Abstract Objects: This study aimed to describe COVID-19 cases in healthcare workers at a large tertiary hospital, after a vaccination campaign, to understand the individual characteristics, timeliness, symptomatology, and severity of the conditions. Methods: The COVID-19 reporting files from the hospital’s healthcare workers and their records in the vaccine registry were analyzed, regarding vaccination status, symptoms, sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, and outcomes. Vaccination descriptive analysis was carried out and the impact and effectiveness of vaccination in relation to symptomatic infection and hospitalization were estimated. Results: In a total of 696 PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients, vaccination coverage for the 1st and 2nd dose was 92.8% and 85.5%. Patients with complete doses had a mean interval of 96.8 days between vaccination and the onset of symptoms. Of the 664 participants with available clinical data, 165 had at least 1 comorbidity. During the study, 12 patients were hospitalized, 58.3% with a complete vaccination schedule. Three of this group died. The effectiveness of vaccination for symptomatic cases and hospitalization was 22.1% and 69.0%, respectively. The impact of vaccination on symptomatic cases and hospitalization was 81.4% and 89.7%, respectively. Discussion: The majority of COVID-19 cases in the study were classified as mild. The impact of vaccination for confirmed cases was significant, both in reducing the incidence of symptomatic cases and hospitalizations. The presence of comorbidities in approximately ¼ of the patients increased the risk of these individuals. The mean time interval between diagnosis and the 2nd dose of vaccine was longer in the hospitalized group, reinforcing the protective decline over longer periods.

RESUMO: O sagui-de-tufos-brancos (Callithrix jacchus) é um pequeno primata que habita florestas arbustivas da Caatinga e a Mata Atlântica do Nordeste brasileiro. Essa espécie de sagui é muito comum e de fácil adaptação ao cativeiro, aspecto que estimula a captura clandestina desses animais, os quais são vítimas de maus tratos que causam lesões. A falta de conhecimento da anatomia de saguis e outros animais silvestres dificulta a aplicação segura de procedimentos clínicos, cirúrgicos e terapêuticos. O plexo braquial tem sido descrito em algumas espécies animais, porém até o momento não existia descrição em saguis-de-tufos-brancos (Callithrix jacchus). Para estudar o plexo branquial desses animais foram dissecados dez cadáveres de saguis-de-tufos-brancos (Callithrix jacchus) adultos sendo cinco machos e cinco fêmeas. Em todos os animais o plexo braquial originou- se dos nervos espinhais C5, C6, C7, C8 e T1, com poucas variações na origem e nas contribuições dos nervos, em ambos os antímeros, formando três troncos: cranial (C5 e C6), médio (C7) e caudal (C8 e T1).

ABSTRACT: The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is a small primate that inhabits shrub forests of the Caatinga and the Atlantic Forest in Brazilian Northeast. This species of marmoset is very common and easy to adaptation in captivity, aspect that encourages illegal capture of these animals that are victims of mistreatments, causing injuries. The lack of knowledge in anatomy in marmosets and other wildlife hinders the safe application of clinical, surgical and therapeutic procedures. The brachial plexus has been described in some species of animals, but so far, there is no description for common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). To study the brachial plexus of these animals were dissected ten corpses of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) adults, being five males and five females. In all animals, the brachial plexus was originated from spinal nerves C5, C6, C7, C8 and T1, with few variations in origin and the contributions of the nerves in both antimeres, forming three trunks: the cranial (C5 and C6), medium (C7) and caudal (C8 and T1).

