Partial characterization of genes from the embryonic axis of Melanoxylon brauna Schott. (Leguminosae-Caesalpinioideae) seeds

The objective of this study was to partially characterize some genes involved in the desiccation tolerance of the embryonic axis of Melanoxylon brauna seeds subjected, or not, to oven fast-drying. Seeds were initially dried rapidly in an oven at 40 ºC, 50 ºC, 60 ºC, 70 ºC, and 80 °C, for 24, 48 and 72 h and then subjected to germination tests and moisture content determination. Degenerate primers were designed for 19 genes. The CDNA was used as a template for PCR amplifications using the degenerate primers, and the PCR products obtained were purified, cloned and sequenced. The seeds showed a gradual reduction in percent germination with increasing temperature and drying time. Nucleotide sequences of the cloned fragments related to genes CAT1, SPS1, Abi5, Transk and PM25 were obtained. The similarity analysis with the sequences deposited in databases revealed similarities with genes CAT1, SPS1, Transk and PM25 from other plant species. The nucleotide sequences obtained from the respective genes will be used for designing specific primers for gene expression analyses during seed germination in order to understand the causes for loss of physiological quality of Melanoxylon brauna seeds.

The resting electrocardiogram of t. cruzi-infected rats

A total of 125 rats were infected with the Colômbia strain of T. cruzi (2000 parasites/g) shortly after weaning. Of these, 58 survived the acute phase and were used in the present experiment. Twenty eight similar but not infected rats served as controls. All rats were submitted to the resting ECG When they were 6 months old. Classic and 3 precordial leads were employed in order to record the ECG as completely as possible. Electrocardiographic changes similar to those found in human chronic Chagas' heart disease and not previously described in this model were found in 44% of the T. cruzi-infected rats: left axis deviation (22%), right axis deviation (7%), lengthened and bizarre QRS complex (14%) and abnormal J point elevation (3%). On the basis of these results, we believe that the resting ECG constitutes a valuable tool for studying experimental chronic Chagas' heart disease in rats.

HAND-FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STATUS AND RELATIONSHIP WITH METEOROLOGICAL VARIABLES IN GUANGZHOU, SOUTHERN CHINA, 2008-2012

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) is becoming one of the extremely common airborne and contact transmission diseases in Guangzhou, southern China, leading public health authorities to be concerned about its increased incidence. In this study, it was used an ecological study plus the negative binomial regression to identify the epidemic status of HFMD and its relationship with meteorological variables. During 2008-2012, a total of 173,524 HFMD confirmed cases were reported, 12 cases of death, yielding a fatality rate of 0.69 per 10,000. The annual incidence rates from 2008 to 2012 were 60.56, 132.44, 311.40, 402.76, and 468.59 (per 100,000), respectively, showing a rapid increasing trend. Each 1 °C rise in temperature corresponded to an increase of 9.47% (95% CI 9.36% to 9.58%) in the weekly number of HFMD cases, while a one hPa rise in atmospheric pressure corresponded to a decrease in the number of cases by 7.53% (95% CI -7.60% to -7.45%). Similarly, each one percent rise in relative humidity corresponded to an increase of 1.48% or 3.3%, and a one meter per hour rise in wind speed corresponded to an increase of 2.18% or 4.57%, in the weekly number of HFMD cases, depending on the variables considered in the model. These findings revealed that epidemic status of HFMD in Guangzhou is characterized by high morbidity but low fatality. Weather factors had a significant influence on the incidence of HFMD.

Occurrence of dolichocolon without megacolon in chronic Chagas disease patients

INTRODUCTION: Since 1970, lengthening of the rectosigmoid has been suspected to be a solitary manifestation of Chagas colopathy. METHODS: To test this hypothesis, opaque enema was administered on 210 seropositive and 63 seronegative patients, and radiographs in the anteroposterior and posteroanterior positions were examined blind to the serological and clinical findings. The distal colon was measured using a flexible ruler along the central axis of the image from the anus to the iliac crest. RESULTS: Dolichocolon was diagnosed in 31 (14.8%) seropositive and 3 (4.8%) seronegative patients. The mean length was 57.2 (±12.2)cm in seropositive patients and 52.1 (±8.8)cm in the seronegative patients (p = 0.000), that is, the distal colon in Chagas patients was, on average, 5.1cm longer. Seropositive female patients presented a mean length of 58.8 (±12.3)cm, and seronegative female patients presented 53.2 (±9.1)cm (p = 0.002). Seropositive male patients had a mean length of 55 (±11.6)cm, and seronegative male patients had 49.9 (±7.8)cm (p = 0.02). Among 191 patients without megacolon and suspected megacolon, the mean length was 56.3 (±11.6)cm in seropositive individuals and 52 (±8.8)cm in seronegative patients (p = 0.003). Among individuals with distal colon >70cm, there were 31 Chagas patients with mean length of 77.9 (±7.1)cm and three seronegative with 71.3 (±1.1)cm (p = 0.000). Among 179 with distal colon <70cm, seropositive individuals had a mean length of 53.6 (±8.8)cm, and seronegative patients had 51.2 (±7.8)cm (p = 0.059). Serological positive women had longer distal colon than men (p = 0.02), whereas the mean length were the same among seronegative individuals (p = 0.16). CONCLUSIONS: In endemic areas of Brazil Central, solitary dolichocolon is a radiological Chagas disease signal.

