Diabetes is associated with a worse prognosis and a high risk of morbidity and mortality in COVID-19 patients. We aimed to evaluate the main factors involved in the poor prognosis in diabetic patients. A total of 984 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 admitted to the hospital were included in this study. Patients were first divided into type-2 diabetic (DM+) and non-diabetic (DM–) groups. The participants were analyzed based on the National Early Warning Score (NEWS) and on the Quick-Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) to find the best prognostic risk score for our study. The DM+ and DM– groups were divided into non-severe and severe groups. Comparative and correlative analyses were used to identify the physiological parameters that could be employed for creating a potential risk indicator for DM+ COVID-19 patients. We found a poorer prognosis for the DM+ COVID-19 patients with a higher ICU admission rate, mechanical ventilation rate, vasopressor use, dialysis, and longer treatment times compared with the DM– group. DM+ COVID-19 patients had increased plasma glucose, lactate, age, urea, NEWS, and D-dimer levels, herein referred to as the GLAUND set, and worse prognosis and outcomes when compared with infected DM– patients. The NEWS score was a better indicator for assessing COVID-19 severity in diabetic patients than the q-SOFA score. In conclusion, diabetic COVID-19 patients should be assessed with the NEWS score and GLAUND set for determining their prognosis COVID-19 prognosis.

It was previously demonstrated that the methanol fraction of Sideroxylon obtusifolium (MFSOL) promoted anti-inflammatory and healing activity in excisional wounds. Thus, the present work investigated the healing effects of MFSOL on human keratinocyte cells (HaCaT) and experimental burn model injuries. HaCaT cells were used to study MFSOL's effect on cell migration and proliferation rates. Female Swiss mice were subjected to a second-degree superficial burn protocol and divided into four treatment groups: Vehicle, 1.0% silver sulfadiazine, and 0.5 or 1.0% MFSOL Cream (CrMFSOL). Samples were collected to quantify the inflammatory mediators, and histological analyses were performed after 3, 7, and 14 days. The results showed that MFSOL (50 μg/mL) stimulated HaCaT cells by increasing proliferation and migration rates. Moreover, 0.5% CrMFSOL attenuated myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and also stimulated the release of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-10 after 3 days of treatment. CrMFSOL (0.5%) also enhanced wound contraction, promoted improvement of tissue remodeling, and increased collagen production after 7 days and VEGF release after 14 days. Therefore, MFSOL stimulated human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells and improved wound healing via modulation of inflammatory mediators of burn injuries.

RESUMO Objetivou-se testar a vitrificação de ovários de camundongos do ICTB/Fiocruz. Inicialmente, fez-se coleta e maturação in vitro dos oócitos de ovários a fresco e vitrificados, bem como avaliação de estruturas no cultivo embrionário, pós-fertilização in vitro. Fêmeas B6D2F1 foram eutanasiadas para remoção dos ovários (n=60) e divididas em três grupos: grupo 1 (n=30 animais) - oócito de ovários vitrificados, maturados e fertilizados in vitro (120 fragmentos); grupo 2 (n=15) (controle 1) - oócitos coletados a fresco, maturados e fertilizados in vitro; e grupo 3 (n=15) (controle 2) - oócitos maturados in vivo e fertilizados in vitro. A técnica foi verificada no desenvolvimento embrionário in vitro, que foi avaliado pelo teste de qui-quadrado (BioStat 5.0). Recuperaram-se 123, 224 e 328 oócitos nos G1, G2 e G3, respectivamente. Observaram-se diferenças significativas nas taxas de clivagem às 24 horas (embriões ≥ 2 células) entre G1 (8%) e G2 (32%) (P<0,1) e G1 e G3 (49%) (P<0,05), mas não entre G2 e G3 (P>0,05). Para blastocistos, às 96 horas, os grupos G1, G2 e G3 apresentaram, respectivamente, 6%, 11% e 46%, diferindo significativamente entre eles (P<0,05). A vitrificação de ovários, a maturação oocitária e a fertilização in vitro são alternativas para a produção de embriões de camundongos in vitro.

