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PubMed2002

Daycare centers and schools as sources of exposure to mites, cockroach, and endotoxin in the city of São Paulo, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Public places, including schools, have been identified as sources of exposure to allergens derived from mites, cockroach, cat, and dog and to endotoxin. OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were to assess and compare exposure to allergens and endotoxin in 4 types of public child-care facilities in Brazil and to investigate whether the presence of children and the performance of cleaning procedures could have an influence on allergen and endotoxin levels. METHODS: We have analyzed dust from bedding, floors, chairs, and tables of daycare centers (DCs), preschools, kindergartens, and elementary schools (ESs). Major allergens from mites, cockroach, cat, and dog were quantitated by means of ELISA, and endotoxin content was determined by using the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate assay. RESULTS: Group 1 mite allergens were greater than 2 microg/g in 67% of DC and preschool samples and in 8.9% and 2.2% of kindergarten and ES samples, respectively. The presence of bedding in DCs and preschools accounted for increased levels of mite allergens in these settings. Levels of Bla g 1 were higher in ES floors compared with those found in DC and preschool floors. Low levels (<1 microg/g) of Fel d 1 e Can f 1 were found in most samples. Levels of endotoxin in DCs and preschools were 3 times higher than in ESs. CONCLUSIONS: DCs and schools in Brazil should be considered as important sources of exposure to dust mites and cockroach allergens and to endotoxin. Recommendations for mite allergen avoidance should include appropriate care of bedding in DCs and preschools.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Compliance with hepatitis B virus vaccination and risk of occupational exposure to blood and other body fluids in intensive care department personnel in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine has been recommended to health care workers because of their frequent exposure to patient blood and other body fluid. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was done to determine the compliance with HBV vaccination, and the risk of occupational exposure to blood or other body fluids in intensive care unit (ICU) personnel (n=458) in Goiânia, Brazil. RESULTS: The vast majority (95.5%) of ICU personnel reported HBV vaccination. Among those who did not, housekeepers were statistically associated with nonvaccination (P<.05). They had a 19.1-fold (95% confidence interval: 2.07-444.5) greater risk of nonvaccination compared with physicians. A total of 220 participants reported an incident with biologic fluids. Physician and nursing staff had a higher risk for occupational exposure to blood, other body fluids, or both when compared with housekeepers. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a high frequency of HBV vaccination in ICU personnel in Brazil. Nevertheless, more efforts are necessary to increase compliance with vaccination in housekeepers. Physician and nursing staffs showed high risk of occupational exposure to blood, other body fluids, or both, ratifying the importance of continuous education programs concerning prevention of bloodborne pathogen transmission for all ICU personnel.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Phytochemical analysis and analgesic properties of Curcuma zedoaria grown in Brazil.

The present study describes the phytochemical analysis and analgesic activity of Curcuma zedoaria rhizomes grown in Brazil. The results showed that the hydroalcoholic extract, fractions, specially dichloromethane, and a pure compound, denoted as curcumenol (1), exhibited potent and dose-related analgesic activity when evaluated in several models of pain in mice, including writhing, formalin and capsaicin. Compound (1), which seems to be the main active principle from this plant, presented promising analgesic effects, being several times more potent than different reference drugs evaluated in the same experimental models. The calculated ID50 values (micromol/kg, i.p) were 22 and 12 when evaluated in writhing and capsaicin tests, respectively, and 29 micromol/kg in relation to the second phase of the formalin model. The lack of effect in the hot plate test suggests that (1) act by a mechanism which do not involves the participation of the opioid system. The phytochemical analysis indicated that the chemical composition of the plant grown in Brazil is similar to that grown in other countries. The results confirm and justify the popular use of this plant for the treatment of dolorous processes.

Analgesics↗
PubMed1976

Further evidence for the transmission of Mansonella ozzardi by Simulium amazonicum in Brazil.

