An inducible CRISPR-Kill system for temporally controlled cell type-specific cell ablation in Arabidopsis thaliana.

The application of the CRISPR/Cas system as a biotechnological tool for genome editing has revolutionized plant biology. Recently, the repertoire was expanded by CRISPR-Kill, enabling CRISPR/Cas-mediated tissue engineering through genome elimination by tissue-specific expression. Using the Cas9 nuclease from Staphylococcus aureus (SaCas9), CRISPR-Kill relies on the induction of multiple double-strand breaks (DSBs) in conserved repetitive genome regions, such as the rDNA, causing cell death of the targeted cells. Here, we show that in addition to spatial control by tissue-specific expression, temporal control of CRISPR-mediated cell death is feasible in Arabidopsis thaliana. We established a chemically inducible tissue-specific CRISPR-Kill system that allows the simultaneous detection of targeted cells by fluorescence markers. As proof of concept, we were able to eliminate lateral roots and ablate root stem cells. Moreover, using a multi-tissue promoter, we induced targeted cell death at defined time points in different organs at select developmental stages. Thus, using this system makes it possible to gain new insights into the developmental plasticity of certain cell types. In addition to enabling tissue engineering in plants, our system provides an invaluable tool to study the response of developing plant tissue to cell elimination through positional signaling and cell-to-cell communication.

Comparación entre el tratamiento con dexametasona y metilprednisolona en pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19

RESUMEN Introducción: la dexametasona es un medicamento que demostró una disminución de la mortalidad en la neumonía por SARS-CoV-2. Se desconoce la utilidad de otros corticoides, dosis y su duración para mejorar este resultado clínico. Objetivo: comparar la mortalidad de los pacientes adultos con neumonía por SARS-CoV-2 tratados con dexametasona versus metilprednisolona en el Hospital Nacional, Itauguá, Paraguay. Materiales y métodos: estudio ambispectivo. Se incluyeron 97 pacientes, 52 recibieron dexametasona y 45 metilprednisolona. Se utilizó un muestreo no probabilístico de casos consecutivos. Las variables fueron sometidas a estadística descriptiva y analítica. El protocolo fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética del Hospital Nacional. Los autores no presentan conflictos de interés. Resultados: todos los pacientes ingresaron con neumonía con valoración de 4 (OMS). No se encontraron diferencias significativas en la mortalidad entre ambos grupos. Al aplicar un análisis estratificado por edad, en los pacientes <65 años la mortalidad en los que recibieron dexametasona fue 15,8% mientras que los que recibieron metilprednisolona no fallecieron (p 0,03). En el grupo de ≥65 años la mortalidad n los recibieron dexametasona fue 29,4% vs. 21,4% en los que recibieron metilprednisolona (p 0,7). Conclusiones: en los pacientes <65 años tratados con dexametasona la mortalidad fue mucho más alta que en los que recibieron metilprednisolona, ya que en este último grupo no se registraron fallecimientos.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Dexamethasone is a medication that demonstrated a decrease in mortality in SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. The usefulness of other corticosteroids, dose and their duration to improve this clinical result is unknown. Objective: To compare the mortality of adult patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia treated with dexamethasone versus methylprednisolone at the Hospital Nacional of Itauguá, Paraguay. Materials and Methods: Ambispective study. Ninety seven patients were included, 52 received dexamethasone and 45 methylprednisolone. A non-probabilistic sampling of consecutive cases was used. The variables were subjected to descriptive and analytical statistics. The protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Hospital Nacional. The authors do not present conflicts of interest. Results: All patients entered with 4 (WHO) vaulting pneumonia. No significant differences were found in mortality between both groups. When applying an age stratified analysis, in patients <65 years who received dexamethasone the mortality was 15.8% while those who received methylprednisolone did not die (p 0.03). In the ≥65 years group, mortality in those who received dexamethasone was 29.4% vs. 21.4% in those who received methylprednisolone (p 0.7). Conclusions: In patients <65 years treated with dexamethasone, mortality was much higher than in those who received methylprednisolone, since in the latter group no deaths were recorded.

