The benchmark black hole in NGC 4258: dynamical models from high-resolution two-dimensional stellar kinematics

NGC 4258 is the galaxy with the most accurate (maser-based) determination for the mass of the supermassive black hole (SMBH) in its nucleus. In this work we present a two-dimensional mapping of the stellar kinematics in the inner 3.0 x 3.0 arcsec = 100 x 100 pc of NGC 4258 using adaptative-optics observations obtained with the Near-Infrared Integral Field Spectrograph of the GEMINI North telescope at a 0.11 arcsec (4 pc) angular resolution. The observations resolve the radius of influence of the SMBH, revealing an abrupt increase in the stellar velocity dispersion within 10 pc from the nucleus, consistent with the presence of a SMBH there. Assuming that the galaxy nucleus is in a steady state and that the velocity dispersion ellipsoid is aligned with a cylindrical coordinate system, we constructed a Jeans anisotropic dynamical model to fit the observed kinematics distribution. Our dynamical model assumes that the galaxy has axial symmetry and is constructed using the multi-gaussian expansion method to parametrize the observed surface brightness distribution. The Jeans dynamical model has three free parameters: the mass of the central SMBH, the mass-luminosity ratio of the galaxy and the anisotropy of the velocity distribution. We test two types of models: one with constant velocity anisotropy, and another with variable anisotropy. The model that best reproduces the observed kinematics was obtained considering that the galaxy has radially varying anisotropy, being the best-fitting parameters with 3$\sigma$ significance $M_\bullet=4.8^{+0.8}_{-0.9}\times 10^7\,{\rm M_\odot}$ and $\Gamma_k = 4.1^{+0.4}_{-0.5}$. This value for the mass of the SMBH is just 25 per cent larger than that of the maser determination and 50 per cent larger that a previous stellar dynamical determination obtained via Schwarzschild models.Comment: Accepted for publication in MNRAS, 19 pages, 19 figure

Agreement between self-reported prepregnancy weight and measured firsttrimester weight in Brazilian women

Background: Self-reported pre-pregnancy weight and weight measured in the first trimester are both used to estimate pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) but there is limited information on how they compare, especially in low- and middle-income countries, where access to a weight scale can be limited. Thus, the main goal of this study was to evaluate the agreement between self-reported pre-pregnancy weight and weight measured during the first trimester of pregnancy among Brazilian women so as to assess whether self-reported pre-pregnancy weight is reliable and can be used for calculation of BMI and GWG. Methods: Data from the Brazilian Maternal and Child Nutrition Consortium (BMCNC, n = 5563) and the National Food and Nutritional Surveillance System (SISVAN, n = 393,095) were used to evaluate the agreement between selfreported pre-pregnancy weight and weights measured in three overlapping intervals (30–94, 30–60 and 30–45 days of pregnancy) and their impact in BMI classification. We calculated intraclass correlation and Lin’s concordance coefficients, constructed Bland and Altman plots, and determined Kappa coefficient for the categories of BMI. Results: The mean of the differences between self-reported and measured weights was 0.90 for both datasets in all time intervals. Bland and Altman plots showed that the majority of the difference laid in the ±2 kg interval and that the differences did not vary according to measured first-trimester BMI. Kappa coefficient values were > 0.80 for both datasets at all intervals. Using self-reported prepregnancy or measured weight would change, in total, the classification of BMI in 15.9, 13.5, and 12.2% of women in the BMCNC and 12.1, 10.7, and 10.2% in the SISVAN, at 30–94, 30–60 and 30–45 days, respectively. Conclusion: In Brazil, self-reported pre-pregnancy weight can be used for calculation of BMI and GWG when an early measurement of weight during pregnancy is not available. These results are especially important in a country where the majority of woman do not initiate prenatal care early in pregnancy

Brazilian Maternal and Child Nutrition Consortium : establishment, data harmonization and basic characteristics

