Sex and population differences in the cardiometabolic continuum: a machine learning study using the UK Biobank and ELSA-Brasil cohorts.

BACKGROUND: The temporal relationships across cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) were recently conceptualized as the cardiometabolic continuum (CMC), sequence of cardiovascular events that stem from gene-environmental interactions, unhealthy lifestyle influences, and metabolic diseases such as diabetes, and hypertension. While the physiological pathways linking metabolic and cardiovascular diseases have been investigated, the study of the sex and population differences in the CMC have still not been described. METHODS: We present a machine learning approach to model the CMC and investigate sex and population differences in two distinct cohorts: the UK Biobank (17,700 participants) and the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) (7162 participants). We consider the following CMDs: hypertension (Hyp), diabetes (DM), heart diseases (HD: angina, myocardial infarction, or heart failure), and stroke (STK). For the identification of the CMC patterns, individual trajectories with the time of disease occurrence were clustered using k-means. Based on clinical, sociodemographic, and lifestyle characteristics, we built multiclass random forest classifiers and used the SHAP methodology to evaluate feature importance. RESULTS: Five CMC patterns were identified across both sexes and cohorts: EarlyHyp, FirstDM, FirstHD, Healthy, and LateHyp, named according to prevalence and disease occurrence time that depicted around 95%, 78%, 75%, 88% and 99% of individuals, respectively. Within the UK Biobank, more women were classified in the Healthy cluster and more men in all others. In the EarlyHyp and LateHyp clusters, isolated hypertension occurred earlier among women. Smoking habits and education had high importance and clear directionality for both sexes. For ELSA-Brasil, more men were classified in the Healthy cluster and more women in the FirstDM. The diabetes occurrence time when followed by hypertension was lower among women. Education and ethnicity had high importance and clear directionality for women, while for men these features were smoking, alcohol, and coffee consumption. CONCLUSIONS: There are clear sex differences in the CMC that varied across the UK and Brazilian cohorts. In particular, disadvantages regarding incidence and the time to onset of diseases were more pronounced in Brazil, against woman. The results show the need to strengthen public health policies to prevent and control the time course of CMD, with an emphasis on women.

Leisure Time Physical Activity and Incidence of Arterial Hypertension in ELSA-Brasil Participants. / Atividade Física no Tempo Livre e Incidência de Hipertensão Arterial em Participantes do ELSA-Brasil.

BACKGROUND: Evidence indicates that physical activity (PA) has a protective effect against chronic diseases, including high arterial hypertension (AH). OBJECTIVE: This study investigated, longitudinally, the association between changes in leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and the incidence of hypertension in ELSA-Brasil participants. METHODS: Data from 8,968 participants were analyzed at two different times (2008-2010 and 2012-2014). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), long version, was used to assess LTPA. The association between LTPA and AH was tested using Poisson regression with relative risk (RR) estimation, with a significance level of 5% and a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: When the LTPA level variable was categorized as sufficient and insufficient, no statistically significant associations were found between LTPA and AH incidence as a function of changes in PA during follow-up. However, when the LTPA variable was categorized as inactive, little active, active, and very active, a statistically significant association was observed between LTPA and AH in participants classified as very physically active. The risk of AH was reduced by 35% among men RR 0.65 (95% CI 0.50-0.86) and by 66% among women RR 0.34 (95% CI 0.20-0.58) who maintained high levels of LTPA at both moments of follow-up. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that maintaining high levels of PA over time is associated with a lower risk of developing AH, highlighting the importance of PA in preventing this condition, for both men and women.

FUNDAMENTO: Evidências apontam que a atividade física (AF) apresenta efeito protetor para as doenças crônicas, incluindo a hipertensão arterial (HA). OBJETIVO: Este estudo investigou, de forma longitudinal, a associação entre as mudanças na atividade física no tempo livre (AFTL) e a incidência de HA em participantes do ELSA-Brasil. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados dados de 8.968 participantes em dois momentos distintos (2008-2010 e 2012-2014). Foi utilizado o Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física (IPAQ), versão longa, para avaliação da AFTL. A associação entre AFTL e HA foi testada por regressão de Poisson com estimativa do risco relativo (RR), com nível de significância de 5% e intervalo de confiança de 95%. RESULTADOS: Quando a variável nível de AFTL foi categorizada em suficiente e insuficiente, não foram encontradas associações estatisticamente significantes entre AFTL e a incidência HA em função das mudanças na AF durante o seguimento. No entanto, a variável AFTL quando categorizada em inativo, pouco ativo, ativo e muito ativo, observou-se associação estatisticamente significante entre AFTL e HA em participantes classificados como muito ativos fisicamente. O risco de HA foi reduzido em 35% entre homens RR 0,65 (IC 95% 0,50-0,86) e em 66% entre as mulheres RR 0,34 (IC 95% 0,20-0,58) que mantiveram altos níveis de AFTL em ambos os momentos do seguimento. CONCLUSÃO: Esses resultados sugerem que a manutenção de altos níveis de AF ao longo do tempo está associada a um menor risco de desenvolver HA, destacando a importância da AF na prevenção dessa condição, tanto para homens quanto para mulheres.

Polysaccharide Hydroxyapatite (Nano)composites and Their Biomedical Applications: An Overview of Recent Years.

Hydroxyapatite can combine with polysaccharide originating biomaterials with special applications in the biomedical field. In this review, the synthesis of (nano)composites is discussed, focusing on natural polysaccharides such as alginate, chitosan, and pectin. In this way, advances in recent years in the development of preparing materials are revised and discussed. Therefore, an overview of the recent synthesis and applications of polyssacharides@hydroxyapatites is presented. Several studies based on chitosan@hydroxyapatite combined with other inorganic matrices are highlighted, while pectin@hydroxyapatite is present in a smaller number of reports. Biomedical applications as drug carriers, adsorbents, and bone implants are discussed, combining their dependence with the nature of interactions on the molecular scale and the type of polysaccharides used, which is a relevant aspect to be explored.

