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The management of fluorescent lamps wastes is a challenge, and its disposal in soils may cause harmful effects on human health and edaphic biota due to the presence of Hg and other potentially toxic metals. However, the pedogeochemical behavior of metals from fluorescent lamps is still rarely studied in the tropics. An Oxisol sample was contaminated in the laboratory using a dosage of 6.5% fluorescent lamp powder relative to the mass of soil. The mobility of metals was assessed through a sequential extraction protocol of the Community Bureau of Reference. To assess potential risks, a mathematical model of Human Health Risk Assessment was employed, based on human exposure on metal-contaminated groundwater from soil contamination. Evaluation of metal mobility showed that 6% of Ni and 30% of Cu in contaminated soil were in the potentially bioavailable fraction. The slightly acidic pH of the contaminated soil seems to influence the mobility of Ni and Cu. Zn and Pb were mainly found in the residual fraction, suggesting low geochemical availability. However, over time, metals may be leached, highlighting the importance of monitoring disposal areas. When these results are compared to the mobility profile found in extractions applied to pure fluorescent lamps waste, the data suggest that soil properties tend to reduce metal mobility. Human Health Risk Assessment showed significant risks associated with the human consumption of Cu-contaminated groundwater, considering a scenario of metal leaching from the soil. This study highlights the need for proper fluorescent lamps disposal in tropical terrestrial systems to prevent ecological and public health risks., Competing Interests: Declarations. Conflict of interest: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Background: Understanding the chemical composition of fluorescent lamp residue, particularly potentially toxic elements, is crucial for reducing environmental impacts and human health risks after disposal. However, the challenge lies in effectively analyzing these heterogeneous solid samples. Techniques involving quantitative dissolution become imperative, playing a fundamental role in quantifying trace elements., Objective: The aim of this work is to develop and present a new, faster, and more efficient and environmentally friendly method using ultrasound-assisted acid extraction to quantify potentially toxic elements (Cu, Mn, Ni, Sr, and Zn) present in fluorescent lamp waste using the inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry technique., Methods: An ultrasound-assisted acid extraction method for the quantification of potentially toxic elements in fluorescent lamp waste was developed and applied as a greener alternative to conventional digestion methods. For variable optimization, a full factorial design with two levels and two variables (time and temperature) was used to determine which factors significantly affected the observed response., Results: The results obtained for the developed extraction method were compared with a reference method employing a heating acid digestion (with a mixture of HCl, HClO4, and HF) using statistical tools. The best results were obtained using an extraction time of 10 min and a temperature of 25°C. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry was applied for element quantification., Conclusion: The proposed extraction method showed good results for Cu, Mn, Ni, Sr, and Zn. Furthermore, the proposed method based on ultrasound radiation presents additional criteria that align with the concepts of green analytical chemistry., Highlights: A greener alternative method for the determination of Cu, Mn, Ni, Sr, and Zn in fluorescent lamp waste was developed. Optimal conditions for ultrasound extraction of potentially toxic elements were achieved in 10 min at a temperature of 25°C. Environmentally friendly aspects of ultrasound align with the requirements of green analytical chemistry., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of AOAC INTERNATIONAL. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

We studied some fibrotic aspects of chronic interstitial pneumonitis in the lungs of dogs infected with Leishmania infantum . The lungs of eleven naturally infected dogs, twelve experimentally infected with two distinct strains of L. infantum (BH401 and BH46), and six uninfected (controls) dogs, were analyzed by histological, parasitological, and immunohistochemical studies. Conventional histology (HE), collagen deposition (Gomori's silver staining for reticulin collagen fibers), and immunohistochemistry for myofibroblast characterization were carried out based on the cellular expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin, vimentin, cytokeratin, E-cadherin, snail antigen homologue 1 (SNAI1) (Snail), and the cytokine expression of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). Parasitological screening was carried out using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the immunohistochemical reaction of streptavidin-peroxidase for visualizing Leishmania amastigotes. Dogs naturally infected with L. infantum and experimentally infected with L. infantum BH401 strains showed intense interstitial pneumonitis characterized by thickening of the alveolar septa as a consequence of an intense diffuse and focal (plaques) chronic exudate of mononuclear cells associated with fibrogenesis. The expression of alpha-actin, vimentin, and TGF-β was higher in the lung interstitium of all infected dogs than in the other two groups (BH46 strain and controls). Moreover, in both the naturally and experimentally infected dog (BH401 strain) groups, the expression of Snail was moderate to intense in contrast to the other groups. Based on these immunohistochemical results, we concluded that mesenchymal cells are active in promoting changes in the extracellular matrix in the lungs of dogs naturally and experimentally infected with L. infantum , but it depends on the virulence of the parasite.