The transmission of Mansonella ozzardi was studied in two rubber collecting villages on the River Purus, state of Amazonas, Brazil. Haematophagous insects were collected from human and bovine baits during the day and night: 687 Mansonia amazonensis and 154 Culicoides sp. indet. were free from infection with M. ozzardi. The former species is probably not a vector, but the low numbers of culicoides dissected preclude any determination of its vector status. Thirty-five (0-99%) of 3530 Simulium amazonicum dissected were found naturally infected with larvae of M. ozzardi. Two hundred and ninety-nine M. amazonensis and 280 S. amazonicum were experimentally infected with M. ozzardi by feeding on volunteers. Microfilariae were detected in the blood meals of both species but no developing larvae were found in the thoracic muscles of M. amazonensis, confirming its non-vector status; 7-1% of the S. amazonicum dissected had filarial larvae in the thorax. There was a statistically significant difference between this rate and the natural rate of infection in this region, verifying that penetration of the thoraric muscles by M. ozzardi had occurred in the experimental infection. The data confirm the observation of Cerqueira (1959) that S. amazonicum transmits M. ozzardi in Brazil.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Epidemiology of dermal leishmaniasis in the Rio Doce Valley, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Dermal leishmaniasis is prevalent in the predominantly settled agricultural areas in the Rio Doce Valley in the eastern part of the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The disease has been recorded almost equally in both sexes. Cases have been confirmed in all age groups but youths aged ten to 14 years form the population segment at greatest risk to infection. Cases of single cutaneous lesions, multiple cutaneous lesions and muco-cutaneous lesions have been recorded in the area. Isolates of parasites include representatives of the Leishmania mexicana and L. braziliensis complexes and at least one parasite that does not fit into either category. Infections have not been detected in small mammals (mainly rodents) but about 3% of dogs are infected. The phlebotomine fauna includes no species (or close relatives of species) previously incriminated as vectors of mexicana and braziliensis infections in Brazil. In the complex and confusing epidemiological situation in the Rio Doce Valley it seems unwise to apply traditional specific names to Leishmania of the area.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

A land filled with mosquitoes: Fred L. Soper, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the anopheles gambiae invasion of Brazil.

The success of Fred Soper and the Rockefeller Foundation's International Health Division in eradicating the anopheles gambiae mosquito from Northeast Brazil was a significant watershed in the history of malaria control. It revived faith in vector control strategies and paved the way for the application of eradication methods in the fight against malaria following World War II. Yet Soper's achievement needs to be re-examined from a wider analytical perspective that takes account of the longer epidemiological history of malaria in northeast Brazil and the wider social and economic context within which malaria occurred. This wider perspective suggests that the origins of the 1938/39 malaria epidemic were much more complex than Soper acknowledged. By focusing narrowly on the anopheles gambiae mosquito and its eradication. Soper failed to understand this broader context. This myopia, in turn, permitted Soper to make claims for both the scale of his achievement and its importance for the future of malaria control which were unjustified.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Aflatoxin M1 and cyclopiazonic acid in fluid milk traded in São Paulo, Brazil.

Aflatoxin M(1) (AFM(1)) and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) were determined in 48 samples of grade A-C and ultra-high-temperature (UHT)-treated fluid commercial milk from São Paulo, Brazil, from July to December 2004. AFM(1) and CPA determinations were carried out by HPLC. Results showed 37 (77.1%) positive samples for AFM(1) at levels of 0.011-0.251 microg l(-1) milk, which were below the tolerance limit for AFM(1) in milk as adopted by Brazilian regulations. Mean levels of AFM(1) in grades A-C and UHT milk were 0.060+/-0.080, 0.056+/-0.063, 0.064+/-0.041 and 0.075+/-0.048microg l(-1), respectively. CPA was detected in two samples (4.2%) of grade A milk at levels of 6.4 and 9.7 microg l(-1). This is the first report of the occurrence of CPA in milk in Brazil. It was concluded that the incidence of AFM(1) in milk traded in São Paulo is low, but the simultaneous occurrence of CPA, even at low levels, warrants concern about AFM(1) in milk and milk products.

Aflatoxin M1↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Potential weekly intake of artificial food colours by 3-14-year-old children in Brazil.

