Kidney complications in 107 Fanconi anemia patients submitted to hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare disease characterized by progressive bone marrow failure, cancer predisposition, and multiple systemic malformations, including congenital abnormalities of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), the only potentially curative treatment for the hematological complications of FA, may precipitate acute kidney injury (AKI) and hypertension. We retrospectively investigated 107 FA patients who underwent HCT between 2009 and 2017. We investigated the incidence and risk factors of AKI within 100 days after HCT in a cohort of FA patients, and kidney function and hypertension over 2-year follow-up.The incidence of AKI (mainly stage I) was 18.7%. Patients aged ≥ 11 years at transplantation showed a higher risk of AKI (OR 3.53). The eGFR was 60-90 mL/min/1.73 m2 in 53 (49.5%), 55 (51.4%), 50 (50.5%), 50 (51%), and 46 (59.7%) patients before HCT, at 100 days, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. Within the first 100 days after HCT, hypertension was observed in 72% of the patients and was associated with cyclosporine therapy. Most (62.3%) patients had stage 2 hypertension. CAKUT was observed in 33.7% of the patients and was associated with both hypertension (86%) and diminished kidney function but not with AKI.Conlusion: Although AKI, a commonly known HCT complication, was mild in this study, the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD), as well as the high incidence of hypertension, specially associated with CAKUT point out the importance of kidney care in short and long-term follow up of FA patients. What is Known: • Fanconi anemia (FA) is the most frequent inherited bone marrow failure in children, and 30% of cases have congenital anomalies of kidney (CAKUT). • Acute kidney injury and hypertension after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) may impact the outcomes.. What is New: • Despite the presence of CAKUT and stage 2 CKD in 33.7% and 50% of the patients, respectively, AKI was mild and transitory after HCT in FA patients. • CAKUT in FA patients was associated with lower kidney function and hypertension after HCT.

Deinstitutionalization of long stay patients in a psychiatric hospital in Rio de Janeiro. / Desinstitucionalização de pacientes de longa permanência de um hospital psiquiátrico no Rio de Janeiro.

Critical Time Intervention (CTI) is a time-limited mental health intervention offered to people with mental disorders during critical/transition periods. This study assesses the impact of CTI-BR on social performance and quality of life within a population in the process of deinstitutionalization, after long-term hospitalization in a psychiatric institution. The study population was split into two groups, one of which received CTI plus the regular care. Results showed no advantage of the intervention compared to the regular programs provided by the institution. When study participants are analyzed as a group, we found positive improvement regarding their social functioning and self-perception of their mental-health. Results show that it is possible for elderly patients discharged from long-term psychiatric care to live in residential facilities in the community, supervised by clinical teams.

Desinstitucionalização de pacientes de longa permanência de um hospital psiquiátrico no Rio de Janeiro / Deinstitutionalization of long stay patients in a psychiatric hospital in Rio de Janeiro

Resumo A Critical Time Intervention (CTI) é uma intervenção de saúde mental limitada no tempo a períodos considerados críticos, geralmente ofertada a pessoas com transtornos mentais em situação de transição. O presente estudo avalia o impacto da utilização da Intervenção para Períodos de Transição (CTI-BR) sobre o desempenho social e a qualidade de vida em uma população de pessoas em processo de desinstitucionalização, que deixaram um hospital psiquiátrico após longa internação. A população estudada foi dividida em dois grupos e um deles recebeu o programa CTI como intervenção adicional. Os resultados apontaram que nas áreas avaliadas a presença da intervenção CTI não apresentou evidência de vantagens em relação ao programa habitual da instituição realizado isoladamente. Quando o grupo de pacientes é analisado em seu conjunto é evidenciada uma evolução positiva em relação ao comportamento social e melhora da sua percepção sobre a própria saúde mental. Os resultados obtidos indicam a possibilidade de pessoas idosas oriundas de longa internação em hospital psiquiátrico viverem em dispositivos residenciais comunitários supervisionados por equipes de acompanhamento clínico.

