B-cell small lymphocytic lymphoma in a free-ranging South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis).

Lymphomas are malignant neoplasms of the hematopoietic system arising from lymphocytes with highly variable biologic behavior. B-cell small lymphocytic lymphoma (B-SLL) is a non-Hodgkin lymphoma infrequently described in domestic and wild animals. The present study describes a case of B-SLL in a free-ranging adult male Arctocephalus australis in Brazil. The main necropsy findings included poor body condition, generalized lymphadenomegaly, severe and diffuse splenomegaly, and multiple, white to yellow nodules in the kidneys and small intestine. Histologically, these organs were partially or totally effaced by neoplastic small lymphocytes arranged in sheets, with moderate anisocytosis and anisokaryosis and a low mitotic count. These cells diffusely immunolabeled for CD79α and CD20, and were negative for CD3. A diagnosis of multicentric B-SLL was established and to the authors' knowledge, it has not been previously described in this genus.

A novel variant of Babesia sp. (Piroplasmida) as a hemoparasite in procellariiform seabirds.

Procellariiformes includes pelagic seabirds that only use land for breeding; and also, these sites mostly occur in insular habitats. These peculiar habits make the investigation of hemoparasites a challenging issue. Thus, the data on the blood parasites of Procellariiformes are still scarce. In the order Piroplasmida, 16 species of Babesia have been described in terrestrial birds and seabirds. However, there is no register for Babesia spp. in procellariiform seabirds. Hence, the objective of this survey was to investigate the occurrence of Babesia spp. in these seabirds. A total of 220 tissue samples from 18 different seabird species were analyzed; the samples comprised blood and fragments of liver and spleen. The samples were obtained from live rescued animals and carcasses found along the southern coast of Brazil. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was conducted, followed by phylogenetic analysis. Only one blood sample yielded a positive result, from an adult female Thalassarche chlororhynchos (Atlantic yellow-nosed albatross). The sequence obtained showed the highest identity with sequences of Babesia spp. of birds from the South Pacific, and the isolate was named Babesia sp. strain Albatross. In the phylogenetic analysis, the sequence was grouped within the Babesia sensu stricto group, and further still into a subgroup including Babesia spp. of the Kiwiensis clade (parasites from birds). The phylogenetic analysis also showed that Babesia sp. strain Albatross clustered apart from the Peircei group, a clade that includes Babesia spp. from seabirds. As far as it is known, this is the first report of Babesia sp. in procellariiform seabirds. Babesia sp. strain Albatross may constitute a novel variant of tick-borne piroplasmids associated with the Procellariiformes order.

Comparison of immunohistochemical profiles of ovarian germ cells in dysgerminomas of a captive maned wolf and domestic dogs.

We characterized the immunohistochemical expression profiles of dysgerminomas from a 16-y-old maned wolf and 13 domestic dogs using the following biomarkers: Sal-like protein 4 (SALL4), octamer-binding transcription factor 3/4 (OCT3/4), placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP), c-kit, and vimentin. The maned wolf had nonspecific and long-standing clinical signs of lethargy, anorexia, and weight loss, and was euthanized because of poor prognosis. At autopsy, the left ovary was effaced by a 12 × 8 × 6 cm mass, comprised of anaplastic cells with a mitotic count of 20 mitoses in 10 high power fields. Dysgerminomas from 7 of 13 domestic dogs had nuclear expression of SALL4. Dysgerminomas from the maned wolf and 2 domestic dogs had both nuclear and cytoplasmic expression of SALL4. Cytoplasmic expression of PLAP and OCT3/4 was present in dysgerminomas from the maned wolf and 3 (PLAP) or 4 (OCT3/4) domestic dogs. All dysgerminomas expressed vimentin. Membranous c-kit expression was rare in the dysgerminoma from the maned wolf, and variable in dysgerminomas from 4 domestic dogs. A dysgerminoma from a domestic dog had cytoplasmic expression of c-kit. SALL4 is a useful marker to confirm germ cell origin of dysgerminoma in canids.

