The identification of two Trypanosoma cruzi I genotypes from domestic and sylvatic transmission cycles in Colombia based on a single polymerase chain reaction amplification of the spliced-leader intergenic region

A single polymerase chain reaction (PCR) reaction targeting the spliced-leader intergenic region of Trypanosoma cruzi I was standardised by amplifying a 231 bp fragment in domestic (TcIDOM) strains or clones and 450 and 550 bp fragments in sylvatic strains or clones. This reaction was validated using 44 blind coded samples and 184 non-coded T. cruzi I clones isolated from sylvatic triatomines and the correspondence between the amplified fragments and their domestic or sylvatic origin was determined. Six of the nine strains isolated from acute cases suspected of oral infection had the sylvatic T. cruzi I profile. These results confirmed that the sylvatic T. cruzi I genotype is linked to cases of oral Chagas disease in Colombia. We therefore propose the use of this novel PCR reaction in strains or clones previously characterised as T. cruziI to distinguish TcIDOMfrom sylvatic genotypes in studies of transmission dynamics, including the verification of population selection within hosts or detection of the frequency of mixed infections by both T. cruzi I genotypes in Colombia.

Low transformation growth factor-β1 production and collagen synthesis correlate with the lack of hepatic periportal fibrosis development in undernourished mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni

Undernourished mice infected (UI) submitted to low and long-lasting infections by Schistosoma mansoni are unable to develop the hepatic periportal fibrosis that is equivalent to Symmers’ fibrosis in humans. In this report, the effects of the host’s nutritional status on parasite (worm load, egg viability and maturation) and host (growth curves, biology, collagen synthesis and characteristics of the immunological response) were studied and these are considered as interdependent factors influencing the amount and distribution of fibrous tissue in hepatic periovular granulomas and portal spaces. The nutritional status of the host influenced the low body weight and low parasite burden detected in UI mice as well as the number, viability and maturation of released eggs. The reduced oviposition and increased number of degenerated or dead eggs were associated with low protein synthesis detected in deficient hosts, which likely induced the observed decrease in transformation growth factor (TGF)-β1 and liver collagen. Despite the reduced number of mature eggs in UI mice, the activation of TGF-β1 and hepatic stellate cells occurred regardless of the unviability of most miracidia, due to stimulation by fibrogenic proteins and eggshell glycoproteins. However, changes in the repair mechanisms influenced by the nutritional status in deficient animals may account for the decreased liver collagen detected in the present study.

Urinary incontinence related to perineal muscle strength in the first trimester of pregnancy: cross-sectional study

Objective To analyze pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS), urinary continence and quality of life related to urinary incontinence (UI) of women in the first trimester of pregnancy. Method Cross-sectional study with a sample of 500 women who started prenatal care in a complementary healthcare facility in Guarulhos, state of São Paulo, from 2012 and 2013. Pelvic floor muscle strength was evaluated through perineometry. The pregnant women who presented UI answered the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF). Results It was found that maternal age (OR=1.06; CI95% 1.02-1.11) and prior UI (OR=15.12; 95%CI 8.19-27.92) are the variables that, in tandem, best explain the occurrence of UI at the beginning of pregnancy. The mean score on the ICIQ-SF was 8.2 (SD=3.9), considered a moderate impact on quality of life. Conclusion Older pregnant women with prior UI are more likely to have UI in the first trimester of pregnancy.


The use of the Nursing Activities Score in clinical settings: an integrative review

ABSTRACT Objective analyze how studies have approached the results obtained from the application of the Nursing Activities Score (NAS) based on Donabedian’s model of healthcare organization and delivery. Method CINAHL and PubMed databases were searched for papers published between 2003 and March 2015. Results 36 articles that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed and double-coded by three independent coders and analyzed based on the three elements of Donabedian’s health care quality framework: structure, process and outcome. The most frequently addressed, but not always tested, variables were those that fell into the structure category. Conclusion variables that fell into the process category were used less frequently. Beside NAS, the most frequently used variables in the outcome category were mortality and length of stay. However, no study used a quality framework for healthcare or NAS to evaluate costs, and it is recommended that further research should explore this approach.

