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Abstract Background This review describes the research and development process of gantenerumab, a fully human anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody in development to treat early symptomatic and asymptomatic Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies can substantially reverse amyloid plaque pathology and may modify the course of the disease by slowing or stopping its clinical progression. Several molecules targeting amyloid have failed in clinical development due to drug-related factors (e.g., treatment-limiting adverse events, low potency, poor brain penetration), study design/methodological issues (e.g., disease stage, lack of AD pathology confirmation), and other factors. The US Food and Drug Administration’s approval of aducanumab, an anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody as the first potential disease-modifying therapy for AD, signaled the value of more than 20 years of drug development, adding to the available therapies the first nominal success since cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine were approved. Body Here, we review over 2 decades of gantenerumab development in the context of scientific discoveries in the broader AD field. Key learnings from the field were incorporated into the gantenerumab phase 3 program, including confirmed amyloid positivity as an entry criterion, an enriched clinical trial population to ensure measurable clinical decline, data-driven exposure-response models to inform a safe and efficacious dosing regimen, and the use of several blood-based biomarkers. Subcutaneous formulation for more pragmatic implementation was prioritized as a key feature from the beginning of the gantenerumab development program. Conclusion The results from the gantenerumab phase 3 programs are expected by the end of 2022 and will add critical information to the collective knowledge on the search for effective AD treatments.

Knowledge about marine tardigrades from the South China Sea is very scarce, with only four species from shallow waters recorded to date. The present study investigated the structure and diversity of tardigrade communities from the deep sea (1517-1725 m) at 8 stations in a polymetallic nodule area of the northern South China Sea. A total of 151 arthrotardigrades were collected belonging to 11 genera (Angursa, Batillipes, Coronarctus, Euclavarctus, Exoclavarctus, Halechiniscus, Moebjergarctus, Raiarctus, Rhomboarctus, Tanarctus and Tholoarctus), representing 17 species. Two Angursa species (Angursa sp. 4 and Angursa sp. 3) were the most abundant (25.2% and 14.6%, respectively), followed by Moebjergarctus sp. (13.9%). Specimens were mostly (90.7%) distributed in the upper layer of the sandy-mud sediment (0-1 cm). The SIMPROF test showed that the composition of tardigrade communities at all stations was not significantly different. At different stations, the number of species, Shannon-Wiener diversity index and Pielou’s evenness index ranged from 4 to 10, 1.94 to 2.87, and 0.75 to 1.00, respectively. The average taxonomic distinctness (Δ+) ranged from 72.50 to 90.00, and the variation in taxonomic distinctness (Λ+) ranged from 316.67 to 1181.25. This study provides some basic information about the biodiversity of the marine tardigrade community in the South China Sea.

Abstract Background There are currently no pharmacological therapies to address the intellectual disability associated with Down syndrome. Excitatory/inhibitory imbalance has been hypothesized to contribute to impairments in cognitive functioning in Down syndrome. Negative modulation of the GABAA-α5 receptor is proposed as a mechanism to attenuate GABAergic function and restore the excitatory/inhibitory balance. Methods Basmisanil, a selective GABAA-α5 negative allosteric modulator, was evaluated at 120 mg or 240 mg BID (80 or 160 mg for 12–13 years) in a 6-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II trial (Clematis) for efficacy and safety in adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome. The primary endpoint was based on a composite analysis of working memory (Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Scale [RBANS]) and independent functioning and adaptive behavior (Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales [VABS-II] or the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement [CGI-I]). Secondary measures included the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning-Preschool (BRIEF-P), Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (CELF-4), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (Peds-QL). EEG was conducted for safety monitoring and quantitatively analyzed in adolescents. Results Basmisanil was safe and well-tolerated; the frequency and nature of adverse events were similar in basmisanil and placebo arms. EEG revealed treatment-related changes in spectral power (increase in low ~ 4-Hz and decrease in high ~ 20-Hz frequencies) providing evidence of functional target engagement. All treatment arms had a similar proportion of participants showing above-threshold improvement on the primary composite endpoint, evaluating concomitant responses in cognition and independent functioning (29% in placebo, 20% in low dose, and 25% in high dose). Further analysis of the individual measures contributing to the primary endpoint revealed no difference between placebo and basmisanil-treated groups in either adolescents or adults. There were also no differences across the secondary endpoints assessing changes in executive function, language, or quality of life. Conclusions Basmisanil did not meet the primary efficacy objective of concomitant improvement on cognition and adaptive functioning after 6 months of treatment, despite evidence for target engagement. This study provides key learnings for future clinical trials in Down syndrome. Trial registration The study was registered on December 31, 2013, at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02024789.

Abstract Recent years have brought undeniable progress in tardigrade taxonomy, and speciose complexes were detected in a number of phylogenetic lineages. The family Echiniscidae is one such lineage; it is one of the most diverse groups of limno-terrestrial tardigrades and can be characterized as having achieved great evolutionary success. In this contribution, using populations representing several species that originated from the Indomalayan region, we reconstructed phylogenetic affinities within Nebularmis, a recently erected genus within the Echiniscus lineage. Nebularmis auratus sp. nov. and Nebularmis burmensis sp. nov. are described from the Eastern Yoma Mountains and the Shan Hills (Myanmar), Nebularmis bhutanensis sp. nov. is described from the Eastern Himalayas (Bhutan), and Nebularmis indicus sp. nov. is described from the foothills of the Western Ghats (Goa, India). Moreover, males are reported in populations of the last two species. All known members of the genus can be phenotypically differentiated based on minute details of their dorsal sculpture and claws. Moreover, a very wide tropical distribution is demonstrated for Nebularmis cirinoi, recorded for the first time from islands of the Malay Archipelago. Furthemore, novel morphological, genetic, and geographic data allowed for the clarification of the generic diagnosis. Currently available data favor a scenario under which Nebularmis evolved in Southeast Asia and later dispersed to other regions of the globe.

Biogeography patterns of marine tardigrades are poorly studied. Many species of marine tardigrades are considered endemic, but this high number may be an artifact resulting from skewed knowledge about marine tardigrade diversity in different regions of the world. On the other hand, some species of marine tardigrades are considered cosmopolitan. Most of these were described many years ago. Unfortunately, these early descriptions are very incomplete and omit many characteristics with diagnostically relevant value, thus, resulting in many types of these records of these species worldwide. The objective of this study is to report, for the first time, the presence of three species of marine tardigrades in the Atlantic shores of the Iberian Peninsula. These three species were previously described from other regions of the world and the biogeographic consequences of their presence on the study area are discussed. These records provide valuable insights about the biogeography of marine tardigrades in this region.

