Neighbourhood Determinants of Caries Experience in Preschool Children: A Multilevel Study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between neighbourhood factors and decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft) index among preschool children. METHODS: The sample of this cross-sectional study comprised 1,110 children (0-5 years old) clustered in 16 official neighbourhoods of Canoas city, southern Brazil. Multilevel binomial models were used to estimate the association of contextual variables at neighbourhood level (Human Development Index, average income, and public primary health care units) with two oral health outcomes: decayed teeth (dt) and missing or filled teeth (mft), after adjusting for individual variables (gender, age, maternal education, equivalent household income logarithm, household, and point of care). RESULTS: Overall, 24.9% of the sample had dental caries experience (dmft >0), and 92.3% of the dmft was untreated caries. There was no statistical significant association (p > 0.05) of contextual characteristics with the decay component. The teeth of children living in richer areas had 2.87 (95% CI: 1.05-7.86) times more chances of being treated (mft component). Variance attributed to neighbourhood level was estimated as 5.9% (p < 0.01) and 4.1% (p = 0.17) for dt and mft, respectively, in adjusted models. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-urban areas seem homogeneous, with small variability between neighbourhoods, having no contextual effect on untreated dental caries (dt). Contextual variables may influence treatment access (mft) through the use of dental services in preschool children.

Standardization of (55)Fe by tracing method.

This work describes the procedure followed by the Laboratório de Metrologia Nuclear (LMN) for the standardization of (55)Fe by the tracing method. This technique was applied using two radionuclides, which decay by the electron capture process followed by a prompt gamma-ray, namely (51)Cr and (54)Mn, as tracers. The calibration was performed in a 4pibeta-gamma coincidence system. The efficiency was obtained by selecting a gamma-ray window set at the 320keV total absorption peak for (51)Cr and at 834keV for (54)Mn.

Sugarcane trash levels in soil affects the fungi but not bacteria in a short-term field experiment.

The sugarcane in Brazil is passing through a management transition that is leading to the abolition of pre-harvest burning. Without burning, large amounts of sugarcane trash is generated, and there is a discussion regarding the utilization of this biomass in the industry versus keeping it in the field to improve soil quality. To study the effects of the trash removal on soil quality, we established an experimental sugarcane plantation with different levels of trash over the soil (0%, 50% and 100% of the original trash deposition) and analyzed the structure of the bacterial and fungal community as the bioindicators of impacts. The soil DNA was extracted, and the microbial community was screened by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis in two different seasons. Our results suggest that there are no effects from the different levels of trash on the soil chemistry and soil bacterial community. However, the fungal community was significantly impacted, and after twelve months, the community presented different structures among the treatments.

Prevalência e distribuição espacial da ocorrência de helmintos em primatas não humanos de vida livre no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / [Prevalence and spatial distribution of the occurrence of helminths in free-living nonhuman primates in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil]

Seiscentos primatas neotropicais foram submetidos a exames post mortem para avaliação da prevalência parasitária de helmintos gastrointestinais. Foram examinados 556 calitriquídeos (Callithrix spp.), 23 bugios (Alouatta guariba), 19 macacos-pregos (Sapajus nigritus), um mico-leão-dourado (Leontopithecus rosalia) e um mico-leão-da-cara-dourada (Leontopithecus chrysomelas). Do total de 600 animais, foram encontrados espécimes parasitos pertencentes aos filos Acanthocephala, Nemathelmintes e Platyhelminthes (classes Trematoda e Cestoda) em 110 primatas. A prevalência de primatas positivos para, pelo menos, uma espécie de helminto foi de 18,3% (110/600), sendo destes 83,6% (92/110) calitriquídeos, 8,2% (9/110) bugios, 6,4% (7/110) macacos-pregos, 0,9% (1/110) mico-leão-dourado e 0,9% (1/110) mico-leão-da-cara dourada. Em 80,4% (74/92) dos calitriquídeos foram encontrados nematoides Primasubulura sp. e em 1,1% (1/92) nematoides Trypanoxyuris callithrix, em 26,1% (24/92) acantocéfalos (Pachysentis sp.) e em 5,4% (5/92) digenéticos (Platynosomum sp.); em 77,8% (7/9) dos bugios foram encontrados nematoides (Trypanoxyuris minutus), em 11,1% (1/9) acantocéfalos (Pachysentis sp.) e em 11,1% (1/9) cestoides (Bertiella sp.); em 14,3% (1/7) dos macacos-pregos foram encontrados nematoides (Physaloptera sp.), em 28,6% (2/7) acantocéfalos (Prostenorchis sp.) e em 14,3% (1/7) digenéticos (Platynosomum sp.) e no mico-leão-da-cara-dourada foram encontrados acantocéfalos (Prostenorchis sp.). Foi realizado o georreferenciamento dos pontos de encontro dos cadáveres para pontuar a distribuição dos helmintos por região.(AU)