Meliponini neotropicais: o gênero Partamona Schwarz, 1939 (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Apinae) - bionomia e biogeografia

This work, dedicated to the study of nesting habits of the species of the Neotropical genus Partamona Schwarz, is a sequence to the taxonomic revision recently published elsewhere. A total of 214 nests and nest aggregations of 18 species [Partamona epiphytophila Pedro & Camargo, 2003; P. testacea (Klug, 1807); P. mourei Camargo, 1980; P. vicina Camargo, 1980; P. auripennis Pedro & Camargo, 2003; P. combinata Pedro & Camargo, 2003; P. chapadicola Pedro & Camargo, 2003; P. nhambiquara Pedro & Camargo, 2003; P. ferreirai Pedro & Camargo, 2003; P. pearsoni (Schwarz, 1938); P. gregaria Pedro & Camargo, 2003; P. batesi Pedro & Camargo, 2003; P. ailyae Camargo, 1980; P. cupira (Smith, 1863); P. mulata Moure in Camargo, 1980; P. seridoensis Pedro & Camargo, 2003; P. criptica Pedro & Camargo, 2003; P. helleri (Friese, 1900)] were studied , including data about habitat, substrate, structural characteristics, construction materials and behavior. The descriptions of the nests are illustrated with 48 drawings. Partial data of the nests of P. bilineata (Say, 1837), P. xanthogastra Pedro & Camargo, 1997, P. orizabaensis (Strand, 1919), P. peckolti (Friese, 1901), P. aequatoriana Camargo, 1980, P. musarum (Cockerell, 1917) and P. rustica Pedro & Camargo, 2003 are also presented. Nests of P. grandipennis (Schwarz, 1951), P. yungarum Pedro & Camargo, 2003, P. subtilis Pedro & Camargo, 2003, P. vitae Pedro & Camargo, 2003, P. nigrior (Cockerell, 1925), P. sooretamae Pedro & Camargo, 2003 and P. littoralis Pedro & Camargo, 2003 are unknown. The species of Partamona build notable nest entrance structures, with special surfaces for incoming / exiting bees; some of them are extremely well-elaborated and ornamented, serving as flight orientation targets. All species endemic to western Ecuador to Mexico with known nesting habits (P. orizabaensis, P. peckolti, P. xanthogastra, P. bilineata, P. aequatoriana and P. musarum) build their nests in several substrates, non-associated with termitaria, such as cavities and crevices in walls, among roots of epiphytes and in bases of palm leaves, in abandoned bird nests, under bridges, and in other protected places, except P. peckolti that occasionally occupies termite nests. In South America, on the eastern side of the Andes, only P. epiphytophila and P. helleri nest among roots of epiphytes and other substrates, non-associated with termitaria. All other species studied (P. batesi, P. gregaria, P. pearsoni, P. ferreirai, P. chapadicola, P. nhambiquara, P. vicina, P. mourei, P. auripennis, P. combinata, P. cupira, P. mulata, P. ailyae, P. seridoensis, P. criptica and P. rustica) nest inside active termite nests, whether epigeous or arboreous. The only species that builds obligate subterranean nests, associated or not with termite or ant nests (Atta spp.) is P. testacea. Nests of Partamona have one vestibular chamber (autapomorphic for the genus) closely adjacent to the entrance, filled with a labyrinth of anastomosing pillars and connectives, made of earth and resins. One principal chamber exists for food and brood, but in some species one or more additional chambers are filled with food storage pots. In nests of P. vicina, there is one atrium or "false nest", between the vestibule and the brood chamber, which contains involucral sheaths, cells and empty pots. All structures of the nest are supported by permanent pillars made of earth and resins (another autapomorphy of the genus). The characters concerning nesting habits were coded and combined with morphological and biogeographic data, in order to hypothesize the evolutive scenario of the genus using cladistic methodology. The phylogenetic hypothesis presented is the following: (((((P. bilineata (P. grandipennis, P. xanthogastra)) (P. orizabaensis, P. peckolti)) (P. aequatoriana, P. musarum)) P. epiphytophila, P. yungarum, P. subtilis, P. vitae) (((((P. testacea (P. mourei, P. vicina)) (P. nigrior (P. auripennis, P. combinata))) (P. ferreirai (P. pearsoni (P. gregaria (P. batesi (P. chapadicola, P. nhambiquara)))))) ((((P. ailyae, P. sooretamae) P. cupira, P. mulata) P. seridoensis) P. criptica, P. rustica, P. littoralis)) P. helleri))). One area cladogram is presented. Dates of some vicariance / cladogenesis events are suggested. For bilineata / epiphytophila group, which inhabits the Southwestern Amazonia and the Chocó-Mexican biogeographical components, the origin of ancestral species is attributed to the Middle Miocene, when the transgressions of the Maracaibo and Paranense seas isolated the tropical northwestern South America from the eastern continental land mass. The next cladogenic event in the history of the bilineata / epiphytophila group is attributed to the Plio-Pleistocene, when the Ecuadorian Andes reached more than 3000 m, and the ancestral species was fragmented in two populations, one occupying the western Andes (ancestral species of the bilineata subgroup) and other the southwestern Amazon (ancestral species of the epiphytophila subgroup). Other aspects of the history of Partamona are also discussed.