Asociación del umbral de ciclos (Ct) en prueba RT-PCR para SARS-CoV-2 y severidad de la COVID-19 en pacientes de un hospital de referencia en Paraguay

RESUMEN Algunos estudios han encontrado que la severidad de la COVID-19 se asocia con una alta carga viral determinada por los números de ciclos (Ct) de amplificación de ADN de SARS-CoV-2. El objetivo fue determinar la relación entre el umbral de ciclos de PCR de SARS-CoV-2 y la severidad de la infección por el virus SARS-COV-2 en pacientes internados y ambulatorios en un hospital de referencia entre marzo a junio del 2021. Estudio retrospectivo observacional analítico de corte trasverso de pacientes adultos con COVID-19, ambulatorios e internados en el Hospital Nacional. Se incluyeron los pacientes cuya infección fue confirmada por RT-PCR para SARS-CoV-2, se consideró un punto de corte para Ct60 años (36,6%), estuvieron hospitalizados (69,8%), internados en sala (57,1%), y admitidos en cuidados intensivos (12,8%), tiempo medio de enfermedad 8,48 ± 4,2 días. La mortalidad fue de 22,2%. Se encontró mayor riesgo de fallecer para los pacientes con Ct 60 años (OR: 3,69; IC95%: 2,39-5,68). Estos dos factores permanecieron asociados con el óbito en el análisis multivariado. Hubo mayor riesgo de hospitalizarse y fallecer en los pacientes con Ct<25. El valor Ct podría ser útil para la predicción del curso clínico y el pronóstico de los pacientes con COVID-19.

ABSTRACT Some studies have found that severity of COVID-19 is associated with a high viral load determined by the number of cycles (Ct) of SARS-CoV-2 DNA amplification. The objective was to determine the relationship between the Ct value and the severity of the SARS-COV-2 virus infection in inpatients and outpatients at a reference hospital in Paraguay between March and June 2021. Cross-sectional retrospective study of adult patients with COVID-19, ambulatory and hospitalized admitted to the National Hospital. Patients whose infection was confirmed by RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 were included, a cut off point of Ct 60 years (36.6%), hospitalized (69.8%), admitted to ward (57.1%), and admitted to intensive care (12.8%), mean time of illness 8.48 ± 4.2 days and mortality was 22.2%. A higher risk of death was found for patients with Ct 60 years (OR: 3.69; 95% CI: 2.39-5.68). These two factors remained associated with death in the multivariate analysis. There was a higher risk of hospitalization and death in patients with TC <25. Ct value could be useful for predicting clinical course and prognosis of COVID-19 patients.

Hybridization and polyploidization effects on LTR-retrotransposon activation in potato genome.

Hybridization and polyploidization are major forces in plant evolution and potatoes are not an exception. It is proposed that the proliferation of Long Terminal Repeat-retrotransposons (LTR-RT) is related to genome reorganization caused by hybridization and/or polyploidization. The main purpose of the present work was to evaluate the effect of interspecific hybridization and polyploidization on the activation of LTR-RT. We evaluated the proliferation of putative active LTR-RT in a diploid hybrid between the cultivated potato Solanum tuberosum and the wild diploid potato species S. kurtzianum, allotetraploid lines derived from this interspecific hybrid and S. kurtzianum autotetraploid lines (ktz-autotetraploid) using the S-SAP (sequence-specific amplified polymorphism) technique and normalized copy number determination by qPCR. Twenty-nine LTR-RT copies were activated in the hybrid and present in the allotetraploid lines. Major LTR-RT activity was detected in Copia-27, Copia-12, Copia-14 and, Gypsy-22. According to our results, LTR-RT copies were activated principally in the hybrid, there was no activation in allotetraploid lines and only one copy was activated in the autotetraploid.

Stable isotope analyses identify trophic niche partitioning between sympatric terrestrial vertebrates in coastal saltmarshes with differing oiling histories.

Bioindicator species are commonly used as proxies to help identify the ecological effects of oil spills and other stressors. However, the utility of taxa as bioindicators is dependent on understanding their trophic niche and life history characteristics, as these factors mediate their ecological responses. Seaside sparrows (Ammospiza maritima) and marsh rice rats (Oryzomys palustris) are two ubiquitous terrestrial vertebrates that are thought to be bioindicators of oil spills in saltmarsh ecosystems. To improve the utility of these omnivorous taxa as bioindicators, we used carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis to quantify their trophic niches at saltmarshes in coastal Louisiana with differing oiling histories. We found that rats generally had lower trophic positions and incorporated more aquatic prey relative to seaside sparrows. The range of resources used (i.e.,trophic niche width) varied based on oiling history. Seaside sparrows had wider trophic niches than marsh rice rats at unoiled sites, but not at oiled sites. Trophic niche widths of conspecifics were less consistent at oiled sites, although marsh rice rats at oiled sites had wider trophic niches than rats at unoiled sites. These results suggest that past oiling histories may have imparted subtle, yet differing effects on the foraging ecology of these two co-occurring species. However, the temporal lag between initial oiling and our study makes identifying the ultimate drivers of differences between oiled and unoiled sites challenging. Even so, our findings provide a baseline quantification of the trophic niches of sympatric seaside sparrows and marsh rice rats that will aid in the use of these species as indicators of oiling and other environmental stressors in saltmarsh ecosystems.

Magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate anterior pelvic prolapse: H line is the key.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study is to compare clinical staging of anterior pelvic prolapse with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) staging, using the pubococcygeal line (PCL), the midpubic line (MPL), and the H line as reference lines. Moreover, we aim to analyze interrater reliability of each reference line. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-two women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) symptoms were studied using the pelvic organ prolapse quantification on physical examination. Two different observers calculated anterior POP using the three MRI reference lines, retrospectively. Agreement between MRI and clinical staging was estimated using Pearson correlation for the quantitative measurements and kappa index for the stages. Interrater reliability was estimated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: Correlation between physical examination and the H line was high by both observers (r = 0.86 and r = 0.76, p < 0.01). The correlation was lower using MPL (r = 0.76 and r = 0.65, p < 0.01). The results of comparing MRI staging and physical examination were: κ = 0.618 and κ = 0.602 for the H line, κ = 0.273 and κ = 0.267 for MPL and κ = -0.105 and κ = -0.140 for PCL. The results of interrater reliability were: ICC of 0.968 for the H line, ICC of 0.788 for MPL, and ICC of 0.737 for PCL. CONCLUSION: Anterior POP staging using MRI H line as a reference presents a better agreement with clinical staging than PCL or MPL. The H line has better interrater reliability. The H line could replace the current lines.

Simultaneidade de comportamentos de risco para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis em universitários de baixa renda de uma cidade do Sul do Brasil / Simultaneity of behavioral risk factors for chronic non-communicable disease among low-income undergraduate students from a city in southern Brazil

Resumo Introdução Poucos estudos avaliaram a prevalência e os fatores associados a comportamentos de risco para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT) em universitários de baixa renda no Brasil. Objetivo Investigar a prevalência simultânea de comportamentos de risco para DCNT (inatividade física, consumo infrequente de frutas e vegetais, consumo excessivo de álcool e tabagismo) nessa população. Método Estudo transversal, conduzido em 2013, com 766 estudantes residentes em moradia estudantil da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. A prevalência simultânea de comportamentos de risco foi avaliada a partir do somatório dos comportamentos avaliados. Regressão de Poisson foi utilizada para avaliar fatores associados com 3 ou mais comportamentos de risco simultaneamente. Resultados Observou-se que 1,8% dos estudantes não apresentou comportamentos de risco, enquanto 19,5%, 49,3%, 24,9% e 4,5% apresentaram um, dois, três ou quatro comportamentos de risco, respectivamente. Sexo masculino (RP = 1,35; IC95%: 1,08-1,69), excesso de peso no geral (RP = 1,37; IC95%: 1,08-1,73) e histórico de morbidade apenas nos homens (RP = 2,09; IC95%: 1,52-2,87) foram associados à simultaneidade de comportamentos de risco. A combinação envolvendo todos os fatores de risco teve prevalência acima do esperado (O/E = 1,76; IC95%: 1,24-2,50). Conclusão A prevalência simultânea de comportamentos de risco em universitários de baixa renda é elevada, conhecimento que pode auxiliar na formulação de programas de prevenção e intervenções.

Abstract Background Few studies have investigated the prevalence and correlates of risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among low-income undergraduate students in Brazil. Objective To investigate the co-occurrence of the main behavioral risk factors for NCDs (physical inactivity, low fruit and vegetables intake, binge drinking and smoking) in this population. Method Cross-sectional study was carried out during 2013, with 766 undergraduate students living in student housing at the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. The simultaneous prevalence of risk factors was evaluated by a score created from the sum of individual behaviors. Poisson regression was applied for evaluating the associated factors with ≥3 risk factors, simultaneously. Results It was observed that 1.8% of students show no risk factor, while 19.5%, 49.3%, 24.9% and 4.5% presented one, two, three and four risk factors, respectively. Male (PR=1.35; 95%CI: 1.08-1.69), overweight/obesity (PR=1.37; 95%CI: 1.08-1.73) and morbidity history (PR=2.09; 95%CI: 1.52-2.87), only in males, were associated with the co-occurrence of risk factors. The combination involving all four risk factors showed a higher prevalence than the expected (O/E=1.76: 95%CI: 1.24-2.50). Conclusion The simultaneous prevalence of risk factors in low-income college students was high, this finding that may help in the formulation of prevention programs and interventions.