Abstract Background We previously investigated low doses (105 or 225 mg) of gantenerumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds and removes aggregated amyloid-β by Fc receptor-mediated phagocytosis, in the SCarlet RoAD (SR) and Marguerite RoAD (MR) phase 3 trials. Several lines of evidence suggested that higher doses may be necessary to achieve clinical efficacy. We therefore designed a positron emission tomography (PET) substudy to evaluate the effect of gantenerumab uptitrated to 1200 mg every 4 weeks on amyloid-β plaques as measured using florbetapir PET in patients with prodromal to moderate Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods A subset of patients enrolled in the SR and MR studies who subsequently entered the open-label extensions (OLEs) were included in this substudy. Patients were aged 50 to 90 years with a clinical diagnosis of probable prodromal to moderate AD and were included based on a visual read of the original screening scan in the double-blind phase. Patients were assigned to 1 of 5 titration schedules (ranging from 2 to 10 months) with a target gantenerumab dose of 1200 mg every 4 weeks. The main endpoint of this substudy was change in amyloid-β plaque burden from OLE baseline to week 52 and week 104, assessed using florbetapir PET. Florbetapir global cortical signal was calculated using a prespecified standard uptake value ratio method converted to the Centiloid scale. Results Sixty-seven of the 89 patients initially enrolled had ≥ 1 follow-up scan by August 15, 2018. Mean amyloid levels were reduced by 39 Centiloids by the first year and 59 Centiloids by year 2, a 3.5-times greater reduction than was seen after 2 years at 225 mg in SR. At years 1 and 2, 37% and 51% of patients, respectively, had amyloid-β plaque levels below the amyloid-β positivity threshold. Conclusion Results from this exploratory interim analysis of the PET substudy suggest that gantenerumab doses up to 1200 mg resulted in robust amyloid-β plaque removal at 2 years. PET amyloid levels were consistent with sparse-to-no neuritic amyloid-β plaques in 51% of patients after 2 years of therapy. Amyloid reductions were similar to those observed in other placebo-controlled studies that have suggested potential clinical benefit. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01224106 (SCarlet RoAD) and NCT02051608 (Marguerite RoAD).

Currently, no treatments available for Parkinson’s disease (PD) can slow PD progression. At the early stage of the disease, only a subset of individuals with PD progress quickly, while the majority have a slowly progressive form of the disease. In developing treatments that aim to slow PD progression, clinical trials aim to include individuals who are likely to progress faster, such that a treatment effect, if one exists, can be identified easier and earlier. The aim of the present study was to identify baseline predictors of clinical progression in early PD. We analyzed 12-month data acquired from the PASADENA trial Part 1 (NCT03100149, n = 76 participants who were allocated to the placebo arm and did not start symptomatic therapy) and the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) study (n = 139 demographically and clinically matched participants). By using ridge regression models including clinical characteristics, imaging, and non-imaging biomarkers, we found that Hoehn and Yahr stage and dopamine transporter single-photon emission computed tomography specific binding ratios (Dat-SPECT SBR) in putamen ipsilateral to the side of motor symptom onset predicted PD progression at the early stage of the disease. Further studies are needed to confirm the validity of these predictors to identify with high accuracy individuals with early PD with a faster progression phenotype.

Background: Currently available treatments for Parkinson's disease (PD) do not slow clinical progression nor target alpha-synuclein, a key protein associated with the disease.Objective: The study objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of prasinezumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds aggregated alpha-synuclein, in individuals with early PD.Methods: The PASADENA study is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled treatment study. Individuals with early PD, recruited across the US and Europe, received monthly intravenous doses of prasinezumab (1,500 or 4,500 mg) or placebo for a 52-week period (Part 1), followed by a 52-week extension (Part 2) in which all participants received active treatment. Key inclusion criteria were: aged 40–80 years; Hoehn & Yahr (H&Y) Stage I or II; time from diagnosis ≤2 years; having bradykinesia plus one other cardinal sign of PD (e.g., resting tremor, rigidity); DAT-SPECT imaging consistent with PD; and either treatment naïve or on a stable monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitor dose. Study design assumptions for sample size and study duration were built using a patient cohort from the Parkinson's Progression Marker Initiative (PPMI). In this report, baseline characteristics are compared between the treatment-naïve and MAO-B inhibitor-treated PASADENA cohorts and between the PASADENA and PPMI populations.Results: Of the 443 patients screened, 316 were enrolled into the PASADENA study between June 2017 and November 2018, with an average age of 59.9 years and 67.4% being male. Mean time from diagnosis at baseline was 10.11 months, with 75.3% in H&Y Stage II. Baseline motor and non-motor symptoms (assessed using Movement Disorder Society—Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale [MDS-UPDRS]) were similar in severity between the MAO-B inhibitor-treated and treatment-naïve PASADENA cohorts (MDS-UPDRS sum of Parts I + II + III [standard deviation (SD)]; 30.21 [11.96], 32.10 [13.20], respectively). The overall PASADENA population (63.6% treatment naïve and 36.4% on MAO-B inhibitor) showed a similar severity in MDS-UPDRS scores (e.g., MDS-UPDRS sum of Parts I + II + III [SD]; 31.41 [12.78], 32.63 [13.04], respectively) to the PPMI cohort (all treatment naïve).Conclusions: The PASADENA study population is suitable to investigate the potential of prasinezumab to slow disease progression in individuals with early PD.Trial Registration: NCT03100149.

Abstract Background Gantenerumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds aggregated amyloid-β (Aβ) and removes Aβ plaques by Fc receptor-mediated phagocytosis. In the SCarlet RoAD trial, we assessed the efficacy and safety of gantenerumab in prodromal Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III study, we investigated gantenerumab over 2 years. Patients were randomized to gantenerumab 105 mg or 225 mg or placebo every 4 weeks by subcutaneous injection. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline to week 104 in Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB) score. We evaluated treatment effects on cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers (all patients) and amyloid positron emission tomography (substudy). A futility analysis was performed once 50% of patients completed 2 years of treatment. Safety was assessed in patients who received at least one dose. Results Of the 3089 patients screened, 797 were randomized. The study was halted early for futility; dosing was discontinued; and the study was unblinded. No differences between groups in the primary (least squares mean [95% CI] CDR-SB change from baseline 1.60 [1.28, 1.91], 1.69 [1.37, 2.01], and 1.73 [1.42, 2.04] for placebo, gantenerumab 105 mg, and gantenerumab 225 mg, respectively) or secondary clinical endpoints were observed. The incidence of generally asymptomatic amyloid-related imaging abnormalities increased in a dose- and APOE ε4 genotype-dependent manner. Exploratory analyses suggested a dose-dependent drug effect on clinical and biomarker endpoints. Conclusions The study was stopped early for futility, but dose-dependent effects observed in exploratory analyses on select clinical and biomarker endpoints suggest that higher dosing with gantenerumab may be necessary to achieve clinical efficacy. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01224106. Registered on October 14, 2010.

ABSTRACT Batillipes specimens collected in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean, on the Brazilian Coast (Campos Basin and Potiguar Basin) with a bifurcated caudal appendage similar to B. dicrocercus Pollock, 1970 were assigned to B. potiguarensis Santos, da Rocha, Gomes Jr & Fontoura, 2017. This species was described as having a roundish caudal protrusion but, as shown in this study, it exhibits intraspecific variability of the morphology of the caudal apparatus. The examination of specimens of B. dicrocercus from the type locality (Massachussetts, U.S.A.) and the analysis of the original description and two subsequent emended descriptions, one from the Gulf of Mexico (U.S.A.) and another from the Mediterranean Sea, used for comparison, revealed important differences among them concerning important taxonomic characters, suggesting that what was considered a single species should now be split into three different species. Therefore, an emended diagnosis of B. potiguarensis and comments on the geographic distribution of B. dicrocercus are provided, clarifying the taxonomic status of the two species.

