Risk of chronic kidney disease in 260 patients with lupus nephritis-analysis of a nationwide multicentre cohort with up to 35 years of follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: To compare proliferative (PLN) and membranous (MLN) lupus nephritis (LN) regarding clinical and laboratory presentation and long-term outcomes; To investigate predictors of progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: Multicentre observational study, with retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort, using data from the Rheumatic Diseases Portuguese Registry-Reuma.pt. Patients with biopsy-proven PLN, MLN and mixed LN were included. Cox regression survival analysis was used to investigate predictors of CKD. RESULTS: 260 patients were included. Median follow-up was 8 years (IQR 11; minimum 1, maximum 35 years). MLN patients presented with significantly lower serum creatinine (0.70 (IQR 0.20; minimum 0.50, maximum 1.30) mg/dl vs 0.80 (IQR 0.31; minimum 0.26, maximum 2.60) in PLN, p= 0.003). Proteinuria levels did not differ between groups (p= 0.641). Levels of complement were reduced in PLN but nearly normal in MLN patients, and there were fewer patients with positive anti-dsDNA antibodies in the MLN group (p< 0.001). One year after the beginning of treatment, 62% of the patients achieved EULAR/ERA-EDTA complete response, with further 5% achieving partial response. Patients with lower proteinuria at diagnosis were more likely to achieve a complete renal response at one year, however, proteinuria at diagnosis or at one year did not predict long term CKD. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≤75 mL/min/1.73 m2 at one year was the strongest predictor of progression to CKD (HR 23 [95% CI 8-62], p< 0.001). Other possible predictors included the use of azathioprine for induction of remission, older age at diagnosis and male sex. CONCLUSION: Proteinuria levels did not predict LN histologic class in our cohort. eGFR cutoff of 75 mL/min/1.73 m2 after one year of treatment was strongly predictive of progression to CKD.

Evidence of structural discontinuities in the inner core of red-giant stars.

Red giants are stars in the late stages of stellar evolution. Because they have exhausted the supply of hydrogen in their core, they burn the hydrogen in the surrounding shell . Once the helium in the core starts fusing, the star enters the clump phase, which is identified as a striking feature in the color-magnitude diagram. Since clump stars share similar observational properties, they are heavily used in astrophysical studies, as probes of distance, extinction through the galaxy, galaxy density, and stellar chemical evolution. In this work, we perform the detailed observational characterization of the deepest layers of clump stars using asteroseismic data from Kepler. We find evidence for large core structural discontinuities in about 6.7% of the stars in our sample, implying that the region of mixing beyond the convective core boundary has a radiative thermal stratification. These stars are otherwise similar to the remaining stars in our sample, which may indicate that the building of the discontinuities is an intermittent phenomenon.

Behçet's disease: a case report about a rare cause of intra-cardiac mass.

BACKGROUND: Intra-cardiac masses are always a challenging diagnosis, especially when it involves the right side of the heart. There are multiples aetiologies that can be responsible for these masses, namely thrombosis, neoplasm, or vegetations. Occasionally, these may be related to an autoimmune process not yet diagnosed. We present a case of a 17-year-old patient with an exuberant right ventricular mass due to a not yet diagnosed Behçet's disease. The best approach and treatment for these patients remains uncertain. CASE SUMMARY: The authors present a case of a 17-year-old patient with a right ventricular mass who presented as an initial manifestation of Behçet's disease. It was firstly assumed as a thrombotic mass and medicated with anticoagulation, with no resolution. After performing a cardiac magnetic resonance, the case was discussed in a multidisciplinary team, including cardiology, paediatrics, and rheumatology, and the diagnosis of Behçet's disease with cardiac complication was established. The patient started immunosuppressive therapy with clinical and echocardiographic response. DISCUSSION: Behçet's disease is a multi-systemic autoimmune vasculitis that usually manifests by recurrent oral and genital ulcers as well as ocular symptoms. Cardiac manifestations are rare but important aspects of the course of the disease, especially in what concerns morbidity burden. The treatment of these cardiovascular complications is generally empirical and involves the treatment of the underlying disease.

Nephrotic syndrome on sickle cell disease: the impact of Hydroxyurea.