The Potential Weekly Intake (PWI) of artificial food colours by 3-14-year-old children living in the District of Barão Geraldo, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil, was estimated on the basis of average consumption data of artificially coloured food and analytically determined colour concentration in foodstuffs ingested. Coloured food consumption data were obtained through dietary recall interviews and collection of the packages and/or labels of the coloured foods consumed during a two-week period. Colours found in the individual types of foods detected through the consumption survey were identified and determined by methods that included wool dyeing and polyamide column extractions, ascending paper chromatography and spectrophotometry. The results showed that all artificial colours used in the composition of 83 commercial food products, including jellies, juices, soft drinks, syrups and 57 different candies, were permitted for use in food in Brazil the year the survey was conducted (1986), in amounts below those prescribed by law. Statistical analysis performed to compare the PWI for different population groups demonstrated that young male children, especially from lower social classes, were most exposed to artificial colours. Comparison of the estimated potential intakes with the toxicologically Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) showed that consumption of Amaranth, Sunset Yellow, Indigotine and Tartrazine by all children in the study represented approximately 24%, 3%, 0.05% and 0.4%, of the actual ADI values, respectively.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Childhood and adolescent growth of patients with sickle cell disease in Aracaju, Sergipe, north-east Brazil.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most prevalent inherited monogenic pathology in South America. Although children with SCD have normal birthweight, weight deficit is often seen from early childhood. On the other hand, paradoxically, normal final height associated with delayed puberty has been reported from Brazil and Jamaica. This cross-sectional study describes the growth pattern by age and sex in 76 children and adolescents with SCD in Sergipe, north-east Brazil with a median age of 110 months. Median weights and heights for age were below the NCHS standards. The weight and height deficits were statistically significant for boys of all ages, except for 7-year-olds. Most girls have median weights and heights below the NCHS standards but this only becomes statistically significant at 15 years of age. Family channels were calculated from the parents' heights. The observed height was lower than the expected percentile value for the family in seven (41%) children, equal to expected family height in six (35%) and above expected family height in four (24%) of 17 teenagers. Our findings suggest that Brazilian children with SCD do not attain normal height and weight. It is therefore likely that, although maximum height and weight velocity occur significantly later than normal due to delayed puberty, the magnitude of this spurt is less than normal.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Obesity and its relationship with asthma prevalence and severity in adolescents from southern Brazil.

Obesity has been pointed out as a risk factor for higher prevalence of asthma and asthma-related symptoms in adolescents. The objective was to evaluate the relationship between the prevalence of asthma and obesity in adolescents living in Santa Maria and surroundings (state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil), applying the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) protocol. A total of 4,010 of 6,123 schoolchildren, 13 to 14 years of age, enrolled in the ISAAC phase III protocol (asthma core questionnaire) and were nutritionally evaluated: height, weight, and triceps skinfold (TSF) measurements. Prevalence of asthma (wheeze in the last 12 months) and prevalence of severe asthma (two or more affirmative responses to: more than 4 acute attacks of asthma, speech disturbance, sleep disturbance, wheezing with exercise) were evaluated and compared according to their nutritional status: obese and non-obese. Obese adolescents were defined by body mass index (BMI, in kg/m(2)) > or =85th percentile and TSF > or =85th percentile. Obese and non-obese groups were compared for prevalence of asthma and asthma severity using the Chi-square test and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval. Analyzing all adolescents, we observed a significant positive relationship between the prevalence of obesity and affirmative responses to "wheeze ever" (OR = 1.28; 95% CI 1.08-1.52), "wheezing with exercise" (OR = 1.36; 95% CI 1.11-1.66), "asthma ever" (OR = 1.29; 95% CI 1.03-1.62), and severe asthma (OR = 1.55; 95% CI 1.12-2.14). Among the boys, there was a significant positive association between obesity and "wheeze ever" (OR = 1.49; 95% CI 1.13-1.86). In girls, there was a significant positive relationship with "asthma ever" (OR = 1.38; 95% CI 1.01-1.88) and "wheezing with exercise" (OR = 1.36; 95% CI 1.11-1.66). This cross-sectional study with adolescents living in the southern region of Brazil showed that there is a positive association between obesity and prevalence of asthma symptoms and asthma severity, a finding mainly confined to girls.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Changing patterns of cocaine use and hiv risks in the south of Brazil.

