Risk factors that determine the severity of Covid-19 have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of coronary artery calcification (CAC) as a risk factor for death or mechanical ventilation (MV) of patients without known heart disease infected with Covid-19. We analyzed 283 consecutive in-patients with acute respiratory symptoms with chest computed tomography (chest-CT), without previous heart disease, and criteria for Covid-19 (RT-PCR positive and/or typical clinical and chest-CT findings). CAC was classified by the number of coronary segments affected as absent (0), mild (1-3), and severe calcification (more than 3). The association between CAC, CAC severity, and death or MV due to severe respiratory failure was assessed by logistic regression. The mean age was 58.7±15.7 years and 54.1% were men. Patients with CAC were older, more likely to have hypertension, and less likely to be obese. CAC was present in 75 patients (26.5%), of which 42 had a mild calcification and 33 had severe calcification, and was associated with death (OR=2.35, 95%CI: 1.01-5.48) or MV (OR=2.72, 95%CI: 1.20-6.20) adjusted for multiple confounders, with significant and increased odds ratio for the severe form of CAC (death: OR=3.70, 95%CI: 1.20-11.42; MV: OR=3.30, 95%CI: 1.09-9.95). We concluded that CAC was an independent risk factor for death or MV in Covid-19 patients without previous heart disease, particularly for those with severe calcification. CAC can be easily visualized on common chest-CT, widely used in evaluation of moderate to severe Covid-19.

During pregnancy, metabolic changes that develop in women may increase the risk of diseases and conditions that may also harm the life of the growing fetus. The aim of the present study was to identify and compare the metabolic profile (MP) during pregnancy in two birth cohorts in 2010 in the cities of Ribeirão Preto (RP) and São Luís (SL), Brazil. Pregnant women (1393 in RP and 1413 in SL) were studied; information was obtained through questionnaires in addition to anthropometric, biochemical, and blood pressure measurements. Data are presented as means and proportions. To compare the characteristics of pregnant women in both cities, chi-squared and Student's t-tests were applied, with 5% significance level. Ribeirão Preto presented higher mean values than SL for pre-gestational body mass index (24.5 vs 23 kg/m2, P<0.001), systolic (108.4 vs 102.8 mmHg, P<0.001) and diastolic (65.9 vs 61.8 mmHg, P<0.001) blood pressure, total cholesterol (226.3 vs 213.7 mg/dL, P<0.001) and fractions, and glycemia (84.5 vs 80.2 mg/dL, P<0.001), except for triglycerides (P=0.135). Women from RP also showed higher rates of pre-gestational overweight and obesity compared with SL (40.1 vs 25.8%). In the present study, pregnant women in RP had a worse gestational metabolic profile than those in SL, with higher pre-gestational excess weight, indicating that nutritional transition was more advanced in the more developed city.

Given the increase of women with excess weight or obesity and its possible effects on birth weight, the present study aimed to investigate the association between pregestational maternal body mass index (BMI) and birth weight in a birth cohort from Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. This was a prospective study conducted on 1362 mother-child pairs involving singleton births. The women were evaluated using standardized questionnaires during the second trimester of pregnancy and at the time of childbirth. Information about the newborns was obtained from their medical records. The dependent variable was birth weight, categorized as low, adequate, or high. The independent variable was pregestational maternal BMI, categorized as malnutrition, adequate weight, overweight, and obesity. A multinomial regression model was used to estimate the crude and adjusted relative risk (RR) of low and high birth weight. A high frequency of pregestational excess weight (39.6%) was detected and found to be independently associated with high birth weight (RR=2.13, 95%CI: 1.19-3.80 for overweight and RR=3.34, 95%CI: 1.80-6.19 for obese pregnant women). There was no association between pregestational malnutrition and low birth weight (RR=1.70; 95%CI: 0.81-3.55). The present data showed a high rate of women with excess pregestational weight, supporting the hypothesis that pregestational BMI may contribute to high birth weight babies and indicating the need for actions aiming to prevent excessive weight in women at reproductive age.

The performance of a simple information system to identify possible mortality conditions in pre-slaughter operation through classification and regression trees was studied. Data referring a commercial broiler slaughterhouse, located in State of São Paulo, were studied using a data mining system (CART). This decision tree is able to predict categorical variables through a historical dataset and then classify effects. The classification tree had 77 % of success and showed to be a practical and faster way to predictions for this dataset and it is able to show an easy interpretation to direct use by the sector area experts.

