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Objective:To estimate the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in children and associated risk factors.Design:Analysis of data from a cross-sectional multicentre study performed in the primary care units of the municipalities from January to June 2015. The children’s legal guardians answered a socio-economic questionnaire, and the children’s blood samples were obtained by venipuncture. Plasma retinol was determined by HPLC. Plasma retinol values of P < 0·05 were considered significant. The data were analysed in the SPSS software, 21.0.Setting:Forty-eight poorest municipalities in the South Region of Brazil.Participants:Children (n 1503) aged 12–59 months.Results:The prevalence of VAD in the sample was 1·9 % (95 % CI (0·5, 6·8)). The following risk factors were associated with the outcome in the final explanatory model: family received Bolsa Familia program benefits (PR = 3·19; 95 % CI (1·69, 6·02)), child was not being breastfed (PR = 5·22; 95 % CI (1·68, 16·18)) and stunting (PR = 4·75; 95 % CI (2·10, 10·73)).Conclusions:VAD did not represent a public health problem for children living in socio-economically vulnerable municipalities in the South Region of Brazil, suggesting a new panorama of this nutritional deficiency even in regions of low socio-economic conditions in these three states. Thus, in view of the current nutritional transition scenario, it is necessary to continuously monitor and improve public policies related to vitamin A supplementation in the country.

Few studies have investigated the simultaneous effect of individual and contextual factors on the occurrences of anemia. This study aims to evaluate the variability of children’s hemoglobin levels from municipalities in social vulnerability and its association with factors of individual and municipal nature. This is a cross-sectional, multi-center study, with children data (12-59 months) collected from 48 municipalities of the Southern region of Brazil, that were included in the Brazil Without Poverty Plan. Individuals’ data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and secondary and ecological data of children’s municipalities were collected via national surveys and institutional websites. The outcome was defined as the hemoglobin level obtained by HemoCue. A multilevel analysis was performed using Generalized Linear Models for Location Scale and Shape using R, with a 5% significance level. A total of 1,501 children were evaluated. The mean hemoglobin level was 12.8g/dL (95%CI: 12.7-12.8), with significant variability between municipalities. Lower values of hemoglobin were observed in children who lived in municipalities with a higher urbanization rate and a lower number of Community Health Agents, in relation to the reference categories. At the individual level, lower hemoglobin values were identified for children under 24 months, not enrolled at daycares, who were beneficiaries of the conditional cash transfer program and diagnosed with underweight. The results shed light on important factors at the municipal and the individual levels that were associated to the hemoglobin levels of children living in municipalities in social vulnerability. Resumo: Poucos estudos investigaram o efeito simultâneo dos fatores individuais e contextuais sobre a ocorrência da anemia. O estudo procura avaliar a variabilidade dos níveis de hemoglobina em crianças de municípios com vulnerabilidade social e a associação com fatores individuais e municipais. Foi realizado um estudo transversal com dados de crianças de idade pré-escolar (12-59 meses) de um estudo multicêntrico em 48 municípios do Sul do Brasil, incluídos no Plano Brasil Sem Miséria. Os dados dos indivíduos foram coletados com um questionário estruturado, e os dados secundários e ecológicos dos municípios das crianças foram obtidos através de inquéritos nacionais e websites institucionais. O desfecho foi definido como o nível de hemoglobina, obtido com o sistema HemoCue. Foi realizada análise multinível usando modelos lineares generalizados para posição, escala e forma, no R, com nível de 5% de significância . Foram avaliadas 1.501 crianças. O nível médio de hemoglobina foi 12,8g/dL (IC95%: 12,7-12,8), com variabilidade significativa entre os municípios. Níveis de hemoglobina mais baixos foram observados nas crianças em municípios com taxas de urbanização mais altas e menor número de agentes comunitários de saúde, comparado com as categorias de referência. Em nível individual, níveis de hemoglobina mais baixos foram identificados em crianças abaixo de 24 meses, não matriculadas em creches, beneficiárias do Programa Bolsa Família e diagnosticadas com baixo peso. Os resultados destacam fatores importantes nos níveis municipal e individual que estão associados com os níveis de hemoglobina em crianças de municípios com vulnerabilidade social. Resumen: Pocos estudios han investigado el efecto simultáneo de los factores individuales y contextuales en la incidencia de anemia. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la variabilidad de los niveles de hemoglobina en niños socialmente vulnerables en municipios del sur de Brasil y su asociación con factores en el nivel individual y municipal. Se trata de un estudio trasversal con datos de niños (12-59 meses), procedentes de un estudio multicéntrico, realizado en 48 municipios de la región sur de Brasil, incluidos en el Plan Brasil sin Pobreza. Se recogieron los datos de los participantes, usando un cuestionario estructurado, así como datos secundarios y ecológicos de los municipios de los niños, a través de encuestas nacionales y sitios web institucionales. El resultado se definió como el nivel de hemoglobina obtenido por HemoCue. Se realizó un análisis multinivel, usando modelos lineales generalizados para la escala de localización y forma usando R, con un nivel de un 5% de significancia. Un total de 1.501 niños fueron evaluados. La media de nivel de hemoglobina fue 12,8g/dL (95%CI: 12,7-12,8), con una significativa variabilidad entre municipios. Los valores más bajos de hemoglobina se observaron en niños que vivían en municipios con unas tasas más altas de urbanización, y un número de agentes de salud comunitario más bajo, en relación con las categorías de referencia. En el nivel individual, los valores de hemoglobina más bajos fueron identificados en niños con menos de 24 meses, no matriculados en guarderías, beneficiarios de ayudas económicas, enmarcadas en programas de ayuda económica, y diagnosticados como con bajo peso. Los resultados aclararon importantes factores en el nivel municipal e individual que estaban asociados a los niveles de hemoglobina de niños residentes en municipios, así como vulnerables socialmente.

