Use of the Information, Memory and Concentration (IMC) Test in the epidemiological study of senile dementia in Fortaleza,Ceará (Brazil)

The objective of the present paper was to verify the occurrence of senile dementia in the city of Fortaleza, Brazil. A screening test, the Information, Memory and Concentration Test (IMC), was applied to 865 persons (65 years old and older). The Test includes questions on personal identification, recent and remote memory and concentration. Dementia was determined as a function of the total score obtained by the person in the test previously examined as far as sensitivity and specificity are concerned. The results were analysed according to age, sex and social strata. It was demonstrated a prevalence of dementia of 8.4% in the sample studied with no significant difference in the proportions of cases among people 75 years old or older (9.3%) as compared to the group younger, 65 to 74 years old, (7.5%). The percentage of dementia was similar between men (8.7%) and women (8.3%). It was verified a progressive increase in the frequency of dementia ranging from 5.2% for the higher social classes (A/B) to 6.9% and 10.3% for medium (C) and lower (D/E) ones respectively, with a significant difference between the social classes A/B and D/E. These results, however, should be seen with caution because of the percentage of refuse especially in the higher, A/B (19.3%) and lower D/E (9.3%) social classes.     

Bioaccumulation of Atrazine in Freshwater Bivalves Anodontites trapesialis (Lamarck, 1819) and Corbicula fluminea (Müller, 1774)

The bioaccumulation of atrazine in bivalves is expected due to its wide use in agriculture and its moderate water solubility (33 mg/l). To assess the capacity of bioaccumulation, we performed a laboratory study in which two bivalves species (Anodontites trapesialis and Corbicula fluminea) were exposed to atrazine (concentrations of 0.06 to 0.34 μg/ml) during 48 h. The results showed that both bivalve species were able to bioaccumulate atrazine in their tissues. In another experiment, groups of bivalves from the specie A. trapesialis were exposed to atrazine at the concentration of 1 μg/ml and different organs of these animals were analyzed. The visceral mass, foot and mantle plus siphon showed the highest values of atrazine bioaccumulation.     

Effect of biopesticides on the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) of the rice leaffolder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenée) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The effects of bacterial toxins (Bacillus thuringiensis) and botanical insecticides (Azadirachta indica and Vitex negundo) on lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenée) (the rice leaffolder) were evaluated. Bacterial toxins and botanical insecticides affected the LDH activity individually and in combination. When they were combined, the effect was more severe at low concentration. There was a decrease in enzyme activity over controls at all concentrations tested. The combined effect of the three biopesticides resulted in a considerable decrease in enzyme activity, indicating strong enzyme inhibition. Clear dose-response relationships were established with respect to enzyme activity.     

Diet of the twaite shad Alosa fallax (Lacépède, 1803) (Clupeidae) in the Gulf of Gdansk, the Baltic Sea

Twaite shad Alosa fallax (12?C48 cm total length) from the Gulf of Gdansk feed on Mysids: Mysis mixta, Neomysis integer, and fish: Sprattus sprattus, Osmerus eperlanus, and Pomatoschistus sp.. In the stomachs of A. fallax there also occur Hydrobia sp., Diptera and small stones, particles of wood and plastic. The food of inshore twaite shad measured from 12 to 21 cm centered on M. mixta. Fish are the main prey for A. fallax from the class length 22?C31 cm from the Vistula River mouth and for all shads longer than 32 cm.     

First report of Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus in the state of Ceará, Brazil

For the first time, the occurrence of Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus in an urban area of the city of Fortaleza, Northeastern, Brazil, is reported. From January to July 2005, ovitraps were used to collect eggs from Aedes spp., which were kept under laboratory conditions to develop into the adult phase. The resultant mosquitoes were identified and subjected to dengue virus isolation tests. Thirteen specimens of Aedes albopictus, all females, were identified. No dengue virus was isolated in any of the mosquito pools. Even though Aedes albopictus has not been incriminated in Brazilian dengue outbreaks, the possibility of dengue virus transmission by these mosquitoes cannot be dismissed.     