Use of Electropolishing in Orthodontic Appliances: An Option to Reduce the Risk of Metal Hypersensitivity.

Electropolishing is a common treatment in the industry; however, how it behaves in the mouth and what benefits it can bring over metal dental attachments have not yet been established. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the levels of corrosion, the released metal ions, and the changes in structural composition in metallic orthodontic appliances following electropolishing treatment. This study included 56 orthodontic brackets and 28 archwires. The samples were subjected to a pH cycle to simulate an oral environment. Using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, the release of metallic particles was evaluated, and using scanning electron microscopy, the structural and composition changes were evaluated. Groups were compared using Student's t-tests with a value of p ≤ 0.05. The cyclical pH solutions showed variations between groups and days (1, 3, 5, 7 and 15), reaching the highest acidification in the self-ligating brackets; the absorbance between solutions did not differ significantly. As seen from the SEM results, the experimental group showed minor irregularities compared with the control groups. The experimental brackets decreased in iron and increased in chromium after electropolishing, while for the NiTi archwires, they decreased in nickel. Therefore, electropolishing treatments in metallic orthodontic attachments improve their surface structure and corrosion resistance could reduce the risk of metal hypersensitivity, mainly from nickel.

[Is socioeconomic residential segregation associated with sleep problems? Insights from ELSA-Brasil]. / A segregação residencial socioeconômica está associada aos problemas do sono? Insights do ELSA-Brasil.

Several factors influence sleep, which is essential for health. While the role of neighborhood socioeconomic context on sleep health has been studied in recent years, results are inconsistent. The study aimed to investigate the association between socioeconomic residential segregation and sleep problems, using data from the second evaluation (2012-2014) of 9,918 public servants participating in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). Socioeconomic residential segregation was assessed using the Getis-Ord Local Gi* statistic. Sleep duration and deprivation, complaints of insomnia, and daytime sleepiness were obtained through interviews. Binomial and multinomial logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratio (OR). Regarding sleep, 49% had short duration and 3% long duration, 23% reported complaints of insomnia, 45% sleep deprivation, 42% daytime sleepiness, and 48% reported ≥ 2 sleep problems. In the model adjusted for demographic and socioeconomic variables, there was an association between high socioeconomic residential segregation and short sleep duration (OR = 1.22; 95%CI: 1.07; 1.40), sleep deprivation (OR = 1.20; 95%CI: 1.05; 1.37), daytime sleepiness (OR = 1.17; 95%CI: 1.03; 1.34) and ≥ 2 associated sleep problems (OR = 1.24; 95%CI: 1.08; 1.41). Individuals living in neighborhoods with high socioeconomic residential segregation are more likely to have short sleep duration, sleep deprivation, daytime sleepiness, and ≥ 2 associated sleep problems. This information reinforces that public policy measures to reduce socioeconomic inequalities can improve the population's sleep health.

O sono é influenciado por diversos fatores e é essencial para a saúde. O papel do contexto socioeconômico da vizinhança na saúde do sono foi estudado nos últimos anos, mas os resultados são inconsistentes. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a associação entre a segregação residencial socioeconômica e os problemas do sono. Utilizou-se dados da 2ª avaliação (2012-2014) de 9.918 servidores públicos participantes do Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil). A segregação residencial socioeconômica foi avaliada por meio da estatística Getis-Ord Local Gi*, e a duração e privação do sono, as queixas de insônia e a sonolência diurna foram obtidas por meio de entrevistas. Para as estimativas da odds ratio (OR), foram utilizados modelos de regressão logística binomial e multinomial. Em relação ao sono, 49% tinham curta duração e 3% longa duração, 23% relataram queixas de insônia, 45% relataram privação do sono, 42% relataram sonolência diurna e 48% relataram ≥ 2 problemas do sono. No modelo ajustado por variáveis demográficas e socioeconômicas, houve associação entre alta segregação residencial socioeconômica e duração curta do sono (OR = 1,22; IC95%: 1,07; 1,40), privação do sono (OR = 1,20; IC95%: 1,05; 1,37), sonolência diurna (OR = 1,17; IC95%: 1,03; 1,34) e ≥ 2 problemas associados do sono (OR = 1,24; IC95%: 1,08; 1,41). Indivíduos que vivem em vizinhanças com alta segregação residencial socioeconômica apresentam maior chance de terem curta duração, privação do sono, sonolência diurna e ≥ 2 problemas associados ao sono. Essas informações reforçam que políticas públicas para reduzir as desigualdades socioeconômicas podem contribuir para melhorar a saúde do sono da população.

El sueño se influye por varios factores y es esencial para la salud. Se estudió el papel del contexto socioeconómico del barrio en la salud del sueño en los últimos años, pero los resultados son inconsistentes. El objetivo del estudio fue investigar la asociación entre la segregación residencial socioeconómica y los problemas de sueño. Se utilizó datos de la 2ª evaluación (2012-2014) de 9918 servidores públicos participantes del Estudio Longitudinal de Salud del Adulto (ELSA-Brasil). Se evaluó la segregación residencial socioeconómica a través de la estadística Getis-Ord Local Gi*. La duración y privación del sueño, las quejas de insomnio y somnolencia diurna se obtuvieron a través de entrevista. Se utilizaron modelos de regresión logística binomial y multinominal para estimar el odds ratio (OR). Con respecto al sueño, el 49% tenía una duración corta y el 3% tenía una duración larga, el 23% relató quejas de insomnio, el 45% relató privación de sueño, el 42% relató somnolencia diurna y el 48% relató ≥ 2 problemas de sueño. En el modelo ajustado por variables demográficas y socioeconómicas, hubo una asociación entre la alta segregación residencial socioeconómica y la duración corta de sueño (OR = 1,22; IC95%: 1,07; 1,40), la privación de sueño (OR = 1,20; IC95%: 1,05; 1,37), la somnolencia diurna (OR = 1,17; IC95%: 1,03; 1,34) y ≥ 2 problemas asociados con el sueño (OR = 1,24; IC95%: 1,08; 1,41). Personas que viven en barrios con una alta segregación residencial socioeconómica presentan una mayor probabilidad de tener duración corta del sueño, privación de sueño, somnolencia diurna y ≥ 2 problemas asociados con el sueño. Estas informaciones resaltan que medidas de políticas públicas para reducir las desigualdades socioeconómicas pueden contribuir a mejorar la salud del sueño en la población.

