Vulnerable newborn types: analysis of subnational, population-based birth cohorts for 541 285 live births in 23 countries, 2000-2021.

OBJECTIVE: To examine prevalence of novel newborn types among 541 285 live births in 23 countries from 2000 to 2021. DESIGN: Descriptive multi-country secondary data analysis. SETTING: Subnational, population-based birth cohort studies (n = 45) in 23 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) spanning 2000-2021. POPULATION: Liveborn infants. METHODS: Subnational, population-based studies with high-quality birth outcome data from LMICs were invited to join the Vulnerable Newborn Measurement Collaboration. We defined distinct newborn types using gestational age (preterm [PT], term [T]), birthweight for gestational age using INTERGROWTH-21st standards (small for gestational age [SGA], appropriate for gestational age [AGA] or large for gestational age [LGA]), and birthweight (low birthweight, LBW [<2500 g], nonLBW) as ten types (using all three outcomes), six types (by excluding the birthweight categorisation), and four types (by collapsing the AGA and LGA categories). We defined small types as those with at least one classification of LBW, PT or SGA. We presented study characteristics, participant characteristics, data missingness, and prevalence of newborn types by region and study. RESULTS: Among 541 285 live births, 476 939 (88.1%) had non-missing and plausible values for gestational age, birthweight and sex required to construct the newborn types. The median prevalences of ten types across studies were T+AGA+nonLBW (58.0%), T+LGA+nonLBW (3.3%), T+AGA+LBW (0.5%), T+SGA+nonLBW (14.2%), T+SGA+LBW (7.1%), PT+LGA+nonLBW (1.6%), PT+LGA+LBW (0.2%), PT+AGA+nonLBW (3.7%), PT+AGA+LBW (3.6%) and PT+SGA+LBW (1.0%). The median prevalence of small types (six types, 37.6%) varied across studies and within regions and was higher in Southern Asia (52.4%) than in Sub-Saharan Africa (34.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Further investigation is needed to describe the mortality risks associated with newborn types and understand the implications of this framework for local targeting of interventions to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes in LMICs.

Oral resveratrol supplementation improves Metabolic Syndrome features in obese patients submitted to a lifestyle-changing program.

AIMS: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the oral resveratrol effects associated with diet and physical training changes on anthropometric and biochemical parameters. MAIN METHODS: 25 individuals aged from 30 to 60 years old; with Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 were included in the study. Following the primary evaluation (anthropometric and clinical), the patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: (1) Placebo: Physical activity program + Diet + Placebo; (2) Resveratrol: Physical activity program + Diet + Resveratrol (RVS) (250 mg/day) for three months. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were evaluated at baseline and after the treatment period. KEY FINDINGS: The main findings showed that the resveratrol supplementation improved total cholesterol (TC), High-density Lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), Very-low density Lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-c), urea, creatinine and albumin serum levels. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings indicate that this polyphenol may be an option to potentiate the beneficial effects induced by dietary and physical activity programs in the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) treatment.

Correlates of accelerometer-assessed physical activity in pregnancy-The 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study.

Objective methods to measure physical activity (PA) have become available and widely used given the high degree of precision to evaluate PA. However, few studies have used accelerometers to measure PA during pregnancy, especially in low- and middle-income countries. We assessed overall PA, moderate, vigorous, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) objectively measured among pregnant women and their correlates in a population-based study. PA was assessed for seven consecutive days using a raw triaxial wrist-worn accelerometer in women interviewed around 16 and 24 weeks of gestation in the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study. The average acceleration, which expresses overall PA, was presented in milli-g (1 mg = 0.001 g), and average time (min/day) spent in MVPA (>100 mg) was also analyzed in 5- and 10-min bouts. Analyses were performed using linear regression. In total, 2317 women were included in the analyses. Overall PA was 27.6 mg. Pregnant women spent on average 14 min/day in MVPA and 0.4 min in vigorous PA. Time spent in MVPA and total PA were inversely associated with years in school and income, and were lower among women receiving advice to not exercise. MVPA was also inversely associated with age, lower among women living with a partner, and higher among non-white women. The study indicated low levels of PA among pregnant women. The identified correlates may provide a framework to better understand factors influencing PA during pregnancy and thus inform future interventions.