Temperature and atmospheric pressure may be considered as predictors for the occurrence of bacillary dysentery in Guangzhou, Southern China

Introduction The control of bacillary dysentery (BD) remains a big challenge for China. Methods Negative binomial multivariable regression was used to study relationships between meteorological variables and the occurrence of BD during the period of 2006-2012. Results Each 1°C rise of temperature corresponded to an increase of 3.60% (95%CI, 3.03% to 4.18%) in the monthly number of BD cases, whereas a 1 hPa rise in atmospheric pressure corresponded to a decrease in the number of BD cases by 2.85% (95%CI = 3.34% to 2.37% decrease). Conclusions Temperature and atmospheric pressure may be considered as predictors for the occurrence of BD in Guangzhou.

The systematic and biogeographical status of Fredius reflexifrons (Ortmann, 1897) and Fredius fittkaui (Bott, 1967) (Crustacea: Brachyura: Pseudothelphusidae) from the Amazon and Atlantic Guianas River basins

There is considerable confusion in the literature regarding the systematic position and distribution of two pseudothelphusid crabs originally described as Potamocarcinus reflexifrons Ortmann, 1897 and Potamocarcinus reflexifrons fittkaui Bott, 1967, and now included in the genus Fredius Pretzman, 1965, as F. reflexifrons and F. fittkaui. Study of numerous specimens from recent collections, together with a critical analysis of the data published in the literature, shows that both taxa could be easily separated by gonopodal characters. The two species occupy discrete areas of distribution along the main axis of the Amazon River and in the upper Rio Negro Basin, respectively, with an overlap in the Atlantic Guianas. It is postulated that they originated from a common ancestor, through a process of vicariance, in the two areas observed at present. Permeability of barriers allowed their further occupancy of the Atlantic Guianas after the marine regressions in this area.

Geographic pattern of genetic diversity in natural populations of Rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora), in the Central Amazonia

Rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora Ducke, Lauraceae) is an Amazonian evergreen tree and a source of the purest linalool, the main component of its essential oil, which is very valuable in the international perfumery market. After decades of over-exploitation it is currently considered as threatened. We evaluated the genetic diversity and its distribution in four populations in Central Amazonia. Thirty-five reliable RAPD markers were generated, of which 32 were polymorphic (91.4%). Variation was higher within the populations (76.5%; p < 0.0001) and geographic distribution contributed to population differentiation (23.4%; p < 0.0001). The Amazon River had a small influence on gene flow (3.3%; p < 0.0001), but we identified evidence of gene flow across the river. There were significant differences in marker frequencies (p < 0.05), in agreement with the low gene flow (Nm = 2.02). The correlation between genetic distance and gene flow was - 0.95 (p = 0.06) and between geographic distance and gene flow was -0.78 (p = 0.12). There was a geographic cline of variability across an East-West axis, influenced as well by the Amazon River, suggesting the river could be a barrier to gene flow. Although threatened, these Rosewood populations retain high diversity, with the highest levels in the Manaus population, which has been protected for over 42 years in a Reserve.

Structure and distribution of glandular trichomes in three species of Bignoniaceae

Glandular trichomes play a major role in the morphological characterization of the Bignoniaceae. Due to their great diversity of forms and functions, this study aimed to inventory the glandular trichomes present in the aerial vegetative axis of Amphilophium magnoliifolium, Martinella obovata and Stizophyllum riparium, analyze their structure and register the participation of ants in these plants. Fresh samples from the nodal region, petiole and from medium to apical regions of the leaflet blade were fixed and processed according to usual methods in light and scanning electron microscopies. The glandular trichomes found were: peltate, capitate, stipitate, and patelliform/cupular. Peltate trichomes are the most abundant ones and present the most uniform distribution. Patelliform/cupular trichomes occur at specific regions, such as prophylls, leaflet blade and nodal regions. Martinella obovata is the only species that presents capitate and stipitate trichomes, which are widely distributed along the entire aerial vegetative axis. Ants were found in all species, mainly at nodal regions. The occurrence of the capitate-type trichome is reported for the first time to the genus.

