Prenatal dental care: evaluation of professional knowledge of obstetricians and dentists in the cities of Londrina/PR and Bauru/SP, Brazil, 2004

The purpose of this study was to assess the current knowledge and recommendations of obstetricians and dentists as to the dental care to pregnant patients in the cities of Londrina/PR and Bauru/SP, Brazil. Questionnaires were distributed to professionals of both cities, arguing on the following issues: oral health during pregnancy; contact between prenatal care and dental care providers; prenatal fluoride supplementation; selection of therapeutic agents for local anesthesia, pain control and treatment of infection; and dental procedures that can be performed during each trimester. Data were analyzed by frequency of responses and statistical analyses were carried out using X² (type of workplace/service) and t test (time since graduation), significant if

Evolutionarily conserved mechanisms of male germline development in flowering plants and animals

Sexual reproduction is the main reproductive strategy of the overwhelming majority of eukaryotes. This suggests that the last eukaryotic common ancestor was able to reproduce sexually. Sexual reproduction reflects the ability to perform meiosis, and ultimately generating gametes, which are cells that carry recombined half sets of the parental genome and are able to fertilize. These functions have been allocated to a highly specialized cell lineage: the germline. Given its significant evolutionary conservation, it is to be expected that the germline programme shares common molecular bases across extremely divergent eukaryotic species. In the present review, we aim to identify the unifying principles of male germline establishment and development by comparing two very disparate kingdoms: plants and animals. We argue that male meiosis defines two temporally regulated gene expression programmes: the first is required for meiotic commitment, and the second is required for the acquisition of fertilizing ability. Small RNA pathways are a further key communality, ultimately ensuring the epigenetic stability of the information conveyed by the male germline

O Rumo do Marketing Verde nas Organizações: Conceito, Oportunidades e Limitações.

A postura ética e consciente de uma empresa ou indivíduo, desperta o interesse mais significante com relação às suas responsabilidades sociais e ambientais, contribuindo dessa forma com a sustentabilidade do meio ambiente. Sendo este fator um aliado importante no mercado, o marketing verde surge como mecanismo de apoio condizente com as práticas ambientais dentro das organizações. Uma parcela significativa de empresas em todo o mundo têm sido rápidas em aceitar conceitos como sistemas de gestão ambiental e minimização dos impactos ambientais que integram as questões ambientais em todas as suas atividades organizacionais. Uma área da gestão onde as questões ambientais têm recebido uma grande discussão frente à população é o marketing. À medida que diversos mercados ficam mais transparentes para consumidores conscientes ambientalmente, a busca da sustentabilidade deixa de ser uma escolha para as organizações e se torna uma condição de sobrevivência, afetando todos os processos dentro da empresa, inclusive o marketing. A maioria da população acredita que o marketing ambiental se refere exclusivamente à promoção ou publicidade de produtos com características ambientais. Porém, o Marketing Verde ou Ambiental consiste em uma visão mais conceitual das atividades de marketing, buscando satisfazer as necessidades humanas de modo que as satisfações destas necessidades ocorram gerando impacto mínimo ao meio ambiente. O presente artigo tem como objetivo apresentar os termos e conceitos de marketing verde, discutir a importância da cultura verde nas organizações e examinar algumas das razões pelas quais as organizações estão adotando um marketing verde como filosofia, além de mencionar alguns dos problemas mais comuns relacionados com a utilização do marketing verde. A postura ética e consciente de uma empresa ou indivíduo, desperta o interesse mais significante com relação às suas responsabilidades sociais e ambientais, contribuindo dessa forma com a sustentabilidade do meio ambiente. Sendo este fator um aliado importante no mercado, o marketing verde surge como mecanismo de apoio condizente com as práticas ambientais dentro das organizações. Uma parcela significativa de empresas em todo o mundo têm sido rápidas em aceitar conceitos como sistemas de gestão ambiental e minimização dos impactos ambientais que integram as questões ambientais em todas as suas atividades organizacionais. Uma área da gestão onde as questões ambientais têm recebido uma grande discussão frente à população é o marketing. A maioria da população acredita que o marketing ambiental se refere exclusivamente à promoção ou publicidade de produtos com características ambientais. Porém, o Marketing Verde ou Ambiental consiste em uma visão mais conceitual das atividades de marketing, buscando satisfazer as necessidades humanas de modo que as satisfações destas necessidades ocorram gerando impacto mínimo ao meio ambiente. O presente artigo tem como objetivo apresentar os termos e conceitos de marketing verde, discutir a importância da cultura verde nas organizações e examinar algumas das razões pelas quais as organizações estão adotando um marketing verde como filosofia, além de mencionar alguns dos problemas mais comuns relacionados com a utilização do marketing verde.