Resumo: Com este estudo objetivou-se descrever a topografia do cone medular do macaco-prego (Sapajus libidinosus) a fim de fornecer suporte para que a realização de procedimentos anestésicos, bem como exames de mielografia e coleta de líquor, dentre outros procedimentos que utilizam a via epidural. Para tanto foram dissecados oito animais, sendo seis machos e duas fêmeas, de diferentes faixas etárias. Rebateu-se a pele para retirada da musculatura da região dorsal, exposição de toda a coluna vertebral e identificação das vértebras lombares e sacrais. Para estabelecer o final da medula espinhal e medir o comprimento do cone medular, foi aberto todo o canal vertebral lombossacro, seccionando-se lateralmente os arcos vertebrais. Em seguida a duramáter foi seccionada para visualização do cone medular e observação da relação topográfica deste com as vértebras. Todos os animais apresentaram cinco vértebras lombares e três vértebras sacrais. As vértebras se apresentaram, de forma geral, muito próximas e com os processos espinhosos bem desenvolvidos e direcionados em sentido cranial. O cone medular dos macacos-prego situou-se entre as vértebras L2 e L5, com a base localizando-se com maior frequência na altura da vértebra L3, enquanto o ápice em L4. O comprimento corporal (espaço interarcual occiptoatlântico até o espaço interarcual sacrocaudal) variou de 22,9 a 31,8cm, com média de 27,44 ±3,1cm enquanto que comprimento do cone medular variou de 1,70 a 3,51cm, com média de 2,47 ±0,57cm. Não houve correlação entre o tamanho do corpo e o comprimento do cone medular (r = 0,212). Conclui-se que apesar das variações do comprimento e posicionamento do cone medular, o seu ápice não ultrapassa a articulação lombossacral, tornando seguro o acesso ao espaço epidural por esta via.

Abstract: This study aimed to describe the topography of the conus of capuchin monkey (Sapajus libidinosus) to provide support for anesthetic procedures, as well as examinations of myelography and CSF collection, among other procedures using the epidural route. Eight animals were dissected, six males and two females, of different ages. The skin was countered for removal of the dorsal musculature for exposure of the entire spine and identification of the lumbar and sacral vertebrae. To establish the end of the spinal cord and to measure the length of the conus medullaris, we opened the lumbosacral spinal canal through side section of the vertebral arches. The dura mater was sectioned to visualize the conus and to observe the topographical relation with the vertebrae. All animals showed five lumbar vertebrae and three sacral vertebrae. The vertebrae were in general very closed with the spinous processes well developed and directed cranially. The conus of capuchin monkeys was located between the L2 and L5 vertebrae, with the base mostly in the L3 vertebra, and the peak in L4. The body length (interarcual space occiptoatlântico until sacrocaudal interarcual space) ranged from 22.9 to 31.8cm, with a mean of 27.44±3.1cm while the medullary cone length ranged from 1.70 to 3.51cm, with a mean of 2.47±0.57cm. There was no correlation between body size and length of the medullary cone (r=0.212). It is concluded that despite the variations in length and positioning of the medullary cone, its height does not exceed the lumbosacral joint, making safe access to the epidural space in this way.

Localizada 266 km da costa brasileira, o complexo recifal de Rocas representa o único atol do Atlântico Sul. Duas expedições científicas foram realizadas para um detalhado estudo sedimentológico do ambiente. No ambiente sedimentar predominou a textura areia, embora outras texturas, como cascalho, cascalho arenoso, areia cascalhosa também foram observadas. O tamanho médio do grão variou de areia fina a areia grossa para (2.34 - 1,23 ø), com um valor médio de 0.69ø (fração areia), que em uma perspectiva geológica representa um ambiente de alta energia. Os valores de tamanho médio variou nos diferentes compartimentos geomorfológicos, uma resposta à hidrodinâmica variáveis sobre o recife. O grau de selecionamento variou de muito bem selecionado a pobremente selecionado, com um valor médio de 0.97ø (moderadamente selecionado). Os valores de diâmetro médio e de selecionamento são diretamente proporcionais (ou seja, quanto maior o tamanho do grão, melhor será a separação), um fato que pode ser controlada pela diminuição da diversidade de organismo que contribuem para o ambiente de sedimentação com o aumento do tamanho médio das partículas. Parâmetro de assimetria foi utilizado para correlacionar valores positivos para ambientes deposicionais. O parâmetro Curtose mostrou pouca relevância neste estudo. As partículas sedimentares analisadas são exclusivamente compostas de grãos biogênicos. No total, 11 grupos principais foram descritos, sendo as algas coralinas o mais incomum.