Background: Critically ill patients are more vulnerable to medical adhesive-related skin injuries (MARSI), whose prevention is a constant challenge and one of the main quality indicators of nursing care. MARSI associated with indwelling urinary catheter (IUC) fixation is a relevant adverse event, mainly because of the constant involuntary traction and high skin vulnerability of the fixation site. Silicone adhesive tape has appreciable qualities for fragile skin among the range of adhesives, leading to the inference that it reduces the risk of MARSI., Aim: To compare silicone adhesive tape for IUC fixation with acrylate tape regarding its safety and efficacy., Study Design: This was a randomized controlled trial blinded to the patients and evaluator. Data were collected from an intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary university hospital in Brazil. Patients with IUC and no MARSI at the fixation site were considered eligible. The omega (Ω) fixation technique was used for IUC fixation. A total of 132 participants were enrolled and divided into two research groups: 66 patients in the intervention group (silicone tape) and 66 in the control group (acrylate tape). Outcomes were the incidence of MARSI, patient outcome in the ICU and hospital and partial, total and overall spontaneous detachment of the tapes., Results: The overall incidence of MARSI was 28%, with 21% in the silicone group and 35% in the acrylate group, with no statistically significant difference (p = .121), including the severity of the lesions (p = .902). However, partial (p = .003) and overall (p < .001) detachment of the tapes were more frequent in the silicone group., Conclusions: Silicone tape is no safer than acrylate tape for IUC fixation and is less adhesively effective., Relevance to Clinical Practice: There is no evidence to support the extensive use of silicone tape in this context., (© 2023 British Association of Critical Care Nurses.)

This study evaluated the effect of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) with a red or infrared laser on the repair of post extraction sockets in rats administered alendronate (ALN). Forty male rats were randomly allocated into four groups: Control Group (CTR): subcutaneous administration of saline solution throughout the experimental period; Alendronate Group (ALN): subcutaneous administration of alendronate during the entire experimental period; Alendronate/Red Laser Group (ALN/RL): administration of ALN and irradiation with a GaAlAs laser (λ 660 nm); and Alendronate/Infrared Laser Group (ALN/IRL): administration of ALN and irradiation with a GaAlAs laser (λ 830 nm). The first lower molars were extracted 60 days after the beginning of the administration of the drugs. The PBMT was applied after tooth extraction (7 sessions with intervals of 48 hours between sessions). Thirty days after tooth extraction, the animals were euthanized. Micro-CT and histometric analysis were performed to assess the bone healing and soft tissue repair of the tooth socket. The ALN group presented with more bone than the CTR; however, most of this bone was necrotic. ALN does not affect the bone microarchitecture. On the other hand, PBMT with IRL enhances the bone density due to the increase in the number and reduction in the spacing of the trabeculae. The amount of vital bone and connective tissue matrix was higher in the ALN/RL and ALN/IRL groups than in the ALN and CTR groups. PBMT enhanced the healing of the post extraction sockets in rats subjected to ALN administration. Furthermore, IRL improved the new bone microarchitecture.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of strontium ranelate (Sr) on post-extraction socket healing in rats submitted to the administration of bisphosphonates. Sixty rats were submitted to the tooth extraction of the first lower molar after 60 days of the daily administration of saline solution (SS) or alendronate (ALN). Then, the animals were allocated into six groups namely CTR: administration of SS during the whole experiment, ALN: administration of ALN during the whole experiment, ALN/SS: application of SS for 30 days after extraction in animals previously treated with ALN, ALN/Sr: application of Sr for 30 days after extraction in animals previously treated with ALN, ALN/S60: ALN therapy interruption 30 days before the extraction followed by the application of SS for 60 days, and ALN/Sr60: ALN therapy interruption 30 days before the tooth extraction followed by the application of Sr for 60 days. The healing of the post-extraction sockets was evaluated by microCT and histomorphometry. The use of ALN induced partial bone necrosis, inflammatory infiltration, and a delay in soft tissue healing; the use of Sr improved the connective tissue organization. Sr has subtle positive effects on the post-extraction healing in animals submitted to the administration of bisphosphonate., (© 2022. The Society of The Nippon Dental University.)