Análise de parcimônia de endemismo de cercopídeos neotropicais (Hemiptera, Cercopidae)

The spittlebugs have an extent distribution in the American continent. Their diversity may determinate endemism areas based on their occurence in different localities. We have used Parsimony Analysis of Endemicity method, which is an important historic biogeography tool for detecting and establishing the relationship among endemics areas. A data matrix was built up based on the occurence registration for the species by 66 genus in whole localities divided in five degrees quadrats in the Neotropical Region, using 49 OGUs (Operative Geografic Units). The presence of the taxa in the areas was coded 1 and the absence 0. The data matrix was analysed based on parsimony analysis through the computer program Hennig 86. Nine endemic areas were stipulated (Mexico + Central America, Venezuelan Savana, Guiana + Suriname, Chaco, Trans-andean, Cerrado, Amazon, Pampa and Atlantic Forest) in the first analysis corroborated with ecological and physiographic patterns in each region. The second analysis was made using 48 genera to obtain the relationship among the nine areas stipulated before. In this analysis just one cladogram (3((1,2)((8,9)(6(7(4,5)))))) was obtained with 192 steps, consistence index 0.80 and retention index 0.85.

Phylogeny of wasps of the genus Mischocyttarus de Saussure (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Polistinae)

A phylogenetic analysis is presented of subgenera and species-groups of Mischocyttarus de Saussure, the largest genus of social wasps. The analysis is based on 62 morphological and nest architecture characters, coded for 71 terminals representing much of the taxonomic diversity within the genus, plus three outgroup terminals representing other polistine tribes. The main conclusions about phylogenetic relationships within the genus are based on parsimony analysis under implied weights. Monophyly of Mischocyttarus is confirmed as well as that of most of the previously recognized subgenera: Mischocyttarus s. str., Clypeopolybia, Monogynoecus, Scytokeraia, Phi, Kappa, Megacanthopus and Omega sensu Richards (1978). Haplometrobius as conceived by Richards (1978) is not a monophyletic taxon, but some of its species-groups are monophyletic. The groups of M.artifex and M.cerberus are raised to subgenus level, and a new concept of Haplometrobius restricts it to the group of M.iheringi (the type species of this subgenus) in the sense of this work. The concept of subgenus Omega is widened to include the species-groups of M.surinamensis and M.prominulus. Besides the new subgeneric classification presented, limits and diagnoses of all species-groups of the subgenera Phi and Haplometrobius sensu Richards (1978) are discussed, and a new key for all subgenera and species-groups of Mischocyttarus is also presented.

Description and phylogenetic analysis of the Calycopidina (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae, Theclinae, Eumaeini): a subtribe of detritivores

