Brazilian Macro-regions Research Articles

Haplotype diversity of 23 Y-chromosomal STRs in a population sample from the Federal District (Brazil)—a territory that arose from nothing

In this study, the genetic variations of 23 short tandem repeats on the Y-chromosome were analyzed in a sample of 201 males from the Federal District (Brazil). The Federal District (Brazil) was built in 1960 in Brazil's Central West region, where there was no previous population. In 2010, the population of this artificially founded district consisted of 2,500,000 inhabitants. We observed 200 different haplotypes, 199 of which were unique and one of which occurred two times. The haplotype diversity was 0.9999, and the discrimination capacity was 0.995. The data are available in the Y chromosome haplotype reference database under accession number YA003843. The results were compared to the haplotypes from other Brazilian macroregions.

Prevalence of transmitted HIV-1 antiretroviral resistance among patients initiating antiretroviral therapy in Brazil: a surveillance study using dried blood spots.

IntroductionIn Brazil, the use of antiretrovirals is widespread: more than 260,000 individuals are currently undergoing treatment. We conducted a survey targeting antiretroviral-naïve individuals who were initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) according to local guidelines. This survey covered five Brazilian regions.MethodsThe HIV Threshold Survey methodology (HIV-THS) of the World Health Organization was utilized, and subjects were selected from seven highly populated cities representative of all Brazilian macro-regions. Dried blood spots (DBS) were collected on SS903 collection cards and were transported by regular mail at room temperature to a single central laboratory for genotyping.ResultsWe analysed samples from 329 individuals initiating highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), 39 (11.8%) of whom were harbouring transmitted drug resistance (TDR). The mean CD4+ T cell count was 253 cells/µL, and the mean viral load was 142,044 copies/mL. The regional prevalence of resistance was 17.0% in the Northeast, 12.8% in the Southeast, 10.6% in the Central region, 8.5% in the North and 8.5% in the South. The inhibitor-specific TDR prevalence was 6.9% for nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, 4.9% for non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and 3.9% for protease inhibitors; 3.6% of individuals presented resistance to more than one class of inhibitors. Overall, there were trends towards higher prevalences of subtype C towards the South and subtype F towards the North. Of the DBS samples collected, 9.3% failed to provide reliable results.DiscussionWe identified variable TDR prevalence, ranging from intermediate to high levels, among individuals in whom HIV disease progressed, thus implying that resistance testing before initiating ART could be effective in Brazil. Our results also indicate that the use of DBS might be especially valuable for providing access to testing in resource-limited and remote settings.

The botanical profiles of dried bee pollen loads collected by Apis mellifera (Linnaeus) in Brazil

A total of 61 dried bee pollen samples collected in four Brazilian macro-regions within 19 municipalities were analyzed to identify the sources used by Apis mellifera (L.) for pollen production and to enable a more accurate product certification. Sample preparation followed the standard methodology, including washing the pollen grains with ethanol and then with water and homogenising the sediment in a water/glycerine solution for microscopic observation. Pollen counts included at least 500 pollen grains per sample. Only six samples, presenting a unique species or pollen type comprising more than 90% of the pollen sum, were considered monofloral, including Ambrosia sp., Cecropia sp.,Eucalyptus sp., Fabaceae, Mimosa scabrella (Benth.) spp. and Schinus sp. pollen types. The most frequent pollen types of the heterofloral pollen batches, based on a counting limit of 45%, included Anadenanthera sp., Asteraceae,Brassica sp., Caesalpiniaceae, Cocos nucifera (L.) sp., Mimosa caesalpiniaefolia (Benth.) sp., Mimosa verrucosa(Benth.) sp., and Myrcia sp. pollen types. This result may be related to the great diversity of the Brazilian flora contributing to heterofloral pollen loads and honeys.