Plasma lipoproteins, triglycerides and glucose profile of cancer patients during bone marrow transplantation

The objective was to evaluate the nutritional metabolic profiles in children and adolescents with cancer undergoing bone marrow transplants. Eighteen bone marrow transplantation patients were prospectively evaluated from October 2003 to August 2004. The assessment was based on the biochemical blood analyses of albumin, lipids and glucose at 3 different moments: before the bone marrow transplant, 7 days after the bone marrow transplant and 14 days after the bone marrow transplant. The Friedman test was performed to compare the distributions between the periods and the Mann' Whitney test to compare differences in the evolution between the bone marrow transplant groups: autologous versus allogeneic. Fifteen of the 18 patients were eligible: seven had leukemia, four lymphoma and four germ cell tumors. The mean age of the 15 patients was 10.7±7.1 years. Nine received autologous and six allogeneic-related bone marrow transplants; two used cyclosporin A as an immunosuppressor and three total body irradiation as part of the conditioning regimen. Thirteen of the 15 received parenteral nutrition. The length of stay was 33±14 days. The prevalence of albumin and HDL-C deficits increased progressively during follow up: 15%, 31% and 46% and 54%, 69% and 85%, respectively. The same result was observed with the glucose and triglyceride levels, showing a progressive increase in the prevalence of abnormalities during bone marrow transplantation, with values of 7%, 43% and 50% and 31%, 69% and 77%, respectively. Total cholesterol and LDL-C levels above the normal were only observed in one patient at the first moment (before the bone marrow transplant). The analysis of the evolution of the variables during the three periods demonstrated that the HDL-C, glucose and triglyceride levels changed significantly. No statistically significant differences were observed when comparing patients submitted to allogeneic and autologous bone marrow transplants. However, changes in the HDL-C and triglyceride levels were more accentuated in patients submitted to allogeneic bone marrow transplants. The results suggested that metabolic and biochemical changes occur during the period of bone marrow transplantation. These changes are probably multi-factorial, being associated with nutritional deficits, protein catabolism and disturbances in the energy metabolism. It is probable that malnutrition, the use of parenteral nutrition, as well as the inflammatory response to and toxicity of the drugs applied are implicated as causal factors of these abnormalities.O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a evolução do perfil metabólico-nutricional de crianças e adolescentes com câncer que realizaram transplante de medula óssea. Dezoito pacientes submetidos a transplante de medula óssea foram avaliados prospectivamente de outubro de 2003 a agosto de 2004. A avaliação foi realizada por meio da análise bioquímica de sangue para albumina, lipídeos e glicose em três momentos: antes da infusão da medula óssea, após sete dias e após catorze dias do transplante de medula óssea. O teste de Friedman foi aplicado para comparar as distribuições nos períodos e o teste de Mann'Whitney para comparar as diferenças na evolução entre os grupos de transplante de medula óssea autólogo versus alogênico. Quinze dos dezoito pacientes foram elegíveis: sete portadores de leucemia, quatro de linfomas e quatro de tumores de células germinativas. Os quinze pacientes apresentaram em média 10,7±7,1 anos. Nove realizaram transplante de medula óssea autólogo e seis alogênico aparentado; dois utilizaram ciclosporina A como imunossupressor e três receberam irradiação corporal total como parte da terapia de condicionamento. Treze de quinze usaram nutrição parenteral. A média de internação foi 33±14 dias. As prevalências nos déficits de albumina e HDL-C aumentaram progressivamente durante o acompanhamento: 15%, 31% e 46% e 54%, 69% e 85%, respectivamente. O mesmo ocorreu com os níveis de glicose e triglicérides, com aumento progressivo nas prevalências de anormalidades no decorrer do transplante de medula óssea, que foram de 7%, 43% e 50% e de 31%, 69% e 77%, respectivamente. Níveis de colesterol total e de LDL-C acima do normal foram observados somente em um paciente no primeiro momento (antes da infusão da medula óssea). A análise da evolução das variáveis no decorrer dos três períodos demonstrou que os níveis de HDL-C, glicemia e triglicérides se modificaram significantemente. Quando se compararam pacientes que realizaram transplante de medula óssea alogênico versus autólogo, não foi possível detectar diferença estatisticamente significante. Porém os níveis de HDL-C e de triglicérides apresentaram alterações mais acentuadas nos pacientes que realizaram transplante de medula óssea alogênico. Os resultados sugerem que alterações metabólicas e bioquímicas ocorrem durante o período do transplante. Tais alterações, possivelmente, são multifatoriais, podendo estar associadas com o déficit nutricional, catabolismo protéico e distúrbios no metabolismo energético. Provavelmente, a desnutrição, o uso de nutrição parenteral, bem como a resposta inflamatória e as toxicidades dos medicamentos estejam implicadas como fatores causais desses distúrbios.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de Medicina Instituto de Oncologia PediátricaUNIFESP, EPM, Instituto de Oncologia PediátricaSciEL