Stress and the Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods during COVID-19's Social Distancing: Are Mental Disorders Mediators in This Association? ELSA-Brasil Results.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated various determinants of mental disorders. Several behavioral changes were observed given this increase, including harmful health consequences, such as excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). To assess this relationship, we investigated the meditational role of symptoms of mental disorders (anxiety and depression) in the association between stress resulting from social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic and the consumption of UPFs in 3884 Brazilian public employees in a supplementary study of the ELSA-Brasil study. Structural equation models (SEMs) were estimated to assess the direct and indirect effects mediated by symptoms of mental disorders. The results suggested a significant and positive mediational effect of the symptoms of mental disorders on the association between the stress resulting from social distancing and the consumption of UPFs. These findings contribute to informing the need for policies and early interventions in potentially stressful situations, with a focus on the promotion of mental health, and may thus help prevent or reduce the consumption of unhealthy foods.

Racial inequalities in the development of multimorbidity of chronic conditions: results from a Brazilian prospective cohort.

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of multimorbidity and its impacts have differentially affected population subgroups. Evidence on its incidence has mainly come from high-income regions, with limited exploration of racial disparities. This study investigated the association between racial groups and the development of multimorbidity and chronic conditions in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). METHODS: Data from self-reported white, brown (pardos or mixed-race), and black participants at baseline of ELSA-Brasil (2008-2010) who were at risk for multimorbidity were analysed. The development of chronic conditions was assessed through in-person visits and self-reported diagnosis via telephone until the third follow-up visit (2017-2019). Multimorbidity was defined when, at the follow-up visit, the participant had two or more morbidities. Cumulative incidences, incidence rates, and adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were estimated using Poisson models. RESULTS: Over an 8.3-year follow-up, compared to white participants: browns had a 27% greater incidence of hypertension and obesity; and blacks had a 62% and 45% greater incidence, respectively. Blacks also had 58% more diabetes. The cancer incidence was greater among whites. Multimorbidity affected 41% of the participants, with a crude incidence rate of 57.5 cases per 1000 person-years (ranging from 56.3 for whites to 63.9 for blacks). Adjusted estimates showed a 20% higher incidence of multimorbidity in black participants compared to white participants (IRR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.05-1.38). CONCLUSIONS: Significant racial disparities in the risk of chronic conditions and multimorbidity were observed. Many associations revealed a gradient increase in illness risk according to darker skin tones. Addressing fundamental causes such as racism and racial discrimination, alongside considering social determinants of health, is vital for comprehensive multimorbidity care. Intersectoral, equitable policies are essential for ensuring health rights for historically marginalized groups.

Geminiviridae and Alphasatellitidae Diversity Revealed by Metagenomic Analysis of Susceptible and Tolerant Tomato Cultivars across Distinct Brazilian Biomes.

The diversity of Geminiviridae and Alphasatellitidae species in tomatoes was assessed via high-throughput sequencing of 154 symptomatic foliar samples collected from 2002 to 2017 across seven Brazilian biomes. The first pool (BP1) comprised 73 samples from the North (13), Northeast (36), and South (24) regions. Sixteen begomoviruses and one Topilevirus were detected in BP1. Four begomovirus-like contigs were identified as putative novel species (NS). NS#1 was reported in the semi-arid (Northeast) region and NS#2 and NS#4 in mild subtropical climates (South region), whereas NS#3 was detected in the warm and humid (North) region. The second pool (BP2) comprised 81 samples from Southeast (39) and Central-West (42) regions. Fourteen viruses and subviral agents were detected in BP2, including two topileviruses, a putative novel begomovirus (NS#5), and two alphasatellites occurring in continental highland areas. The five putative novel begomoviruses displayed strict endemic distributions. Conversely, tomato mottle leaf curl virus (a monopartite species) displayed the most widespread distribution occurring across the seven sampled biomes. The overall diversity and frequency of mixed infections were higher in susceptible (16 viruses + alphasatellites) in comparison to tolerant (carrying the Ty-1 or Ty-3 introgressions) samples, which displayed 9 viruses. This complex panorama reinforces the notion that the tomato-associated Geminiviridae diversity is yet underestimated in Neotropical regions.

Experience of Discrimination and Oral Health Self-Perception: A Cross-Sectional Study among Brazilian Adults.

This cross-sectional study investigated the association between experiences of discrimination and oral health self-perception among a probabilistic cluster sample of Brazilian adults who participated in the 2013 National Health Survey. Oral health self-perception was categorized into three groups (very good + good; fair; poor + very poor). Reported experiences of discrimination included attributions based on the respondent's race/skin color, social class, income, occupation, illness, sexual orientation, religion, sex, and age. Covariates included sociodemographic data, oral health conditions, access to healthcare services, health habits, mental health, and participation in social and/or religious activities. Data were analyzed using ordinal logistic regression for non-proportional odds, considering sample weights and complex samples. Among 60,202 adults, 5.84% perceived their oral health as poor + very poor, with a significantly higher proportion among those experiencing discrimination (9.98%). Adults who experienced discrimination were 1.39 times more likely to report a "poor/very poor/fair" oral health self-perception compared to those who did not experience discrimination. Those who suffered discrimination were 1.28 times more likely to have a "very poor/poor" oral health self-perception than their counterparts who were not affected by discrimination. These findings underscore the importance of considering discrimination experiences as part of the social determinants influencing oral health.

