Relative growth and sexual maturity of the freshwater shrimp Palaemon pandaliformis (Crustacea, Palaemonidae) in northeastern of Brazil (Canavieiras, Bahia)

This study comprises the description of relative growth and sexual maturity of a population of Palaemon pandaliformis Stimpson, 1871 in Salsa River (Northeastern Brazil). Samples were collected monthly between September 2009 and August 2010. Females were larger, heavier, and showed a greater allometric coefficient (b) than male specimens. Only carapace length vs. pleura length in females presented a significant difference in the relative growth pattern, indicating a puberty moult. This relationship is strictly correlated to reproduction and its success rate in female shrimps. Estimated carapace length in 50% of mature females (CL50) was 4.53 mm. It was not possible to compare obtained CL50 results due to a lack of studies on this species. Comparison was based on the size of the smallest captured ovigerous female (3.81 CL mm), which is within the scope of recorded size for estuaries located in higher latitudes. This study reveals the lack of research on this genre in freshwater environments on a national and global scale.

Sexual distinction between 5th instar nymphs of six species of Triatominae (Hemiptera, Reduviidae)

The aim of this paper is to present the analysis of sexual morphological differences observed in 5th instar nymphs of the following species: Panstrongylus megistus; Rhodnius neglectus; Triatoma brasiliensis; T. infestans; T. matogrosensis and T. tibiamaculata. Male and female nymphs were examined and photographed with a Scanning Electron Microscope. The 9th segment dimensions of dorsal and ventral faces were determined through a Profile Projector. Results and statistical analysis showed significant differences: the 9th sternite is significantly broader in male than female nymphs, while in five species; tergites in female nymphs are broad and in male are narrow.

Risk Factors for Human T Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type I among Injecting Drug Users in Northeast Brazil: Possibly Greater Efficiency of Male to Female Transmission

It was observed in the city of Salvador, State of Bahia, the highest seroprevalence of human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-I) infection in Brazil as demonstrated by national wide blood bank surveys. In this paper, we report results of an investigation of drug use and sexual behavior associated with HTLV-I infection among male and female injecting drug users (IDUs) in Salvador. A cross sectional study was conducted in the Historical District of Salvador from 1994-1996 (Projeto Brasil-Salvador) and 216 asymptomatic IDUs were selected using the snowball contact technique. Blood samples were collected for serological assays. Sera were screened for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1/2) and HTLV-I/II antibodies by ELISA and confirmed by Western blot. The overall prevalence of HTLV-I/II was 35.2% (76/216). The seroprevalence of HTLV-I, HTLV-II and HIV-1 was for males 22%, 11.3% and 44.1% and for females 46.2%, 10.3% and 74.4% respectively. HTLV-I was identified in 72.4% of HTLV positive IDUs. Variables which were significantly associated with HTLV-I infection among males included needle sharing practices, duration of injecting drug use, HIV-1 seropositivity and syphilis. Among women, duration of injecting drug use and syphilis were strongly associated with HTLV-I infection. Multivariate analysis did not change the direction of these associations. Sexual intercourse might play a more important role in HTLV-I infection among women than in men.

Changes in the Sexual Dimorphism of Triatominae in the Transition from Natural to Artificial Habitats

A shift from large to small average sizes was observed in Triatoma infestans and Rhodnius domesticus between field and domestic (or laboratory) conditions of life. It was more pronounced in the female specimens, leading to a subsequent reduction of sexual size dimorphism. This feature is discussed in terms of genetic and populational changes occurring from natural to artificial habitats, in particular those related to population densities. Sexual size dimorphism is then recommended as a new character to be used in the study of species of Triatominae adapting to domestic ecotopes.

The sexual behaviour of Panstrongylus megistus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae): an experimental study

The factors affecting the sexual behaviour of Panstrongylus megistus were studied under laboratory conditions. A general description of mating behaviour is presented for this species. The effect of the time elapsed after the first imaginal feeding on the mating frequency, the motivation of males to mate and the rejection behaviour by females, were analyzed. We also determined the number of copulas accepted by females of this species. Finally, the possible existence of a sexual chemical signal promoting male aggregation around mating couples was evaluated. Results showed that mating frequency increased with the time elapsed since the first adult meal. Despite the number of male copulatory attempts did not change as a function of time, the rejection behaviour of females became gradually less frequent. Females rejected mating by means of body flattening on the substrate, abdominal movements, evasion or stridulation. After a single copula, females did not usually accept to mate again. Neither male nor female aggregation around mating couples was observed, suggesting the absence of a sexual assembling pheromone in P. megistus.