Occurrence of Volcanogenic Inorganic Mercury in Wild Mice Spinal Cord: Potential Health Implications

Mercury accumulation has been proposed as a toxic factor that causes neurodegenerative diseases. However, the hazardous health effects of gaseous elemental mercury exposure on the spinal cord in volcanic areas have not been reported previously in the literature. To evaluate the presence of volcanogenic inorganic mercury in the spinal cord, a study was carried out in São Miguel island (Azores, Portugal) by comparing the spinal cord of mice exposed chronically to an active volcanic environment (Furnas village) with individuals not exposed (Rabo de Peixe village), through the autometallographic silver enhancement histochemical method. Moreover, a morphometric and quantification analysis of the axons was carried out. Results exhibited mercury deposits at the lumbar level of the spinal cord in the specimens captured at the site with volcanic activity (Furnas village). A decrease in axon calibre and axonal atrophy was also observed in these specimens. Given that these are relevant hallmarks in the neurodegenerative pathologies, our results highlight the importance of the surveillance of the health of populations chronically exposed to active volcanic environments.This research was supported by the University of Alicante VIGROB-186

Climate Change and Extreme Events in Northeast Atlantic and Azores Islands Region

Publisher Copyright: © 2023 by the authors. Funding: This research received no external funding.In small island regions, the influence of climate change assumes particular relevance. In the Azores archipelago, made up of nine islands, the geographical circumstances, oceanic condition, territorial dispersion, land use model and other physiographic constraints reinforce and enhance the vulnerability of the islands to changes in current weather patterns. Coupled Model Intercomparison Phase 6 (CMIP6) projections are used for the northeast Atlantic region to evaluate daily extreme climate events in large scale for the Azores region. Results shows changes in the annual maximum number of consecutive dry days, the annual number of wet days, and especially in the annual number of tropical nights. Despite limitations due to the lack of spatial detail, the large-scale framework suggests changes that may be enhanced by topography, particularly with respect to precipitation. The conclusions point to the need to establish standard rules in the processes of design, reviewing and/or amending territorial management instruments at the municipal scale in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, with the goal of adapting to a different climate from the recent past.publishersversionpublishe

Evolução Histórica das Parcerias Estado-OSCs: comparação das políticas de Aids, Assistência Social e Cultura Viva