Produção de novilhos castrados ou não castrados terminados em confinamento em idade jovem ou superjovem / Production of steers or bulls finished in feedlot at a young age or young steers

Avaliaram-se o desempenho produtivo e o rendimento de cortes comercias da carcaça de animais castrados ou não castrados terminados em confinamento e abatidos em idade jovem ou superjovem, alimentados com uma dieta contendo 11,2% de proteína bruta e 3,07Mcal de energia digestível/kg de matéria seca, composta de 50% de volumoso e 50% de concentrado. A idade no início do confinamento dos animais superjovens e jovens foi de nove e 22 meses, respectivamente. Maior PF foi observado para os animais jovens não castrados. O GMD foi 31% superior em favor dos novilhos jovens em relação aos superjovens. O CMS foi 27% superior para os novilhos jovens sobre os superjovens, e os novilhos não castrados consumiram 9% mais kg de matéria seca quando comparados aos castrados. A diferença de peso da meia carcaça entre animais não castrados e castrados foi de 43% para os jovens e de 18% para os superjovens. Maior percentual do corte serrote foi observado nos novilhos jovens castrados. Novilhos jovens apresentaram maior ganho de peso médio diário, bem como novilhos jovens não castrados apresentaram maior peso final. Animais não castrados apresentaram maiores pesos de meia carcaça fria, percentual de dianteiro e porção comestível do dianteiro em relação aos castrados.(AU)

The productive performance and yield of commercial cuts of the carcass of non-castrate or castrated males feedlot finished and slaughtered at a young age or young steers, fed a diet containing 11.2% crude protein and 3.07 Mcal of digestible energy / kg of dry matter, composed of 50% roughage and 50% concentrate were evaluated. The initial age at the beginning of confinement of young steers and steers were 9 and 22 months, respectively. Greater FW was observed for young non-castrate. The ADG was 31% higher for the steers in relation to young steers. The DMI was 27% higher for steers than young steers and non-castrated consumed 9% more dry matter kg compared to the castrated. The half-carcass weight difference between non-castrated and castrated animals was 43% for steers and 18% for young steers. Higher percentage hacksaw cut was observed in castrated steers. Steers showed higher average daily weight gain, as well as non-castrate steers showed higher final weight. Non-castrate animals have higher half cold carcass weights, front percentage, and of edible portion of the front in relation to castrated.(AU)

Frequency of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in cervical intraepithelial lesions and the status of cytological p16/Ki-67 dual-staining.

BACKGROUND: Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) is not a disease subject to mandatory reporting in Brazil, and the prevalence rate of this genital infection varies according to the region in which studies are conducted, as well as by the detection technique employed. Ct has been associated with persistence of Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and the facilitation of cervical carcinoma development. We evaluated the Chlamydia trachomatis infection and its association with cytology, p16/Ki-67 dual-stained cytology and cervical intraepithelial lesions status in a screening cohort in Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 1481 cervical samples from asymptomatic women aged 18 to 64. Samples were collected for liquid-based cytology and Ct detection by polymerase chain reaction. p16/Ki-67 double staining was performed on samples with abnormal cytology. Statistical analysis was by chi-square and likelihood-ratio tests. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were determined. RESULTS: The frequency of Ct was 15.6% and its presence was not associated with detection of p16/Ki-67 [OR = 1.35 (0.5-3.4)]. There was also no association between abnormal cervical cytology and Ct-positivity [OR = 1.21 (0.46-3.2)]. Associations were observed between p16/Ki-67 and high-grade lesions detected by cytology and in biopsies [OR = 3.55 (1.50-8.42) and OR = 19.00 (0.6-7.2), respectively]. CONCLUSIONS: The asymptomatic women in our study had a high frequency of Ct infection but this was not associated with p16/Ki-67 detection in samples with abnormal cytology. The expression of p16/Ki-67 was highest in women with high-grade CIN (p = 0.003).