Acute necrotic hepatotoxicity caused by Lantana camara L. ingestion in dairy cattle

ABSTRACT: This study describes an outbreak of acute necrotic hepatopathy associated with spontaneous poisoning by Lantana camara L. in dairy cattle. A herd of 15 cows and heifers was introduced into a native pasture with limited food supply, and, sixteen days later, eight animals had spontaneous nasal hemorrhage, fever, lethargy, jaundice, and dry, dark stools with mucus and blood. The clinical course varied from two to five days. In the pasture where the cattle were kept, abundant adult specimens of L. camara L. with evident signs of consumption were observed. In total, seven cattle died and necropsy was performed in three of them. All animals had moderate jaundice, hemorrhage in the subcutaneous tissue and on the surface of different organs. The liver was slightly enlarged, with orange discoloration and enhanced lobular pattern. Histologically, multifocal areas of coagulative necrosis of hepatocytes in the centrilobular area, occasionally extending to the midzonal area, were observed, as well as marked hepatocellular degeneration and prominent cholestasis. The current study suggests that L. camara L. poisoning should be considered a differential diagnosis of acute and necrotic hepatotoxicity in cattle, despite the absence of photosensitization.

RESUMO: Esse estudo descreve um surto de hepatopatia necrótica aguda associada a intoxicação espontânea por Lantana camara L. em bovinos leiteiros. Um lote de 15 vacas e novilhas foram introduzidas em um piquete com campo nativo, com escassa oferta de alimento. Após dezesseis dias, oito animais manifestaram epistaxe, febre, apatia, icterícia, fezes ressecadas e escuras com muco e sangue. A evolução do quadro clínico variou de dois a cinco dias. No piquete em que os bovinos estavam alojados havia grande quantidade de L. camara L. com sinais evidentes de consumo. No total, sete bovinos morreram, e destes, o exame post mortem foi realizado em três. Os bovinos exibiam moderada icterícia, hemorragias no tecido subcutâneo e na superfície de diferentes órgãos. O fígado estava discretamente aumentado, com coloração alaranjada e padrão lobular evidente. As lesões histológicas consistiam em acentuada necrose de coagulação de hepatócitos em região centrolobular, por vezes se estendendo a região mediozonal, além de acentuada degeneração dos hepatócitos e evidente Colestase. O presente trabalho alerta para que intoxicação por L. camara L. seja levada em consideração nos diagnósticos diferenciais de hepatotoxicidade necrótica aguda em bovinos, mesmo sem indícios de fotossensibilização.

Acute necrotic hepatotoxicity caused by Lantana camara L. ingestion in dairy cattle / Hepatotoxicidade necrótica aguda por ingestão de Lantana camara L. em bovinos leiteiros

This study describes an outbreak of acute necrotic hepatopathy associated with spontaneous poisoning by Lantana camara L. in dairy cattle. A herd of 15 cows and heifers was introduced into a native pasture with limited food supply, and, sixteen days later, eight animals had spontaneous nasal hemorrhage, fever, lethargy, jaundice, and dry, dark stools with mucus and blood. The clinical course varied from two to five days. In the pasture where the cattle were kept, abundant adult specimens of L. camara L. with evident signs of consumption were observed. In total, seven cattle died and necropsy was performed in three of them. All animals had moderate jaundice, hemorrhage in the subcutaneous tissue and on the surface of different organs. The liver was slightly enlarged, with orange discoloration and enhanced lobular pattern. Histologically, multifocal areas of coagulative necrosis of hepatocytes in the centrilobular area, occasionally extending to the midzonal area, were observed, as well as marked hepatocellular degeneration and prominent cholestasis. The current study suggests that L. camara L. poisoning should be considered a differential diagnosis of acute and necrotic hepatotoxicity in cattle, despite the absence of photosensitization.(AU)

Esse estudo descreve um surto de hepatopatia necrótica aguda associada a intoxicação espontânea por Lantana camara L. em bovinos leiteiros. Um lote de 15 vacas e novilhas foram introduzidas em um piquete com campo nativo, com escassa oferta de alimento. Após dezesseis dias, oito animais manifestaram epistaxe, febre, apatia, icterícia, fezes ressecadas e escuras com muco e sangue. A evolução do quadro clínico variou de dois a cinco dias. No piquete em que os bovinos estavam alojados havia grande quantidade de L. camara L. com sinais evidentes de consumo. No total, sete bovinos morreram, e destes, o exame post mortem foi realizado em três. Os bovinos exibiam moderada icterícia, hemorragias no tecido subcutâneo e na superfície de diferentes órgãos. O fígado estava discretamente aumentado, com coloração alaranjada e padrão lobular evidente. As lesões histológicas consistiam em acentuada necrose de coagulação de hepatócitos em região centrolobular, por vezes se estendendo a região mediozonal, além de acentuada degeneração dos hepatócitos e evidente Colestase. O presente trabalho alerta para que intoxicação por L. camara L. seja levada em consideração nos diagnósticos diferenciais de hepatotoxicidade necrótica aguda em bovinos, mesmo sem indícios de fotossensibilização.(AU)

Formononetin accelerates mycorrhization and increases maize production at low phosphorus application rates.