Cytoskeleton Dynamics Are Necessary for Early Events of Lateral Root Initiation in Arabidopsis.

How plant cells re-establish differential growth to initiate organs is poorly understood. Morphogenesis of lateral roots relies on the asymmetric cell division of initially symmetric founder cells. This division is preceded by the tightly controlled asymmetric radial expansion of these cells. The cellular mechanisms that license and ensure the coordination of these events are unknown. Here, we quantitatively analyze microtubule and F-actin dynamics during lateral root initiation. Using mutants and pharmacological and tissue-specific genetic perturbations, we show that dynamic reorganization of both microtubule and F-actin networks is necessary for the asymmetric expansion of the founder cells. This cytoskeleton remodeling intertwines with auxin signaling in the pericycle and endodermis in order for founder cells to acquire a basic polarity required for initiating lateral root development. Our results reveal the conservation of cell remodeling and polarization strategies between the Arabidopsis zygote and lateral root founder cells. We propose that coordinated, auxin-driven reorganization of the cytoskeleton licenses asymmetric cell growth and divisions during embryonic and post-embryonic organogenesis.

ARF5/MONOPTEROS directly regulates miR390 expression in the Arabidopsis thaliana primary root meristem.

The root meristem is organized around a quiescent center (QC) surrounded by stem cells that generate all cell types of the root. In the transit-amplifying compartment, progeny of stem cells further divides prior to differentiation. Auxin controls the size of this transit-amplifying compartment via auxin response factors (ARFs) that interact with auxin response elements (AuxREs) in the promoter of their targets. The microRNA miR390 regulates abundance of ARF2, ARF3, and ARF4 by triggering the production of trans-acting (ta)-siRNA from the TAS3 precursor. This miR390/TAS3/ARF regulatory module confers sensitivity and robustness to auxin responses in diverse developmental contexts and organisms. Here, we show that miR390 is expressed in the transit-amplifying compartment of the root meristem where it modulates response to exogenous auxin. We show that a single AuxRE located in miR390 promoter is necessary for miR390 expression in this compartment and identify that ARF5/MONOPTEROS (MP) binds miR390 promoter via the AuxRE. We show that interfering with ARF5/MP-dependent auxin signaling attenuates miR390 expression in the transit-amplifying compartment of the root meristem. Our results show that ARF5/MP regulates directly the expression of miR390 in the root meristem. We propose that ARF5, miR390, and the ta-siRNAs-regulated ARFs modulate the response of the transit-amplifying region of the meristem to exogenous auxin.

EXPANSIN A1-mediated radial swelling of pericycle cells positions anticlinal cell divisions during lateral root initiation.

In plants, postembryonic formation of new organs helps shape the adult organism. This requires the tight regulation of when and where a new organ is formed and a coordination of the underlying cell divisions. To build a root system, new lateral roots are continuously developing, and this process requires the tight coordination of asymmetric cell division in adjacent pericycle cells. We identified EXPANSIN A1 (EXPA1) as a cell wall modifying enzyme controlling the divisions marking lateral root initiation. Loss of EXPA1 leads to defects in the first asymmetric pericycle cell divisions and the radial swelling of the pericycle during auxin-driven lateral root formation. We conclude that a localized radial expansion of adjacent pericycle cells is required to position the asymmetric cell divisions and generate a core of small daughter cells, which is a prerequisite for lateral root organogenesis.

[Tetany as a form of presentation of adult celiac disease.] / Tetania como forma de presentación de enfermedad celiaca en el adulto.

Introduction: celiac disease is an autoimmune disease with symptoms involving multiple organs. The forms of presentation vary considerably, which makes it difficult to diagnose. The objective is to present an atypical case of celiac disease. Methodology: descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study of a case of an adult woman who presented with tetany Results: investigating the case, the diagnosis of tetany was reached secondary to an intestinal malabsorption Conclusion: celiac disease can occur atypically as a tetany

Introducción: Introducción: la enfermedad celiaca es una enfermedad autoinmune con síntomas que involucran a múltiples órganos. Las formas de presentación varían de modo notable lo que dificulta su diagnóstico. El objetivo es presentar un caso atípico de enfermedad celiaca. Metodología: estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, de corte transversal de un caso de mujer adulta que se presentó con tetania Resultados: investigando el caso se llegó al diagnóstico de tetania secundaria a un síndrome de malabsorción intestinal debida a enfermedad celiaca, confirmada por histología. Conclusión: la enfermedad celiaca puede presentarse atípicamente como una tetania.

