Recent Advances on the Antimicrobial Activities of Schiff Bases and their Metal Complexes: An Updated Overview.

Schiff bases represent a valuable class of organic compounds, synthesized via condensation of primary amines with ketones or aldehydes. They are renowned for possessing innumerable applications in agricultural chemistry, organic synthesis, chemical and biological sensing, coating, polymer and resin industries, catalysis, coordination chemistry, and drug designing. Schiff bases contain imine or azomethine (-C=N-) functional groups which are important pharmacophores for the design and synthesis of lead bioactive compounds. In medicinal chemistry, Schiff bases have attracted immense attention due to their diverse biological activities. This review aims to encompass the recent developments on the antimicrobial activities of Schiff bases. The article summarizes the antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antimalarial, and antileishmanial activities of Schiff bases reported since 2011.

Adherence to secondary prevention measures after acute coronary syndrome in patients associated exclusively with the public and private healthcare systems in Brazil.

Adherence to secondary prevention measures after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is essential to prevent disease recurrence. In Brazil, the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS, in Portuguese), and the private healthcare system (PHCS) coexist. We aimed to evaluate the adherence to secondary prevention in patients with ACS who were assisted by either SUS or PHCS. In this longitudinal prospective study, patients with ACS were admitted to the four cardiological reference hospitals of Sergipe, three of which assisted PHCS users, and one, SUS users. We analyzed the two patient care models with multiple logistic regression models for adherence to physical activity, pharmacotherapy, and smoking cessation. We enrolled 581 volunteers in this study: 44.1 % from SUS and 55.9 % from PHCS. PHCS users showed greater adherence to pharmacotherapy at both 30 and 180 (p = 0.001) days after ACS with better results in all classes of medications (p < 0.05) than SUS users did. They also showed better adherence to physical activity (p = 0.047). There was no distinction between the groups regarding smoking cessation. The secondary prevention measures after ACS were more effective in PHCS users than in SUS users due to better adherence, especially to pharmacotherapy and regular physical activity.

Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide in the synthesis of mesoporous silica nanoparticles: General aspects and in vitro toxicity.

Pharmaceutical nanotechnology has become a trend with incalculable advantages in the applicability of systems in the controlled, safe and effective release of drugs. Among the nanotechnological nanoparticles, the mesoporous silica nanoparticles stand out, a system with significant biocompatibility, good physical chemical stability, greater surface contact area with desirable and adjustable pore structure. Once developed and well defined, these pores can carry drugs and control their release. However, to create this type of nanoparticle is essencial to use surfactants since they act as pore template. Among the most important surfactants, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) highlights, a quaternary ammonium compound widely used as a surfactant in the synthesis of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), hollow mesoporous silica (HMSNs) and core-shell MSNs. However, for achieving good results of drug-loaded pores it is necessary to remove CTAB by extraction techniques, which provides pores formation throughout the silica and the incorporation of molecules. During and after the removal process, it is possible that CTAB residues remains inside the pores, despide several removal processes are described as efficient in the complete removal of surfactants. In turn, the presence of CTAB residues can be advantageous, especially when considering its antimicrobial activity. Meanwhile, it should be noted that the presence of CTAB may present high toxicity risks. This review seeks to explore not only general aspects of the use of CTAB in the synthesis of MSNs, but also to assess its toxicity in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, in order to determine whether CTAB residues are acceptable in MSNs that will be used as drug delivery systems for further in vivo and clinical assays.

Quality of Life among Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes Receiving Care from Public and Private Health Care Systems in Brazil.

(1) Background: Quality of life (QOL) is used as a health indicator to assess the effectiveness and impact of therapies in certain groups of patients. This study aimed to analyze the QOL of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who received medical treatment by a public or private health care system. (2) Methods: This observational, prospective, longitudinal study was carried out in four referral hospitals providing cardiology services in Sergipe, Brazil. QoL was evaluated using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey. The volunteers were divided into two groups (public or private health care group) according to the type of health care provided. Multiple linear regression models were used to evaluate QoL at 180 days after ACS. (3) Results: A total of 581 patients were eligible, including 44.1% and 55.9% for public and private health care, respectively. At 180 days after ACS, the public health care group had lower QoL scores for all domains (functional capacity, physical aspects, pain, general health status, vitality, social condition, emotional profile, and health) (p < 0.05) than the private group. The highest QoL level was associated with male sex (p < 0.05) and adherence to physical activity (p ≤ 0.003) for all assessed domains. (4) Conclusions: This shows that social factors and health status disparities influence QoL after ACS in Sergipe.