Located 266 km offshore Brazilian coast, Rocas Reef complex is the only atoll in the South Atlantic. Two scientific expeditions carried out detailed sedimentological studies of the complex. Sand texture was dominant in the sedimentary environment, although other textures such as gravel, sandy gravel and gravelly sand, were also observed. Mean size ranged from fine sand to coarse sand (-1.23 to 2.34ø), with an average value of 0.69ø (sand fraction), which from a geological perspective represents a high-energy environment. The values of mean size varied in the different geomorphologic compartments, a response to variable hydrodynamics on the reef. Sorting ranged from very well sorted to poorly sorted, with a mean value of 0.97ø (moderately sorted). The values of mean size and sorting are directly proportional (i.e. the larger the grain size, the better the sorting), a fact that might be controlled by the decreasing of organism diversity that contributes to the sedimentary environment as the mean size of the particles increase. Skewness parameter was used to correlate positive values to depositional environments. The Kurtosis parameter showed little relevance in this study. The sedimentary particles analyzed are exclusively composed of biogenic grains. In total eleven major groups were described, coralline algae being the most unusual.

The objective of the present randomized, open-label, naturalistic 8-week study was to compare the efficacy and safety of treatment with clonazepam (N = 63) and paroxetine (N = 57) in patients with panic disorder with or without agoraphobia. Efficacy assessment included number of panic attacks and clinician ratings of the global severity of panic disorders with the clinical global impression (CGI) improvement (CGI-I) and CGI severity (CGI-S) scales. Most patients were females (69.8 and 68.4% in the clonazepam and paroxetine groups, respectively) and age (mean ± SD) was 35.9 ± 9.6 years for the clonazepam group and 33.7 ± 8.8 years for the paroxetine group. Treatment with clonazepam versus paroxetine resulted in fewer weekly panic attacks at week 4 (0.1 vs 0.5, respectively; P < 0.01), and greater clinical improvements at week 8 (CGI-I: 1.6 vs 2.9; P = 0.04). Anxiety severity was significantly reduced with clonazepam versus paroxetine at weeks 1 and 2, with no difference in panic disorder severity. Patients treated with clonazepam had fewer adverse events than patients treated with paroxetine (73 vs 95%; P = 0.001). The most common adverse events were drowsiness/fatigue (57%), memory/concentration difficulties (24%), and sexual dysfunction (11%) in the clonazepam group and drowsiness/fatigue (81%), sexual dysfunction (70%), and nausea/vomiting (61%) in the paroxetine group. This naturalistic study confirms the efficacy and tolerability of clonazepam and paroxetine in the acute treatment of patients with panic disorder.

The objective of this work was to study the effects of different supplementation levels on forage intake, animal performance and nutrients digestibility in Nellore steers finished in Bahia Southwest pastures. The experiment was done in an area of 52.0 ha, divided into eight sectors of approximately 6.5 ha each, with a watering point at center of field. There were studied four levels of supplementation according to the body weight which were T00= mineral, T03= 0.3%, T06= 0.6% and T09= 0.9% of the animal live weight. During the supplementation phase it was a decreasing effect on pasture and in neutral detergent fiber intake. Also it was a linear effect, with increasing the supplementation levels, on intake of crude protein, ether extract, non fibrous carbohydrates, total nutrients digestibility, digestibility energy and me-tabolizable energy. During the rainy season none of variables was affected. The animal performance presented a linear effect during supplementation and remained unchanged in rainy season. The feed conversion and feed efficiency were positively affected by supplementation levels. There was an increasing linear effect on digestibility coefficients of dry matter, crude protein and non fibrous carbohydrates. The digestibility of neutral detergent fiber presented a quadratic effect while the ether extract was not affected. During the rainy season, none of the variables was affected.

Objetivou-se com este estudo verificar os efeitos de diferentes níveis de suplementação em pastagens sobre o consumo de forragem, o desempenho animal e a digestibilidade dos nutrientes em novilhos Nelore na fase de terminação em pastagens no Sudoeste da Bahia. A parte de campo foi implantada numa área de 52,0 ha, dividida em oito piquetes de aproximadamente 6,5 ha cada, subdivididas em setores com aguada central. Testaram-se quatro níveis de suple-mentação em função do peso vivo: T00, T03, T06 e T09. Na fase de suplementação, houve efeito decrescente sobre o consumo da pastagem e da fibra em detergente neutro. Houve efeito linear crescente em função dos níveis de suplementação para os consumos de proteína bruta, extrato etéreo, carboidrato não-fibroso, nutrientes digestíveis totais, energia digestível e energia bruta. No período chuvoso, nenhuma variável foi alterada. O desempenho animal apresentou efeito linear crescente na fase de suplementação e manteve-se inalterado no período chuvoso. A conversão alimentar e a eficiência alimentar foram alteradas positivamente pela inclusão dos níveis de suplementação. Houve efeito linear crescente sobre os coeficientes de digestibilidade da matéria seca, proteína bruta e carboidratos não-fibrosos. A digestibilidade da fibra em detergente neutro apresentou efeito quadrático enquanto a do extrato etéreo não foi alterada. No período chuvoso, nenhuma das variáveis foi alterada.