Nephropathy is a common under-recognised complication of sickle cell disease (SCD) and one of the main factors of poor prognosis in these patients. The association between nephrotic syndrome and SCD in children is rare. Strategies for sickle cell nephropathy prevention are still poorly established. Blood pressure control as well as monitoring of microalbuminuria and renal function are mandatory. The use of antiproteinuric drugs, such as anti-ACE inhibitors (ACEis) and hydroxyurea, should be considered in early stages. Here, we report a case of a female adolescent with SCD and inaugural nephrotic syndrome who, after an initial treatment failure with corticotherapy, had a remarkable recovery after treatment with hydroxyurea and ACEis.

Belimumab in the treatment of Portuguese Systemic Lupus Erythematosus patients: a real-life multicenter study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate belimumab effectiveness and safety in real-life Portuguese patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Multicenter cohort study including all SLE patients treated with belimumab in seven Portuguese rheumatology centers. Demographic, clinical and serological data were collected at baseline, 6, 12 and 24 months of treatment with belimumab. To evaluate effectiveness we used SLE Responder Index (SRI) rates and changes in SELENA-SLEDAI. Safety was evaluated by the number of adverse events. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients were included: 37 (97.4%) female, with a mean age of 46.2±13.9 years. Mean SELENA-SLEDAI was 8.2±3.9, 78.8% had elevated anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibodies and 72.7% had complement consumption at baseline. Multiorgan involvement was the leading cause for the use of belimumab. SRI response was achieved in 51.9%, 60% and 91.7% at 6, 12 and 24 months of belimumab treatment, respectively. LUNDEX adjusted SRI response rates were 45.4%, 45.0% and 45.8% at 6, 12 and 24 months of belimumab, respectively. Mean SELENA-SLEDAI, anti-dsDNA antibodies and daily prednisolone dosage decreased significantly from baseline to 6, 12 and 24 months and C3 levels increased significantly at 12 months of belimumab treatment. Five patients presented adverse events (infections in three cases) and eleven patients discontinued belimumab (four due to inefficacy, three due to adverse events and four were lost to follow-up). CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirmed, in real-life Portuguese patients with active SLE, the effectiveness of belimumab in reduction of disease activity, immunological response and steroid-sparing, with a good safety profile.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome presenting with primary nocturnal enuresis.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), hypermobility type, is probably the most common EDS type, as well as the most common heritable connective tissue disorder. Bladder dysfunction is a rare clinical manifestation of EDS and manifests itself as primary nocturnal enuresis. We present a 10-year-old boy referred to the paediatrics nephrology consultation due to primary nocturnal enuresis and day time symptoms of urinary urgency. During the appointment, a tendency to joint hypermobility was noted. On evaluation the skin was hyperextensible and the Beighton score was positive. The genetic testing revealed a variant of the COL5A1 gene not yet described in the literature.

Postpartum septic pelvic thrombophlebitis after caesarean delivery: a case report.

Septic pelvic thrombophlebitis is a rare puerperal complication. It is an important differential diagnosis of postpartum fever and abdominal pain and although the condition is well known its diagnosis can be challenging. We report a case of a 41-year-old woman with fever and right abdominal pain three days after an uncomplicated caesarean delivery. Clinical, laboratory and imaging exams were unremarkable and the patient was treated for endometritis. In the absence of improvement despite an antibiotic adjustment, a clinical diagnosis of septic pelvic thrombophlebitis was made, and the patient presented a good response to anticoagulation in conjunction with broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy.

Atenção ao parto e pós-parto no município de Rio Branco- Acre, Brasil: inquérito de base populacional / Delivery and postpartum care in Rio Branco in the northern state of Acre, Brazil: a population-based survey