Lower body muscle preactivation and tensing mitigate symptoms of initial orthostatic hypotension in young females.

BACKGROUND: Initial orthostatic hypotension (IOH) is a form of orthostatic intolerance defined by a transient decrease in blood pressure upon standing. Current clinical recommendations for managing IOH includes standing up slowly or lower body muscle tensing (TENSE) after standing. Considering that IOH is likely due to a large muscle activation response resulting in excessive vasodilation with a refractory period (<2 minutes), we hypothesized that preactivating lower body muscles (PREACT) before standing would reduce the drop in mean arterial pressure (MAP) upon standing and improve presyncope symptoms. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to provide IOH patients with effective symptom management techniques. METHODS: Study participants completed 3 sit-to-stand maneuvers, including a stand with no intervention (Control), PREACT, and TENSE. Continuous heart rate and beat-to-beat blood pressure were measured. Stroke volume and cardiac output were then estimated from these waveforms. RESULTS: A total of 24 female IOH participants (mean ± SD: 32 ± 8 years) completed the study. The drops in MAP following PREACT (-21 ± 8 mm Hg; P <.001) and TENSE (-18 ± 10 mm Hg; P <.001) were significantly reduced compared to Control (-28 ± 10 mm Hg). The increase in cardiac output was significantly larger following PREACT (2.6 ± 1 L/min; P <.001) but not TENSE (1.9 ± 1 L/min; P = .2) compared to Control (1.4 ± 1 L/min). The Vanderbilt Orthostatic Symptom Score following PREACT (9 ± 8 au; P = .033) and TENSE (8 ± 8 au; P = .046) both were significantly reduced compared to Control (14 ± 9 au). CONCLUSION: Both the drop in MAP and symptoms upon standing improved with either PREACT or TENSE. These maneuvers provide novel symptom management techniques for patients with IOH.

Mitigating Initial Orthostatic Hypotension: Mechanistic Roles of Muscle Contraction Versus Sympathetic Activation.

BACKGROUND: Initial orthostatic hypotension (IOH) is defined by a large drop in blood pressure (BP) within 15 s of standing. IOH often presents during an active stand, but not with a passive tilt, suggesting that a muscle activation reflex involving lower body muscles plays an important role. To our knowledge, there is no literature exploring how sympathetic activation affects IOH. We hypothesized involuntary muscle contractions before standing would significantly reduce the drop in BP seen in IOH while increasing sympathetic activity would not. METHODS: Study participants performed 4 sit-to-stand maneuvers including a mental stress test (serial 7 mental arithmetic stress test), cold pressor test, electrical stimulation, and no intervention. Continuous heart rate and beat-to-beat BP were measured. Cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance were estimated from these waveforms. Data are presented as mean±SD. RESULTS: A total of 23 female IOH participants (31±8 years) completed the study. The drops in systolic BP following the serial 7 mental arithmetic stress test (-26±12 mm Hg; P=0.004), cold pressor test (-20±15 mm Hg; P<0.001), and electrical stimulation (-28±12 mm Hg; P=0.01) were significantly reduced compared with no intervention (-34±11 mm Hg). The drops in systemic vascular resistance following the serial 7 mental arithmetic stress test (-391±206 dyne×s/cm5; P=0.006) and cold pressor test (-386±179 dyne×s/cm5; P=0.011) were significantly reduced compared with no intervention (-488±173 dyne×s/cm5). Cardiac output was significantly increased upon standing (7±2 L/min) compared with during the sit (6±1 L/min; P<0.001) for electrical stimulation. CONCLUSION: Sympathetic activation mitigates the BP response in IOH, while involuntary muscle contraction mitigates the BP response and reduces symptoms. Active muscle contractions may induce both of these mechanisms of action in their pretreatment of IOH. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03970551.

