Estudo epidemiológico das parasitoses oculares na população de escolares da cidade de Natal-RN, Brasil

The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of Ocular Toxocariasis, Diffuse Unilateral Subacute Neuroretinitis (DUSN), Toxoplasma gondii infection and Ocular Toxoplasmosis in a student population in Natal-RN/Brazil and relate it to demographic, epidemiologic and socio-economic risk factors. The incidence of DUSN was observed in patients at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte Ophthalmology Service and the Prontoclinica de Olhos Ophthalmology clinic in Natal. In cases where a worm was found in the subretinal space, the result of treatment with photocoagulation using Green Laser (Eye Light ALCON) was evaluated in relation to final visual result. The sample was randomly selected among the schools of the four districts of Natal, according to the type of institution (public or private), its level (elementary or secondary), and study period (morning, afternoon or evening). The school population was studied from March to May, 2001. Initially, the students answered a questionnaire to evaluate demographic, epidemiologic and socio-economic risk factors. Afterwards, the following procedures were carried out: blood samples were taken for Toxoplasmosis (IgG, IgM) serology, hemogram, ophthalmological examination, consisting of clinical history, measurement of visual acuity, refraction under cycloplegia, biomicroscopy of the anterior segment and annexa, funduscopy and examination of extrinsic motility. The prevalence of Toxocariasis was 0.2% or 2 per one thousand students. The sample was insufficient to estimate the prevalence of DUSN. Seventy patients with DUSN diagnosis were examined from January, 2001 to January, 2003. A live worm was found in the subretinal space of all four patients in the acute phase, and these were treated with laser photocoagulation. After follow-up (average = 11.5 months), visual acuity improved in three eyes and remained unaltered in one eye. Worms were found in 22 of the 66 patients in the chronic phase, and these also were treated with laser photocoagulation. After a follow-up period of 13.1 months, on average, visual acuity improved in two of the patients, remained unchanged in 19 and worsened in one. The comparison of visual result before and after treatment was not statistically significant (p = 0.302). The diagnosis of DUSN in the acute phase, followed by prompt localization and destruction of the worm by photocoagulation, can improve the patient s vision. However, destruction of the worm by laser photocoagulation in eyes with DUSN in the chronic phase does not improve visual acuity. Seroprevalence for IgG was 46% (Confidence Interval CI 95%-42.9-49.2%) and for IgM it was 1.4% (CI 95% = 0.8-2.4%). The prevalence of ocular lesion was 1.15% (CI 95% = 0.6 - 2.0%). Socio-economic conditions were determinants in the prevalence of Systemic and Ocular Toxoplasmosis in the bivaried analysis and confirmed in the multivaried analysis (mother s scholarity illiterate/ OR = 2.9 and p < 0.001). The T. gondii infection prevalence, although high, was less than that found in studies performed in the South and Southeast of Brazil and that of Ocular Toxoplasmosis was completely discrepant, varying from 5 to 17 times less. Although important epidemiological variables such as owning a cat, drinking unfiltered water, and coming into contact with rivers or lakes showed an association in the preliminary analysis, they lost their influence when included in the logistic model. Future studies are scheduled to begin in March, 2004, in collaboration with other Brazilian and American universities in an attempt to discover the reason for these findings, as well as identifying the different strains of Toxoplasma gondii, and studying the sources of water utilized by the population of Natal Brazil

Estudo comparativo de dois tipos de cultivo: monocultivo (camarões) versus cultivo integrado (algas/camarões)