Abstract Critical Time Intervention (CTI) is a time-limited mental health intervention offered to people with mental disorders during critical/transition periods. This study assesses the impact of CTI-BR on social performance and quality of life within a population in the process of deinstitutionalization, after long-term hospitalization in a psychiatric institution. The study population was split into two groups, one of which received CTI plus the regular care. Results showed no advantage of the intervention compared to the regular programs provided by the institution. When study participants are analyzed as a group, we found positive improvement regarding their social functioning and self-perception of their mental-health. Results show that it is possible for elderly patients discharged from long-term psychiatric care to live in residential facilities in the community, supervised by clinical teams.

Correction: Factors Associated with Anemia in the Institutionalized Elderly.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162240.].

Factors Associated with Anemia in the Institutionalized Elderly.

As a common problem in long-term care facilities (LTCFs), anemia affects 25-63% of the elderly. The aim of the present study was to describe the prevalence and characteristics of anemia and its associated factors in the institutionalized elderly. The cross-sectional study was carried out with three hundred thirteen individuals aged ≥ 60 years, of both genders, living in long-term care facilities for the elderly in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Poisson regression (PR) with robust variance estimates was used to assess the factors related to anemia. The prevalence of anemia was 38%. Mild anemia was predominant in both genders (male: 26.8%; female: 21.1%), as normocytic and normochromic anemia, with no anisocytosis (69.75%). Anemia was associated with thinness (PR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.04-2.72) and with moderate (PR: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.07-3.63) and total (PR: 2.61; 95% CI: 1.34-5.07) dependence in the final model. Severe dependence exhibited borderline significance (PR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.00-3.77). The prevalence of anemia was high in the institutionalized elderly in both genders, with characteristics suggesting chronic diseases as the causal factor, and the frequency of occurrence was higher in thinness elderly with moderate to total dependence.

Relationship between DNA damage in liver, heart, spleen and total blood cells and disease pathogenesis of infected rats by Trypanosoma evansi.

Trypanosoma evansi is an important pathogen that causes changes in nitric oxide (NO) levels and antioxidant enzymes, as well as oxidative stress. The present study evaluated the in vivo effect of T. evansi infection on frequency and index of DNA damage in liver, heart, spleen and total blood of rats. Twenty rats were assigned into two groups with ten rats each, being subdivided into four subgroups (A1 and A2, 5 animals/group; and B1 and B2, 5 animals/group). Rats in the subgroups A1 and A2 were used as control (uninfected) and animals in the subgroups B1 and B2 were inoculated with T. evansi (infected). NO in serum and the comet assay were used to measure DNA damage index (DI) and damage frequency (DF) in liver, heart, spleen and total blood of infected rats. Increased NO levels on days 3 and 9 post-infection (PI) was observed (P < 0.001). Also, it was verified an increase on DI and DF in the evaluated organs on days 3 and 9 PI (P < 0.001). Our data show that T. evansi infection causes genotoxicity due to the production of NO, causing not only the death of the protozoan, but also inducing DNA damage in the host.

Nutritional status of institutionalized elderly Brazilians: a study with the mini nutritional assessment / Estado nutricional de ancianos brasileños institucionalizados: un estudio con el mini nutritional assessment

Objective: To assess the nutritional status of elderly living in nursing homes in the city of Salvador, Brazil and associated factors. Methods: Cross-sectional study performed with 359individuals of both sexes, ages equal or over 60 years old, located in Nursing Homes in the urban area of the city of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Results: Regarding nutritional status according to Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), 66.3% of the evaluated elderly were malnourished and at risk of malnutrition. When comparing sexes, it has been observed that among men the prevalence of this condition (76.6%) was higher than in women (62.4%). It has been observed, as a result of the multivariate analysis, that only the variable functional capacity for Activities of Daily Living (ADL)was statistically significant. There was moderate correlation between MNA and Mini-Mental State Examination(r=0.454; p<0.0001), as well as between MNA and the ADL scale (r=0.569; p<0.0001). There was weak negative correlation between MNA total score and age (r=0.159;p=0.002).Conclusion: Malnutrition and malnutrition risk were conditions of remarkable importance, with almost two thirds of the elderly in this situation. ADL functional capacity must be monitored given their close relationship with the nutritional status of the elderly. An interdisciplinary approach in the context of institutionalization is needed due to the association between nutritional status and variables of different dimensions (AU)

