Objective Lower extremity amputation is an increasing problem among diabetic patients and

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The present study reviews the possible role of Se status during pregnancy regarding adverse pregnancy outcomes, with emphasis on those related to diminished antioxidant activity and increased oxidative stress. Studies have reported that Se could play an important role in adverse outcomes such as miscarriages, neural tube defects, diaphragmatic hernia, premature birth, low birth weight, pre-eclampsia, glucose intolerance and gestational diabetes. Also, low Se status has been associated with adverse outcomes among HIV-infected pregnant women and their offspring. Nevertheless, the function of Se in the aetiology of pregnancy complications is yet to be elucidated. Available evidence presents the following limitations: most study designs do not allow conclusions about causal relationships; study populations, selection of subjects, research setting, procedures for defining sample size and analytical methods are often poorly described; many studies fail to adjust for important confounding variables. In addition, population studies assessing the relationship between Se intake during pregnancy and health outcomes are scarce. Further research is still needed to clarify the role of Se status in adverse pregnancy outcomes, especially those related to augmented oxidative stress.

Resumo O estudo compara duas técnicas para a detecção da presença de Aedes aegypti: pesquisa de larva e armadilha de oviposição. Em duas áreas do município de Salvador, Bahia, foram investigadas 5.026 domicílios. As duas técnicas empregadas foram usadas simultaneamente nos mesmos domicílios. Diferentes níveis de positividade (larva e ou ovo) foram detectados entre e dentro das duas áreas. Contudo, apenas a armadilha de oviposição detectou uma diferença estatística significante entre as duas áreas (z = 9,520 p < 0,001). A comparação entre os Índices de Breteau, Índice Predial e Índice de Oviposição revelou o último método como o mais sensível poder de detecção da positividade para A. aegypti. A prevalência da razão de positividade para a armadilha de oviposição foi de 3,4 e 2,1 (para áreas 1 e 2 respectivamente), quando comparada com a pesquisa de larva. A armadilha de oviposição provou ser um método econômico e operacionalmente viável, sendo muito efetivo na vigilância de A. aegypti. Palavras-chaves: Pesquisa de larva. Armadilha de oviposição. Vigilância de Aedes aegypti.Abstract This study compares two techniques for detecting the presence of Aedes aegypti: larval surveys and the oviposition trap. In two areas of the municipality of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil were investigated 5,026 households. Larval surveys and oviposition traps were used simultaneously in these households. Different positivity levels (larvae and/or eggs) were detected between and within the two areas. However, only the use of the oviposition trap detected a significant statistical difference between the areas (z = 9,520, p < 0.001). Comparison of the Breteau, Household and Oviposition Indices reveals greater power of detection of positivity in the oviposition trap. There were prevalence ratios of positivity for ovipositision trap of 3.4 and 2.1 (for areas 1 and 2 respectively) when compared with larval surveys. The oviposition trap proved to be an economical and operationally viable method, and the most effective in the surveillance of this species.

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ObjectiveTo assess infestation levels of Aedes aegypti using the oviposition trap (ovitrap) method and to compare these results with data obtained with the use of indices traditionally applied in public programs aimed at fighting this vector. Methods Nine sentinel areas in Northeastern, Brazil, were assessed and infestation levels were measured for a nine-month period. Egg density and container indices were estimated and compared with previous results found using the house index and Breteau index. ResultsThe results indicated that the area studied was infested with this vector during the entire study period and that the infestation was widespread in all areas. Different results were found with the different indices studied. There were areas in which the house index and the Breteau index were negative or close to zero, whereas the container index for the same area was 11% and the egg density index was 8.3%. ConclusionsThe container and egg density indices allow better assessment of infestation rates in a city than the conventionally used indices (house index and Breteau index). At lower operational costs and easier standardization, these indices can be applied as a measurement tool for assessing infestation rates during entomological surveillance in programs to fight Aedes aegypti. Resumo Objetivo Estimar os índices de infestação do5 5 4 5 5 4 5 5 4 5 5 4 5 5 4 Rev Saúde Pública 2005;39(4):553-

A deficiência de vitamina A constitui um problema de saúde pública no Nordeste brasileiro. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a prevalência da deficiência de vitamina A e os fatores associados em pré-escolares de Teresina, Piauí, Brasil. Os níveis de retinol sérico foram determinados por HPLC, e foram investigadas as características sócio-econômicas e demográficas de 631 crianças com idade de 36 a 83 meses. Investigou-se a associação entre os níveis de retinol e as variáveis de interesse por análise de regressão linear uni e multivariada. O nível médio de retinol foi de 1,21mmol/L (IC95%: 1,17-1,25µmol/L), independente do sexo (p = 0,259). A hipovitaminose A (retinol < 0,69µmol/L) foi observada em 15,4% das crianças (IC95%: 12,7-18,4), com tendência à diminuição com o avanço da idade; 29% das crianças (IC95%: 25,2-32,4) tinham valores aceitáveis de retinol, mas não adequados (0,70 a 1,04µmol/L). Encontrou-se associação positiva entre níveis de retinol e idade, renda per capita, suplementação prévia com vitamina A e escolaridade materna. A prevalência de hipovitaminose A representa um problema moderado de saúde pública, ressaltando a importância das estratégias de combate a essa carência na região.

The prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in dogs in an urban area of the municipality of Monte Negro, Rondônia, Brazil, was evaluated using an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Blood samples were taken from 157 dogs living in 85 of the 94 blocks of the city. A seropositivity of 76.4% (120/157) was found and associations between the prevalence and the variables sex, age, type of raising and food were studied. The prevalence tended to increase with age (p < 0.05); dogs over 24 months old had 85.5% (100/117) positivity, compared with 50% (20/40) in dogs less than 24 months old, showing postnatal exposure to the agent. It was also observed that dogs with access to the streets showed greater prevalence (84.9%) than companion animals (58.8%). There was no association between sex or the type of food (home-made or commercial) and anti-T. gondii antibodies.