We aimed to evaluate the morphological ovarian response to equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) prior to ovum pick-up (OPU) and its effects on the molecular phenotype of immature cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from Nelore cow (Bos indicus) donors. To this end, 20 Nelore cows were distributed randomly into the synchronized-OPU (Sync-OPU) and synchronized plus stimulated-OPU (Sync + eCG-OPU) groups using a cross-over experimental design, as each cow was used in both treatments. On a random day of the estrus cycle (Day 0), all cows received an intravaginal implant with 1.0 g of progesterone and 2 mg IM of estradiol benzoate. On the morning of Day 3, only the Sync + eCG-OPU group received 400 IU of eCG IM. On the morning of Day 5, the P4 device was removed and OPU was conducted in both groups. Before OPU management, ultrasonography was used to identify and measure the follicles. The aspirated COCs were morphologically classified based on their cumulus cells (CC) layers and the texture of the ooplasm. The COCs classified as Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3 were considered viable and used for the assessment of quality markers. Oocytes and CC were mechanically separated from pools of 25 immature COCs of the Sync-OPU and Sync + eCG-OPU groups immediately after the follicular aspiration and stored at -80 °C until RNA extraction. Relative quantification of several markers for oocyte quality was assessed by RT-qPCR. The eCG treatment increased the number of follicles sized 3.0-5.0 mm and >5.0 mm compared to that in Sync-OPU group. Moreover, the protocol with eCG improved the total number of oocytes and the number of viable oocytes, which is related to a high number of oocytes in Grade 3. Regarding the impact on transcriptional regulation in immature oocytes, the mRNA encoding BMP15, SMAD1, SMAD2, SMAD3, ACACA, and CPT1A was upregulated in Sync + eCG-OPU compared with the Sync-OPU group. Moreover, the relative mRNA abundance of CTSZ, a member of the cathepsins family functionally related to reduced oocyte competence, was lower in the Sync + eCG-OPU group than in the Sync-OPU group. In addition, CC CTSB, CTSS, and CTSK mRNA abundances were lower in the Sync + eCG-OPU group than in the Sync-OPU group. However, the relative abundance of AREG and EREG mRNA was higher in CC recovered from cows stimulated with eCG. In conclusion, the eCG approach addressing follicular stimulation in Nelore cows had a positive impact on early antral follicle development, followed by a positive morphological and molecular phenotype in bovine COCs., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The implications of congenital Zika Virus (ZIKV) infections for pediatric neurodevelopment and behavior remain inadequately studied. The aim of this study is to investigate patterns of neurodevelopment and behavior in groups of children with differening severities of ZIKV-related microcephaly and children with prenatal ZIKV exposure in the absence of microcephaly., Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study, nested in a cohort, of 274 children (aged 10-45 months) who were born during the peak and decline of the microcephaly epidemic in Northeast Brazil. Participants were evaluated between February 2017 and August 2019 at two tertiary care hospitals in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. We analyzed the children in four groups assigned based on clinical and laboratory criteria: Group 1 had severe microcephaly; Group 2 had moderate microcephaly; Group 3 had prenatal ZIKVexposure confirmed by maternal RT-PCR testing but no microcephaly; and Group 4 was a neurotypical control group. Groups were evaluated clinically for neurological abnormalities and compared using the Survey of Wellbeing of Young Children (SWYC), a neurodevelopment and behavior screening instrument validated for use in Brazil. Children with severe delays underwent further evaluation with an adapted version of the SWYC., Results: Based on the SWYC screening, we observed differences between the groups for developmental milestones but not behavior. Among the 114 children with severe microcephaly of whom 98.2% presented with neurological abnormalities, 99.1% were 'at risk of development delay' according to the SWYC instrument. Among the 20 children with moderate microcephaly of whom 60% presented with neurological abnormalities, 65% were 'at risk of development delay'. For children without microcephaly, the percentages found to be 'at risk of developmental delay' were markedly lower and did not differ by prenatal ZIKV exposure status: Group 3 (N = 94), 13.8%; Group 4 (N = 46), 21.7%., Conclusions: Among children with prenatal ZIKV exposure, we found a gradient of risk of development delay according to head circumference. Children with severe microcephaly were at highest risk for delays, while normocephalic ZIKV-exposed children had similar risks to unexposed control children. We propose that ZIKV-exposed children should undergo first-line screening for neurodevelopment and behavior using the SWYC instrument. Early assessment and follow-up will enable at-risk children to be referred to a more comprehensive developmental evaluation and to multidisciplinary care management.