Prevalence and risk factors of Hepatitis C virus infection in Brazil, 2005 through 2009: a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundHepatitis C chronic liver disease is a major cause of liver transplant in developed countries. This article reports the first nationwide population-based survey conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of HCV antibodies and associated risk factors in the urban population of Brazil.MethodsThe cross sectional study was conducted in all Brazilian macro-regions from 2005 to 2009, as a stratified multistage cluster sample of 19,503 inhabitants aged between 10 and 69 years, representing individuals living in all 26 State capitals and the Federal District. Hepatitis C antibodies were detected by a third-generation enzyme immunoassay. Seropositive individuals were retested by Polymerase Chain Reaction and genotyped. Adjusted prevalence was estimated by macro-regions. Potential risk factors associated with HCV infection were assessed by calculating the crude and adjusted odds ratios, 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) and p values. Population attributable risk was estimated for multiple factors using a case–control approach.ResultsThe overall weighted prevalence of hepatitis C antibodies was 1.38% (95% CI: 1.12%–1.64%). Prevalence of infection increased in older groups but was similar for both sexes. The multivariate model showed the following to be predictors of HCV infection: age, injected drug use (OR = 6.65), sniffed drug use (OR = 2.59), hospitalization (OR = 1.90), groups socially deprived by the lack of sewage disposal (OR = 2.53), and injection with glass syringe (OR = 1.52, with a borderline p value). The genotypes 1 (subtypes 1a, 1b), 2b and 3a were identified. The estimated population attributable risk for the ensemble of risk factors was 40%. Approximately 1.3 million individuals would be expected to be anti-HCV-positive in the country.ConclusionsThe large estimated absolute numbers of infected individuals reveals the burden of the disease in the near future, giving rise to costs for the health care system and society at large. The known risk factors explain less than 50% of the infected cases, limiting the prevention strategies. Our findings regarding risk behaviors associated with HCV infection showed that there is still room for improving strategies for reducing transmission among drug users and nosocomial infection, as well as a need for specific prevention and control strategies targeting individuals living in poverty.

The Contribution of the National Health System to Mammographic Screening in Brazil, 2010

INTRODUCTION: In Brazil, access to mammography is provided through the National Health System (SUS), the Supplemental Health System, or is paid for directly by the patient. SUS is the official government system and was established to conform to the constitutional requirement that health is a right of all citizens and a duty of the state. In recent years SUS breast cancer control policies have advanced and government strategies for early detection have strengthened. However, evaluations are needed to monitor the effectiveness of these actions. OBJECTIVE: To describe the coverage of mammography in breast cancer screening conducted by the National Health System in Brazilian macro-regions and states in 2010. METHODS: An ecological study, where the estimate of coverage was the number of exams performed expressed as a percentage of the number of exams expected in the target population of women 50-69 years old. The exams performed refer to target population mammographic production data from the Outpatient Information System (CIS) of DATASUS. To calculate the expected number of exams for this population, the biennial screening recommendations of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and an estimate of the female population based on the census of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) were used. RESULTS: The coverage estimate for SUS-performed mammographies in Brazil in 2010 was 19.1%. Broken down by macro region, the estimates were the following: North 8.5% (4.6 - 15.8), Northeast 13.2% (8.2 to 16.9), Center West 11.5% ( 6.4 to 16.6), Southeast 21.8% (12.2 - 25.9) and South 26.9% (23.3 to 29.3). The state of Santa Catarina had the broadest coverage with 26.9%, while Rondonia (4.6%) had the lowest. DISCUSSION: It is known that organized mammographic screening can reduce breast cancer mortality rates. This type of screening was implemented in Brazil by consensus only through the publication of the INCA - Breast Cancer Control - Consensus Document. Together with other government measures, this document demonstrates changes in strategies for the control and prevention of breast cancer in Brazil. However, a comparison of coverage indicators in relation to the population base eight years after the publication of the document shows that the involvement of SUS in mammography coverage in Brazil is still small. This may be due to the uneven distribution of mammographs and their limited operating capacity which are reflected in the estimated coverage levels by state. CONCLUSION: The results imply that the contribution of SUS to mammographic screening in Brazil is higher in both macro-regions and states with greater purchasing power to the detriment of those with less purchasing power.