Clinical usability study of a home-based self-administration transcranial direct current stimulation for primary dysmenorrhea: A randomized controlled trial.

This study tested the usability of a home-based self-administration transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) device designed specifically for women's health needs. This is a single center triple blinded clinical usability study for a new wireless, Bluetooth-controlled wearable tDCS device for women's health. The study aims to evaluate the usability and effective blinding of a home-based tDCS system. A total of forty-nine women of reproductive age were randomly allocated (1:1) to receive one session of active tDCS (n = 24) or sham tDCS (n = 25) over the motor and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Each participant self-administered one 20-minute session without supervision following guidance on a software application alone. The System Usability Scale (SUS) and the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) were used to evaluate the usability of the system. Regardless of sham or active conditions, all users found the system easy to use without the support of researchers. Usability scores were considered to be "excellent" in both groups and no significant difference was found between sham and active groups showing effective blinding of the device (Active group: 93.7 (83.1-97.5); Sham group 90 (86.2-95) p = 0.79) and PGIC (Active group: 2 (1-2.75); Sham group 2 (1-2) p = 0.99) using an unpaired t-test or non-parametric statistical tests accordingly. The new Bluetooth-controlled wearable tDCS device is easy, safe to use and completely controlled by a smartphone app. This device is focused on women's health and will be tested as an alternative treatment for chronic pelvic pain and mood disturbance associated with menstrual cycles in further research.

Hair cortisol levels are associated with overweight and obesity in the ELSA-Brasil cohort.

Introduction: Hair cortisol level has recently been identified as a promising marker for detecting long-term cortisol levels and a marker of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal cortex (HPA) axis activity. However, research on the association between obesity and an altered cortisol metabolism remains controversial. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hair cortisol levels and overweight and obesity in participants from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 2,499 participants from the second follow-up (visit 3, 2017-2019) attending research centers in Rio de Janeiro and Rio Grande do Sul states. Hair samples were collected, and cortisol levels were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Cortisol levels were classified as low (< 40 pg/mg), medium (40-128 pg/mg), or high (> 128 pg/mg). The participants were classified as eutrophic, overweight, or obese according to their weight (kg) and height (m2). Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated. Results: Of the 2499 individuals, 30% had eutrophic weight, 40% were overweight, and 30% were obese. Notably, cortisol levels gradually increased with increasing body weight. Among participants with high hair cortisol levels, 41.2% were classified as overweight and 34.2% as obese. Multinomial logistic regression analysis indicated that participants with high cortisol levels were 43% (OR =1.43; 95%CI: 1.02-2.03) more likely to be overweight and 72% (OR =1.72; 95%CI:1.20-2.47) more likely to be obese than participants with low hair cortisol levels. After adjustment for all covariates, high cortisol levels remained associated with obesity (OR = 1.54; 95%CI:1.02-2.31) and overweight (OR =1.33; 95%CI:0.91-1.94). Conclusion: In the ELSA-Brazil cohort, hair stress were positively associated with overweight and obesity. These results underscore the importance of considering stress and cortisol as potential factors in obesity prevention and intervention efforts, and highlight a novel aspect of the complex relationship between stress and obesity in the Brazilian population.

Bioengineered xylanase from Misiones Argentina rainforest: A bakery enhancement approach.

In this study, we pursued the heterologous expression of the xylanase gene from Trichoderma atroviride, a native fungus in the province of Misiones, and used it to enhance the textural properties of baked goods through varying enzymatic concentrations. This marks the inaugural exploration into its functionality in the context of bread production. The recombinant xylanase exhibited improved activity, reaching 36,292 U L-1, achieved by supplementing the culture medium with dextrose. Following the optimization of recombinant xylanase concentration, promising results emerged, notably reducing hardness and chewiness parameters of bread significantly. Our findings underscore the potential of this native fungal enzyme for industrial processes, offering a sustainable and efficient means to enhance the quality of baked goods with broad implications for the food industry. No prior research has been documented on the heterologous expression of the xylanase gene derived from T. atroviride, from the Misiones rainforest, expressed in Kluyveromyces lactis. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This research, focusing on the isolation and cloning of xylanase enzyme from Trichoderma atroviride, a native fungus in the province of Misiones, offers a valuable tool for improving the texture of bakery products. By optimizing enzyme concentrations, our findings present a practical approach for the food industry, offering a viable solution to improve the overall quality and consumer satisfaction of bakery products.

[Body image perception, socioeconomic characteristics, and lifestyle in women participating in ELSA-Brasil in Bahia, Brazil]. / Percepção de imagem corporal, características socioeconômicas e estilo de vida em mulheres participantes do ELSA-Brasil na Bahia, Brasil.

Body image distortion is an alteration in the perception of the body that can have repercussions on health. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of body image accuracy and distortion among women participating in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) living in Bahia State, Brazil, and to investigate associations with socioeconomic characteristics, lifestyle, and gynecological care seeking. A total of 609 women aged 50 to 69 years participated in the study, who answered face-to-face questionnaires from 2012 to 2014. The Stunkard silhouette scale was used to investigate accurate or distorted perception for more or less weight. The relative risk ratio (RR) was calculated by multinomial logistic regression using Stata 13. Most participants have an accurate perception of their own bodies (53.7%). Among those with distorted perception, there is a tendency to distort towards less weight (38.1%). In the multinomial regression analysis, the variables race/skin color and education remained associated with the distortion towards underweight. The race/skin color variable was positively associated with the distortion towards underweight among Mixed-race women (RR = 1.89; 95%CI: 1.13-3.16) and black (RR = 2.10; 95%CI: 1.25-3.55), while the education variable among those with up to high school education (RR = 1.65; 95%CI: 1.18-2.33). There were no associations with the other variables or with distortion for more weight. The results contribute to explaining the relationships between body image perception and socioeconomic factors, revealing that women of different races/skin colors and varying educational levels are influenced in different ways by social discourses, impacting the perception of their body image.