Neonatal mortality still remains a complex challenge to be addressed. In Brazil, 60% of neonatal deaths occur among preterm infants with a gestational age of 32 weeks or less (≤32w). The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors involved in the high mortality rates among newborns with a gestational age ≤32w in a socioeconomically developed southern city in Brazil. Data on retrospective births and deaths (2000–2014) were analyzed from two official Brazilian national databases. The risk of neonatal death for all independent variables (mother’s age and schooling, prenatal visits, birth hospital, delivery method, gestational age, and the newborn’s sex, age, and birth year, gemelarity, congenital anomalies and birthplace) was assessed with a univariable and a multivariable model of Cox’s semiparametric proportional hazards regression (p

SUMMARYWe studied hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence and risk factors for HCV infection in a sample of Brazilian HIV-positive patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 580 HIV-positive patients from a specialized HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment centre in southern Brazil. All patients were interviewed for socio-demographic and risk factors and tested for HCV antibodies and HCV-RNA detection. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors for HCV infection. A total of 138 (24%) patients had past or chronic hepatitis C. The following risk factors were associated with HCV infection for each gender: alcohol misuse and injecting drug use in women (P P

Background Hazardous drinking (HD) is a serious health problem in people infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) genes have been associated with HD in different populations, but there were no data about this in HIV-1-positive individuals. This study investigated the association of 4 nonsynonymous SNPs in ADH genes (Arg48His and Arg370Cys in ADH1B gene; Arg272Gln and Ile350Val in ADH1C gene) with HD in people living with HIV-1. Methods This case–control study included 365 HIV-1-positive individuals (121 with HD and 244 without HD). Sociodemographic variables were collected with a standardized individual questionnaire. HD (score ≥8) and binge drinking (BD) (drinks on the same occasion ≥5) were detected with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. The 4 SNPs were genotyped by the polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using logistic regression analysis. The Bonferroni correction was used (considering the 4 SNPs studied). Results There were no significant differences in the frequencies of Arg370Cys, Arg272Gln, and Ile350Val polymorphisms between HD cases and controls. Otherwise, Arg/His genotype (rs1229984) in ADH1B gene showed a protective effect against HD (aOR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.14 to 0.90) and BD (aOR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.21 to 0.95). Nevertheless, these differences were no longer significant after Bonferroni correction. Conclusions The results of this study suggest a possible effect of the Arg48His genotype on the protection against HD in HIV-1-positive individuals.

