Population Structure of Curraleiro Pé-Duro Cattle and its Relationship With the Serological Profile Against Pathogens of Economic and Zoonotic Interest.

Curraleiro Pé-Duro (CPD) cattle, a Brazilian local breed, are animals that are highly resistant to infectious and parasitic diseases. Strategies for the conservation of the breed and the genetic resistance to diseases should also consider the characteristics of the breed. The objective of this study was to analyze the diversity and population structure of the CPD breed using microsatellite markers and to correlate the serological profiles for causative agents of brucellosis, leptospirosis, neosporosis, leukosis, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, and bovine viral diarrhea. DNA samples of 608 bovines were amplified and genotyped using 28 microsatellite markers for breed characterization. The genotypes were assigned to three clusters, indicating a substructure population related to the geographic distance. The observed heterozygosity was lower than that expected in most loci, and fixation index (Fst) in the subpopulation values ranged from 0.03073 (ETH3) to 0.402 (INRA63) on cluster 1, from 0.00 (INRA32) to 0.39359 (INRA63) on cluster 2, and from 0.00 (INRA32) to 0.28483 (TGLA53) on cluster 3. The Brucella spp., Neospora caninum, and Bovine Leukemia Virus frequencies were significantly different (p < 0.05) between clusters. The differences between the occurrences of diseases were not sufficient to indicate a genetic subpopulation with increased resistance to infections.

Radioembolization Dosimetry with Total-Body 90Y PET.

Transarterial radioembolization (TARE) is a locoregional radiopharmaceutical therapy based on the delivery of radioactive 90Y microspheres to liver tumors. The importance of personalized dosimetry to make TARE safer and more effective has been demonstrated in recent clinical studies, stressing the need for quantification of the dose-response relationship to ultimately optimize the administered activity before treatment and image it after treatment. 90Y dosimetric studies are challenging because of the lack of accurate and precise methods but are best realized with PET combined with Monte Carlo simulations and other image modalities to calculate a segmental dose distribution. The aim of this study was to assess the suitability of imaging 90Y PET patients with the total-body PET/CT uEXPLORER and to investigate possible improvements in TARE 90Y PET-based dosimetry. The uEXPLORER is the first commercially available ultra-high-resolution (171 cps/kBq) total-body digital PET/CT device with a 194-cm axial PET field of view that enables the whole body to be scanned at a single bed position. Methods: Two PET/CT scanners were evaluated in this study: the Biograph mCT and the total-body uEXPLORER. Images of a National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) image-quality phantom and 2 patients were reconstructed using our standard clinical oncology protocol. A late portal phase contrast-enhanced CT scan was used to contour the liver segments and create corresponding volumes of interest. To calculate the absorbed dose, Monte Carlo simulations were performed using Geant4 Application for Tomographic Emission (GATE). The absorbed dose and dose-volume histograms were calculated for all 6 spheres (diameters ranging from 10 to 37 mm) of the NEMA phantom, the liver segments, and the entire liver. Differences between the phantom doses and an analytic ground truth were quantified through the root mean squared error. Results: The uEXPLORER showed a higher signal-to-noise ratio at 10- and 13-mm diameters, consistent with its high spatial resolution and system sensitivity. The total liver-absorbed dose showed excellent agreement between the uEXPLORER and the mCT for both patients, with differences lower than 0.2%. Larger differences of up to 60% were observed when comparing the liver segment doses. All dose-volume histograms were in good agreement, with narrower tails for the uEXPLORER in all segments, indicating lower image noise. Conclusion: This patient study is compelling for the use of total-body 90Y PET for liver dosimetry. The uEXPLORER scanner showed a better signal-to-noise ratio than mCT, especially in lower-count regions of interest, which is expected to improve dose quantification and tumor dosimetry.

