7%. Foram a óbito 55,7% dos casos com doença não localizada, e 16,3% com doença localizada. No término do estudo, 58,8% das crianças estavam vivas. Conclusão: observa-se predomínio do câncer no pré-escolar e no sexo masculino. A leucemia é o câncer mais freqüente. A doença não localizada predomina na ocasião do diagnóstico. A freqüência de óbito é mais elevada no grupo com doença não localizada. Há associação direta com doença localizada, status vital vivo, escolar, adolescente e sexo feminino; e para doença não localizada, com óbito, lactente, pré-escolar e sexo masculino.Objective: to analyze pediatric cancer hospital records regarding the occurrence of new cases; to verify the relation between sex, age, race, origin and the disease clinical extension; to describe the mortality of children with cancer; to explore the association of new cases with proposed demographic variables, disease clinical extension and vital status. Methods: observational, descriptive, longitudinal study in children up to 14 years old, from Santa Catarina. Three hundred and seventy-one new cases of cancer were treated in a regional reference outpatient clinic (1994-98) and recorded according to the International Classification of Childhood Cancer. Multiple Correspondence Analysis was applied to evaluate the categorical variables. Results: three-hundred and seventy-one new cases of cancer were recorded with constant distribution in each year. Cancer affected preschoolers (41.5%) and males (55.8%). Leukemia was observed in 36.6% of the cases. Non-localized stage on the diagnosis occurred in 55.7%. The death occurred in 55.7% of the cases with non-localized disease and 16.3% with localized disease. At the end of the study 58.8% of the children were alive. Conclusions: we observed more cases of cancer at pre-school age and among male subjects. Leukemia is the most frequent type of cancer. Non-localized disease predominates on the diagnosis. The death frequency is higher in the group with non-localized disease. There is direct association with non-localized disease, living vital status, school age, adolescent age, female, and for non-localized disease with death vital status, infant age, pre-school age and male.

Clinical and experimental evidences indicate that intrauterine inflammation during pregnancy is associated to brain damage. The objective of this study is to determine the effects of lipopolysaccharide in temperature, cytokine production and sickness behavior of pregnant dams.A single i.p. injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (50, 150 or 300 µg/kg) was administered on E18. Controls received isotonic saline. Body temperature was controlled before and 3 h after injections. Animals' behavior was assessed by the OF test 3 h following treatment. Animals were sacrificed for leukocyte, IL-1β and TNF-α determination. Placental tissue and abortion were also examined.LPS administration elicited hypothermia. Abortion was observed in LPS 150 and 300 µg/kg. Leukocyte levels were significantly lower with LPS 300 µg/kg than in controls. LPS induced dose-dependent impairment in animals' locomotion. IL-1β serum and amniotic fluid were higher than the saline, and TNF-α serum and amniotic fluid increased when compared to controls. Placental histopathologic abnormality was not found.LPS induces dose-dependent sickness behavior and hypothermia in pregnant mice. Our findings suggest that the presence of inflammation may be a causative factor for premature labor and that Escherichia coli antigens modify the concentration of pro-inflammatory agents in circulatory system and intra-uterine environment.