Sepsis is a systemic process with multifactorial pathophysiology that affects most animal species. It is responsible for high rates of morbidity and mortality. This work aimed to study the biochemical and neuroendocrine changes of the sepsis process in Piaractus mesopotamicus after Aeromonas hydrophila inoculation analyzing changes in blood leukocyte and differences in neuroendocrine-biochemical modulation using RNA-seq. Fish showed hypercortisolemia, inhibition of glucose absorption, followed by hypocortisolemia and then hyperglycemia. Thyroid hormones (T 3 and T 4 ) showed immediate decrease in serum and T 4 increased 6 h post-inoculation (HPI). Sepsis-induced hormonal alterations triggered changes in the metabolic pathways increasing protein and lipid catabolism, use of transient anaerobic glycolysis and liver injury. A reference transcriptome was constructed based on blood leukocytes from P. mesopotamicus. The assembly resulted in total 266,272 contigs with a N50 of 2786 bp. There was a reorganization of plasma membrane of leukocytes at the beginning of the septic process with increased expression of neuroendocrine receptors and with continuous flow of neurotransmitters, hormones and solutes with compensatory regulation at 6 HPI. Three and nine HPI seemed to be critical, the expression of a number of transcription factors was increased, including the modulatory DEGs related to glucocorticoid and thyroid hormones induced and suppressed (FDR < 0.05). Neuroendocrine modulation can regulate leukocytes and biochemical parameters of peripheral blood, being important sources for the study of the pathophysiology of sepsis. These finding highlights the importance of further studies focusing on biochemical-neuroendocrine changes in blood leukocytes and systemic sepsis., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of cyclosporine administration on the repair of critical-sized calvaria defects (CSDs) in rat calvaria filled with diverse biomaterials. Sixty animals were divided into two groups: the control (CTR) group (saline solution) and the cyclosporine (CCP) group (cyclosporine, 10 mg/kg/day). These medications were administered daily by gavage, beginning 15 days before the surgical procedure and lasting until the day the animals were euthanized. A CSD (5 mm Ø) was made in the calvaria of each animal, which was allocated to one of 3 subgroups, according to the biomaterial used to fill the defect: coagulum (COA), deproteinized bovine bone (DBB), or biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics of hydroxyapatite and β-phosphate tricalcium (HA/TCP). Euthanasia of the animals was performed 15 and 60 days after the surgical procedure (n = 5 animals/period/subgroup). Bone repair (formation) assessment was performed through microtomography and histometry, while the analyses of the expression of the BMP2, Osteocalcin, and TGFβ1 proteins were performed using immunohistochemistry. The CSDs not filled with biomaterials demonstrated lower bone formation in the CCP group. At 15 days, less bone formation was observed in the CSDs filled with DBB, a smaller volume of mineralized tissue was observed in the CSDs filled with HA/TCP, and the expression levels of BMP2 and osteocalcin were lower in the CCP group compared to the CTR group. The use of cyclosporine impaired bone repair in CSD, and this effect can be partially explained by the suppression of BMP2 and osteocalcin expression.