Regional differences associated with drinking and driving in Brazil

Regional differences associated with drinking and driving in Brazil

Binge drinking among Brazilian students: A gradient of association with socioeconomic status in five geo-economic regions

Binge drinking among Brazilian students: A gradient of association with socioeconomic status in five geo-economic regions

Disparities in female breast cancer mortality rates in Brazil between 1980 and 2009

Disparities in female breast cancer mortality rates in Brazil between 1980 and 2009

Edentulism and shortened dental arch in Brazilian elderly from the National Survey of Oral Health 2003

OBJECTIVE: To describe the distribution of edentulism and estimate the prevalence of functional dentition and shortened dental arch among elderly population. METHODS: A population-based epidemiological study was carried out with a sample of 5,349 respondents aged 65 to 74 years obtained from the 2002 and 2003 Brazilian Ministry of Health/Division of Oral Health survey database. The following variables were studied: gender; macroregion of residence; missing teeth; percentage that met the World Health Organization goal for oral health in the age group 65 to 74 years (50% having at least 20 natural teeth); presence of shortened dental arch; number of posterior occluding pairs of teeth. The Chi-square test assessed the association between categorical variables. The Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to assess differences of mean between number of posterior occluding pairs teeth, macro-region and gender. RESULTS: The elderly population had an average of 5.49 teeth (SD: 7.93) with a median of 0. The proportion of completely edentulous respondents was 54.7%. Complete edentulism was 18.2% in the upper arch and 1.9% in the lower arch. The World Health Organization goal was achieved in 10% of all respondents studied. However, only 2.7% had acceptable masticatory function and aesthetics (having at least shortened dental arch) and a mean number of posterior occluding pairs of 6.94 (SD=2.97). There were significant differences of the percentage of respondents that met the World Health Organization goal and presence of shortened dental arch between men and women. There were differences in shortened dental arch between macroregions. CONCLUSIONS: The Brazilian epidemiological oral health survey showed high rate of edentulism and low rate of shortened dental arch in the elderly population studied, thus suggesting significant functional and aesthetic impairment in all Brazilian macroregions especially among women.

Fatores associados ao tipo de parto em mulheres brasileiras: PNDS 2006

The scope of this paper was to analyze the prevalence of the types of delivery and associated factors in Brazilian women of childbearing age studied in the last National Demographics and Health Survey (NDHS). The study is a national domicile-based cross-sectional analysis, seeking to establish the characteristics of the female population of child-bearing age and of children under 5 years of age. The prevalence of the type of delivery was described according to the following exposition variables: Brazilian macro-regions, location of residence, age, skin color, nutritional status, education, prenatal health unit and place of delivery. The statistical significance (p<0,05) was evaluated using the chi-square test. The population studied consisted of 6.125 women. It was revealed that 42.9% of the women had a caesarean section. Significantly, the prevalence of caesarean section was smaller, irrespective of macro-regions, location of residence, age, skin color, nutritional status, prenatal health unit and place of delivery. The need for further investigation into the factors behind the increase in caesarean sections in Brazil is required in order to reverse this situation, since caesarean section can lead to a series of health complications for both mother and child.

Population genetic analyses of the AmpFlSTR® NGM™ in Brazil

Population data of 15 short tandem repeat loci of the AmpFlSTR® next generation multiplex (NGM)™ were obtained from a sample of 835 individuals. The loci are the ten short tandem repeats (STRs) in the SGM Plus® Kit plus the EDNAP- and ENSFI-recommended STRs D10S1248, D22S1045, D2S441, D1S1656, and D12S391. Allele frequency and other forensically relevant statistics data were generated for the NGM loci into five current country macroregions of Brazil (North, Northeast, Central West, Southeast, and South). All the analyzed loci meet Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium expectations and no linkage disequilibrium in all pairs of loci. The observed and expected heterozygosity, power of discrimination, polymorphic information content, and the other population-genetic indices were calculated. The overall power of discrimination was greater than 0.99999999999999999996 and the combined power of exclusion was greater than 0.9999998 in all Brazilian populations. Comparative analysis between populations from different Brazilian macroregions as well as between Brazil and Caucasian, African Americans, and Hispanic US populations are presented.

P2-320 Asthma trends in Brazilian children and adolescents: results from the Brazilian National Survey (PNAD/IBGE) 1998–2008

IntroductionAsthma has a great impact on health services. It affects all ages and it is more prevalent in childhood and adolescence. In South America, including Brazil, there are inconsistencies about...