Morphology, ontogeny and structure of the stipular nectaries in Caamembeca spectabilis (Polygalaceae)

ABSTRACT Nodal glands are found in one third of the Polygalaceae genera and have valuable taxonomic, ecological and evolutionary significance. In Brazil, they occur in five of the eleven genera already registered. However, there is still a controversy regarding the origin of these structures. The objective of this study was to characterize the morphology and the origin of nodal glands inCaamembeca spectabilis, in order to increase the structural and functional knowledge of these glands in the genera. Samples of nodal regions were collected, fixed and processed according to the methods of light microscopy and electron scanning. Ants were observed and identified along the stem axis. The glucose in exudate allows us to classify these glands as extrafloral nectaries. They are located in pairs on the nodal region. However, its origin is in the leaf trace. In the longitudinal section, the nectaries were present in the apex of cells with anticlinal walls impregnated with suberin, which represents the first record for the family. In this region there is also the formation of a hole by lysis. The secretory tissue is surrounded by phloem. Xylem vessels were observed only on the basis of the nectary, where there are also idioblasts with crystals in druse type. We have studied the ontogeny of the glands nodal in Caamembeca spectabilis and unveiled that these glands are linked to the leaves as stipular nectaries. In addition, the new findings presented here may add support for the understanding of morphology and anatomy of nodal glands in Caamembeca.

Postpartum depression in Recife - Brazil: prevalence and association with bio-socio-demographic factors

OBJECTIVE:To use a semi-structured interview to detect depression in postpartum women according to the criteria proposed by the DSM in child health care clinics in the city of Recife, together with the proper association of this disorder to bio-socio-demographic data. METHODS: The study used a cross-section method and contained a convenience sample of 400 women that were between 2 and 26 weeks of postpartum in child health care clinics. A bio-socio-demographic questionnaire and the Portuguese version of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders were used. RESULTS: Twenty nine of the mothers (7.2%) were diagnosed as suffering from postpartum depression. Women with a past history of psychiatric disorders, a family history of psychiatric disorder and some sort of clinical complication presented a higher prevalence of depression. The same happened to those with a past history of spontaneous abortion, those who had a transpelvic birth and those over 8 weeks of puerperium. CONCLUSION: The rate of postpartum depression in this sample, 7.2%, was lower than that reported by other Brazilian studies. It probably occurred because the other researchers used screening scales to assess this estimate instead of a clinical interview.

Escala de Satisfação dos Pacientes com os Serviços de Saúde Mental (SATIS-BR): estudo de validação

OBJETIVO: Fazer um estudo da validade de construto, validade convergente e consistência interna da Escala de Satisfação dos Pacientes com os Serviços de Saúde Mental (SATIS-BR). MÉTODO: Participaram da pesquisa 110 pacientes psiquiátricos, atendidos em cinco serviços públicos de saúde mental do interior de Minas Gerais. A escala foi aplicada em entrevistas individuais estruturadas. A escala possui 12 itens que avaliam a satisfação dos pacientes, com alternativas de resposta dispostas em escala Likert de 5 pontos. Foi também aplicada a Escala de Mudança Percebida (EMP) para a análise de validade convergente da SATIS-BR. RESULTADOS: A análise fatorial pelo método Principal Axis Factoring revelou uma estrutura fatorial de três fatores, que avaliam a satisfação dos pacientes em relação às dimensões: 1. Competência e compreensão da equipe; 2. Ajuda e acolhida; 3. Condições físicas do serviço. A análise pelo coeficiente alfa de Cronbach mostrou boa consistência interna (alfa = 0,88). A análise da validade convergente foi adequada, tendo sido obtida uma correlação de Pearson positiva significativa com a escala EMP, que avalia um construto teoricamente relacionado ao de satisfação (r = 0,41; p < 0,001). CONCLUSÃO: A escala SATIS-BR apresenta qualidades psicométricas adequadas de validade de construto, validade convergente e fidedignidade.

A influência do nascimento prematuro no vínculo mãe-bebê

Objetivo Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar a relação entre o parto vivenciado como traumático em decorrência da prematuridade e o vínculo mãe-bebê. Métodos Um questionário de dados biossociodemográficos (idade, escolaridade, raça, estado civil, trabalho), obstétricos e do parto, elaborado pela própria pesquisadora com variáveis categóricas, foi utilizado para a caracterização dos dados maternos. Uma entrevista clínica estruturada foi aplicada para caracterizar o parto prematuro como traumático utilizando o Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I) – Critério A e a escala de Ligação mãe-bebê, validada na literatura na versão portuguesa, para avaliar o vínculo mãe-bebê prematuro. Resultados O parto prematuro foi tomado como traumático em 43 (71,7%) das puérperas analisadas. O sentimento de ligação materna “Triste” e a variável se a pesquisada trabalhava ou não foram as únicas que mostraram associação significativa com a ocorrência do parto prematuro traumático. Conclusão O parto prematuro pode ser considerado uma experiência traumática para a mãe e pode influenciar negativamente o desenvolvimento do vínculo mãe-bebê. Direções para pesquisas futuras são discutidas.