Six hundred neotropical primates underwent postmortem examinations to evaluate the parasitic prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths. Fifty-five callitrichids tamarins (Callithrix spp.), 23 howlers (Alouatta guariba), 19 nail monkeys (Sapajus nigritus), a golden lion tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia) and a golden-faced lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas) were examined. Parasitic specimens belonging to phylums Acantocephala, Nemathelmintes and Platyhelmintes (Trematoda and Cestoda Classes) were found. The prevalence of primates positive for at least one species of helminth was 18.3% (110/600), of which 83.6% (92/110) callitrichids, 8.2% (9/110) howler monkeys, 6.4% (7/110) capuchin monkeys, 0.9% (1/110) golden lion tamarin and 0.9% (1/110) golden faced lion tamarin. In 80.4% (74/92) of callitrichids nematodes (Primasubulura sp.) were found, and in 1.1% (1/92) nematodes (Trypanoxyuris callithricis), in 26.1% (24/92) acanthocephalus (Pachysentis sp.) and 5.4% (5/92) digenetics (Platynosomum sp.); in 77.8% (7/9) of howler monkeys presented nematodes (Trypanoxyuris minutus), 11.1% (1/9) acanthocephalus (Pachysentis sp.) and 11.1% (1/9) cestoids (Bertiella sp.); in 14.3% (1/7) of capuchin monkeys presented nematodes (Physaloptera sp.), 28.6% (2/7) acanthocephalus (Prostenorchis sp.) and 14.3% (1/7) digenetics (Platynosomum sp.) and in the golden-faced lion tamarin acanthocephalus (Prostenorchis sp.) were found. Georreferencing of the meeting points of the cadavers was performed in order to punctuate the distribution of helminths by region.(AU)

Comparison of DNA extraction protocols for microbial communities from soil treated with biochar.

Many studies have evaluated the effects of biochar application on soil structure and plant growth. However, there are very few studies describing the effect of biochar on native soil microbial communities. Microbial analysis of environmental samples requires accurate and reproducible methods for the extraction of DNA from samples. Because of the variety among microbial species and the strong adsorption of the phosphate backbone of the DNA molecule to biochar, extracting and purifying high quality microbial DNA from biochar-amended soil is not a trivial process and can be considerably more difficult than the extraction of DNA from other environmental samples. The aim of this study was to compare the relative efficacies of three commercial DNA extraction kits, the FastDNA® SPIN Kit for Soil (FD kit), the PowerSoil® DNA Isolation Kit (PS kit) and the ZR Soil Microbe DNA Kit Miniprep™ (ZR kit), for extracting microbial genomic DNA from sand treated with different types of biochar. The methods were evaluated by comparing the DNA yields and purity and by analysing the bacterial and fungal community profiles generated by PCR-DGGE. Our results showed that the PCR-DGGE profiles for bacterial and fungal communities were highly affected by the purity and yield of the different DNA extracts. Among the tested kits, the PS kit was the most efficient with respect to the amount and purity of recovered DNA and considering the complexity of the generated DGGE microbial fingerprint from the sand-biochar samples.