Sixteen heifers (¾ Holstein vs. ¼ Zebu) which were feed with elephant grass silage added with cassava hulls as only food and, later, the silage with concentrate. It was estimated the dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility and the fecal production using internal indicators neutral detergent fiber indigestible (NDFi) and acid detergent fiber indigestible (ADFi), which were compared to the total collection method. The use of the NDFi to estimate the fecal excretion and the silage DM and NDF digestibility showed statistical difference (p<0.05) relative to that obtained by the total collection. The NDFi overestimated the fecal production and underestimated the DM and NDF digestibility, what can be attributed to the experimental material inherent variability. The fecal excretion, estimated by the NDFi and ADFi, of the diets differed statistically (p<0.05) and was different to that obtained by total collection. The ADFi overestimated the fecal production and underestimated the DM and NDF digestibility, a result, different of that found when the fecal excretion was estimated and analised the digestibility of the silage with different levels of cassava hulls only in the present experiment. More studies with indicators should be realized.

Utilizaram-se 16 novilhas (¾ Holandês vs. ¼ Zebu), para as quais foi fornecida silagem de capim elefante acrescida de bagaço de mandioca como alimento único e, posteriormente, a silagem mais concentrado. Estimou-se a digestibilidade da matéria seca (MS) e da fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) além da produção fecal por meio dos indicadores internos fibra em detergente neutro indigestíveis (FDNi) e fibra em detergente ácido indigestíveis (FDAi), os quais foram comparados ao método da coleta total. A utilização da FDNi para estimar a excreção fecal e digestibilidade da MS e da FDN da silagem apresentou diferença estatística (p<0,05) em relação àquela obtida pela coleta total. A FDNi superestimou a produção fecal e subestimou a digestibilidade da MS e da FDN, o que pode ser atribuído à variabilidade inerente ao material experimental. A excreção fecal estimada pela FDNi e pela FDAi das dietas diferiu estatisticamente (p<0,05) e foi diferente, da obtida pela coleta total. A FDAi superestimou a produção fecal e subestimou a digestibilidade da MS e da FDN e a FDNi subestimou a excreção fecal e superestimou a digestibilidade da MS e da FDN, resultado diferente ao encontrado quando foi estimada a excreção fecal e avaliada a digestibilidade apenas da silagem com diferentes níveis de bagaço de mandioca no presente experimento. Mais estudos com indicadores, devem ser realizados.

Realizou-se um estudo para caracterizar a situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no Estado do Paraná. O Estado foi estratificado em sete circuitos produtores ou regiões. Em cada circuito foram amostradas aleatoriamente cerca de 300 propriedades e, dentro dessas, foi escolhido de forma aleatória um número pré-estabelecido de animais, dos quais foi obtida uma amostra de sangue. No total, foram amostrados 14.857 animais, provenientes de 2.098 propriedades. Em cada propriedade amostrada foi aplicado um questionário epidemiológico para verificar o tipo de exploração e as práticas zootécnicas e sanitárias que poderiam estar associadas ao risco de infecção pela doença. O protocolo de testes utilizado foi o da triagem com o teste do antígeno acidificado tamponado e o reteste dos positivos com o teste do 2-mercaptoetanol. O rebanho foi considerado positivo se pelo menos um animal foi reagente às duas provas sorológicas. Para o Estado, os resultados de prevalências de focos e de animais infectados foram, respectivamente, de 4,0% [3,2-4,8%] e 1,7% [1,1-2,4%]. Para os circuitos, a prevalência de focos e a de animais foram, respectivamente: circuito 1, 14,7% [10,9-19,2%] e 2,8% [1,2-4,4%]; circuito 2, 8,8% [5,9-12,6%] e 2,4% [1,0-3,8%]; circuito 3, 3,4% [1,6-6,1%] e 0,85% [0,21-1,5%]; circuito 4, 2,3% [0,94-4,8%] e 0,83% [0,02-1,6%]; circuito 5, 2,3% [0,94-4,7%] e 1,6% [0,06-3,3%]; circuito 6, 0,3% [0-1,9%] e 0,09% [0-0,27%]; circuito 7, 1,0% [0,21-2,9%] e 2,2% [0-6,0%]. Os fatores de risco (odds ratio, OR) associados à condição de foco foram: compra de reprodutores (OR= 2,20 [1,42-3,40]) e prática de aluguel de pasto (OR= 2,45 [1,54-3,90]).

