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Objective To determine the prevalence of syphilis and the associated risk factors in a female prison unit. Methods This was a cross-sectional study including 113 women whom data were collected in two stages: first, blood test to check for syphilis seropositivity; and then collection of information through a form to assess risk situations for sexually transmitted infections. Results Overall, syphilis prevalence was found to be 22.1% among the female prison population (n=25) and 28.6% among pregnant women. A statistically significant relationship was found between syphilis infection and previous history of sexually transmitted infections (p=0.04). However, most participants diagnosed with the disease were unaware of a history of sexually transmitted infection in the last 12 months (n=20/80.0%). The use of condom with fixed partners was considered to be a protective factor (odds ratio of 0.76; 95% of confidence interval 0.68-0.85). Conclusion The prevalence of syphilis among the female prison population was high, particularly among pregnant women. Preventive and therapeutic measures as well as appropriate prenatal care can minimize the impact of syphilis in prison systems and, consequently, improve such health outcomes nationwide.

Unlabelled: Total laryngectomy is a surgical procedure that can change swallowing biomechanics, including muscle activity of the masseter; this muscle stabilizes the mandible., Aim: To characterize the electrical activity of the masseter muscle during swallowing after total laryngectomy. Series study., Material and Methods: An electromyographic evaluation of swallowing was carried out; three different volumes of water (14.5 ml, 20 ml and 100 ml) were swallowed, and there was a rest condition. The electromyographic signal was normalized by Maximum Resisted Voluntary Activity - considered as 100% of electrical activity of muscles. All other values were calculated as a percentage of this parameter., Results: There is moderate electrical activity of the masseter during swallowing with higher averages on the left. There was no difference between swallowing 14.5 ml or 20 ml. Natural swallowing of 100ml had the lowest average. Electromyographic signals were recorded at rest on both sides, indicating the existence of electric activity in this situation., Conclusion: Patients submitted to total laryngectomy present electrical activity of the masseter muscles during swallowing and at rest. This activity is influenced by the volume of swallowed liquid, and showed significant differences among the tasks. Clinical Trials: NCT01095289.

Purpose: To characterize the electrical activity of the masseter muscle during swallowing of liquids in healthy young adults., Methods: Participants were 14 volunteers considered healthy according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria established for this study. The bilateral electromyographic evaluation of the masseter muscle was conducted at rest and in swallowing tasks of 14.5 ml, 20 ml and 100 ml of liquid. The electromyographic signal was normalized by the maximum voluntary activity resisted (MVAR), considered as 100% of the muscle's electrical activity., Results: In the right masseter, the highest average percentage was found in the 20 ml task, and in the left masseter, in the 14.5 ml task. In the right masseter there was difference between the 14.5 ml and the 20 ml swallowing tasks. In the left masseter, no differences were found between the swallowing tasks., Conclusion: The electrical activity of the masseter muscle in healthy young adults during deglutition of liquids can be influenced by volume swallowed, and present different responses bilaterally.