Cat ownership is associated with increased asthma prevalence and dog ownership with decreased spirometry values

The association between pet ownership and the development of allergic and respiratory diseases has been the aim of several studies, however, the effects of exposure in adults remain uncertain. The aims of the present study were to investigate the prevalence of asthma and lung function status among dog and cat owners. This cross-sectional study was performed at two universities with students and workers who were allocated into 3 groups according to pet ownership in the previous year: cat owners, dog owners, and no pets (control group). Subjects underwent spirometry, bronchial challenge test with mannitol, skin prick tests, and questionnaires about animal exposures and respiratory symptoms. Control group comprised 125 subjects; cat owner group, 51 subjects; and dog owner group, 140 subjects. Cat owners had increased asthma prevalence (defined by symptoms and positive bronchial challenge test), but no changes in lung function compared to the control group. The dog owner group had lower spirometry values (forced expiratory volume in one second and lower forced vital capacity), but similar asthma prevalence, compared to the control group. In the cat owner group, excess of asthma may have an immunological basis, since we found an association with atopy. Although we did not have endotoxin data from volunteers' households, we postulated that low values of lung function were associated to exposure to endotoxins present in environments exposed to dogs.

Tenencia responsable de perros y salud humana en barrios de San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina / Responsible ownership of dogs and human health in neighborhoods of San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina

La relación entre el hombre y el perro se asocia a numerosos y variados beneficios sobre la salud humana; sin embargo también presenta importantes riesgos. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir parámetros demográficos y características de la tenencia de perros con implicancias sobre la salud humana y evaluar la prevalencia de mordeduras y accidentes de tránsito causados por perros. Se realizó una encuesta en los barrios Nuestras Malvinas y Nahuel Hue de San Carlos de Bariloche. Se estimó el porcentaje de viviendas con al menos un perro, la media de perros por vivienda, la prevalencia de mordeduras de perro y de accidentes de tránsito causados por perros y el conocimiento de la población sobre zoonosis transmitidas por perros. Respecto de la tenencia, se evaluó el grado de esterilización, vacunación y desparasitación y el porcentaje de perros con libre acceso a la calle. Se realizaron 141 entrevistas. En 87% de las viviendas había al menos un perro (promedio 2.2 perros/vivienda). En 26% de las viviendas alguien había sufrido un accidente de tránsito causado por perros y en 41% alguien había sido mordido. El 83% de los perros fueron desparasitados en los últimos 12 meses, en promedio 1.4 veces (óptimo: 6 veces/año), 51% estaban esterilizados, 55% tenían libre acceso a la calle. Este estudio muestra una situación preocupante respecto de la población canina de los barrios evaluados. El número de perros sueltos en la calle y el bajo nivel de desparasitación y esterilización proveen condiciones ideales para que se propaguen zoonosis.

Human relationship with dogs associates with numerous and varied benefits on human health; however, it also presents significant risks. The goal of this study was to describe demographic parameters and characteristics of dog ownership with possible implications on human health and to evaluate the prevalence of dog bites and traffic accidents due to dogs. Interviews were conducted in the neighborhoods of Nuestras Malvinas and Nahuel Hue in San Carlos de Bariloche. The percentage of homes with at least one dog, the average number of dogs per home, the prevalence of dog bites and traffic accidents due to dogs and the general awareness of the population on dog transmitted zoonoses were estimated. Regarding ownership characteristics, the degree of sterilization, vaccination and parasite control and the percentage of dogs allowed to roam freely in public places were evaluated. A total of 141 interviews were conducted; 87% of the households had at least one dog, with an average of 2.2 dogs. In 26% of the households someone had suffered a traffic accident caused by dogs and in 41% someone had been bitten. Antiparasite treatment was administered to 83% of the dogs in the last 12 months, on average 1.4 times (recommended 6 times), 51% were sterilized, 55% were allowed to roam freely. This study shows a disturbing situation regarding the canine population of the evaluated neighborhoods. The number of dogs allowed to roam freely and the low level of parasite control and sterilization provide suitable conditions for the spread of zoonoses.