The formononetin biostimulant may be an option for reducing P fertilization once it stimulates mycelial growth of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and increases plant ability to take up nutrients through the roots, especially phosphorus. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of formononetin associated with phosphorus fertilization in maize. Field experiments were conducted in a randomized block design with a 3 × 4 factorial arrangement (0, 50 or 70, and 140 kg ha-1 P2O5; and formononetin application rates: 0, 25, 50, and 100 g ha-1), with four replications. Formononetin (100 g ha-1) increased the mycorrhizal colonization rate up to 30% in maize in the first four weeks after emergence when no P fertilizer was applied, and to 17% when 50 or 70 kg ha-1 of P2O5 were applied. The application of 50 and 100 g ha-1 of formononetin significantly increased plant height, ear height, and grain yield (22% - 76%) when no P fertilizer was applied. The use of formononetin in the field stimulates mycorrhizal colonization, has a positive effect on maize yield, and reduces the need for P fertilizer application in maize. However, this effect was evident only at low P soil contents.

Efficient Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria Isolated from Soybean Nodules in the Semi-arid Region of Northeast Brazil are Classified as Bradyrhizobium brasilense (Symbiovar Sojae).

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is an important legume that greatly benefits from inoculation with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. In a previous study, five efficient nitrogen-fixing bacterial strains, isolated from nodules of soybean inoculated with soil from semi-arid region, Northeast Brazil, were identified as a new group within the genus Bradyrhizobium. The taxonomic status of these strains was evaluated in this study. The phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene showed the high similarity of the five strains to Bradyrhizobium brasilense UFLA03-321T (100%), B. pachyrhizi PAC48T (100%), B. ripae WR4T (100%), B. elkanii USDA 76T (99.91%), and B. macuxiense BR 10303T (99.91%). However, multilocus sequence analysis of the housekeeping genes atpD, dnaK, gyrB, recA, and rpoB, average nucleotide identity, and digital DNA-DNA hybridization analyses supported the classification of the group as B. brasilense. Some phenotypic characteristics allowed differentiating the five strains and the type strain of B. brasilense from the two neighboring species (B. pachyrhizi PAC48T and B. elkanii USDA 76T). The nodC and nifH genes' analyses showed that these strains belong to symbiovar sojae, together with B. elkanii (USDA 76T) and B. ferriligni (CCBAU 51502T). The present results support the classification of these five strains as Bradyrhizobium brasilense (symbiovar sojae).

Epidemiological and pathological aspects of noninfectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in 114 horses in Southern Brazil / Aspectos epidemiológicos e patológicos de doenças não infecciosas do trato gastrointestinal de 114 equinos no sul do Brasil

