Life cycle management in bakeries: a proposed roadmap towards sustainability.

PURPOSE: Some commercial/industrial sectors have increased their interest in sustainability, in some cases changing their business focus, from a profit-centered approach to a more balanced view, including environmental and social factors. It means that the interest in sustainability is increasing. Life cycle management (LCM) is a methodology/concept that can contribute to this paradigm shift. In this research, the potential application of LCM in the bakery segment was investigated, considering the entire value chain related to the sector (inputs, packaging, suppliers, customers, waste management). METHODS: Bakeries were visited, in Teresina, Piauí, Brazil, to learn about the products, services, production processes, and the socio-environmental and economic sustainability practices, aiming at identifying bottlenecks and to propose alternatives based on LCM. Besides the field approach, the study was structured based on the literature that brings the concepts and potentialities of applying LCM in various economic/industrial sectors. The PDCA cycle and the SWOT Matrix were also used to assist the implementation of LCM. A roadmap was proposed aiming at the LCM implementation in bakeries. RESULTS: The results show that although the sector has some environmentally sustainable practices (waste separation, energy savings, reuse of products, inputs purchased locally), the primary intention is to reduce costs and not to mitigate environmental impacts. Regarding social responsibility, they donate bread to institutions. This is an important attitude, but not the only one for fulfilling the social role within the value chain. They do not consider suppliers that show concern for the environment (certified companies), and both marketing and product labels do not evoke these issues too. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Thus, there is the possibility of implementing LCM in bakeries if there is a concern with sustainable production and consumption. A roadmap for implementing LCM in bakeries was proposed including some steps: mapping the life cycle of products/processes/services associated with the sector; analyzing factors that can influence the actions towards sustainability; disseminating life cycle information to the entire value chain; efficient waste management, including the partnership with recycling companies; and treatment of the collected data and improvement proposal, using management tools such as the PDCA Cycle, the SWOT Matrix, and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) aiming at the search for environmental and economic sustainability and social fair alternatives. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11367-021-02008-7.

Sources of Microplastic Generation in the Environment.

The number of scientific papers on microplastics in the environment has grown exponentially [...].

Selenium status and its relationship with thyroid hormones in obese women.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Studies have been conducted with the purpose of elucidating thyroid gland dysfunction in obesity, however the contributing factors for such dysfunction are not yet fully understood. Selenium is notable for its role in thyrocyte protection against oxidative damage and control of thyroid hormone synthesis. In addition, subjects with obesity may exhibit alterations in the selenium homeostasis. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the selenium status and its relationship with serum thyroid hormone levels in obese women. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 69 euthyroid women, aged between 18 and 50 years, who were divided in two groups: an obese group (n = 35) and a control group with women of normal weight (n = 34). Selenium intake was assessed by three-day diet records and analyzed using NutWin software version 1.5. Plasma, erythrocyte, and urinary selenium levels were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Testing for thyroid hormones and thyroid autoantibodies was performed based on chemiluminescence. RESULTS: The median dietary selenium content was adequate according to the recommendations, with no statistical difference between groups. Obese women had reduced plasma and erythrocyte selenium levels compared to the control group, although selenium concentration in erythrocytes was adequate within the normal range for both groups. There was no significant difference between the urinary selenium concentrations in the subjects; however, the mineral clearance was higher in the obese group. Free triiodothyronine (fT3) and free thyroxine (fT4) levels were higher in obese women with class II obesity when compared to the control group. There was a negative correlation between plasma selenium and serum fT4 levels. CONCLUSIONS: Obese women showed impairment in selenium homeostasis, however, this fact did not seem to adversely affect thyroid metabolism.

Relationship between selenium status and biomarkers of oxidative stress in Crohn's disease.