Three new marine tardigrade species from the deep-sea genus Coronarctus are described from the South-Western Atlantic Ocean: Coronarctus dissimilis sp. nov., C. neptunus sp. nov., and C. yurupari sp. nov. These, and C. laubieri Renaud-Mornant, 1987, are the first records of deep-sea tardigrades from this marine region. Specimens of those species were collected from two localities of the Brazilian continental slope (Potiguar and Campos basins) at depths comprised between 150 and 3000 m. Specimens of the three new species have short cephalic appendages and heteromorphic claws, belonging to the, here designated, C. tenellus group of species. Each of the new species can be distinguished from all the other species of the group by their peculiar-shaped secondary clavae and claws. The most relevant morphological characters used for the taxonomy of the genus: shape of cephalic cirri, shape of secondary-clavae, size and number of accessory spines on claws, and shape of seminal receptacles, are discussed and an identification key to all ten known Coronarctus species is provided.

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe obstetric practices in planned home births, assisted by qualified professionals in Brazil. Method: This is a descriptive study, with data collected in an online bank maintained by 49 professionals from December 2014 to November 2015, in which the target population was women and newborns assisted in home births. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 667 women and 665 newborns were included. Most of the women gave birth at home (84.4%), in a nonlithotomic position (99.1%); none underwent episiotomy; 32.3% had intact perineum; and 37.8% had first-degree lacerations, some underwent amniotomy (5.4%), oxytocin administration (0.4%), and Kristeller’s maneuver (0.2%); 80.8% of the women with a previous cesarean section had home birth. The rate of transfer of parturients was 15.6%, of puerperal women was 1.9%, and of neonates 1.6%. The rate of cesarean section in the parturients that started labor at home was 9.0%. Conclusion: The obstetric practices taken are consistent with the scientific evidence; however, unnecessary interventions are still performed. The rates of cesarean sections and maternal and neonatal transfers are low. Home can be a place of birth option for women seeking a physiological delivery.

ABSTRACT The objective of the study is to analyze the temporal trend of leptospirosis incidence, according to rainfall levels in Santa Catarina, according to seasonality, from 2005 to 2015. This is an ecological study of time series, with date of leptospirosis, rainfall levels and population. The incidence rates of leptospirosis, relative excess of incidence, Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) and an angular coefficient (β) were analyzed from the linear regression adjustment, with a 5% significance level. Distribution of leptospirosis cases, rainfall levels and cases reason/rainfall levels, stratified by month of occurrence were presented. There were 5,274 cases of leptospirosis, with the monthly average being 439 cases, ranging from 211 in September to 770 in January. The mean rate of leptospirosis was 7.03 per 100,000 habitants. The average rainfall level was 158.68 mm, with the lowest levels occurring in August, average of 124.9 mm, and the highest in January average of 213.20 mm. The positive correlation between leptospirosis rates and rainfall levels, during the period from January to December (r = 0.68, p = 0.023), indicates a positive temporal association between the amount of rainfall and the cases of the disease. The disease occurred all year round and presented a distinct seasonality from October to March.

Five species of Batillipes Richters, 1909 were collected from subtidal sediments of the Portuguese coast. Two of them, B. algharbensis sp. nov. and B. lusitanus sp. nov., are new to science. Batillipes algharbensis sp. nov. differs from all the other Batillipes species in having the middle toes 3 on the fourth feet longer than middle toes 4 and by the presence of rounded lateral body projections between legs III and IV. Batillipes lusitanus sp. nov. has the middle toes of the fourth feet equal in length, but it exhibits a dorsal cuticular ornamentation, constituted by large pillars, similar to the cuticle of B. adriaticus Grimaldi de Zio, Morone De Lucia, D’Addabbo Gallo & Grimaldi, 1979 and B. roscoffensis Kristensen, 1978. However, contrary to B. adriaticus, the caudal apparatus of B. lusitanus sp. nov. is a roundish cuticular expansion and B. roscoffensis lacks caudal apparatus. Batillipes adriaticus and B. phreaticus Renaud-Debyser, 1959 are new records for Portugal. Based on the examination of specimens of B. phreaticus collected at the Portuguese coast and their comparison with type material of this species and also of B. littoralis Renaud-Debyser, 1959, the toe arrangement patterns in species of Batillipes are clarified and a new identification key to species of this genus is provided.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze if the presence of a companion favors the use of best practices in the delivery care in the South region of Brazil. METHODS This is a cross-sectional analysis of the longitudinal study Nascer no Brasil. We analyzed data from 2,070 women from the South region of Brazil who went into labor. The data were collected between February and August 2011, by interviews and medical records. We performed a bivariate and multivariate analysis, calculating the crude and adjusted prevalence ratios using Poisson regression with robust variance estimation. The level of significance adopted was 5%. RESULTS Most women had a companion during labor (51.7%), but few remained during delivery (39.4%) or cesarean section (34.8%). Less than half of the women had access to several recommended practices, while non-recommended practices continue to be performed. In the model adjusted for age, education level, source of payment for the delivery, parity, and score of the Brazilian Association of Market Research Institutes, the presence of a companion was statistically associated with a greater supply of liquids and food (aPR = 1.34), dietary prescription (aPR = 1.34), use of non-pharmacological methods for pain relief (aPR = 1.37), amniotomy (aPR = 1.10), epidural or spinal analgesia (aPR = 1.84), adoption of non-lithotomy position in the delivery (aPR = 1.77), stay in the same room during labor, delivery, and postpartum (aPR = 1.62), skin-to-skin contact in the delivery (aPR = 1.81) and cesarean section (PR = 2.43), as well as reduced use of the Kristeller maneuver (aPR = 0.67), trichotomy (aPR = 0.59), and enema (aPR = 0.49). CONCLUSIONS In the South region of Brazil, most women do not have access to the best practices in addition to undergoing several unnecessary interventions. The presence of a companion is associated with several beneficial practices and the reduction in some interventions, although other interventions are not impacted.

Objetivos:estimar a prevalência de prematuridade e os fatores associados, após a alteração do campo idade gestacional na Declaração de Nascidos Vivos, no Estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil, em 2012.Métodos:estudo seccional com base nos dados do Sistema de Informações de Nascidos Vivos (SINASC). Razões de Prevalência (RP) de prematuridade, brutas e ajustadas, por Regressão de Cox Robusta para o ano de 2012, foram calculadas e os resultados comparados aqueles reportados para 2005.Resultados:as taxas de prematuridade aumentaram de 6,1%, em 2005, para 10,6% em 2012. Ao se comparar os dois anos, maiores diferenças foram encontradas entre as mulheres com menor número de consultas pré-natal, menor nível de escolaridade e de cor não branca. Após o ajuste pelos fatores de confusão, as taxas de prematuridade se mostraram associadas à menor frequência de consultas de pré-natal (RP=2,64; IC95%: 2,58-3,28), menor escolaridade (RP= 1,65; IC95%: 1,11-2,45), idade materna

O estudo buscou investigar como o incentivo à remuneração ao parto, preconizado pelo Conselho Federal de Medicina (CFM) do Brasil, influencia as taxas de cesariana. Foi investigada uma amostra consecutiva de 600 puérperas. A proporção de cesarianas na amostra foi de 59,2%, sendo 92,3% entre as mulheres tendo parto e pré-natal com o mesmo profissional. As taxas de cesariana foram significativamente mais elevadas exatamente naqueles grupos com maior prevalência do mesmo profissional, ou seja, idade mais avançada (RP = 1,65), maior escolaridade (RP = 1,25), pré-natal privado (RP = 1,39) ou por convênio (RP = 1,43), cesariana prévia (RP = 2,78) e admitidas precocemente (RP = 1,93). O entendimento do CFM de que o incentivo ao acompanhamento presencial do trabalho de parto, pago à parte, para o mesmo obstetra que realizou o pré-natal, funcionará como incentivo ao parto normal, está exatamente na contramão de nossos resultados, mostrando que as mulheres atendidas pelo mesmo profissional no pré-natal e parto são exatamente aquelas que apresentam as taxas de cesariana mais elevadas.