Introduction The aim of this study was to establish the incidence rates of congenital syphilis in the South Region of Brazil from 2001 to 2009. Methods Temporal ecological and descriptive study based on the cases recorded by the System of Information of Notifiable Diseases. Results The incidence of congenital syphilis has been increasing in the South Region of Brazil since 2004; the highest incidence rates were in women who received prenatal care (113.5 new cases per 100,000 births, p

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of children with CD and of their parents and to compare it with that of children without CD and of their parents. A case–control study was conducted to evaluate the quality of life of children (5–12 years) with CD and one of their parents, compared to the QoL of children without CD (and their parents as their caregivers ). The QoL was assessed by applying the following questionnaires: AUQUEI (children) and WHOQOL-BREF (parents). QoL was evaluated in 33 children with CD, 63 children without CD, and of their respective parents as their parent caregivers (96 adults). QoL total scores were similar between the groups of children with and without CD. However, in the Leisure dimension, the scores of children with CD were significantly lower than those of the controls (P = 0.029). Similarly, when assessing the QoL of the parents, we found scores significantly lower in the social dimension (P = 0.0196) for parents of children with CD compared to parents of children without CD. Family income presented an impact on the QoL in adults, but did not affect children. In CD group, children of mothers who had lower educational levels presented better scores in the function dimension, regarding self-care and autonomy. There is an impairment of the QoL of children with CD and of their parents, with regard to social life, particularly in the leisure (children) and social (adults) dimensions.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as diferenças regionais de conhecimento, opinião e uso de anticoncepção de emergência entre universitários brasileiros. Questionário semi-estruturado abordando conhecimento, opinião, experiência com anticoncepção de emergência e comportamento sexual foi aplicado a adolescentes de universidades brasileiras. Para análise estatística utilizou-se o teste exato de Fisher e ANOVA. Diferenças foram significantes quando o valor de p < 0,05. Cerca de 96% (n = 588) dos estudantes já tinham ouvido falar sobre anticoncepção de emergência, 19% (n = 111) conheciam as situações nas quais está indicada, com diferenças inter-regionais; 42% das meninas que tinham vida sexual ativa já tinham feito uso do método; 35% (n = 207) dos estudantes consideravam contracepção de emergência abortiva e 81% (n = 473) achavam que traz riscos à saúde, sem diferença significativa entre as regiões nas questões relativas a uso e à opinião. As diferenças inter-regionais sobre conhecimento não impactaram no uso e na opinião dos adolescentes sobre anticoncepção de emergência. Programas nacionais devem ser conduzidos para melhorar o conhecimento sobre o método. The aim of this study was to evaluate regional differences in knowledge, attitudes, and practice in emergency contraception use among Brazilian university students. A sample of university students answered a semi-structured questionnaire on knowledge, attitudes, and practice related to emergency contraception and sexual behavior. Fisher's exact test and ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Ninety-six percent (n = 588) of the students had heard of emergency contraception, and 19% (n = 111) knew all the situations in which emergency contraception is indicated, with statistical differences between regions of the country. Forty-two percent of sexually active women in the sample had already used emergency contraception; 35% (n = 207) of students equated emergency contraception with abortion; and 81% (n = 473) thought emergency contraception involves health risks. No significant difference was observed between regions of the country regarding use and attitudes towards emergency contraception. Inter-regional differences in knowledge had no impact on students' attitudes and practice in emergency contraception. National awareness-raising campaigns are needed to improve knowledge on emergency contraception.