After 10 years, how do changes in asset ownership affect the Indicador Econômico Nacional? / Como as mudanças na posse de bens afetam o Indicador Econômico Nacional em 10 anos?

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE Our main objective was to analyse how the evolution of household assets ownership affected the Indicador Econômico Nacional (IEN – National Wealth index) and to point out the most stable assets and which lost importance more quickly. METHODS We analysed the trend of the ownership of each IEN variable and the distribution of the households’ scores. We calculated the correlation coefficients of each variable separately with the IEN score and the household income. We also evaluated how the changes of the score distribution over time affected the validity of the published reference cut-points. We used data from consortium surveys conducted every two years from 2002 to 2014 in the city of Pelotas, Brazil. RESULTS An increase in the educational level of household heads and in the ownership of all IEN assets, except radio and telephone, was observed in the study period. In general, the correlation of the assets with the IEN scores decreased over time. There was an increase in the score, with a consequent increase in the quintiles cut-points, but the distance between these cut-points had no significant variation. Thus, the reference cut-points for Pelotas, quickly became outdated. CONCLUSIONS Some assets showed greatly reduction on its importance for the indicator, and the reference cut-points became obsolete very quickly. It is essential for a standardized wealth (or asset) index with research purposes to be updated frequently, especially the cut-points of reference distribution.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar como a evolução temporal da posse de bens domésticos afetou o Indicador Econômico Nacional e como essas mudanças afetaram o poder discriminatório do indicador. MÉTODOS Analisou-se a evolução temporal da posse de cada uma das variáveis do Indicador Econômico Nacional, bem como da distribuição do escore dos domicílios. Utilizamos dados de inquéritos populacionais realizados bienalmente no município de Pelotas, RS, de 2002 a 2014. Foi calculado o coeficiente de correlação de cada variável isoladamente com o escore do Indicador Econômico Nacional e com a renda familiar. Avaliamos também como a variação da distribuição do escore ao longo do tempo afetou a validade da utilização dos pontos de corte de referência publicados. RESULTADOS Houve aumento da escolaridade dos chefes das famílias e da posse de todos os bens, exceto rádio e linha telefônica no período. A correlação dos bens com o Indicador Econômico Nacional reduziu com o tempo. O escore aumentou, com consequente incremento nos pontos de corte dos quintis, mas a distância entre os pontos não teve variação importante. Assim, os pontos de corte de referência publicados para Pelotas rapidamente ficaram desatualizados. CONCLUSÕES Alguns bens perderam a capacidade discriminatória e os pontos de corte ficaram obsoletos rapidamente. É essencial um indicador de bens padronizado para uso em pesquisa, que seja atualizado com frequência, em especial os pontos de corte da distribuição de referência.

Assessment on the ownership and use of mosquito nets in Mozambique / Avaliação sobre a posse e uso de redes mosquiteiras em Moçambique

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To assess the ownership and use of mosquito nets in 2014, in Mozambique. METHODS This observational and cross-sectional study assessed, in February and March 2015, 69 districts (nine of 11 provinces of Mozambique) that have benefited from the mass distribution of mosquito nets. The Lot Quality Assurance Sampling methodology was used. Each locality was denominated supervision area. The Lot Quality Assurance Sampling opts for a minimum of 19 households (in this case, we decided for a minimum of 100 households per district) from each supervision area to assess an indicator (in this case, two indicators were assessed: ownership and use of mosquito nets). Two questions guided the research: a) received a mosquito net; b) used a mosquito net the night before. RESULTS A total of 6,725 households were assessed. Eighty three percent of them had received mosquito nets in the campaign. Of the 6,232 respondents, 82.0% said they used mosquito nets the night before. The districts of the provinces with low coverage of ownership and use were Tete (69.5% and 60.0%, respectively), Zambezia (79.0% and 60.0%, respectively), and Gaza (81.6% and 70.7%, respectively). The largest coverage of ownership and use were observed in the districts of Nampula (96.7% and 93.8%, respectively) and Niassa (86.0% and 85.4% respectively). CONCLUSIONS In the districts assessed, the progression of ownership and use of mosquito nets is satisfactory. Nampula and Niassa are the only provinces where ownership and use are at desired levels.