Objetivou-se analisar a eficiência de um sistema de informação simples para diagnosticar cenários de mortalidade em condições de espera pré-abate, pelo uso de árvores de regressão e classificação, estudando dados de um abatedouro comercial de frangos de corte no Estado de São Paulo, utilizando-se um sistema de mineração de dados (CART, classification and regression trees). Esta árvore de decisão, por meio de um conjunto de dados históricos, é capaz de predizer variáveis categóricas e classificar efeitos, e apresentou 77 % de acerto e mostrou ser um meio prático e rápido para predições, além de ser de fácil interpretação para uso direto de técnicos.

Avaliou-se a qualidade da carne de 10 bovinos F1 Guzerá-Nelore e 10 F2 Pardo Suíço-Guzerá-Nelore, inteiros, e abatidos precocemente. Na avaliação da carne, foi utilizado o músculo Longissimus dorsi. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente ao acaso. Verificaram-se para F1 e F2, respectivamente, médias para umidade de 75,3 e 75,1, extrato etéreo de 1,4 e 1,5, proteína de 23,7 e 23,6 e cinzas de 1,04 e 1,06. Cor em L* de 28,9 e 30,3, médias para cor em a* de 22,6 e 23,4 e cor em b* de 15,3 15,4, força de cisalhamento de 3,4 e 3,5, perda de peso pelo descongelamento de 9,8 e 10,5 e perda pelo cozimento de 15,9 e 15,6. Não houve diferença estatística para nenhuma das variáveis analisadas entre os grupos genéticos.

The purpose of this study was to use instrumental analysis to evaluate the chemical composition and fatty acid profile of 10 cattle Guzerath-Nellore (F1) and 10 Brown Swiss-Guzerath-Nellore (F2), intact and feedlot finished and slaughtered at 13 months. The Longissimus dorsi was used for meat evaluation. The experimental design was completely randomized. Humidity for F1 and F2 was respectively 75,3 and 75,1 averages, 1,4 and 1,5 averages for ether extract, proteins were 23,7 and 23,6 and 1,04 and 1,06 averages for ash. The results for F1 and F2, respectively, with averages for color to L * of 28,9 and 30,3, averages for the color to a* of 22,6 and 23,4 and color to b * 15,3 and 15,4, averages for shear force of 3,4 and 3,4, weight loss by thawing of 9,8 and 10,5 and weight lost by cooking of 15,9 and 15,4. There were no differences in genetic groups analysis.

The poultry industry at Brazil is one of the most important sectors of agribusiness, which expansion and maintenance of the international markets are directly linked with the final product quality. One of the major problems on the poultry production system is related with distribution logistics and consequently with the types of livestock transport. In this research, the objective was to determine the classification of productive losses levels on the poultry transport, using as decision tool the fuzzy logic. After the assessment of input information on fuzzy system, it was verified that the developed model is important due two reasons: firstly, to the clear and direct classification of transport conditions, and secondly to the perspective of the stability or not of the assorted condition, showing this potential for change, which may be used with the aim to pay attention during the choose of transport strategies.

A produção de carne de frango no Brasil é um dos setores mais importantes do agronegócio, sendo que a expansão e manutenção dos mercados externos estão diretamente relacionadas com a qualidade do produto final. Um dos grandes problemas no sistema de produção de frangos, esta relacionado com a logística de distribuição e conseqüentemente as formas de transporte de cargas vivas. Nesta pesquisa objetivou-se determinar a classificação do nível de perdas produtivas na carga viva de frangos de corte, utilizando como ferramenta de decisão a lógica fuzzy. Após a avaliação das informações de entrada no sistema fuzzy verificou-se que o modelo obtido é importante por dois fatores: o primeiro pela classificação clara e direta das condições de transporte e segundo pela perspectiva de estabilidade ou não das condições classificadas, mostrando o potencial de mudança das mesmas, o que poderá ser utilizada como objeto de atenção para a escolha de estratégias de transporte.

