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Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Andiroba seed oil (Carapa guianensis Aubl.) is widely used by traditional populations in tropical countries, especially in the Brazilian Amazon, because of its anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antiseptic, healing and antipyretic properties, among others, which makes it useful for the treatment, mainly, of skin afflictions and wounds., Aim of the Study: To describe the modulation of the immune system by andiroba oil (Carapa guianensis Aubl.) in inflammation and wound healing., Materials and Methods: A scoping review was performed, following the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and PRISMA for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). As inclusion criteria, in vitro, in vivo, ex vivo, and clinical studies were selected, in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, in thirteen databases of published studies, gray literature, and references of the included studies, which deal with immune modulation by andiroba oil in the context of the various therapeutic applications that make use of its anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. The selection of information sources was carried out by two independent reviewers between November 2022 and January 2023. The process of data extraction and evidence analysis was conducted by four pairs of independent reviewers between January and February 2023., Results: 22 sources of evidence were included in this scoping review, mostly scientific articles published between 2005 and 2021 with in vivo sampling. The evidence suggests that andiroba oil reduces inflammation and promotes the healing of wounds of multiple etiologies by reducing leukocyte infiltration, increasing phagocytic activity, enhancing interleukin and inflammatory cytokine activity, promoting fibroblast recovery, increasing growth factors, reducing apoptotic cells, promoting reepithelialization, as well as promoting angiogenesis, reducing edema, and stimulating the production of glucocorticoids that alleviate pain. Additionally, different formulations of the oil (such as nanoemulsions, films and gels) are more effective in modulating inflammation and wound healing compared to in natura oil., Conclusions: Evidence in the literature suggests that andiroba oil (Carapa guianensis Aubl.) has positive effects on immune modulation in inflammation and wound healing, which makes it a biocompound with high therapeutic potential., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Pregnancy-related complications may impact women's reproductive cycle and health through their lives. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sociodemographic, clinical, and obstetric history of women undergoing hemodialysis., Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study in a specialized health facility with four hemodialysis units. Sociodemographic characteristics, clinical and personal history, obstetric and perinatal results of women with pregnancies before hemodialysis were evaluated. Prevalence, bivariate, and logistic regression analyses were performed., Results: We included 208 (87.76%) women. Hypertension was the main cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) (128 women). Rates of adverse perinatal outcomes, including prematurity, low birth weight, miscarriage, fetal death, and neonatal death, were 19.3%, 14.5%, 25.5%, 12.1%, and 5.3%, respectively. Hypertensive syndromes during pregnancy occurred in 37.0% of women, with 12.5% reporting preeclampsia and 1.4% reporting eclampsia. Up to 1 year after birth, 45.2% of women reported hypertension. Hemodialysis due to hypertension was associated with a history of hypertension during pregnancy (OR 2.33, CI 1.27 - 4.24), gestational hypertension (2.41, CI 3.30 - 4.45), and hypertension up to one year after birth (OR 1.98, CI 1.11 - 3.51). Logistic regression showed that gestational hypertension was independently associated with CKD due to hypertension (aOR 2.76, CI 1.45 - 5.24)., Conclusion: Women undergoing hemodialysis due to hypertension were more likely to have gestational hypertension or hypertension up to one year after birth. To delay end-stage renal disease, it is necessary to identify women at risk of kidney failure according to their reproductive history.

Purpose: Our study aimed to evaluate the acceptability, adverse effects and continuation rates among adolescents who accepted the etonogestrel (ENG) subdermal implant and compared to adolescents who chose other methods during the immediate postpartum period before hospital discharge, with one year follow-up up., Materials and Methods: We conducted a cohort non-randomised study at the Women's Hospital, University of Campinas. All women up to 19 years of age, who gave birth at the hospital between July 2019 and April 2020, were invited to participate and were offered the ENG-implant or the routine contraceptive methods. They were followed for one year postpartum., Results: We included 100 teenagers and 72 accepted the ENG-implant. Students are more likely to accept the ENG-implant than non-students (PR: 1.25 [95%CI 0.99-1.59]). Up to one year of follow-up, survival analysis showed that the time of adherence to the method was longer for the ENG-implant users ( p  = 0.0049). More than 90% of the adolescents were satisfied with the implant; however, five requested early removal due to menstrual irregularity and local discomfort., Conclusion: Provision ENG-implant for adolescents in the immediate postpartum demonstrated high acceptance and ensured effective contraception. After one year, most of them were satisfied, with a high continuation rate and without unplanned pregnancies.

Overweight and obesity are public health problems worldwide despite being modifiable conditions. The association between birth defects and pregestational maternal body mass index is not entirely clear. We aimed to assess the prevalence and estimate the risk of birth defects related to pregestational body mass index and other maternal factors. We explored a 30-year time series database in a cross-section study. We analysed 40,217 cases, among them 2.8% had birth defects. Bivariate analysis showed a higher prevalence of birth defects with increased pre-pregnancy body mass index and in extremes of maternal age, white skin colour, and primiparity. Multivariable logistic regression showed a higher chance of birth defects in women with pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity (OR:1.19 [CI95%:1.01-1.41]), maternal age ≥ 40 years (OR:1.68 [CI95%:1.11-2.54]), and white skin colour (OR:1.44 [CI95%:1.19-1.75]). Maternal weight is a modifiable risk factor that must be considered and addressed in preconception counselling to minimise possible deleterious effects on embryogenesis.IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? Previous studies have linked some maternal factors with birth defects. However, the association with prepregnancy maternal body mass index is not clear. What do the results of this study add? Our findings provide support for the association of prepregnancy maternal overweight and obesity with birth defects and highlight that BMI is a modified risk factor. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Maternal body mass index is a modifiable risk factor, highlighting the importance of preconception counselling for the prevention and possible reduction of factors that increase the risk of birth defects.