Pooled data analysis in the feld of maternal and child nutrition rarely incorporates data from low- and middle-income countries and existing studies lack a description of the methods used to harmonize the data and to assess heterogeneity. We describe the creation of the Brazilian Maternal and Child Nutrition Consortium dataset, from multiple pooled longitudinal studies, having gestational weight gain (GWG) as an example. Investigators of the eligible studies published from 1990 to 2018 were invited to participate. We conducted consistency analysis, identifed outliers, and assessed heterogeneity for GWG. Outliers identifcation considered the longitudinal nature of the data. Heterogeneity was performed adjusting multilevel models. We identifed 68 studies and invited 59 for this initiative. Data from 29 studies were received, 21 were retained for analysis, resulting in a fnal sample of 17,344 women with 72,616 weight measurements. Fewer than 1% of all weight measurements were fagged as outliers. Women with pre-pregnancy obesity had lower values for GWG throughout pregnancy. GWG, birth length and weight were similar across the studies and remarkably similar to a Brazilian nationwide study. Pooled data analyses can increase the potential of addressing important questions regarding maternal and child health, especially in countries where research investment is limited

FFQ for the adult population of the capital of Ecuador (FFQ-Quito) : development, reliability and validity

Objective: To assess the reliability and validity of a semi-quantitative FFQ designed to evaluate the usual nutrient intake of adults in Quito, Ecuador. Design: Dietary data using 24 h recalls (24hR) were used to design a list of commonly consumed foods. The relative validity of a 111-item FFQ was evaluated by comparing nutrient intakes against three non-consecutive 24hR. All nutrients were energy-adjusted. Reliability was assessed using two FFQ (FFQ1 and FFQ2) and assessed by the intra-class correlation coefficient. The comparisons between the FFQ and the 24hR were assessed by the de-attenuated Pearson correlation coefficient, weighted kappa and by Bland–Altman plots. Setting: Quito, Ecuador. Subjects: Overall, 345 adults were enrolled in the present study. Two hundred and fifty participated in FFQ development and ninety-five participated in the FFQ validity and reliability. Results: The FFQ produced higher energy and nutrient intakes. Reliability correlation coefficients after adjusting for energy ranged from 0·62 to 0·88 for protein and Ca, respectively. For the validity study, energy-adjusted and de-attenuated correlation coefficients between the questionnaire and the 24hR ranged from 0·21 for fat to 0·65 for Ca. Only 4% of the participants were grossly misclassified and 46%had weighted kappa higher than 0·42. The Bland–Altman plot showed a constant bias with a tendency to increase according to the intake level. Conclusions: The FFQ showed reasonably good relative validity and reliable measurements, especially for nutrients considered protective and risk markers of non-communicable disease, and can be used to assess usual nutrient intake in this population

Adecuación del cuidado prenatal considerando la asistencia nutricional en el sur de Brasil : Estudio de Cohorte Maternar