The aim of study was to determine the in vitro sun protection factor (SPF) and the photostability profile of a topical formulation composed of nanoparticles loaded with vegetable extracts and to assess its physicochemical properties. Chitosan/tripolyphosphate (TPP) nanoparticles loaded with flavonoids-enriched vegetable extracts (Ginkgo biloba L., Dimorphandra mollis Benth, Ruta graveolens, and Vitis vinifera L.) were produced and characterized for their morphology, mean particle size, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency. A final topical formulation was obtained by dispersing chitosan/TPP nanoparticles in an o/w emulsion. Results showed that nanoparticles dispersion exhibited yellowish color, spherical shape, and uniform appearance. Extract-loaded chitosan/TPP nanoparticles showed a mean particle size of 557.11 ± 3.1 nm, polydispersity index of 0.39 ± 0.27, zeta potential of + 11.54 ± 2.1 mV, and encapsulation efficiency of 75.89% of rutin. The recorded texture parameters confirm that the developed formulation is appropriate for skin application. The SPF obtained was 2.3 ± 0.4, with a critical wavelength of 387.0 nm and 0.69 UVA/UVB ratio. The developed formulation exhibited photostability, allowing the release of flavonoids from nanoparticles while retaining rutin into the skin in a higher extension.

Background: Ovarian endometriosis is present in 17%-44% of women with endometriosis. The main treatment is surgery, but ultrasonography-guided aspiration is a less invasive alternative., Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of this alternative treatment in recurrent ovarian endometrioma., Search Strategy: Multiple databases were searched for articles published between 1994 and 2014 using the keywords "ultrasound-guided aspiration," "ovarian," and "endometriosis.", Selection Criteria: Randomized controlled trials and observational studies published in English, Portuguese, or Spanish were included., Data Collection and Analysis: Two researchers independently extracted and reviewed the data. The main outcome of interest was the recurrence rate., Main Results: Eight studies were eligible. Ovarian endometriosis is associated with high recurrence rates after one ultrasonography-guided aspiration (28.9%-91.5%), but involves less ovarian manipulation. The results of aspiration followed by sclerotherapy are not uniform, but overall the addition of a sclerosing agent does not seem to significantly reduce the likelihood of recurrence (13.3%-75.0%). Repeated aspiration of the cysts can reduce the recurrence rate to 5.4% by the sixth aspiration., Conclusions: Repeated ultrasonography-guided aspiration of ovarian endometriomas can be performed for the treatment of recurrent ovarian endometriosis. Further studies comparing the efficacy of this procedure and ovarian surgery are needed., (Copyright © 2016 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The objective of this study was to use weight/head circumference ratio at birth to assess fetal growth. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in Zona da Mata, Pernambuco State, Brazil, with 915 term infants. Infants' anthropometric measurements and data on prenatal care, smoking during pregnancy, family income, and maternal schooling and nutritional status were collected in the first 24 hours after birth. Infants were classified as proportionate (weight/head circumference ratio ≥ 0.90) versus disproportionate (< 0.90). Lower mean weight/head circumference ratio was associated with maternal smoking, younger age, inadequate prenatal care, and low BMI, height, and triceps skinfold thickness. Mean weight, length, head and chest circumference, arm circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness were lower among infants with disproportionate weight/head circumference ratio, independently of sex. In conclusion, weight/head circumference ratio and birth weight are important indicators of fetal growth.