As Organizações da Sociedade Civil- OSCs -têm um histórico de longa data de relacionamento com o Estado no Brasil, sendo de grande relevância sua participação direta na provisão de serviços públicos. O escopo desta participação, bem como os seus modelos e formatos de implementação, tem variado, tanto em termos setoriais, quanto numa perspectiva histórica. Este trabalho realizou uma análise comparativa das políticas de Aids, Assistência Social e Cultura Viva a partir dos seus marcos normativos legais e infra legais (instruções normativas, portarias, decretos, resoluções, planos) destinados a mediar as relações de parceria com as OSCs. Os resultados apontam que mudanças regulatórias tende a ocorrer de forma incremental, com sobreposição de modelos de gestão. Destacaram-se nos três casos normativas mais recentes que buscam valorizar a participação, o controle e transparência das OSCs, bem como a preocupação com definições e indicadores. Estas tendências demostram-se alinhadas com preocupações regulatórias das parcerias Estado-OSCs no contexto internacional

CO2 laser and/or fluoride enamel treatment against in situ/ex vivo erosive challenge

Objective This in situ/ex vivo study investigated the effect of CO2 laser irradiation and acidulated phosphate fluoride gel (APF) application, separately and in combination, on enamel resistance to erosion. Material and Methods During 2 experimental 5-day crossover phases, 8 volunteers wore intraoral appliances containing bovine enamel blocks which were submitted to four groups: 1st phase - control, untreated and CO2 laser irradiation, 2nd phase - fluoride application and fluoride application before CO2 laser irradiation. Laser irradiation was performed at 10.6 µm wavelength, 5 µs pulse duration and 50 Hz frequency, with average power input and output of 2.3 W and 2.0 W, respectively (28.6 J/cm2). APF gel (1.23%F, pH 3.5) was applied on enamel surface with a microbrush and left on for 4 minutes. Then, the enamel blocks were fixed at the intraoral appliance level. The erosion was performed extraorally 4 times daily for 5 min in 150 mL of cola drink. Enamel loss was measured profilometrically after treatment and after the in situ phase. The data were tested using one-way Repeated Measures Anova and Tukey's test (

The Health Hazards of Volcanoes: First Evidence of Neuroinflammation in the Hippocampus of Mice Exposed to Active Volcanic Surroundings

Neuroinflammation is a process related to the onset of neurodegenerative diseases; one of the hallmarks of this process is microglial reactivation and the secretion by these cells of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNFα. Numerous studies report the relationship between neuroinflammatory processes and exposure to anthropogenic air pollutants, but few refer to natural pollutants. Volcanoes are highly inhabited natural sources of environmental pollution that induce changes in the nervous system, such as reactive astrogliosis or the blood-brain barrier breakdown in exposed individuals; however, no neuroinflammatory event has been yet defined. To this purpose, we studied resting microglia, reactive microglia, and TNFα production in the brains of mice chronically exposed to an active volcanic environment on the island of São Miguel (Azores, Portugal). For the first time, we demonstrate a proliferation of microglial cells and an increase in reactive microglia, as well an increase in TNFα secretion, in the central nervous system of individuals exposed to volcanogenic pollutants.This research was supported by the Universidad de Alicante VIGROB-186

Lower serum magnesium is associated with cardiovascular risk factors and mortality in haemodialysis patients

Publisher Copyright: © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.Background: Hypomagnesaemia is a cardiovascular (CV) risk factor in the general population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between pre-dialysis magnesium (Mg) and CV risk markers, [including pulse pressure (PP), left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and vascular calcifications (VC)], and mortality in haemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods: We performed a 48-month prospective study in 206 patients under pre-dilution haemodiafiltration with a dialysate Mg concentration of 1 mmol/l. Results: Lower Mg concentrations were predictors of an increased PP (≥65 mm Hg) (p = 0.002) and LVMI (≥140 g/m2) (p = 0.03) and of a higher VC score (≥3) (p = 0.01). Patients with Mg <1.15 mmol/l had a lower survival at the end of the study (p = 0.01). Serum Mg <1.15 mmol/l was an independent predictor of all-cause (p = 0.01) and CV mortality (p = 0.02) when adjusted for multiple CV risk factors. Conclusions: Lower Mg levels seem to be associated with increased CV risk markers, like PP, LVMI and VC, and with higher mortality in HD patients.publishersversionpublishe