Species of Anopheles (Culicidae, Anophelinae) in a malaria-endemic area, Maranhão, Brazil

INTRODUCTION: The study of the seasonal fluctuation, nocturnal activity, relative abundance and the richness of Anopheles species in anthropic environment is essential to the understanding of the their bioecology and to the surveillance program of malaria control. METHODS: The Anopheles species were studied from 6 P.M. to 6 A.M., once a month, for one year, from October 1996 to September 1997, in the municipal district of Raposa, of the S?o Luís island, Maranh?o state. The basic method was the capture of female specimens on human baits in peri and intradomicile sites by means of aspiration tube and guided luminous focus. RESULTS: A total of 1.407 specimens were collected and distributed as follow: Anopheles aquasalis (82% of the sample), Anopheles galvaoi (10,2%), Anopheles albitarsis (6,4%), Anopheles evansae, Anopheles nuneztovari, and Anopheles triannulatus davisi (the last three represented together 1, 4%). The anophelines occurred all year round, mainly in the rainy period, being more frequent in the intra (75,3%) than in the peridomicile site (24,7%), showing a clear preference to suck blood in the evening. CONCLUSION: The behavioural variation of Anopheles shows that the different species are becoming adapted to closeness to human habitations, in the rural zone of the S?o Luis island.     

Distribution of species from genus Anopheles (Diptera, Culicidae) in the State of Maranhão, Brazil

We studied the distribution and diversity of Anopheles species in 123 counties (municipalities) in the State of Maranh?o, Brazil. The basic method consisted of capturing female specimens inside and around human dwellings between 6 PM and 6 AM from January 1992 to December 2001. A total of 84,467 specimens belonging to 24 species were captured, with a predominance of A. triannulatus sensu lato (20,788), A. darlingi (19,083), A. nuneztovari (16,884), A. albitarsis s.l. (14,352), A. aquasalis (8.202), and A. evansae (2,885). The other 18 species together accounted for only 2.7% of the total. The species found in the most counties were A. albitarsis s.l. (109 counties), A. triannulatus s.l. (106), A. nuneztovari (93), A. darlingi (87), and A. evansae (64). The richness and wide distribution of anopheline species in Maranh?o agree with the State's geographic position among Brazil's macro-regions, resulting in a mixed fauna with representative elements from these regions.     

Intra-population plasticity of Anopheles darlingi's (Diptera, Culicidae) biting activity patterns in the state of Amapá, Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To assess the variation in Anopheles darlingi's biting activity compared to An. marajoara in the same locality and to biting activity data from other regions. METHODS: Using human bait, eight observations of the biting activity of An. darlingi and An. marajoara were carried out during 1999 and 2000 in the municipality of S?o Raimundo do Pirativa, state of Amapá, Brazil. Each observation consisted of three consecutive 13-hour collections, close to full moon. There were shifts of collectors in the observation points and nocturnal periods. RESULTS: An. darlingi revealed considerable plasticity of biting activity in contrast to An. marajoara, which showed well-defined crepuscular biting peaks. No significant correlation between density and biting activity was found, but a significant correlation existed between time and proportional crepuscular activity, indicating underlying ecological processes not yet understood. Two of the four available data sets having multiple observations at one locality showed considerable plasticity of this species' biting patterns as well. CONCLUSION: Intra-population variation of biting activity can be as significant as inter-population variation. Some implications in malaria vector control and specific studies are also discussed.     

The incidence of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and tuberculosis (TB) in the hospital “La Fe” of Valencia,Spain (1985–1989)

We studied the incidence of TB and TB-AIDS in the area served by La Fe hospital in Valencia. We also studied the different evolution of the incidence of TB and TB-AIDS during the 1985–1989 period. We noticed the progressive increase of the incidence of TB in AIDS patients, while the incidence of TB without AIDS remained the same.     

Synthesis,characterization and anti-bacterial studies of mixed-ligand complexes of dithiocarbamato—thiocyanato and iron(III), nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II)

Twelve mixed-ligand complexes of Fe(III), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) with Schiff bases of N,N-diethylamino-dithiocarbamate and thiocyanate as ligands, have been synthesized and characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, infrared and electronic spectral studies, as well as magnetic measurements. Anti-bacterial action of these complexes has been evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, Pasteurella multocida, Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus. The activity has been estimated by the filter paper disc and the minimal inhibition concentration methods. A relationship between the anti-bacterial activity and the nature of the ligands and the central atoms of the complexes has been noted.     

Safety of diphtheria,tetanus, acellular pertussis and inactivated poliovirus (DTaP–IPV) vaccine

Background

In 2008, a diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, and inactivated poliovirus combined vaccine (DTaP–IPV) was licensed for use in children 4 through 6 years of age. While pre-licensure studies did not demonstrate significant safety concerns, the number vaccinated in these studies was not sufficient to examine the risk of uncommon but serious adverse events.

Objective

To assess the risk of serious adverse events following DTaP–IPV vaccination.

Methods

The study was conducted from January 2009 through September 2012 in the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) project. In the VSD, electronic vaccination and encounter data are updated and aggregated weekly as part of ongoing surveillance activities. Based on previous reports and biologic plausibility, eight potential adverse events were monitored: meningitis/encephalitis; seizures; stroke; Guillain–Barré syndrome; Stevens–Johnson syndrome; anaphylaxis; serious allergic reactions other than anaphylaxis; and serious local reactions. Adverse event rates in DTaP–IPV recipients were compared to historical incidence rates in the VSD population prior to 2009. Sequential probability ratio testing was used to analyze the data on a weekly basis.