INTRODUÇÃO: Estudos têm mostrado que as atitudes influenciam o comportamento. O desenvolvimento e a manutenção de determinadas atitudes dos estudantes durante o curso médico podem influenciar a qualidade do cuidado médico dado aos pacientes no exercício da profissão. As Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais do Curso de Graduação em Medicina reforçam a importância de aspectos atitudinais relevantes para a prática médica. OBJETIVO: Construção e validação de uma escala de atitude do tipo Likert, para avaliar atitudes de estudantes de Medicina considerando as Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais, adaptadas à realidade sociocultural brasileira. MÉTODO: Na construção da escala foram considerados cinco aspectos: social, ambiência, crença, conhecimento e ética. Os sujeitos foram 202 estudantes do curso de graduação em Medicina, da primeira à oitava fase, sendo 52,85 % mulheres e 47,15% homens. Estudo de coorte, descritivo e quantitativo. Os dados foram coletados por meio da aplicação de um questionário e de uma escala de atitudes (do tipo Likert) com 102 proposições. A escala foi aplicada em dois momentos. RESULTADOS: A confiabilidade da escala, medida pelo coeficiente α, de Cronbach, foi igual a 0,87. A escala foi validada (validade de construto) por cinco especialistas. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre as oito fases analisadas. As atitudes observadas foram predominantemente positivas. CONCLUSÃO: O trabalho desenvolvido resultou na definição de um instrumento válido e confiável para medir as atitudes de estudantes de Medicina segundo as dimensões social, ambiência, crença, conhecimento e ética. INTRODUCTION: Studies have shown that attitudes influence behavior. Developing and maintaining certain attitudes can influence the quality of health care delivered by medical students to their patients. The Brazilian National Guidelines for Medical Education emphasize the significance of the students' attitudes relevant for the medical practice. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed designing and validating an attitude scale to evaluate the impact of the medical curriculum on students' attitudes. METHODOLOGY: The subjects were 202 students (female = 52.85%, male = 47.15%), attending from the first to the eighth phase of the medical undergraduate course. The data for this descriptive and quantitative cohort study were collected using a questionnaire and an attitude measurement scale (5-point Likert scale) containing 102 propositions covering five different factors (social, environmental, belief, knowledge and ethics). RESULTS: Several analyses were undertaken to establish the internal validity of the instrument, including reliability (total = 0.87 and 0.89) and correlation studies. There were no statistically significant differences among the eight analyzed phases. The students showed predominantly positive attitudes. CONCLUSIONS: The final version of the scale was therefore regarded valid and reliable for the assessment of medical students' attitudes.

RACIONAL: A doença celíaca é afecção inflamatória do intestino delgado associada à intolerância permanente ao glúten, que ocorre em indivíduos geneticamente susceptíveis. OBJETIVO: Conhecer as características clínicas e epidemiológicas dessa doença em nosso meio. MÉTODO: Tratou-se de estudo descritivo transversal com amostra não-probabilística selecionada entre os membros da Associação dos Celíacos do Brasil - Regional de Santa Catarina, aos quais foi enviado questionário abrangendo diversos aspectos da doença. RESULTADOS: Dos 506 associados, 145 (28,7%) foram incluídos no estudo - todos celíacos confirmados por biopsia. Suas idades variaram entre 3,3 e 82,5 anos (média de 30,8 anos). A maioria era do sexo feminino (proporção de 2 mulheres para 1 homem). A idade média ao diagnóstico foi de 16 anos para os homens e 26,7 para as mulheres. Os principais sintomas relatados foram distensão abdominal (71,8%), dor abdominal (71%) e diarréia (65,5%). No sexo masculino, predominaram diarréia e déficit ponderal enquanto que no sexo feminino aftas, constipação e anemia. Apenas 42,1% dos associados foram submetidos a biopsia em momento compatível com o diagnóstico correto de doença celíaca (44,2% relataram biopsia somente em vigência de dieta já isenta de glúten e 11,7% não souberam informar). Quanto aos testes sorológicos, 61,4% realizaram pelo menos um teste. Doenças associadas ou complicações foram relatadas por 65,5%; dessas, a mais freqüente foi a intolerância à lactose (33%). Suplementação vitamínica ou mineral foi indicada em 45% dos casos e 35,2% foram submetidos a densitometria óssea. Desses, 59% relataram um resultado alterado (osteopenia ou osteoporose). CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados apontam para uma tendência de diagnóstico da doença celíaca em idades mais avançadas em nosso meio, especialmente entre as mulheres, e sugerem a necessidade de maiores esclarecimentos do público em geral e da classe médica quanto ao seu correto diagnóstico e tratamento. BACKGROUND: Celiac disease is an enteropathy induced by gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. AIM: To establish the demographic and clinical characteristics of this disease in Santa Catarina State, Brazil. METHODS: A descriptive transversal study was performed