The study aimed to identify factors associated with the introduction of inappropriate complementary feeding in the first year of life in children living in municipalities (counties) with low socioeconomic statusl. This was a cross-sectional multicenter study in 1,567 children 12 to 59 months of age in 48 municipalities participating in the Brazil Without Poverty plan in the South of Brazil. A structured questionnaire was applied to the children's parents to obtain socio-demographic information and the age at which inappropriate complementary foods were introduced for the first time in complementary feeding. Prevalence of introduction of sugar before four months of age was 35.5% (n = 497; 95%CI: 33.1-38.0). The prevalence rates for the introduction of cookies/crackers, creamy yogurt, and jelly before six months of age were 20.4% (n = 287; 95%CI: 18.3-22.3), 24.8% (n = 349; 95%CI: 22.4-27.1), and 13.8% (n = 192; 95%CI: 12.0-15.7), respectively. Associations were identified between low maternal schooling (PR = 1.25; 95%CI: 1.03-1.51) and low monthly family income (PR = 1.22; CI95%: 1.01-1.48) and the introduction of inappropriate complementary feeding. The study identified the introduction of inappropriate complementary feeding in the first year of life among children in municipalities with high socioeconomic vulnerability in the South of Brazil, associated with low maternal schooling and low monthly family income.Identificar os fatores associados à introdução de alimentos não recomendados no primeiro ano de vida, entre crianças residentes em municípios de baixo nível socioeconômico. Estudo multicêntrico transversal com 1.567 crianças de 12 a 59 meses de idade residentes em 48 municípios participantes do plano Brasil Sem Miséria da Região Sul do Brasil. Aplicou-se questionário estruturado aos responsáveis pelas crianças para a obtenção das informações sociodemográficas e idade na qual alimentos não recomendados foram introduzidos pela primeira vez na alimentação complementar. A prevalência de introdução de açúcar antes dos quatro meses de idade da criança foi de 35,5% (n = 497; IC95%: 33,1-38,0). As prevalências de introdução de biscoito doce/salgado, queijo petit suisse e gelatina antes do sexto mês de vida da criança foram de 20,4% (n = 287; IC95%: 18,3-22,3), 24,8% (n = 349; IC95%: 22,4-27,1) e 13,8% (n = 192; IC95%: 12,0-15,7), respectivamente. Identificou-se associação entre a menor escolaridade materna (RP = 1,25; IC95%: 1,03-1,51) e a menor renda mensal familiar (RP = 1,22; IC95%: 1,01-1,48) com a introdução de alimentos não recomendados. Verificou-se a introdução de alimentos não recomendados no primeiro ano de vida entre crianças residentes em municípios de alta vulnerabilidade socioeconômica da Região Sul do Brasil, e esta prática associou-se à menor escolaridade materna e menor renda familiar mensal.El estudio tuvo como fin identificar los factores asociados a la introducción de alimentos no recomendados durante el primer año de vida, entre niños residentes en municipios con un bajo nivel socioeconómico. Se trata de un estudio multicéntrico transversal con 1.567 niños de 12 a 59 meses de edad, residentes en 48 municipios participantes en el plan Brasil Sin Miseria de la región Sur de Brasil. Se aplicó un cuestionario estructurado a los responsables de los niños para la obtención de la información sociodemográfica y la edad en la que los alimentos no recomendados se introdujeron por primera vez en la alimentación complementaria. La prevalencia de introducción del aúcar, antes de los cuatro meses de edad del niño, fue de un 35,5% (n = 497; IC95%: 33,1-38,0). Las prevalencias de la introducción de galletas dulce/saladas, queso petit suisse y gelatina antes del sexto mes de vida del niño fueron de un 20,4% (n = 287; IC95%: 18,3-22,3), un 24,8% (n = 349; IC95%: 22,4-27,1) y un 13,8% (n = 192; IC95%: 12,0-15,7), respectivamente. Se identificó una asociación entre la menor escolaridad materna (RP = 1,25; IC95%: 1,03-1,51) y la menor renta mensual familiar (RP = 1,22; IC95%: 1,01-1,48), con la introducción de alimentos no recomendados. Se verificó la introducción de alimentos no recomendados durante el primer año de vida entre niños residentes en municipios de alta vulnerabilidad socioeconómica de la región Sur de Brasil, y esta práctica se asoció a una menor escolaridad materna y una menor renta familiar mensual.

Home fortification with multiple micronutrient powder (MNP) is effective in the prevention of anemia in young children. However, the impact on their vitamin A status remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of MNP on vitamin A status in young Brazilian children. A multicenter pragmatic, controlled trial was carried out in primary health centers in four Brazilian cities. In the beginning of the study, the control group (CG) consisted of children 11–14 months old (n = 395) attending in routine pediatric health care. In parallel, the intervention group (IG) was composed of children 6–8 months old (n = 399), in the same health centers, who followed the intervention with MNP for 2–3 months. The analysis of the effect of MNP on vitamin A status was performed by comparing the IG with the CG after a 4- to 6-month follow-up when IG children had reached the age of the controls. The prevalence of vitamin A deficiency (VAD; serum retinol