Assistive technology for visually impaired women for use of the female condom: a validation study

OBJECTIVE To validate assistive technology for visually impaired women to learn how to use the female condom. METHOD a methodological development study conducted on a web page, with data collection between May and October 2012. Participants were 14 judges; seven judges in sexual and reproductive health (1st stage) and seven in special education (2nd stage). RESULTS All items have reached the adopted parameter of 70% agreement. In Stage 1 new materials were added to represent the cervix, and instructions that must be heard twice were included in the 2nd stage. CONCLUSION The technology has been validated and is appropriate for its objectives, structure / presentation and relevance. It is an innovative, low cost and valid instrument for promoting health and one which may help women with visual disabilities to use the female condom.

The (un)receptive experiences of female rape victims who seek healthcare services

OBJECTIVE To know the structure and functioning of healthcare services from the perspective of women who have suffered rape. METHOD A qualitative study conducted with 11 women who experienced rape, monitored in a maternity in the state of Alagoas, Brazil. Data were systematically based on content analysis. RESULTS It allowed for understanding the path taken by women in search of support from health services, as well as the limitations and capabilities of these services. CONCLUSION The assistance received in healthcare services leans towards a revictimization process of women who already carry trauma from the rape. It is necessary to reflect about care practices aimed at sexually victimized women.

Validação do índice da função sexual feminina em grávidas brasileiras

OBJETIVO: traduzir e validar o Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) para grávidas brasileiras. MÉTODOS: participaram da pesquisa 92 gestantes assistidas em ambulatório de pré-natal de baixo risco, com diagnóstico da gravidez confirmado por ultra-sonografia precoce. Inicialmente, traduzimos o questionário FSFI para a língua portuguesa (do Brasil), de acordo com os critérios internacionais. Foram realizadas adaptações culturais, conceituais e semânticas do FSFI, em função das diferenças da língua, para que as gestantes compreendessem as questões. Todas as pacientes responderam duas vezes ao FSFI, no mesmo dia, com dois entrevistadores diferentes, com intervalo de uma hora de uma entrevista para a outra. Em seguida, 7 a 14 dias depois, o questionário foi novamente aplicado numa segunda entrevista. Foram avaliadas a confiabilidade (consistência interna intra e interobservador) e a validade do construto (para demonstrar que o questionário avalia a função sexual). RESULTADOS: adaptações culturais foram necessárias para obtermos a versão final. A consistência interna intra-observador (alfa de Chronbach) dos diversos domínios oscilou de moderada a forte (0,791 a 0,911) e a consistência interobservador variou de 0,791 a 0,914. Na validação do construto, foram obtidas correlações de moderada a forte entre os escores finais (gerais) do FSFI e do Quociente Sexual Feminino (QS-F), que tem a capacidade de avaliar a função sexual feminina. CONCLUSÕES: o FSFI foi adaptado à língua portuguesa e à cultura brasileira, apresentando significante confiabilidade e validade, podendo ser incluído e utilizado em futuros estudos da função sexual de grávidas brasileiras.

Influência dos sintomas climatéricos sobre a função sexual de mulheres de meia-idade

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência dos sintomas climatéricos na função sexual de mulheres de meia-idade. MÉTODOS: Estudo populacional de corte transversal, com amostra de 370 mulheres entre 40 e 65 anos, atendidas nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde da cidade de Natal, no estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. Aplicou-se um questionário referente s características sociodemográficas, clínicas e comportamentais das mulheres. A função sexual foi avaliada pelo Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), enquanto os sintomas do climatério pelo Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). RESULTADOS: No grupo estudado, 67% das mulheres apresentaram risco de disfunção sexual (FSFI≤26,5). Todos os domínios do FSFI (desejo, excitação, lubrificação, orgasmo, satisfação e dor) apresentaram escores mais baixos nas mulheres com risco de disfunção sexual (p<0,001). Os domínos excitação, orgasmo e dor foram os que mais contribuíram para os baixos escores do FSFI. Os sintomas somatovegetativos, urogenitais e psicológicos do MRS apresentaram-se mais elevados nas mulheres com risco de disfunção sexual, sendo significativos para todas as comparações (p<0,001). A análise de regressão logística revelou que as chances de mulheres com riscos de disfunção sexual apresentarem fogachos, humor depressivo, problemas sexuais e ressecamento vaginal foram, respectivamente, 2,1 (IC95% 1,2 - 3,5); 2,4 (IC95% 1,5 - 4,1); 2,3 (IC95% 1,4 - 3,8) e 2,2 (IC95% 1,3 - 3,6) vezes maior, quando comparadas quelas sem risco. CONCLUSÃO: Os sintomas climatéricos parecem influenciar a função sexual de mulheres na meia-idade.