Exercise Dependence Scale: adaptação e evidências de validade e precisão

RESUMO Objetivo O presente estudo teve como objetivo conhecer evidências de validade e precisão da Exercise Dependence Scale-Revised (EDS-R). Métodos Contou-se com uma amostra não probabilística de 709 praticantes de exercício físico de todo o Brasil, com idades variando entre 12 e 73 anos (M = 25,7; DP = 8,43), a maioria do sexo masculino (55,1%) e apresentando o estado civil solteiro (75,5%). Os participantes responderam a EDS-R e questões demográficas. Procurando conhecer a estrutura fatorial, foram utilizados procedimentos de análise fatorial exploratória e confirmatória. Adicionalmente, a fim de avaliar a precisão do instrumento, efetuaram-se cálculos de alfa de Cronbach (consistência interna) e correlações de r de Pearson. Resultados A partir das análises exploratórias (principal axis factoring), foi observada uma variância explicada de 62,7% para uma estrutura de sete fatores. A consistência interna total da escala foi de 0,88, com índices de alfa de Cronbach variando de 0,68 a 0,89 entre os fatores. Os coeficientes de correlação variaram de 0,10 a 0,65, apontando para uma inter-relação entre as dimensões. Os procedimentos de análise fatorial confirmatória corroboraram a estrutura heptafatorial a partir de indicadores satisfatórios de bondade de ajuste do modelo [χ2 (168) = 288,21; p < 0,001, χ2/gl = 1,78, GFI = 0,93, CFI = 0,95 e RMSEA = 0,04 (IC90% = 0,037-0,055)]. Conclusões Os achados apoiaram a adequação psicométrica da EDS-R, a partir das análises exploratórias e confirmatórias, em consonância com o modelo teórico de dependência de exercício físico.

Myocardial perfusion by contrast echocardiography. Establishment of normal pattern of intracoronary injection and safety in humans

OBJECTIVE: To establish the normal pattern and safety of echocardiographic contrast in patients with no significant obstruction of epicardial coronary arteries. METHODS: 67 patients with normal coronary arteries or obstructions < 50% were selected from 277 patients who underwent coronary angiography (CA). Mean age was 56 ± 11years and 36 were males. At the end CA, echocardiographic contrast was selectively injected into each coronary artery. The parasternal short axis of the left ventricle (LV) was divided into six segments: anterior (A), antero-lateral (AL), postero-lateral (PL), posterior (P), infero-septal (IS) and antero-septal (AS). Anterolateral (ALPM) and posteromedial papillary muscles (PMPM) were also considered. The pattern and intensity of the appearance of the myocardial contrast was visually analyzed. RESULTS: The right coronary artery (RCA) was dominant in 60 patients. Contrast appearance was sudden and simultaneous in the 3 muscle layers. All segments could be contrasted after the injection in both coronary arteries. 100% of the AS, A and AL segments, 97% of the PL and 98% of the ALPM were perfused by the left coronary artery (LCA). P and IS segments were perfused by the RCA in 85% and 82%, respectively, and by a dominant LCA in 71% of the cases. The PMPM was perfused by a dominant RCA in 77% and by a dominant LCA in 86%. There were no symptoms. CONCLUSION: Intracoronary injection of the sonicated solution is a safe procedure that allows for an excellent opacification of the myocardium and can potentially be used during routine CA.

Cardiac findings in 31 patients with Noonan's syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate cardiac findings in 31 Noonan syndrome patients. METHODS: Thirty-one (18 males and 13 females)patients from 26 families affected with Noonan's syndrome were evaluated from the cardiac point of view with electrocardiography and echodopplercardiography. RESULTS: Twenty patients had some type of cardiac abnormality. The most frequent was pulmonary valve stenosis followed by hypertrophic myocardiopathy, commonly associated with valve defects. Upper deviation of the QRS axis was observed in 80% of these patients. CONCLUSION: In view of the high frequency and diversity of cardiac abnormalities present in Noonan syndrome, cardiac evaluation with electrocardiography and echocardiography should be performed in all patients diagnostically suspected of having this disease.