Idiopathic pulmonary artery hypertension (IPAH), chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), and acute pulmonary embolism (APTE) are life-threatening cardiopulmonary diseases without specific surgical or medical treatment. Although APTE, CTEPH and IPAH are different pulmonary vascular diseases in terms of clinical presentation, prevalence, pathophysiology and prognosis, the identification of their circulating microRNA (miRNAs) might help in recognizing differences in their outcome evolution and clinical forms. The aim of this study was to describe the APTE, CTEPH, and IPAH-associated miRNAs and to predict their target genes. The target genes of the key differentially expressed miRNAs were analyzed, and functional enrichment analyses were carried out. The miRNAs were detected using RT-PCR. Finally, we incorporated plasma circulating miRNAs in baseline and clinical characteristics of the patients to detect differences between APTE and CTEPH in time of evolution, and differences between CTEPH and IPAH in diseases form. We found five top circulating plasma miRNAs in common with APTE, CTEPH and IPAH assembled in one conglomerate. Among them, miR-let-7i-5p expression was upregulated in APTE and IPAH, while miRNA-320a was upregulated in CTEP and IPAH. The network construction for target genes showed 11 genes regulated by let-7i-5p and 20 genes regulated by miR-320a, all of them regulators of pulmonary arterial adventitial fibroblasts, pulmonary artery endothelial cell, and pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. AR (androgen receptor), a target gene of hsa-let-7i-5p and has-miR-320a, was enriched in pathways in cancer, whereas PRKCA (Protein Kinase C Alpha), also a target gene of hsa-let-7i-5p and has-miR-320a, was enriched in KEGG pathways, such as pathways in cancer, glioma, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. We inferred that CTEPH might be the consequence of abnormal remodeling in APTE, while unbalance between the hyperproliferative and apoptosis-resistant phenotype of pulmonary arterial adventitial fibroblasts, pulmonary artery endothelial cell and pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells in pulmonary artery confer differences in IPAH and CTEPH diseases form. We concluded that the incorporation of plasma circulating let-7i-5p and miRNA-320a in baseline and clinical characteristics of the patients reinforces differences between APTE and CTEPH in outcome evolution, as well as differences between CTEPH and IPAH in diseases form., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Fabro, Machado-Rugolo, Baldavira, Prieto, Farhat, Rotea ManGone, Batah, Cruvinel, Aldá, Monteiro, Pádua, Morais, Antônio de Oliveira, Santos, Baddini-Martinez, Setubal, Rainho, Yoo, Silva, Nagai and Capelozzi.)

Objective:  The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge concerning gestational weight gain (GWG), nutrition, and physical exercise (PE) in pregnant women, and how to put them into practice., Methods:  A cross-sectional study with 61 pregnant women above 26 weeks of gestation, at the Woman's Hospital, CAISM, University of Campinas. Questionnaires regarding the knowledge of healthy habits (HH) during pregnancy, sociodemographic data, and previous obstetric outcomes were applied. An educational guide with advice on HH during pregnancy and in the postpartum period was offered., Results:  The average age of women was 28.7 ± 6.23 years, with 85% of them being married; 32% nulliparous; the average body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy was 25.4 ± 9.8 kg/m 2 , and the mean number of years of schooling was 11.2 ± 3.8. Only 61% of the subjects had received any previous information about GWG during their antenatal care and were aware as to how many pounds they should gain during pregnancy. Among the 61 women, 85% understood that they did not need to "eat for 2" and 99% knew that PE had benefits for their body and was safe for their baby. Half of the women practiced PE prior to pregnancy; however, only 31% continued the practice of PE during the pregnancy., Conclusion:  Despite understanding the need for HH during pregnancy, women still need encouragement to practice PE during pregnancy, as well as more information about GWG., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article., (Thieme Revinter Publicações Ltda Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.)

Objective: To determine Shock Index (SI) reference values in the first two hours of the postpartum period after objectively measuring postpartum bleeding., Materials and Methods: A complementary analysis using data from a prospective cohort study at Women's Hospital of the University of Campinas, Brazil, between 1 February 2015 and 31 March 2016. It included women giving birth vaginally unless they had one of these conditions: gestational age below 34 weeks, hypertension, hypo- or hyperthyroidism without treatment, any cardiac disease, infections with fever or sepsis, history of coagulopathy or delivery by C-section. Blood loss was measured by adding the blood volume collected in the drape placed under the women's buttocks and the weight of gauzes and compresses used (excluding the dry weight). Vital signs were measured every 5-15 min after delivery. Exploratory data analysis was performed to assess the mean, standard deviation, median, and percentiles (5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, 95th). To identify variation among the periods after delivery, the mean SI and heart rate (HR) values observed for the following intervals were used in the analysis: 0-20 min, 21-40 min, 41-60 min, 61-90 min and 91-120 min., Results: One hundred eighty-six women were included. The mean age ± SD was 24.9 ± 6.1 years and the mean gestational age at birth was 39.2 ± 1.8 weeks. At the puerperal period, the mean SI values ranged from 0.68 ± 0.14 to 0.74 ± 0.15. The percentile distribution ranged from 0.46 (5th percentile) to 1.05 (95th percentile). The mean HR values ranged from 80.8 ± 12.7 bpm to 92.3 ± 14.4 bpm. The percentile distribution ranged from 62.0 bpm (5th percentile) to 117 bpm (95th percentile)., Conclusion: Reference ranges were established for SI and HR values which showed small variations throughout the postpartum period., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Objective: Pregnancy in adolescence is a global health issue, especially in developing countries. Additionally, the recommended gestational weight gain (GWG) is usually based on pre-pregnancy BMI and that might be complex for pregnant teens. The study objective was to compare three different methods of BMI classification and suggest the best way of determining pre-pregnancy BMI and monitoring GWG among pregnant adolescents., Design: Pre-pregnancy weight, weight at first prenatal visit, height, sociodemographic, reproductive and perinatal data were collected. Weighted kappa and McNemar statistics were used to assess agreement between the classification methods., Setting: Prof. Dr Jose Aristodemo Pinotti Women's Hospital, University of Campinas, Brazil.ParticipantsPrimiparas younger than 19 years of age and with less than 20 weeks of gestational age (n 150)., Results: BMI of the primiparas was determined according to the WHO recommendation for adult women, the Child Growth Standards (CGS) and their gynaecological age (GA). The WHO and GA measurements presented a strong agreement with each other (κ w=0·99; 95 % CI 0·97, 1·00), but did not agree with the CGS classification (κ w=0·62; 95 % CI 0·50, 0·74 by WHO; κ w=0·62; 95 % CI 0·51, 0·74 by GA). Also, inadequate GWG was observed in 72·2 % of cases and was correlated with a higher rate of caesarean birth., Conclusions: BMI classification according to the CGS differed from WHO and GA. However, CGS and WHO agreed on perinatal outcomes. We recommend using BMI classification by WHO to assess pregnant adolescents, since it is easily applied and better known among health professionals.