Serum Levels of Cardiac Markers NT-proANP and NT-proBNP in Brachycephalic bitches at Different Gestational Stages.

The aim of this study was to determine serum levels of natriuretic peptide precursors (NT-proANP and NT-proBNP) during pregnancy in brachycephalic bitches. Fifteen healthy multiparous bitches were selected for this prospective study. Serum levels of NT-proANP and NT-proBNP were measured during anoestrous and at 14, 35, 42, 49 and 56 days (2nd, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th weeks) of pregnancy. Fourteen animals had normal gestations, and one bitch developed single foetus syndrome. The natriuretic peptide levels of this animal were not included in this study; however, it is important to report that its NT-proANP levels were four times greater than those of normal patients. There was no significant difference (p = 0.072) in NT-proBNP levels between anoestrous (0.20 ± 0.10 ng/ml) and the different pregnancy weeks (0.27 ± 0.12 ng/ml). There was a positive correlation (p < 0.0001) between NT-proANP and gestational age, and the levels of this marker increased significantly (p < 0.0001) during the 6th (0.26 ± 0.06 ng/ml), 7th (0.28 ± 0.04 ng/ml) and 8th weeks (0.29 ± 0.05 ng/ml) when compared to anoestrous (0.18 ± 0.02 ng/ml). NT-proANP serum levels are correlated with gestational development and may be indicative of cardiovascular adaptation in canine brachycephalic pregnancy.

Comparison of digit ratio (2D:4D) between Brazilian men with and without prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Digit ratio (2D:4D) has been suggested as a proxy biomarker for prenatal androgen activity and has been linked to prostate cancer, as the genes that regulate the formation and differentiation of the fingers are also related to the carcinogenesis of prostate cancer. To investigate the possible correlation between right hand, left hand and right hand minus left hand (DR-L) 2D:4D and prostate cancer of Brazilian subjects by comparing 2D:4D ratios of individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer and individuals without the disease. Also, to inquire the relationship between 2D:4D and severity of prostate cancer through Gleason scores. METHODS: Digital measurements of the lengths of the index and ring fingers of both hands of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCA group, n=100) and healthy control individuals (n=100) were obtained using a digital vernier caliper. Means of the 2D:4D ratios were compared. Data were analyzed by the Student's t-test for unpaired samples, Mann-Whitney test and Spearman's correlation with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: The PCA group presented significantly lower right and left 2D:4D (P=0.001 and P=0.002, respectively) in comparison to healthy controls, but DR-L were not significantly different between groups (P=0.589). In addition, digit ratios were not correlated to Gleason score for either hand or in DR-L. CONCLUSIONS: 2D:4D seems to be a marker for screening patients for prostate cancer in an admixed population, as males with prostate cancer present lower 2D:4D than healthy subjects. On the other hand, 2D:4D does not appear to be associated with the severity of prostate cancer.

Comportamento ingestivo e desempenho produtivo de cordeiros mantidos em pastagem tropical e recebendo diferentes suplementações / Ingestive behavior and productive performance of lambs maintained in tropical pasture receiving different supplements