INTRODUCTION: Pregnancy can be associated with health risks for both the mother and infant, and specialised care during the pregnancy, delivery and puerperium periods can help reduce complications for the mother-infant binomial. OBJECTIVE: To assess the demographic, social and reproductive aspects of delivery and the postpartum period in Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted via an interview with 552 mothers with children aged 0 to 5 years between 2007 and 2008. Cluster sampling of the population was performed in two stages (census sectors and domiciles. RESULTS: The majority of the 552 mothers were multiparous (79.6%). Around 70% of pregnancies occurred in teenage mothers. The proportion of caesarean section deliveries was 38.4% in mothers from urban zones and 28.5% in those from rural areas, and was higher in mothers who attended private clinics, who self-reported as being Caucasian, and who had a higher educational level. With regard to puerperal complications, mothers who underwent caesarean section had a higher prevalence of hypertension (71.1%) with an adjusted prevalence ratio of 3.90 (95% CI [2.00, 7.61]. CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed a high rate of teenage pregnancy, and arterial hypertension was the leading complication during the postpartum period experienced by women who had undergone caesarean section. These findings merit further attention, and should be used to improve the care provided to Rio Branco.

INTRODUÇÃO: A maternidade pode estar associada a riscos para a saúde da mulher e da criança, de forma que uma assistência especializada durante a gravidez, parto e puerpério contribuem para minimizar as complicações para o binômio mãe-bebê. OBJETIVO: Analisar as características do parto e pós-parto em Rio Branco em relação aos aspectos demográficos, sociais e reprodutivos. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal de base populacional realizado durante 2007-2008 através de amostragem populacional por conglomerados em duas etapas (setores censitários e domicílios), sendo entrevistadas 552 mães de crianças de zero a cinco anos. RESULTADOS: Das 552 mães entrevistadas, a maioria era constituída por multíparas (79,6%). Cerca de 70% das gestações ocorreram em menores de 20 anos de idade. A prevalência de cesarianas foi de 38,4% nas mães da zona urbana e de 28,5% nas que moravam na zona rural, sendo maior nas mulheres assistidas em instituições privadas, que se auto definiram como de cor branca e com maior nível educacional. Quanto às complicações do período puerperal as mulheres que foram submetidas a partos cesáreas apresentaram uma maior prevalência de hipertensão (71,1%), sendo observada uma razão de prevalência ajustada de 3,90 (IC 95%: 2,00-7,61) CONCLUSÃO: O alto índice de gestação na adolescência e a hipertensão arterial sendo a principal complicação no pós-parto cesárea, dados que merecem atenção e que devem ser observados na assistência prestada no município de Rio Branco.

Sobrepeso e obesidade em escolares das séries iniciais do ensino fundamental de Rio Branco, Acre: uma compararção entre referenciais / Overweight and obesity of children in a brazilian elementary school: a comparison of three references

INTRODUCTION: In the diagnosis of overweight and obesity based on body mass index in children and adolescents, several national and international anthropometric references are recommended. However, there is a divergence in the estimated prevalence of overweight and obesity among the references OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of overweight and obesity and to analyse the magnitude of agreement among the three references METHODS: A cross-sectional study with 975 students from the early grades of elementary school. The prevalence of overweight and obesity were estimated according to the criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) and Conde and Monteiro. The Kappa weighted index was calculated to assess the agreement magnitude among the three references RESULTS: The highest prevalence of overweight and obesity was estimated by the Conde and Monteiro and WHO references, respectively. Overall, the IOTF revealed lower a magnitude of prevalence than the two other references. The agreement among the references identified by the Kappa index had a range of 0.66 to 0.94 CONCLUSION: Despite the satisfactory agreement among the three references, this research highlighted the differing magnitudes of the prevalence of overweight and obesity. This fact limits the ability to make comparisons among populations and impairs the development of overweight and obesity prevention actions

INTRODUÇÃO: No diagnóstico do sobrepeso e obesidade pelo índice de massa corporal em crianças e adolescentes existem vários referenciais antropométricos nacionais e internacionais recomendados. Entretanto, há divergência na estimativa de prevalência do sobrepeso e obesidade pelos entre os referenciais OBJETIVO: Identificar a prevalência do sobrepeso e obesidade e examinar a magnitude da concordância entre três referenciais MÉTODO: Estudo transversal realizado com 975 estudantes das séries iniciais do ensino fundamental. Prevalências do sobrepeso e obesidade foram estimadas conforme recomendações da Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS), International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) e Conde e Monteiro. O índice de Kappa ponderado foi calculado para avaliar concordância entre três referenciais RESULTADOS: As maiores prevalências de sobrepeso e obesidade foram estimadas pelos referenciais de Conde e Monteiro e OMS, respectivamente. De modo geral, o referencial do IOTF revelou magnitude de prevalência inferior aos outros referenciais. A concordância entre os referenciais antropométricos identificados pelo índice de Kappa apresentou amplitude de 0,66 até 0,94 CONCLUSÃO: Apesar da satisfatória concordância entre os três referencias, foram identificados magnitude divergentes de prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade. Este fato limita a comparação entre populações e dificulta a elaboração de ações de prevenção do sobrepeso e obesidade