Description and phylogenetic analysis of the Calycopidina (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae, Theclinae, Eumaeini): a subtribe of detritivores. The purpose of this paper is to establish a phylogenetic basis for a new Eumaeini subtribe that includes those lycaenid genera in which detritivory has been recorded. Morphological characters were coded for 82 species of the previously proposed "Lamprospilus Section" of the Eumaeini (19 of these had coding identical to another species), and a phylogenetic analysis was performed using the 63 distinct ingroup terminal taxa and six outgroups belonging to four genera. Taxonomic results include the description in the Eumaeini of Calycopidina Duarte & Robbins new subtribe (type genus Calycopis Scudder, 1876), which contains Lamprospilus Geyer, Badecla Duarte & Robbins new genus (type species Thecla badaca Hewitson), Arzecla Duarte & Robbins new genus (type species Thecla arza Hewitson), Arumecla Robbins & Duarte, Camissecla Robbins & Duarte, Electrostrymon Clench, Rubroserrata K. Johnson & Kroenlein revalidated status, Ziegleria K. Johnson, Kisutam K. Johnson & Kroenlein revalidated status, and Calycopis. Previous "infratribe" names Angulopina K. Johnson & Kroenlein, 1993, and Calycopina K. Johnson & Kroenlein, 1993, are nomenclaturally unavailable and polyphyletic as proposed. New combinations include Badecla badaca (Hewitson), Badecla picentia (Hewitson), Badecla quadramacula (Austin & K. Johnson), Badecla lanckena (Schaus), Badecla argentinensis (K. Johnson & Kroenlein), Badecla clarissa (Draudt), Arzecla arza (Hewitson), Arzecla tarpa (Godman & Salvin), Arzecla canacha (Hewitson), Arzecla calatia (Hewitson), Arzecla tucumanensis (K. Johnson & Kroenlein), Arzecla sethon (Godman & Salvin), Arzecla nubilum (H. H. Druce), Arzecla paralus (Godman & Salvin), Arzecla taminella (Schaus), Arzecla albolineata (Lathy), Electrostrymon denarius (Butler & H.Druce), Electrostrymon guzanta (Schaus), Electrostrymon perisus (H. H. Druce), Rubroserrata mathewi (Hewitson), Rubroserrata ecbatana (Hewitson), Kisutam micandriana (K. Johnson), and Kisutam syllis (Godman & Salvin). The structure of the male genitalia lateral window, labides, and brush organs are described and discussed, as are the female genitalia signa of the corpus bursae and 8th abdominal tergum. Widespread wing pattern sexual dimorphism in the Calycopidina is noted and illustrated, and the presence of alternating dark and light bands on the ventral wings of both sexes is discussed. The evidence for detritivory in Lamprospilus, Badecla, Arzecla, Arumecla, Camissecla, Electrostrymon, Ziegleria, Kisutam, and Calycopis is summarized using the new classification.

Ammonia volatilization of urea in the out-of-season corn

The aim of this study was to evaluate the N losses due to volatilization at different rates of common urea, polymer coated urea and urease inhibitor-treated urea in the out-of-season corn, using semi-open static collectors. The treatments consisted of N levels on side-dressing fertilization with urea in different treatments: (a) control (without N), (b) urea 40 kg ha-1 N, (c) urea 80 kg ha-1 N, (d) polymer coated urea 40 kg ha-1 N, (e) polymer coated urea 80 kg ha-1 N and (f) urea with the urease inhibitor (UI) N 80 kg ha-1 N. The results showed that the treatments with polymer coated urea and with urease inhibitor-treated urea reduced the volatilization of N around 50 % compared to common urea, either in the first and the second N side-dressing fertilizations. Thus, they demonstrate that the polymer coat and the urease inhibitors were effective in reducing the volatilization of urea N applied in coverage, which resulted in higher productivity. There was also increasing urease activity in the treatments with application of common urea.

Avaliação de programas hormonais para a indução e sincronização do estro em caprinos

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estabelecer alternativas para indução e sincronização do estro em cabras leiteiras manejadas semi-intensivamente. Foram conduzidos quatro experimentos com 411 cabras na Embrapa-Centro Nacional de Pesquisa deCaprinos, Sobral, CE. No protocolo básico, utilizaram-se esponjas intra-vaginais com 50 mg de acetato de medroxiprogesterona (MAP) por dez dias e aplicação intra-muscular de 100 mig de cloprostenol e 200 UI de gonadotropina coriônica eqüina (eCG) no 8º dia; a inseminação artificial (IA), com sêmen congelado foi feita 38 horas após remoção da esponja. No experimento1 substituiu-se a e CG pelo "efeito macho"; no experimento 2 substituiu-se a dose de MAP para 60 mg; no experimento3 compararam-se diferentes momentos de IA: 38, 44 e 50 horas e no experimento 4 substituiu-se a eCG pela gonadotropina humana (hCG). Nenhuma das alternativas testadas modificou (P>0,05) a prolificidade. A IA em cio natural gerou maior (P<0,05) índice de parição no experimento2(67,7%) e no experimento 4 (73,3%). A dose de 60 mg de MAP permitiu realizar a IA mais tarde (44 horas apósretirar a esponja) sem detrimento da fertilidade. A hCG equivaleu a eCG, se aplicada 48 horas antes de retirar a esponja.