Objective:  To evaluate the relation between changes the body mass index (BMI) percentile, reflected in the Atalah curve, and perinatal outcomes., Methods:  A cross-sectional study with 1,279 women was performed. Data regarding gestational weight, sociodemographic characteristics and perinatal outcomes were collected through medical charts, prenatal card and interviews in the postpartum period. Women could be classified according to the Atalah curve in the following categories: low weight, adequate weight, overweight, and obese. The BMI was calculated at the first and at the last prenatal care visits, and these values were compared., Results:  An increase in the BMI category according to the Atalah classification occurred in 19.9% of pregnant women, and an increase of 3.4, 5.8 and 6.4 points of BMI were found for women respectively classified in the adequate weight, overweight and obese categories at the first prenatal visit. Women with high school education presented a lower chance of increasing their BMI (odds ratio [OR] 0:47 [0.24- 0.95]). Women who evolved with an increase in the the Atalah classification were associated with cesarean section (OR 1.97-2.28), fetal macrosomia (OR 4.13-12.54) and large for gestational age newborn (OR 2.88-9.83)., Conclusion:  Pregnant women who gained enough weight to move up in their BMI classification according to the Atalah curve had a higher chance of cesarean section and macrosomia. Women classified as obese, according to the Atalah curve, at the first prenatal visit had a high chance of cesarean section and delivering a large for gestational age newborn., Competing Interests: Conflicts to Interest: The authors have stated explicitly that there are no conflicts of interest in connection with this article., (Thieme Revinter Publicações Ltda Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.)

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to create growth curves based on ultrasonography biometric parameters of fetuses with gastroschisis, comparing them with normal growth standards, and to analyze umbilical artery (UA) Doppler velocimetry patterns., Methods: A cohort study of 72 fetuses with gastroschisis, at gestational ages between 14 and 39 weeks was designed. Mean and standard deviation were calculated, with the 5th, 10th, 50th, 90th, and 95th centiles being established for biometric parameters according to gestational age. Curves were obtained, comparing with normal reference via the Mann-Whitney test. UA Doppler velocimetry patterns were obtained., Results: A total of 434 examinations were performed, and centiles were established for biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, and estimated fetal weight. A significant difference was observed between the gastroschisis measurements when compared to control, with all curves shifted downwards. Abdominal circumference was the parameter presenting the largest difference. Estimated fetal weight was also lower, with mean difference of 256.3 ± 166.8 g for the 50th centile (P < .0001). UA Doppler velocimetry was normal in 97.5%., Conclusions: Fetuses with gastroschisis show symmetrical growth deficits in the second and third trimesters, with normal UA Doppler velocimetry. These results reinforce the hypothesis that they are constitutionally smaller, yet not restricted because of placental insufficiency., (© 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Objective: To generate a new body mass index curve of reference values and ranges for body mass index and weight gain during pregnancy and to compare the new curve and weight gain ranges with the currently used references., Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted with a total of 5,656 weight and body mass index measurements in 641 women with single pregnancy who attended their first prenatal visit before 12 weeks. All the women were over 18 years old and had no medical conditions that would influence body mass index. Data were collected using prenatal charts and medical records during hospitalization for childbirth. A linear regression method was used for standard curve smoothing in the general population and for specific curves according to the baseline body mass index classification. Curves were obtained for the 5th, 10th, 50th, 85th, 90th and 95th percentiles. Concordance between the classification of women using the newly generated and currently used curves was evaluated by percentages and kappa coefficients. The weight gain was compared with the reference values of the Institute of Medicine using Student's T test. The data were analyzed using SAS software version 9.2, and the significance level was set at 5%., Results: A general reference curve of percentiles of body mass index by gestational age was established. Additionally, four specific curves were generated according to the four baseline body mass index categories. The new general curve offered percentile limits for women according to their initial body mass index and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention limits, showing poor agreement with the currently used curve (48.3%). Women who were overweight or obese when starting prenatal care had higher weight gain than the Institute of Medicine recommendation., Conclusions: The new proposed curve for body mass index during pregnancy showed weak agreement with the currently used curve. The new curve provided more information regarding body mass index increase using percentiles for general and specific groups of body mass index. Overweight pregnant women showed an upward body mass index trend throughout pregnancy that increased more dramatically than those of other groups of pregnant women, and they also presented a major mean difference between weight gain and the Institute of Medicine recommendation.

Objective: To assess variation in the shock index (SI; heart rate divided by systolic blood pressure) during pregnancy., Methods: In a retrospective cohort study, data were assessed from the medical records of women with low-risk pregnancies who attended a primary healthcare unit for prenatal care in Campinas, Brazil, between January 2012 and December 2013. The means, standard deviations, and percentiles of SI values were calculated for different pregnancy lengths, stratified by body mass index (BMI) and maternal age., Results: In total, 192 pregnant women with 1097 measurements were included. The mean SI values ranged from 0.756 ± 0.127 at 12 weeks or fewer to 0.831 ± 0.144 at 28-32 weeks. There was an increase in values in the second trimester and beginning of the third, followed by a decrease at term. The percentile distribution ranged from 0.522 (2.5th percentile) to 1.190 (97.5th percentile). SI values showed a trend toward lower values with increasing BMI. Regression analysis showed that BMI was the factor that most influenced the data., Conclusion: Reference ranges were established for SI values, which showed small variations throughout pregnancy and slightly higher values than the general population., (Copyright © 2016 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To analyze the relationship between parity, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), and gestational weight gain (GWG)., Methods: This observational controlled study was conducted from November 2013 to April 2014, with postpartum women who started antenatal care up to 14 weeks and had full-term births. Data were collected from medical records and antenatal cards. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed. The significance level was 5%., Results: Data were collected from 130 primiparous and 160 multiparous women. At the beginning of prenatal care, 54.62% of the primiparous were eutrophic, while the majority of multiparous were overweight or obese (62.51%). Multiparas are two times more likely to be obese at the beginning of their pregnancies, when compared to primiparas. The average pre-pregnancy weight and final pregnancy weight was significantly higher in multiparous, however, the mean GWG was higher among primiparous., Conclusion: We found an inverse correlation between parity and the total GWG, but initial BMI was significantly higher in multiparas. Nevertheless, monitoring of the GWG through actions that promote a healthier lifestyle is needed, regardless of parity and nutritional status, in order to prevent excessive GWG and postpartum weight retention and consequently inadequate pre-pregnancy nutritional status in future pregnancies.