Prática de atividade física de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica: estudo transversal / Practice of physical activity in patients undergoing bariatric surgery: a cross-sectional study / Práctica de actividad física en pacientes sometidos a cirugía bariátrica: estudio transversal

OBJETIVO: Avaliar se pacientes submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica eram fisicamente ativos, antes e após o processo cirúrgico, além de identificar os fatores associados à inatividade física. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal, com 307 adultos submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica entre 2012 a 2014 em um hospital geral de Minas Gerais. A prática de atividade física (>150 minutos/semana) antes e após o procedimento cirúrgico foi considerada como variável desfecho deste estudo. A magnitude da associação entre a variável dependente e os fatores de interesse foi estimada pelas odds ratio pelo modelo logístico longitudinal. RESULTADOS: Após a cirurgia bariátrica, houve aumento da realização da atividade física. Na análise multivariada, cor de pele autorreferida amarela ou indígena, índice de massa corporal e percepção ruim ou muito ruim do estado de saúde associaram-se à AF. CONCLUSÃO: A prática de atividade deve ser incentivada, visto que favorece mudança de hábitos, englobando os âmbitos físico, psicológico e social.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether patients undergoing bariatric surgery were physically active before and after the surgical procedure, in addition to identifying factors associated with physical inactivity. METHOD: A cross-sectional study conducted with 307 adults undergoing bariatric surgery between 2012 and 2014 in a general hospital in Minas Gerais. Practicing physical activity (>150 minutes/week) before and after the surgical procedure was considered as the outcome variable of this study. The magnitude of the association between the dependent variable and the factors of interest was estimated by the odds ratios using the longitudinal logistic model. RESULTS: After the bariatric surgery, there was an increase in physical activity. In the multivariate analysis, self-reported Asian or indigenous skin color, body mass index and bad or very bad perception of the health status were associated with PA. CONCLUSION: The practice of physical activity must be encouraged, as it favors change in habits, encompassing the physical, psychological and social spheres.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar si los pacientes sometidos a cirugía bariátrica estaban físicamente activos antes y después de la cirugía, e identificar los factores asociados con la inactividad física. MÉTODO: Estudio transversal con 307 adultos sometidos a cirugía bariátrica entre 2012 y 2014 en un hospital general de Minas Gerais. La práctica de actividad física (> 150 minutos/semana) antes y después del procedimiento quirúrgico se consideró como variable de resultado de este estudio. La magnitud de la asociación entre la variable dependiente y los factores de interés se estimó mediante el odds ratio utilizando el modelo logístico longitudinal. RESULTADOS: Después de la cirugía bariátrica, hubo un aumento de la actividad física. En el análisis multivariante, el color de piel indígena o amarilla autoinformado, el índice de masa corporal y una percepción mala o muy mala del estado de salud se asociaron con la AF. CONCLUSIÓN: Se debe fomentar la práctica de actividad, dado que favorece el cambio de hábitos, en los aspectos físico, psicológico y social.

Milk production systems in Southern Brazil.

The aim of this study was to verify the dynamics of milk production in Southern Brazil, analyzing the spatial distribution, evolution and structure of bovine milk production systems in the dairy-specialized microregions. To this end, annual data from 2000 to 2015 are drawn from the Municipal Livestock Survey, reported by the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística, and the Programa Nacional de Fortalecimento da Agricultura Familiar, reported by the Banco Central do Brasil. Location quotient analyses, principal component analyses and clustering analyses are applied. Results of the location quotient analysis indicate that, of the 94 microregions in Southern Brazil, 36 are specialized in milk production. Two principal components were identified (mechanized production and family production) capable of explaining 78.3% of the variation in the data. Among microregions specialized in milk production, cluster analysis identifies four groups that are differentiated by productivity levels and predominance of family versus commercial production. Furthermore, results reveal that there is substantial heterogeneity among microregions specialized in bovine milk production in Southern Brazil.

Avaliação do processo de trabalho entre equipes de saúde da família de um município de minas gerais, brasil / Evaluation of the work process of family health teams in a municipality in minas gerais, brazil / Evaluación del proceso de trabajo entre equipos de salud de la familia de un municipio de minas gerais, brasil

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a organização do processo de trabalho entre equipes de saúde da família de um município de Minas Gerais (MG), Brasil. Pesquisa quantitativa, transversal, analítica, desenvolvida em 2014. Investigaram-se formulários da Autoavaliação para Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica de 73 equipes. Foram considerados 14 itens da subdimensão organização do processo de trabalho, avaliados com valores entre zero e 10 pontos, referindo-se à total inadequação ou adequação da equipe ao padrão avaliado. As equipes foram classificadas do padrão 'muito insatisfatório' ao 'muito satisfatório'. Efetuaram-se análises estatísticas com nível de significância p<0,05. Classificaram-se 86,3% nos padrões muito satisfatório/satisfatório, mas 13,7% foram regular/muito insatisfatório. Três itens ‒ 'Território definido, vínculo com a população e responsabilização pela resolução das necessidades de saúde'; 'Coordenação do cuidado' e 'Monitoramento das solicitações de exames' ‒ apresentaram desempenho inadequado. As equipes da zona urbana foram melhor avaliadas. O maior número de profissionais da odontologia foi correlacionado à maior pontuação. Atenção especial deve ser dada àquelas equipes com baixa pontuação. Melhor organização do processo de trabalho deve ser fortalecida, visando aprimorar a performance no cuidado à saúde da comunidade.