OBJECTIVE: Crohn disease (CD) is characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation and various factors involved in its pathogenesis including oxidative stress. The oxidative stress in CD may compromise antioxidant nutrients, such as selenium. The aim of this study was to assess the status of selenium and its relationship with markers of oxidative stress in patients with CD in comparison to controls. METHODS: The study included 47 patients with CD (20 with active disease and 27 in remission) and 25 healthy individuals. Blood samples were collected for the analysis of plasma and erythrocyte selenium concentrations using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Selenoprotein P (SepP) was evaluated by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GPx1) activity was assessed by using an automatic biochemistry analyzer, and the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) was measured. Comparative analyses were performed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test. For correlations, Pearson's coefficient test was used. The determinants for CD and lipid peroxidation were indicated by odds ratio. RESULTS: Plasma and erythrocyte selenium levels and SepP concentrations were lower in the CD patient groups than in the healthy group. GPx1 activity and the concentration of TBARS were significantly higher in the CD groups. In the univariate analysis, plasma and erythrocyte selenium and TBARS were associated with CD. CONCLUSION: Patients with CD have impaired selenium status, which is related to the increased oxidative stress observed in these patients.

Retrospective study of dental trauma in children with autism spectrum disorders: a paired study.

The objective was to evaluate the history of traumatic dental injury (TDI) among children with and without autism spectrum disorders (ASD) at the Centro Integrado de Educação Especial (CIES), in Teresina, Brazil. The dental records of 228 children, 114 with ASD (SG = study group) and 114 without ASD (CG = control group), paired by age, gender and socioeconomic characteristics between January 2007 and September 2014 were reviewed. Data were analyzed using chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression (alpha = 5.0%). Dental trauma in SG was lower than in the CG (24.6% and 41.2%, respectively, p = 0.007). The risk of trauma was lower among males in SG (OR: 0.35; 95%CI: 0.18 to 0.67). The likelihood of TDI in SG was 3.17 higher in females than that of males (p = 0.040). The prevalence of TDI was lower in ASD individuals compared to controls. Dental trauma was higher among ASD girls than ASD boys.

Cephalometric and anthropometric data of obstructive apnea in different age groups.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome usually present with changes in upper airway morphology and/or body fat distribution, which may occur throughout life and increase the severity of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome with age. OBJECTIVE: To correlate cephalometric and anthropometric measures with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome severity in different age groups. METHODS: A retrospective study of cephalometric and anthropometric measures of 102 patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome was analyzed. Patients were divided into three age groups (≥20 and <40 years, ≥40 and <60 years, and ≥60 years). Pearson's correlation was performed for these measures with the apnea-hypopnea index in the full sample, and subsequently by age group. RESULTS: The cephalometric measures MP-H (distance between the mandibular plane and the hyoid bone) and PNS-P (distance between the posterior nasal spine and the tip of the soft palate) and the neck and waist circumferences showed a statistically significant correlation with apnea-hypopnea index in both the full sample and in the ≥40 and <60 years age group. These variables did not show any significant correlation with the other two age groups (<40 and ≥60 years). CONCLUSION: Cephalometric measurements MP-H and PNS-P and cervical and waist circumferences correlated with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome severity in patients in the ≥40 and <60 age group.

Dentin hypersensitivity treatment of non-carious cervical lesions - a single-blind, split-mouth study.