Objective: Evaluar el estado nutricional de los ancianos residentes en Hogares para Ancianos, en la ciudad de Salvador, Brasil y factores asociados. Métodos: Estudio transversal con 359 individuos mayores de 60 años, de ambos sexos y residentes en hogares de ancianos en la zona urbana de la ciudad de Salvador, Bahia, Brasil. Resultados: En cuanto al estado nutricional de acuerdo con Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), el 66,3% de los ancianos evaluados estaban desnutridos y en riesgo de desnutrición. La prevalencia de esta afección fue mayor entre los hombres (76,6%) en comparación con las mujeres (62,4%). Se ha observado, como resultado del análisis multivariado, que sólo la capacidad funcional variable para Actividades de la Vida Diaria (AVD) fue estadísticamente significativa. Hubo correlación moderada entre MNA y Mini Examen del Estado Mental (r = 0,454; p <0,0001), así como entre MNA y la escala AVD (r = 0,569; p <0,0001). Hubo correlación débil negativa entre la puntuación total del MNA y la edad (r = 0,159; p = 0,002). Conclusión: La desnutrición y el riesgo de desnutrición fueron de importancia excepcional de las condiciones, porque casi dos tercios de los ancianos estaban en esta situación. La capacidad funcional para AVD debe ser supervisada por su estrecha relación con el estado nutricional de las personas mayores. Un enfoque interdisciplinario en el contexto de la institucionalización es necesario debido a la asociación entre el estado nutricional y variables de diferentes dimensiones (AU)

Nutritional status of institutionalized elderly Brazilians: a study with the Mini Nutritional Assessment.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the nutritional status of elderly living in nursing homes in the city of Salvador, Brazil and associated factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional study performed with 359 individuals of both sexes, ages equal or over 60 years old, located in Nursing Homes in the urban area of the city of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. RESULTS: Regarding nutritional status according to Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), 66.3% of the evaluated elderly were malnourished and at risk of malnutrition. When comparing sexes, it has been observed that among men the prevalence of this condition (76.6%) was higher than in women (62.4%). It has been observed, as a result of the multivariate analysis, that only the variable functional capacity for Activities of Daily Living (ADL) was statistically significant. There was moderate correlation between MNA and Mini-Mental State Examination (r=0.454; p<0.0001), as well as between MNA and the ADL scale (r=0.569; p<0.0001). There was weak negative correlation between MNA total score and age (r=0.159; p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Malnutrition and malnutrition risk were conditions of remarkable importance, with almost two-thirds of the elderly in this situation. ADL functional capacity must be monitored given their close relationship with the nutritional status of the elderly. An interdisciplinary approach in the context of institutionalization is needed due to the association between nutritional status and variables of different dimensions.

Objective: Evaluar el estado nutricional de los ancianos residentes en Hogares para Ancianos, en la ciudad de Salvador, Brasil y factores asociados. Métodos: Estudio transversal con 359 individuos mayores de 60 años, de ambos sexos y residentes en hogares de ancianos en la zona urbana de la ciudad de Salvador, Bahia, Brasil. Resultados: En cuanto al estado nutricional de acuerdo con Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), el 66,3% de los ancianos evaluados estaban desnutridos y en riesgo de desnutrición. La prevalencia de esta afección fue mayor entre los hombres (76,6%) en comparación con las mujeres (62,4%). Se ha observado, como resultado del análisis multivariado, que sólo la capacidad funcional variable para Actividades de la Vida Diaria (AVD) fue estadísticamente significativa. Hubo correlación moderada entre MNA y Mini Examen del Estado Mental (r = 0,454; p.

Pilomyxoid astrocytoma of the brainstem.