involving members of a regional celiac association, to whom a questionnaire focusing various aspects of the disease was sent. RESULTS: From a total of 506 members, 145 (28.7%) were enrolled in the study - all of them biopsy-proven celiacs. Their mean age was 30.8 years (range, 3.3-82.5 years). Female to male rate was 2.1:1. The mean age at diagnosis was 16 years for men and 26.7 years for women. Most frequently reported symptoms were: abdominal distention (71.8%), abdominal pain (71%) and diarrhea (65.5%). Anemia, aphthous ulcers and constipation were more related by women, while diarrhea and low weight were more frequent in men. Only 42.1% of the participants had been submitted to biopsies compatible with a correct investigation of the disease (44.2 % had been submitted to biopsy only after gluten exclusion of the diet and 11.7% did not mentioned whether they were in a gluten-free diet when biopsied). Only 61.4% had been submitted to serological tests for diagnostic or dietary control purposes. Associated diseases were related by 65% of the individuals, of which the most common was lactose intolerance (33%). Vitaminic or mineral supplementation was indicated to 45% and only 32.5% have had bone mineral density measured. Of these, 59% had altered results. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest a tendency of diagnosis of celiac disease in older ages, specially among women. This may indicate the necessity of improving public and medical knowledge in Santa Catarina concerning the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

Celiac disease is an enteropathy induced by gluten in genetically predisposed individuals.To establish the demographic and clinical characteristics of this disease in Santa Catarina State, Brazil.A descriptive transversal study was performed involving members of a regional celiac association, to whom a questionnaire focusing various aspects of the disease was sent.From a total of 506 members, 145 (28.7%) were enrolled in the study--all of them biopsy-proven celiacs. Their mean age was 30.8 years (range, 3.3-82.5 years). Female to male rate was 2.1:1. The mean age at diagnosis was 16 years for men and 26.7 years for women. Most frequently reported symptoms were: abdominal distention (71.8%), abdominal pain (71%) and diarrhea (65.5%). Anemia, aphthous ulcers and constipation were more related by women, while diarrhea and low weight were more frequent in men. Only 42.1% of the participants had been submitted to biopsies compatible with a correct investigation of the disease (44.2 % had been submitted to biopsy only after gluten exclusion of the diet and 11.7% did not mentioned whether they were in a gluten-free diet when biopsied). Only 61.4% had been submitted to serological tests for diagnostic or dietary control purposes. Associated diseases were related by 65% of the individuals, of which the most common was lactose intolerance (33%). Vitaminic or mineral supplementation was indicated to 45% and only 32.5% have had bone mineral density measured. Of these, 59% had altered results.The results suggest a tendency of diagnosis of celiac disease in older ages, specially among women. This may indicate the necessity of improving public and medical knowledge in Santa Catarina concerning the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

To determine the distribution of serum lipids in children and adolescents of Florianopolis, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. To determine the association between undesirable levels for total cholesterol (170 mg/dL) and others coronary heart disease risks factors.A questionnaire, physical examination and blood analyses were collected from randomized sample from school kids aged range from 7 to 18 years old.1,053 students participated, aged between 7 and 18 years old. They presented a total cholesterol mean of 162+/-28 mg/dl, triglyceride mean of 93+/-47 mg/dl, HDL-cholesterol mean of 53+/-10 mg/dl, LDL-cholesterol mean of 92+/-24 mg/dl and non-HDL cholesterol mean of 109+/-26 mg/dl. The TC/HDL and LDL/HDL mean rates were, respectively, 3.1+/-0.6 and 1.8+/-0.5. Findings showed that private school children, 10 years old or less, girls and black children had higher lipids values. Overall findings suggest that the best logistic regression model which explained abnormal total cholesterol levels included: obesity, stroke and heart attack familial history, feminine gender, age of 10 years old or less and overweight body image determined on inspection.In comparison to international literature, our results, showed intermediated total cholesterol, lower LDL-cholesterol and non-HDL-cholesterol and higher HDL-cholesterol. Therefore, primary prevention programs are needed to be carrying out, especially among overweight children and adolescents so to prevent ischemic heart disease as adulthood.