Objective . To elaborate curves of longitudinal reference intervals of pulsatility index (PI) and systolic velocity (SV) for uterine (UtA), umbilical (UA), and middle cerebral arteries (MCA), in low risk pregnancies. Methods . Doppler velocimetric measurements of PI and SV from 63 low risk pregnant women between 16 and 41 weeks of gestational age. Means (±SD) for intervals of gestational age and percentiles 5, 50, and 95 were calculated for each parameter. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) were also estimated for assessing intra- and intervariability of measurements. Results . Mean PI of UtA showed decreasing values during pregnancy, but no regular pattern was identified for mean SV. For UA, PI decreased and SV increased along gestation. MCA presented PI increasing values until 32-35 weeks. SV showed higher levels with increasing gestation. High ICC values indicated good reproducibility. Conclusions . Reference intervals for the assessment of SV and PI of UtA, UA, and MCA were established. These reference intervals showed how a normal pregnancy is expected to progress regarding these Doppler velocimetric parameters and are useful to follow high risk pregnancies. The comparison between results using different curves may provide insights about the best patterns to be used., Competing Interests: The authors report no competing interests.

Objective: To establish longitudinal reference intervals for pulsatility index (PI) and systolic velocity (SV) of the fetal renal artery, and to evaluate their correlation with the amniotic fluid index (AFI)., Methods: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted among women with low-risk pregnancies who attended outpatient clinics at the University of Campinas Medical School, Brazil, at 16-19 weeks of pregnancy between April 1, 2008, and March 31, 2010. Doppler velocimetric measurements of the fetal renal artery and assessments of the AFI were undertaken at 4-week intervals to 36 weeks, and every 2 weeks thereafter until delivery., Results: A total of 63 women were enrolled. The PI of the fetal renal artery showed little variation during pregnancy, whereas SV values increased to 36-37 weeks of pregnancy and decreased thereafter. No correlations were found between the AFI and the fetal renal artery Doppler velocimetric parameters (P>0.05 for all). The intraclass correlation coefficients for intra-observer and inter-observer variability indicated good reproducibility of SV, but the reproducibility of PI was lower., Conclusions: The AFI did not correlate with fetal renal artery Doppler velocimetric measures among low-risk pregnancies. However, investigations are needed among high-risk pregnancies., (Copyright © 2015 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To assess the physical activity levels of pregnant women and to examine the characteristics associated with the practice of exercise and the activities of daily living during pregnancy., Methods: For this cross-sectional study, 1,279 women were recruited within 72 hours postpartum. They were interviewed about their socio-demographic data and obstetric history and were administered self-report questionnaires about exercise and daily physical activities during pregnancy. Data on the current pregnancy, labor, delivery, and newborn outcomes were collected from participants' medical records. To analyze factors related to the practice of exercise, we used the student t-test, X², and odds ratio (OR), with a corresponding 95% confident interval (CI), followed by a multiple logistic regression. The significance level was 5%., Results: Compared to the pre-pregnancy period, the prevalence of physical activity among participants was lower throughout pregnancy (20.1%) (p = 0.01). Half of the women interrupted practicing physical exercise due to pregnancy. The lowest prevalence of exercise was observed in the first (13.6%) and third trimesters (13.4%). Less than half of women received exercise guidance during prenatal care meetings (47.4%). Walking was the most commonly reported exercise, followed by water aerobics. Factors positively associated with exercise practice were higher educational level (OR= 1.82; CI 95% 1.28-2.60), primiparity (OR=1.49; CI 95% 1.07-2.07), exercising before pregnancy (OR= 6.45; CI 95% 4.64-8.96), and exercise guidance during prenatal care (OR=2.54; CI 95% 1.80-3.57). Mildly intense exercise and domestic activities were most frequently reported among pregnant women. There were no differences in maternal and perinatal outcomes between active and sedentary pregnant women., Conclusion: The findings indicate that promoting physical activity remains a priority in public health policy, and women of childbearing age, especially those planning a pregnancy, should be encouraged to adopt an exercise routine or maintain an active lifestyle during pregnancy in order to avoid sedentary- and obesity-associated risks.

Background: The increasing efforts to reduce the environmental impact on the Amazon's natural resources are focusing on watercourses that pass through effluents with high concentrations of heavy metals. The adsorption by absorbent is one of the methods used to remove metallic ions. In this assignment, the preparation of activated carbon from Brazil nut bark (Bertholletia excelsa l.), which is a waste material produced from the use of seeds in foodstuffs and cosmetics, is shown., Results: The absorbent was carbonized at 400 °C in 3 h and activated at 800 °C in 2 h, having received the name of AC2, and, the specific area, pore size, real and apparent densities, porosity, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled to energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), pH, moisture, fixed carbon and surface functional groups by Boehm method and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were characterized. According to the results, the carbon presented alkaline characteristic, mesoporosity, average pore diameters of 2.203 nm and specific surface area by BET of 464.835 m(2) g(-1). The efficiency of removal was performed in synthetic solutions of copper sulphate (II) pentahydrate (CuSO4.5H2O), evaluating the influence of pH, initial concentration of copper solution (II), particle diameter and time contact of the adsorbent in solution. The results of higher removal percentages were to pH 5.09, initial concentration of 50, 100 and 150 mg(-1) diameter 0.595 < D < 1.19 mm and time contact of 5 min., Conclusions: The Brazil nut bark is shown to be an important bio-waste, being an excellent alternative material for the low-cost production of activated carbon for use in processes involving iterations of adsorption.