A pilomyxoid astrocytoma is a recently described tumor that occurs predominantly in the hypothalamic-chiasmatic region and is rarely found elsewhere. It has similar features as pilocytic astrocytomas, but has distinct histological characteristics and a poorer prognosis. A pilomyxoid astrocytoma is an aggressive tumor, and increased awareness is necessary with a suspect case. We present the first case of a pilomyxoid astrocytoma of the brainstem described after the newest World Health Organization classification of central nervous system tumors.

[Bioelectrical impedance and visceral fat: a comparison with computed tomography in adults and elderly]. / Bioimpedância elétrica e gordura visceral: uma comparação com a tomografia computadorizada em adultos e idosos.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between electrical bioimpedance analysis (BIA) and visceral fat (VF) in adult and elderly patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study, with a sample of 191 subjects (52% women, 49% elderly) stratified by sex, age and body mass. Computerized tomography (VF area) and BIA (percentage of total body fat (%TBF-BIA), phase angle, reactance and resistance) data were generated. Statistical analysis was based on Pearson's Correlation Coefficient, Anova, Pearson's Chi-square, and ROC curves. RESULTS: VF areas > 130 cm² were more prevalent among the elderly and among men. Adult females showed a stronger correlation between GV and %TBF-BIA. The other groups showed similar results and statistically significant correlations. Correlations between GV and phase angle were weak and not statistically significant. ROC Curves analyzes showed the following %TBF-BIA, which identified excess VF: for male subjects: 21.5% (adults) and 24.25% (elderly); for female subjects: 35.05% (adults) and 38.45% (elderly) with sensitivity of 78.6%, 82.1%, 83.3%, and 66.7%, and specificity of 70.6%, 62.5%, 79.1%, and 69%, respectively. CONCLUSION: BIA was found to have satisfactory sensitivity and specificity to predict VF; however, other devices and other techniques should be investigated to improve VF prediction.

Bioimpedância elétrica e gordura visceral: uma comparação com a tomografia computadorizada em adultos e idosos / Bioelectrical impedance and visceral fat: a comparison with computed tomography in adults and elderly

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a associação entre bioimpedância elétrica (BIA) e gordura visceral (GV) em adultos e idosos. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, 191 indivíduos (52% mulheres, 49% idosos), estratificados por sexo, grupo etário e massa corporal. Obtiveram-se dados sobre tomografia computadorizada (área de GV) e BIA (percentual de gordura corporal total (%GCT-BIA), ângulo de fase, reactância e resistência). Análise estatística: Coeficiente de Correlação de Pearson, Anova, Qui-quadrado de Pearson, Curva ROC. RESULTADOS: Áreas de GV > 130 cm² foram mais observadas em idosos e em homens. Entre as mulheres adultas, mostrou-se correlação mais forte entre GV e %GCT-BIA. Os demais grupos apresentaram resultados semelhantes e correlações estatisticamente significantes. As correlações entre GV e ângulo de fase foram fracas e sem significância estatística. As análises da Curva ROC indicaram os seguintes %GCT-BIA que identificaram excesso de GV: homens: 21,5% (adultos), 24,25% (idosos); mulheres: 35,05% (adultas), 38,45% (idosas), com sensibilidade de 78,6%, 82,1%, 83,3%, 66,7% e especificidade de 70,6%, 62,5%, 79,1%, 69%, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: BIA apresentou satisfatória sensibilidade e especificidade para predizer GV, entretanto, outros aparelhos e técnicas devem ser investigados para melhorar essa predição.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between electrical bioimpedance analysis (BIA) and visceral fat (VF) in adult and elderly patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study, with a sample of 191 subjects (52% women, 49% elderly) stratified by sex, age and body mass. Computerized tomography (VF area) and BIA (percentage of total body fat (%TBF-BIA), phase angle, reactance and resistance) data were generated. Statistical analysis was based on Pearson's Correlation Coefficient, Anova, Pearson's Chi-square, and ROC curves. RESULTS: VF areas > 130 cm² were more prevalent among the elderly and among men. Adult females showed a stronger correlation between GV and %TBF-BIA. The other groups showed similar results and statistically significant correlations. Correlations between GV and phase angle were weak and not statistically significant. ROC Curves analyzes showed the following %TBF-BIA, which identified excess VF: for male subjects: 21.5% (adults) and 24.25% (elderly); for female subjects: 35.05% (adults) and 38.45% (elderly) with sensitivity of 78.6%, 82.1%, 83.3%, and 66.7%, and specificity of 70.6%, 62.5%, 79.1%, and 69%, respectively. CONCLUSION: BIA was found to have satisfactory sensitivity and specificity to predict VF; however, other devices and other techniques should be investigated to improve VF prediction.