ABSTRACT This work aimed test ovarian vitrification of hybrid mouse from ICTB/Fiocruz. Protocol collection and oocyte in vitro maturation from fresh and vitrified ovaries was established and embryos were evaluated after fertilization. B6D2F1 females were euthanized for ovarian removal (n= 60) and divided into 3 groups: G1 (n= 30) - ovaries fragmented (n= 120), vitrified, matured and fertilized; G2 (n= 15) - in vitro fertilization of oocytes matured in vitro from fresh ovaries; G3 (n= 15) - ampulla region oocytes in vitro fertilizated. Viability was verified by thawing, oocyte in vitro maturation and fertilization. In vitro embryo development of each group was evaluated by Chi-square test (BioStat 5.0). 123, 224 and 328 oocytes were recovered from G1, G2 and G3, respectively. Significant differences were observed in cleavage rates at 24 hours (embryos with 2 cells or more) between G1 (8%) and G2 (32%) (P< 0.1) and G1 and G3 (49%) (P< 0.05) but not between G2 and G3 (P> 0.05). Blastocysts at 96 hours presented 6%, 11% and 46%, respectively for G1, G2 and G3, differing significantly (P< 0.05). Ovary vitrification, oocyte in vitro maturation and in vitro fertilization were available for the production of in vitro mouse embryos.

RESUMO A dislipidemia é um achado comum, porém não determinante, na síndrome metabólica equina (SME). O objetivo do presente trabalho foi caracterizar a dislipidemia em animais obesos com risco de SME. Para isso, 18 éguas foram alocadas em grupos, de acordo com escore corporal (EC) de 1 a 9: no grupo ideal, animais com EC de 4,5 a 5,5 (n= 6), no grupo sobrepeso, com EC de 6 a 7 (n= 6) e no grupo obeso, animais com EC de 7,5 a 9 (n= 6). Coletaram-se amostras de sangue em jejum de concentrado para determinação de triglicerídeos, colesterol total, glicemia e concentração de insulina. Valores preditivos de sensibilidade à insulina (RISQI) e de secreção β-pancreática (MIRG) foram calculados. O grupo obeso apresentou níveis maiores em relação aos outros grupos de triglicerídeos (P=0,001) e acima do ideal em concentrações de colesterol (P=0,012). Não foi observada diferença nas concentrações plasmáticas de glicose (P=0,53), de insulina (P=0,10) ou de RISQI (P=0,46). Houve diferença entre os grupos nos valores de MIRG (P=0,048), tendo o grupo obeso obtido resultados maiores quando comparado com o grupo ideal. O aumento do EC foi associado ao aumento das concentrações plasmáticas de colesterol e triglicerídeos, o que caracteriza um estado de dislipidemia e de elevação da secreção das células β-pancreáticas.

ABSTRACT Increased indicators of fat metabolites are found in Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) subjects, although these parameters are not included in the EMS definition described in the literature and in its diagnosis. The objective of this study was to characterize dyslipidemia in obese insulin resistant mares. 18 mares were allocated in three groups according to body condition score (BCS) in a 1 to 9 scale. In the Ideal group there were animals with BCS 4.5 to 5.5 (n= 6), in the Overweight group, the BCS were 6 to 7 (n= 6), and in the Obese group (n= 6), BCS 7.5 to 9. Concentrate fasting blood samples were taken to determine triglycerides, total cholesterol, glucose, and insulin concentrations in plasma. Insulin sensitivity proxy (RISQI) and β-pancreatic secretion proxy (MIRG) were calculated from glucose and insulin data. The Obese group had higher triglyceride levels (P= 0.001), compared to other groups, and higher total cholesterol compared to the Ideal Group (P= 0.012). No differences in plasma glucose (P= 0.53), insulin (P= 0.10) concentrations and insulin sensitivity (RISQI: P= 0.463) were seen among groups. The Obese Group had a higher β-pancreatic secretion (MIRG: P= 0.048) compared to the Ideal Group. The increased BCS was related to the plasma fat metabolites a higher β-pancreatic secretion.