This study aims to compare the in vivo effect of a desensitizing therapy associated with a restorative technique for the treatment of cervical dentin hypersensitivity (CDH) in non-carious lesions. The sample consisted of 68 teeth with moderate or severe dentin hypersensitivity in 17 individuals (one tooth per quadrant). The sensitivity levels of the teeth were scored, and the teeth were randomly distributed into four groups: T1 - desensitizing gel applied once per week until remission of pain; T2 - desensitizing gel applied once per week followed immediately by restoration with resin composite (Filtek Z250, 3M Espe); T3 - desensitizing gel once per week until remission of pain and then restoration with resin composite; and T4 - restoration with resin composite. Dentin hypersensitivity was assessed at 0, 7, 30, 90 and 180 days. The Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney (p < 0.05) tests were used to compare the treatments. The mean baseline CDH scores were T1 - 2.41, T2 - 2.41, T3 - 2.47, and T4 - 2.70 (p > 0.05). At seven and 180 days, the mean CDH scores were as follows: T1 - 1.47/0.65, T2 - 1.35/0.71, T3 - 0.71/0.53, and T4 - 1.12/0.59, all of which were significantly lower (p < 0.001) than the baseline scores. The scores at 30, 90 and 180 days were not significantly different when compared to the score of the previous period. At 180 days, CDH scores were similar among groups (p > 0.05). Teeth with moderate or severe hypersensitivity that required a filling responded similarly regardless of whether the desensitizing procedure was carried out prior to the filling.

Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, voluntary bone marrow donors registry analysis.

OBJECTIVE: this study aimed to report the allele and haplotype frequencies of volunteer bone marrow donors (VBMD) from the state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN) who were enrolled in the Brazilian Volunteer Bone Marrow Donor Registry (REDOME). METHODS: the sample comprised 12,973 VBMD who had their allele and haplotype frequencies calculated by Arlequin 3.5.1.2. A multivariate analysis of the data was obtained through a principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) performed with SPSS 8.0. RESULTS: the most frequent allelic group was HLA-A*02, followed by -DRB1*13, -DRB1*04, -DRB1*07, -B*44, -B*35, -A*24 and -DRB1*01. Of the 2,701 haplotypes observed, the three most frequent were HLA-A*01 B*08 DRB1*03 (1.62%), -A*29 B*44 DRB1*07 (1.56%) and -A*02 B*44 DRB1*04 (1.29%). These haplotypes were in linkage disequilibrium. RN allele and haplotype frequencies were very similar to those in other Brazilian states in which similar studies have been performed. The PCA revealed that RN is highly genetically similar to Caucasian populations, especially those from Iberian countries, which strongly influenced the state's ethnic composition. Africans and Amerindians also influenced the RN population structure, to a lesser extent. CONCLUSION: the HCA reinforced the conclusion that, despite its highly admixed profile, the RN population is genetically similar to European and European-descended populations. The PCA also showed that RN cities do not contribute to the same extent to REDOME, with less populous cities being underrepresented, indicating the need to enroll more VBMD from these smaller cities to faithfully depict the state's population structure in the database.

[HLA polymorphism in a racially admixed sample of the population of Teresina, Piauí]. / Polimorfismo do sistema HLA em uma amostra de mestiços da população de Teresina, Piauí

OBJECTIVE: To establish the frequencies of HLA-A, B, DRB1 and DQB1 specificities in a racially admixed sample of the city of Teresina, Piauí to characterize its genetic composition. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primers (PCR-SSP) were used to determine HLA-A, B, DRB1 and DQB1 specificities of 97 unrelated healthy racially admixed people of Teresina. The genotypic frequencies were estimated and compared to those described in samples of Brazilian Caucasian, Portuguese, Black and Amerindian populations using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA). RESULTS: The frequencies of HLA-A, B, DRB1 and DQB1 specificities observed in the study sample were intermediate between Blacks and Caucasians and the typical elevation of HLA-specificities seen in the Amerindian race was not observed in the study population. The PCA and HCA analysis revealed that Teresina's racially admixed are very close to both Black and Caucasian and do not show similarities with the Amerindians. CONCLUSION: The genetic composition of Teresina's racially admixed is predominantly bi-hybrid of genes originated from Blacks and Caucasians with little contribution from Amerindian genes.