Likelihood of injury due to vasovagal syncope: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is the most common type of syncope and is usually considered a benign disorder. The potential for injury is worrisome but the likelihood is unknown. We aimed to determine the proportion of patients injured due to VVS. METHODS AND RESULTS: A systematic search of studies published until August 2020 was performed in multiple medical and nursing databases. Included studies had data on the proportion of patients with injury due to VVS prior to study enrolment. Random effects methods were used. Twenty-three studies having 3593 patients met inclusion criteria. Patients were diagnosed clinically with VVS, and 82% had >2 syncopal episodes before enrolment. Tilt test was positive in 60% and 14 studies reported comorbidities (32.6% hypertensive). The weighted mean injury rate was 33.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): 27.3-40.5%]. The likelihood of injury correlated with population age (r = 0.4, P = 0.05), but not with sex, positive tilt test, or hypertension. The injury rates were 25.7% (95% CI: 19.1-32.8%) in studies with younger patients (mean age ≤50 years, n = 1803) and 43.4% (95% CI: 34.9-52.3%) in studies with older patients (P = 0.002). Nine studies reported major injuries; with a weighted mean rate of major injuries of 13.9% (95% CI: 9.5-19.8%). CONCLUSION: Injuries due to syncope are frequent, occurring in 33% of patients with VVS. The risk of major injuries is substantial. Older patients are at higher risk. Clinicians should be aware of the risk of injuries when providing care and advice to patients with VVS.

Compression Garment Reduces Orthostatic Tachycardia and Symptoms in Patients With Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a chronic form of orthostatic intolerance associated with a significant symptom burden. Compression garments are a frequently prescribed treatment, but the effectiveness of waist-high compression has not been evaluated in adults with POTS. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated compression garments as a treatment for POTS using a head-up tilt test (HUT), and a noninflatable core and lower body compression garment. METHODS: Thirty participants completed 10-min HUT with each of 4 compression conditions in a randomized crossover design. The conditions were no compression (NONE), lower leg compression (LEG), abdominal/thigh compression (ABDO), and full abdominal/leg compression (FULL). Heart rate, beat-to-beat blood pressure, and Vanderbilt Orthostatic Symptom Score ratings were measured during each HUT. RESULTS: The compression garment reduced heart rate (NONE: 109 ± 19 beats/min; LEG: 103 ± 16 beats/min; ABDO: 97 ± 15 beats/min; FULL: 92 ± 14 beats/min; p < 0.001) and improved symptoms (p < 0.001) during HUT in a dose-dependent manner. During HUT, stroke volume and systolic blood pressure were better maintained with FULL and ABDO compression compared with LEG and NONE compression. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal and lower body compression reduced heart rate and improved symptoms during HUT in adult patients with POTS. These effects were driven by improved stroke volume with compression. Abdominal compression alone might also provide a clinical benefit if full lower body compression is not well tolerated. (Hemodynamic Effects of Compression in POTS; NCT03484273).

Research developments in the syntheses, anti-inflammatory activities and structure-activity relationships of pyrimidines.

Pyrimidines are aromatic heterocyclic compounds that contain two nitrogen atoms at positions 1 and 3 of the six-membered ring. Numerous natural and synthetic pyrimidines are known to exist. They display a range of pharmacological effects including antioxidants, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antituberculosis, and anti-inflammatory. This review sums up recent developments in the synthesis, anti-inflammatory effects, and structure-activity relationships (SARs) of pyrimidine derivatives. Numerous methods for the synthesis of pyrimidines are described. Anti-inflammatory effects of pyrimidines are attributed to their inhibitory response versus the expression and activities of certain vital inflammatory mediators namely prostaglandin E2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrosis factor-α, nuclear factor κB, leukotrienes, and some interleukins. Literature studies reveal that a large number of pyrimidines exhibit potent anti-inflammatory effects. SARs of numerous pyrimidines have been discussed in detail. Several possible research guidelines and suggestions for the development of new pyrimidines as anti-inflammatory agents are also given. Detailed SAR analysis and prospects together provide clues for the synthesis of novel pyrimidine analogs possessing enhanced anti-inflammatory activities with minimum toxicity.

Frequency of injuries associated with syncope in the prevention of syncope trials.