OBJETIVO: Determinar a distribuição dos lipídeos séricos em crianças e adolescentes de Florianópolis, SC. Determinar a associação entre colesterol não-desejável (>170 mg/dL) e outros fatores de risco para aterosclerose. MÉTODOS: Amostra aleatória estratificada (por idade e tipo de escola) de alunos da rede escolar de Florianópolis. Dados sobre fatores de risco, antropometria, pressão arterial e concentração sérica de lípides foram coletados. RESULTADOS: Participaram 1.053 indivíduos com idade entre 7 e 18 anos. A concentração sérica do colesterol (média±DP) foi 162±28 mg/dL; dos triglicerídeos 93±47 mg/dL; do HDL-colesterol 53±10 mg/dL; do LDL-colesterol 92±24 mg/dL e do colesterol não-HDL 109± 26 mg/dL. As médias das relações CT/HDL e LDL/HDL foram, respectivamente, 3,1±0,6 e 1,8±0,5. Os lípides foram mais elevados nas crianças de escola privada, nos menores de 10 anos, no sexo feminino e nos de cor negra. O modelo de regressão logística que melhor previu os níveis de colesterol anormal incluía: obesidade, história familiar de acidente vascular cerebral ou infarto do miocárdio, sexo feminino, idade inferior a 10 anos e a imagem corporal definida pelo médico como sobrepeso/obesidade. CONCLUSÃO: As concentrações de lipídeos em crianças e adolescentes mostraram valores intermediários quando comparados a estudos semelhantes. Uma grande parcela dos indivíduos apresenta níveis de colesterol sérico classificados como não-desejáveis para idade. Pela significância da associação do colesterol com o excesso de peso, o controle deste fator na infância deve ser tomado como prioridade nos programas de prevenção primordial com o objetivo de reduzir a incidência das doenças relacionadas à aterosclerose na idade adulta. OBJECTIVE: To determine the distribution of serum lipids in children and adolescents of Florianopolis, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. To determine the association between undesirable levels for total cholesterol (>170 mg/dL) and others coronary heart disease risks factors. METHODS: A questionnaire, physical examination and blood analyses were collected from randomized sample from school kids aged range from 7 to 18 years old. RESULTS: 1,053 students participated, aged between 7 and 18 years old. They presented a total cholesterol mean of 162±28 mg/dl, triglyceride mean of 93±47 mg/dl, HDL-cholesterol mean of 53±10 mg/dl, LDL-cholesterol mean of 92±24 mg/dl and non-HDL cholesterol mean of 109±26 mg/dl. The TC/HDL and LDL/HDL mean rates were, respectively, 3.1±0.6 and 1.8±0.5. Findings showed that private school children, 10 years old or less, girls and black children had higher lipids values. Overall findings suggest that the best logistic regression model which explained abnormal total cholesterol levels included: obesity, stroke and heart attack familial history, feminine gender, age of 10 years old or less and overweight body image determined on inspection. CONCLUSION: In comparison to international literature, our results, showed intermediated total cholesterol, lower LDL-cholesterol and non-HDL-cholesterol and higher HDL-cholesterol. Therefore, primary prevention programs are needed to be carrying out, especially among overweight children and adolescents so to prevent ischemic heart disease as adulthood.

Objective To analyze pediatric cancer hospital records regarding the occurrence of new cases; to verify the relation between sex, age, race, origin and the disease clinical extension; to describe the mortality of children with cancer; to explore the association of new cases with proposed demographic variables, disease clinical extension and vital status. Methods Observational, descriptive, longitudinal study in children up to 14 years old, from Santa Catarina. Three hundred and seventy-one new cases of cancer were treated in a regional reference outpatient clinic (1994-98) and recorded according to the International Classification of Childhood Cancer. Multiple Correspondence Analysis was applied to evaluate the categorical variables. Results Three-hundred and seventy-one new cases of cancer were recorded with constant distribution in each year. Cancer affected preschoolers (41.5%) and males (55.8%). Leukemia was observed in 36.6% of the cases. Non-localized stage on the diagnosis occurred in 55.7%. The death occurred in 55.7% of the cases with non-localized disease and 16.3% with localized disease. At the end of the study 58.8% of the children were alive. Conclusions We observed more cases of cancer at pre-school age and among male subjects. Leukemia is the most frequent type of cancer. Non-localized disease predominates on the diagnosis. The death frequency is higher in the group with non-localized disease. There is direct association with non-localized disease, living vital status, school age, adolescent age, female, and for non-localized disease with death vital status, infant age, pre-school age and male.