Protective effect of Chresta martii extract against indomethacin-induced gastric lesions in mice.

Chresta martii (Asteraceae) is a plant found in the Xingó region (semi-arid area) in Northeastearn Brazil, and is recognized by the local population as a traditional herb used to treat gastric diseases. This is the first report of the chemical composition, acute toxicity, and gastroprotective effect in mice of the hydroalcoholic extract (HAE) from the aerial parts (leaves and flowers) of Chresta martii. Animals received HAE doses from 10 to 2000 mg/kg, i.p. or 50 to 3000 mg/kg, p.o.) and were observed over 48 h for toxicity signs and mortality; sub-chronic toxicity was evaluated through 14 days treatment with once-daily HAE doses (400 mg/kg, p.o.). The gastroprotective effect of HAE was demonstrated on the indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer model after the administration of extracts. Data comparison of ulcer index averages between saline and HAE (100 or 400 mg/kg, p.o.) groups showed significant (P < 0.01) inhibition (71.73 and 76.72 %, respectively) of indomethacin-induced gastric lesions. Histological analyses showed significant (P < 0.05) inhibition of leukocyte migration in HAE-treated groups. A fingerprint of the HAE obtained by HPLC/UV/MS analysis showed major peaks characteristic of sesquiterpene lactones. Compound 1 was isolated and elucidated as a new natural product. Its capacity to prevent leukocyte chemotaxis was demonstrated in vitro, corroborating the pharmacological effects observed for C. martii HAE.

Sugarcane trash levels in soil affects the fungi but not bacteria in a short-term field experiment

Abstract The sugarcane in Brazil is passing through a management transition that is leading to the abolition of pre-harvest burning. Without burning, large amounts of sugarcane trash is generated, and there is a discussion regarding the utilization of this biomass in the industry versus keeping it in the field to improve soil quality. To study the effects of the trash removal on soil quality, we established an experimental sugarcane plantation with different levels of trash over the soil (0%, 50% and 100% of the original trash deposition) and analyzed the structure of the bacterial and fungal community as the bioindicators of impacts. The soil DNA was extracted, and the microbial community was screened by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis in two different seasons. Our results suggest that there are no effects from the different levels of trash on the soil chemistry and soil bacterial community. However, the fungal community was significantly impacted, and after twelve months, the community presented different structures among the treatments.

Comparison of DNA extraction protocols for microbial communities from soil treated with biochar

Many studies have evaluated the effects of biochar application on soil structure and plant growth. However, there are very few studies describing the effect of biochar on native soil microbial communities. Microbial analysis of environmental samples requires accurate and reproducible methods for the extraction of DNA from samples. Because of the variety among microbial species and the strong adsorption of the phosphate backbone of the DNA molecule to biochar, extracting and purifying high quality microbial DNA from biochar-amended soil is not a trivial process and can be considerably more difficult than the extraction of DNA from other environmental samples. The aim of this study was to compare the relative efficacies of three commercial DNA extraction kits, the FastDNA® SPIN Kit for Soil (FD kit), the PowerSoil® DNA Isolation Kit (PS kit) and the ZR Soil Microbe DNA Kit MiniprepTM (ZR kit), for extracting microbial genomic DNA from sand treated with different types of biochar. The methods were evaluated by comparing the DNA yields and purity and by analysing the bacterial and fungal community profiles generated by PCR-DGGE. Our results showed that the PCR-DGGE profiles for bacterial and fungal communities were highly affected by the purity and yield of the different DNA extracts. Among the tested kits, the PS kit was the most efficient with respect to the amount and purity of recovered DNA and considering the complexity of the generated DGGE microbial fingerprint from the sand-biochar samples.