AIMS: Syncope can lead to injuries. We determined the frequency, severity, and predictors of injuries due to syncope in cohorts of syncope patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Participants were enrolled in the POST2 (fludrocortisone) and POST4 (midodrine) vasovagal syncope (VVS) randomized trials, and POST3 enrolled patients with bifascicular block and syncope. Injury was defined as minor (bruising, abrasions), moderate (lacerations), and severe (fractures, burns, joint pain), and recorded up to 1 year after enrolment. A total of 459 patients (median 39 years) were analysed. There were 710 faints occurred in 186 patients during a 1-year follow-up. Fully 56/186 (30%) of patients were injured with syncope (12% of overall group). There were 102 injuries associated with the 710 faints (14%), of which 19% were moderate or severe injuries. Neither patient age, sex, nor the presence of prodromal symptoms associated with injury-free survival. Patients with bifascicular block were more prone to injury (relative risk 1.98, P = 0.018). Patients with ≥4 faints in the prior year had more injuries than those with fewer faints (relative risk 2.97, P < 0.0001), but this was due to more frequent syncope, and not more injuries per faint. In VVS patients, pharmacological therapy significantly reduced the likelihood of an injury due to a syncopal spell (relative risk 0.64, P = 0.015). Injury severity did not associate with age, sex, or prior-year syncope frequency. CONCLUSION: Injuries are frequent in syncope patients, but only 4% of injuries were severe. None of age, sex, and prodromal symptoms associate with injury.

Grating Visual Acuity in phakic, aphakic, and pseudophakic Poodles.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the grating visual acuity (VA) measured by visual evoked potentials (VEP) in phakic, aphakic, and pseudophakic Poodles. ANIMALS STUDIED: Thirty-six Poodle dogs aged from 4 to 14 years. PROCEDURES: Animals were allocated into three different groups according to their lens status: phakic group (n = 12), aphakic group (n = 12), and pseudophakic group (n = 12). Grating VA was measured in cycles/degree (cpd) in all animals using the electrodiagnosis system Roland RETIport® in a dark room without using any mydriatic, sedative, or anesthetic drugs. RESULTS: The mean grating VA in the phakic, aphakic, and pseudophakic groups was 5.9 ± 1.0 cpd (20/102-Snellen equivalent), 2.6 ± 0.7 cpd (20/231), and 5.2 ± 1.1 cpd (20/116), respectively. The VA from aphakic eyes was significantly lower when compared to the phakic and pseudophakic eyes (P < .05). There was no significant difference in VA between phakic and pseudophakic eyes. CONCLUSIONS: The VEP is a useful tool for the evaluation of grating visual acuity in canines. The study showed that IOL implantation following phacoemulsification results in improved VA as measured by VEP compared to that of the aphakic eye and resulted in VA that was similar to that of the normal eye.

Diet quality of patients with acute coronary syndrome receiving public and private health care.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the quality of the diets consumed by patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who received public and private health care. METHODS: This observational, prospective, longitudinal cohort study evaluated patients with ACS who attended three private and one public cardiology reference hospitals. Information about dietary parameters during the 6 mo before the acute ACS event was collected at admission and 180 d later using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Diet quality was assessed using the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (2010), and a multilinear regression model was developed to evaluate the associated variables. RESULTS: The 581 volunteers included in this study comprised 325 (55.9%) and 256 (44.1%) patients treated at private and public hospitals, respectively. Although the dietary index increased significantly after ACS (P < 0001), diet quality remained unsatisfactory, particularly in terms of reductions in the consumption of cardioprotective components (vegetables, fruits, and eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic fatty acids). Compared with patients receiving private health care, those attending a public hospital reported lower dietary quality (P < 0.001). The best diet quality was found to correlate with female sex (P < 0.001), receipt of dietary guidance at hospital discharge (P < 0.001), private health care (P < 0.001), a stable relationship status (P, 0.016), and older age (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The overall post-ACS diet quality remained unsatisfactory, especially in terms of cardioprotective components and among patients receiving public health care. Sociodemographic factors and the assistance model/quality were determinants of the observed differences in dietary quality.