Background Knowledge on the anatomical and morphological characteristics of the superficial peroneal nerve is amenable to further refinement. This cadaveric study aimed to further evaluate anatomical and morphological characteristics of the superficial peroneal nerve. Methods In this study, 10 lower limbs from five fresh cadavers were dissected. The anatomical characteristics of the superficial peroneal nerve were identified. Nerve segments were submitted for histological and morphometric analyses, and nerve thicknesses and number of fascicles were assessed. Results Regarding the superficial peroneal nerve's bifurcation, 80% of the terminal branches were distal to the point of emergence from the fascia. In 90% limbs, two sensory branches were observed immediately after the distal bifurcation of the superficial peroneal nerve. The mean distance from the fibular head to the superficial peroneal nerve's emergence from the fascia was 24.6 cm and mean nerve thickness at this point was 0.3 cm. The mean distance between the lateral malleolus and the main nerve trunk at the ankle was 4.68 cm. The mean distance from the motor branch of the peroneus brevis to the lateral malleolus was 29.3 cm. Morphometric analyses revealed an average five nerve bundles at the broadest nerve diameter (2.6 mm). Conclusion The anatomical and morphometrical characteristics of the superficial peroneal nerve indicate that it may be a safe and useful donor for autologous graft treatment of peripheral nerve injuries. Our morphological study shows a median of five fascicles, and that the thickest diameter of the nerve was 2.6 mm at the emergence from the deep to the superficial compartment.

To estimate the prevalence of HIV-1 subtypes and analyze factors associated.A cross-sectional study was performed with a convenience sample of 80 adult HIV-positive patients, users of an AIDS/STD specialized service, in the city of Canoas, Southern Brazil, between July 2008 and January 2009. Determination of HIV subtypes was performed with the amplification of viral genome fragment, using polymerase chain reaction, followed by sequencing of the amplified fragments. Sociodemographic, clinical and behavioral variables were collected in a structured questionnaire. Univariate statistical analysis was performed, using chi-square test and Student's t-test.A higher prevalence of subtype C was found (43.8%; 95% CI: 32.9;54.6), followed by CRF31_BC (35.0%; 95% CI: 24.6;45.5) and subtypes B (18.8%; 95% CI: 10.2;27.3) and F (2.4%; 95% CI: 0;5.9). Other HIV-1 subtypes were not observed. Patients infected with CRF31_BC were diagnosed more recently than patients infected with subtype B (p0.05). In addition, there was a higher frequency of co-infection with other viruses (hepatitis B and C and human T-lymphotropic viruses) in individuals with CRF31_BC, compared to other subtypes. With regard to sociodemographic aspects, there were no differences in the distribution of subtypes and recombinant forms, in terms of gender and sexual practices.Results obtained indicate a higher frequency of subtype C and CRF31_BC in this urban center of Southern Brazil, with possible different ways of transmission.

Objetivo: Determinar as tendências da mortalidade infantil de 1995 a 1999, segundo a escolaridade materna, medidas em base geográfica, em Porto Alegre, Brasil. Métodos: Estudo baseado em dados secundários de um banco de dados municipal, criado em 1994. Todos os nascidos vivos (119.170 nascimentos) e óbitos infantis (1.934 óbitos) foram considerados. Foram definidas cinco diferentes áreas geográficas segundo os quintis de percentagem de escolaridade materna baixa (menos de seis anos de estudo): alta, médio-alta, média, média-baixa e baixa escolaridade. Foi usado o teste do qui-quadrado para tendências de comparação das taxas entre as áreas. Foi calculada a razão de incidências pela regressão de Poisson para identificar excesso de mortalidade infantil nas áreas mais pobres, em comparação com as mais ricas. Resultados: A taxa de mortalidade infantil decresceu de 18,38 por 1.000 nascidos vivos em 1995 e para 12,21 em 1999 (qui-quadrado para tendência p

Acute phenylalanine and tyrosine depletion (APTD) studies have been used to assess the role of the cathecholaminergic system in various aspects of human behaviour. In this study we conducted a randomized, double-blind, controlled and cross-over comparison to evaluate the effects of APTD on memory, attention and mood in normal subjects. Twelve healthy male volunteers were included in this study. The subjects ingested a nutritionally balanced mixture (B) or a similar mixture deficient in phenylalanine and tyrosine (PT–). Before and 5 h after ingestion of the drink, volunteers underwent tests on mood, memory and attention. Results of the memory tests showed that PT– mixture impaired word recall as measured in Rey's test (p = 0.016). The assessment of changes in mood showed that the balanced mixture improved scores of as alertness (VAMS factor I, p = 0.037) and the PT– mixture induces an opposite effect, increased scores of anxiety (Profiles of Mental State composed-anxious dimension, p= 0.022). These results suggest that tyrosine plasma levels and cathecholamines may be important factors in regulating mood and memory.