Saneamento básico como dignidade humana: entre o mínimo existencial e a reserva do possível / Basic sanitation as human dignity: between the minimum existential and the reserve of the possible

RESUMO O caminho que se propõe a percorrer neste trabalho passa pela observação da efetividade dos direitos fundamentais em Teresina, Piauí, tendo o saneamento básico como indicador e destacando o mínimo existencial e a reserva do possível como balizas para o atendimento das demandas no setor. Justificando-se na escassez de recursos financeiros que impede a ampliação de estruturas de esgotamento sanitário, abastecimento de água, drenagem de águas pluviais e coleta de resíduos sólidos, Teresina foi se distanciando do que é considerado como o mínimo existencial em saneamento pela Lei nº 11.445/2007. Reserva do possível não pode ser invocada quando afeta a dignidade humana. A análise documental utilizada nesta pesquisa revelou que o município descumpre a Constituição Federal, por não oferecer condições básicas para evitar que a dignidade da pessoa humana seja desconsiderada nos seus limites territoriais.

ABSTRACT The path that this work proposes to go through involves observing the effectiveness of fundamental rights in Teresina, Piauí, Brazil, introducing basic sanitation as indicator and highlighting the minimum existential and a reserve of the possible as measures to identify the demands of the sector. Sustaining in the scarcity of financial resources that prevent the expansion of structures sanitary sewage, water supply, drainage of rainwater and solid waste collection, Teresina distanced itself from what is considered as the minimum existential in sanitation by the Law no. 11.445/2007. Reserve of the possible cannot be invoked when it affects human dignity. The documentary analysis used in this research revealed that the municipality does not comply with the Federal Constitution, because it does not offer conditions to avoid that the dignity of the human person is disregarded within the territorial limits.

Hypoalbuminemia and oxidative stress in patients on renal hemodialysis program.

INTRODUCTION: Albumin is considered an important extracellular antioxidant molecule. hypoalbuminemia is a strong and independent predictor of mortality in patients on hemodialysis. The present study evaluated the relation between hypoalbuminemia and oxidative stress by comparing superoxide dismutase activity, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant micronutrient consumption in chronic renal failure patients. METHODS: A case-control study was carried out with 64 patients of both sexes aged 18 to 59 years. The patients with hypoalbuminemia (ALB < 3,5 g/dL) were defined as case (n = 26) and control (n = 38) those with ALB ≥ 3.5 g/dL.Determinations of activity superoxide dismutase (SOD)and nitric oxide production by the contraction of nitrite in erythrocytes, concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA)in plasma, lipid profile and micronutrient antioxidants intake were performed. For comparisons between groups,the Student t test was used. Possible associations between variables were tested using the chi-square test and Pearson correlation test. RESULTS: Consumption of copper was significantly lower(p < 0.05) in the group with hypoalbuminemia. There was a positive correlation between the concentrations of albumin and intake copper (r = 0.280). Negative correlation was found between albumin and MDA concentrations. CONCLUSION: Hypoalbuminemia is associated with increased lipid peroxidation, and can contribute to oxidative stress in chronic renal failure patients. Additionally, patients with chronic renal disease undergoing hemodialysis evaluated in this study had reduced consumption of cooper.

Introducción: La albumina se considera una molecula antioxidante extracelular importante. La hipoalbuminemia es un predictor fuerte e independiente de mortalidad en pacientes en hemodialisis. El presente estudio evaluo la relacion entre hipoalbuminemia y el estres oxidativo mediante la comparacion de la actividad de la superoxido dismutasa, la peroxidacion lipidica y el consumo de micronutrientes antioxidantes en pacientes con insuficiencia renal cronica. Métodos: Este estudio de casos y controles se llevo a cabo con 64 pacientes de ambos sexos de 18 a 59 anos. Los pacientes con hipoalbuminemia (ALB < 3,5 g / dL) se definieron como los casos (n = 26) y el grupo control (n = 38) aquellos con ALB ≥ 3,5 g/dL. Fueran realizadas determinaciones de la actividad de la superoxido dismutasa en los eritrocitos, la produccion de oxido nitrico por la contraccion de nitrito e concentracion de malondialdehido (MDA) en plasma, el perfil de lipidos en plasma, la ingesta de proteinas y micronutrientes antioxidantes se realizaron. Para las comparaciones entre grupos, se utilizo la prueba t de Student. Posibles asociaciones entre variables se analizaron mediante el test de correlacion lineal y Pearson y en la prueba de chi-cuadrado. Resultados: El consumo de cobre fue significativamente menor (p < 0,05) para el grupo con hipoalbuminemia. Correlaciones entres las concentraciones de albumina y el uso de cobre (r = 0,280). Se encontro correlacion negativa entre las concentraciones de albumina y MDA. Conclusión: La hipoalbuminemia se asocia con aumento de la peroxidacion lipidica, y puede contribuir al estres oxidativo en pacientes con insuficiencia renal cronica. Ademas, los pacientes con enfermedad renal cronica sometidos a hemodialisis evaluados en este estudio habian reducido el consumo de cobre.