A study to characterize the epidemiological situation of bovine brucellosis in the State of Paraná was carried out. In this study, the State was divided into seven regions. Three hundred herds were randomly sampled in each region and a pre-established number of animals were sampled in each of these herds. A total of 1,4857 serum samples from 2,098 herds were collected. In each herd, it was applied an epidemiological questionnaire regarding herd features and also husbandry and sanitary practices that could be associated with risk of infection. The serum samples were screened for antibodies against Brucella spp. by the Rose-Bengal test (RBT), and all RBT-positive sera were re-tested by the 2-mercaptoethanol test (2-ME). A herd was considered positive if at least one animal was positive on both RBT and 2-ME tests. The prevalences of infected herds and infected animals in Paraná State were 4.0% [3.2-4.8%] and 1.7% [1.1-2.4%], respectively. In the regions, the prevalences of infected herds and animals were: region 1, 14.7% [10.9-19.2%] and 2.8% [1.2-4.4%]; region 2, 8.8% [5.9-12.6%] and 2.4% [1.0-3.8%]; region 3, 3.4% [1.6-6.1%] and 0.85% [0.21-1.5%]; region 4, 2.3% [0.94-4.8%] and 0.83% [0.02-1.6%]; region 5, 2.3% [0.94-4.7%] and 1.7% [0.06-3.3%]; region 6, 0.34% [0-1.9%] and 0.09% [0-0.27%]; and region 7, 1.0% [0.21-2.9%] and 2.2% [0-6,0%]. The risck factors (odds ratio, OR) associated with the presence of the infection were: purchase of animals for breeding (OR= 2.20 [1.42-3.40]) and pasture rental practice (OR=2.45 [1.54-3.90]).

Foram investigadas áreas de risco de leishmaniose visceral canina no município de Camaçari, Bahia. Um total de 278 cães distribuídos em 141 residências, pertencentes a 20 áreas de risco investigadas, foi examinado sorologicamente (ELISA). A soroprevalência geral foi 21,7% (56/258) depois da exclusão dos 20 cães usados no início do estudo para delimitar a área. Os resultados respectivos das análises univariada e multivariada dos fatores relacionados à infecção do cão por Leishmania chagasi, a captura e distribuição do vetor na área e a metodologia usada para localizar os focos caninos são discutidos.

Risk areas of canine visceral leishmaniasis in the city of Camaçari, Bahia, Brazil, were investigated. A total of 278 dogs from 141 homes pertaining to 20 investigated risk areas was serologically screened (ELISA). The general seroprevalence was 21.7% (56/258) after exclusion of 20 dogs used at the beginning of the survey to limit the study area. The respective results of the univariated and multivariated analysis of factors related to infection of dogs by Leishmania chagasi, to vector distribu-tion pattern in the area and to the methodology used to localize the canine focuses are discussed.

The impact of trace elements (Ba, Nb, Zr, Y, Sr, Rb, Pb, As, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Cr, V, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Yb and Lu) transported by the Guadiana, Tinto-Odiel and Guadalquivir rivers on sediments from the southwestern Iberian continental shelf has been studied. Shelf surficial sediments from three transects established right in front of the river estuaries were characterized by specific signatures relative to those trace elements. The Guadiana transect shows high Zr concentration values; the Tinto-Odiel transect shows high heavy metal (Pb, As, Zn and Cu) concentration values; and the Guadalquivir transect shows high Sr concentration values. Data from the statistical analysis indicate three distinct sources for trace elements: lithogenic, biogenic and anthropogenic.