RESUMO OBJECTIVO Avaliar a posse e o uso das redes mosquiteiras no ano de 2014 em Moçambique. MÉTODOS Este estudo observacional transversal avaliou, em fevereiro e março de 2015, 68 distritos (nove das 11 províncias de Moçambique) que se beneficiaram da distribuição de redes em massa. Usou-se a metodologia Lot Quality Assurance Sampling. Cada localidade foi designada de área de supervisão. O Lot Quality Assurance Sampling opta por um mínimo de 19 agregados familiares (neste caso decidiu-se um mínimo de 100 agregados familiares por distrito) de cada área de supervisão, a fim de avaliar um indicador (neste caso dois indicadores foram avaliados: posse e uso de redes mosquiteiras). Duas perguntas nortearam a pesquisa: a) recebeu rede; b) usou rede na noite anterior. RESULTADOS Foram avaliados 6.725 agregados familiares . Desses, 83,0% tinham recebido redes na campanha. Dos 6.232 inqueridos, 82,0% disseram que usaram na noite anterior. As províncias com distritos com menores coberturas de posse e uso foram Tete (69,5% e 60,0%, respectivamente), Zambézia (79,0% e 60,0%, respectivamente) e Gaza (81,6% e 70,7%, respectivamente). As maiores coberturas de posse e uso foram observadas nos distritos de Nampula (96,7% e 93,8%, respectivamente) e Niassa (86,0% e 85,4%, respectivamente). CONCLUSÕES Nos distritos avaliados, a progressão para a posse e uso de redes mosquiteiras é satisfatória. Nampula e Niassa são as únicas províncias onde a posse e o uso estão em níveis desejados.

Age structure of owned dogs under compulsory culling in a visceral leishmaniasis endemic area / A estrutura etária de cães com donos numa área endêmica de leishmaniose visceral / Estructura etaria de la población canina domiciliada en un área endémica con leishmaniasis visceral canina

Abstract: The age structure of the dog population is essential for planning and evaluating control programs for zoonotic diseases. We analyzed data of an owned-dog census in order to characterize, for the first time, the structure of a dog population under compulsory culling in a visceral leishmaniasis endemic area (Panorama, São Paulo State, Brazil) that recorded a dog-culling rate of 28% in the year of the study. Data on 1,329 households and 1,671 owned dogs revealed an owned dog:human ratio of 1:7. The mean age of dogs was estimated at 1.73 years; the age pyramid indicated high birth and mortality rates at the first year of age with an estimated cumulative mortality of 78% at the third year of age and expected life span of 2.75 years. In spite of the high mortality, a growth projection simulation suggested that the population has potential to grow in a logarithmic scale over the years. The estimated parameters can be further applied in models to maximize the impact and minimize financial inputs of visceral leishmaniasis control measures.

Resumo: É importante conhecer a estrutura etária da população canina para melhor planejar e avaliar os programas de controle de zoonoses. Os autores analisaram os dados de um censo de cães com donos para caracterizar, pela primeira vez, a estrutura etária de uma população canina sujeita à eliminação compulsória numa área endêmica de leishmaniose visceral (Panorama, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil) que registrou uma taxa de eliminação canina de 28% no ano do estudo. Os dados para 1.329 domicílios e 1.671 cães com donos mostraram uma razão de cães para humanos de 1:7. A média de idade dos cães foi estimada em 1,73 anos; a pirâmide etária indicou altas taxas de natalidade e de mortalidade no primeiro ano de vida, com uma estimativa de mortalidade cumulativa de 78% aos três anos de idade, e uma expectativa de vida de 2,75 anos. Apesar da alta mortalidade, uma simulação de projeção de crescimento sugeriu que a população tem o potencial de crescer numa escala logarítmica ao longo dos anos. Os parâmetros estimados podem ser aplicados também a modelos para maximizar o impacto e minimizar os insumos financeiros de medidas de controle da leishmaniose visceral.