Desempenho ambiental da produção de ração para frango de corte no Piauí / Environmental performance of feed production for broiler in Piauí state, Brazil

RESUMO Este trabalho teve como objetivos identificar e avaliar os potenciais impactos da produção de ração para frango de corte com a metodologia de avaliação do ciclo de vida. A coleta de dados primários foi realizada em uma cooperativa de avicultores de Teresina (PI) e envolveu a identificação das matérias-primas, além de sua origem e quantidade, e de etapas do processo produtivo. Também, foram utilizados dados secundários do banco de dados Ecoinvent, disponível no software SimaPro, com o qual foi executada a modelagem do processo, pela qual identificamos as entradas e saídas do sistema. O método de avaliação usado foi o ReCiPe Midpoind (H). A caracterização da avaliação de impacto mostrou que os impactos mais significativos estão relacionados à utilização de ingredientes com maior teor de energia e proteína, como milho e soja. Isso se dá em razão dos impactos ambientais negativos associados à produção agrícola desses materiais (dados do Ecoinvent), além do seu transporte entre as fazendas (Uruçuí e Sebastião Leal, região sul do Piauí) e a fábrica de ração (a aproximadamente 520 km de distância de Teresina). Desse modo, são impactos ligados às atividades que ocorrem fora dos limites da cooperativa. Além disso, a utilização da farinha feita com carne e ossos, subproduto oriundo de abatedouros, determinou o aparecimento de impactos ambientais positivos em todas as categorias do método utilizado, com destaque para: eutrofização de corpos de água doce, ecotoxicidade marinha e depleção da camada de ozônio. O reaproveitamento desses subprodutos (farinha feita com carne e ossos) é ambientalmente vantajoso.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to identify and evaluate the potential impacts of feed production for broiler poultry, using the life cycle assessment methodology. Primary data collection was conducted in a poultry cooperative of Teresina, Piauí state, Brazil, and involved the identification of raw materials, as well as their origin and quantity, and the stages of the production process. In addition, we used secondary data from the Ecoinvent database, available in SimaPro software, in which the modeling was performed. The ReCiPe Midpoint (H) was used as the evaluation method. The characterization of the impact assessment showed that the greatest impacts are related to the use of ingredients with high energy and protein content, such as maize and soybeans. This is due to the negative environmental impacts associated with the agricultural production of these materials (Ecoinvent data), as well as the transport between the farms (Uruçuí and Sebastião Leal, Southern Piauí) and the feed factory (approximately 520 km away from Teresina). Thus, these impacts are associated with activities outside the cooperative boundaries. Furthermore, the use of meat and bone meal, a by-product originated from abattoirs, determined the appearance of positive environmental impacts in all categories of the used method, especially: eutrophication of freshwater bodies, marine ecotoxicity and ozone layer depletion. The reuse of these by-products (meat and bone meal) is environmentally advantageous.

Plasma concentration of IL-6 and TNF-α and its relationship with zincemia in obese women.