Inserción laboral de los egresados de la Carrera de Medicina y Cirugía de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de la Universidad Nacional de Asunción, cohortes 2010-2012 / Labor insertion of Medicine and Surgery graduates of the School of Medical Sciences of the National University of Asunción, cohorts 2010-2012

Introducción: Una manera de evaluar el resultado y la pertinencia de un plan de estudios es a través del seguimiento de egresados, siendo esta una tarea fundamental en la gestión de una institución de educación superior. Objetivo: El objetivo del presente informe de seguimiento fue conocer la inserción laboral de los egresados de la Carrera de Medicina y Cirugía de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de la Universidad Nacional de Asunción. Metodología: Se solicitó al Departamento de Informática Académica la lista de egresados de la Carrera de Medicina y Cirugía de las cohortes 2010-212. A fin de obtener datos de aquellos egresados que se encontraban trabajando en el sector público se recurrió a la página Web Portal Paraguay. A los profesionales no ubicados en el sector público se les contactó vía telefónica. Resultados: Durante los años 2010-2012, egresaron 355 profesionales (172 mujeres y 183 varones). La mayoría de los egresados se encuentra trabajando en el sector público, esto es: 64% de los egresados de la cohorte de 2010; 63% de la cohorte 2011; y 74% de la cohorte 2012. 11% (año 2010), 5% (año 2011) y 3% (año 2012) de los egresados se encuentran en el extranjero. Discusión: Es recomendable crear la Unidad de Seguimiento a Egresados, que podría depender de la Dirección de Aseguramiento de la Calidad Académica y trabajar en estrecha colaboración con la Dirección de Postgrado, la Dirección Académica y la Dirección del Hospital de Clínicas. Esta Unidad podría dar continuidad a los programas de seguimiento de egresados y de valoración del impacto que tienen los mismos en la salud, la ciencia y la enseñanza de la ciencia médica a nivel local y regional.

Introduction: One way to assess the result and the relevance of a curriculum is through the follow-up of graduates. This is a fundamental task in the management of a higher education institution. Objective: The objective of the present follow-up report was to know and monitor the labor insertion of graduates of the Medicine and Surgery Career of the School of Medical Sciences, National University of Asunción. Methodology: The Department of Academic Informatics was asked for the list of graduates of the Medicine and Surgery Career of the 2010-212 cohorts. In order to obtain data from those graduates who were working in the public sector, the Paraguay Portal website was used. Professionals not located in the public sector were contacted by telephone. Results: During the years 2010-2012, 355 professionals (172 women and 183 men) graduated. The majority of the graduates are working in the public sector, that is: 64% of the graduates of the 2010 cohort; 63% of the 2011 cohort; and 74% of the cohort 2012. 11% (year 2010), 5% (year 2011) and 3% (year 2012) of the graduates are abroad. Discussion: It is advisable to create the Unit for the Follow-up of graduates, which could depend on the Academic Quality Assurance Department and work in close collaboration with the Postgraduate Department, the Academic Department and with the Hospital of Clínicas Management Department. This Unit could give continuity to graduate follow-up programs and to assess the impact graduates have on health, science and medical science education at the local and regional level.

Is Exposure to Macondo Oil Reflected in the Otolith Chemistry of Marsh-Resident Fish?

Genomic and physiological responses in Gulf killifish (Fundulus grandis) in the northern Gulf of Mexico have confirmed oil exposure of resident marsh fish following the Macondo blowout in 2010. Using these same fish, we evaluated otolith microchemistry as a method for assessing oil exposure history. Laser-ablation inductively-coupled-plasma mass spectrometry was used to analyze the chemical composition of sagittal otoliths to assess whether a trace metal signature could be detected in the otoliths of F. grandis collected from a Macondo-oil impacted site in 2010, post-spill relative to pre-spill, as well as versus fish from areas not impacted by the spill. We found no evidence of increased concentrations of two elements associated with oil contamination (nickel and vanadium) in F. grandis otoliths regardless of Macondo oil exposure history. One potential explanation for this is that Macondo oil is relatively depleted of those metals compared to other crude oils globally. During and after the spill, however, elevated levels of barium, lead, and to a lesser degree, copper were detected in killifish otoliths at the oil-impacted collection site in coastal Louisiana. This may reflect oil contact or other environmental perturbations that occurred concomitant with oiling. For example, increases in barium in otoliths from oil-exposed fish followed (temporally) freshwater diversions in Louisiana in 2010. This implicates (but does not conclusively demonstrate) freshwater diversions from the Mississippi River (with previously recorded higher concentrations of lead and copper), designed to halt the ingress of oil, as a mechanism for elevated elemental uptake in otoliths of Louisiana marsh fishes. These results highlight the potentially complex and indirect effects of the Macondo oil spill and human responses to it on Gulf of Mexico ecosystems, and emphasize the need to consider the multiple stressors acting simultaneously on inshore fish communities.