Objective: To compare the effect of active exercise and manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) on postoperative wound healing complications, shoulder range of motion (ROM) and upper limb (UL) perimetry in women undergoing radical mastectomy for breast cancer., Methods: Controlled non-randomized clinical trial with 89 women undergoing breast cancer surgery with axillary lymph node dissection (Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials: 906). Women were matched for staging, age and body mass index, with 46 women allocated to the exercise group and 43 in the MLD group, receiving 2 weekly sessions during one month. Assessments were performed in the preoperative and 60 d after surgery, including inspection, palpation, goniometry and perimetry., Results: No significant difference existed between groups relative to individual and clinical surgical characteristics. The incidence of seroma, number of punctures performed, dehiscence and infection was similar in both groups. A comparison of shoulder ROM and UL perimetry between groups, obtained in the preoperative and postoperative period, did not show any significant difference., Conclusion: The performance of active exercise or MLD did not demonstrate difference in wound healing complications, shoulder ROM and UL perimetry at 60 d after surgery, suggesting that these techniques may be employed, according to the complaints or symptoms of each woman and physical therapist experience.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of cervical cytology screening on the prevalence of cervical cytological results in women, as a function of age and test interval., Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of cytology screening data of 2,002,472 tests obtained from previously screened women and 217,826 tests from unscreened women. The central cytopathology laboratory database was analyzed. The tests were collected for screening purposes from Campinas metropolitan region, Brazil. A prevalence ratio (PR) with a 95% confidence interval was calculated for the screened women, in relation to the unscreened women, and for different tests intervals. Protection afforded by screening (1-PR) was calculated., Results: For high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, the PR was 0.97 (0.83-1.13) for women aged 20 years or younger and 0.99 (0.86-1.14) for women aged 20 to 24 years, decreasing significantly in women aged 25 to 29 years (PR, 0.63 [0.52-0.76]). The PR for squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), and invasive adenocarcinoma showed a significant reduction in all age groups older than 30 years. For the age group ranging from 30 to 59 years, protection for squamous cell carcinoma, AIS, and invasive adenocarcinoma was 83% or higher for screening intervals from 1 to 5 years. Protective effect was not demonstrated for screening intervals longer than 5 years for AIS and invasive adenocarcinoma., Conclusions: Cytology screening is effective at preventing cytological high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, squamous cell carcinoma, AIS, and invasive adenocarcinoma. On the basis of cytological results, protection against AIS and invasive adenocarcinoma was observed with screening intervals shorter than 5 years. Cytological screening in women 25 years or younger should be critically evaluated.

Introduction: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a widespread health condition and in some situations conservative treatment has been recommended. The aim of this study was to compare women's quality of life (QoL) before and after short-term physical therapy treatment., Methods: We carried out a clinical trial involving 72 women who received an eight-session intervention based on pelvic floor electrical stimulation (PFES), pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and behavioral training. QoL was evaluated by the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test compared the ICIQ-SF scores; the relative changes were calculated by dividing the differences by the initial score, and McNemar's χ(2) compared the questions related to the type of, possible causes of or situations related to UI (p < 0.05)., Results: There was a significant reduction in the frequency (p < 0.03), amount (p < 0.04) and impact (p < 0.001) of UI on QoL. The total score decreased from 14.6 ± 4.2 to 7.2 ± 4.5 (p < 0.001). All questions regarding the type of, possible causes of or situations related to UI had significantly decreased. Also, 15 women reported the 'never leaked urine' condition (p < 0.001) after treatment., Conclusion: A short-term physical therapy treatment based on PFES, PFMT and behavioral modifications reduced the frequency, amount and impact of UI and therefore resulted in QoL improvement., (© 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Purpose: To explore the relationship between morphological characteristics and histologic localization of metastasis within sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) and axillary spread in women with breast cancer., Methods: We selected 119 patients with positive SLN submitted to complete axillary lymph node dissection from July 2002 to March 2007. We retrieved the age of patients and the primary tumor size. In the primary tumor, we evaluated histologic and nuclear grade, and peritumoral vascular invasion (PVI). In SLNs we evaluated the size of metastasis, their localization in the lymph node, number of foci, number of involved lymph nodes, and extranodal extension., Results: Fifty-one (42.8%) patients had confirmed additional metastasis in non-sentinel lymph nodes (NLSN). High histologic grade, PVI, intraparenchymatous metastasis, extranodal neoplastic extension and size of metastasis were associated with positive NLSN. SLN metastasis affecting the capsule were associated to low risk incidence of additional metastasis. After multivariate analysis, PVI and metastasis size in the SLN remained as the most important risk factors for additional metastasis., Conclusions: The risk of additional involvement of NSLN is higher in patients with PVI and it increases progressively according the histologic localization in the lymph node, from capsule, where the afferent lymphatic channel arrives, to the opposite side of capsule promoting the extranodal extension. Size of metastasis greater than 6.0 mm presents higher risk of additional lymph node metastasis.

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of sonographic endometrial thickness and hysteroscopic characteristics in predicting malignancy in postmenopausal women undergoing surgical resection of endometrial polyps., Methods: Five hundred twenty-one (521) postmenopausal women undergoing hysteroscopic resection of endometrial polyps between January 1998 and December 2008 were studied. For each value of sonographic endometrial thickness and polyp size on hysteroscopy, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated in relation to the histologic diagnosis of malignancy. The best values of sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of malignancy were determined by the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve., Results: Histologic diagnosis identified the presence of premalignancy or malignancy in 4.1% of cases. Sonographic measurement revealed a greater endometrial thickness in cases of malignant polyps when compared to benign and premalignant polyps. On surgical hysteroscopy, malignant endometrial polyps were also larger. An endometrial thickness of 13 mm showed a sensitivity of 69.6%, specificity of 68.5%, PPV of 9.3%, and NPV of 98% in predicting malignancy in endometrial polyps. Polyp measurement by hysteroscopy showed that for polyps 30 mm in size, the sensitivity was 47.8%, specificity was 66.1%, PPV was 6.1%, and NPV was 96.5% for predicting cancer., Conclusions: Sonographic endometrial thickness showed a higher level of accuracy than hysteroscopic measurement in predicting malignancy in endometrial polyps. Despite this, both techniques showed low accuracy for predicting malignancy in endometrial polyps in postmenopausal women. In suspected cases, histologic evaluation is necessary to exclude malignancy.