OBJECTIVE: In obesity, the excessive adipose tissue increases the synthesis of inflammatory cytokines, which appear to alter the metabolism of minerals, such as zinc. However, the mechanisms involved remain unclear. This study investigated whether the concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in plasma can to influence biochemical parameters of zinc in obese women. METHODS: Seventy-six pre-menopausal women, aged between 20 and 50 years, were divided into two groups: the case group, composed of obese women (n=37) and the control group, composed of non-obese women (n=39). Analysis of the plasmatic and erythrocytary zinc, and plasmatic cytokines were conducted by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry and by ELISA, respectively. RESULTS: The plasmatic zinc and concentrations of IL-6 in plasma did not show significant differences between obese women and controls (p>0.05). The erythrocytary zinc was 36.4 ± 15.0 µg/gHb in the case group, and 45.4 ± 14.3 µg/gHb (p=0.025) in the control group. The concentrations of TNF-α in plasma were 42.0 ± 11.9 pg/mL and 19.0 ± 1.0 pg/mL in obese women and in controls, respectively (p<0.001). The plasmatic zinc had a significant negative correlation with the values of TNFα (r=-0.44, p=0.015). CONCLUSION: Obese women presented lower concentrations of erythrocytary zinc than the control group. The study demonstrated a probable influence of the inflammatory process on metabolism of zinc in obese patients.

Intellectual disability and impact on oral health: a paired study.

The objective was to assess the oral health status, the treatment needed, and the type of dental health services access of intellectually disabled (ID) subjects in Teresina, Brazil. The sample consisted of 103 ID subjects matriculated in centers for special needs people and 103 siblings. Results were analyzed using paired t-test, chi-square test, and odds ratio. ID subjects had fair (63.1%; p < .001) and their siblings had a good oral hygiene (n = 103 [55.3%]; p < .005). ID had more decayed (3.52; p < .005), and missing teeth (1.17; p = .001), fewer dental restorations (1.67; p = .012) and had a greater need for tooth extraction (21.4%; p = .002) than their siblings. Thirty percent of ID subjects had never received dental treatment and had difficulty accessing public health services. Their treatment needs were, therefore, higher than non-ID subjects. The access to oral health services was unsatisfactory, thus it is important to implement educational and health promotion inclusion policies for people with ID.

Oxidative stress and immunological alteration in women with preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVES: To determine plasma concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and of inflammatory markers in women with preeclampsia. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted on 50 preeclamptic and 50 healthy pregnant women. The concentrations of MDA were determined by the method of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Markers of inflammation were determined by the multiplex method. RESULTS: The concentrations of MDA did not differ between groups (p > 0.05) and the preeclampsia group had significantly higher IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α and IL-6/IL-10 ratio, compared to those with normal pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: The MDA is a nonspecific marker for oxidative stress in preeclampsia, and the gestantes with preeclampsia have immune dysfunction.

Enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase and zincemia in women with preeclampsia.

INTRODUCTION: Preeclampsia is a complex syndrome of unknown aetiologic origin. It is characterized by the clinical triad of hypertension, edema and protenuria. Current concepts of the genesis of preeclampsia include endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the relationship between the activity of superoxide dismutase, the zincemia and the preeclampsia. METHODS: A case-control study was carried out with 94 women, age between 17 and 44 years, which were divided in two groups: women with preeclampsia (n = 44) and control group women with normal pregnancy (n = 50). The activity of superoxide dismutase enzyme was determined according to Ransod kit. Zinc concentrations in plasma and erythrocytes were determined using the flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry technique, both determined before delivery and during puerperium. Student's t-test and the paired t-test were used for statistical analysis, and significance was established at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The study revealed plasma hypozincemia more pronounced in women with severe preeclampsia (p < 0.05). This behavior was not observed in erythrocytes, whose concentrations remained stable, before delivery and puerperium in women with preeclampsia and normal pregnancy. The antioxidant activity of the enzyme superoxide dismutase was found elevated in women with and without preeclampsia (p>0.05), with significant reduction in activity in the postpartum period (p < 0.05) in both groups studied (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows there are alterations in biochemical parameters of zinc in women with preeclampsia. The activity of superoxide dismutase shows that this marker cannot be used to predict the evolution of the disease.