OBJETIVO: Identificar as causas dos óbitos fetais (OF) e avaliar as causas deste desfecho. Propor o emprego do sistema Relevant Condition of Death (ReCoDe) na elucidação das causas de OF para minimizar o número de causas desconhecidas. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal relacionado às mortes fetais atendidas em um hospital universitário especializado do Sul do Brasil, de Janeiro de 2000 a dezembro de 2009. Os dados foram coletados das Declarações de Óbito, dos prontuários maternos e dos laudos de estudo dos fetos e anexos, sendo os achados comparados. A análise dos dados foi realizada pelo programa SPSS versão 17.0. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos neste estudo 111 fetos e suas respectivas mães. A comparação entre o diagnóstico das causas encontradas nos laudos do exame dos fetos e anexos e o diagnóstico clínico foi de 74 (66,7%) e 73 (65,8%), respectivamente. Em 48,7% dos casos, ambas encontraram uma potencial causa e 16,2% permaneceram desconhecidas. Utilizando-se a classificação ReCoDe, somente 9,9% dos OFs ficaram como "não classificados". CONCLUSÕES: Os laudos da autópsia fetal e exame anatomopatológico e as avaliações clínicas não apresentaram diferenças significativas na identificação da causa do OF. Ao se comparar os resultados do ReCoDe com as causas de óbito da clínica/patologia, verificou-se que ela é uma ferramenta importante no esclarecimento da causa mortis, reduzindo a quantidade daqueles OFs que permaneceram sem uma possível etiologia.PURPOSE: To identify the causes of fetal death in the studied population and to measure their contribution in identifying the cause of this outcome. To propose the use of the system Relevant Condition of Death (ReCoDe) in elucidating the causes of fetal death to minimize the number of unknown causes. METHODS: Cross-sectional study related to fetal deaths seen at a specialized academic hospital in the South of Brazil, from January 2000 to December 2009. The data were collected in the death certificates, maternal medical records and the reports of study of fetuses and attachments, and the findings were compared. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 17.0. RESULTS: Were included 111 fetuses and their respective mothers in this study. The comparison between the diagnostic causes in the pathology and clinical evaluation showed 74 (66.7%) and 73 (65.8%), respectively. Together, they found a potential cause in 48.7% of cases, while 16.2% remained unknown. When analyzing both together with the ReCoDe system, only 9.9% of stillbirths remained as "unclassified." CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of diagnoses in the cause of death among the pathological and clinical evaluation showed no significant difference. When comparing the results of the cause of death suggested by the clinic/pathology with the use of the ReCoDe system, it appears that this tool has helped to clarify the cause by reducing the amount of those that remained without a possible etiology.

OBJECTIVES: to investigate pre-gestational risk factors for spontaneous preterm birth and, the role of smoking and its cumulative effects on prematurity. METHODS: a case-control study analyzed a data set of all births occurring in a tertiary maternity hospital between April 2002 and July 2004. Spontaneous preterm births of single and live newborns without malformations were selected as cases. Controls were all the term births of live and single newborns without malformations during the same period. Three outcomes were studied: all preterm births (OBJETIVOS: investigar fatores de risco pré-gestacional para nascimento espontâneo prematuro e o papel do tabagismo e seus efeitos cumulativos na prematuridade. MÉTODOS: um estudo transversal baseado em um banco de dados maternos e perinatais, analisou todos os nascimentos ocorridos, em um hospital terciário, no período de abril de 2002 a julho de 2004. Nascimentos prematuros, únicos e espontâneos, de nascidos vivos, sem malformações, foram selecionados como casos. Controles foram selecionados como nascidos vivos e a termo, únicos e sem malformações durante o mesmo período. Três desfechos foram estudados: todos nascimentos prematuros com menos de 37 semanas, aqueles com menos de 35 e 32 semanas de gestação. Regressão Logística foi utilizada na determinação do efeito independente de cada um dos fatores de risco. RESULTADOS: idade materna de menos de 20 anos, baixa escolaridade, baixo índice de massa corporal pré-gestacional e tabagismo se mostraram independente e significativamente associados com nascimento espontâneo e prematuro para os três desfechos. Para todos os fatores de risco, exceto tabagismo materno, as razões de chance aumentaram linearmente com o decréscimo da idade gestacional. O teste para tendência linear se mostrou significante para idade materna de menos de 20 anos e para baixo índice de massa corporal pré-gestacional. CONCLUSÕES: os efeitos cumulativos do tabagismo apontam para a necessidade de incentivar o abandono do hábito de fumar entre as gestantes, especialmente entre aquelas com baixo índice de massa corporal e em idade mais avançada, devido ao risco aumentado de prematuridade neste grupo específico.

Com objetivo de investigar associações entre fatores socioeconômicos e complicações da cesariana, uma amostra de 604 puérperas cujos partos ocorreram em duas maternidades no Sul do Brasil foi entrevistada 24 horas pós-parto e na segunda semana do puerpério, por meio de entrevistas hospitalares e domicilio. Regressão de Cox foi aplicada ao modelo hierárquico dos fatores associados ao tipo de parto e às complicações no pós-parto. Complicações foram duas vezes mais frequentes após cesariana, independentemente das condições socioeconômicas. Contudo, a maneira como o parto cesáreo se associou ao risco de complicações mostrou-se mediada pelas circunstâncias socioeconômicas representadas pela categoria do pré-natal e parto, ter ou não o mesmo profissional no pré-natal e parto e ter sua cesariana decidida intraparto. Resultados do estudo evidenciam que complicações pós-cirúrgicas da cesariana têm impacto adverso, principalmente, entre aquelas mulheres vivendo em condições sociais e de saúde menos privilegiadas, as quais, após o parto, retornam para um ambiente de menor suporte, com uma cicatriz abdominal.This study focused on the association between social factors and complications following cesarean sections. A sample of 604 women delivering in the two main maternity hospitals in a city in southern Brazil were interviewed 24 hours after delivery and two weeks postpartum, using in-hospital and home interviews. Cox regression was applied, using a hierarchical framework of factors associated with post-cesarean complications. Post-partum complications were twice as frequent after cesareans as compared to vaginal delivery, independently of socioeconomic conditions. However, the increased the risk of complications associated with cesarean section proved to be mediated by socioeconomic circumstances, as represented by prenatal and childbirth care in the public health system, not having the same physician throughout prenatal care and delivery, and having the decision made for the cesarean while the patient was already in labor. The study's results show that post-cesarean complications can adversely impact women, especially those living in the worst social and health conditions, that is, precisely those that lack support when returning home with a surgical wound.