Avaliaram-se os efeitos dos tipos de suplementação sobre o desempenho produtivo e o comportamento ingestivo diurno de cordeiros mestiços Santa Inês mantidos em pastagem de capim-aruana (Panicum maximum cv. Aruana) sobressemeado com aveia branca (Avena sativa L.) e azevém (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), em um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com três tratamentos e três repetições. Os cordeiros foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em três sistemas alimentares, com seis animais cada, sendo: PAST - cordeiros mantidos exclusivamente a pasto; SIL - cordeiros mantidos em pastagem recebendo suplementação (1,0% do peso vivo) com silagem de milho; CONC - cordeiros mantidos em pastagem recebendo suplementação (1,0% do peso vivo) com concentrado. Os cordeiros suplementados com concentrado apresentaram ganho de peso médio diário 37,5% superior aos mantidos em pastagem, mas não diferiram da suplementação com silagem de milho. O tempo de pastejo foi superior para os animais não suplementados quando comparados aos animais suplementados. Cordeiros mantidos a pasto e suplementados com silagem de milho ou concentrado ganham mais peso do que os cordeiros não suplementados.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the types of supplementation on performance and the diurnal feeding behavior of crossbred Santa Inês lambs maintained in aruana (Panicum maximum cv. Aruana) pasture grass overseeding with oat (Avena sativaL.) and Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) pasture in a completely randomized design with three treatments and three replications. The lambs were randomly assigned to three food systems of six animals each, PAST - lambs fed only pasture; SIL - lambs fed pasture and supplemented (1% of live weight) with corn silage; CONC - lambs fed pasture and supplemented with concentrate. Animals supplemented with concentrate presented average daily gain 37,5% higher, but did not differ from supplementation with corn silage. Grazing time was higher for non-supplemented animals compared with supplemented animals. Lambs maintained in pasture and supplemented with corn silage or concentrate gain more weight than non-supplemented lambs.

Suplementação com gordura protegida para vacas de corte desmamadas precocemente mantidas em pastagem natural / Protected fat supplementation for early weaned beef cows maintained in nature pasture

Avaliaram-se os desempenhos produtivo e reprodutivo de vacas de corte, bem como o desempenho de seus bezerros, de acordo com os tratamentos alimentares: PRE: suplementação com gordura protegida (GP) 45 dias antes do parto; PREPOS: suplementação com GP 45 dias antes do parto e 63 dias pós-parto; POS: suplementação com GP 63 dias pós-parto; PN: sem suplementação. O desempenho produtivo das vacas não foi influenciado pelo manejo alimentar (P>0,05), exceto para o escore da condição corporal (ECC) no final do período de acasalamento, que foi mais baixo para as vacas do PRE e do PREPOS, sendo que esta última apresentou ECC semelhante ao das vacas do POS e do PN. O intervalo entre partos foi menor para as vacas do tratamento PREPOS - 376 dias -, não diferindo das vacas do PN - 383 dias. As vacas do PREPOS desmamaram 4,4 por cento mais quilos de bezerro para cada 100kg de vaca ao parto - 22,6kg - do que as vacas do PRE e do POS - 21,6kg e 21,6kg, respectivamente - e 8,4 por centomais quilos de bezerro para cada 100kg de vaca ao parto do que as vacas mantidas em pastagem nativa - 20,7kg. A suplementação com gordura protegida durante os períodos pré e/ou pós-parto não afeta o desempenho de vacas e bezerros...

The objective of this work was to evaluate the productive and reproductive performance of beef cows, as well as the performance of their calves according to the following dietary treatments: PRE: supplemented with protected fat (PF) during 45 days prepartum; PREPOS: supplemented with PF during 45 days prepartum and 63 days postpartum; POS: supplemented with PF during 63 days postpartum; PN: without supplementation. The productive performance of cows was not influenced by feed management (P>0.05), except for body condition score (BCS), which was lower for PRE and PREPOS cows at the end of mating season, with the latter cows having similar BCS POS and PN. The calving interval (CI) was shorter for cows supplemented in PREPOS - 376 days -, and did not differ in cows maintained in PN - 383 days. Supplemented PREPOS cows weaned 4.4 percent more pounds of calf per 100kg of cow at calving - 22.6kg - than the PRE and POS cows - 21.6kg and 21.6kg, respectively - and 8,4 percent more pounds of calf per 100 of cow at calving than the cows maintained in native pasture - 20.7kg. The fat protected supplementation during pre and/or postpartum periods did not affect the performance of cows and calves...

Implementation of the INTERGROWTH-21st Project in Brazil.