Evaluation of plasma homocysteine level according to the C677T and A1298C polymorphism of the enzyme MTHRF in type 2 diabetic adults.

OBJECTIVE: To determine plasma homocysteine levels during fasting and after methionine overload, and to correlate homocysteinemia according to methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphism in type 2 diabetic adults. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study included 50 type 2 diabetic adults (DM group) and 52 healthy subjects (Control group). Anthropometric data, and information on food intake, serum levels of vitamin B12, folic acid and plasma homocysteine were obtained. The identification of C677T and A1298C polymorphisms was carried out in the MTHFR gene. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in homocysteinemia between the two groups, and hyperhomocysteinemia during fasting occurred in 40% of the diabetic patients and in 23% of the controls. For the same polymorphism, there was not any significant difference in homocysteine between the groups. In the Control group, homocysteinemia was greater in those subjects with C677T and A1298C polymorphisms. Among diabetic subjects, those with the A1298C polymorphism had lower levels of homocysteine compared with individuals with C677T polymorphism. CONCLUSION: The MTHFR polymorphism (C677T and A1298C) resulted in different outcomes regarding homocysteinemia among individuals of each group (diabetic and control). These data suggest that metabolic factors inherent to diabetes influence homocysteine metabolism.

Evaluation of plasma homocysteine level according to the C677T and A1298C polymorphism of the enzyme MTHRF in type 2 diabetic adults / Avaliação da homocisteína plasmática de acordo com o polimorfismo C677T e A1298C da enzima MTHRF em adultos diabéticos tipo 2

OBJECTIVE: To determine plasma homocysteine levels during fasting and after methionine overload, and to correlate homocysteinemia according to methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphism in type 2 diabetic adults. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study included 50 type 2 diabetic adults (DM group) and 52 healthy subjects (Control group). Anthropometric data, and information on food intake, serum levels of vitamin B12, folic acid and plasma homocysteine were obtained. The identification of C677T and A1298C polymorphisms was carried out in the MTHFR gene. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in homocysteinemia between the two groups, and hyperhomocysteinemia during fasting occurred in 40% of the diabetic patients and in 23% of the controls. For the same polymorphism, there was not any significant difference in homocysteine between the groups. In the Control group, homocysteinemia was greater in those subjects with C677T and A1298C polymorphisms. Among diabetic subjects, those with the A1298C polymorphism had lower levels of homocysteine compared with individuals with C677T polymorphism. CONCLUSION:The MTHFR polymorphism (C677T and A1298C) resulted in different outcomes regarding homocysteinemia among individuals of each group (diabetic and control). These data suggest that metabolic factors inherent to diabetes influence homocysteine metabolism.