[Phlebotomus of Portugal. I--Natural infestation of Phlebotomus ariasi Tonnoir, 1921 and Phlebotomus perniciosus Newstead, 1911, by Leishmania in the zoonotic focus of Arrábida (Portugal)]. / Les Phlébotomes du Portugal. I--Infestation naturelle de Phlebotomus ariasi Tonnoir, 1921 et Phlebotomus perniciosus Newstead, 1911, par Leishmania dans le foyer zoonotique de Arrábida (Portugal).

The author presents the results of a sandfly survey carried out in the zoonotic focus of Arrábida for search of kala-azar vectors. The total of 195 dissected females belonged to the species Sergentomyia (S.) minuta. Phlebotomus (L.) ariasi and Phlebotomus (L.) perniciosus. Only the last two species were found parasitized by Leishmania promastigotes: 2 females of P. ariasi (4.88%) and 3 females of P. perniciosus (2.01%). This is the first finding of natural infection of P. ariasi in Portugal.

Distribution of phlebotomine sandflies and the rate of their infection with Leishmania promastigotes in the Algarve, Portugal.

Four species of sandflies: Phlebotomus (Larroussius) perniciosus Newstead, Sergentomyia minuta (Rondani), Phlebotomus (Paraphlebotomus) sergenti Parrot and Phlebotomus (Larroussius) ariasi Tonnoir, were collected, by aspiration and light traps, from three dog kennels and an area of high prevalence of human and canine visceral leishmaniasis in the Algarve, Portugal. Midgut infections with leishmanial promastigotes were observed only in P. perniciosus with a minimum infection rate of 5%. The engorgement, gravidity, population dynamics and sex ratios of the sandflies, and the temperature, source and altitude of collection sites were examined. Host preferences were noted for P. perniciosus.

[Kala-azar in Portugal. III. Results of a survey on canine leishmaniasis performed in the Lisbon region. Comparison of urban and rural zones]. / Le kala-azar au Portugal. III. Résultats d'une enquête sur la leishmaniose canine réalisée dans les environs de Lisbonne. Comparaison des zones urbaines et rurales.

A serological and parasitological survey of dogs was done in four slum areas on the outskirts of Lisbon and a rural area west of Setúbal. The serological test was the IFAT. The total number of dogs examined was 572 which 55 (9,6%) had titre greater than or equal to 1/128, 10 of these dogs were among 182 (5,5%) in the urban areas and 45 were in the sample of 390 dogs (11,5%) in the rural area. 23 dogs with titres of greater than or equal to 1/128 were examined parasitologically. The methods were the examination of tissue from popliteal lymph nodes (by direct examination and the inoculation of NNN cultures and hamsters), the direct examination of stained smears from sores and the direct examination of stained smears of healthy skin. Parasites were demonstrated in 15 (65,2%) of the 23 dogs. 14 dogs with high titres were followed up by a second IFAT. 5 had become higher, 5 had remained the same and, in 4, the titres had fallen. The results of the survey suggest that canine leishmaniasis is more common in the rural area than in the urban sites. The disease in man in the focus studied appears to be accidental and, paradoxically likely to be acquired rather in the town than in the villages. The reason is probably related to zoophilic preference of vector, and the fact that the population in rural areas is widely dispersed.

Evora district as a new focus for canine leishmaniasis in Portugal.

On the basis of information acquired from local health authorities in Evora district of Portugal on cases of visceral leishmaniasis (VL), an epidemiology survey study was conducted. To determine the prevalence of anti-Leishmania antibodies in the local human and canine populations residing in Evora town and 14 adjacent villages, blood samples collected from 885 children and 3,614 dogs were tested in a direct agglutination test (DAT). Seropositivity for Leishmania parasite obtained by DAT in both endemic populations was further confirmed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunofluorescence test (IFAT). For identification of the responsible sandfly vector, 79 biotopes within the study areas were surveyed. In the infantile population assessed, none of the children screened showed an antibody level indicative (titer, > = 1:3200) of visceral leishmaniasis in the DAT. However, agglutinating antibody rates ranging from 0.7% to 6.9% were obtained in dogs residing in Evora and 11 adjacent villages. Concordant seropositivity of 94.04% was obtained by ELISA and IFAT in the same canine population (141) identified by DAT. Of the 159 sandflies captured, 67 were identified as Phlebotomus sergenti; 15, as P. ariasi; 58, as P. perniciosus; and 19, as Sergentomyia minuta. Unlike the results previously reported in Alto-Douro and Algarve districts of Portugal, as compared with the other three species, P. sergenti appears to be more abundant in Evora district.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cytochrome bo from Escherichia coli: identification of haem ligands and reaction of the reduced enzyme with carbon monoxide.