Distorção da imagem corporal é uma alteração da percepção do corpo que pode repercutir na saúde. Este estudo visa estimar, entre mulheres participantes do Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil) residentes na Bahia, Brasil, a prevalência de acurácia e distorção da imagem corporal e investigar associações com características socioeconômicas, estilo de vida e procura de cuidados ginecológicos. Participaram 609 mulheres de 50-69 anos de idade que responderam, entre 2012-2014, questionários aplicados face a face. Foi utilizada a escala de silhuetas de Stunkard para investigar a percepção acurada ou distorcida para mais ou menos peso. A razão de risco relativo (RR) foi calculada por meio de regressão logística multinomial por meio do Stata 13. A maioria das participantes tem perspectiva acurada do próprio corpo (53,7%). Entre aquelas com percepção distorcida, há uma tendência à distorção para menos peso (38,1%). Na análise de regressão multinomial, permaneceram associadas à distorção para menos peso as variáveis raça/cor e escolaridade, sendo que a primeira foi positivamente associada à distorção para menos peso entre as pardas (RR = 1,89; IC95%: 1,13-3,16) e pretas (RR = 2,10; IC95%: 1,25-3,55), enquanto a segunda entre aquelas com escolaridade até o Ensino Médio (RR = 1,65; IC95%: 1,18-2,33). Não houve associações quanto às demais variáveis, nem com distorção para mais peso. Os resultados contribuem para a explicação das relações entre percepção da imagem corporal e fatores socioeconômicos, revelando que mulheres de raça/cor diferentes e variados níveis de escolaridade são influenciadas de formas distintas pelos discursos sociais, o que impacta a percepção da sua imagem corporal.

La distorsión de la imagen corporal es una alteración en la percepción del cuerpo que puede repercutir en la salud. Este estudio busca estimar, entre las mujeres participantes del Estudio Longitudinal de Salud del Adulto (ELSA-Brasil) que viven en Bahía, Brasil, la prevalencia de precisión y distorsión de la imagen corporal e investigar asociaciones con las características socioeconómicas, el estilo de vida y la busca de atención ginecológica. Participaron 609 mujeres que tenían entre 50 y 69 años que contestaron los cuestionarios aplicados cara a cara entre 2012 y 2014. Se utilizó la escala de siluetas de Stunkard para investigar la percepción precisa o distorsionada para más o menos peso. El cociente de riesgo relativo (RR) se calculó a través de regresión logística multinomial utilizando el Stata 13. La mayoría de los participantes tiene una perspectiva precisa del propio cuerpo (53,7%). Entre las personas con percepción distorsionada hay una tendencia a la distorsión para menos peso (38,1%). En el análisis de regresión multinomial, las variables raza/color y escolaridad permanecieron asociadas con la distorsión para menos peso, siendo la primera positivamente asociada con la distorsión para menos peso entre las mujeres pardas (RR = 1,89; IC95%: 1,13-3,16) y negras (RR = 2,10; IC95%: 1,25-3,55), mientras la segunda entre las mujeres que estudiaron hasta la enseñanza secundaria (RR = 1,65; IC95%: 1,18-2,33). No hubo asociaciones con las otras variables ni con la distorsión para más peso. Los resultados contribuyen para explicar las relaciones entre la percepción de la imagen corporal y los factores socioeconómicos, demostrando que mujeres de diferentes razas/colores y diferentes niveles de educación se influyen de distintas formas a través de discursos sociales, lo que impacta en la percepción de su imagen corporal.

Bacterial Strains Isolated from Stingless Bee Workers Inhibit the Growth of Apis mellifera Pathogens.

Apis mellifera bees are an important resource for the local economy of various regions in Argentina and the maintenance of natural ecosystems. In recent years, different alternatives have been investigated to avoid the reduction or loss of colonies caused by pathogens and parasites such as Ascosphaera apis, Aspergillus flavus, and Paenibacillus larvae. We focused on bacterial strains isolated from the intestine of native stingless bees, to elucidate their antagonistic effect on diseases of A. mellifera colonies. For this purpose, worker bees of the species Tetragonisca fiebrigi, Plebeia spp., and Scaptotrigona jujuyensis were captured from the entrance to tree hives and transported to the laboratory, where their intestines were extracted. Twenty bacterial colonies were isolated from the intestines, and those capable of inhibiting enterobacteria in vitro and producing organic acids, proteases, and chitinases were selected. Four genera, Levilactobacillus, Acetobacter, Lactiplantibacillus, and Pantoea, were selected and identified by the molecular marker that codes for the 16S rRNA gene. For inhibition assays, cell suspensions and cell-free suspensions were performed. All treatments showed significant antibacterial effects, in comparison with the controls, against P. larvae and antifungal effects against A. apis and A. flavus. However, the mechanisms by which these bacteria inhibit the growth of these pathogens were not studied.

Causal agents of Stemphylium-induced foliar diseases of tomatoes and other Solanaceae hosts in Brazil.

AIM: An extensive survey was done to clarify the prevalent Stemphylium species on Solanaceae plants across Brazil, and their host ranges. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eighty nine (89) Stemphylium isolates were obtained from naturally infected tomatoes as well as S. paniculatum, potato, eggplant, scarlet eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum var. gilo), Physalis angulata, and Capsicum species. Phylogenetic analyses encompassing the ITS-5.8S rDNA and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase genomic regions placed the isolates into two distinct groupings with either Stemphylium lycopersici or S. solani. Isolates of S. lycopersici (n = 81) were obtained infecting tomato, potato, eggplant, S. paniculatum, and P. angulata. Isolates of S. solani (n = 8) were detected in natural association with scarlet eggplant and tomato. Two isolates of S. lycopersici displayed a wide experimental host range in greenhouse bioassays, infecting accessions of 12 out of 18 species. Ocimum basilicum (Lamiaceae) was the only experimental host outside the Solanaceae family.