The serum biochemical profiles, thyroid hormones, body weights and the production and quality of eggs subsequent to moulting, were compared in laying hens subjected to conventional forced moulting or forced moulting with a diet high in zinc. A total of 200 Dekalb White laying hens in their second production cycle were studied. Blood sampling was conducted in a factorial experimental design (2 × 3) with two methods of moulting (fasting or zinc) and three sampling periods (pre-moult, moult and subsequent peak). Total egg protein content, including globulins, was greater with the zinc diet, whereas egg weight and albumen percentage were greater after fasting. The zinc method resulted in an increased shell thickness and calcium percentage but lower percentage of phosphorus. During the moulting period, the hens in the zinc group had heavier mean body weights. It was concluded that moulting with a high-zinc diet could replace fasting, without negative effects on body weight, biochemical variables or subsequent egg quality and production. The zinc method was also better for the birds' welfare.

Background/objectives: Low birth weight (LBW) and rapid postnatal weight gain are associated with future high body adiposity; however, the cumulative effect of LBW and postnatal weight gain remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of body proportionality of LBW infants and postnatal weight gain on body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) of 8-year-old children., Subjects/methods: A nested cross-sectional study was conducted in a cohort of children followed from birth to 6 months and reassessed at 8 years of age. The sample consisted of 167 children born at full term (67 with LBW and 100 with appropriate birth weight). Stunted LBW was defined as length <-2 z-score and wasted LBW as length ⩾ -2 z- score and Ponderal Index <2.5. Rapid growth was defined as weight gain greater than 0.67 s.d. score from birth to 6 months. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to investigate the net effect of LBW and postnatal weight gain on BMI and WC, controlled for sex, total breastfeeding, socioeconomic status and maternal nutrition., Results: The stunted and wasted LBW contributed significantly to the reduction of BMI and WC, and together explained 10% of the variation of these measurements. Rapid weight gain in the first 6 months of life, shorter total breastfeeding duration, higher socioeconomic status and maternal BMI significantly explained the increase in child BMI and WC., Conclusions: It was concluded that LBW led to lower body measurements, whereas rapid postnatal weight gain determined higher BMI and WC among school age children.

Statement of Problem: Stylohyoid complex ossification (SCO) can be associated with temporomandibular disorder (TMD). However, this subject is poorly investigated in epidemiological studies., Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the association between TMD and SCO., Material and Methods: Seventy-eight individuals with TMD and 93 control individuals without TMD were enrolled in a case-control study and paired according to age and gender. Panoramic radiographs were made of all participants, and SCO was measured in millimeters (mm) by a blinded researcher. Ossification was held to begin at measurements of 30 mm or more. The association between symptoms (pain upon swallowing or turning the head and the sensation of a foreign body in the throat) and SCO was investigated. Pearson chi-square tests were used for the comparison of proportions, (α=.05)., Results: A total of 44.9% of those with TMD and 46.2% of the control population exhibited SCO (P=.858). TMD was associated with pain upon swallowing (P<.05) and upon turning the head P<.01), but there were no associations between the symptoms possibly related to SCO and the presence of ossification (pain upon swallowing P=.658; sensation of a foreign body in the throat P=.980; pain upon turning the head P=.405)., Conclusions: The results suggest that there are no associations between TMD and SCO. Some symptoms classically associated with SCO also occur in TMD patients., (Copyright © 2013 The Editorial Council of the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

The scope of this paper was to assess the evolution and influence of maternal and child care on birth weight variation in the state of Pernambuco. The study used data from two cross-sectional population-based household surveys conducted with under-five children in the state of Pernambuco in 1997 (n = 1906) and 2006 (n = 1555). The sample was calculated to ensure the representativeness of two geo-economic strata: urban and rural areas. The variables studied were prenatal, delivery care and birth weight. The x(2) test was used to compare the categorical variables and mean difference in birth weight was calculated between the years studied with the respective 95% confidence interval. A marked improvement was seen in prenatal care and an increase in the frequency of caesarean section. In the rural area there was a significant 112 g decrease in mean birth weight. In 2006, access to at least one prenatal care appointment occurred irrespective of maternal schooling, however, in 1997 and 2006 access to adequate prenatal care was higher among mothers with better schooling. In spite of the improvement in prenatal and delivery care, poor access, excess of medical interventions and the increase in newborn survival may be influencing the variations in mean birth weight in the State of Pernambuco.