Purpose: To evaluate the correlation between the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Urinary Incontinence/Short Form (ICIQ-UI/SF) and Urodynamic evaluation (UE) in women with urinary incontinence (UI)., Methods: Clinical data, UE and ICIQ-UI/SF scores for 358 patients from private health service were analyzed retrospectively . The correlation between ICIQ-UI/SF and urodynamic parameters was determined by Spearman's test. A ROC curve with the sensitivity and specificity of the ICIQ-UI/SF scores was utilized to establish the value of the questionnaire that would predict an altered urodynamic parameter. The χ(2) test or Fisher's exact test was used to calculate the p-value. The level of significance was 5% and the software used was SAS 9.2., Results: Sixty-seven point three percent of the patients presented Stress UI (SUI) according to the UE (urodynamic SUI); those with SUI and Detrusor overactivity (DO) at UE represented 16.2% of the women (SUI+DO), and those with only DO at UE (DO) represented 7.3% of the women. Patients with normal UE represented 9.2% of the women. There was a significant association between ICIQ-UI/SF scores ≥14 and patients with urodynamic SUI, with or without DO. Patients with Valsava Leak Point Pressure (VLPP)≤90 cmH2O presented ICIQ-UI/SF≥15. Spearman's test showed a weak inverse correlation between ICIQ-UI/SF score and VLPP, although it did not show any correlation with maximum cystometric capacity or with bladder volume on first desire to void., Conclusion: There was an association between ICIQ-UI/SF score and patients with SUI, with or without DO, but no association between the score and patients with DO alone. The lower the VLPP value, the higher the ICIQ-UI/SF score. The ICIQ-UI/SF was not able to distinguish the different types of UI in the studied population.

Objectives: To evaluate the capacity to predict malignancy in women with adnexal tumors using CA 125 measurement and ultrasound criteria., Methods: This was a cross-sectional study including 103 women with a total of 110 adnexal tumors. CA 125 level was measured in a sample of peripheral blood. Lesions were classified by ultrasound, using standardized predetermined criteria, as benign (B) or malignant (M). Those that could not be classified by these criteria were assessed subjectively. Histopathologic examination of surgical specimens was used as the gold standard., Results: Of 110 tumors, 79 (71.8%) were benign and 31 (28.2%) were malignant on histopathology. Ultrasound criteria could be applied to 91 (82.7%) tumors, resulting in a sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 87%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 69% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 97%. In tumors not classifiable according to ultrasound criteria, subjective sonographic assessment gave a sensitivity of 67%, specificity of 80%, PPV of 75% and NPV of 73%. At a cut-off point of 37.4 U/mL, CA 125 had a sensitivity of 69%, a specificity of 87.8%, a PPV of 69% and a NPV of 88% for detection of malignancy. When CA 125 was associated with age and ultrasound criteria in a logistic regression model, the sensitivity and specificity increased in the subset of sonographically malignant tumors., Conclusion: The majority of tumors were correctly classified using ultrasound criteria. CA 125 alone performed worse than did ultrasound in discriminating malignant from benign adnexal tumors. CA 125 measurement contributed to the diagnosis of malignancy, improving overall specificity, only in sonographically malignant tumors., (Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Objective: To establish reference values for Doppler velocimetry of the ophthalmic artery (OA) and the central retinal artery (CRA) in low-risk pregnancy., Method: Between January 2008 and March 2009, 63 low-risk pregnant women underwent an ultrasound scan every 2 weeks at the Women's Hospital, Campinas, Brazil, to determine the resistance index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), and peak systolic velocity of both arteries, in addition to the flow velocity of the second peak and peak ratio (PR) of the OA. For analysis, linear regression was used with mixed models for longitudinal data, coefficient of determination, and estimates of the 5th and 95th percentiles for each parameter at each gestational age. Intra- and inter-observer variability was evaluated via the intraclass correlation coefficient., Results: There was a trend of a reduction with gestational age in PI and RI of the OA, and PI of the CRA, but not in PR of the OA; and the respective reference values were established. Intra- and inter-observer variability was considered satisfactory., Conclusion: Unilateral assessment of the orbital Doppler velocimetry is feasible. Establishment of reference values showed a negative correlation between gestational age and PI and RI of the OA, and PI of the CRA. The method demonstrated satisfactory reproducibility., (Copyright © 2012 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To evaluate factors associated with morbidities among Brazilian women aged 40-65 years and with 11 or more years of schooling., Methods: A secondary analysis of a cross-sectional population-based study was conducted, using an anonymous self-report questionnaire completed by 377 women. Were evaluated, with this instrument, some morbidities (hypertension, diabetes, insomnia and depression) and sociodemographic, behavioral, clinical and reproductive factors. The association between morbidities and independent variables was evaluated by the χ² test. Multiple logistic regression analysis with stepwise selection criteria was used to select the major factors associated with morbid conditions., Results: In the multiple regression analysis, insomnia was associated with bad/fair self-perception of health (OR=2.3) and nervousness (OR=5.1). Depression was associated with bad/fair self-perception of health (OR=3.7) and bad/poor leisure (OR=2.8). Hypertension was associated with obesity (OR=3.1) and being in postmenopausal (OR=2.6). Diabetes was associated with age above 50 years (OR=3.9) and obesity (OR=12.5)., Conclusions: The prevalence of morbidities was high and a worse self-perception of health and obesity were the main factors associated with morbidity.

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of periodontal disease (PD) among Brazilian low-risk pregnant women and its association with sociodemographic factors, habits and oral hygiene., Method: This cross-sectional study included 334 low-risk pregnant women divided in groups with or without PD. Indexes of plaque and gingival bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level and gingival recession were evaluated at one periodontal examination below 32 weeks of gestation. Independent variables were: age, race/color, schooling, marital status, parity, gestational age, smoking habit, alcohol and drugs consumption, use of medication, presence of any systemic diseases and BMI (body mass index). Statistical analyses provided prevalence ratios and their respective 95%CI and also a multivariate analysis., Results: The prevalence of PD was 47% and significantly associated with higher gestational age (PR 1.40; 1.01-1.94 for 17-24 weeks and PR 1.52; 1.10-2.08 for 25-32 weeks), maternal age 25-29 years, obesity (PR 1.65; 1.02-2.68) and the presence of gingival bleeding on probing (OR(adj) 2.01, 95%CI 1.41-2.88). Poor oral hygiene was associated with PD by the mean values of plaque and bleeding on probing indexes significantly greater in PD group., Conclusions: The prevalence of PD is high and associated with gingival bleeding on probing, more advanced gestational age and obesity. A program of oral health care should be included in prenatal care for early pregnancy, especially for low-income populations.