The integrated culture of seaweed and aquatic animals is an ancient practice in Asian countries. The expansion of this practice to western countries is consequence of the recognition of this system as a sustainable alternative that allows economical diversification and mitigation of environmental impacts generated by effluents of aquaculture. This study evaluated the growth of the seaweed Gracilaria caudata and of the shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei in monoculture (shrimps) and integrated culture (shrimps and algae) systems, and accessed the effect of the seaweed in the water quality. There were two treatments in the experiment: monoculture (shrimps) and integrated culture (shrimps/ algae). The organisms were cultured in 6 aquaria (10L) filled with seawater (35.0±0.0 PSU and 28.1±0.4°C) for 28 days. The nutrients of water (PO43-, NH4+, NO2-, NO3- and DIN), the biomass and the relative growth rate (RGR, % day-1) of seaweed and shrimps were measured weekly. The parameters pH, temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen were measured daily. The concentration of NH4+ in integrated culture (62.8±25.2µM) was lower (Mann-Whitney p<0.001) than in monoculture (85.6±24.3µM). The mean of PO4- in monoculture (10.4±4.6µM) was markedly higher (Mann-Whitney; p=0.024) than that in integrated culture (8.7±4.1µM). The level of dissolved oxygen in integrated culture (6.0±0.6mg/L) was higher (t-Student; P=0.014) than that in shrimp monoculture (5.8±0.6mg/L). The mean values of the parameters pH, NO2-, NO3- and DIN were 7.5±0.2, 10.1±12.2µM, 24.5±3.2µM and 120.17±30.76µM in monoculture, and 7.5±0.2, 10.5±13.2µM, 27.4±3.5µM and 100.76±49.59µM in integrated culture. There were not differences in these parameters between treatments. The biomass and RGR of seaweed reached 15.0±1.9g and 7.4±2.8% day-1 at the end of the experiment. The performance of shrimp was favorable in monoculture (1.5±0.8g; 5.7±1.6% dia-1) and in integrated culture (1.5±0.7g; 5.2±1.2% dia-1), and the rate of survival was 100% in both treatments. The tolerance and favorable performance of Gracilaria caudata suggest that this seaweed might be integrated into shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) culture systems

Estudos comparativos do ciclo de regeneração de diferentes tipos de silicoaluminofosfatos

Different types of heterogeneous catalysts of the silicoaluminophosphate type, (SAPO-5, SAPO-11, SAPO-31, SAPO-34 and SAPO-41), molecular sieves with a: AFI, AEL, ATO, CHA and AFO structure, respectively, were synthesized through the hydrothermal method. Using sources such as hydrated alumina (pseudobohemita), phosphoric acid, silica gel, water, as well as, different types of organic structural templates, such as: cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTMABr), di-isopropylamine (DIPA), di-n- propylamine (DNPA) and tetraethylammonium hydroxide (TEOS), for the respective samples. During the preparation of the silicoaluminophosphates, the crystallization process of the samples occurred at a temperature of approximately 200 ° C, ranging through periods of 18-72 h, when it was possible to obtain pure phases for the SAPOs. The materials were furthermore washed with deionized water, dried and calcined to remove the molecules of the templates. Subsequently the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), absorption spectroscopy in the infrared region (FT-IR), specific surface area and thermal analysis via TG/DTG. The acidic properties were determined using adsorption of n-butylamine followed by programmed termodessorption. These methods revealed that the SAPO samples showed a typically weak to moderate acidity. However, a small amount of strong acid sites was also detected. The deactivation of the catalysts was conducted by artificially coking the samples, followed by n-hexane cracking reactions in a fixed bed with a continuous flow micro-reactor coupled on line to a gas chromatograph. The main products obtained were: ethane, propane, isobutene, n-butane, n-pentane and isopentane. The Vyazovkin (model-free) kinetics method was used to determine the catalysts regeneration and removal of the coke

Qualidade de Vida, Saúde Geral e Ansiedade em pacientes com diferentes tipos e níveis de disfunção temporomandibular

Some studies reported in the literature that emotional factors and quality of life may be involved both in aetiology, as in the progression of Temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Proposition: The purpose of this study is to observe a possible association between different forms of anxiety, quality of life and general health of patients diagnosed as carriers of various types and levels of Temporomandibular Dysfunction. Methodology: The sample consisted of 60 patients diagnosed as carriers of TMJD origin of muscle, joint, or both, with different levels of severity (mild TMD, moderate and severe). The patients were diagnosed with TMD-RDC (Research Diagnostic Criteria) to assess the type of dysfunction (muscle or joint) and by the Protocol of Fonseca to verify the degree of dysfunction (mild, moderate or severe). To evaluate the psychosocial aspects were used three self-applied, with the purpose of obtaining information about the general health (General Health Questionnaire - GHQ), the type of anxiety (Trait Anxiety Inventory-State - STAI) and quality of life (World Health Organization Quality Of Life Short WHOQOL-brief). Results: There was a correlation between all indicators studied in several forms of TMD with varying degrees of commitment. Quality of life appeared linked to the type and the level of TMD: Muscular and Articular TMD (p = 0,037), Disk Displacement With Reduction (p = 0.01) and Mild TMD (p = 0.042). The General Health showed association with the level of TMD, with the exception of the stress factor (p = 0.78). For the analysis of the types and levels to Severe Muscular TMD had a statistically significant indicator of the quality of life (p = 0049). The anxiety only showed association with the level of TMD (p = 0,047 for anxiety-trait). Conclusion: Besides the limitations of the study, it was concluded that anxiety, quality of life and general health are important psychosocial indicators, which are linked to several forms of TMD in different levels of severity