Introducción: La preeclampsia es un síndrome de origen desconocido del punto de vista etiológico. Se caracteriza clínicamente por una tríada de síntomas: edema, hipertensión y proteinuria. Los conceptos actuales sobre la patogénesis de la preeclampsia incluyen la disfunción endotelial y el estrés oxidativo. Objetivo: En este estudio se evaluó la relación entre la actividad de la superóxido dismutasa, zincemia y preeclampsia. Métodos: Este estudio de casos y controles se llevó a cabo con 94 mujeres, con un rango de edad situado entre 17 y 44 AÑOs, los que fueron divididos en dos grupos: mujeres con preeclampsia (n = 44) y grupo control, las mujeres con embarazo normal (n = 50). La actividad de la superóxido dismutasa se llevó a cabo según el kit Ransod. Las concentraciones de zinc en plasma y los eritrocitos fue realizada según el metodo de espectrofotometría de absorción atómica de llama, ambos determinados antes del nacimiento y después del parto. La prueba de la t de Student y la prueba t pareada fue utilizada para el análisis estadístico (p < 0,05). Resultados: El estudio reveló hypozincemia en el plasma, con valores más altos en las mujeres con preeclampsia severa (p < 0,05). Esta situación no fue observada en los eritrocitos, cuya concentración se mantuvo estable antes del parto y en el puerperio, en las mujeres con preeclampsia y en las con embarazo normal. La actividad antioxidante de la superóxido dismutasa, se encontró elevada en las mujeres con y sin preeclampsia (p > 0,05), con una reducción significativa en la actividad en el periodo postparto (p < 0,05) en ambos grupos (p > 0,05). Conclusiones: Este estudio revelló que hay cambios en los parámetros bioquímicos de zinc en mujeres con preeclampsia. La actividad de la superóxido dismutasa se revelló que este marcador no se puede utilizar para predecir la progresión de la enfermedad.

[Validity and reliability of data and avoidability of the underlying cause of neonatal deaths in the intensive care unit of the North-Northeast Perinatal Care Network]. / Validade, confiabilidade e evitabilidade da causa básica dos óbitos neonatais ocorridos em unidade de cuidados intensivos da Rede Norte-Nordeste de Saúde Perinatal.

The aim of this study was to analyze the validity and reliability of data and the avoidability of neonatal deaths in the intensive care unit in the North-Northeast Perinatal Care Network (RENOSPE). The sample included 53 neonatal deaths recorded in the RENOSPE database that occurred in a maternity hospital in Teresina, Piauí State, Brazil. Validity was assessed by comparing causes recorded in the database with those from patient charts and calculating kappa index, sensitivity, and positive predictive value (PPV). Analysis of avoidability used the Brazilian List of Avoidable Deaths. When causes of death recorded in the RENOSPE database were compared with patient charts, kappa was 47.6% for maternal causes and 73.9% for congenital malformations, sensitivity was 95% and 83.3%, and PPV was 88.9% and 85.7%, respectively. The percentage of avoidable deaths in the RENOSPE database was high, attributable to lack of adequate prenatal care in 72% of cases. In conclusion, causes classified as congenital malformations were valid, and the high rate of avoidable deaths points to the need for improved prenatal care.