Resumo: O trabalho apresenta uma análise sobre a construção das teorias ácido-base no século XX, mais especificamente as participações de S.A. Arrhenius, J.N. Bronsted, T.M. Lowry e G.N. Lewis. Ao longo da revisão historiográfica confrontam-se as visões ingênuas da natureza da ciência, a fim de melhor refletir sobre o papel do cientista na ciência. A leitura proporcionará um repensar sobre a importância da história da química na sala de aula.

Abstract: The paper presents a new reading on the construction of acid-base theory in the twentieth century, more specifically the participation of S.A. Arrhenius, J.N. Bronsted, T.M. Lowry and G.N. Lewis. Along the historiographical review confronted naive views of the nature of science in order to achieve a better reflection on the scientist’s role in science. The reading will provide a rethink about the importance of the history of chemistry in the classroom.

RESUMO O rebanho de suínos brasileiro é constituído por diversas raças naturalizadas, entre elas a raça Piau, que é conhecida por sua rusticidade e pela grande deposição de toucinho. As raças naturalizadas, em comparação com as linhagens comerciais, podem ter uma maior resistência a doenças que circulam em seu território. Dessa forma, o presente estudo teve como objetivo verificar se existem diferenças no perfil sorológico contra o Porcine circovirus 2 (PVC2) entre suínos da raça Piau e de uma linhagem comercial de uma granja naturalmente infectada pelo PCV2. Foram realizadas mensurações da carga viral sérica por qPCR e dos níveis de anticorpos anti-PCV2 por meio da técnica de ELISA. Os resultados mostraram que a carga viral sérica se manteve homogênea em todos os animais e que os leitões da raça Piau apresentaram níveis de anticorpos superiores em comparação com os leitões da linhagem comercial (P=0,05), enquanto as porcas de linhagem comercial apresentaram níveis superiores aos da raça Piau (P<0,01). Este trabalho fornece indícios de que a raça Piau apresenta uma resposta imune humoral distinta diante de uma infecção natural pelo PCV2, quando comparada com a resposta desenvolvida pela linhagem comercial. Os resultados obtidos reforçam a importância da conservação das raças nativas.

ABSTRACT Brazilian pig population is made up of several naturalized breeds; among them the Piau breed is known for its rusticity and large fat stores. The naturalized breeds, in comparison with commercial ones, may have an increased resistance to diseases circulating in their territory. Thus, this study aimed to verify if there are differences between the serologic profile against Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) of Piau pigs and that of a commercial breed from a farm naturally infected by PCV2. The serum viral load was measured by qPCR, and levels of anti-PCV2 antibodies were measured by ELISA. The results showed that the serum viral load was similar across all animals. However, Piau piglets showed higher levels of antibodies compared to commercial piglets (P= 0.05), while sows of the commercial breed showed higher levels than the Piau breed (P< 0.01). There was not a statistical difference between pigs of different production stages in the seroprevalence of PCV2 or the blood viral load. This work demonstrates that, with regard to a natural PCV2 infection, the Piau breed has a different humoral immune response compared to the response developed by the commercial pigs. The results support the importance of conservation of native breeds.