The Latin American site in the INTERGROWTH-21(st) Project was Pelotas, Brazil, with approximately 4000 births per year. The sample for the Newborn Cross-Sectional Study (NCSS) was drawn from four hospitals, covering 99% of births in the city. The Fetal Growth Longitudinal Study (FGLS) sample was recruited from one of the largest private ultrasound clinics in the city and 30 smaller, private, antenatal clinics serving middle to high socio-economic status women. Among this site's major challenges was the recruitment of women for FGLS from numerous different clinics. Several public relations activities were conducted to improve collaborative efforts between the research team and obstetricians, paediatricians and community leaders in Pelotas.

Metabólitos sanguíneos de vacas de corte suplementadas ou não com sais de cálcio de ácidos graxos durante o período pré e/ou pós-parto / Blood metabolites from beef cows supplemented or not with calcium salts of fatty acids during pre and/or postpartum period

Avaliou-se a concentração de metabólitos sanguíneos de vacas de corte mantidas em pastagem natural recebendo suplementação com sais de cálcio de ácidos graxos (SCAG) durante 45 dias antes do parto (PRE), suplementação com SCAG durante 45 dias antes do parto e 63 dias pós-parto (PREPOS), suplementação com SCAG durante 63 dias pós-parto (POS) e de vacas não suplementadas (PN). As coletas de sangue foram realizadas em média 64 dias antes do parto, e aos 21, 42 e 63 dias pós-parto. Não ocorreu interação significativa entre tratamentos e períodos. As concentrações plasmáticas de β-hidroxibutirato (βHB), triglicerídeos (TRIG), colesterol, glicose e ureia não foram afetadas significativamente pela suplementação de gordura protegida. A análise de regressão mostrou queda linear significativa da concentração de TRIG no sangue com o aumento da produção de leite (PL) para as vacas do tratamento PN (TRIG = 23,10 - 2,18*PL, R² = 0,31) e efeito quadrático para as vacas do PRE (TRIG = 6,54 - 1,75*PL + 0,30*PL², R² = 0,62). Nos animais dos tratamentos POS e PREPOS, não houve efeito da produção de leite sobre a concentração de TRIG, indicando que a suplementação durante o período de produção de leite auxilia na manutenção de um balanço energético positivo. As concentrações de colesterol plasmático aumentaram, e as de triglicerídeos e ureia diminuíram linearmente até o final do experimento.

The study evaluated the blood metabolites of beef cows maintained on native pasture supplemented with calcium salts of fatty acids (CSFA) during 45 days pre-partum (PRE); supplemented with CSFA during 45 days pre-partum and 63 days post-partum (PREPOS); supplemented with CSFA during 63 days post-partum (POS) and cows not supplemented (PN): without supplementation. Blood samples were taken 64 days pre-partum, and at 21, 42 and 63 days post-partum. No significant interaction was observed between treatment and period. Plasma concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate (βHB), triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose and urea were not affected by protected fat supplementation. The regression analysis showed significant linear decline of blood triglycerides (TRIG) concentration with the increase of milk production (PL) for PN cows (TRIG= 23.10 - 2.18*PL, R²= 0.31) and quadratic effect for PRE cows (TRIG= 6.54 - 1.75*PL + 0.30*PL², R²= 0.62). For cows submitted to the POS and PREPOS treatments there was no effect of milk production on blood triglycerides concentration, indicating that CSFA during milk production aids the maintenance of a positive energetic balance. The concentration of plasma cholesterol increased while the concentrations of triglycerides and urea decreased linearly until the end of the experiment.