Avaliação da função sexual em mulheres após a menopausa portadoras de síndrome metabólica

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a função sexual de mulheres após a menopausa com diagnóstico de síndrome metabólica. MÉTODOS: Estudo caso-controle, incluindo 195 mulheres após o período da menopausa (amenorreia ≥1 ano, FSH ≥30 mUI/mL e idade entre 43 a 69 anos), atendidas no Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia da Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo e nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde do Programa de Saúde da Família da cidade de São Paulo. Foram coletados dados clínicos e avaliados o índice de massa corpórea e a circunferência abdominal. Na análise bioquímica foram solicitadas dosagens de colesterol total, HDL e LDL colesterol, triglicerídeos e glicemia de jejum. Foram consideradas com síndrome metabólica as mulheres que apresentaram três ou mais critérios diagnósticos: circunferência abdominal maior do que 88 cm; triglicerídeos ≥150 mg/dL; HDL colesterol <50 mg/dL; pressão arterial ≥130/85 mmHg e glicemia de jejum≥110 mg/dL. As participantes foram divididas nos Grupos Controle (n=87) e Síndrome Metabólica (n=108). Empregou-se o questionário Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) para avaliar a função sexual. RESULTADOS: A média de idade foi de 54,0±4,7 anos. O índice de disfunção sexual em mulheres com síndrome metabólica foi significativamente superior ao do Grupo Controle, quando considerado o FSFI <26,5 (90/108 [83,3%] versus 42/87 [48,2%], p<0,001) ou FSFI <23 (62/108 [57,4%] versus 16/87 [18,39%], p<0,001). Os domínios desejo, excitação, lubrificação, orgasmo (p<0,001) e satisfação (p=0,002) apresentaram escores inferiores nas mulheres portadoras da síndrome metabólica. Para o escore de dor não houve diferença significante (p=0,57). Todos os componentes do diagnóstico da síndrome metabólica estiveram associados a maiores níveis de disfunção sexual (p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Mulheres após a menopausa com síndrome metabólica apresentam mais frequentemente disfunção sexual do que aquelas na mesma faixa etária que não são portadoras da síndrome.

The vulnerability of Brazilian female prisoners to HIV infection

The purpose of the present study was to determine the vulnerability of women in prison to HIV infection. The study was carried out from August to October 2000 in a São Paulo State Penitentiary, where 299 female prisoners were serving time. We interviewed and obtained a blood sample from 290 females who agreed to enter the study. Sera were tested for the presence of antibodies to HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV) and syphilis and the odds ratio (OR) was calculated for variables related to HIV positivity on the basis of a questionnaire. The overall prevalence data were: 13.9% for HIV (37 of 267), 22.8% for syphilis (66 of 290), and 16.2% for HCV (47 of 290). Sexual partnership variables were significantly related to HIV infection. These included HIV-positive partners (OR = 7.36, P = 0.0001), casual partners (OR = 8.96, P = 0.009), injectable drug user partners (OR = 4.7, P = 0.0001), and history of sexually transmitted disease (OR = 2.07, P = 0.05). In addition, a relationship was detected between HIV infection and drug use (OR = 2.48, P = 0.04) and injectable drug use (OR = 4.2, P = 0.002). Even women with only one partner presented a significant OR for HIV infection (OR = 2.57, P = 0.009), reflecting their vulnerability due to their trust in their partner, who did not use a condom. Although the use of injectable substances is associated with HIV infection, our results point to sexual behavior as the most important component of HIV transmission in the female prisoner population.

Female novelty and the courtship behavior of male guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus)

In several rodent species, an increase or recovery of sexual behavior can be observed when sexually satiated males are placed in contact with a novel mate. In order to assess the influence of female novelty on the courtship behavior of guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus), four adult males were observed during four daily 15-min sessions while interacting with the same pregnant female (same-female sessions). A new female was presented during the fifth session (switched-female session). The duration of behavioral categories was obtained from videotape records using an observational software. From the first to the second session, all males decreased the time allocated to investigating (sniffing and licking), following, and mounting the female, and that response did not recover by the end of the same-female sessions. No similar decreasing tendencies were detected in the circling or rumba categories. A marked increase of investigating occurred in all males from the last same-female session (8.1, 11.9, 15.1 and 17.3 percent session time) to the switched-female one (16.4, 18.4, 37.1 and 28.9 percent session time, respectively). Increases in following and circling were recorded in three of four males, and full-blown recovery of mounting in one male. No consistent changes in the females' responses to males (following or attacking) were observed throughout testing. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that guinea pig males recognize individual females and that courtship responses may suffer a habituation/recovery process controlled by mate novelty.