Equine colic is one of the most common cause of death in horses, but few studies have investigated specifically the conditions at the necropsy. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological and pathological features of noninfectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in horses. A retrospective study was conducted in search of cases of these diseases affecting horses from 2005 to 2017. During this period, 114 horses died of noninfectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and the main causes were: primary gastric dilation (27/114), volvulus (27/114), enterolithiasis (20/114), rectal (colonic) perforation (15/114), gastric or cecocolonic impaction (10/114), incarcerations (6/114), intussusception (4/114), and others (5/114). Mixed breeds horses (56/114) and males (69/114) were mostly affected. The horses had a median and mean age of 10 and 10.9-years old, respectively. Primary gastric dilation was characterized by distension of the stomach by moderate to large amounts of content, which in 21 cases caused tearing of the stomach wall at the greater curvature (peritonitis), and the main predisposing factor was alimentary overload (17/27). Intestinal volvulus occurred within the small intestine (14 cases) and within the large intestines (13 cases). Grossly, there was intestinal ischemia with reddened to deep-black serosa and diffusely red mucosae. Enterolithiasis caused partial or complete obstruction of the right dorsal colon (9/20), transverse colon (4/20), small colon and right dorsal colon (3/20), rectum and right dorsal colon (2/20), and small colon (2/20). Viscera perforation and peritonitis occurred in 11 cases. Rectal (colonic) perforation involved the rectum (10/15), rectum/small colon (4/15), and the small colon (1/15). It was characterized by a focally extensive transmural tearing, associated with reddened borders, and retroperitoneal to diffuse peritonitis. Palpation related iatrogenic injuries (11/15) were the main cause. Impactions affected the large colon (7/10), the cecum (2/10), and the stomach (1/10). Incarcerations consisted of inguinoscrotal hernias (2/6), small intestine entrapment by a mesenteric failure (2/6), diaphragmatic hernia, and umbilical eventration. Grossly, the organs were constricted by a hernial ring, with intestinal ischemia and reddened to dark-red serosa. Predisposing factors included previous surgeries (2/6) and patent inguinal ring (1/6). Intussusception involved the small intestine (3/4) and ileocecum (1/4). Foals with lack of colostrum intake and concomitant pneumonia was a characteristic presentation (3/4). Grossly, the intussusceptum slipped into intussuscipiens, with diffuse deep black-red discoloration. Other causes included large colon displacement (2/5), extrinsic and intrinsic obstruction of the small intestine (2/5), and an intestinal adenocarcinoma. Noninfectious gastrointestinal diseases are major causes of death in horses. Epidemiological and gross features of the conditions should be accounted to obtain a final diagnosis of the cause of the colic.(AU)

A cólica em equinos é considerada como a principal causa de morte de cavalos, porém poucos estudos têm investigado especificamente as condições envolvidas através da necropsia. O objetivo desse estudo foi descrever os aspectos epidemiológicos e patológicos de doenças não infecciosas do trato gastrointestinal de equinos. Foi conduzido um estudo retrospectivo em busca de casos dessas doenças envolvendo cavalos de 2005 a 2017. Durante esse período, 114 equinos morreram devido a doenças não infecciosas do trato gastrointestinal, e as principais causas foram: dilatação gástrica (27/114), vólvulos (27/114), enterolitíase (20/114), ruptura retal (colônica) (15/114), compactação gástrica ou cecocolônica (10/114), encarceramentos (6/114), intussuscepções (4/114), e outros (5/114). Animais sem raça definida (56/114) e machos (69/114) foram mais afetados. Os equinos apresentavam uma média e mediana de idade de 10 e 10,9 anos, respectivamente. A dilatação gástrica primária era caracterizada por distensão do estômago por moderada a grande quantidade de conteúdo, que em 21 casos provocava ruptura da parede gástrica na curvatura maior (peritonite), e o principal fator predisponente foi sobrecarga alimentar (17/27). Vólvulo intestinal ocorreu no intestino delgado e no intestino grosso (14 e 13 casos, respectivamente). Macroscopicamente, havia isquemia intestinal com serosa avermelhada a enegrecida e mucosa difusamente avermelhada. A enterolitíase causou obstrução parcial ou completa do cólon dorsal direito (9/20), cólon transverso (4/20), cólon menor e cólon dorsal direito (3/20), cólon menor (2/20), e reto e cólon maior direito (2/20). Perfuração de vísceras e peritonite foram observadas em 11 casos. A ruptura retal (colônica) envolveu o reto (10/15), reto/cólon menor (4/15) e cólon menor (1/15). Essa era caracterizada por ruptura transmural focalmente extensa, com bordos avermelhados e peritonite retroperitoneal a difusa. Traumas relacionados à palpação (11/15) foram a principal causa. Compactações afetaram o cólon maior (7/10), ceco (2/10) e estômago (1/10). Encarceramentos consistiram em hérnias inguinoescrotais (2/6), encarceramento de alças intestinais por falha no mesentério (2/6), hérnia diafragmática e eventração umbilical. Macroscopicamente, os órgãos estavam constritos por um anel hernial, com isquemia intestinal e serosa avermelhada a vermelho-escura. Fatores predisponentes incluíram cirurgias prévias (2/6) e anel inguinal patente (1/6). Intussuscepções envolveram o intestino delgado (3/4) e íleoceco (1/4). A apresentação característica foi em potros com falta de colostro e concomitante pneumonia. Macroscopicamente, o intussuscepto deslizava em direção ao intussuscepiente, exibindo coloração vermelho-enegrecida difusa. Outras causas incluíram deslocamento de cólon maior (2/5), obstrução extrínseca e intrínseca do intestino delgado (2/5), e um caso de adenocarcinoma intestinal. Doenças não infecciosas são importantes causas de morte em equinos. Os aspectos epidemiológicos e macroscópicos das condições devem ser considerados para o que o diagnóstico final da causa da cólica seja obtido.(AU)

Native rhizobia from Zn mining soil promote the growth of Leucaena leucocephala on contaminated soil.