Following publication of the original article [1], the author reported errors in the formatting of the table. The details of the errors are as follows:

O objetivo deste estudo foi medir a prevalência, a gravidade dos sintomas de asma e investigar fatores de risco associados entre a presença de chiado nos últimos 12 meses (asma atual) e fatores pessoais, geográficos e sócio-econômicos em adolescentes escolares de 13 e 14 anos matriculados em sétimas e oitavas séries dos municípios de Tubarão e Capivari de Baixo, Santa Catarina, Brasil. Este é um estudo transversal que utilizou o questionário ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood), aplicado em 1.870 adolescentes de 42 escolas dos dois municípios, entre os meses de março a maio de 2005. A prevalência de asma atual foi de 11,8% e de asma "alguma vez na vida" foi 7,8%. A prevalência de despertar uma ou mais noites na semana foi de 2,1%; 8,1% tiveram 1-3 crises de chiado nos últimos 12 meses e 3,7% apresentaram limitação da fala. Na análise multivariada sexo feminino, história familiar, pai e mãe com asma, moradia alugada e fumante dentro de casa foram fatores de risco para asma atual. A prevalência de asma atual e a gravidade dos sintomas foram comparativamente menores em relação ao encontrado em outros estudos brasileiros.This study aimed to measure the prevalence and severity of asthma symptoms and to investigate the association between asthma symptoms and personal, geographic, and socioeconomic variables in 13-14-year-old schoolchildren enrolled in the 7th and 8th grades in Tubarão and Capivari de Baixo, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. This was a cross-sectional study using the ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood) written questionnaire, applied to 1,870 adolescents enrolled in 42 schools in the two cities, from March to May 2005. Prevalence of current asthma (defined as wheezing in the previous 12 months) was 11.8%, and there was a 7.8% lifetime prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma. Prevalence of wheezing that interrupted sleep (one or more nights per week) was 2.1%; 8.1% had 1-3 wheezing attacks per year; and 3.7% had wheezing that disturbed their speech. According to multivariate analysis, female gender, family history, parental asthma, rental housing, and smoking inside the home were risk factors for current asthma. Prevalence and severity of current asthma were less than in other Brazilian studies.

OBJETIVO: Analisar fatores associados à realização do parto cesariano. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal realizado em hospital universitário de Florianópolis (SC), de 2001 a 2005. Foram analisados fatores socioeconômicos, de experiências reprodutivas, institucionais e relacionados à prática obstétrica. As informações relativas a 7.249 partos foram obtidas a partir de prontuários clínicos e registros de admissão, parto e pós-parto. Foi utilizada a regressão de Cox na análise para estimar razões de prevalência de cesárea nas categorias das variáveis de interesse. RESULTADOS: As taxas de cesárea aumentaram de 27,5% a 36,5% no período e estiveram acima daquelas devidas a indicações médicas. Após ajuste para confundimento, as taxas de cesárea se mostraram positivamente associadas com cesárea prévia (RP=2,65; IC 95%: 2,31; 3,05), apresentação não-cefálica (RP=2,23; IC 95%: 1,69; 2,95), uso de ocitocina (RP=1,77; IC 95%: 1,43; 2,19), dilatação à admissão (RP=2,74; IC 95%: 2,18; 3,44), e obstetra com taxa de cesárea superior a 35%(RP=1,82; IC 95%: 1,36; 2,42). CONCLUSÕES: Os fatores associados a maior probabilidade de cesárea mostraram a importância de intervenções direcionadas à mulher e sua experiência reprodutiva, assim como mudanças na prática obstétrica.OBJETIVO: Analizar factores asociados a la realización del parto cesariano. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal realizado en hospital universitario de Florianópolis, Sur de Brasil, de 2001 a 2005. Fueron analizados factores socioeconómicos, de experiencias reproductivas, institucionales y relacionados con la práctica obstétrica. Las informaciones relativas a 7.249 partos fueron obtenidas a partir de prontuarios clínicos y registros de admisión, parto y post-parto. Fue utilizada la regresión de Cox en el análisis para estimar razones de prevalencia de cesárea en las categorías de las variables de interés. RESULTADOS: Las tasas de cesárea aumentaron de 27,5% a 36,5% en el período y estuvieron encima de aquellas debidas a indicaciones médicas. Posterior al ajuste para confundimento, las tasas de cesárea se mostraron positivamente asociadas con cesárea previa (RP=2,65; IC 95%: 2,31; 3,05), presentación no cefálica (RP=2,23; IC 95%: 1,69; 2,95), uso de ocitocina (RP=1,77; IC 95%: 1,43; 2,19), dilatación al ser admitida (RP=2,74; IC 95%: 2,18; 3,44), y obstetra con tasa de cesárea superior a 35% (RP=1,82; IC 95%: 1,36; 2,42). CONCLUSIONES: Los factores asociados a mayor probabilidad de cesárea mostraron la importancia de intervenciones direccionadas a la mujer y su experiencia reproductiva, así como cambios en la práctica obstétrica.OBJECTIVE: To assess factors associated to cesarean section. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a university hospital in Florianópolis, Southern Brazil, from 2001 to 2005. Socioeconomic, reproductive, obstetric and institutional information were collected. Data from 7,249 deliveries was obtained from medical records and admission, delivery and post-delivery records. Cox regression was used in the analysis to estimate cesarean prevalence ratios in the categories of variables studied. RESULTS: Cesarean rates increased from 27.5% to 36.5% during the period studied and they were higher than those associated with medical indications. After adjustment for confounders cesarean rates were positively associated with previous cesarean section (PR=2.65, 95% CI: 2.31;3.05), non-cephalic presentation (PR=2.23, 95%CI: 1.69;2.95), oxytocin use (PR=1.77, 95%CI: 1.43;2.19), dilatation at admission (PR=2.74, 95%CI: 2.18;3.44), and obstetrician profile (>35% of cesarean sections) (PR=1.82, 95%CI: 1.36;2.42). CONCLUSIONS: The factors associated with cesarean section indicate the need of interventions focusing on women and their reproductive experience and changes in obstetrician practice as well.

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever fatores associados ao aumento nas taxas de cesariana em um hospital universitário de 2002 e 2004, explorando a contribuição de fatores médicos e não-médicos para este aumento. Um estudo transversal investigou 2.905 partos ocorridos nos anos de 2002 (1.441) e 2004 (1.464). Diferenças nas razões de prevalência ajustadas pela regressão de Poisson e risco atribuível percentual foram estimados para a associação de cesariana com fatores sócio-demográficos; clínicos e reprodutivos; e do parto, institucionais e da prática obstétrica. As taxas de cesariana aumentaram de 28,4% em 2002 para 36,7% em 2004. Escolaridade materna elevada, hora do parto, presença de patologia e maior freqüência ao pré-natal foram os fatores que representaram a contribuição mais expressiva para o excesso em 2004, quando comparado a 2002. O aumento nas taxas de cesariana ao se comparar os dois anos pode ser atribuído, pelo menos em parte, a um crescimento nas indicações relativas e condições não-médicas.The objective of this study was to describe factors associated with the increase in cesarean rates in a university hospital in 2002 and 2004, exploring medical and non-medical factors. A cross-sectional study investigated 2,905 deliveries: 1,441 in 2002 and 1,464 in 2004. Differences in adjusted prevalence rates using Poisson regression and attributable risk percent were estimated for the associations between cesarean section and demographic, clinical, reproductive, institutional, obstetric, and delivery-related factors. The cesarean rate increased from 28.4% in 2002 to 36.7% in 2004. Higher maternal schooling, time of day at delivery, illness during pregnancy, and number of prenatal visits were associated with the excess rate in 2004 compared to 2002. The increased cesarean rate can be attributed at least partially to an increase in relative clinical indications and non-medical factors.