RESUMO O uso de espécies vegetais para curar doenças e sintomas remonta ao início da civilização. Em várias culturas produtos botânicos eram empregados para essa finalidade. No Brasil, sob influência das interações culturais entre índios, negros e portugueses, essa relação homem-natureza permitiu a disseminação da sabedoria herdada em relação ao uso e cultivo de diversas espécies vegetais. O presente trabalho objetivou realizar um levantamento das plantas medicinais indicadas pelos índios da etnia Kantaruré, aldeia Baixa das Pedras com ação antiparasitária. Para a coleta de dados foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com quatorze pessoas, pertencentes a uma população de 150 indígenas, selecionadas pela técnica da bola de neve, reconhecidas pela comunidade como maiores detentores do conhecimento sobre a realidade local e sobre plantas. Os resultados indicam que doze espécies são utilizadas na medicina tradicional local com ação antiparasitária, podendo destacar a caçatinga (Croton argyrophylloides Muell. Arg.), mastruz (Chenopodium ambrosioides L.), hortelã miúdo (Mentha piperita L.) e babosa (Aloe vera (L.) Burm f.) como as mais indicadas. As plantas citadas pertencem à vegetação nativa, sendo que as espécies cultivadas são encontradas principalmente nos quintais, nas proximidades das residências e em locais de cultivo próprio. Os dados levantados nesta pesquisa evidenciam a importância terapêutica, cultural e histórica do uso de espécies botânicas na prevenção e cura de enfermidades. A aldeia estudada depende diretamente dos recursos vegetais para as suas práticas de cura. Os resultados dessa pesquisa podem servir como base para bioprospecção bem como para seleção de espécies da caatinga para estudos futuros visando o seu uso e manejo sustentável.

ABSTRACT The use of plant species to cure diseases and symptoms dates back to the dawn of civilization. In various cultures, botanical products were employed for this purpose. In Brazil, influenced by cultural interactions between native indians, Africans, and the Portuguese, this man-nature relationship allowed the spread of inherited knowledge regarding the use and cultivation of various species of plants. The purpose of this study was to carry out a survey of medicinal plants with antiparasitic action indicated by the Kantaruré indians from the Baixa das Pedras village. For data collection, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 people belonging to an indigenous population of 150, selected by the snowball technique, recognized by the community as the most knowledgeable on the local situation and plants. The results indicate that 12 species with antiparasitic action are used in traditional local medicine, with emphasis on the caçatinga (Croton argyrophylloides Muell. Arg.), mastruz (Chenopodium ambrosioides L.), peppermint (Mentha piperita L.), and babosa (Aloe vera (L.) Burm f.) as the most suitable. These plants belong to the native vegetation, and the cultivated species are found mainly in backyards, near homes, and on cultivation sites. The data from this study demonstrate the therapeutic, cultural, and historical importance of the use of botanical species to prevent and cure diseases. The village studied depends directly on plant resources for their healing practices. The results of this study can serve as a basis for bioprospecting as well as for the selection of caatinga species in future studies toward its use and sustainable management.

OBJETIVO: Descrever os desafios encontrados pelas famílias na convivência com crianças portadoras de transtorno do espectro autista (TEA) no Brasil e as estratégias de superação empregadas. FONTE DOS DADOS: Revisão sistemática da literatura com inclusão de artigos publicados até setembro de 2013, sem restrições de idioma. Os artigos incluídos foram submetidos à avaliação de qualidade metodológica por meio do Amstar e Casp/Oxford. SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: Incluem-se estudos provenientes de São Paulo e Rio Grande do Sul com alta e moderada qualidade metodológica. A literatura mostra sobrecarga emocional dos pais como um dos principais desafios encontrados pelas famílias, inclusive com grande tensão sobre as mães. Dentre os fatores relacionados ao estresse estão: postergação diagnóstica, dificuldade de lidar com o diagnóstico e com os sintomas associados, acesso precário ao serviço de saúde e apoio social. Dentre as estratégias de superação destacaram-se: troca de informações entre as famílias afetadas e assistência integralizada da rede de saúde no atendimento do paciente e suporte à família. CONCLUSÃO: Observou-se que o TEA exerce forte influência na dinâmica familiar com sobrecarga dos cuidadores, geralmente da mãe. O Sistema Único de Saúde necessita prover cuidado integral, longitudinal e coordenado com vistas ao fortalecimento do binômio paciente-família e o pleno desenvolvimento e a plena inserção dessas crianças na sociedade.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the challenges faced by families caring for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Brazil and the coping strategies employed. SOURCES: Systematic review of articles published until September of 2013, without language restrictions, using quality appraisal (AMSTAR and CASP/Oxford instruments). SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: The literature shows parental emotional overload as one of the main challenges faced by families, especially mothers. The main stressors were diagnostic postponement, difficulty dealing with the diagnosis and associated symptoms, and poor access to health services and social support. The predominant coping strategies found included information exchange between affected families and integrated healthcare network for patient and family support. CONCLUSION: ASD exerts strong influence on family dynamics, resulting in caregiver overload, especially in mothers. The Brazilian Unified Health System needs to provide comprehensive, continuous, and coordinated care to strengthen the patient-family dyad and promote the full development and societal inclusion of children with ASD.