Plants on contaminated mining soils often show a reduced growth due to nutrient depletion as well as trace elements (TEs) toxicity. Since those conditions threat plant's survival, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs), such as rhizobia, might be of crucial importance for plant colonization on TE-contaminated soils. Native rhizobia from mining soils are promising candidates for bioaugmented phytoremediation of those soils as they are adapted to the specific conditions. In this work, rhizobia from Zn- and Cd-contaminated mining soils were in vitro screened for their PGP features [organic acids, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and siderophore (SID) production; 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase activity; and Ca3(PO4)2 solubilization] and Zn and Cd tolerance. In addition, some type and reference rhizobia strains were included in the study as well. The in vitro screening indicated that rhizobia and other native genera have great potential for phytoremediation purposes, by exerting, besides biological N2 fixation, other plant growth-promoting traits. Leucaena leucocephala-Mesorhizobium sp. (UFLA 01-765) showed multielement tolerance and an efficient symbiosis on contaminated soil, decreasing the activities of antioxidative enzymes in shoots. This symbiosis is a promising combination for phytostabilization.

Maternal knowledge on child survival in the poorest areas of North and Northeast Brazi / Conhecimento materno em sobrevivência infantil: o caso de áreas pobres nas regiões Norte e Nordeste do Brasil

This study aimed to evaluate knowledge on child survival among mothers of children under five years of age living in nine municipalities in North and Northeast Brazil. A standardized questionnaire was used for home interviews of mothers visited by volunteers from the Pastorate of the Child and mothers not visited by the program (control areas). The association between independent variables and the outcome (visited versus not visited by the Pastorate of the Child) was evaluated using the chi-square test. Among the 752 mothers studied, 386 were visited by Pastorate of the Child volunteers and 366 were not visited. Mothers visited by the Pastorate of the Child, although poorer, showed better knowledge on monitoring child growth and identifying child development difficulties as compared to mothers from the control areas. Despite the better performance of mothers visited by the Pastorate of the Child volunteers, maternal knowledge on child survival in both groups was less than desirable. This hinders the identification of more serious cases, delays seeking medical care, and reduces the impact on child morbidity and mortality.

Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o conhecimento em sobrevivência infantil entre mães de menores de cinco anos residentes em nove municípios das regiões Norte e Nordeste do Brasil. Aplicou-se questionário padronizado no domicílio para mães acompanhadas pelos líderes da Pastoral da Criança e não acompanhadas (áreas-controle). A associação entre as variáveis independentes e o desfecho (receber ou não visita dos líderes da Pastoral da Criança) foi avaliada pelo teste do qui-quadrado. Dentre as 752 mães estudadas, 386 eram visitadas pelos líderes da Pastoral da Criança e 366 não eram visitadas. Mães visitadas pelos líderes da Pastoral da Criança, apesar de mais pobres, apresentaram melhor conhecimento sobre monitoração do crescimento infantil, identificação de pneumonia e dificuldade no desenvolvimento em relação às mães das áreas-controle. Apesar do melhor desempenho entre mães visitadas pelos líderes da Pastoral da Criança, o conhecimento materno em sobrevivência infantil para todas elas ficou aquém do desejado. Isso dificulta a identificação dos casos de maior gravidade, retarda a busca de cuidados médicos e reduz o impacto sobre a morbimortalidade infantil.

Maternal knowledge on child survival in the poorest areas of North and Northeast Brazil.