Abstract The study had the goal of assessing the organization of the work process of family health teams in a municipality in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. It was a quantitative, cross-sectional analytical research performed in 2014. We investigated the forms for the Self-Assessment for the Improvement in the Access and Quality of Primary Health Care of 73 teams. A total of 14 items of the subdimension organization of the work process were considered, and they were scored from 0 to 10, with 0 meaning complete inadequacy and 10 meaning complete adequacy of the team to the assessed pattern. The teams were classified from the 'highly unsatisfactory' pattern to the 'highly satisfactory' pattern. The significance level of the statistical analyses was set as values of p < 0.05. A total of 86.3% were classified in the highly satisfactory/satisfactory pattern, and 13.7% were classified as average/highly unsatisfactory. Three items ‒ 'Defined territory, bond with the population and responsibility for the fulfilment of the health needs'; 'Coordination of care'; and 'Monitoring of exam requests' ‒ had inadequate performances. The teams from urban areas scored better in the assessment. The odontology professionals were the category that scored the highest in the assessment. Special attention should be devoted to the teams with low scores. A better organization of the work process should be strengthened, with the goal of enhancing the performance in the care to health of the community.

Resumen Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la organización del proceso de trabajo entre equipos de salud de la familia de un municipio del Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Investigación cuantitativa, transversal, analítica, desarrollada en el 2014. Se investigaron formularios de Autoevaluación para Mejora del Acceso y la Calidad de la Atención Básica de 73 equipos. Se consideraron 14 puntos de la subdimensión organización del proceso de trabajo, evaluados con valores entre cero y diez puntos, correspondiendo respectivamente a la total inadecuación o adecuación del equipo al estándar evaluado. Los equipos se clasificaron desde el estándar 'muy insatisfactorio' hasta el 'muy satisfactorio'. Se efectuaron análisis estadísticos con nivel de significación p<0,05. El 86,3% se clasificó en los estándares muy satisfactorio/satisfactorio y el 13,7% como regular/muy insatisfactorio. Tres puntos ‒ 'Territorio definido, vínculo con la población y responsabilidad por la resolución de las necesidades de salud'; 'Coordinación del cuidado' y 'Monitoreo de las solicitudes de exámenes' ‒ presentaron un rendimiento inadecuado. Los equipos de la zona urbana tuvieron un mejor resultado. El mayor número de profesionales de odontología estuvo correlacionado a la mayor puntuación. Se debe dar atención especial a aquellos equipos con baja puntuación. Se debe poner énfasis en una mejor organización del proceso de trabajo, a fin de optimizar el rendimiento en el cuidado de la salud de la comunidad.

Biogeographical ancestry is associated with socioenvironmental conditions and infections in a Latin American urban population.

Racial inequalities are observed for different diseases and are mainly caused by differences in socioeconomic status between ethnoracial groups. Genetic factors have also been implicated, and recently, several studies have investigated the association between biogeographical ancestry (BGA) and complex diseases. However, the role of BGA as a proxy for non-genetic health determinants has been little investigated. Similarly, studies comparing the association of BGA and self-reported skin colour with these determinants are scarce. Here, we report the association of BGA and self-reported skin colour with socioenvironmental conditions and infections. We studied 1246 children living in a Brazilian urban poor area. The BGA was estimated using 370,539 genome-wide autosomal markers. Standardised questionnaires were administered to the children's guardians to evaluate socioenvironmental conditions. Infection (or pathogen exposure) was defined by the presence of positive serologic test results for IgG to seven pathogens (Toxocara spp, Toxoplasma gondii, Helicobacter pylori, and hepatitis A, herpes simplex, herpes zoster and Epstein-Barr viruses) and the presence of intestinal helminth eggs in stool samples (Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichiuris trichiura). African ancestry was negatively associated with maternal education and household income and positively associated with infections and variables, indicating poorer housing and living conditions. The self-reported skin colour was associated with infections only. In stratified analyses, the proportion of African ancestry was associated with most of the outcomes investigated, particularly among admixed individuals. In conclusion, BGA was associated with socioenvironmental conditions and infections even in a low-income and highly admixed population, capturing differences that self-reported skin colour miss. Importantly, our findings suggest caution in interpreting significant associations between BGA and diseases as indicative of the genetic factors involved.