OBJETIVOS: investigar a evolução temporal das taxas de cesariana e fatores associados em Santa Catarina, no período de 2000 a 2004. MÉTODOS: foram utilizados dados do Sistema de Informações de Nascidos Vivos. As variáveis analisadas foram: escolaridade, idade materna, etnia/cor da pele do recém-nascido, duração da gestação e número de consultas pré-natal. Razões de prevalência de cesariana, brutas e ajustadas para confundimento, foram estimadas para cada uma das variáveis utilizando Regressão de Poisson. RESULTADOS: as taxas encontradas para o período foram o triplo daquelas preconizadas pela Organização Mundial de Saúde e aumentaram de 43,3% em 2000 para 50,6% em 2004. Para todo o período razões de prevalência brutas e ajustadas mostraram-se positivamente associadas ao mais alto grau de escolaridade (R Paj=1,50; IC95%: 1,47-1,52), idade mais elevada (R Paj=2,10; IC95%: 2,05-2,15), maior freqüência ao pré-natal (RPaj=1,27; IC95%: 1,26-1,29), partos pré-termo (RPaj=1,10; IC95%: 1,06-1,13) e pós-termo (RPaj=1,22; IC95%: 1,14-1,30) e proteção para as etnias "indígena" (RPaj=0,79; IC95%: 0,75-0,85) e "não branca" (RPaj=1,10; IC95%: 1,06-1,14). Uma diminuição significante nas RPs ajustadas ao comparar os extremos do período (2000 e 2004) apareceu para quase todas as categorias estudadas. CONCLUSÕES: as taxas de cesariana encontradas estão bem acima daquelas justificando indicações estritamente médicas. Uma diminuição nas RPs ao comparar os extremos do período nos remete a uma redução temporal nos efeitos da "equidade inversa", provável reflexo de um maior acesso à tecnologia no parto entre as camadas de menor padrão socioeconômico, pelo menos em parte atribuível a uma maior liberalidade da prática obstétrica, incluindo uma ampliação das indicações médicas.OBJECTIVES: to investigate changes over time and factors associated with caesarean section rates in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil, between 2000 and 2004. METHODS: data from the Live Births National Information System for the State of Santa Catarina were used. The variables analyzed were maternal age and literacy, ethnicity/skin color of the newborn, duration of gestation and number of prenatal consultations. Crude and adjusted prevalence rates were estimated for each of the variables using Poisson regression. RESULTS: rates for the period were three times higher of those accepted by the World Health Organization and increased from 43.3% in 2000 to 50.6% in 2004. For the whole period (2000-2004) prevalence rates, both crude and adjusted, were found to be positively associated with higher maternal literacy (PRadj=1.50; 95%CI: 1.47-1,52), older age (PRadj=2.10; 95%CI: 2.05-2.15), greater number of prenatal consultations (PRaj=1.27; 95%CI: 1.26-1.29), pre-term (PRadj=1.10; 95%CI: 1.06-1.13) and post-term deliveries (PRadj=1.22; 95%CI: 1.14-1.30), and protection for the indigenous (PRadj=0.79; 95%CI: 0.75-0.85) and "non-white" newborns (PRadj=1.10; CI95%: 1.06-1.14). A significant decrease in the adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) when comparing the extremes in the period (2000 and 2004) appeared for all variables and categories. CONCLUSIONS: the caesarean section rates were well above those justified for medical reasons alone. The decrease in the caesarean section PRs when comparing extremes during the period calls attention to a reduction in the effects of the "inverse equity" probably connected to a higher access to childbirth technology among women of lower socio-economic status, at least partly attributable to more liberal use of this technology in obstetrical practice, including more widespread medical recommendation of caesarean section.

A new species, Echiniscus viridianus sp. n., is described in the Echiniscus viridis group from North America and the Azores Islands. It clearly differs from E. viridis in some details of the cuticular ornamentation (it has dark tubercles quite close to each other and larger light spots). A comparison of the new species with the others in the group indicates that this group is less homogeneous than traditionally believed.

OBJETIVO: Descrever a prevalência de sinais e sintomas de doença respiratória, avaliar as características do confinamento e identificar potenciais fatores de risco nos suinocultores do município de Braço do Norte, Santa Catarina. MÉTODOS: Um estudo do tipo observacional, de caráter exploratório, com delineamento transversal, em que a coleta de dados foi através de entrevistas e realização de espirometrias. Foram investigados o histórico laborativo, as condições do ambiente e trabalho, a saúde respiratória e o hábito tabágico. Como medida de risco foi utilizada a razão de chances da exposição, ao comparar suinocultores expostos e não expostos aos fatores de interesse de acordo com presença de sinais e sintomas de doença respiratória. RESULTADOS: A prevalência das manifestações de sintomas e sinais respiratórios foi de 84,3%, de asma brônquica foi de 5,6% e de bronquite crônica naqueles acima de 40 anos foi 5,1%. Apenas 2,6% dos suinocultores utilizavam equipamentos de proteção específica para o aparelho respiratório. Manifestações respiratórias entre os suinocultores mostraram-se associadas ao baixo nível socioeconômico, baixa escolaridade, tabagismo, uso de fogão a lenha e uso de desinfetantes. Havia uma aparente associação entre tempo e intensidade de trabalho e os achados de uma menor prevalência de manifestações respiratórias. CONCLUSÃO: O 'fenômeno saúde do trabalhador' pode explicar a associação entre tempo/intensidade de trabalho e a menor prevalência de manifestações respiratórias. Entretanto, o evidente comprometimento do aparelho respiratório entre os suinocultores e a baixa adoção de medidas de proteção específica nesta população apontam para a necessidade de um programa de controle da exposição e regulamentação dos fatores ambientais.OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of signs and symptoms of respiratory disease among pig farmers in Braço do Norte, Santa Catarina, Brazil, evaluating the characteristics of swine confinement buildings and identifying potential risk factors. METHODS: An exploratory, cross-sectional, observational study involving interviews and pulmonary function tests (spirometry). Aspects related to job history, work conditions, and environment, as well as to respiratory status and smoking, were evaluated. Odds ratios were used to estimate the chances of exposure when comparing pig farmers according to the signs and symptoms of respiratory disease. RESULTS: The prevalence of clinical signs and symptoms of respiratory disease was 84.3%, clinical manifestations of bronchial asthma were detected in 5.6% of the farmers evaluated, and chronic bronchitis was diagnosed in 5.1% of the workers over the age of 40. Only 2.6% used specific individual respiratory protection devices. Respiratory disease was positively associated with low socioeconomic level, low level of education, smoking, the use of wood stoves, and the use of disinfectants. Work load and length of employment were both apparently associated with a lower prevalence of respiratory disease. CONCLUSION: The association between duration of employment and lower prevalence of respiratory disease can be attributed to the healthy worker effect. However, the evident respiratory impairment among pig farmers and the limited use of personal protective equipment draw attention to the need to implement a program to monitor exposure and regulate environmental factors.