This study aimed to evaluate knowledge on child survival among mothers of children under five years of age living in nine municipalities in North and Northeast Brazil. A standardized questionnaire was used for home interviews of mothers visited by volunteers from the Pastorate of the Child and mothers not visited by the program (control areas). The association between independent variables and the outcome (visited versus not visited by the Pastorate of the Child) was evaluated using the chi-square test. Among the 752 mothers studied, 386 were visited by Pastorate of the Child volunteers and 366 were not visited. Mothers visited by the Pastorate of the Child, although poorer, showed better knowledge on monitoring child growth and identifying child development difficulties as compared to mothers from the control areas. Despite the better performance of mothers visited by the Pastorate of the Child volunteers, maternal knowledge on child survival in both groups was less than desirable. This hinders the identification of more serious cases, delays seeking medical care, and reduces the impact on child morbidity and mortality.

[Reproductive characteristics and utilization of preventive health services by childbearing-age women: results of two cross-sectional population-based studies in the far South of Brazil]. / Características reprodutivas e utilização de serviços preventivos em saúde por mulheres em idade fértil: resultados de dois estudos transversais de base populacional no extremo Sul do Brasil.

Two surveys were conducted (1995 and 2004) on women 15-49 years of age in Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul State, southern Brazil, assess patterns in their use of preventive health services. The sample included 1,339 women in 1995 and 1,311 in 2004. A standardized household questionnaire covered their demographic, socioeconomic, reproductive, and health care-utilization characteristics. The chi-square test was used to compare indicators in the two studies. During the study period, housing conditions, running water, sanitation, and schooling improved, but family income decreased. Mean age at sexual initiation decreased by one year, teenage pregnancy increased 33%, and clinical breast examination and Pap smears increased 48% and 30%, respectively. Overall use of contraceptive methods declined by 3%, but condom use increased from 8% to 21%. Efforts are needed to improve coverage for breast examination and Pap smears, postpone sexual initiation, and promote the use of contraceptive methods, especially condoms.

Características reprodutivas e utilização de serviços preventivos em saúde por mulheres em idade fértil: resultados de dois estudos transversais de base populacional no extremo Sul do Brasil / Reproductive characteristics and utilization of preventive health services by childbearing-age women: results of two cross-sectional population-based studies in the far South of Brazil

Em 1995 e 2004 foram realizados dois estudos transversais representativos com mulheres de 15 a 49 anos em Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, visando avaliar alguns indicadores básicos de saúde. A amostra incluiu 1.339 mulheres em 1995 e 1.311 em 2004. Aplicou-se questionário padronizado no domicílio investigando sobre características demográficas, sócio-econômicas, reprodutivas e utilização de serviços preventivos de saúde. A análise consistiu em comparar estes indicadores nos dois estudos pelo teste do qui-quadrado. Observou-se melhoria nas condições de habitação, saneamento, escolaridade, mas piora da renda familiar. A idade média de início das atividades sexuais diminuiu, a taxa de gravidez na adolescência aumentou em 33 por cento assim como aumentou a realização de exame citopatológico de colo uterino em 48 por cento e mama em 30 por cento. A utilização de métodos contraceptivos diminuiu 3 por cento, enquanto o uso de preservativos masculinos passou de 8 por cento para 21 por cento. Esforços deveriam ser feitos não somente visando incentivar a realização de exames de mama e citopatológico de colo uterino como também de retardar o início das atividades sexuais e de promover o uso de métodos contraceptivos, especialmente de preservativos.

Two surveys were conducted (1995 and 2004) on women 15-49 years of age in Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul State, southern Brazil, assess patterns in their use of preventive health services. The sample included 1,339 women in 1995 and 1,311 in 2004. A standardized household questionnaire covered their demographic, socioeconomic, reproductive, and health care-utilization characteristics. The chi-square test was used to compare indicators in the two studies. During the study period, housing conditions, running water, sanitation, and schooling improved, but family income decreased. Mean age at sexual initiation decreased by one year, teenage pregnancy increased 33 percent, and clinical breast examination and Pap smears increased 48 percent and 30 percent, respectively. Overall use of contraceptive methods declined by 3 percent, but condom use increased from 8 percent to 21 percent. Efforts are needed to improve coverage for breast examination and Pap smears, postpone sexual initiation, and promote the use of contraceptive methods, especially condoms.