[Factors associated with use of medication during first pregnancies in Rio Branco, Acre State, Brazil]. / Fatores associados ao uso de medicamentos na gestação em primigestas no Município de Rio Branco, Acre, Brasil.

This cross-sectional study in a sample of 887 primigravidae in Rio Branco, Acre State, Brazil aimed to analyze factors associated with the use of medicines during the first pregnancy. Information was obtained from interviews and prenatal cards. Medicines were classified according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) Classification System of the World Health Organization and risk categories according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Mean age was 21 years and mean number of medicines used was 2.42. The most frequently consumed medicines were antianemics (47.5%), supplements and vitamins (18.7%), analgesics (13.8%), and antibiotics (10.5%). In the risk categorization, 69.3% belonged to category A, 22.3% to B, 7.6% to C, and 0.8% to D. The odds of having used risky medicines were higher among primigravidae in unit B (OR = 2.10; 95%CI: 1.26-3.50), in the 19 to 24-year age bracket (OR = 2.79; 95%CI: 1.58-4.93), and in the presence of a medical prescription (OR = 1.86; 95%CI: 1.18-2.95). Essential drugs were less used by women with higher family income (OR = 0.63; 95%CI: 0.42-0.96) and those who had received private prenatal care (OR = 0.53; 95%CI: 0.38-0.74).

Fatores associados ao uso de medicamentos na gestação em primigestas no Município de Rio Branco, Acre, Brasil / Factors associated with use of medication during first pregnancies in Rio Branco, Acre State, Brazil / Factores asociados con el uso de fármacos en el embarazo de primigestas en Río Branco, Acre, Brasil

Estudo transversal, envolvendo 887 primigestas com o objetivo de analisar os fatores associados ao uso de medicamentos na gestação no Município de Rio Branco, Acre, Brasil. As informações tiveram como base uma entrevista e o cartão de pré-natal. Os medicamentos foram classificados de acordo com o Sistema Anatômico Terapêutico Químico (ATC), da Organização Mundial da Saúde, e com a categoria de risco do Food and Drug Administration (Estados Unidos). A média de idade foi 21 anos, a média do uso de medicamentos foi 2,42; os medicamentos mais consumidos foram os antianêmicos (47,5%), suplementos e vitaminas (18,7%), analgésicos (13,8%) e antibióticos (10,5%). Na categorização de risco, 69,3% pertenciam à categoria A; 22,3% à B; 7,6% à C e 0,8% à D. A chance de ter sido exposta à utilização de medicamentos de risco foi maior nas primigestas na unidade B (RC = 2,10; IC95%: 1,26-3,50), na faixa etária de 19 a 24 anos (RC = 2,79; IC95%: 1,58-4,93) e com prescrição médica (RC = 1,86; IC95%: 1,18-2,95). Os medicamentos essenciais foram menos utilizados entre as mulheres com maior renda familiar (RC = 0,63; IC95%: 0,42-0,96), e que realizaram o pré-natal na rede privada (RC = 0,53; IC95%: 0,38-0,74).

This cross-sectional study in a sample of 887 primigravidae in Rio Branco, Acre State, Brazil aimed to analyze factors associated with the use of medicines during the first pregnancy. Information was obtained from interviews and prenatal cards. Medicines were classified according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) Classification System of the World Health Organization and risk categories according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Mean age was 21 years and mean number of medicines used was 2.42. The most frequently consumed medicines were antianemics (47.5%), supplements and vitamins (18.7%), analgesics (13.8%), and antibiotics (10.5%). In the risk categorization, 69.3% belonged to category A, 22.3% to B, 7.6% to C, and 0.8% to D. The odds of having used risky medicines were higher among primigravidae in unit B (OR = 2.10; 95%CI: 1.26-3.50), in the 19 to 24-year age bracket (OR = 2.79; 95%CI: 1.58-4.93), and in the presence of a medical prescription (OR = 1.86; 95%CI: 1.18-2.95). Essential drugs were less used by women with higher family income (OR = 0.63; 95%CI: 0.42-0.96) and those who had received private prenatal care (OR = 0.53; 95%CI: 0.38-0.74).