For well over a decade, researchers in Porto Alegre, Brazil, have been documenting the extent of the AIDS epidemic in the region, with a specific focus on the linkages between drug use and HIV seropositivity. Virtually all of the studies conducted during those years found injection drug use (IDU) to be the major vector for HIV seropositivity in this population. However, recent research found that the number of IDUs had declined significantly. Qualitative interviews and focus groups suggested many reasons for this decline: (1) many had died, because they had never heard of AIDS or HIV, and were unaware of how HIV is transmitted. As a result, they had become infected through the sharing of injection paraphernalia. (2) The quality of street cocaine had declined, making injection difficult. (3) Because of a fear of AIDS, some shifted to the smoking of crack, which had become a newly availability commodity in the street culture. Within this context, this article describes the qualitative data describing the decline of cocaine injecting and the corresponding emergence of crack use in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and related HIV risks.

Brazil↗
PubMed2003

Management of cleft lip and palate in Brazil.

We aimed to evaluate the treatment protocols for cleft lip and palate that are used in Brazil, to compare them with the ones proposed from elsewhere, and to discuss the official data about admission for treatment of cleft lip or palate, or both, in Brazil. We also assessed the importance of integrated action of different specialities to treat this condition. A questionnaire related to attendance protocols was developed and sent out to all Brazilian Plastic Surgery Services connected to the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery, and to other units involved in such treatment. We also studied the data produced by the Brazilian Department of Health about the operations done during the past five years. Many protocols were identified, but despite much controversy in many areas, a consensus was reached about the surgical techniques, the age group most suitable to be operated on, and there was total agreement about the need for multidisciplinary management. According to the State Department of Health, the number of operations done in 1995 was 9696, and this had increased to 21 022 in 1999. The state of São Paulo had done 17636 (84%) of all procedures in 1999.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Genetic variation and relationships at six VNTR loci in two distinct sample populations in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The Brazilian population has been the focus of intensive genetic study due to admixture characteristics whereas there are few reports on the variability of VNTR loci in Brazil. PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyse genetic parameters in sample populations from two geographically distant regions: São Luis City, in Maranhão State and Campinas City, in São Paulo State. We investigated if distinct colonization influences could produce detectable differences in genetic background. SUBJECT AND METHODS: DNA samples from peripheral drained blood were obtained from unrelated individuals who underwent paternity testing. Allelic variation in six VNTR loci (D2S44, D4S139, D5S110, D8S358, DI0S28 and D17S79) was evaluated. The results were compared to reference databases available for general Latin-derived European and African-American populations as well as for other Brazilian groups. RESULTS: This study reveals that forensic population parameters did not show differences among regions, although we detected admixture values varying between the south-east and north-east of Brazil. CONCLUSIONS: Differences between the two samples are probably due to different admixture proportions of European- and African-derived alleles in each region: both populations are in Hardy Weinberg equilibrium. In addition, the allelic frequency for all loci, in both populations, can be used as database for forensic purposes.

Alleles↗
PubMed2004

Socioeconomic conditions as determining factors in the prevalence of systemic and ocular toxoplasmosis in Northeastern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of systemic and ocular toxoplasmosis among 1024 students in the city of Natal, Northeastern Brazil, and correlate it with demographic, socioeconomic and epidemiological risk factors. METHODS: The study population was randomly selected, asked to fill out a questionnaire, provide a blood sample for IgG and IgM (MEIA) serology and a hemogram, and undergo an eye examination. RESULTS: The seroprevalence for IgG was 46% (95% CI = 42.9-49.2%) and that for IgM was 1.4% (95% CI = 0.8-2.4%). The prevalence of ocular lesions was 1.15% (95% CI = 0.6-2.0%). In the univariate analyses, confirmed by multivariate analysis, the socioeconomic conditions were determinants in the prevalence of systemic and ocular toxoplasmosis (mother's schooling = literacy/OR = 2.9 and p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of systemic toxoplasmosis, although high, was lower than that found in studies performed in the South and Southeast of Brazil, and the incidence of ocular lesions was totally different, being lower by a factor varying from 5 to 17. Although important epidemiological variables, such as owning a cat, drinking unfiltered water or having had contact with lakes or rivers, were found to be correlated with toxoplasmosis in the preliminary analysis, they lost their influence when included in the logistic model. However, further studies must be undertaken to identify the reasons for these findings, including the determination of the strains of Toxoplasma gondii encountered in different regions of the country and the sources of the water utilized by these populations.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Growing up in a world with AIDS: social advantages of having AIDS in Brazil.