We verified the prevalence of adequacy in prenatal care considering nutritional assistance and associated factors. It is a cross-sectional study, part of Maternar Cohort Study, conducted between 2018-2019 in Southern Brazil. Women were interviewed during hospitalization in the immediate postpartum period and data were collected from the prenatal chart. Prenatal adequacy and nutritional care were assessed according to criteria from the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Two outcome models were constructed. Outcome 1 consisted of minimal coverage (early prenatal start and minimum number of visits) and exams, and Outcome 2 comprised minimal coverage, exams, and nutritional assistance. Poisson regression was used to estimate prevalence ratios. A total of 802 women were analyzed, and we identified 57% of adequacy of Outcome 1. Unplanned pregnancy (PR = 0.76; 95%CI: 0.68-0.86), parity (PR = 0.88; 95%CI: 0.83-0.94) and prenatal care outside Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul State (PR = 0.80; 95%CI: 0.69-0.92), were associated with lower prenatal adequacy frequencies. Outcome 2 was considered adequate for 10.2% of women. Follow-up by different professionals during prenatal care was associated with lower adequacy (PR = 0.49; 95%CI: 0.28-0.86). Women with high-risk pregnancies had a higher frequency of adequacy in Outcome 1 (PR = 1.21; 95%CI: 1.07-1.37) and in Outcome 2 (PR = 1.75; 95%CI: 1.16-2.64). General adequacy was considered low in both outcomes. There was a lack of nutritional assistance during prenatal care. Characteristics such as pregnancy planning, lower parity, prenatal care in Porto Alegre, follow-up by the same professional and high-risk pregnancy were predictors for the adequacy of prenatal care.Verificamos a prevalência de adequação da atenção pré-natal considerando a assistência nutricional e identificamos os fatores associados. O estudo transversal, parte do Estudo de Coorte Maternar, foi realizado em 2018 e 2019 no Sul do Brasil. As mulheres foram entrevistadas durante a internação no pós-parto imediato, e os dados foram coletados do cartão de pré-natal. A adequação do pré-natal e da assistência nutricional foram avaliadas de acordo com os critérios do Ministério da Saúde. Dois modelos de desfechos foram construídos. O Desfecho 1 consistia em cobertura mínima (início precoce do pré-natal e número mínimo de consultas) e exames, e o Desfecho 2, com cobertura mínima e exames, acrescidos de assistência nutricional. Foi utilizada a regressão de Poisson para estimar as razões de prevalência. Foram analisadas 802 mulheres, e identificamos 57% de adequação do Desfecho 1. A gravidez não planejada (RP = 0,76; IC95% 0,68-0,86), paridade (RP = 0,88; IC95%: 0,83-0,94) e pré-natal fora da capital do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul (RP = 0,80; IC95%: 0,69-0,92) estiveram associados a menores frequências de pré-natal adequado. O Desfecho 2 foi considerado adequado em 10,2% das mulheres. O acompanhamento por diferentes profissionais durante o pré-natal esteve associado a menor adequação (RP = 0,49; IC95%: 0,28-0,86). As mulheres com gravidez de alto risco tiveram maior frequência de adequação no Desfecho 1 (RP = 1,21; IC95%: 1,07-1,37) e no Desfecho 2 (RP = 1,75; IC95%: 1,16-2,64). A adequação geral foi considerada baixa para ambos os desfechos. Havia falta de assistência nutricional durante o atendimento pré-natal. Os preditores de adequação do pré-natal incluíam planejamento da gravidez, paridade menor, pré-natal na capital, acompanhamento pelo mesmo profissional e gestação de alto risco.Verificamos la prevalencia de la adecuación del cuidado prenatal, considerando factores relacionados con la asistencia nutricional, así como sus factores asociados. Se trata de un estudio trasversal, que parte del Estudio de Cohorte Maternar, realizada entre 2018-2019 en el sur de Brasil. Las mujeres fueron entrevistadas durante su hospitalización en un período inmediato al postparto y los datos se recogieron de la cartilla prenatal. La adecuación prenatal y nutricional fue evaluada según los criterios del Ministerio de Salud. Se construyeron dos modelos de resultados. El Resultado 1 consistió en una mínima cobertura (inicio temprano prenatal y mínimo número de visitas) y exámenes, y el Resultado 2 tuvo una mínima cobertura, exámenes y asistencia nutricional. La regresión de Poisson se usó para estimar las ratios de prevalencia. Se analizaron a 802 mujeres, e identificamos un 57% de adecuación al Resultado 1. Embarazo no planeado (RP = 0,76; IC95%: 0,68-0,86), paridad (RP = 0,88; IC95%: 0,83-0,94) y cuidado prenatal fuera de la capital del estado de Rio Grande do Sul (RP = 0,80; IC95%: 0,69-0,92) estuvieron asociados con frecuencias de educación más bajas durante el período prenatal. El Resultado 2 fue considerado adecuado para un 10,2% de las mujeres. El seguimiento realizado por parte de diferentes profesionales durante el cuidado prenatal estuvo asociado con una adecuación más baja (RP = 0,49; IC95%: 0,28-0,86). Las mujeres con embarazos de alto riesgo tuvieron una frecuencia más alta de adecuación en el Resultado 1 (RP = 1,21; IC95%: 1,07-1,37) y en el Resultado 2 (RP = 1,75; IC95%: 1,16-2,64). La adecuación general fue considerada baja en ambos resultados. Hubo una falta de asistencia nutricional durante el cuidado prenatal. Características tales como: planificación de los embarazos, paridad más baja, cuidado prenatal en la capital, seguimiento por el mismo profesional y embarazo de alto riesgo fueron predictores para la idoneidad del cuidado prenatal

Food consumption and dietary factors involved in health and disease in Nikkeis: systematic review