Órgãos internos e trato digestório de novilhos superprecoces não castrados ou castrados, de dois grupos genéticos / Internal organs and digestive tract of non-castrated or castrate young steers of two genotypes

Avaliaram-se as características dos órgãos e do trato gastrintestinal de novilhos com duas condições sexuais - castrados e não castrados -, com predomínio genético Charolês ou Nelore com idade e peso médios iniciais de 12 meses e 267kg, respectivamente. Os novilhos foram confinados até o peso de abate médio preestabelecido de 400kg. A dieta alimentar continha relação volumoso:concentrado de 50:50 (base na matéria seca), com 10 por cento de proteína bruta. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente ao acaso, em arranjo fatorial de 2x2 (duas condições sexuais x dois predomínios genéticos). Para o peso absoluto do omaso, observou-se interação significativa de genótipo versus condição sexual dos novilhos. Animais não castrados apresentaram maiores pesos absolutos dos rins (0,81 versus 0,66kg), do abomaso (1,20 versus 1,00kg) e dos intestinos, nas diferentes formas de expressão, em comparação aos castrados. Os animais com predomínio Charolês apresentaram maiores pesos absolutos do omaso (4,24 versus 3,46kg), dos intestinos (8,18 versus 6,84kg) e do total do trato digestório (16,88 versus 14,90kg) em relação aos animais com predominância Nelore. Não houve correlação entre o rendimento de carcaça e os componentes não integrantes da carcaça.

The characteristics of non-integrant parts of carcass of steers with two sexual conditions - castrated and non-castrated - with Charolais or Nellore genetic predominance were evaluated. The average age and inicial weight were 12 months old and 267kg, respectively. The steers were feedlot finished until slaughter weight of 400kg. The experimental diet was formulated in a roughage:concentrate ratio 50:50 (dry matter basis), with 10 percent crude protein. A completely randomized experimental design in a 2x2 factorial arrangement (two sexual conditions and two genetic groups) was used. Significant interaction between genotypes and sexual conditions of steers was observed for the omasum absolute weight. The non-castrated animals showed heavier kidneys (0.81 versus 0.66kg) and abomasums (1.20 versus 1.00kg) and intestines in comparisson to castrated animals. Genotypes with Charolais predominance showed heavier omasums (4.24 versus 3.46kg), intestines (8.18 versus 6.84kg), and the total digestive tract (16.88 versus 14.90kg) in relation to animals with Nellore predominance. No significant correlation between carcass dressing percentage and non-integrant parts of carcass was observed.

Risk of Chlamydia trachomatis infection during pregnancy: effectiveness of guidelines-based screening in identifying cases.

Our goal was to define the risk factors for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection among pregnant women at a large urban medical centre. In a retrospective study, clinical records at a US maternity unit from July 2005 through February 2008 were reviewed. The study population included all pregnant women with a singleton newborn of at least 20 weeks gestation and antenatal care information. Logistic regression was used to analyse the association between a positive CT test and demographic, behavioural and prenatal care variables. A total of 2127 women were included in this analysis. The prevalence of CT infection was 4.7%. Cases were more likely to be younger, black and single. Other risk factors included tobacco use and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection. Our findings suggest that factors other than age may impact upon the diagnosis of CT in pregnant women and that a more comprehensive testing strategy should be considered.

Chlamydia trachomatis infection during pregnancy and the risk of preterm birth: a case-control study.

Our goal was to define the risks of preterm birth associated with Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among pregnant women. We accessed clinical records from July 2005 to February 2008. The study population included all pregnant women who gave birth to a singleton newborn of at least 20 weeks' gestation, and who had antenatal care information. We estimated the impact of CT and other STI on the odds of preterm birth using logistic regression. Overall, 2127 women were included in this analysis. The prevalence of CT infection was 4.7%. CT diagnosis was not associated with preterm birth. In conclusion, this study did not find an association between CT and preterm birth. The lack of an association may be explained by early treatment. Future studies evaluating the timing of screening for STIs may help clarify whether pregnant women would benefit more from earlier screening.