Exogenous selection rather than cytonuclear incompatibilities shapes asymmetrical fitness of reciprocal Arabidopsis hybrids.

Reciprocal crosses between species often display an asymmetry in the fitness of F1 hybrids. This pattern, referred to as isolation asymmetry or Darwin's corollary to Haldane's rule, is a general feature of reproductive isolation in plants, yet factors determining its magnitude and direction remain unclear. We evaluated reciprocal species crosses between two naturally hybridizing diploid species of Arabidopsis to assess the degree of isolation asymmetry at different postmating life stages. We found that pollen from Arabidopsis arenosa will usually fertilize ovules from Arabidopsis lyrata; the reverse receptivity being less complete. Maternal A. lyrata parents set more F1 hybrid seed, but germinate at lower frequency, reversing the asymmetry. As predicted by theory, A. lyrata (the maternal parent with lower seed viability in crosses) exhibited accelerated chloroplast evolution, indicating that cytonuclear incompatibilities may play a role in reproductive isolation. However, this direction of asymmetrical reproductive isolation is not replicated in natural suture zones, where delayed hybrid breakdown of fertility at later developmental stages, or later-acting selection against A. arenosa maternal hybrids (unrelated to hybrid fertility, e.g., substrate adaptation) may be responsible for an excess of A. lyrata maternal hybrids. Exogenous selection rather than cytonuclear incompatibilities thus shapes the asymmetrical postmating isolation in nature.

De 2006 à 2014: a trajetória dos brasileiros no ICPAPH / From 2006 to 2014: the trajectory of Brazilians in the ICPAPH

A participação em eventos científicos é uma oportunidade para muitos pesquisadores trocarem experiências, ideias e criarem parcerias. Com o objetivo de ampliar a discussão sobre questões relacionadas à atividade física e saúde pública, foi criado o International Congress on Physical Activity and Public Health (ICPAPH). A pesquisa epidemiológica em atividade física e saúde cresce no Brasil, assim como a participação de brasileiros em sociedades e eventos internacionais. O objetivo deste estudo é descrever a participação de brasileiros em todas as edições do ICPAPH realizadas até 2014, ano em que o evento foi realizado no Brasil. Através da análise dos anais dos congressos, assim como informações obtidas através dos presidentes de cada edição e relatos de brasileiros, observou-se que a participação do Brasil ocorre desde a primeira edição em 2006. Cerca de 2% da participação geral de palestrantes tem sido de brasileiros, assim como 5% das apresentações de trabalhos, com aumento dessas participações na edição realizada no Rio de Janeiro (14% e 40%, respectivamente), o que se esperava devido à grande participação de congressistas locais em todas as edições do evento (2006=68%, 2008=14%, 2010=48%, 2012=60% e 2014=32%). Sendo assim, apesar do crescimento na participação de brasileiros neste evento internacional, estratégias de incentivo à participação de pesquisadores brasileiros em outros eventos de discussão internacional e de fomento à pesquisa na área de atividade física e saúde pública devem ser elaboradas.

The participation in scientific events is an opportunity for many researchers to exchange experience, ideas and create partnerships. In order to broaden the discussion on issues related to physical activity and public health, the International Congress on Physical Activity and Public Health (ICPAPH) was created. Epidemiological research in physical activity and health is growing in Brazil, as well as the participation of Brazilians on international events. The aim of this study was to describe the participation of Brazilians in every edition of the ICPAPH until 2014, when the event was held in Brazil. Through the analysis of programs of previous conferences, as well as the contact with the presidents of each edition and participants from Brazil, we noticed a participation from Brazilians since the very first edition, in 2006. Close to 2% of speakers and 5% of abstracts have been presented by Brazilian, with more participation in the event in Rio de Janeiro (14% and 40%, respectively), what was expected due to a large participation of locals in every edition of the event (2006=68%, 2008=14%, 2010=48%, 2012=60% and 2014=32%). Therefore, even though the participation of Brazilians has been growing, it is necessary to create strategies to increase Brazilian participation in international debates and financing for research in the field of physical activity and public health.