Retina assessment by optical coherence tomography of diabetic dogs / Avaliação da retina de cães diabéticos pela tomografia de coerência óptica

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common endocrine disorders characterized by relative or absolute lack of insulin; this can lead to several ocular manifestations, among them diabetic retinopathy and cataracts. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a microangiopathy that involves retinal precapillary arterioles, postcapillary venules, and large vessels, causing them to be functionally and anatomically incompetent. Hyperglycemia seems to be the most probable cause of damage to the retina due to interference in cellular metabolism and transduction processes. The aim of this study was to evaluate retinal thickness in eight diabetic dogs, four females and four males of different breeds and ages ranging from 6 to 15 years, by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and to compare them with non-diabetic dogs. Assessment provided by OCT in diabetic dogs showed retinal layers thinning and loss of stratification when compared to non-diabetic dogs (198μm versus 219μm respectively), with statistical significance (p=0.008). OCT images may suggest that diabetes mellitus causes retinal neuropathy in dogs, as also seen in diabetic humans.(AU)

Diabete melito é umas das principais endocrinopatias, caracterizada pela deficiência relativa ou absoluta de insulina, que pode resultar em diversas manifestações oculares, sendo as mais frequentes a retinopatia diabética e a catarata. Retinopatia diabética (RD) é uma microangiopatia que afeta primeiramente as arteríolas pré-capilares, capilares, vênulas pós-capilares e vasos de maior calibre, causando incompetência funcional e anatômica dos vasos retinianos. A hiperglicemia parece ser a causa mais provável da lesão retiniana, interferindo nas vias de metabolismo celular e no processo de transdução. Objetivou-se neste estudo avaliar e comparar a espessura retiniana total em oito cães diabéticos, quatro fêmeas e quatro machos, de diversas raças, com idade variando de seis a 15 anos, com auxílio de tomografia de coerência óptica (OCT) e comparar com a de cães não diabéticos. A espessura e arquitetura retiniana realizada pela OCT nos cães diabéticos, demonstrou afinamento das camadas da retina e perda da estratificação em comparação com os cães não diabéticos (198μm versus 219μm, respectivamente), sendo esta redução estatisticamente significante (p=0,008). Baseado nas imagens da OCT pode-se sugerir que a diabete melito, no cão, cause neuropatia retiniana como descrito em humanos diabéticos.(AU)

Estudo por analisador de gases do Teste de Caminhada de seis minutos na insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção normal / Study with a portable gas analyzer of the 6-minutes walk test in heart failure with normal ejection fraction

Background: Few studies have used portable gas analyzers during the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) in patients with heart failure and normal ejection fraction (HFNEF). Objectives: To analyze the kinetics of hemodynamic, ventilatory, and metabolic variables in patients with HFNEF during the T6m using a portable gas analyzer. Methods: Prospective, analytical study with an intentional, non-probabilistic, convenience sample. In total, 24 patients with HFNEF and past hospital admissions due to a clinical diagnosis of heart failure (HF) were included using the 2007 criteria established by the European Society of Cardiology. Three assessments were performed: 6MWT familiarization, 6MWT with the portable gas analyzer, and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). Results: The heart rates (HRs) and the peak VO 2 at the end of the 6MWT corresponded to 85.7% and 86.45% of the values obtained during the CPET. The final HRs after the T6m were equivalent to those obtained at the CPET anaerobic threshold (AT), with relative VO 2 values at the end of the 6MWT above the VO 2 of the CPET AT. There was no difference between the maximum respiratory quotient (RQ) values in these two tests, which were both above 1.0. The VE/VO 2 slope descended initially and then ascended significantly after the fifth minute of the test, estimating the identification of the AT. Conclusions: In patients with HFNEF, the 6MWT represents an almost maximum effort, and is performed above the CPET AT and 85% above the maximum HR and the CPET peak VO 2 , with a maximum RQ similar to that in the CPET

Fundamentos: Poucos estudos utilizaram analisadores de gases portáteis no teste da caminhada de seis minutos (T6m) em portadores de insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção normal (ICFEN). Objetivos: Analisar a cinética das variáveis hemodinâmicas, ventilatórias e metabólicas utilizando analisador de gases portátil em portadores de ICFEN durante o T6m. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo, analítico, com amostra não probabilística, intencional e por conveniência. Foram estudados 24 pacientes portadores de ICFEN com passado de internação por clínica de insuficiência cardíaca (IC), incluídos pelos critérios da European Society of Cardiology 2007. Realizaram-se três avaliações: T6m de aprendizado, T6m com o analisador de gases portátil e teste de esforço cardiopulmonar (TECP). Resultados: As frequências cardíacas (FC) e o consumo de oxigênio (VO 2 ) pico ao final do T6m corresponderam a 85,7% e 86,45% dos valores obtidos no TECP. As FC finais no T6m foram equivalentes às obtidas no limiar anaeróbio (LA) do TECP, com valores de VO 2 relativo ao final do T6m acima do VO 2 no LA do TECP. Não houve diferença entre os valores máximos do quociente respiratório (QR) entre os dois testes, ambos acima de 1,0. A curva de VE/VO 2 demonstrou descenso com posterior ascensão significativa após o quinto minuto de teste, estimando-se a identificação do LA. Conclusões: Para pacientes com ICFEN, o T6m representa um esforço quase máximo, sendo executado acima do LA do TECP e acima dos 85% da FC máxima e do VO 2 pico do TECP, com QR máximo semelhante ao do TECP