Se estudió el impacto de los elementos traza (Ba, Nb, Zr, Y, Sr, Rb, Pb, As, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Cr, V, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Yb y Lu) acarreados por los ríos Guadiana, Tinto-Odiel y Guadalquivir sobre los sedimentos del sudoeste de la plataforma continental ibérica. Los sedimentos superficiales de tres transectos establecidos enfrente de los estuarios de los ríos se caracterizaron por las huellas específicas en lo que involucra a aquellos elementos. El transecto de Guadiana muestra valores altos de concentración de Zr; el transecto de Tinto-Odiel muestra valores altos de concentración para los metales pesados (Pb, As, Zn y Cu); y el transecto de Guadalquivir muestra valores altos de concentración de Sr. Los datos del análisis estadístico señalan tres fuentes distintas para los elementos traza: litogénica, biogénica y antropogénica.

A chemical analysis of Al, Ca, Fe, Mg, Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, Co, Ni and Cd was carried out in 22 surface sediment samples of the continental shelf and upper slope between Espinho and Aveiro (Portugal). To reduce the disturbing effects of grain size, all samples were size-normalized by wet sieving (<63 µm). The fine fraction was digested with concentrated acids and analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The Al and heavy metal concentrations displayed a similar distribution pattern, decreasing seaward. Exceptions to this general pattern are Ca, Mg and Pb distributions. The Ca contents are related to carbonated biogenic particles that are very abundant in the outer shelf. Multivariate statistical analysis was applied to all data to assess the behaviour and sources of each element analyzed. The results from factor analysis showed that terrigenous supply (from Aveiro Lagoon flow, coastal erosion and littoral drift), grain size (clay) sorting and anthropogenic influences from Aveiro Lagoon are the major factors controlling spatial variations of chemical elements in the continental shelf between Espinho and Aveiro. Unusually high contents of Pb were found in the middle shelf off Furadouro, but we could not determine the possible source of this contamination.

Se realizaron análisis químicos de Al, Ca, Fe, Mg, Pb, Zn, Cr, Co, Ni y Cd en 22 muestras de sedimento superficial de la plataforma y vertiente continental entre Espinho y Aveiro (Portugal). Para reducir el efecto de la granulometría del sedimento, se normalizó el tamaño de las muestras mediante tamizado (<63 µm). Se procedió a la digestión de la fracción fina con ácidos concentrados y se analizó mediante espectrometría de absorción atómica con llama. Las concentraciones de Al y metales pesados muestran un patrón de distribución similar, disminuyendo hacia la vertiente. Las excepciones a este patrón general son las distribuciones de Ca, Mg y Pb. El contenido de Ca está relacionado con las partículas biogénicas carbonatadas que son muy abundantes en la plataforma externa. Con el objetivo de determinar el comportamiento y el origen de cada uno de los elementos analizados, se aplicaron técnicas de análisis estadístico multivariante. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que los principales factores que controlan las variaciones espaciales de los elementos químicos en la plataforma continental entre Espinho y Aveiro son los sedimentos terrígenos procedentes de la Laguna de Aveiro, de la erosión costera y de la deriva litoral; el tamaño de grano (tamaño arcillas); y la influencia antropogénica en la Laguna de Aveiro. En la plataforma media, a la altura de Furadouro, se encontraron valores elevados de Pb, aunque no hemos podido determinar la posible fuente de esta contaminación.

Preterm delivery is the main cause of neonatal death and ultrasonographic cervical assessment has been shown to be more accurate than digital examination in recognizing a short cervix. This is a cross-sectional study, involving 1131 women at 22-24 weeks of pregnancy, designed to determine the distribution of cervical length and to examine which variables of demographic characteristics and obstetric history increase the risk of a short cervix (15 mm or less). The distribution of maternal demographic and obstetric history characteristics among patients with cervical length £15 mm was analyzed and compared to the findings for the general population. Risk ratios (RR) between subgroups were generated from this comparison. Median cervical length was 37 mm and in 1.5% of cases it was 15 mm or less. The proportion of women with a short cervix (<=15 mm) was significantly higher among patients with a low body mass index (RR = 3.5) and in those with previous fetal losses between 16-23 weeks (RR = 33.1) or spontaneous preterm deliveries between 24-32 weeks (RR = 14.1). We suggest that transvaginal sonographic measurement of cervical length be performed as part of a routine midtrimester ultrasound evaluation. There are specific variables of demographic characteristics and obstetric history which increase the risk of detecting a short cervix at 22-24 weeks.