Dietary availability patterns of the brazilian macro-regions

IntroductionEpidemiological studies have raised concerns about the role of dietary patterns on the risk of chronic diseases and also in the formulation of better informed nutrition policies.ObjectiveThe development of a dietary availability patterns according to geographic regions in Brazil.MethodologyThe 2002-2003 Brazilian Household Budget Survey was conducted in 48,470 households. Dietary availability patterns were identified by Principal Component Analysis using as a unit of analysis the survey's Primary Sampling Units (PSUs) and purchased amounts for 21 food groups. Each of the extracted dietary availability patterns was regressed on socioeconomics categories.ResultsThere were no differences in dietary availability patterns between urban and rural areas. In all regions, a rice and beans pattern was identified. This pattern explained 15% to 28% of the variance dependent on the region of the country. In South, Southeast and Midwest regions, a mixed pattern including at least 10 food groups explaining 8% to 16% of the variance. In the North region (Amazon forest included) the first pattern was based on fish and nuts and then it was designed as regional pattern. In multiple linear regression the rice and beans pattern was associated with the presence of adolescents in the households, except for North region, whereas the presence of adolescents was associated with the Regional pattern. A mixed patterns were associated with a higher income and education (p < 0.05), except in the South region.ConclusionThe rice and beans and regional dietary availability patterns, both considered healthy eating patterns are still important in the country. Brazil has taken many actions to improve nutrition as part of their public health policies, the data of the Household Budget Survey could help to recognize the different food choices in the large regions of the country.

The Cost Of Transportation As A Barrier To Trade In Economic Integration: The Case Of The Nordeste (O Custo De Transporte Como Barreira Ao Comércio na Integração Econômica: O Caso do Nordeste)

The Cost Of Transportation As A Barrier To Trade In Economic Integration: The Case Of The Nordeste (O Custo De Transporte Como Barreira Ao Comércio na Integração Econômica: O Caso do Nordeste)

Allele frequencies of 15 STRs in a representative sample of the Brazilian population

Allele frequencies of 15 STRs in a representative sample of the Brazilian population

Transaaaes Inter-Regionais E Intersetoriais Entre as Macroregiies Brasileiras (Inter-Regional and Inter-Sectoral Transactions between Brazilian Macro Regions)

Transaaaes Inter-Regionais E Intersetoriais Entre as Macroregiies Brasileiras (Inter-Regional and Inter-Sectoral Transactions between Brazilian Macro Regions)

Transações inter-regionais e intersetoriais entre as macro-regiões brasileiras em 1985 e 1995

The aim of this article is to study the evolution of the productive structure of the five Brazilian macro regions in the years 1985 and 1995 by means an interregional input-output tables estimated from the national tables published by IBGE. The results show the key-sectors in the five studied regions, that the Southeast region is very independent from the other Brazilian regions and that the South and Northeast regions alternated in the second position in terms of the dynamics of their productive structures, followed by the Central-West and North regions. It was possible to detect relative dynamics in the productive structure of the Northeast region, as well as the existence of greater integration between that and North region in 1995, which may be indicating the existence of a possible development pole between those regions. Finally, greater independence was verified among the Brazilians regions, being relatively plausible to point at the growth of the integration of the national productive structure with the exterior in 1995 compared to 1985.

Mortality due to pneumoconioses in macro-regions of Brazil from 1979 to 1998

Pneumoconioses make up a group of lung diseases related to exposure to mineral dusts in work environments. They represent a public health problem, considering that such diseases could already have been eradicated from Brazil, if control measures had been taken in such environments. The aim of this research was to map the distribution of deaths due to pneumoconioses in the different geographical areas and states of Brazil, by means of an ecological survey carried out in the working population older than 15 years. The preliminary results of this investigation in the Brazilian macro-regions from 1979 to 1998 are presented. This study used mortality data provided by the Mortality Information System of Datasus - Data Processing Department of the Unified Health System, using the codes of the ICD (International Classification of Diseases) 9 and ICD 10. The results showed an increase in the mortality coefficient due to pneumoconioses per 1 million inhabitants per year along the studied period of time. By shifting from ICD 9 to ICD 10, the frequency of deaths doubled. We concluded that the mortality coefficients due to pneumoconioses do not reflect the problem properly, thus masking the transcendence and magnitude of the disease. In order to obtain more representative indicators, the actually exposed population and the territorial distribution of the disease have to be known.

Economic Growth X Environment: Forecasts for the Brazilian Economy and Its 5 Macro Regions, 2002 to 2012

Economic Growth X Environment: Forecasts for the Brazilian Economy and Its 5 Macro Regions, 2002 to 2012

Comparative Analysis of Brazil's National and Regional Economic Structure, 1985, 1990, 1995

Comparative Analysis of Brazil's National and Regional Economic Structure, 1985, 1990, 1995