In order to evaluate the prevalence of overweight and associated factors in Pernambuco State, Brazil, a cross-sectional population-based study was conducted in 2006, including 1,580 adults 25 to 59 years of age. Overweight was defined as body mass index > 25kg/m2. The conceptual model included demographic, socioeconomic, reproductive, and behavioral variables. Prevalence of overweight was 51.1% (95%CI: 48.6-53.6) and was statistically associated with age over 40 years (PR = 1.27; 95%CI: 1.10-1.46), female gender (PR = 1.29; 95%CI: 1.16-1.43), former smoking (PR = 1.42; 95%CI: 1.20-1.69), higher income (PR = 1.49; 95%CI: 1.30-1.71), and history of early pregnancy (< 18 years) (PR = 1.25; 95%CI: 1.11-1.66). There was no association with alcohol consumption, level of physical activity, or specific foods. The high prevalence of overweight is consistent with epidemic levels of this problem elsewhere in world, and the association with several factors supports its multifactor etiology.

Context: Citrus limon (L.) Burms (Rutaceae) has been shown in previous studies to have various biological functions (anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antiviral, antimutagenic, and anticarcinogenic). However, traditional uses in folk medicine suggest that C. limon may have an effect on the central nervous system (CNS)., Objective: This study investigated the effects of C. limon essential oil (EO) on lipid peroxidation level, nitrite content, glutathione reduced (GSH) concentration, and antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)] activities in mice hippocampus., Materials and Methods: Swiss mice were treated with the suspension of 0.5% Tween 80, in distilled water used as vehicle (i.p., control group) and with EO in three different doses (0.05, 0.1, or 0.15 g/kg, i.p., EO 50, EO 100, and EO 150 groups, respectively). After the treatments, all groups were observed for 24 h. The enzyme activities as well as the lipid peroxidation, nitrite, and GSH concentrations in mice hippocampus were measured using spectrophotometric methods and the results were compared with values obtained from control group., Results: EO of C. limon treatment significantly reduced the lipid peroxidation level and nitrite content but increased the GSH levels and the SOD, catalase, and GPx activities in mice hippocampus., Discussion and Conclusion: Our findings strongly support the hypothesis that oxidative stress in hippocampus can occur during neurodegenerative diseases, proving that hippocampal damage induced by the oxidative process plays a crucial role in brain disorders, and also imply that a strong protective effect could be achieved using EO of C. limon as an antioxidant.

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of anemia and vitamin A deficiency and to analyze the association of food insecurity with hemoglobin levels and serum retinol in children under 5 years of age. This was a cross-sectional study with 501 families from Gameleira and 458 families from São João do Tigre. Food insecurity was assessed according to the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale. Hemoglobin and serum retinol levels were classified according to the WHO. Socioeconomic and environmental conditions and biological indicators of children were analyzed as hemoglobin and serum retinol determinants. The prevalence of anemia and vitamin A was higher in Gameleira compared to São João do Tigre. Moderate and severe food insecurity of families was 75% in Gameleira and 64% in São João do Tigre. Maternal education, per capita family income, not having a color TV, untreated water supply, type of flooring (dirt), and child age (< 2 years) in Gameleira were associated with hemoglobin levels in the linear regression analysis. In São João do Tigre the association with hemoglobin levels was only for (no) motorcycle and child age. Variables per capita family income and sex in Gameleira and no mobile phone and lack of sanitation in São João do Tigre were statistically associated with serum retinol levels. The nutritional status of these populations is similar in terms of food insecurity but may present great differences in terms of the prevalence of specific nutritional deficits and their determinants.