Purpose: To evaluate quality of life (QOL) in gynecologic cancer survivors after radiotherapy (RT), investigate the frequency of adverse events and demonstrate an association between these symptoms and QOL., Methods: A prospective cohort study of 95 women aged 21-75 years undergoing RT for gynecologic cancer was carried out. QOL was assessed by the WHOQOL-BREF before, at 4 months, 1 year and 3 years after RT and adverse events were evaluated following RT by the (CTCAE) v 3.0 scale. QOL scores were assessed by the Wilcoxon signed rank test over time. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify predictors of QOL., Results: The most frequent adverse events were pain (64.2%) and dyspareunia (45.9%). A significant increase in QOL scores was observed in the psychological domain, general health and overall QOL. Pain was negatively associated with the physical, psychological and social relationship domains (p < 0.01); dyspareunia with the physical and social relationship (p < 0.01); decreased sexual interest with the psychological (p < 0.01). Higher family income was positively associated with the psychological domain and general health (p < 0.01)., Conclusions: Results suggested that QOL improved after RT in women with gynecologic cancer. Adverse events, such as pain, dyspareunia and decreased sexual interest had a negative impact on QOL.

Objective: To assess the frequency of elective induction of labour and its determinants in selected Latin America countries; quantify success in attaining vaginal delivery, and compare rates of caesarean and adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes after elective induction versus spontaneous labour in low-risk pregnancies., Methods: Of 37,444 deliveries in women with low-risk pregnancies, 1847 (4.9%) were electively induced. The factors associated with adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes among cases of spontaneous and induced onset of labour were compared. Odds ratios for factors potentially associated with adverse outcomes were calculated, as were the relative risks of having an adverse maternal or perinatal outcome (both with their 95% confidence intervals). Adjustment using multiple logistic regression models followed these analyses., Findings: Of 11,077 cases of induced labour, 1847 (16.7%) were elective. Elective inductions occurred in 4.9% of women with low-risk pregnancies (37,444). Oxytocin was the most common method used (83% of cases), either alone or combined with another. Of induced deliveries, 88.2% were vaginal. The most common maternal adverse events were: (i) a higher postpartum need for uterotonic drugs, (ii) a nearly threefold risk of admission to the intensive care unit; (iii) a fivefold risk of postpartum hysterectomy, and (iv) an increased need for anaesthesia/analgesia. Perinatal outcomes were satisfactory except for a 22% higher risk of delayed breastfeeding (i.e. initiation between 1 hour and 7 days postpartum)., Conclusion: Caution is mandatory when indicating elective labour induction because the increased risk of maternal and perinatal adverse outcomes is not outweighed by clear benefits.

Background: With increased life expectancy of the world's population that has taken place in recent decades, there has been growth in the incidence of illnesses of the most advanced ages, including osteoporosis. However, changes in musculoskeletal disorders are not yet so clear. This study proposes to evaluate musculoskeletal alterations in osteoporotic postmenopausal women and healthy and correlate with bone mineral density of the lumbar spine., Methods: Randomized, examiner-blinded, comparative cross-sectional study was designed with two groups of women attending the Menopause Clinic in the UNICAMP, 30 women with osteoporosis, while 33 women without osteoporosis comprised the second group. Diagnosis of the presence or absence of osteoporosis was based on bone densitometry performed on the lumbar spine. Volunteers were interviewed and underwent a physical examination with the same examiner, including the muscle strength and amplitude of movement of back flexion and extension, angles of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis, as well as static and dynamic balance., Results: Mean back flexors and extensors strength was significantly lower in women with osteoporosis (P < 0.01). Flexion spinal range of motion was similar in both groups (P = 0.91). However, movement amplitude of spine extension was 20.5 (o)C in women with osteoporosis and 28.4 (o)C in women without osteoporosis. Thoracic kyphosis angles from T1 to T4 (P < 0.01) and lumbar lordosis angles (P = 0.02) were greater in women with osteoporosis. Seventy-three point three percent of women with osteoporosis and 78.8% of women without osteoporosis had good reply to static balance. Women in both groups had poor results to dynamic balance. No significant differences were observed in static or dynamic balance between women with and without osteoporosis. Vertebral fractures were present in 20% of women with osteoporosis and absent in women without osteoporosis., Conclusions: Women with osteoporosis in the study population had poorer musculoskeletal status than women without osteoporosis. Further studies are necessary to evaluate whether correction of these alterations would be related to preventing falls and reducing fracture risk., Keywords: Balance; Kyphosis; Mobility; Muscle strength; Osteoporosis; Postmenopausal.

Objective: To evaluate the association between different types of physical activity and quality of life in a sample of women aged 60 or over., Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out, interviewing 271 women. Of these, 141 were recruited in a menopause outpatient clinic and 130 were recruited in a social leisure center, in Brazil. The instruments used were the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) version 8 and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire specific for this age group (WHOQOL-OLD). Each IPAQ section was evaluated by multiple linear regression analysis, considering independent and confounding variables. The significance level was set at 5% and the software used was SAS version 9.1.3., Results: The mean age of the patients was 67.4 ± 5.3 years. The mean time devoted to physical activity was 2802.7 ± 1154.9 minutes per week. The total WHOQOL-OLD score was 66.9 ± 11.7. The past, present and future actvities (estimated β = 0.021) and, social participation (estimated β = 0.03) domains had association with IPAQ transportation section. The leisure-time domain of the IPAQ had an inverse and significant relationship with the quality of life score related to present, past and future activities (estimated β = -0.0269)., Conclusion: Quality of life was negatively influenced by leisure, but time spent in this physical activity was the shortest in comparison to other types of physical activities. In this sample, only physical activity for transportation was positively associated with a better quality of life.