This article refers to a project at the university level carried out by academicians and professors of the Nursing Course in the Center for Higher Education North of RS (CESNORS) in 2008 with adolescents from a public school in the city of Palmeira das Missões, Brazil. The objective was to raise adolescent awareness of the transformation in social reality through educational measures focused in sexual and reproductive health, in a responsible and healthy way, reducing vulnerabilities and health problems. The methodology Círculo de Cultura de Paulo Freire was used as a reference. In order to execute the activities thematic workshops, theater plays, presentations of dynamic videos, and group discussions were organized and carried out along with the use of educational resources such as photographs, signs, CDs, videotapes, samples of contraceptive methods, cut-outs, collages, and drawings. This type of activity was chose because playing is believed to facilitate the learning process. There were five bimonthly meetings with 8th grade students from two classes in which the following topics were studied: Body anatomy and physiology in adolescence, the meaning of having sex and falling in love, masturbation and body knowledge, contraception methods and sexually transmitted disease (STD/AIDS), pregnancy in adolescence, responsible motherhood and fatherhood. At the end, students showed a better knowledge of contraceptive methods more adequate for their age, STD/AIDS and ways of preventing them, the importance of having their first sexual relationship responsibly, personal care and care for their partner, as well as the prevention of unwanted pregnancy. The project allowed the development of a positive educational work of human betterment; an educational intervention considered suitable for adolescents, teachers, extension agents and nursing students. This educational process concluded that health education permitted the creation of a space for reflection and building shared knowledge, as well as promoting an active participation to make them agents of change.

Este artigo versa sobre um projeto de extensão universitária realizado por acadêmicas e docentes do Curso de Enfermagem do Centro de Educação Superior Norte do RS - CESNORS, no ano de 2008, com adolescentes de uma Escola Estadual, na cidade de Palmeira das Missões - RS - Brasil. Teve como objetivo sensibilizar os adolescentes à transformação da realidade social através de ações educativas voltadas à saúde sexual e reprodutiva, de forma responsável e saudável, minimizando vulnerabilidades e agravos à saúde. A metodologia adotada foi o referencial do Círculo da Cultura de Paulo Freire. Para operacionalização das atividades foram organizadas e implementadas oficinas temáticas, teatros, dinâmicas, apresentação de vídeos e discussão em grupo, sendo utilizados recursos didáticos como: figuras, cartazes, álbum seriado, fitas de vídeo, kit de métodos contraceptivos, recortes, colagens e desenhos. Optou-se por este tipo de atividade por acreditar-se que a forma lúdica é um facilitador do aprendizado. Foram realizados cinco encontros quinzenais com estudantes de duas turmas de 8ª série, com temas que abordaram: anatomia e fisiologia do corpo na adolescência; o significado da palavra "ficar" e namorar, masturbação e conhecimento do corpo; métodos contraceptivos e doenças sexualmente transmissíveis (DST/AIDS); gravidez na adolescência, maternidade e paternidade responsável. Ao término dos encontros educativos os estudantes demonstraram conhecer melhor os métodos contraceptivos e o mais indicado para sua faixa etária; as DST/AIDS e formas de preveni-las; a importância de ter sua primeira relação sexual com responsabilidade e cuidado de si e do (a) parceiro (a) e a prevenção de gravidez não planejada. O projeto possibilitou o desenvolvimento de um trabalho educativo positivo de valorização humana, considerada uma intervenção pedagógica adequada pelos adolescentes, professores, docentes extensionistas e acadêmicas de enfermagem. Concluiu-se que esse processo de educação em saúde configurou-se um espaço para reflexão e construção de conhecimento compartilhado, estimulando a participação ativa e tornando-os sujeitos de mudanças.