OBJETIVO: Determinar os níveis plasmáticos de homocisteína de jejum e após sobrecarga de metionina e correlacionar a homocisteinemia com o polimorfismo C677T e A1298C da metilenotetra-hidrofolato redutase (MTHFR) em diabéticos tipo 2. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: O estudo incluiu 50 adultos diabéticos tipo 2 (Grupo DM) e 52 indivíduos saudáveis (Grupo controle). Obtiveram-se os dados antropométricos, de ingestão alimentar, níveis séricos de vitamina B12, ácido fólico e homocisteína plasmática. Os polimorfismos C677T e A1298C foram identificados no gene da enzima MTHFR. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença na homocisteinemia entre os grupos, embora a hiper-homocisteinemia de jejum tenha ocorrido em 40% dos diabéticos e 23% dos controles. Para o mesmo polimorfismo, não houve diferenças na homocisteinemia entre os grupos de estudo. Nos controles, a homocisteína foi maior entre aqueles com polimorfismos C677T e A1298C. Os diabéticos com polimorfismo A1298C apresentaram menores níveis de homocisteína quando comparados àqueles com polimorfismo C677T. CONCLUSÃO: Os polimorfismos da MTHFR (C677T e A1298C) resultaram em resposta distinta na homocisteinemia entre os indivíduos dentro de cada grupo (diabéticos e controles). Os dados sugerem que fatores metabólicos inerentes ao estado diabético influenciam o metabolismo da homocisteína.

O nutricionista no programa de alimentação escolar: avaliação de uma experiência de formação a partir de grupos focais / The dietician in the school food program: evaluation of a training experience based on focus groups

OBJETIVO: O estudo objetivou analisar os resultados relativos à avaliação de um Programa de Formação para Nutricionistas que atuam no Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar da região Nordeste. Este programa foi desenvolvido pelo Centro Colaborador em Alimentação e Nutrição do Escolar da Universidade Federal da Bahia em parceria com o Fundo Nacional de Desenvolvimento da Educação, nos idos de 2007 e 2008. MÉTODOS: Os dados foram produzidos através da técnica de grupos focais com nutricionistas que participaram do Programa de Formação. Foram realizados quatro grupos focais e os dados produzidos foram organizados em duas categorias de análise: sobre a aprendizagem durante a formação e sobre a capacidade de instituição de mudanças. RESULTADOS: Os participantes eram predominantemente do sexo feminino, com idade variando entre 20 e 35 anos e haviam participado do Programa de Formação pelo menos três meses antes do estudo. Em relação à avaliação do programa de formação, pôde-se afirmar que o mesmo não apenas proporcionou um aprimoramento técnico-científico em torno dos temas pertinentes à prática profissional exigida, mas também à dimensão ético-política do trabalho. Enfatizou-se que estimulou a mobilização na perspectiva do fortalecimento da categoria, incentivou as parcerias entre os diferentes agentes e setores e fomentou o planejamento de novas ações valorizando o uso da legislação. CONCLUSÃO: A perspectiva dialógica foi marcante para os participantes, que puderam confrontar as suas realidades com as dos demais, possibilitando reflexão coletiva sobre a atuação do nutricionista no campo da alimentação escolar.

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed a training program for dieticians, actors of the Brazilian School Food Program, in Northeast Brazil. This program was developed by a partnership between the Schoolchildren's Food and Nutrition Collaborator Center from the Federal University of Bahia and National Education Development Fund, from 2007 and 2008. METHODS: The focus group method was administered to dieticians who participated in the training program. Four focus groups were done and the data were organized into two categories: one about learning during the training program and one about the ability to make changes. RESULTS: Most participants were females aged 20 to 35 years. Their participation in the training program had been at least three months before the study. Assessment of the training program showed that the program improved their technical and scientific knowledge about themes related to professional practice and about the ethical and political dimension of their work. The program encouraged mobilization for possibly strengthening the category, incentivized partnerships among different agents and sectors and promoted the planning of new law-enforcement actions. CONCLUSION: The dialogical perspective was striking for the participants, enabling them to confront their realities and collectively reflect on the dietician's role in the field of school food.