Clustering of risk factors for noncommunicable diseases in Brazilian adolescents: prevalence and correlates.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated the prevalence and correlates of risk factors for noncommunicable diseases among Brazilian adolescents. We evaluated the clustering of risk factors and their associations with sociodemographic variables. METHODS: We used a cross-sectional study carried out in 2011 comprising 1132 students aged 14-19 years from Santa Maria, Brazil. The cluster index was created as the sum of the risk factors. For the correlates analysis, a multinomial logistic regression was used. Furthermore, the observed/expected ratio was calculated. RESULTS: Prevalence of individual risk factors studied was as follows: 85.8% unhealthy diets, 53.5% physical inactivity, 31.3% elevated blood pressure, 23.9% overweight, 22.3% excessive drinking alcohol, and 8.6% smoking. Only 2.8% of the adolescents did not present any risk factor, while 21.7%, 40.9%, 23.1%, and 11.5% presented 1, 2, 3, and 4 or more risk factors, respectively. The most prevalent combination was between unhealthy diets and physical inactivity (observed/expected ratio =1.32; 95% CI: 1.16-1.49). Clustering of risk factors was directly associated with age and inversely associated with socioeconomic status. CONCLUSIONS: Clustering of risk factors for noncommunicable diseases is high in Brazilian adolescents. Preventive strategies are more likely to be successful if focusing on multiple risk factors, instead of a single one.

Autopercepção de saúde em adolescentes: prevalência e associação com fatores de risco cardiovascular / Self-rated health in adolescents: prevalence and association with cardiovascular risk factors

Verificar a prevalência de autopercepção de saúde negativa e sua associação com fatores sociodemográficas e de risco cardiovascular em adolescentes. Estudo transversal, com amostra de 1.134 escolares, idades entre 14-19 anos, da cidade de Santa Maria, RS, Brasil. Os fatores de risco cardiovascular pesquisadas foram: inatividade física, alimentação inadequada, tabagismo, consumo excessivo de álcool, excesso de peso e pressão arterial elevada. A variável dependente investigada foi autopercepção de saúde negativa (regular/ruim). Para análise dos fatores associados foi utilizada regressão de Poisson. A prevalência de autopercepção de saúde negativa foi de 25,7% (IC95% 20,8-31,1), superior nas meninas (30,8% vs 19,9%; p<0,001). Adolescentes com uma alimentação inadequada (RP=1,48; IC95% 1,04-2,11), inativos fisicamente (RP=1,33; IC95% 1,13-1,58), fumantes (RP=1,57; IC95% 1,13-2,19) ou com excesso de peso (RP=1,76; IC95% 1,49-2,08) apresentaram risco para autopercepção de saúde negativa. Também foi observada uma associação linear entre o número de fatores de risco cardiovasculares e autopercepção de saúde negativa; adolescentes com quatro ou mais fatores de risco apresentaram uma razão de prevalência para autopercepção de saúde negativa de 2,73 (IC95% 2,07-3,61) se comparado com aqueles sem fatores de risco combinados. Foi encontrada uma elevada prevalência de autopercepção de saúde negativa entre os adolescentes pesquisados. Ser do sexo feminino e apresentar fatores de risco para doenças cardiovasculares foram fatores associados à autopercepção de saúde negativa. Além disso, há uma forte associação entre o número de fatores de risco simultâneos e autopercepção de saúde negativa...

To determine the prevalence of negative self-rated health and the association with sociodemographic variables and cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents. Cross sectional study, with 1,134 high school adolescents, aged between 14-19 years old, from the city of Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. Cardiovascular risk factors studied were: physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, overweight and high blood pressure. The dependent variable investigated was negative self-rated health. Correlates were investigated using Poisson regression. The prevalence of poorer self-rated health was 25.7% and it was higher among girls (30.8% vs 19.9%, p <0.001). Adolescents with an inadequate diet (PR=1.48; 95%CI 1.04-2.11), physically inactive (PR=1.33; 95%CI 1.13-1.58), that smoked (PR=1.57; 95%CI 1.13-2.19) or were overweight (PR=1.76; 95%CI 1.49-2.08) presented a risk of negative self-rated health. A linear association was observed between the number of risk factors and poorer self-rated health. Adolescents with four or more simultaneous risk factors had a prevalence ratio for negative self-perceived health of 2.73 (95%CI 2.07-3.61). A high prevalence of poorer self-rated health among the surveyed adolescents was found and female sex as well as the presence of cardiovascular risk factors, were factors associated with that condition. Furthermore, there is a linear relationship between the numbers of risk factors in cluster and negative self-perceived health...