Is avoidant disorder part of the social phobia spectrum in a referred sample of Brazilian children and adolescents?

The diagnosis of avoidant disorder was deleted from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental disorders - fourth edition (DSM-IV) based on a `committee decision' suggesting that avoidant disorder is part of the social phobia spectrum. The objective of the present study was to examine the nature of this clinical association in a referred sample of Brazilian children and adolescents. We assessed a referred sample of 375 youths using semi-structured diagnostic interview methodology. Demographic (age at admission to the study and sex) and clinical (level of impairment, age at onset of symptoms and pattern of comorbidity) data were assessed in subsamples of children with avoidant disorder (N = 7), social phobia (N = 26), and comorbidity between both disorders (N = 24). Although a significant difference in the male/female ratio was detected among groups (P = 0.03), none of the other clinical variables differed significantly among subjects that presented each condition separately or in combination. Most of the children with avoidant disorder fulfilled criteria for social phobia. Thus, our findings support the validity of the conceptualization of avoidant disorder as part of the social phobia spectrum in a clinical sample.

Preliminary data on the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in Brazilian male and female juvenile delinquents

The aim of the present investigation was to study the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in a sample of delinquent adolescents of both genders and to compare the prevalence between genders. A total of 116 adolescents (99 males and 17 females) aged 12 to 19 on parole in the State of Rio de Janeiro were interviewed using the screening interview based on the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children - Present and Lifetime (KSADS-PL). Data were collected between May 2002 and January 2003. Of 373 male and 58 female adolescents present in May 2002 in the largest institution that gives assistance to adolescents on parole in the city of Rio de Janeiro, 119 subjects were assessed (three of them refused to participate). Their average age was 16.5 years with no difference between genders. The screening interview was positive for psychopathology for most of the sample, with the frequencies of the suggested more prevalent psychiatric disorders being 54% for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, 77% for conduct disorder, 41% for oppositional defiant disorder, 57% for anxiety disorder 57, 60% for depressive disorder 60, 63% for illicit drug abuse, and 58% for regular alcohol use. Internalizing disorders (depressive disorders, anxiety disorders and phobias) were more prevalent in the female subsample. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of illicit drug abuse between genders. There were more male than female adolescents on parole and failure to comply with the sentence was significantly more frequent in females. The high prevalence of psychopathology suggested by this study indicates the need for psychiatric treatment as part of the prevention of juvenile delinquency or as part of the sentence. However, treatment had never been available for 93% of the sample in this study.

Prazosin blocks the glutamatergic effects of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid on lordosis behavior and luteinizing hormone secretion in the estrogen-primed female rat

We have observed that intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of selective N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA)-type glutamatergic receptor antagonists inhibits lordosis in ovariectomized (OVX), estrogen-primed rats receiving progesterone or luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH). When NMDA was injected into OVX estrogen-primed rats, it induced a significant increase in lordosis. The interaction between LHRH and glutamate was previously explored by us and another groups. The noradrenergic systems have a functional role in the regulation of LHRH release. The purpose of the present study was to explore the interaction between glutamatergic and noradrenergic transmission. The action of prazosin, an alpha1- and alpha2b-noradrenergic antagonist, was studied here by injecting it icv (1.75 and 3.5 µg/6 µL) prior to NMDA administration (1 µg/2 µL) in OVX estrogen-primed Sprague-Dawley rats (240-270 g). Rats manually restrained were injected over a period of 2 min, and tested 1.5 h later. The enhancing effect induced by NMDA on the lordosis/mount ratio at high doses (67.06 ± 3.28, N = 28) when compared to saline controls (6 and 2 µL, 16.59 ± 3.20, N = 27) was abolished by prazosin administration (17.04 ± 5.52, N = 17, and 9.33 ± 3.21, N = 20, P < 0.001 for both doses). Plasma LH levels decreased significantly only with the higher dose of prazosin (1.99 ± 0.24 ng/mL, N = 18, compared to saline-NMDA effect, 5.96 ± 2.01 ng/mL, N = 13, P < 0.05). Behavioral effects seem to be more sensitive to the alpha-blockade than hormonal effects. These findings strongly suggest that the facilitatory effects of NMDA on both lordosis and LH secretion in this model are mediated by alpha-noradrenergic transmission.