Perfil do nutricionista do programa nacional de alimentação escolar na região Nordeste do Brasil / Profile of the national school food program dietician in the Brazilian Northeast

OBJETIVO: Analisar o perfil do nutricionista atuante no Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar, participante das formações realizadas pelo Centro Colaborador em Alimentação e Nutrição do Escolar da Universidade Federal da Bahia nos Estados do Nordeste, no ano de 2007. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo exploratório com amostragem não probabilística de 434 nutricionistas. Analisaram-se variáveis relacionadas à formação acadêmico-profissional, à atuação profissional, às atividades desenvolvidas no Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar e variáveis sociodemográficas. Utilizou-se o teste Qui-quadrado de Pearson, através do programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, para verificar associações entre o tempo de atuação no Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar e as atividades desenvolvidas. RESULTADOS: A maior parte era do sexo feminino (97,2%), na faixa de 20 a 30 anos (42,7%) e possuíam mais de dez anos de formado (40,2%), predominando o vínculo empregatício efetivo por tempo parcial no Programa (53,3%). O rendimento mensal auferido pela maior parte dos nutricionistas estava situado entre 2-5 salários-mínimos (64,1%). Dos nutricionistas que realizavam frequentemente as atividades analisadas, a maior parte possuía 2-5 anos de Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar (p<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: O nutricionista no âmbito do Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar assume responsabilidades que fazem interface com outras áreas do conhecimento, destacadamente educação e administração. Paralelamente, apesar da satisfação na atuação profissional, os participantes sentem-se pouco satisfeitos em relação às condições de trabalho.

OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed the profile of dieticians who work for the National School Food Program and participated in training courses offered by the Schoolchildren's Food and Nutrition Collaborator Center of the Northeastern states in 2007. METHODS: This descriptive, exploratory study used nonprobability sampling to recruit 434 dieticians. Education, work experience, work, activities performed at National School Food Program and sociodemographic variables were analyzed. Pearson's chi square test was used to investigate possible associations between time working for National School Food Program and performed activities. RESULTS: Most participants were females (97.2%) aged 20 to 30 years (42.7%) and graduated more than ten years ago (40.2%). Most were also working only part time in the program (53.3%). The income of most dieticians ranged from 2-5 minimum salaries (64.1%). Most dieticians who frequently performed the analyzed activities had been in National School Food Program for 2-5 years (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: National School Food Program dieticians take on responsibilities that overlap with other areas of knowledge, especially education and administration. In parallel, despite the professional satisfaction, the participants were not very satisfied with their work conditions.

Identification of two new arthritis severity loci that regulate levels of autoantibodies, interleukin-1ß, and joint damage in pristane- and collagen-induced arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Cia3 is a locus on rat chromosome 4 that regulates severity and joint damage in collagen- and pristane-induced arthritis (CIA and PIA). This study was undertaken to refine the Cia3 gene-containing interval toward gene identification and obtain insights into its mode of action. METHODS: Five DA.F344(Cia3) subcongenic rat strains were generated and studied using the PIA and CIA models. Levels of antibodies against type II collagen (both allo- and autoantibodies) were measured. Joints and synovial tissue were collected 32 days after the induction of PIA (chronic stage) for histologic and quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) levels. RESULTS: Three subcongenic strains sharing the centromeric Cia3d interval were protected and 2 subcongenic strains sharing the telomeric Cia3g interval, which did not overlap with Cia3d, were also protected, developing significantly less severe CIA and PIA. Normal joint architecture was preserved in DA.F344(Cia3) and DA.F344(Cia3d) congenic rats with PIA, while DA rats had pronounced synovial hyperplasia, angiogenesis, inflammatory infiltration, and bone or cartilage erosions. The DA.F344(Cia3d) and DA.F344(Cia3g) strains had significantly lower synovial levels of IL-1ß (5-fold and nearly 2-fold, respectively [the latter not reaching statistical significance]), MMP-1 (expressed predominantly in DA rats), MMP-3 (79-fold and 8-fold, respectively), and MMP-14 (21-fold and 1.4-fold, respectively) and reduced levels of pathogenic autoantibodies against type II collagen, compared with DA rats. CONCLUSION: We have identified 2 new arthritis severity and articular damage loci within Cia3. These loci regulate pathogenic processes in 2 different models of rheumatoid arthritis, and the identification of these genes has the potential to generate new targets for therapies aimed at reducing disease severity and articular damage, and may additionally have prognostic value.