Cyclen-based Gd3+ complexes as MRI contrast agents: Relaxivity enhancement and ligand design.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive radiology technique used to examine the internal organs of human body. It is useful for the diagnosis of structural abnormalities in the body. Contrast agents are used to increase the sensitivity of this technique. 1,4,7,10-Tetraazacyclododecane (cyclen) is a macrocyclic tetraamine. Its derivatives act as useful ligands to produce stable complexes with Gd3+ ion. Such chelates are investigated as MRI contrast agents. Free Gd3+ ion is extremely toxic for in vivo use. Upon complexation with a cyclen-based ligand, it is trapped in the preformed central cavity of the ligand resulting in the formation of a highly stable Gd3+-chelate. Better kinetic and thermodynamic stability of cyclen-based MRI contrast agents decrease their potential toxicity for in vivo use. Consequently, such agents have proved to be safest for clinical applications. Relaxivity is the most important parameter used to measure the effectiveness of a contrast agent. A number of factors influence this parameter. This article elucidates detailed strategies to increase relaxivity of cyclen-based MRI contrast agents. 1,4,7,10-Tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) and 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7-triacetic acid (DO3A) are two key ligands derived from cyclen. They also act as building blocks for the synthesis of novel ligands. A few important methodologies for the synthesis of DOTA and DO3A derivatives are described. Moreover, the coordination geometry of chelates formed by these ligands and their derivatives is discussed as well. Novel ligands can be developed by the appropriate derivatization of DOTA and DO3A. Gd3+-chelates of such ligands prove to be useful MRI contrast agents of enhanced relaxivity, greater stability, better clearance, lesser toxicity and higher water solubility.

Influence of passive smoking on learning in elementary school / Influência do tabagismo passivo na aprendizagem de escolares

Abstract Objective To analyze the association between household smoking and the development of learning in elementary schoolchildren. Methods Cross-sectional study with 785 students from the 2nd to the 5th year of elementary school. Students were evaluated by the School Literacy Screening Protocol to identify the presence of learning disabilities. Mothers/guardians were interviewed at home through a validated questionnaire. Descriptive and bivariate analysis, as well as multivariate Poisson regression, were performed. Results In the final model, the variables associated with learning difficulties were current smoking at the household in the presence of the child (PR = 6.10, 95% CI: 4.56 to 8.16), maternal passive smoking during pregnancy (PR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.07 to 2.01), students attending the 2nd and 3rd years of Elementary School (PR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.10 to 1.90), and being children of mothers with only elementary level education (PR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.79). Conclusion The study demonstrated an association between passive exposure to tobacco smoke and learning difficulties at school.

Resumo Objetivo Analisar a associação entre o tabagismo domiciliar e o desenvolvimento da aprendizagem em escolares do ensino fundamental. Métodos Estudo transversal, com 785 escolares do 2° ao 5° ano do ensino fundamental. Os alunos foram avaliados por meio do Protocolo de Triagem de Letramento Escolar, para identificar a presença de dificuldades de aprendizagem. As mães/responsáveis foram entrevistadas no domicílio por meio de questionário validado. Foram feitas análises descritiva, bivariada e regressão múltipla de Poisson. Resultado No modelo final, as variáveis associadas às dificuldades de aprendizagem foram tabagismo atual domiciliar na presença do filho (RP = 6,10; IC 95% 4,56-8,16), tabagismo passivo materno durante a gestação (RP = 1,46; IC 95% 1,07-2,01), alunos pertencerem ao 2° e 3° ano do ensino fundamental (RP = 1,44; IC 95% 1,10-1,90) e serem filhos de mães com apenas o nível fundamental de escolaridade (RP = 1,36; IC 95% 1,04-1,79). Conclusão O estudo evidenciou associação entre a exposição passiva ao tabaco e as dificuldades de aprendizagem nos escolares.