Inner membranes were prepared from Escherichia coli strain RG 145, which is deficient in cytochrome bd, but overexpresses cytochrome bo [Au and Gennis (1987) J. Bacteriol. 169, 3237-3242]. The latter was purified 7-fold by extracting the membranes with octyl beta-D-glucopyranoside, followed by chromatography on DEAE-Sepharose, yielding 150 mg of protein/150 g wet weight of cells. Optical e.p.r. and low-temperature m.c.d. (magnetic circular dichroism) spectroscopies were used to investigate the nature of the protein ligands to the two haems in cytochrome bo from E. coli. Low-spin ferric haem b, the origin of a rhombic e.p.r. spectrum with g = 2.98, 2.26 and 1.50, gives rise to a charge-transfer band in the near-i.r. m.c.d. spectrum at 1622 nm. It is therefore concluded that haem b is co-ordinated by two histidine residues. The low-temperature m.c.d. spectrum of dithionite-reduced cytochrome bo comprises bands due both to low-spin ferrous haem b and to high-spin ferrous haem o. The bands arising from haem o show a direct correspondence with those in the m.c.d. spectrum of five-co-ordinate histidine-ligated ferrous haems such as myoglobin, implying that the protein residue liganding haem o is also histidine. This assignment was confirmed by measuring the e.p.r. spectrum of the nitric oxide derivative of fully reduced cytochrome bo. This showed a rhombic spectrum with g = 2.098, 2.008 and 1.987, and nuclear hyperfine splitting consistent with the co-ordination of ferrous haem by NO and histidine. The hyperfine splittings observed were 1.95 +/- 0.05 mT for the 14N of the NO ligand and 0.75 +/- 0.05 mT for the 14N of the proximal histidine. The e.p.r. spectrum of some samples of oxidized cytochrome bo show, at temperatures below 15 K, broad signals at g = 7.6, 3.6 and 2.8, and other preparations in the presence of glycerol yield signals at g = 10.8, 3.2 and 2.6. These signals, which are abolished by the addition of cyanide, are assigned to the binuclear centre, cytochrome o-CuB, suggesting that the binuclear site may display heterogeneity. Carbon monoxide reacts with the reduced enzyme with a stoichiometry of 1:1, and the dissociation constant for this reaction was determined to be 1.7 x 10(-6)M. The second-order rate constants for this reaction were measured and shown to be similar to those determined for bovine cytochrome aa3 [Gibson and Greenwood (1963) Biochem. J. 86, 541-554].

Estudo preliminar de dados para análise de determinantes de saúde no Brasil / Preliminary analisis of determinants of health in Brazil

A disponibilidade de dados confiáveis sobre o sistema de Saúde é indispensável para o desenvolvimento de trabalhos na área de planejamento em saúde. O presente trabalho descreve a implementaçäo de um banco de dados relativos aos setores Saúde, Social, Econômico e Ambiental. As dificuldades de seleçäo dos dados säo apresentados bem como um método exclusivamente matemático para interpolaçäo de populaçöes. Um estudo do erro quando se utiliza interpolaçäo linear para as variáveis näo demográficas, indica um erro médio de 12% para interpolaçäo de uma amostra em variáveis do setor saúde, mostrando a viabilidade deste procedimento quando necessário. A caracterizaçäo da funçäo de probabilidade das principais variáveis sugere uma distribuiçäo gaussiana na maioria dos casos