Conversações sobre a peste branca: formação em controle de tuberculose de profissionais da Estratégia de Saúde da Família no Estado do Rio de Janeiro / Conversation about white plague: formation in tuberculosis´s control of professionals of the Health Family Strategy in Rio de Janeiro?s State

Objetivou-se avaliar nível de conhecimento e o efeito de ações educativas entre profissionais sobre a tuberculose (TB). Foi realizado curso de formação em controle de TB para médicos e enfermeiros que atuam na Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) ? abordando-se os conteúdos de maior importância para o controle da TB ? com duração de oito horas. Os profissionais foram avaliados com um pré-teste (PT) e um pós-teste (Pós-T) enfocando conceitos gerais sobre a TB, ambos com cinco questões objetivas, de igual conteúdo. Ao final da atividade foi aplicado um questionário para avaliação da atividade educativa. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa do UNIFESO (protocolo 038/06). 210 profissionais participaram do processo de educação em TB, em quatro momentos diferentes, realizados nos municípios de Angra dos Reis, Arraialdo Cabo, Vassouras e Volta Redonda. Houve ganho cognitivo nas quatro oficinas de formação, com aumento de todas as médias e intervalos de confiança entre o PT e o Pós-T (p<0,01). Os resultados obtidos com o processo educativo apontam para um grau razoável de apreensão cognitiva dos conceitos abordados, o que poderá ter impacto nas ações de controle da TB desempenhada por tais profissionais.

Strain differences in alveolar neutrophil infiltration and macrophage phenotypes in an acute lung inflammation model.

Pulmonary infection is a major cause of mortality and morbidity, and the magnitude of the lung inflammatory response correlates with patient survival. Previously, we have shown that neutrophil migration into joints is regulated by arthritis severity quantitative trait loci (QTLs). However, it is unclear whether these QTLs contribute to the regulation of lung inflammation in pneumonias. Therefore, to more clearly define the factors regulating acute inflammatory responses in the lung, we examined two inbred rat strains, DA and F344, that differ in these QTLs and their susceptibility to joint inflammation. Staphylococcal cell wall components lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and peptidoglycan (PGN), administered intratracheally, significantly increased the numbers of neutrophils retrieved in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). F344 had approximately 10-fold more neutrophils in the BALF compared with DA (P < 0.001) and higher BALF concentrations of total protein, tumor necrosis factor-α and macrophage inflammatory protein 2. LTA/PGN administration in DA×F344 congenic strains (Cia3d, Cia4, Cia5a, and Cia6) resulted in inflammation similar to that in DA, demonstrating that the genes responsible for the differences in pulmonary inflammation are not contained within the chromosomal intervals carried by these congenic strains. Alveolar macrophages (AMs) isolated from naïve F344 stimulated in vitro with LTA/PGN produced significantly higher levels of keratinocyte-derived chemokine and macrophage inflammatory protein 2 than alveolar macrophages from DA rats. The differences were related to differential mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation. We conclude that the factors contributing to inflammation can be site and challenge dependent. A better understanding of site-specific inflammation may lead to more effective treatment of acute lung inflammation and injury.

Imaging assessment of visceral adipose tissue area and its correlations with metabolic alterations.

BACKGROUND: Androgenic obesity is associated with a higher risk of metabolic disorders, thus favoring the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases and other morbidities. OBJECTIVE: To verify the influence of the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area, measured by computed tomography (CT), on the metabolic alterations in adult and elderly individuals. METHODS: CT results and lipoprotein levels, total cholesterol and fractions, triglycerides, glycemia and uric acid levels, were obtained from 194 individuals stratified by sex, age group and body mass and analyzed using the tests of correlation and means. RESULTS: The elderly individuals presented higher VAT area, glycemia, uric acid and total cholesterol levels. The most important correlations were observed between VAT area, triglycerides (TG) and VLDL-c (r > 0.5; p < 0.01), in both age groups. The mean VAT area was always higher when TG and glycemia levels were altered, in both age groups. CONCLUSION: Most tests showed a strong correlation with VAT area, which was considered as risk for metabolic alterations. In elderly individuals, the risk VAT area seems to be higher than that of adult individuals.