Efeitos de diferentes tipos estressores sobre a memória e aprendizagem de ratas

The exposure to stressors produces physiological changes of the organism in order to adapt the individual to the environment. Depending on the type, intensity and duration, stress can affect some cognitive functions, particularly processes of learning and memory. Several studies have also proposed that some level of anxiety would be necessary for memory formation. In this context, memories of previously aversive experiences may determine the manner and intensity with which are expressed fear responses, which explains the great interest in analyzing both anxiety and memory in animals. In addition, males and females demonstrate different reactions in relation to stressful stimuli, showing different levels of anxiety and differences in processing of the acquisition, retention and recall of information. Based on this information, the present study aimed to verify the effect of stress on learning, memory and anxiety behavioral parameters in rats exposed at different types of stressors of long duration (seven consecutive days): restraint (4h/day), overcrowding (18h/day) and social isolation (18h/day) in the different phases of the estrous cycle. Our results showed that the stress induced by restraint and social isolation did not cause changes in the acquisition process, but impaired the recall of memory in rats. Furthermore, it is suggested a protective effect of sex hormones on retrieval of aversive memory, since female rats in proestrus or estrus phase, characterized by high estrogen concentrations, showed no aversive memory deficits. Furthermore, despite the increased plasma levels of corticosterone observed in female rats subjected to restraint stress and social isolation, anxiety levels were unaltered, compared to those various stress conditions. Animal models based on psychological and social stress have been extensively discussed in the literature. Correlate behavioral responses, physiological and psychological have contributed in increasing the understanding of stress-induced psychophysiological disorders

O romance em baixo d’água: tipos comportamentais e escolha de parceiros em Betta splendens

Cada indivíduo apresenta uma respostas comportamental diferente diante de um desafio ambiental, muitas vezes mesmo quando comparado a outro indivíduo da mesma espécie, sexo e idade, essas diferenças são chamadas tipos comportamentais e quando consistentes ao longo do tempo caracterizam uma síndrome comportamental ou personalidade animal. Evidências apontam que a personalidade animal pode interferir na aptidão reprodutiva do indivíduo. Tendo isso em vista, no presente estudo machos e fêmeas adultos de Betta splendens foram observados em três contextos (exploratório, social e avaliação de risco), para identificar a existência de tipos comportamentais e diferenças entre os sexos nos tipos comportamentais nessa espécie. Os indivíduos foram classificados em três níveis em cada contexto: contexto social (social; intermediário e não-social), contexto exploratório (explorador, intermediário e não-explorador) e avaliação de risco (bold, intermediário e shy). Após essa classificação, machos sociais e nãosociais, exploradores e não-exploradores de coloração vermelha e azul foram utilizados no experimento de escolha de parceiro pelas fêmeas. Nossos resultados apontam que a maioria dos indivíduos testados possui fenótipos intermediários para os três contextos avaliados, e uma minoria de machos e fêmeas apresentaram tipos comportamentais. E a análise de correlação mostra que machos e fêmeas se comportaram de modo diferente em relação aos contextos. No experimento de escolha de parceiro, os resultados mostram que os tipos comportamentais da fêmea e do macho influenciam no processo de escolha de parceiro e que, mesmo na presença de pistas visuais (coloração corporal dos machos), o tipo comportamental continua sendo importante no processo de escolha.

O romance em baixo d’água: tipos comportamentais e escolha de parceiros em Betta splendens

Cada indivíduo apresenta uma respostas comportamental diferente diante de um desafio ambiental, muitas vezes mesmo quando comparado a outro indivíduo da mesma espécie, sexo e idade, essas diferenças são chamadas tipos comportamentais e quando consistentes ao longo do tempo caracterizam uma síndrome comportamental ou personalidade animal. Evidências apontam que a personalidade animal pode interferir na aptidão reprodutiva do indivíduo. Tendo isso em vista, no presente estudo machos e fêmeas adultos de Betta splendens foram observados em três contextos (exploratório, social e avaliação de risco), para identificar a existência de tipos comportamentais e diferenças entre os sexos nos tipos comportamentais nessa espécie. Os indivíduos foram classificados em três níveis em cada contexto: contexto social (social; intermediário e não-social), contexto exploratório (explorador, intermediário e não-explorador) e avaliação de risco (bold, intermediário e shy). Após essa classificação, machos sociais e nãosociais, exploradores e não-exploradores de coloração vermelha e azul foram utilizados no experimento de escolha de parceiro pelas fêmeas. Nossos resultados apontam que a maioria dos indivíduos testados possui fenótipos intermediários para os três contextos avaliados, e uma minoria de machos e fêmeas apresentaram tipos comportamentais. E a análise de correlação mostra que machos e fêmeas se comportaram de modo diferente em relação aos contextos. No experimento de escolha de parceiro, os resultados mostram que os tipos comportamentais da fêmea e do macho influenciam no processo de escolha de parceiro e que, mesmo na presença de pistas visuais (coloração corporal dos machos), o tipo comportamental continua sendo importante no processo de escolha.