Estudio transversal con 887 primigestas para analizar los factores asociados al consumo de medicamentos durante el embarazo en Río Branco, Acre, Brasil. La información se basó en entrevistas y tarjeta prenatal. Los medicamentos se calificaron de acuerdo con el sistema anatómico terapéutico químico (ATC), de la Organización Mundial de la Salud y con la categoría de riesgo del Food and Drug Administration (Estados Unidos). La media de edad fue de 21 años; la media del uso de medicamentos fue de un 2,42; los medicamentos más consumidos fueron los antianémicos (47,5%), los suplementos y vitaminas (18,7%), analgésicos (13,8%) y antibióticos (10,5%). En la clasificación de riesgo, un 69,3% pertenecían a la categoría A; 22,3% a B; 7,6% a C y 0,8% a la D. La posibilidad de haber estado expuestas al riesgo en el consumo de medicamentos fue mayor en primigestas en la unidad B (OR = 2,10, IC95%: 1,26-3,50), con edades entre 19 y 24 años (OR = 2,79, IC95%: 1,58-4,93) y con prescripción (OR = 1,86, IC95%: 1,18-2,95). Los medicamentos esenciales fueron utilizados con menos frecuencia en las mujeres con mayores ingresos de los hogares (OR = 0,63, IC95%: 0,42-0,96) y que realizaron el cuidado prenatal en una red clínica privada (OR = 0,53, IC95%: 0,38- 0,74).

Assistência pré-natal por profissionais de enfermagem no município de Rio Branco, Acre, Amazônia / Prenatal care by nursing professionals in Rio Branco, Acre and Amazon region / Atención prenatal por profesionales de enfermería en Rio Branco, Acre, Amazonia

Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar e descrever o perfil dos profissionais de enfermagem que participam da atenção ao pré-natal, no município de Rio Branco (AC). Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas realizadas com todos os profissionais de enfermagem queatendem à gestante em 16 unidades da rede básica de saúde. Os profissionais entrevistados são predominantemente do sexo feminino (91,30%), com uma idade média de 34,3 anos, 52,17% com quatro anos de formação profissional, com uma média de 54,1 meses de experiência na assistência pré-natal, com carga horária média semanal de trabalho de 53,26 horas e 52,17% trabalham em mais de uma instituição. Os resultados revelaram que, dos enfermeiros que realizam a consulta pré-natal, apenas 2 (11,76%) cursaram especialização em obstetrícia, e os demais (88,24%) fizeram capacitação em assistência pré-natal com duração de 24 a 40 horas. Conclui-se que a participação de enfermeiros e enfermeiras obstétricas tem fundamental importância para o fortalecimento da assistência pré-natal, entretanto são necessários investimentos na formação de pessoal qualificado, para o atendimento à mulher no ciclo grávido-puerperal, a fim de melhorar, cada vez mais, a qualidade de atendimento nos serviços de saúde materna e neonatal de Rio Branco.

This study aimed to identify and describe the profile of nursing professionals who participate in prenatal care in Rio Branco (AC), Brazil. Data was collected through interviews with all nursing professionals working with pregnant women in 16 units belonging to the basic health care network. The interviewed professionals are mostly female (91.30%), with an average age of 34.3 years; 52.17% have four years of professional training, with an average of prenatal care experience of 54.1 months; the standard weekly hour load is 53.26 hours and 52.17% work in more than one institution. The results revealed that, of all nurses working in prenatal consultations, only 02 (11.76%) had a specialization degree in midwifery, while the remainder (88.24%) took a prenatal training course that lasted between 24 and 40 hours. It can be concluded that the participation of nurses and nurse-midwives is fundamental to strengthen prenatal care. Investments are needed to train qualified personnel for care delivery to women in the pregnancy-puerperal cycle, with a view to increasingly improving the quality of care in maternal and neonatal health services offered in Rio Branco.