OBJETIVO: Analisar consumo alimentar e fatores dietéticos envolvidos no processo saúde e doença da população de nikkeis. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada revisão sistemática da literatura, com buscas nas bases de dados do Lilacs, SciELO e PubMed/Medline, referente ao período de 1997 a 2012, de estudos observacionais sobre o consumo alimentar de nikkeis. Inicialmente, foram analisados 137 títulos e resumos, sendo excluídos estudos de intervenção, aqueles que apresentavam somente níveis séricos de vitaminas e metabólitos e estudos que não contemplassem o objetivo da revisão. Desses, foram selecionados 38 estudos avaliados com base no método de Downs & Black (1998), adaptado para estudos observacionais, permanecendo 33 para análise. RESULTADOS: Foram encontrados poucos estudos sobre consumo alimentar de nikkeis fora do Havaí, dos Estados Unidos e do estado de São Paulo (principalmente em Bauru), no Brasil. Houve elevada contribuição dos lipídios no valor calórico total dos nipo-brasileiros, em detrimento dos carboidratos e das proteínas. Nos Estados Unidos, a prevalência de consumo de alimentos de alta densidade energética foi elevada em nipo-americanos. Os nisseis (filhos de imigrantes) apresentaram, em média, maior consumo de produtos da dieta japonesa, enquanto os sanseis (netos de imigrantes) apresentaram um perfil alimentar mais ocidentalizado. CONCLUSÕES: O consumo alimentar de nikkeis, embora ainda conservando alguns hábitos alimentares de japoneses nativos, revela alta prevalência de consumo de alimentos típicos do padrão ocidental (alimentos processados, ricos em gorduras e sódio e pobres em fibras), que pode estar contribuindo para o aumento de doenças crônicas nessa população.OBJETIVO: Analizar consumo alimenticio y factores dietéticos involucrados en el proceso de salud enfermedad de la población de nikkeis. MÉTODOS: Se realizó revisión sistemática de la literatura, buscando en las bases de datos de Lilacs, SciELO y Pubmed/Medline, referente al período de 1997 a 2012, de estudios observacionales sobre el consumo alimenticio de nikkeis. Inicialmente, se analizaron 137 títulos y resúmenes, siendo excluidos estudios de intervención, aquellos que presentaban solamente niveles séricos de vitaminas y metabolitos y estudios que no contemplaban el objetivo de la revisión. De estos, se seleccionaron 38 estudios evaluados con base en el método de Downs & Black (1998), adaptado para estudios observacionales, permaneciendo 33 para análisis. RESULTADOS: Se encontraron pocos estudios sobre consumo alimenticio de nikkeis fuera de Hawái, de los Estados Unidos y del estado de Sao Paulo (principalmente en Bauru), Brasil. Hubo elevada contribución de los lípidos en el valor calórico total de los nipo-brasileños, en detrimento de los carbohidratos y de las proteínas. En los Estados Unidos, la prevalencia de consumo de alimentos de alta densidad energética fue elevada en nipo-americanos. Los niseis (hijos de inmigrantes) presentaron, en promedio, mayor consumo de productos de la dieta japonesa, mientras que los sanseis (nietos de inmigrantes) presentaron un perfil alimenticio más occidentalizado. CONCLUSIONES: El consumo alimenticio de nikkeis, a pesar de que aún se conservan algunos hábitos alimenticios de japoneses nativos, revela alta prevalencia de consumo de alimentos típicos de patrón occidental (alimentos procesados, ricos en grasas y sodio y pobres en fibras), que puede estar contribuyendo en el aumento de enfermedades crónicas en ésta población.OBJECTIVE: To analyze food consumption and dietary factors involved in the Nikkei population's health and disease processes METHODS: A systematic review of observational studies that described Nikkeis' food intake was carried out in electronic databases Lilacs, SciELO and PubMed/Medline databases, from 1997 to 2012. Initially, 137 titles and abstracts were analyzed, excluding intervention studies, those which only presented metabolite and vitamin plasma levels and those which did not meet the objective of this study. Of these, 38 studies were selected and evaluated using a method based on Downs & Black (1998), adapted for observational studies, leaving 33 studies to be analyzed. RESULTS: Few studies about Nikkei food intake were found outside of Hawaii, in the United States, and Sao Paulo (mainly in the city of Bauru) in Brazil. The total energy intake of Japanese-Brazilians had an elevated fat contribution, decreasing carbohydrate and protein intake. In the United States, the prevalence of Japanese-Americans who consumed high density energy food was elevated. The Niseis (children of immigrants) presented, on average, higher intake of Japanese food products, while the Sanseis (grandchildren of immigrants) showed more Westernized dietary habits. CONCLUSIONS: Although some Japanese food habits have been maintained, the Nikkeis' dietary intake reveals a high prevalence of typical Westernized food intake (high in processed food, fat and sodium, and poor in fiber), that may be contributing to the increasing development of chronic disease in this population