Objetivos - Avaliar a absorção intestinal em crianças de 18 meses a 14 anos infectadas pelo HIV, atendidas em uma unidade de ambulatório e verificar se existe associação entre má absorção, diarréia, estado nutricional, alteração imunológica, parasitas entéricos clássicos e Cryptosporidium. Metodologia - A absorção intestinal foi investigada utilizando-se a medida da D-xilose sérica. Amostras fecais foram colhidas para a pesquisa de pátogenos entéricos clássicos e Cryptosporidium. O tamanho da amostra foi calculado considerando a prevalência de 30% com precisão de 5% de alteração na absorção da D-xilose em crianças infectadas pelo HIV. Os procedimentos estatísticos utilizados foram: medidas descritivas, análise de correspondência múltipla e regressão logística. Resultados - Das 104 crianças estudadas, somente 8 (7,7%) apresentaram o teste da D-xilose alterado e 33 (31,73%) foram positivas para Cryptosporidium. A análise de correspondência múltipla aplicada aos dados encontrados sugeriu a associação entre o teste da D-xilose alterado e a presença de Cryptosporidium. Não se encontrou associação entre o teste alterado e diarréia, estado nutricional, alteração imunológica e parasistas entéricos clássicos. Conclusões - A má absorção intestinal avaliada pelo teste da D-xilose foi infreqüente nas crianças HIV positivas estudadas. O comprometimento intestinal, quando presente, parece estar relacionado com a presença de Cryptosporidium, porém não com diarréia, estado nutricional, alteração imunológica e parasistas entéricos clássicos. Aim - To evaluate the intestinal absorption in HIV-infected children children 14 months to 14 years and to investigate its relationship to diarrhea, nutritional status, immune dysfunction, classical enteric parasites and Cryptosporidium. Methods - Intestinal absorption was investigated by measuring serum D-xylose. Fecal samples were investigated for classical pathogens and Cryptosporidium. The sample size was calculated considering a 30% prevalence of altered D-xylose absorption in HIV-infected children with a 5% accuracy. Statistical procedures used were: descriptive measurements, multiple correspondence analysis and logistic regression. Results - D-xylose absorption was altered in only 8 out of 104 (7,7%) and Cryptosporidium was positive in 33 out of 104 (31,73%) HIV-infected children. The multiple correspondence analysis suggested an association between an altered D-xylose test and Cryptosporidium. D-xylose malabsorption was not associated with diarrhea, nutritional status, immune disfunction and classic enteric parasites. Conclusions - Intestinal malabsorption evaluated through the D-xylose test was an uncommon finding in HIV-infected children. Intestinal dysfunction when present seems to be related to Cryptosporidium, but not to diarrhea, nutritional status, immune disfunction and classic enteric parasites.