Racial Inequities in the Control of Hypertension and the Explanatory Role of Residential Segregation: a Decomposition Analysis in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil).

The mechanisms underlying racial inequities in uncontrolled hypertension have been limited to individual factors. We investigated racial inequities in uncontrolled hypertension and the explanatory role of economic segregation in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). All 3897 baseline participants with hypertension (2008-2010) were included. Uncontrolled hypertension (SBP ≥ 140 mmHg or DBP ≥ 90 mmHg), self-reported race (White/Brown/Black people), and neighborhood economic segregation (low/medium/high) were analyzed cross-sectionally. We used decomposition analysis, which describes how much a disparity would change (disparity reduction; explained portion) and remain (disparity residual; unexplained portion) upon removing racial differences in economic segregation (i.e., if Black people had the distribution of segregation of White people, how much we would expect uncontrolled hypertension to decrease among Black people). Age- and gender-adjusted prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension (39.0%, 52.6%, and 54.2% for White, Brown, and Black participants, respectively) remained higher for Black and Brown vs White participants, regardless of economic segregation. Uncontrolled hypertension showed a dose-response pattern with increasing segregation levels for White but not for Black and Brown participants. After adjusting for age, gender, education, and study center, unexplained portion (disparity residual) of race on uncontrolled hypertension was 18.2% (95% CI 13.4%; 22.9%) for Black vs White participants and 12.6% (8.2%; 17.1%) for Brown vs White participants. However, explained portion (disparity reduction) through economic segregation was - 2.1% (- 5.1%; 1.3%) for Black vs White and 0.5% (- 1.7%; 2.8%) for Brown vs White participants. Although uncontrolled hypertension was greater for Black and Brown vs White people, racial inequities in uncontrolled hypertension were not explained by economic segregation.

A segregação residencial socioeconômica está associada aos problemas do sono? Insights do ELSA-Brasil / Is socioeconomic residential segregation associated with sleep problems? Insights from ELSA-Brasil / ¿Está asociada la segregación residencial socioeconómica con problemas de sueño? Insights de ELSA-Brasil

Resumo: O sono é influenciado por diversos fatores e é essencial para a saúde. O papel do contexto socioeconômico da vizinhança na saúde do sono foi estudado nos últimos anos, mas os resultados são inconsistentes. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a associação entre a segregação residencial socioeconômica e os problemas do sono. Utilizou-se dados da 2ª avaliação (2012-2014) de 9.918 servidores públicos participantes do Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil). A segregação residencial socioeconômica foi avaliada por meio da estatística Getis-Ord Local Gi*, e a duração e privação do sono, as queixas de insônia e a sonolência diurna foram obtidas por meio de entrevistas. Para as estimativas da odds ratio (OR), foram utilizados modelos de regressão logística binomial e multinomial. Em relação ao sono, 49% tinham curta duração e 3% longa duração, 23% relataram queixas de insônia, 45% relataram privação do sono, 42% relataram sonolência diurna e 48% relataram ≥ 2 problemas do sono. No modelo ajustado por variáveis demográficas e socioeconômicas, houve associação entre alta segregação residencial socioeconômica e duração curta do sono (OR = 1,22; IC95%: 1,07; 1,40), privação do sono (OR = 1,20; IC95%: 1,05; 1,37), sonolência diurna (OR = 1,17; IC95%: 1,03; 1,34) e ≥ 2 problemas associados do sono (OR = 1,24; IC95%: 1,08; 1,41). Indivíduos que vivem em vizinhanças com alta segregação residencial socioeconômica apresentam maior chance de terem curta duração, privação do sono, sonolência diurna e ≥ 2 problemas associados ao sono. Essas informações reforçam que políticas públicas para reduzir as desigualdades socioeconômicas podem contribuir para melhorar a saúde do sono da população.

Abstract: Several factors influence sleep, which is essential for health. While the role of neighborhood socioeconomic context on sleep health has been studied in recent years, results are inconsistent. The study aimed to investigate the association between socioeconomic residential segregation and sleep problems, using data from the second evaluation (2012-2014) of 9,918 public servants participating in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). Socioeconomic residential segregation was assessed using the Getis-Ord Local Gi* statistic. Sleep duration and deprivation, complaints of insomnia, and daytime sleepiness were obtained through interviews. Binomial and multinomial logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratio (OR). Regarding sleep, 49% had short duration and 3% long duration, 23% reported complaints of insomnia, 45% sleep deprivation, 42% daytime sleepiness, and 48% reported ≥ 2 sleep problems. In the model adjusted for demographic and socioeconomic variables, there was an association between high socioeconomic residential segregation and short sleep duration (OR = 1.22; 95%CI: 1.07; 1.40), sleep deprivation (OR = 1.20; 95%CI: 1.05; 1.37), daytime sleepiness (OR = 1.17; 95%CI: 1.03; 1.34) and ≥ 2 associated sleep problems (OR = 1.24; 95%CI: 1.08; 1.41). Individuals living in neighborhoods with high socioeconomic residential segregation are more likely to have short sleep duration, sleep deprivation, daytime sleepiness, and ≥ 2 associated sleep problems. This information reinforces that public policy measures to reduce socioeconomic inequalities can improve the population's sleep health.