Results

During the study period, 201,116 children received DTaP–IPV vaccine. Ninety-seven percent of DTaP–IPV recipients also received other vaccines on the same day, typically measles–mumps–rubella and varicella vaccines. There was no statistically significant increased risk of any of the eight pre-specified adverse events among DTaP–IPV recipients when compared to historical incidence rates.

Conclusions

In this safety surveillance study of more than 200,000 DTaP–IPV vaccine recipients, there was no evidence of increased risk for any of the pre-specified adverse events monitored. Continued surveillance of DTaP–IPV vaccine safety may be warranted to monitor for rare adverse events, such as Guillain–Barré syndrome.     

Histological Changes in the Kidney of Sciades Herzbergii (Siluriformes,Ariidae) for Environmental Monitoring of a Neotropical Estuarine Area (São Marcos Bay,Northeastern Brazil)

Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology - The aim of this study was to evaluate the environmental quality of a port in Brazil using the renal alterations in Sciades herzbergii as...     

Evaluation of the perception of the oral health teams of the municipal health department of Curitiba, Paraná State, regarding atraumatic restorative treatment (ART)

An evaluation was made of the perception of oral health teams regarding Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) as a primary oral healthcare strategy used by the Municipal Health Department of Curitiba, Paraná State. A study was made both of Health Units (HU) that operate using the Family Health Strategy (FHSHU) and those that do not (Basic Healthcare Units--BHU). The sample involved 191 oral health professionals proportionally (CI=95%, e=6%). A questionnaire was used to collect data. The information was analyzed using the SPSS 13.0 program. The response rate was 82%. Chi-square testing did not reveal a statistically significant difference between the FHSHU (83.1%) and the BHU (74.3%) with regard to knowledge about the technique (p>0.05). A difference was found as to training in ART among the different HU (p<0.01) and the use of the technique by the services (p<0.01). The length of training and the length of service of dental health professionals at the municipal health service were relevant in relation to knowledge of the technique and the taking of clinical decisions as to ART. The conclusion was reached that training on ART is needed at the primary healthcare level as a result of the different perceptions revealed.     

Conceptualizing disability in US national surveys: application of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) International Classification of Functioning,Disability, and Health (ICF) framework

Purpose

Disability data inform resource allocation and utilization, characterize functioning and changes over time, and provide a mechanism to monitor progress toward promoting and protecting the rights of individuals with disability. Data collection efforts, however, define and measure disability in varied ways. Our objective was to see how the content of disability measures differed in five US national surveys and over time.

Methods

Using the WHO ICF as a conceptual framework for measuring disability, we assessed the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), Current Population Survey (CPS), Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP), National Survey of SSI Children and Families (NSCF), and American Community Survey (ACS) for their content coverage of disability relative to each of the four ICF components (i.e., body functions, body structures, activities and participation, and environment). We used second-level ICF three-digit codes to classify question content into categories within each ICF component and computed the proportion of categories within each ICF component that was represented in the questions selected from these five surveys.

Results

The disability measures varied across surveys and years. The NHIS captured a greater proportion of the ICF body functions and body structures components than did other surveys. The SIPP captured the most content of the ICF activities and participation component, and the NSCF contained the most content of the ICF environmental factors component.

Conclusions

This research successfully illustrated demonstrated the utility of the ICF in examining the content of disability measures in five national surveys and over time.     

Increased Number of Human Cases of Influenza Virus A(H5N1) Infection,Egypt, 2014–15

During November 2014–April 2015, a total of 165 case-patients with influenza virus A(H5N1) infection, including 6 clusters and 51 deaths, were identified in Egypt. Among infected persons, 99% reported poultry exposure: 19% to ill poultry and 35% to dead poultry. Only 1 person reported wearing personal protective equipment while working with poultry.     

Influence of anthropic habits in the dispersion of Triatoma pseudomaculata Corrêa & Espínola, 1964 through Mimosa tenuiflora (Willdenow) (Mimosaceae) in the State of Ceará, Brazil

Triatoma pseudomaculata was captured in the phloem of the black acacia bush (Mimosa tenuiflora) in seven municipalities in the State of Ceará, Brazil. This bush is widespread in the caatinga (scrub forest) and is used extensively by the rural population for kindling. Peridomiciliary presence of triatomines in the Cariri region may be associated with the use of infested M. tenuiflora wood by the population, thus facilitating the triatomines' mobilization and dispersion.