La finalidad de este estudio fue identificar y describir el perfil de losprofesionales de enfermería que participan en la atención prenatal ofrecida en Rio Branco (AC), Brasil. Los datos fueron recolectados mediante entrevistas realizadas con todos los profesionales de enfermería que atienden a gestantes en 16 unidades de la red básica desalud. Los profesionales entrevistados son predominantemente del sexo femenino (91,30%), con edad promedia de 34,3 años, 52,17% con cuatro años de formación profesional, con un promedio de 54,1 meses de experiencia en la atención prenatal, con carga horaria promedia de trabajo semanal de 53,26 horas, siendo que el 52,17% trabaja en más de una institución. Los resultados revelaron que, de los enfermeros que realizan la consulta prenatal, solamente 02 (11,76%) cursaron especialización en obstetricia y los demás (88,24%) realizaron una capacitación en atención prenatal con duración de 24 a 40 horas. Se concluye que la participación de enfermeros y enfermeras obstétricas tiene importancia fundamentalpara el fortalecimiento de la atención prenatal. Sin embargo, son necesarias inversiones en la formación de personal cualificado, para la atención a la mujer en el ciclo grávido-puerperal, para mejorar, cada vez más, la calidad de la atención en los servicios de salud materna y neonatal de Rio Branco.

[Prevalence of uterine cervical cancer testing in Rio Branco, Acre State, Brazil, and factors associated with non-participation in screening]. / Prevalência do exame preventivo de câncer do colo do útero em Rio Branco, Acre, Brasil, e fatores associados à não-realização do exame.

The objective of the study was to determine the self-reported prevalence of uterine cervical cancer testing in Rio Branco, Acre State, Brazil, and to analyze factors associated with non-participation in screening. A population-based cross-sectional study with a sample of 772 women 18 to 69 years of age and living in Rio Branco was conducted in 2007 and 2008. Data were analyzed with Stata 10.0, and prevalence rates were estimated with Poisson multivariate regression (95%CI). 85.3% of women reported at least one cervical cancer screening test in the previous three years. The majority of women (72.8%) were screened in the Brazilian Unified National Health System. After adjusting for selected variables, statistically significant prevalence rates for absence of screening were found in women 18-24 and 60-69 years of age, single, and with low income and low schooling. The prevalence rates were consistent with findings from other studies, highlighting the need for greater intervention in the group of women most vulnerable to cervical cancer incidence and mortality.

Prevalência do exame preventivo de câncer do colo do útero em Rio Branco, Acre, Brasil, e fatores associados à não-realização do exame / Prevalence of uterine cervical cancer testing in Rio Branco, Acre State, Brazil, and factors associated with non-participation in screening

O objetivo do estudo foi determinar a prevalência autorreferida do exame preventivo de câncer do colo uterino em Rio Branco, Acre, Brasil, e avaliar fatores associados com a não realização do exame. Trata-se de estudo transversal de base populacional, composto por 772 mulheres de 18 a 69 anos residentes em Rio Branco, no período 2007 a 2008. Os dados foram analisados no programa Stata 10.0 e estimadas razões de prevalências a partir da regressão multivariada de Poisson. O percentual de mulheres na população alvo que relatou pelo menos um exame nos últimos três anos foi de 85,3%, com acentuada utilização do Sistema Único de Saúde (72,8%). Foram encontradas razões de prevalência estatisticamente significativas quanto à ausência do exame em mulheres de 18 a 24 anos, de 60 a 69 anos, solteiras, com menor renda e baixa escolaridade. As magnitudes encontradas nas razões de prevalência foram consistentes com achados de outros estudos, apontando maior necessidade de intervenção no grupo de mulheres mais vulneráveis à incidência e mortalidade por câncer do colo do útero.

The objective of the study was to determine the self-reported prevalence of uterine cervical cancer testing in Rio Branco, Acre State, Brazil, and to analyze factors associated with non-participation in screening. A population-based cross-sectional study with a sample of 772 women 18 to 69 years of age and living in Rio Branco was conducted in 2007 and 2008. Data were analyzed with Stata 10.0, and prevalence rates were estimated with Poisson multivariate regression (95%CI). 85.3% of women reported at least one cervical cancer screening test in the previous three years. The majority of women (72.8%) were screened in the Brazilian Unified National Health System. After adjusting for selected variables, statistically significant prevalence rates for absence of screening were found in women 18-24 and 60-69 years of age, single, and with low income and low schooling. The prevalence rates were consistent with findings from other studies, highlighting the need for greater intervention in the group of women most vulnerable to cervical cancer incidence and mortality.