Calea pinnatifida (R. Br.) Less., Asteraceae, is popularly known as “quebra-tudo”, “cipó-cruz” or “aruca”. This species is used in the folk medicine for the treatment of stomach pain, giardiasis and amoebiasis. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify chromenes from leaves of C. pinnatifida and evaluate their leishmanicidal activity. A fraction from leaves of C. pinnatifida was analyzed for their chemical constituents, resulting in the isolation and characterization of four known chromenes: 6-acetyl-7-hydroxy-2,2-dimethylchromene (1), 6-acetyl-7-methoxy-2,2-dimethylchromene (2), 6-(1-hydroxyethyl)-7-methoxy-2,2-dimethylchromene (3) and 6-(1-ethoxyethyl)-7-methoxy-2,2-dimethylchromene (4). Structure identification of isolated compounds involved analysis of spectral data of 1D and 2D-NMR. The isolated compounds are here reported for the first time in C. pinnatifida, and the chromenes 1 and 3 show a moderate leishmanicidal activity.

Avaliou-se o efeito da somatotropina bovina recombinante (rbST) sobre a qualidade do corpo lúteo e do embrião e sobre a concentração de progesterona (P4), em ovelhas da raça Santa Inês doadoras de embriões. Foram utilizadas 13 doadoras, distribuídas aleatoriamente em dois grupos, G1 (n=7) e G2 (n=6). Em ambos os grupos, as doadoras foram sincronizadas com implante vaginal por 14 dias, receberam 100µg de PGF2α (Ciosin®) no sétimo dia e foram superovuladas, a partir do 12º dia, com 250UI de FSH (Folltopin-V®) em seis doses decrescentes. No dia da retirada do implante, as doadoras do G2 receberam 125mg de rbST (Boostin®) e foram cobertas por macho Santa Inês a cada 12 horas até o final do estro. No sexto dia após a primeira cobrição, foram avaliadas, por laparoscopia, a resposta superovulatória e a quantidade e a qualidade dos corpos lúteos. Após as avaliações, as colheitas embrionárias foram realizadas por laparotomia. A administração da rbST no protocolo de superovulação promoveu aumento significativo (P<0,05) no número de corpos lúteos do tipo I (9,00 x 5,28) e na qualidade embrionária (4,33 x 2,00).

We evaluate the effect of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) on the quality of the corpus luteum and embryo and on the concentration of progesterone (P4) in donors embryo sheep Santa Ines. 13 donors were used, randomly assigned to two groups, G1 (n=7) and G2 (n=6). In both groups, the donors were synchronized with vaginal implant for 14 days and received 100µg of PGF2α (Ciosin®) on the seventh day and were superovulated, from the 12th day, with 250IU of FSH (Folltopin-V®) in six decreasing doses. On the day of implant removal the donor G2 received 125mg of rbST (Boostin®), and were covered by Santa Inês male every 12 hours until the end of estrus. In the sixth day after the first mating were evaluated by laparoscopy, superovulatory response and the amount and quality of the corpus luteum. After the evaluations, the embryonic harvests were performed by laparotomy. The administration of rbST in superovulation protocol promoted a significant increase (P <0.05) in the number of corpus luteum of type I(9.00 x 5.28) and embryo quality (4.33 x 2.00).