Estudo comparativo de dois tipos de cultivo: monocultivo (camarões) versus cultivo integrado (algas/camarões)

The integrated culture of seaweed and aquatic animals is an ancient practice in Asian countries. The expansion of this practice to western countries is consequence of the recognition of this system as a sustainable alternative that allows economical diversification and mitigation of environmental impacts generated by effluents of aquaculture. This study evaluated the growth of the seaweed Gracilaria caudata and of the shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei in monoculture (shrimps) and integrated culture (shrimps and algae) systems, and accessed the effect of the seaweed in the water quality. There were two treatments in the experiment: monoculture (shrimps) and integrated culture (shrimps/ algae). The organisms were cultured in 6 aquaria (10L) filled with seawater (35.0±0.0 PSU and 28.1±0.4°C) for 28 days. The nutrients of water (PO43-, NH4+, NO2-, NO3- and DIN), the biomass and the relative growth rate (RGR, % day-1) of seaweed and shrimps were measured weekly. The parameters pH, temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen were measured daily. The concentration of NH4+ in integrated culture (62.8±25.2µM) was lower (Mann-Whitney p<0.001) than in monoculture (85.6±24.3µM). The mean of PO4- in monoculture (10.4±4.6µM) was markedly higher (Mann-Whitney; p=0.024) than that in integrated culture (8.7±4.1µM). The level of dissolved oxygen in integrated culture (6.0±0.6mg/L) was higher (t-Student; P=0.014) than that in shrimp monoculture (5.8±0.6mg/L). The mean values of the parameters pH, NO2-, NO3- and DIN were 7.5±0.2, 10.1±12.2µM, 24.5±3.2µM and 120.17±30.76µM in monoculture, and 7.5±0.2, 10.5±13.2µM, 27.4±3.5µM and 100.76±49.59µM in integrated culture. There were not differences in these parameters between treatments. The biomass and RGR of seaweed reached 15.0±1.9g and 7.4±2.8% day-1 at the end of the experiment. The performance of shrimp was favorable in monoculture (1.5±0.8g; 5.7±1.6% dia-1) and in integrated culture (1.5±0.7g; 5.2±1.2% dia-1), and the rate of survival was 100% in both treatments. The tolerance and favorable performance of Gracilaria caudata suggest that this seaweed might be integrated into shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) culture systems

Estudos comparativos do ciclo de regeneração de diferentes tipos de silicoaluminofosfatos

Different types of heterogeneous catalysts of the silicoaluminophosphate type, (SAPO-5, SAPO-11, SAPO-31, SAPO-34 and SAPO-41), molecular sieves with a: AFI, AEL, ATO, CHA and AFO structure, respectively, were synthesized through the hydrothermal method. Using sources such as hydrated alumina (pseudobohemita), phosphoric acid, silica gel, water, as well as, different types of organic structural templates, such as: cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTMABr), di-isopropylamine (DIPA), di-n- propylamine (DNPA) and tetraethylammonium hydroxide (TEOS), for the respective samples. During the preparation of the silicoaluminophosphates, the crystallization process of the samples occurred at a temperature of approximately 200 ° C, ranging through periods of 18-72 h, when it was possible to obtain pure phases for the SAPOs. The materials were furthermore washed with deionized water, dried and calcined to remove the molecules of the templates. Subsequently the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), absorption spectroscopy in the infrared region (FT-IR), specific surface area and thermal analysis via TG/DTG. The acidic properties were determined using adsorption of n-butylamine followed by programmed termodessorption. These methods revealed that the SAPO samples showed a typically weak to moderate acidity. However, a small amount of strong acid sites was also detected. The deactivation of the catalysts was conducted by artificially coking the samples, followed by n-hexane cracking reactions in a fixed bed with a continuous flow micro-reactor coupled on line to a gas chromatograph. The main products obtained were: ethane, propane, isobutene, n-butane, n-pentane and isopentane. The Vyazovkin (model-free) kinetics method was used to determine the catalysts regeneration and removal of the coke