Atenção pré-natal no município de rio branco, acre: inquérito de base populacional, 2007-2008 / Prenatal care in the municpality of rio branco, acre: population-based study, 2007-2008 / Atención prenatal en el municipio de rio branco, acre: investigación de base poblacional, 2007-2008

A assistência pré-natal, com suas ações, orientações prestadas e medidas de prevenção adotadas, assegura a evolução normal da gravidez, buscando minimizar os riscos ou identificando-os o mais precoce possível. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o perfil epidemiológico e a cobertura da atenção à gestação em Rio Branco, Acre. Este é um estudo transversal de base populacional, realizado durante 2007-2008, sendo entrevistadas 648 mães de crianças de zero a cinco anos. Os resultados apontam que a realização do pré-natal foi relatada por 97,6por cento das mulheres. Maiores prevalências de seis ou mais consultas ocorreram na faixa etária 35 anos (68,8por cento, com 10-14 anos de escolaridade (78,0por cento), solteiras (65,87por cento), cor branca (72,5por cento), com 1 a 2 filhos (67,5por cento) e residentes na zona urbana (72,79por cento). Mulheres com maior escolaridade, maior faixa etária, maior paridade e que realizaram seis ou mais consultas apresentaram melhor adesão à consulta no primeiro trimestre. As principais complicações na gestação foram anemia (44,4por cento), hipertensão (18,2por cento) e hemorragia (9,1por cento). Em 99por cento das gestações foi verificada a pressão arterial e o peso em todas as consultas. As mulheres que residiam na zona rural e possuíam cinco ou mais filhos apresentaram uma estimativa de risco de, respectivamente, 2,01 e 1,63, maior para a realização de menor número de consultas pré-natal comparativamente àquelas residentes na zona urbana e que possuíam um ou dois filhos

Prenatal care, with its actions, orientation and preventive measures, ensures normal pregnancy development, aiming at minimizing risks or identifying them as early as possible. This study was undertaken in order to assess the epidemiological profile and coverage of prenatal care in Rio Branco, Acre. It is a population-based,cross-sectional study in which 648 mothers of children aged 0-5 years were interviewed from 2007-2008. A total of 97.6percent of mothers reported to have received prenatal care. A greater prevalence of six or more prenatal visits was found among mothers ? 35 years of age (68.8percent), with 10-14 years of schooling (78.0percent), who were single (65.87percent), white (72.5percent), of parity 1-2 (67.5percent), and from urban areas (72.79percent). Higher prenatal visit adherence during the first trimester was found among participants who were older, more schooled, with higher parity, and that had attended six or more prenatal visits. The most frequent complications during pregnancy were anemia (44.4percent), hypertension (18.2percent), and hemorrhaging (9.1percent). Maternal blood pressure and weight measurements were taken at all prenatal visits for 99percent of the pregnancies. Rural and grand multiparous women respectively showed 2.01 and 1.63 fold the estimated risk for attending fewer prenatal visits as compared with urban women and those of parity 1-2.

La asistencia prenatal, con sus acciones, orientaciones y la adopción de medidas preventivas, garantiza la evolución normal del embarazo, buscando minimizar los riesgos o identificándolos lo más temprano posible. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el perfil epidemiológico y la cobertura de la atención a la gestación en Rio Branco, Acre. Este es un estudio transversal de base poblacional, realizado durante 2007-2008, fueron entrevistadas 648 madres de niños de cero a cinco años. Los resultados indican que la realización del prenatal fue informada por el 97,6por ciento de las mujeres. Mayores prevalencias de seis o más consultas ocurrieron en el grupo de edad ? 35 años (68,8por ciento), con 10-14 años de educación (78,0 por ciento), solteras (65,87por ciento), blancas (72,5por ciento), con 1 a 2 hijos (67,5por ciento) y residentes en la zona urbana (72,79por ciento). Mujeres con mayor escolaridad, mayor edad, mayor paridad y que realizaron seis o más consultas presentaron mejor adhesión a la consulta en el primer trimestre. Las principales complicaciones en la gestación fueron anemia (44,4por ciento), hipertensión (18,2por ciento) y hemorragia (9,1por ciento). En el 99por ciento de las gestaciones se verificó la presión arterial y el peso en todas las consultas. Las mujeres que residían en la zona rural y tenían cinco o más hijos presentaron una estimativa de riesgo, respectivamente, de 2,01 y 1,63, mayor para la realización de menor número de consultas prenatales comparativamente a aquellas residentes en la zona urbana y que tenían uno o dos hijos.