Nonsyndromic oral clefts (NSOC) are the most common craniofacial birth defects in humans. The etiology of NSOC is complex, involving both genetic and environmental factors. Several genes that play a role in cellular proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis have been associated with clefting. For example, variations in the homeobox gene family member MSX1, including a CA repeat located within its single intron, may play a role in clefting. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between MSX1CA repeat polymorphism and NSOC in a Southern Brazilian population using a case-parent triad design. We studied 182 nuclear families with NSOC recruited from the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre in Southern Brazil. The polymorphic region was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction and analyzed by using an automated sequencer. Among the 182 families studied, four different alleles were observed, at frequencies of 0.057 (175 bp), 0.169 (173 bp), 0.096 (171 bp) and 0.67 (169 bp). A transmission disequilibrium test with a family-based association test (FBAT) software program was used for analysis. FBAT analysis showed overtransmission of the 169 bp allele in NSOC (P=0.0005). These results suggest that the CA repeat polymorphism of theMSX1 gene may play a role in risk of NSOC in populations from Southern Brazil.

Avaliou-se o consumo alimentar residual (CAR) e a conversão alimentar (CA) de 20 cordeiros, com o objetivo de estimar as correlações entre essas variáveis com medidas de desempenho e com características in vivo da carcaça. Os animais tiveram o consumo de MS (CMS) mensurado por 65 dias e foram pesados a cada 13 dias para obtenção do ganho médio diário (GMD). Foram considerados o peso vivo inicial (PVI), o peso vivo final (PVF), o peso metabólico (PM), o GMD, a taxa de crescimento relativo (TCR), a taxa de Kleiber (TK), a CA, o CMS e o CMS em percentual do PV (CMSPV). As avaliações de carcaça foram realizadas por ultrassom. O CAR se mostrou correlacionado com o CMS (+0,81), o CMSPV (+0,90) e a CA (+0,63). Correlações significativas foram encontradas entre CA e GMD; CA e TCR; CA e TK; e CA e PVI (-0,63, -0,74, -0,75 e +0,51, respectivamente). O CAR e a CA não se mostraram correlacionados com características de carcaça, e, da mesma forma, não houve diferença entre as classes de CAR para essas variáveis. Confirmou-se o potencial do CAR como medida de eficiência alimentar para cordeiros em confinamento, sem existência de relações com o ganho de peso e o tamanho corporal e sem alterações na composição da carcaça.

The residual feed intake (RFI) and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 20 lambs was evaluated in order to estimate the correlations between these traits and performance measures and with in vivo carcass characteristics. The animals had their dry matter intake (DMI) measured over 65 days and they were weighed every 13 days to determine the average daily weight gain (ADG). Initial body weight (IBW), final body weight (FBW), metabolic weight (MW), ADG, relative growth rate (RGR), Kleiber ratio (KR), FCR, DMI and DMI in BW percentual (BWDMI) were considered. The carcass evaluation was performed by ultrasound. The RFI was correlated with the DMI (+0.81), BWDMI (+0.90) and with FCR (+0.63). Significant correlations were found between FCR and ADG; FCR and RGR; and FCR and KR; and FCR and IBW (-0.63, -0.74, -0.75 and +0.51 respectively). The RFI and the FCR were not correlated with carcass traits and similarly there was no difference between the RFI-classes for these variables. It was proved the RFI has potential as a measure of feed efficiency for housed lambs, without the existence of relations with weight gain and body size of animals and without changes in carcass composition.