INTRODUÇÃO: Devido ao possível potencial preditivo das atitudes apresentadas pelos estudantes durante o curso de graduação em Medicina, o diagnóstico e o acompanhamento de aspectos atitudinais necessários ao exercício profissional poderiam propiciar mudanças no processo de formação da identidade profissional para efetivação de uma prática médica renovada. MÉTODO: Estudo de coorte, descritivo e quantitativo, por meio da aplicação, em dois momentos, de uma escala de atitudes (tipo Likert com alpha de Cronbach = 0,87), em que se analisam cinco aspectos (ambiência, conhecimento, crença, ética e social) segundo as Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais do Curso de Graduação em Medicina. Os sujeitos foram 202 estudantes de Medicina (52,85% mulheres e 47,15% homens), da primeira à oitava fase, com média de idade de 21,45 anos (Q inf: 21 e Q sup: 22,50); 91,50% provenientes da escola particular; 97,52% solteiros; de família de bom padrão de escolaridade e econômico; 91,54% da Região Sul, sendo 48,77% do próprio Estado; 86,63% não exerciam atividades extracurriculares; e 86,07% tinham como meta ingressar na residência médica após a graduação. RESULTADO: Identificados dois grupos, com provável homogeneidade de comportamento, com tendência atitudinal positiva, mais frequente no sexo feminino, demonstrando provável conflito na dimensão crença. CONCLUSÕES: Os estudantes apresentaram alguns aspectos atitudinais positivos relevantes para a prática médica, não havendo diferenças substanciais considerando-se as fases e o período estudado. Foram percebidos possíveis conflitos atitudinais quando analisados os itens de determinados aspectos, permitindo uma reflexão para possível associação com as questões educacionais e fornecendo subsídios para estudos futuros. INTRODUCTION: During medical school, the students' values and attitudes are affected by knowledge, environment and training. Due to the possible predictive potential, __ the diagnoses and monitoring of the attitude aspects needed for the professional exercise could propitiate changes in the process of the professional identity formation for the implementation of a renewed medical practice. OBJECTIVES: To measure the attitudes and to evaluate the behavior changes during the graduation process. METHOD: A cohort study, descriptive and quantitative, in which it was utilized a questionnaire, that applied in two moments an attitude range (Miranda, 2006) analyzing five aspects: environment, knowledge, beliefs, ethics and society. The attitudes were categorized in positive, negative and conflicting. The subjects were 202 medical students (52.85% women and 47.15% men), from the first to the eighth periods, with a mean age of 21.45 years; 91.50% from private schools; 97.52% single; from good socio-cultural family standards; 91.54% from the South Region, being 48,77% from the State; 86.63% did not perform extracurricular activities; and 86.07% had as their goal to join the residency program after graduation. RESULT: Identified two groups, with a probable homogeneity of behavior, with positive attitudinal trend, more common in females, demonstrating a probable conflict in belief dimension. CONCLUSIONS: Students tended to positive attitudinal aspects___ relevant to the medical practice, and showed no substantial differences considering the phases and the periods studied. Were perceived attitudinal conflicts in certain areas, allowing for a reflection of a possible association with educational issues, and providing subsidies for future studies.

Informações extraídas da literatura médica, desde o final da década de 80 até o presente momento, sugerem, fortemente, que a utilização de suplementação de glutamina pode trazer grandes benefícios, durante fases de imaturidade recém nascido prematuro extremo e situações clínicas críticas (pacientes com câncer, grandes queimados e trauma). Os vários estudos experimentais publicados são convincentes, quanto aos efeitos benéficos da glutamina, na manutenção da homeostase dos aminoácidos séricos, preservação dos músculos do organismo e conservação da integridade e função imunológica geral e da mucosa intestinal, desses pacientes críticos. O seu uso poderia garantir menor incidência de sepse tardia por translocação bacteriana, como também interferir na incidência de enterocolite necrosante entre os recém nascidos prematuros. Essa revisão é fruto da análise de muitos trabalhos, incluindo estudos experimentais e a revisão de conceitos sobre a fisiopatologia da desnutrição, em momentos críticos da doença aguda e da imaturidade típica do recém nascido prematuro extremo, com uma análise dos possíveis mecanismos da ação protetora da glutamina. Esses conhecimentos, obtidos dos estudos experimentais e suas conclusões, são confrontados com os resultados práticos conhecidos da utilização da glutamina em pacientes pertencentes a esses grupos de risco específico.