What controls connectivity? An empirical, multi-species approach.

The exchange of individuals among habitat patches (connectivity) has broad relevance for the conservation and management of marine metapopulations. Elemental fingerprinting-based research conducted over the past 12 years along the open coastline and bays of San Diego County in southern California evaluated connectivity patterns for seven species: one native and two invasive mussels, an oyster, a brachyuran crab, and two fishes. The studies spanned different years and seasons but overlapped considerably in space, allowing comparisons of dispersal patterns across species, and assessment of the relative importance of location, circulation, and intra-annual and inter-annual variability. We asked whether the species exhibited commonalities in directional transport, transport distances, sources and sinks, self-recruitment, and bay-ocean exchange. Linked connectivity-demographic analyses conducted for two species of mytilid mussels and two fishes allowed evaluation of the contributions of realized connectivity to metapopulation dynamics relative to other life-history attributes. Common trends across species include average along-shore dispersal distances of 15-35 km and seasonal changes in direction of dispersal that mirrored patterns of along-shore circulation. We observed greater isolation of back-bay populations, significant exchange from front bay to ocean, and high self-recruitment in locations on the northern, open coast, and in the southern bays. Connectivity was rarely the most influential driver of growth and persistence of metapopulations, but influenced the importance of other vital rates. Several locations served consistently as sources of larvae or as nurseries for multiple species, but there were few sites in common that were sinks. For the mussels, reproductive timing guided directional transport. These results imply that local management (e.g., habitat protection, opening of the mouths of lagoons, location of aquaculture farms) may be effective along this coastline. Regional, multi-species assessments of exchange of larvae should move us closer to ecosystem-based management.

Sobrepeso/obesidade em adolescentes de Santa Maria-RS: prevalência e fatores associados / Overweight/obesity in adolescents from Santa Maria, Brazil: prevalence and associated factors

A obesidade é uma epidemia mundial e continua a aumentar entre crianças e adolescentes de diversos países. O estudo teve como objetivo verificar a prevalência e fatores associados ao sobrepeso/obesidade em adolescentes matriculados no 1º ano do ensino médio da cidade de Santa Maria-RS. Estudo transversal, de base escolar, realizado durante o segundo semestre letivo de 2008. Adolescentes de 14 a 18 anos responderam a um questionário e tiveram a massa corporal e a estatura mensuradas. As prevalências de sobrepeso e obesidade foram definidas de acordo com o referencial do índice de massa corporal para jovens brasileiros. Os fatores associados ao sobrepeso/obesidade foram determinados por regressão de Poisson. A amostra compreendeu 424 adolescentes (54,7% meninos), com média de idade de 15,7 anos (±0,89). A prevalência de sobrepeso/obesidade foi de 23,8% (IC95% 19,75-27,85). Estiveram associadas a esse desfecho, após ajuste para possíveis fatores de confusão, as variáveis: sexo masculino (RP=2,45; IC95% 1,63-3,68), ser dispensado das aulas de educação física (RP=2,73; IC95% 1,88-3,95) e ter uma boa relação com os colegas (RP=1,57; IC95% 1,12-2,19). Pode-se concluir que a prevalência de sobrepeso/obesidade na amostra estudada foi elevada, alertando para a necessidade de programas de prevenção ao excesso de peso nessa faixa etária.

Obesity is a worldwide epidemic that keeps on rising among children and adolescents from several countries. The purpose of this study was to verify the prevalence of overweight/obesity and its correlates in adolescents enrolled in the 1st year of high school in the municipality of Santa Maria, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. A cross-sectional, school-based, study was performed during the second semester of 2008. Adolescents aged 14 to 18 years old responded to a questionnaire and had their body mass and stature measured. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was defined according to the Brazilian reference for body mass index in adolescents. Correlates of overweight/obesity were determined by Poisson regression. The sample included 424 adolescents (54.7% boys) with mean age of 15.7 years (±0.89). The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 23.8% (95%CI; 19.75-27.85). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the following variables were associated with overweight/obesity: sex (PR=2.45; 95%CI 1.63-3.68), having been dismissed from physical education classes (PR=2.73; 95%CI 1.88-3.95) and having a good relationship with classmates (PR=1.57; 95%CI 1.12-2.19). It was concluded that the prevalence of overweight/obesity in this sample was high, prompting the need for preventive programs of excessive weight in this age group.