Resumen: El conocimiento de la estructura etaria de una población de perros es esencial para la planificación de programas de control de zoonosis. Se analizaron datos de un censo de población canina domiciliada, con el objetivo de caracterizar, por primera vez, la estructura de una población de perros domiciliados en un área donde la eutanasia de perros positivos en leishmaniasis visceral es obligatoria (Panorama, São Paulo, Brasil), y que registró un 28% de casos de eutanasia en el año en que el censo fue realizado. Los datos de 1.329 domicilios y 1.671 perros resultaron en una razón perro:hombre de 1:7. La edad media de los perros fue estimada en 1,73 años; la pirámide de edad indica altas tasas de nacimiento y mortalidad hasta 1 año de vida, con tasa de mortalidad acumulada de un 78% en el tercer año de vida, y expectativa de vida de 2,75 años. A pesar de la alta tasa de mortalidad, la simulación de crecimiento poblacional sugiere que esta población tiene potencial de crecimiento en escala logarítmica a lo largo de los años. Los parámetros estimados pueden ser utilizados en modelos para maximizar el impacto y minimizar los costes de las medidas de control de la enfermedad.

Transport and health: a look at three Latin American cities / Transporte y salud: una mirada a tres ciudades latinoamericanas / Transporte e saúde: um olhar sobre três cidades latino-americanas

Transport is associated with environmental problems, economic losses, health and social inequalities. A number of European and US cities have implemented initiatives to promote multimodal modes of transport. In Latin America changes are occurring in public transport systems and a number of projects aimed at stimulating non-motorized modes of transport (walking and cycling) have already been implemented. Based on articles from peer-reviewed academic journals, this paper examines experiences in Bogotá (Colombia), Curitiba (Brazil), and Santiago (Chile), and identifies how changes to the transport system contribute to encourage active transportation. Bus rapid transit, ciclovias, bike paths/lanes, and car use restriction are initiatives that contribute to promoting active transportation in these cities. Few studies have been carried out on the relationship between transport and physical activity. Car ownership continues to increase. The public health sector needs to be a stronger activist in the transport policy decision-making process to incorporate health issues into the transport agenda in Latin America.

El transporte está asociado con problemas ambientales, pérdidas económicas, salud poblacional e inequidades sociales. En ciudades de Europa y Estados Unidos hay iniciativas para promover el transporte multimodal. En Latinoamérica hay proyectos en curso para cambiar los sistemas de transporte y estimular el transporte no motorizado (caminar y montar bicicleta). Basada en una revisión de artículos publicados en revistas académicas, se identifica de qué forma los cambios en el transporte en Bogotá (Colombia), Curitiba (Brasil) y Santiago (Chile) han contribuido a promover el transporte activo. A pesar que en estas tres ciudades se están implementando iniciativas para promover el transporte activo (sistema de autobuses articulados, ciclovías, ciclorutas, y restricciones para el uso del coche particular), pocos estudios han sido desarrollados sobre la relación entre el transporte y la actividad física utilitaria. La tenencia del coche particular continúa incrementándose. El sector de salud necesita ser un agente fuerte para incorporar la salud pública en la agenda de transporte en América Latina.

O transporte está associado a problemas ambientais, perdas econômicas, de saúde da população e as desigualdades sociais. Em cidades da Europa e da América existem esforços para promover o transporte multimodal. Na América Latina, há projetos em andamento para mudar os sistemas de transporte e incentivar o transporte não motorizado (caminhar e andar de bicicleta). Com base em uma revisão de artigos publicados em revistas acadêmicas identificou-se como as mudanças no transporte contribuíram para promover o transporte ativo em Bogotá (Colômbia), Curitiba (Brasil) e Santiago (Chile). Apesar de que nestas três cidades se estejam implementando iniciativas para promover o transporte ativo (sistema de ônibus articulado, ciclovias, pistas de ciclismo e restrições ao uso do automóvel particular), poucos estudos têm sido desenvolvidos sobre a relação entre transporte e atividade física utilitária. O uso de carro particular continua aumentando. O setor da saúde tem de ser um ativista forte para incorporar a saúde pública na agenda de transportes na América Latina.