Avaliação de métodos laboratoriais para estimar a digestibilidade e o valor energético de dietas para ruminantes / Evaluation of laboratorial methods to estimate the digestibility and energetic value of ruminant diets

Foi avaliada a acurácia dos métodos laboratoriais para estimar a digestibilidade e o valor energético de dietas para bovinos de corte. As dietas experimentais foram isonitrogenadas e compostas por silagem de milho e 25, 40, 55 ou 70 por cento de concentrado. Os valores de digestibilidade medidos in vivo foram comparados com os obtidos nos ensaios in situ, in vitro e in vitro/gases, e com valores estimados a partir de equações matemáticas baseadas na composição química das dietas. O ensaio in vivo foi realizado com quatro bovinos em delineamento em quadrado latino 4×4. Quatro animais foram usados para o ensaio in situ e quatro corridas foram realizadas para os ensaios in vitro. Não houve interação significativa de dietas versus métodos. As taxas de degradação calculadas a partir dos ensaios in situ e in vitro/gases não foram acuradas para estimar o valor nutritivo dos alimentos, e o método in vitro foi o que melhor estimou a digestibilidade das dietas. A equação de Weiss superestimou o valor nutricional das dietas por superestimar a digestibilidade da fibra e por subestimar a excreção endógena fecal, mas essa equação foi mais acurada que as equações de McDowell.

The accuracy of laboratorial methods to estimate the digestibility and energetic value of beef cattle diets was evaluated. Experimental diets were isonitrogenous and composed by corn silage, and 25, 40, 55, or 70 percent of concentrate. Digestibility values measured in vivo were compared to those obtained in situ, in vitro, and in vitro/gases assays, as well to values estimated from mathematical equations based on the chemical composition of diets. The in vivo assay was carried out using four cattle in a Latin Square experimental design. Four animals were used for in situ assay and four runs were carried out for in vitro assays. Significant interaction of method vs. diet was not observed. As single indicators, degradation rates calculated from in situ and in vitro/gas assays were not accurate to estimate the nutritive value of feeds. Among all tested methods, the in vitro assay was the most accurate to estimate the digestibility of diets. Weiss equation overestimated the nutritional value of diets by overestimated fiber digestibility and by underestimated fecal endogenous excretion. However, it was more accurate than McDowell equations.

Composição física da carcaça e qualidade da carne de novilhos Charolês e Nelore que receberam diferentes proporções de concentrado na dieta / Carcass composition and meat quality of Charolais and Nellore steers fed different concentrate levels

Avaliaram-se a composição física da carcaça e a qualidade da carne de 22 novilhos contemporâneos, com média de idade de 22 meses, das raças Charolês ou Nelore, terminados em confinamento, e que receberam diferentes proporções de concentrado na dieta. A fração volumosa da dieta foi composta pelas silagens de milho e sorgo em partes iguais. Os animais foram distribuídos em três tratamentos constituídos por 35, 50 ou 65 por cento de concentrado na matéria seca. Não houve efeito (P>0,05) da porcentagem de concentrado na dieta sobre a composição física da carcaça. A proporção de inclusão do concentrado influenciou (P=0,0013) positivamente a maciez da carne, aumentando em 0,026 pontos a cada ponto percentual de aumento do concentrado. As demais características qualitativas da carne não foram influenciadas (P>0,05) pelo aumento do concentrado na dieta. A carne dos novilhos Charolês apresentou textura mais fina, 4,15 x 3,14 pontos, foi mais macia, 6,85 x 5,71 pontos, mais suculenta, 7,17 x 5,77 pontos, e apresentou menor resistência das fibras ao cisalhamento, 3,79 x 5,79kgF. A carcaça dos novilhos Charolês apresentou maior deposição muscular, 65,5 x 61,5 por cento, e a dos novilhos Nelore apresentou maior percentagem de gordura, 23,3 x 20,3 por cento.