Objective: To identify perinatal outcomes associated with low birth weight (LBW)., Methods: A retrospective cohort study in a tertiary maternity hospital. Analysis of the database on 43,499 liveborn infants delivered between 1986 and 2004 with low (n = 6,477) and normal (n = 37,467) birth weight. Outcomes associated with LBW were identified through crude and adjusted risk ratio (RR) and 95%CI with bivariate and multivariate analysis. The main outcomes were: onset of labor, mode of delivery, indication for cesarean section; amniotic fluid, fetal heart rate pattern, Apgar score, somatic gestational age, gender and congenital malformation., Results: LBW infants showed more frequently signs of perinatal compromise such as abnormal amniotic fluid volume (especially olygohydramnios), nonreassuring patterns of fetal heart rate, malformation, lower Apgar scores and lower gestational age at birth. They were associated with a greater risk of labor induction and cesarean delivery, but lower risk of forceps., Conclusion: There was a clear association between LBW and unfavorable perinatal outcomes.

Unlabelled: A good understanding and knowledge of osteoporosis is a prerequisite for the success of preventive measures as well as treatment adherence., Objective: To assess knowledge about osteoporosis in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis or osteopenia undergoing antiresorptive treatment., Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was based on a sample of 232 postmenopausal women with osteopenia or osteoporosis diagnosed by bone density studies and seen at the Menopause Outpatient Clinic at Caism/Unicamp. Women's knowledge of osteoporosis was assessed by means of the OPQ (Osteoporosis questionnaire), a 20-item questionnaire about osteoporosis in areas of general information, risk factors, consequences and treatment., Results: The average age of the women was 61.6 years (±8.2 years) and the average time since menopause was 16.8 years. The average knowledge score obtained by the OPQ was 3.78. The average score for correct answers was 9.8 points, while the average score for incorrect answers was 6 points and 'don't know' answers was 4.1 points. Bivariate analysis showed the variables most closely associated with greater knowledge: education (p<0.01), reading (p<0.02), socioeconomic status (p<0.03), means of acquiring osteoporosis medication (p<0.02), and absence of comorbidities (p<0.04). On multiple regression analysis, the factors which remained associated with better knowledge were higher education, higher socioeconomic status scores and absence of comorbidities., Conclusion: Knowledge of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women diagnosed with the disease was limited. Level of education was a strong predictor of knowledge., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: to prospectively evaluate the effects of immediate breast reconstruction on the quality of life of women who underwent mastectomy., Methods: 76 women that underwent mastectomy at Centro de Atenção Integral à Saúde da Mulher da Universidade Estadual de Campinas, in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil, from August 2007 to December 2008, were included. Two groups were formed: 41 women who underwent mastectomy combined with immediate breast reconstruction (M+RI) and 35 that were subjected to mastectomy alone (M). The quality of life evaluation was assessed with the World Health Organization's questionnaire - Quality of Life (WHOQOL-100). The questionnaire was administered on three occasions: at the time of admission, one month after surgery, and again six months after surgery. The WHOQOL-100 scores were calculated according to analysis' guidelines by the World Health Organization. For comparison of the scores between groups, it was used the Student's t-test, Fisher exact test, chi-square test, and Mann-Whitney test. For the analysis of repeated measures over time, ANOVA and ANOVA for repeated measures were used., Results: at all time points evaluated, beginning with the preoperative assessment, the average quality of life scores of the M+IR Group were higher than those of the M Group, primarily in the "physical", "psychological", "level of independence" and "social relationships" domains of the questionnaire. Of the six areas covered by the questionnaire, three ("physical", "social relations", "environment") showed no significant differences between groups. The M+IR Group had a better score (15.5 to 14.9 for the M+IR and 14.3 to 14.2 for M; p=0.04) in the psychological domain. There was a significant reduction in the level of independence in the first month after surgery in both groups, with a significant recovery after six months., Conclusions: the present results suggest that immediate breast reconstruction is significantly beneficial regarding the psychological aspects of quality of life, without affecting the patient's physical functionality.

Objective: To evaluate the association of periodontal disease (PD) in pregnancy with some adverse perinatal outcomes., Method: This cohort study included 327 pregnant women divided in groups with or without PD. Indexes of plaque and gingival bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level and gingival recession were evaluated at one periodontal examination below 32 weeks of gestation. The rates of preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight (LBW), small for gestational age (SGA) neonates and prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) were evaluated using Risk Ratios (95%CI) and Population Attributable Risk Fractions., Results: PD was associated with a higher risk of PTB (RRadj. 3.47 95%CI 1.62-7.43), LBW (RRadj. 2.93 95%CI 1.36-6.34) and PROM (RRadj. 2.48 95%CI 1.35-4.56), but not with SGA neonates (RR 2.38 95%CI 0.93 - 6.10)., Conclusions: PD was a risk factor for PT, LBW and PROM among Brazilian low risk pregnant women.

Purpose: to evaluate the level of physical activity, quality of life and associated factors in women aged 60 or older., Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted on 271 women who go to a Leisure Center and women attended at a menopause ambulatory in Campinas (SP). The women were invited to take part in the research, carried out through interviews. The instruments used were the version 8 of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) modified for the elderly population in order to evaluate their physical activity, and the World Health Organization Questionnaire of Quality of Life specific for this group (WHOQOL-OLD) to evaluate their quality of life. IPAQ results were assessed using tertiles. The association between the WHOQOL-OLD and the IPAQ results and subject characteristics was assessed by the Student's t test, Mann-Whitney test and multiple analyses., Results: the average age of women was 67.4 ± 5.3 years. Among these women, 33% were classified as being less active. Analysis of each physical activity domain showed that 60.8% of the time was spent in sitting activities (1,701.6 ± 986.1 minutes/week). Multiple analyses indicated that attending a leisure center in Campinas (SP) and being 70 years old or older increased the chances of engaging in moderate-intensity or vigorous-intensity physical activity by 11.4 and 2.8 times, respectively. The average quality of life score was 66.9 ± 11.7. The highest value was observed in the domain related to sensory abilities (72.0 ± 18.8) and the lowest value was related to autonomy (60.3 ± 16.2). Linear regression showed that a good self-perception of health increased the quality of life score by 7.3 points, the use of a bigger amount of medication decreased it by 4.4 points and the performance of moderate or vigorous physical exercise increased the score by 4.8 points., Conclusion: women spend prolonged periods of time in sitting activities. The importance of engaging in moderate/vigorous-intensity physical activity is evident for obtaining a good quality of life.