Resumen: El sueño se influye por varios factores y es esencial para la salud. Se estudió el papel del contexto socioeconómico del barrio en la salud del sueño en los últimos años, pero los resultados son inconsistentes. El objetivo del estudio fue investigar la asociación entre la segregación residencial socioeconómica y los problemas de sueño. Se utilizó datos de la 2ª evaluación (2012-2014) de 9918 servidores públicos participantes del Estudio Longitudinal de Salud del Adulto (ELSA-Brasil). Se evaluó la segregación residencial socioeconómica a través de la estadística Getis-Ord Local Gi*. La duración y privación del sueño, las quejas de insomnio y somnolencia diurna se obtuvieron a través de entrevista. Se utilizaron modelos de regresión logística binomial y multinominal para estimar el odds ratio (OR). Con respecto al sueño, el 49% tenía una duración corta y el 3% tenía una duración larga, el 23% relató quejas de insomnio, el 45% relató privación de sueño, el 42% relató somnolencia diurna y el 48% relató ≥ 2 problemas de sueño. En el modelo ajustado por variables demográficas y socioeconómicas, hubo una asociación entre la alta segregación residencial socioeconómica y la duración corta de sueño (OR = 1,22; IC95%: 1,07; 1,40), la privación de sueño (OR = 1,20; IC95%: 1,05; 1,37), la somnolencia diurna (OR = 1,17; IC95%: 1,03; 1,34) y ≥ 2 problemas asociados con el sueño (OR = 1,24; IC95%: 1,08; 1,41). Personas que viven en barrios con una alta segregación residencial socioeconómica presentan una mayor probabilidad de tener duración corta del sueño, privación de sueño, somnolencia diurna y ≥ 2 problemas asociados con el sueño. Estas informaciones resaltan que medidas de políticas públicas para reducir las desigualdades socioeconómicas pueden contribuir a mejorar la salud del sueño en la población.

Lexical quality measures in the assessment of reading proficiency in Brazilian university students / Medidas de qualidade lexical na avaliação da proficiência de leitura em alunos universitários brasileiros

ABSTRACT Purpose: to assess the reading ability of university students using tasks to measure Lexical Quality (LQ) and evaluate the influence of socioeconomic status (SES) on both the reading performance and the components of Lexical Quality (LQ). Methods: 44 students from two federal universities took online linguistic tests, 19 from the Federal University of the Great ABC Region (UFABC) and 25 from the Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Brazil. Two-ranked Mann-Whitney (Wilcoxon rank-sum test) and Pearson's Correlation tests at p<0,05 were applied to analyze the data. Results: high and medium correlations were obtained among the different components of LQ, such as vocabulary and spelling recognition. In addition, significant differences were found between the performances of the two universities' students and their distinct socioeconomic levels. Conclusion: shorter reading times were correlated to higher accuracy in the Test of Word Reading Efficiency for Adults. The number of correct answers in the homonym test was correlated to the higher accuracy of the Test of Word Reading Efficiency for Adults, and both were correlated to the reaction time measures of these tests. The influence of socioeconomic status on reading performance and Lexical Quality components tasks was also found.

RESUMO Objetivos: comparar o desempenho de alunos universitários brasileiros a partir de tarefas com habilidades de qualidade lexical e avaliar a influência do nível socioeconômico no desempenho da leitura e nos componentes que formam a qualidade lexical. Métodos: testes linguísticos on-line foram aplicados em 44 estudantes de duas universidades federais, sendo 19 da Universidade Federal do ABC e 25 da Universidade Federal do Ceará. Para análise foram utilizados os testes Mann-Whitney (Wilcoxon rank-sum test) de duas vias e a Correlação de Pearson com p<0,05. Resultados: foram obtidas correlações altas e médias entre os diferentes componentes da qualidade lexical, tais como vocabulário e reconhecimento ortográfico, além de terem sido encontradas diferenças significativas entre o desempenho dos alunos das duas universidades e de diferentes níveis socioeconômicos. Conclusão: menor tempo de leitura apresentou correlação com maior quantidade de acertos na leitura de palavras em voz alta, a quantidade de acertos no teste de homônimos correlacionou-se a quantidade de acertos no teste de leitura de palavras em voz alta e ambas correlacionaram-se com o tempo de resposta destes testes. Houve, também, influência do nível socioeconômico no desempenho da leitura e nos componentes que formam a qualidade lexical.

Percepção de imagem corporal, características socioeconômicas e estilo de vida em mulheres participantes do ELSA-Brasil na Bahia, Brasil / Body image perception, socioeconomic characteristics, and lifestyle in women participating in ELSA-Brasil in Bahia, Brazil / Percepción de la imagen corporal, características socioeconómicas y estilo de vida en mujeres participantes del ELSA-Brasil en Bahía, Brasil

Distorção da imagem corporal é uma alteração da percepção do corpo que pode repercutir na saúde. Este estudo visa estimar, entre mulheres participantes do Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil) residentes na Bahia, Brasil, a prevalência de acurácia e distorção da imagem corporal e investigar associações com características socioeconômicas, estilo de vida e procura de cuidados ginecológicos. Participaram 609 mulheres de 50-69 anos de idade que responderam, entre 2012-2014, questionários aplicados face a face. Foi utilizada a escala de silhuetas de Stunkard para investigar a percepção acurada ou distorcida para mais ou menos peso. A razão de risco relativo (RR) foi calculada por meio de regressão logística multinomial por meio do Stata 13. A maioria das participantes tem perspectiva acurada do próprio corpo (53,7%). Entre aquelas com percepção distorcida, há uma tendência à distorção para menos peso (38,1%). Na análise de regressão multinomial, permaneceram associadas à distorção para menos peso as variáveis raça/cor e escolaridade, sendo que a primeira foi positivamente associada à distorção para menos peso entre as pardas (RR = 1,89; IC95%: 1,13-3,16) e pretas (RR = 2,10; IC95%: 1,25-3,55), enquanto a segunda entre aquelas com escolaridade até o Ensino Médio (RR = 1,65; IC95%: 1,18-2,33). Não houve associações quanto às demais variáveis, nem com distorção para mais peso. Os resultados contribuem para a explicação das relações entre percepção da imagem corporal e fatores socioeconômicos, revelando que mulheres de raça/cor diferentes e variados níveis de escolaridade são influenciadas de formas distintas pelos discursos sociais, o que impacta a percepção da sua imagem corporal.