Influence of passive smoking on learning in elementary school.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between household smoking and the development of learning in elementary schoolchildren. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 785 students from the 2nd to the 5th year of elementary school. Students were evaluated by the School Literacy Screening Protocol to identify the presence of learning disabilities. Mothers/guardians were interviewed at home through a validated questionnaire. Descriptive and bivariate analysis, as well as multivariate Poisson regression, were performed. RESULTS: In the final model, the variables associated with learning difficulties were current smoking at the household in the presence of the child (PR=6.10, 95% CI: 4.56 to 8.16), maternal passive smoking during pregnancy (PR=1.46, 95% CI: 1.07 to 2.01), students attending the 2nd and 3rd years of Elementary School (PR=1.44, 95% CI: 1.10 to 1.90), and being children of mothers with only elementary level education (PR=1.36, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.79). CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated an association between passive exposure to tobacco smoke and learning difficulties at school.

Level of Physical Activity and In-Hospital Course of Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome / Nível de Atividade Física e Evolução Intra-Hospitalar de Pacientes com Síndrome Coronariana Aguda

Abstract Background: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in the modern world. A sedentary lifestyle, present in 85% of the Brazilian population, is considered a risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease. However, the correlation of a sedentary lifestyle with cardiovascular events (CVE) during hospitalization for ACS is not well established. Objective: To evaluate the association between physical activity level, assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), with in-hospital prognosis in patients with ACS. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study with 215 subjects with a diagnosis of ACS consecutively admitted to a referral hospital for cardiac patients between July 2009 and February 2011. All volunteers answered the short version of the IPAQ and were observed for the occurrence of CVE during hospitalization with a standardized assessment conducted by the researcher and corroborated by data from medical records. Results: The patients were admitted with diagnoses of unstable angina (34.4%), acute myocardial infarction (AMI) without ST elevation (41.4%), and AMI with ST elevation (24.2%). According to the level of physical activity, the patients were classified as non-active (56.3%) and active (43.7%). A CVE occurred in 35.3% of the cohort. The occurrence of in-hospital complications was associated with the length of hospital stay (odds ratio [OR] = 1.15) and physical inactivity (OR = 2.54), and was independent of age, systolic blood pressure, and prior congestive heart failure. Conclusion: A physically active lifestyle reduces the risk of CVE during hospitalization in patients with ACS.

Resumo Fundamento: A síndrome coronariana aguda (SCA) constitui uma das principais causas de morbimortalidade no mundo moderno. O sedentarismo, presente em 85% da população brasileira, é considerado fator de risco para o surgimento de doença arterial coronariana. Porém, não está bem estabelecida a correlação do sedentarismo com a ocorrência de eventos cardiovasculares (ECV) durante o internamento de portadores da SCA. Objetivo: Determinar o grau de atividade física de portadores de SCA, mediante a utilização do Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física (IPAQ), associando com o prognóstico intra-hospitalar. Métodos: Estudo observacional, transversal e analítico com 215 sujeitos admitidos consecutivamente com diagnóstico de SCA em um hospital de referência cardiológica no período de julho de 2009 a fevereiro de 2011. Todos os voluntários responderam à versão curta do IPAQ e foram seguidos quanto ao aparecimento de ECV durante o internamento, a partir de avaliação padronizada administrada pelo pesquisador, corroborada com dados do prontuário médico. Resultados: Os pacientes foram internados com diagnósticos de angina instável (34,4%), infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM) sem supradesnivelamento de ST (41,4%) e IAM com supradesnivelamento de ST (24,2%). De acordo com o nível de atividade física, foram classificados em não ativos (56,3%) e ativos (43,7%). Constatou-se a presença de ECV em 35,3% da amostra. A ocorrência de complicação intra-hospitalar esteve associada ao tempo de internamento (odds ratio [OR] = 1,15) e inatividade física (OR = 2,54) e foi independente da idade, pressão arterial sistólica e insuficiência cardíaca congestiva prévia. Conclusão: Estilo de vida fisicamente ativo reduz o risco de ECV durante o internamento em pacientes com SCA.