The physical compositionof carcass and meat quality of 22 Charolais (C) and Nellore (N) steers, feedlot finished and fed different levels of concentrate in the diet, were evaluated. The roughage fraction of the diet was made up by equal parts of corn and sorghum silages. The animals were distributed in three treatments constituted by 35, 50, or 65 percent of concentrate, in dry matter basis. Concentrate level did not affect carcass physical composition (P>0.05). Meat tenderness was positively affected (P=0.0013) by the concentrate level, increasing 0.026 points for each percent point increase of concentrate. The other meat qualitative characteristics were not affected by the concentrate level in the diet (P>0.05). Charolais steers showed meat with lighter color (4.44 x 2.89; P=0.0013), finer texture (4.15 x 3.14 points), better tenderness (6.85 x 5.71 points; P=0.0010), higher juiciness (7.17 x 5.77 points), lower Shear force (3.79 x 5.79kgf), and carcasses with higher muscle deposition (65.5 x 61.5 percent) in relation to N steers. Carcasses of Nellore steers showed higher fat percentage (23.3 x.20.3 percent).

Poverty, skin colour and HIV infection: a case-control study from southern Brazil.

We investigated the association between socioeconomic and behavioral factors and HIV infection and aids in a medium-sized Brazilian city. Cases included HIV-positive women (n=144) and women with aids (n=130) seen at a specialized facility. Controls were a probabilistic, population-based sample of 1,537 women aged 15-49 years. Groups were compared using logistic regression. Both HIV infection and AIDS were more frequent among younger women of non-white skin colour, with lower schooling and income who began sexual activity early. This is the first Brazilian study using population-based controls to show that both HIV-seropositivity and AIDS are concentrated among young, non-white poor women. It is important to prioritize preventive measures targeting these groups.

Prevalência de nódulos de tireóide detectados por ecografia em mulheres após os 40 anos / Prevalence of thyroid nodules in 40 years-old or old women

Nódulos de tireóide säo uma condiçäo clínica comum e em seu diagnóstico diferencial inclui-se o câncer de tireóide. Como o câncer de tireóide é raro, é importante conhecer a prevalência de nódulos de tireóide em grupos fortemente pre-dispostos para dimensionar seu impacto e adequar estratégias diagnósticas. OBJETIVOS: O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a prevalência de nódulos de tireóide diagnosticados por ecografia em mulheres na maturidade. MÉTODOS: Entre agosto de 1996 e dezembro de 1997 foram avaliadas, de forma consecutiva, pacientes do sexo feminino com idade de 40 anos ou mais que realizavam ecografia no Serviço de Radiologia do HCPA...

[Prevalence of thyroid nodules in 40 years-old or old women]. / Prevalência de nódulos de tireóide detectados por ecografia em mulheres após os 40 anos.

OBJECTIVES: Thyroid nodules constitute a very common clinical problem and the differential diagnosis includes thyroid cancer. As thyroid cancer is rare, it is important to know the prevalence of thyroid nodules in cohorts strongly predisposed to this problem to be able to measure its impact on the health care system, and to devise appropriate diagnostic strategies. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of thyroid nodules in women 40 year-old or older by echography. METHODS: Between August 1996 and December 1997, 207 women, 40 year-old or older, were consecutively evaluated by thyroid echography in the Radiology Division of the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Patients who came to the Division to be submitted to thyroid echography were excluded. The mean age of patients studied was 54.7 years (median: 53, range: 40-86 years). One hundred and twenty three patients (54.9%) had a normal thyroid and eighty-two had an abnormal gland (39.6%). Thyroid nodules were detected in seventy-three women (35.3%) and these were larger than 1 cm in 35 women (16.9%). Women without thyroid nodules were younger (53.1 +/-10.7 years) than women with thyroid nodules (58.2 +/-10.6 years) p=0.001; and the prevalence of any thyroid nodule (p=0.001) or nodules larger than 1 cm (p=0.007) increased with age. CONCLUSIONS: Thyroid nodules are very common in women 40 year-old or older, their prevalence increases with age in this cohort and these nodules are potentially palpable (larger than one cm) in one of six women in this age group It is important to have these data in mind when ordering thyroid echographic studies in women 40 year-old or older.