OBJETIVO: Investigar o efeito das desigualdades sociais nas taxas de cesariana em primíparas, com gravidez única e parto hospitalar. MÉTODOS: Estudo realizado no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul em 1996, 1998 e 2000. Foram utilizados dados do Sistema de Informação de Nascidos Vivos no cálculo das taxas anuais e das razões de chance de cesariana (RC) brutas e ajustadas para condições sociais (escolaridade e idade maternas, etnia/cor da pele e macro-regional de saúde), duração da gestação e número de consultas pré-natal. RESULTADOS: A taxa de cesarianas foi de 45%, e acima de 37% para todas as macro-regionais. As taxas aumentaram entre: mulheres de etnia indígena e negra, mulheres com mais de 30 anos, residentes nas macro-regiões Metropolitana, Vales e Serra, e com mais de seis consultas no pré-natal. Razões brutas e ajustadas indicaram taxas negativamente associadas para todas as categorias de etnia/cor, quando comparadas à cor branca da pele do recém-nascido, em especial para etnia indígena (RCaj=0,43; IC 95%: 0,31-0,59), positivamente associadas à escolaridade (RCaj=3,52; IC 95%: 3,11-3,99) e idade maternas mais elevadas (RCaj=6,87; IC 95%: 5,90-8,00), e maior número de consultas pré-natal (RCaj=2,16; IC 95%: 1,99-2,35). Os efeitos de idade e escolaridade mostraram estar parcialmente mediados pelo maior número de consultas pré-natal nas mulheres com idade e escolaridade mais elevadas. As taxas variaram entre as macro-regionais, sendo maiores na região da Serra, economicamente mais rica. CONCLUSÕES: Altas taxas de cesariana no sul do Brasil constituem problema de saúde pública e estão associadas a fatores sociais, econômicos e culturais, os quais podem levar ao mau-uso da tecnologia médica na atenção ao parto.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of social inequalities in cesarean section rates among primiparae having single pregnancy and delivering in maternity hospitals. METHODS: The study was carried out in Southern Brazil in 1996, 1998 and 2000. Data from the Live Birth National Information System were used to estimate annual rates and crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) of cesarean sections according to social conditions (maternal age and education, newborn skin color/ethnicity and macro-regions), duration of pregnancy, and number of prenatal visits. RESULTS: The overall cesarean section rate was 45%, and above 37% in all macro-regions. Increased rates were seen among native and black mothers, aged 30 years or more, living in metropolitan, river valley and mountain macro-regions and having attended to more than six prenatal visits. Crude and adjusted OR show that cesarean rates were negatively associated with all categories of skin color/ethnicity when compared to white newborns, particularly those of native Brazilian (ORadj=0.43; 95% CI: 0.31-0.59), and they were positively associated with higher maternal education (ORadj=3.52; 95% CI: 3.11-3.99), older age (ORadj=6.87; 95% CI: 5.90-8.00) and greater number of prenatal visits (ORadj=2.16; 95% CI: 1.99-2.35). The effects of age and education were partly mediated by the greater number of prenatal visits among higher educated older women. The OR varied among macro-regions but were greater for the wealthier mountain region. CONCLUSIONS: High rates of cesarean section rates in Southern Brazil are a public health concern. They are associated with social, economic and cultural factors which can lead to misuse of medical technology during labor and delivery.

OBJETIVO: verificar a prevalência de estreptococo do grupo B (EGB) em gestantes no terceiro trimestre da gravidez e explorar os fatores potencialmente associados à colonização. MÉTODOS: uma amostra de 273 gestantes no terceiro trimestre da gravidez, provenientes do ambulatório de pré-natal do Hospital Universitário do Sul do Brasil, foi investigada. Culturas de amostra vaginal e anorretal foram obtidas e inoculadas em meio seletivo de Todd-Hewitt suplementado com 10 µg/ml de colistina e 15 µg/ml de ácido nalidíxico e posteriormente subcultivadas em ágar sangue de carneiro desfibrinado. Todas as colônias suspeitas foram submetidas ao teste de aglutinação para detecção do antígeno específico do grupo B. O teste de Camp foi utilizado para identificação do EGB das variedades não hemolíticas. Analisaram-se também os dados demográficos, socioeconômicos, reprodutivos e clínico-obstétricos. A razão de prevalência (RP) foi utilizada como medida de risco. Considerou-se como significante o intervalo de confiança no nível de 95% (alfa=0,05). RESULTADOS: a prevalência de colonização pelo EGB foi de 21,6% (59), sendo que 9,9% (27) das gestantes tiveram positividade em ambos os sítios, 6,95% (19) foram positivas somente no sítio vaginal e 4,75% (13) da amostra tiveram positividade apenas no sítio anal. A prevalência de EGB foi ligeiramente mais alta nas gestantes com idade inferior a 20 anos, naquelas com menor escolaridade e nas gestantes primíparas, e o dobro entre aquelas que não relataram aborto espontâneo, porém sem significância estatística. Não foi encontrada diferença na prevalência de EGB de acordo com história de doenças sexualmente transmissíveis e tabagismo. Quando os dados foram analisados conjuntamente, os fatores detectados como potencialmente associados à colonização pelo EGB foram: primíparas com mais de 30 anos (RP=1,55) e mulheres com mais de um parceiro sexual e freqüência de atividade sexual aumentada (55,6 vs 20,5%; pPURPOSE: to determine the prevalence of group B Streptococcus (GBS) in pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy and explore the factors potentially associated with colonization. METHODS: a sample of 273 pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy, from the prenatal care center in Southern Brasil, was investigated. Vaginal and anorectal samples were collected and innoculated in Todd-Hewitt selective broth supplemented with 10 µg/mL colistin and 15 µg/mL nalidixic acid and afterwards cultured on defibrinated sheep blood agar plates. All suspected colonies were submitted to the agglutination test for detection of the specific group B antigen. The Camp test was used for GBS identification in non-hemolytic varieties. Demographic, socioeconomic, reproductive, and clinico-obstetric data were also analyzed. Prevalence ratio (PR) was used as risk measurement. Confidence interval was considered significant at the level of 95% (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: prevalence of Streptococcus (GBS) colonization amounted to 21.6% (59), 9.9% (27) of pregnant women showing positivity in both sites; vaginal site colonization was found in 6.95% (19) of the women and 4.75% (13) of the samples showed positivity only in the anal site. GBS prevalence was slightly higher in pregnant women under 20 years, in those with less schooling and in primiparae and was twice as high among those who did not reported spontaneous abortion, but with no statistical significance. No difference was found in GBS prevalence according to the history of sexually transmittted diseases and tabagism. When analyzed together, the factors detected as potentially associated with colonization by GBS were: primiparae over 30 years (PR=1.55) and women with more than one sexual partner and increased frequency of sexual activity (p