Seed coat is a specialized maternal tissue that interfaces the embryo and the external environment during embryogenesis, dormancy and germination. In addition, it is the first defensive barrier against penetration by pathogens and herbivores. Here we show that Albizia lebbeck seed coat dramatically compromises the oviposition, eclosion and development of the bruchid Callosobruchus maculatus. Dietary supplementation of bruchid larvae with A. lebbeck seed coat flour causes severe weight loss and reduces survival. By means of protein purification, mass spectrometry and bioinformatic analyses, we show that chitin-binding vicilins are the main source of A. lebbeck tegumental toxicity to C. maculatus. At concentrations as low as 0.1%, A. lebbeck vicilins reduce larval mass from 8.1 ± 1.7 (mass of control larvae) to 1.8 ± 0.5 mg, which corresponds to a decrease of 78%. Seed coat toxicity constitutes an efficient defense mechanism, hindering insect predation and preventing embryo damage. We hypothesize that A. lebbeck vicilins are good candidates for the genetic transformation of crop legumes to enhance resistance to bruchid predation.

Este estudo objetivou investigar a associação do sexo, faixa etária, classe econômica, escolaridade do pai e estado nutricional com a prática de caminhada e atividades físicas moderadas e vigorosas em adolescentes. Participaram do estudo 578 escolares (305 meninos), com idades entre 11 e 16 anos, de uma escola pública do município de Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil. As informações sobre a prática de atividades físicas foram obtidas através do International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ, versão 8, forma curta). A análise dos dados apropriou-se da estatística descritiva, Qui-quadrado, teste t independente e análise de variância one-way. Treze por cento dos adolescentes foram classificados como inativos, sem diferença significativa entre os sexos (p > .05). As moças apresentaram mais tempo despendido na prática de caminhada (p = .019) e em atividades vigorosas (p = .017) em comparação aos rapazes. Adolescentes da faixa etária de 14-16 anos tiveram maior participação em caminhada em comparação aos de 11-12 anos (p = .026) e 13 anos (p = .006). Verificou-se associação positiva entre a classe econômica e o tempo gasto em atividades físicas moderadas (p = .034). Em conclusão, a associação do sexo, faixa etária e classe econômica com a prática de atividade física em adolescentes varia de acordo com o tipo e intensidade de atividade realizada.

This study aimed at investigating the relationship between a set of variables (adolescents' gender, age, economic level, nutritional status, and fathers' educational level) and physical activity practices. The sample consisted of 578 students from a public school, aged between 11 and 16 years. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ, version 8, short form) was applied in order to measure their physical activity practices. Chi-square, independent t test and one-way ANOVA were implemented. Thirteen percent of adolescents were physically inactive and no significant difference was found between gender (p > .05). Compared to boys, girls spent more time in walking (p = .019) and vigorous activities (p = .017). Adolescents aged 14-16 years spent more time in walking compared with those aged 11-12 years (p = .026) and 13-year-olds (p = .006). There was a positive association between economic level and time spent in moderate physical activity (p = .034).

The present study estimated the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) according to the criteria established by the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATPIII) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and analyzed the contribution of social factors in an adult urban population in the Southeastern region of Brazil. The sample plan was based on multistage probability sampling according to family head income and educational level. A random sample of 1116 subjects aged 30 to 79 years was studied. Participants answered a questionnaire about socio-demographic variables and medical history. Fasting capillary glucose (FCG), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides were determined and all non-diabetic subjects were submitted to the 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. Body mass index (BMI, kg/m²), waist circumference and blood pressure (BP) were determined. Age- and gender-adjusted prevalence of MS was 35.9 and 43.2% according to NCEP-ATPIII and IDF criteria, respectively. Substantial agreement was found between NCEP-ATPIII and IDF definitions. Low HDL-C levels and high BP were the most prevalent MS components according to NCEP-ATPIII criteria (76.3 and 59.2%, respectively). Considering the diagnostic criteria adopted, 13.5% of the subjects had diabetes and 9.7% had FCG ≥100 mg/dL. MS prevalence was significantly associated with age, skin color, BMI, and educational level. This cross-sectional population-based study in the Southeastern region of Brazil indicates that MS is highly prevalent and associated with an important social indicator, i.e., educational level. This result suggests that in developing countries health policy planning to reduce the risk of MS, in particular, should consider improvement in education.