Posesión, retención y uso de mosquiteros tratados con insecticidas de larga duración luego de un año de su distribución en Loreto, Perú / Long-lasting insecticide - treated bednet ownership, retention and usage one year after their distribution in Loreto, Peru

Objetivos. Evaluar la posesión, retención y uso de mosquiteros tratados con insecticida de larga duración (MTILD) luego de un año de su distribución en Loreto, Perú. Materiales y métodos. De julio a septiembre de 2007 se distribuyeron 26 185 MTILD Olyset Net® en 194 comunidades objetivo de Loreto, que protegieron a 45 331 personas. Posteriormente, se realizaron visitas de monitoreo (primera en diciembre de 2007 y segunda en julio de 2008) a los hogares de una muestra de 60 comunidades objetivo (30,9 por ciento del total), colectándose mediante un cuestionario semiestructurado los datos necesarios para el cálculo de indicadores de posesión, retención y uso de los MTILD. Resultados. En ambas visitas, la posesión de MTILD en hogares fue elevada (99,9 por ciento y 98,7 por ciento, respectivamente). La razón MTILD/persona disminuyó de 0,58 al momento de la distribución a 0,51 en la segunda visita, estimándose una retención al año de MTILD de 87 por ciento. En la primera visita, 99,0 por ciento de los niños <5 años y 96,0 por ciento de las embarazadas durmieron bajo un MTILD la noche anterior, mientras que en la segunda visita, 77,7 por ciento de los niños<5 años y 66,3 por ciento de las embarazadas durmieron bajo un MTILD la noche anterior. El tamaño de los agujeros de la trama de los MTILD tuvo una baja aceptabilidad por parte del a población durante la segunda visita (39,0 por ciento). Conclusiones. Si bien la posesión de MTILD en los hogares se ha mantenido elevada, su uso por la población beneficiada ha disminuido durante el año de seguimiento.

Objectives. To assess long-lasting insecticide - treated bednet (LLITN) ownership, retention and usage one year after their distribution in Loreto, Peru. Materials and methods. From July to September 2007, 26,185 LLITNs Olyset Net ® were delivered in 194 targeted communities in the Peruvian Amazon region, covering 45,331 people. Two cross-sectional community-based surveys in December 2007 and July 2008 were undertaken in a sample of 60 targeted communities (30.9 percent out of the total). A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect necessary data to calculate LLITN ownership, retention and usage indicators. Results. High LLITN household ownership was showed in both surveys (99.9 percent and 98.7 percent, respectively). LLITN/ person ratio decreased from 0.58 at the end of the LLITN delivery to 0.51 in the second survey, estimating LLITN retention of 87 percent after 1 year of intervention. In the first survey, 99.0 percent of all children <5 years and 96,0 percent of pregnant women slept under a LLITN the previous night, while in the second survey, 77.7 percent of children <5 years and 66.3 percent of pregnant women slept under a LLITN the previous night. Big mesh size of LLITN had low people´s acceptability, reaching only 39.0 percent in the second survey. Conclusions. Although universal LLITN household ownership remained high, their LLITN usage levels have decreased during one-year follow-up period.