Levantamento do número de pacientes do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre que consomem alimentos não fornecidos pelo hospital

Dada à falta de evidência a respeito do consumo de alimentos trazidos de fora do hospital pelos pacientes baixados, este estudo teve como objetivo principal saber qual a prevalência de pacientes internados no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA) que consomem alimentos não fornecidos pelo hospital. Como objetivos secundários desejou-se saber quais as principais causas que levam os pacientes a consumirem outros alimentos e qual o seu nível de conhecimento a respeito dos riscos que estão sujeitos ao fazer essa prática. Os profissionais de saúde também foram alvo da pesquisa, quando se buscou saber a sua posição frente à possibilidade do paciente não estar seguindo as recomendações dietéticas. Foi um estudo transversal com aplicação de questionários por pessoal treinado, tanto aos pacientes quanto aos profissionais de saúde. As variáveis obtidas e/ou calculadas foram avaliadas através de medidas e de testes estatísticos. Foi usada análise descritiva de freqüências absolutas e relativas, teste qui-quadrado com nível de significância de 5%. Em torno de 70% dos pacientes internados no HCPA consomem alimentos trazidos de fora do hospital e cerca de 25% dos profissionais de saúde aconselham essa prática. Em vista dos resultados se faz necessário uma campanha educativa a nível institucional, visando pacientes, familiares e funcionários

Association between breastfeeding and complementary feeding in pre-pandemic and pandemic COVID-19 times : maternar cohort study

Objective: Evaluate the association between breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding at six months and the introduction of complementary feeding during the pre-pandemic and the COVID-19 pandemic periods. Methods: Cohort study conducted with puerperal women and their newborns in the immediate postpartum period at a reference maternity hospital in Southern Brazil between 2018-2020. The COVID-19 pandemic period and the need to work outside the home during restricted circulation were the factors of exposure. The outcome evaluated was the weaning in the first six months (breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding) and the introduction of complementary feeding before the sixth month of life. Results: 547 puerperal women and their newborns were included. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a higher risk to weaning of exclusive breastfeeding up until six months (RR 1.16; 95%CI 1.03-1.31) and introducing complementary feeding early (RR 1.40; 95%CI 1.01-1.96). The need to work outside the home during the COVID-19 pandemic increased the risk of not breastfeeding exclusively at the sixth month (RR 1.27; 95%CI 1.08-1.49). Conclusions: The difficulties of the pandemic did reflect negatively on breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices. The pandemic was a risk factor for the early weaning of exclusive breastfeeding and the introduction of complementary feeding. However, not having to work outside the home during the pandemic period was a protective factor for exclusive breastfeeding at six months

Association between dietary patterns and mental disorders in pregnant women in Southern Brazil

To evaluate the association between dietary patterns and mental disorders among pregnant women in southern Brazil. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 712 pregnant women recruited from the Study of Food Intake and Eating Behaviors in Pregnancy (ECCAGe). Food intake assessment was performed using the Food Frequency Questionnaire. Dietary patterns were identified by cluster analysis. The Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PRIME-MD) was used to evaluate participants’ mental health. Poisson regression models with robust variance were fitted to estimate prevalence ratios (PR). Results: In the adjusted models, there was a high prevalence of major depressive disorder among women with low fruit intake (43%, PR 1.43, 95%CI 1.04-1.95) and high sweets and sugars intake (91%, PR 1.91, 95%CI 1.19-3.07). Women with a common-Brazilian dietary pattern had higher prevalence of major depressive disorder compared to those with a varied consumption pattern (PR 1.43, 95%CI 1.01-2.02). Low intake of beans was significantly associated with generalized anxiety disorder (PR 1.40, 95%CI 1.01-1.93). Conclusions: Low consumption of fruits and beans and intake of the common-Brazilian dietary pattern during pregnancy were associated with higher prevalence of mental disorders. These results reinforce the importance of an adequate dietary intake to ensure better mental health in pregnancy