Seasonal assessment and apportionment of surface water pollution using multivariate statistical methods: Sinos River, southern Brazil.

Assessment of surface water quality is an issue of currently high importance, especially in polluted rivers which provide water for treatment and distribution as drinking water, as is the case of the Sinos River, southern Brazil. Multivariate statistical techniques allow a better understanding of the seasonal variations in water quality, as well as the source identification and source apportionment of water pollution. In this study, the multivariate statistical techniques of cluster analysis (CA), principal component analysis (PCA), and positive matrix factorization (PMF) were used, along with the Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman's correlation analysis in order to interpret a water quality data set resulting from a monitoring program conducted over a period of almost two years (May 2013 to April 2015). The water samples were collected from the raw water inlet of the municipal water treatment plant (WTP) operated by the Water and Sewage Services of Novo Hamburgo (COMUSA). CA allowed the data to be grouped into three periods (autumn and summer (AUT-SUM); winter (WIN); spring (SPR)). Through the PCA, it was possible to identify that the most important parameters in contribution to water quality variations are total coliforms (TCOLI) in SUM-AUT, water level (WL), water temperature (WT), and electrical conductivity (EC) in WIN and color (COLOR) and turbidity (TURB) in SPR. PMF was applied to the complete data set and enabled the source apportionment water pollution through three factors, which are related to anthropogenic sources, such as the discharge of domestic sewage (mostly represented by Escherichia coli (ECOLI)), industrial wastewaters, and agriculture runoff. The results provided by this study demonstrate the contribution provided by the use of integrated statistical techniques in the interpretation and understanding of large data sets of water quality, showing also that this approach can be used as an efficient methodology to optimize indicators for water quality assessment.

Avaliação econômica da produção de alface americana em função de lâminas de irrigação / Economical evaluation of the crisphead lettuce production as a function of irrigation depths

Visando reduzir as dificuldades do produtor no cultivo da alface americana, especificamente quanto à falta de informações técnicas sobre o momento oportuno de irrigar e a quantidade de água a ser aplicada economicamente viável, objetivou-se estudar o efeito de diferentes lâminas de água sobre o comportamento produtivo e econômico da alface americana. O experimento foi realizado na Universidade Federal de Lavras, no período de março a maio de 2008 em casa de vegetação. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram constituídos de cinco fatores de evaporação, correspondentes a 0,30, 0,60, 0,90, 1,20 e 1,50 EVm, baseado na lâmina evaporada de um minitanque. Os resultados permitiram concluir que, a máxima produtividade total e comercial, 65.578 e 35.308 kg ha-1, foram estimadas com aplicação de lâminas equivalentes a 203,9 e 204,3 mm, respectivamente, correspondente ao fator de reposição de 101 por cento. Considerando o preço do fator água (R$ 0,67 mm-1) e o preço da alface americana (R$ 0,90 kg-1), a lâmina economicamente ótima foi 203,9 mm, resultando em uma produtividade comercial praticamente igual à máxima física.

With the objective of minimize the difficulties faced by the producers on cultivating the crisphead lettuce, specifically those related with the lack of technical information regarding the ideal moment to irrigate and the amount of water to be applied, a study was performed in order to determine the effect of different water depths on production and economical behavior of crisphead lettuce. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse of the Universidade Federal de Lavras, between March and May 2008. A randomized block design with five treatments and four replicates was applied. The treatments, consisted of five evaporation factors 0.30, 0.60, 0.90, 1.20 and 1.50 EVm, based on an evaporated depth of a reduced pan. The results showed that the maximum total and commercial yield, 65.578 and 35.308 kg ha-1, were estimated by applying depths equivalent to 203.9 and 204.3 mm, respectively, corresponding to 101 percent replacement factor. Considering the water factor price (R$ 0.67 mm-1) and crisphead lettuce price (R$ 0.90 kg-1), the economically optimum depth was 203.9 mm, which resulted in a commercial yield equal to a physical maximum.