Repercussão da iniciação sexual na vida sexual e reprodutiva de jovens de capital do Nordeste brasileiro / Impact of first sexual intercourse on the sexual and reproductive life of young people in a capital city of the Brazilian Northeast

Resumo Objetivou-se analisar a repercussão da iniciação sexual de jovens com antecedentes obstétricos no número de gestações e de parceiros, em Teresina (PI). Trata-se de estudo seccional, realizado com 464 jovens selecionadas por amostragem acidental, que finalizaram uma gravidez quando tinham idade de 15 a 19 anos, no primeiro quadrimestre de 2006, em seis maternidades do município. A coleta dos dados primários ocorreu de maio a dezembro de 2008, no domicílio das jovens, após sua localização nos registros hospitalares. As análises univariada e bivariada se deram por meio de estatística descritiva e Coeficiente de Correlação de Pearson ou Teste t, respectivamente. Empregouse ainda o Teste post hoc de Tukey e as variáveis significativas na análise bivariada (p < 0,05) foram incluídas no modelo de Análise de Variância Multifatorial. A escolaridade (p < 0,001) e a idade da menarca (p < 0,001) influenciaram a idade da iniciação sexual e, esta, por sua vez, apresentou correlação negativa significativa (p < 0,01) com o número de parceiros e de gestações das jovens. Assim, quanto mais cedo ela iniciou-se sexualmente, mais gestações teve até o momento de sua vida reprodutiva, bem como maior número de parceiros sexuais. Portanto, a iniciação sexual precoce repercutiu negativamente sobre estas variáveis.

Abstract This study aimed to analyze the repercussion of first sexual intercourse on the number of pregnancies and partners of teenagers with obstetric history in Teresina (PI), Brazil. This is a cross-sectional study with 464 young women selected by accidental sampling who gave birth at 15-19 years of age in the first four months of 2006 in six maternity hospitals of the municipality. Primary data was collected from May to December 2008 at the participants' homes after tracking them in the hospital medical records. The univariate and bivariate analysis were performed by descriptive statistics and Pearson's Correlation Coefficient Test or T-test, respectively. Tukey's post hoc test was used as post hoc test and significant variables on the bivariate analysis (p < 0.05) were also included in the multifactor analysis of variance model. Schooling (p < 0,001) and menarche's age (p < 0,001) influenced the age of first sexual intercourse and this, in turn, showed significant negative correlation (p < 0.01) with the number of partners and pregnancies of young women. Thus, the earlier the young women start sexual activity, the higher the number of pregnancies and sexual partners until the moment of their reproductive life. Thus, early first sexual intercourse had a negative repercussion on these variables.

Volatile compounds and palynological analysis from pollen pots of stingless bees from the mid-north region of Brazil

ABSTRACT Samburá is the botanical pollen nectar agglutinated by salivary secretions of bees. Stingless bee pollen samples were collected in three periods of the year in Monsenhor Gil town, PI, Brazil, for extraction of volatile constituents by different techniques, analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and the palynological analysis used to identify the dominant pollen. Among the volatile compounds identified, kaur-16-ene, methyl and ethyl hexadecanoate, methyl linoleate and heneicosane were identified more frequently in the studied parameters: period of sample collection and extraction techniques used. The palynological analysis identified the pollen of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth. as the dominant pollen in all samples studied.

Oral health and oral motor function in children with cerebral palsy.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the type of cerebral palsy (CP) and oral motor function (OMF) on the oral health status of children and adolescents with CP in Teresina, Piauí, Brazil. The sample consisted of 52 children with CP, aged 7 to 18 years. The data were statistically analyzed using chi-square tests. In 73.1% of the sample, the subjects' caregivers carried out the daily oral care. There was a significant association between the frequency of daily care and the subject's level of oral hygiene (p = .037). A diagnosis of Class II malocclusion was made for 55.8% of the sample, and defects of enamel formation were found in 38.5% of the subjects. There was no significant correlation between DMFT (decayed, missing, filled teeth) (mean = 1.09 ± 1.64) and socioeconomic status of the subjects (r = .254, p = .069). A significant association was found between quadriplegia and OMF (χ2 = 7.88, p = .019). The type of CP and OMF did not influence the levels of plaque and caries indices in the children with CP, but increased frequency of toothbrushing did result in an improved oral hygiene index.