Basic indicators of child health in an urban area in southern Brazil: estimating prevalence rates and evaluating differentials

OBJETIVO: Avaliar e comparar indicadores básicos de saúde infantil entre menores de 5 anos residentes na área urbana do município de Rio Grande (RS) em 1995 e 2004. MÉTODOS: Foram realizados dois estudos transversais de base populacional nessa cidade. Entrevistadores previamente treinados aplicaram questionários padronizados em domicílios com crianças menores de 5 anos. Foram investigados: renda familiar, escolaridade materna, tipo de construção da moradia, disponibilidade de sanitário, água encanada, rede de esgotos e eletrodomésticos. Sobre as crianças, investigou-se número de consultas e idade de início do pré-natal, tipo e atendimento ao parto, padrão de amamentação e dieta, morbidade e utilização de serviços de saúde. As crianças foram pesadas e medidas para altura/comprimento. A comparação de freqüências nos dois estudos foi feita através do teste do qui-quadrado. RESULTADOS: Foram estudadas 395 crianças em 1995 e 384 em 2004. Nesse período, houve melhorias no tipo de construção de moradia, na presença de sanitário com descarga, na disponibilidade de água encanada e no padrão e duração da amamentação. A ocorrência de diarréia diminuiu, enquanto as taxas de cobertura vacinal básica, monitoração do crescimento, posse do cartão de saúde e de notificação do peso ao nascer aumentaram. Houve piora no poder aquisitivo das famílias e no número médio de consultas pré-natais realizadas. A prevalência de obesidade infantil aumentou em 92 por cento, enquanto a ocorrência de desnutrição praticamente não se modificou. CONCLUSÕES: A comparação dos indicadores de saúde no período entre os dois estudos mostrou, além de melhorias na maioria dos indicadores avaliados, substancial aumento na prevalência de obesidade infantil.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare basic indicators of the health of children under 5 years old in the urban area of Rio Grande, RS, Brazil, for 1995 and 2004. METHODS: Two cross-sectional population studies were carried out in the city. Interviewers were previously trained and applied standardized questionnaires during visits to families with children under 5 years old. The following variables were investigated: family income, maternal education, type of construction of home (wooden/masonry etc.), availability of toilet, running water, sewage system and domestic appliances. Data collected on the children themselves included number of antenatal consultations and age at first antenatal, type of delivery and medical care received during delivery, breastfeeding and dietary patterns, morbidity and health services utilization. Children were weighed and measured for height/length. Comparisons of frequencies between the two datasets were made using the chi-square test. RESULTS: In 1995, 395 children were studied and in 2004 there were 384. During the intervening period improvements had taken place in type of construction, number of homes with flush toilet, the availability of running water and in breastfeeding pattern and duration. The frequency of diarrhea reduced, while rates of basic vaccination coverage, growth monitoring, patients in possession of their own medical cards and reporting of birth weights all increased. There was a deterioration in families' purchasing power and in the mean number of antenatal consultations. The prevalence of childhood obesity increased by 92 percent, while the incidence of malnutrition remained practically unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Comparing health indicators from the two periods revealed that, in addition to improvements in the majority of the indicators assessed, there had been a substantial increase in the prevalence of childhood obesity.

Basic indicators of child health in an urban area in southern Brazil: estimating prevalence rates and evaluating differentials.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare basic indicators of the health of children under 5 years old in the urban area of Rio Grande, RS, Brazil, for 1995 and 2004. METHODS: Two cross-sectional population studies were carried out in the city. Interviewers were previously trained and applied standardized questionnaires during visits to families with children under 5 years old. The following variables were investigated: family income, maternal education, type of construction of home (wooden/masonry etc.), availability of toilet, running water, sewage system and domestic appliances. Data collected on the children themselves included number of antenatal consultations and age at first antenatal, type of delivery and medical care received during delivery, breastfeeding and dietary patterns, morbidity and health services utilization. Children were weighed and measured for height/length. Comparisons of frequencies between the two datasets were made using the chi-square test. RESULTS: In 1995, 395 children were studied and in 2004 there were 384. During the intervening period improvements had taken place in type of construction, number of homes with flush toilet, the availability of running water and in breastfeeding pattern and duration. The frequency of diarrhea reduced, while rates of basic vaccination coverage, growth monitoring, patients in possession of their own medical cards and reporting of birth weights all increased. There was a deterioration in families' purchasing power and in the mean number of antenatal consultations. The prevalence of childhood obesity increased by 92%, while the incidence of malnutrition remained practically unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Comparing health indicators from the two periods revealed that, in addition to improvements in the majority of the indicators assessed, there had been a substantial increase in the prevalence of childhood obesity.