Body image distortion is an alteration in the perception of the body that can have repercussions on health. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of body image accuracy and distortion among women participating in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) living in Bahia State, Brazil, and to investigate associations with socioeconomic characteristics, lifestyle, and gynecological care seeking. A total of 609 women aged 50 to 69 years participated in the study, who answered face-to-face questionnaires from 2012 to 2014. The Stunkard silhouette scale was used to investigate accurate or distorted perception for more or less weight. The relative risk ratio (RR) was calculated by multinomial logistic regression using Stata 13. Most participants have an accurate perception of their own bodies (53.7%). Among those with distorted perception, there is a tendency to distort towards less weight (38.1%). In the multinomial regression analysis, the variables race/skin color and education remained associated with the distortion towards underweight. The race/skin color variable was positively associated with the distortion towards underweight among Mixed-race women (RR = 1.89; 95%CI: 1.13-3.16) and black (RR = 2.10; 95%CI: 1.25-3.55), while the education variable among those with up to high school education (RR = 1.65; 95%CI: 1.18-2.33). There were no associations with the other variables or with distortion for more weight. The results contribute to explaining the relationships between body image perception and socioeconomic factors, revealing that women of different races/skin colors and varying educational levels are influenced in different ways by social discourses, impacting the perception of their body image.

La distorsión de la imagen corporal es una alteración en la percepción del cuerpo que puede repercutir en la salud. Este estudio busca estimar, entre las mujeres participantes del Estudio Longitudinal de Salud del Adulto (ELSA-Brasil) que viven en Bahía, Brasil, la prevalencia de precisión y distorsión de la imagen corporal e investigar asociaciones con las características socioeconómicas, el estilo de vida y la busca de atención ginecológica. Participaron 609 mujeres que tenían entre 50 y 69 años que contestaron los cuestionarios aplicados cara a cara entre 2012 y 2014. Se utilizó la escala de siluetas de Stunkard para investigar la percepción precisa o distorsionada para más o menos peso. El cociente de riesgo relativo (RR) se calculó a través de regresión logística multinomial utilizando el Stata 13. La mayoría de los participantes tiene una perspectiva precisa del propio cuerpo (53,7%). Entre las personas con percepción distorsionada hay una tendencia a la distorsión para menos peso (38,1%). En el análisis de regresión multinomial, las variables raza/color y escolaridad permanecieron asociadas con la distorsión para menos peso, siendo la primera positivamente asociada con la distorsión para menos peso entre las mujeres pardas (RR = 1,89; IC95%: 1,13-3,16) y negras (RR = 2,10; IC95%: 1,25-3,55), mientras la segunda entre las mujeres que estudiaron hasta la enseñanza secundaria (RR = 1,65; IC95%: 1,18-2,33). No hubo asociaciones con las otras variables ni con la distorsión para más peso. Los resultados contribuyen para explicar las relaciones entre la percepción de la imagen corporal y los factores socioeconómicos, demostrando que mujeres de diferentes razas/colores y diferentes niveles de educación se influyen de distintas formas a través de discursos sociales, lo que impacta en la percepción de su imagen corporal.

Atividade Física no Tempo Livre e Incidência de Hipertensão Arterial em Participantes do ELSA-Brasil / Leisure Time Physical Activity and Incidence of Arterial Hypertension in ELSA-Brasil Participants

Resumo Fundamento: Evidências apontam que a atividade física (AF) apresenta efeito protetor para as doenças crônicas, incluindo a hipertensão arterial (HA). Objetivo: Este estudo investigou, de forma longitudinal, a associação entre as mudanças na atividade física no tempo livre (AFTL) e a incidência de HA em participantes do ELSA-Brasil. Métodos: Foram analisados dados de 8.968 participantes em dois momentos distintos (2008-2010 e 2012-2014). Foi utilizado o Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física (IPAQ), versão longa, para avaliação da AFTL. A associação entre AFTL e HA foi testada por regressão de Poisson com estimativa do risco relativo (RR), com nível de significância de 5% e intervalo de confiança de 95%. Resultados: Quando a variável nível de AFTL foi categorizada em suficiente e insuficiente, não foram encontradas associações estatisticamente significantes entre AFTL e a incidência HA em função das mudanças na AF durante o seguimento. No entanto, a variável AFTL quando categorizada em inativo, pouco ativo, ativo e muito ativo, observou-se associação estatisticamente significante entre AFTL e HA em participantes classificados como muito ativos fisicamente. O risco de HA foi reduzido em 35% entre homens RR 0,65 (IC 95% 0,50-0,86) e em 66% entre as mulheres RR 0,34 (IC 95% 0,20-0,58) que mantiveram altos níveis de AFTL em ambos os momentos do seguimento. Conclusão: Esses resultados sugerem que a manutenção de altos níveis de AF ao longo do tempo está associada a um menor risco de desenvolver HA, destacando a importância da AF na prevenção dessa condição, tanto para homens quanto para mulheres.

Abstract Background: Evidence indicates that physical activity (PA) has a protective effect against chronic diseases, including high arterial hypertension (AH). Objective: This study investigated, longitudinally, the association between changes in leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and the incidence of hypertension in ELSA-Brasil participants. Methods: Data from 8,968 participants were analyzed at two different times (2008-2010 and 2012-2014). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), long version, was used to assess LTPA. The association between LTPA and AH was tested using Poisson regression with relative risk (RR) estimation, with a significance level of 5% and a 95% confidence interval. Results: When the LTPA level variable was categorized as sufficient and insufficient, no statistically significant associations were found between LTPA and AH incidence as a function of changes in PA during follow-up. However, when the LTPA variable was categorized as inactive, little active, active, and very active, a statistically significant association was observed between LTPA and AH in participants classified as very physically active. The risk of AH was reduced by 35% among men RR 0.65 (95% CI 0.50-0.86) and by 66% among women RR 0.34 (95% CI 0.20-0.58) who maintained high levels of LTPA at both moments of follow-up. Conclusion: These results suggest that maintaining high levels of PA over time is associated with a lower risk of developing AH, highlighting the importance of PA in preventing this condition, for both men and women.