Could HIV/AIDS become a positive factor for a child's life? This contradiction is explored in this paper based on anthropological fieldwork and research in Brazil. I used participant observation and informal interviewing both with children living with HIV/AIDS and uninfected street children to obtain qualitative data. Brazil is known as a country leader in social responses towards the AIDS epidemic. Not only has access to antiretroviral medications been assured, but also a series of help networks guarantee that the human rights of HIV-infected people be respected. Children and adolescents benefit equally from these social gains. As such, many children born to HIV-positive women have reached adolescence and have 'normal' lives. This article explores the life experiences of children and adolescents infected by HIV and compares them to the life experiences of street children. Even though the AIDS epidemic is linked to death, infected children and adolescents dream about their lives and futures. Contradictorily, street children, who have not acquired the virus and are considered healthy from a biological stand point, have no prospective plans and answer without hope to questions about the future.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1996

Regional training in AIDS prevention for health and behavioural science leaders in north-eastern Brazil.

This article reports results of a World AIDS Foundation-funded training programme in North-Eastern Brazil. Training objectives were: (1) to increase the effectiveness of existing medical and behavioural HIV-related services; (2) to prepare professionals to implement and evaluate social skills-based AIDS prevention programmes incorporating metacontingency systems; (3) to prepare professionals to disseminate training content in North-Eastern Brazil; and (4) to promote local involvement in regional AIDS programme planning. Fifty-eight health and behavioural sciences leaders from 5 North-Eastern Brazilian states represented a variety of institutions actually or potentially involved in AIDS prevention. Training activities focused on programme planning and evaluation and social skills training. Written pre- and post-test data indicate that all participants had a basic understanding of AIDS transmission at baseline. Significant knowledge increases (p < 0.01) resulted in all domains trained except for programme evaluation. For the two social skills evaluated (Condom Use Negotiation and Social Skills Trainer), significant improvements (p < 0.01) resulted in verbal and non-verbal content, assertiveness and anxiety, with the exception of near-significant levels (p < 0.10) achieved for assertiveness and anxiety on the 'Trainer' skill. Participants cofacilitated follow-up trainings in their respective states. These trainings demonstrated a successful model for technology transfer. More focused training is needed in programme design and evaluation methods.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed2001

Occupational health in Brazil.

The author presents a review of the history of occupational health in Brazil, concerning the last 3 centuries. This period was divided into (a) slave labour, (b) immigrant labour, and (c) industrial labour. The author shows the early occupational diseases, pioneering occupational physicians and Brazilian laws on the subject. The creation of Fundacentro (Brazilian Foundation of Occupational Health and Safety) and the foundation of the Brazilian Association on Occupational Medicine (ANAMT) are described as well as their activities. The author concludes the article by showing the importance of the actions of the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Social Security for the development of occupational health in Brazil.

Brazil↗
PubMed2004

Cryptococcosis outbreak in psittacine birds in Brazil.

An outbreak of cryptococcosis occurred in a breeding aviary in São Paulo, Brazil. Seven psittacine birds (of species Charmosyna papou, Lorius lory, Trichoglossus goldiei, Psittacula krameri and Psittacus erithacus) died of disseminated cryptococcosis. Incoordination, progressive paralysis and difficulty in flying were seen in five birds, whereas superficial lesions coincident with respiratory alterations were seen in two birds. Encapsulated yeasts suggestive of Cryptococcus sp. were seen in faecal smears stained with India ink in two cases. Histological examination of the birds showed cryptococcal cells in various tissues, including the beak, choana, sinus, lungs, air sacs, heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, intestines and central nervous system. High titres of cryptococcal antigen were observed in the serum of an affected bird. In this case, titres increased during treatment and the bird eventually died. Yeasts were isolated from the nasal mass, faeces and liver of one bird. Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii serovar B was identified based on biochemical, physiological and serological tests. These strains were resistant (minimum inhibitory concentration 64 microg/ml) to fluconazole. This is the first report of C. neoformans var. gattii occurring in psittacine birds in Brazil.

Animals↗