Assistência pré-natal: competências essenciais desempenhadas por enfermeiros / Prenatal care: core competencies performed by nurses / Atención prenatal: competencias esenciales desempeñadas por enfermeros

Pesquisa com objetivo de analisar as competências essenciais desenvolvidas, na prática, pelos enfermeiros que atuam na atenção ao pré-natal. Trata-se de estudo descritivo com abordagem quantitativa, realizado em 16 unidades da rede básica de saúde do município de Rio Branco-AC. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de observação sistemática e não participante. Dos enfermeiros que realizam a consulta pré-natal, apenas dois (11,76%) cursaram especialização em obstetrícia. Constatamos que a grande maioria das competências essenciais esperadas na assistência pré-natal foi desenvolvida; entretanto, algumas foram realizadas com baixa frequência, ou seja, não foram realizadas em todas as consultas. Os resultados revelaram que, apesar do bom desempenho dos enfermeiros, é pertinente avaliar a necessidade de esclarecimentos sobre a importância da incorporação de protocolos assistenciais para a melhoria da qualidade dos serviços, a fim de alcançar um nível ótimo de competência na atenção pré-natal.

Occurrence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in mammals and reptiles at the Lisbon Zoo.

The presence of Cryptosporidium parasites in mammals and reptiles kept at the Lisbon Zoo was investigated. A total of 274 stool samples were collected from 100 mammals and 29 reptiles. The species and genotype of the isolates identified by light microscopy were determined by nested PCR and sequence analysis of a fragment of the small subunit rRNA gene. Cryptosporidium oocysts were found in one black wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou), one Prairie bison (Bison bison bison) and in one Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans). The PCR and sequence analysis of these three isolates showed that those excreted by the Prairie bison were Cryptosporidium mouse genotype, those from the black wildebeest were from a new Cryptosporidium genotype and those infecting the Indian star tortoise were Cryptosporidium tortoise genotype. The present work reports a new Cryptosporidium genotype in a black wildebeest and the first finding of the Cryptosporidium mouse genotype in a ruminant.

Genomic characterization and physical mapping of two fucosyltransferase genes in Medicago truncatula.

Fucosyltransferases catalyse fucose transfer onto oligosaccharides. Two fucosylated structures have been identified in plants: the alpha1,4-fucosylated Lewis-a epitope and the alpha1,3-fucosylated core. Here we report the cloning, genomic characterization, and physical mapping of two genes encoding proteins similar to alpha1,4-fucosyltransferase (EC 2.4.1.65, MtFUT1) and alpha1,3-fucosyltransferase (EC 2.4.1.214, MtFUT2) in Medicago truncatula. Analysis of the genomic organization of the fucosyltransferase genes in M. truncatula, revealed the presence of two genomic variants of the MtFUT1 gene coding sequence, one containing a single intron and the other intronless, whereas in MtFUT2, the gene coding region is interrupted by four introns. Using for the first time fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to physically map fucosyltransferase genes in plants, this study reveals a high genomic dispersion of these genes in Medicago. The MtFUT1 genes are mapped on chromosomes 4, 7, and 8, colocalizing on three of the five MtFUT2 loci. Chromosomes 1 and 5 carry the additional MtFUT2 loci. Moreover, the intensity of the FISH signals reveals marked differences in the number of gene copies per locus for both genes. Simultaneous mapping of rRNA genes on chromosome 5 shows that several MTFUT2 gene loci are inserted within the rDNA array. Insertions of coding DNA sequences into the rDNA repeats were never reported to date.