Este artículo se refiere a un proyecto de extensión universitaria realizado por estudiantes y profesores del Curso de Enfermería del Centro de Educación Superior Norte del RS - CESNORS, en el año 2008, con adolescentes de una Escuela Estadual, en la ciudad de Palmeira das Missões - RS - Brasil. Tuvo como objetivo sensibilizar a los adolescentes a la transformación de la realidad social a través de acciones educativas centradas en la salud sexual y reproductiva, de forma responsable y saludable, reduciendo vulnerabilidades y agravantes a la salud. La metodología adoptada fue la referencia del Círculo de Cultura de Paulo Freire. Para la ejecución de las actividades se organizaron y ejecutaron talleres temáticos, teatros, presentaciones de video, dinámica y discusión en grupo, y se utilizaron recursos didácticos como fotografías, carteles, discos, cintas de vídeo, equipos de métodos anticonceptivos, recortes, collages y dibujos. Elegimos este tipo de actividad porque creen que la forma de juego es un facilitador del aprendizaje. Fueron cinco encuentros quincenales con estudiantes de dos clases de 8ª serie, con temas como: anatomía y fisiología del cuerpo en la adolescencia; el significado de la palabra "quedar" y enamorar; masturbación y conocimiento del cuerpo; métodos contraconceptivos y las enfermedades de transmisión sexual (ETS/SIDA); embarazo en la adolescencia, maternidad y paternidad responsable. Al término de los encuentros educativos los estudiantes demostraron un mejor conocimiento de los métodos anticonceptivos y más adecuados para su edad, la ETS / SIDA y las maneras de prevenirlas, la importancia de tener su primera relación sexual con responsabilidad y cuidado de sí mismo y del compañero(a), la prevención de embarazos no deseados. El proyecto permitió el desarrollo de un trabajo educativo positivo de mejora humana, se considera una intervención educativa adecuada para los adolescentes, docentes, extensionistas y estudiantes de enfermería. Se concluyó que este proceso de educación para la salud creó un espacio de reflexión y construcción de conocimiento compartido, estimulando la participación activa y hacerlos sujetos de cambio.

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a ação acaricida do extrato de nim sobre a forma de pomada, no tratamento da acaríase em camundongos (Mus musculus var. albina L.) naturalmente infestados por Myobia musculi Schrank e Myocoptes musculinus Koch. Foram selecionados 20 animais parasitados e distribuídos em quatro grupos: controle (vaselina), nim a 5%, 10% e 20%. Os animais foram submetidos ao tratamento a cada 48h e mantidos confinados em gaiolas, com alimento e água ad libitum e acompanhados diariamente ao longo de 24 dias. Houve redução significativa do número médio de ácaros recuperados a partir de 96h na concentração de nim a 20%, em comparação com as demais concentrações (P < 0,05). A partir das 120h da aplicação, as concentrações de 10% e 20% também apresentaram resultados significativos quando comparados com o grupo controle (P < 0,05 e P < 0,01; respectivamente). A partir de 168h, os animais tratados com as concentrações de 10% e 20% mostraram resultados significativos (P < 0,01) em comparação com o controle e os ácaros não foram mais observados. Após 216h da aplicação, a pelagem estava totalmente recuperada e os animais permaneceram livres da infestação, nas concentrações de 10% e 20% (P < 0,01). A pomada de nim apresentou atividade acaricida nas concentrações de 10% e 20% em camundongo quando aplicada topicamente, além de mostrar boa atividade flogística, cicatrizante e não desenvolver efeitos colaterais.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the acaricide action of neem extract formulated as a pomatum in the treatment of acariasis in mice (Mus musculus var. albina L.) naturally infected by Myobia musculi Schranck and Myocoptes musculinus Koch. Twenty parasitized animals were chosen and distributed in four groups: control (vaseline), 5%, 10% and 20% of neem. The animals were treated at 48h intervals and maintained in cages with food and water ad libitum and accompanied daily for 24 days. There was a decrease in the mean number of mites recovered after 96h with 5% of neem when compared to de others concentrations (P < 0.05). From 120h on, the concentrations of 10% and 20% were also efficient and differed statistically from the control group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01; respectively). From 168h on, the animals treated with neem concentrations of 10% and 20% showed significant results (P < 0.01). The animals exhibit signs of hair recuperation and the mites were not observed anymore. After 216h, the hair was completely recovered and the animals remained free of the infestation in the concentrations of 10% and 20%. The neem pomatum showed acaricide action in the concentrations of 10% and 20% for mice and when used as a topical remedy, had good phlogistic and cicatrizing activity and showed no side effects.

In a one-year prospective study carried out to define the role of rotavirus and Escherichia coli in local childhood diarrhea, we determined the prevalence of both agents in 54 diarrheic children attending a health center in Botucatu. Diarrheogenic E. coli (DEC) strains were characterized by O:H serotyping, a search for virulence genetic markers, and assays of adherence to HEp-2 cells. Except for enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC), no other DEC category was detected in the children's stools. Both EAEC and rotavirus were isolated from 22 of the 54 (41.0%) diarrheic children as single agents or in combination with other enteropathogens. However, when considering the presence of a single agent, EAEC was dominant and isolated from 20.4% of the patients, whereas rotavirus was detected in 14.8%. These results indicate that rotavirus and EAEC play a significant role as agents of childhood diarrhea in the local population.