Tipologías residenciales en comunidades chilenas en condiciones de precariedad habitacional / Residential typologies in Chilean irregular settlements with precarious housing conditions

OBJETIVO: Identificar dimensiones residenciales que caractericen el ambiente físico y social en los campamentos de Chile y construir tipologías que permitan elaborar perfiles con esos atributos residenciales distintivos. MÉTODOS: Se estudió el universo de campamentos (n = 122) de la Región Metropolitana (Chile) a partir del Catastro Nacional de Campamentos realizado por la fundación "Un Techo para Chile" en 2007. Se recolectó información proveniente de informantes clave sobre las comunidades y los lugares de emplazamiento, variables que fueron modeladas empleando un análisis factorial para identificar dimensiones residenciales, las que a su vez fueron refinadas con la técnica de agrupamientos de k-medias. RESULTADOS: El análisis factorial destacó tres dimensiones subyacentes: respuesta social local, ambiente extracomunitario y servicios básicos. Las variables centrales en la formación de esas categorías fueron la existencia de proyectos habitacionales, el área urbana y el acceso a electricidad, respectivamente. El análisis de agrupamientos generó cuatro perfiles que combinaron las tres dimensiones: perfil urbano con baja precariedad de servicios básicos (n = 30), perfil urbano-rural con alto potencial de respuesta social local (n = 32), perfil urbano con alta amenaza ambiental (n = 43) y perfil rural con bajo potencial de respuesta social local (n = 17). CONCLUSIONES: Las dimensiones residenciales formadas son consistentes con el modelo teórico revisado y sugieren indicadores relevantes para el seguimiento de estas comunidades. La identificación de perfiles permite dimensionar la heterogeneidad de realidades residenciales contribuyendo a la priorización de dominios de déficit o riesgos que pueden estar presentes en cada grupo, para con ello profundizar en su investigación y oportunidades de acción.

OBJECTIVE: To identify residential parameters that characterize the physical and social environment in Chile's irregular settlements, and to construct typologies that will allow to develop profiles with those distinctive residential attributes. METHODS: The study examined the universe of irregular settlements (n = 122) in Chile's Metropolitan Region, based on the 2007 national inventory of irregular settlements conducted by the "Un Techo para Chile" foundation. Information about the communities and their locations was obtained from key informants, and these variables were modeled using factor analysis to identify residential parameters, which were then refined by k-means clustering. RESULTS: The factor analysis pointed to three underlying parameters: local social response, the environment beyond the community, and basic services. The key variables shaping these categories were the existence of housing projects, the urban area involved, and access to electricity. The cluster analysis generated four profiles that combined the three parameters: an urban profile with relatively reliable basic services (n = 30), an urban-rural profile with high potential for local social response (n = 32), an urban profile with a high level of environmental threat (n = 43), and a rural profile with low potential for local social response (n = 17). CONCLUSIONS: The residential parameters formed are consistent with the revised theoretical model and suggest relevant indicators for monitoring these communities. Definition of the profiles facilitates assessment of the heterogeneity of residential situations, which helps in the prioritization of areas with deficits or risks that may be present in each cluster. This, in turn, opens the door to further investigation and to exploring opportunities for action.

Canine behavioral problems and their effect on relinquishment of the Jindo dog

The purpose of this study was to evaluate behavior problems of the Jindo dog, the native dog of Korea, based on an owner's survey and their effect on pet relinquishment. To live a better life with their own pet and prevent relinquishment, it is important to understand the innate behavior characteristics of dog breed and the potential causes of relinquishment. Information concerning various factors and demonstration of the five most common behavior problems was collected via 189 completed questionnaires. No factors significantly affected the demonstration of behavior problem. A total 151 of 189 dogs had behavior problems (79.9%) and 38 dogs did not have behavior problems (20.1%). Among 151 dogs, 139 dogs showed single behavior problem (92.1%). They were 'excessive excitability' (46.8%), 'excessive vocalization' (30.2%), 'inappropriate elimination' (17.3%), 'destructive behavior' (4.3%), and 'aggressive behavior' (1.4%), respectively. In addition, 12 dogs showed two concurrent behavior problems (7.9%) According to the results, the relinquishment of Jindo dogs was not significantly associated with canine behavior problems, which is the single greatest risk factor of relinquishment in general. The possible reasons for potential behavior problems include improper raising, lack of socialization, and insufficient dog training classes, therefore canine behavior would be improved by owner education.