Estudo transversal de base populacional sobre altura de crianças de 12 a 59 meses (n = 2.632) foi realizado em Porto Alegre, Brasil. Usou-se regressão linear multinível para investigar o efeito de condições sócio-econômicas, demográficas, de saúde e dos ambientes físico e social sobre a altura, medida em escores-z do padrão de altura para idade do National Center for Health Statisrics. A área de localização do domicílio foi classificada como bem e mal provida em infra-estrutura habitacional. A altura foi, em média, -0,18 escore-z, estando positivamente associada a escolaridade e qualificação ocupacional dos pais, renda, qualidade de moradia, idade materna, intervalo interpartal e peso de nascimento, e negativamente relacionada a prematuridade, número de menores de cinco anos no domicílio e hospitalização nos dois primeiros anos de vida. O efeito da educação materna foi o dobro nas áreas mal providas em infra-estrutura habitacional. O efeito positivo da qualificação ocupacional dos pais foi evidente apenas nas áreas mal providas. Provavelmente, a área de residência modifica o efeito das condições sócio-econômicas sobre o crescimento. Programas habitacionais e de saneamento são potencialmente úteis para diminuir o efeito de condições sócio-econômicas desfavoráveis sobre o crescimento da criança.A cross-sectional household survey of height among children under five years of age (n = 2,632) was conducted in the city of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Multi-level linear regression was applied to investigate the effect of socioeconomic and demographic factors, physical and social environment, and health conditions on children’s height, measured by the height-for-age z-scores of the National Center for Health Statistics standards. Area of residence (census tract) was classified as good versus poor in terms of housing and sanitation standards. On average, children’s height was -0.18 z-score. Average height increased with maternal and paternal schooling, parents’ work skills, per capita family income, improved housing, maternal age, birth intervals, and birth weight. Height decreased with hospitalization in the first two years of life, number of under-five children in the household, and preterm birth. In the poor residential areas, the effect of maternal schooling was twice as great as in the better-off areas. The effect of parental work skills was only evident in the more deprived areas. Area of residence modified the effects of socioeconomic conditions on children’s growth. Housing and sanitation programs are potentially beneficial to offset the negative effect of social disadvantage on children’s growth.

12th International Symposium on TARDIGRADA.Proceedings Guest EditorsLorena Rebecchi (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy)Diane R. Nelson (East Tennessee State University, USA)Roberto Bertolani (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy)Paulo Fontoura (University of Porto, Portugal)

A new arthrotardigrade, Prostygarctus aculeatus gen. nov., sp. nov. is described from intertidal meiobenthos samples collected at Ofir beach, Esposende, North of Portugal. The new species, an armoured arthrotardigrade of the family Stygarctidae, is easily distinguished from all the other stygarctids by an unusual caudal apparatus, which consists of a very long medial spine with two lateral furca-like processes. It is also characterised by the presence of backwardly directed dorsal spines and a pair of ventral spines. Furthermore, it has four digits on each leg, ending in simple claws. The morphological peculiarities exhibited by the new species justify the establishment of a new genus and will provide useful insights to help develop our understanding of the phylogenetic relationships of armoured arthrotardigrades.

Estudo transversal de base populacional sobre altura de crianças de 12 a 59 meses (n = 2.632) foi realizado em Porto Alegre, Brasil. Usou-se regressão linear multinível para investigar o efeito de condições sócio-econômicas, demográficas, de saúde e dos ambientes físico e social sobre a altura, medida em escores-z do padrão de altura para idade do National Center for Health Statisrics. A área de localização do domicílio foi classificada como bem e mal provida em infra-estrutura habitacional. A altura foi, em média, -0,18 escore-z, estando positivamente associada a escolaridade e qualificação ocupacional dos pais, renda, qualidade de moradia, idade materna, intervalo interpartal e peso de nascimento, e negativamente relacionada a prematuridade, número de menores de cinco anos no domicílio e hospitalização nos dois primeiros anos de vida. O efeito da educação materna foi o dobro nas áreas mal providas em infra-estrutura habitacional. O efeito positivo da qualificação ocupacional dos pais foi evidente apenas nas áreas mal providas. Provavelmente, a área de residência modifica o efeito das condições sócio-econômicas sobre o crescimento. Programas habitacionais e de saneamento são potencialmente úteis para diminuir o efeito de condições sócio-econômicas desfavoráveis sobre o crescimento da criança.

RESUMO: Objetivo: Investigar como fatores institucionais, representados pelo perfil social da maternidade na assistência ao parto, se associam às taxas de cesariana. Métodos: Estudo com delineamento transversal com base em dados do Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos (SINASC) para Santa Catarina. Foram selecionados, para cada uma das macrorregionais, os seis municípios com o maior número de partos. Para esses municípios, foram considerados todos os estabelecimentos que possuíam leitos obstétricos. Um total de 61.278 partos teve lugar nas 61 maternidades selecionadas. Razões de prevalência de cesariana (RP), brutas e ajustadas para confundimento, foram estimadas para cada uma das variáveis individuais por meio de Regressão de Cox Robusta. Resultados: Nascimentos por cesariana foram quase o dobro nas maternidades privadas (89%), quando comparados aos do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) (45,1%). Ter parto nas maternidades privadas aumentou em pelo menos 50% a ocorrência de cesariana entre as primíparas (RP = 1,64), caucasianas (RP = 1,57), mulheres com maior frequência ao pré-natal (RP = 1,54) e tendo parto diurno (RP = 1,51), quando comparadas àquelas tendo parto pelo SUS. Conclusão: Diferenças nas taxas de cesariana em favor do sistema privado, entre mulheres de melhores condições sociais, em meio às quais seria esperado menor risco obstétrico, apontaram para diferenças de permeabilidade da cultura médica/obstétrica e flexibilização na interpretação médica das indicações clínicas do parto operatório.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the results of induced labor and to determine the main factors associated with intrapartum cesarean section after patients being submitted to this procedure at the Hospital Universitário of the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (HU/UFSC, in the Portuguese acronym), Florianópolis, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study that included all the pregnancies that resulted in single-fetus births, whose gestational-age was > 22 weeks and that had been submitted to labor induction at the HU/UFSC in the period from 2013 to 2016. Results During the proposed period, 1,491 pregnant women were submitted to the labor induction protocol. In 1,264 cases (84.8%), induction resulted in labor, with 830 (65.7%) progressing to vaginal delivery. Gestational age ≥ 41 + 0 weekswas themost common indication for induced labor (55.2%), and vaginal administration of misoprostol was themost commonly usedmethod (72.0%). Among these pregnant women, the cesarean section rate was of 34.3%. Considering the cases of induction failure, the cesarean section rate rose to 44.3%. The factors associated with cesarean section were: previous history of cesarean delivery (PR [prevalence ratio] = 1.48; 95%CI [confidence interval]: 1.51-1.88), fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (PR = 1.82; 95%CI: 1.32-2.19), Bishop score ≤ 6 (PR = 1.33; 95%CI: 1.01-1.82), and induction time either < 12 hours (PR = 1.44; 95%CI: 1.17-1.66) or > 36 hours (PR = 1.51; 95% CI 1.22-1.92) between the beginning of the induction and the birth. Conclusion Labor induction was successful inmost patients. In the cases in which the final outcome was a cesarean section, the most strongly associated factors were: previous history of cesarean delivery, presence of fetuses with IUGR, and either excessively short or excessively long periods of induction.