Atividade da amilase em rã-touro durante a fase pós-metamórfica

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a atividade da amilase no quimo da rã-touro, Rana catesbeiana Shaw 1802 (3,6 a 200 g). Oitenta e sete animais foram distribuídos em baias-testes com temperatura e fotoperíodo controlados. As rãs selecionadas na fase pós-metamórfica receberam ração comercial extrusada ad libitum. Durante 87 dias de experimento, foram efetuadas 29 coletas em intervalos de 1 a 8 dias. As coletas do conteúdo intestinal foram feitas mediante a insensibilização das rãs em gelo e água e isolamento posterior do intestino delgado das mesmas. Para os testes da atividade da amilase, foram utilizados kits enzimáticos comerciais. A atividade da amilase foi observada a partir do terceiro dia e apresentou aumento até alcançar estabilidade, quando os animais pesavam 4,35 g. Do sétimo dia até o final do experimento, ocorreu a manutenção da estabilidade da atividade (137,44 UI) e atividade específica da amilase (14.688 UI mg-1).

Mastite clínica em vacas leiteiras suplementadas com selênio e vitamina E

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do selênio e da vitamina E sobre a prevalência de mastite clínica em vacas da raça Holandesa. Oitenta vacas foram distribuídas em quatro tratamentos: controle e suplementação com 2,5 mg selênio dia-1 , com 1.000 UI vitamina E dia-1 e com 2,5 mg selênio + 1.000 UI vitamina E dia-1 . A suplementação foi iniciada 30 dias antes da provável data de parição, prolongando-se até o parto. Amostras do volumoso e do concentrado foram colhidas, quinzenalmente, para análise bromatológica completa e levantamento dos níveis de selênio. O sangue foi colhido antes do início da suplementação, no parto, 30 e 60 dias após o parto, para determinação dos níveis de selênio. O teste de Tamis e a análise clínica do úbere foram realizados semanalmente, para detecção de mastite até a décima segunda semana de lactação. Um mês após a suplementação, as vacas que receberam selênio apresentaram níveis séricos superiores (p<0,05) ao grupo controle. A vitamina E e o selênio não afetaram a prevalência de mastite clínica, nas doze primeiras semanas de lactação, e não foi encontrada interação entre os dois elementos.

Variáveis que influenciam a produção de celulases e xilanase por espécies de Aspergillus

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar as variáveis que influenciam a produção simultânea de celulases e xilanase por Aspergillus aculeatus URM 4953 e A. phoenicis URM 4924, com uso de bagaço de cana-de-açúcar como substrato. As variáveis avaliadas foram pH inicial, tempo de cultivo, concentração do substrato, agitação, concentração do inóculo, temperatura, tipo de bagaço de cana-de-açúcar e espécie de Aspergillus. Foi utilizado o planejamento fatorial fracionário 2(8-4), com três repetições no ponto central. Todas as variáveis analisadas influenciaram a produção de pelo menos uma das enzimas. As maiores atividades enzimáticas observadas foram: celulases totais, 0,45 UI mL-1; endoglucanase, 0,60 UI mL-1; exoglucanase, 0,17 U mL-1 ; celobiase 6,42 UI mL-1; e xilanase, 30,05 U mL-1. As melhores condições para produção das enzimas foram: pH 6,0; tempo de cultivo de 168 horas; bagaço de cana-de-açúcar residual como substrato; e A. aculeatus URM 4953, que produziu as celulases e a xilanase simultaneamente. As variáveis que influenciam a produção simultânea das celulases e xilanase são pH, tempo de cultivo, tipo de bagaço de cana-de-açúcar e espécie de Aspergillus.

Produção de celulases por Aspergillus niger por fermentação em estado sólido

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a produção enzimática de celulases pelo fungo filamentoso Aspergillus niger por fermentação em estado sólido de diferentes substratos. Foram avaliados os substratos sólidos bagaço de cana-de-açúcar, farelo de soja, farelo de trigo e misturas entre os substratos. Em substrato com 90% de bagaço e 10% de farelo de soja, avaliaram-se os efeitos do conteúdo de umidade (60, 70 e 80%, base úmida) e da suplementação com os meios indutores da atividade enzimática: sacarose, Mandels & Weber básico, Mandels & Weber modificado, com acréscimo de carboximetilcelulose, e Czapeck Dox. As maiores atividades de celulase total e endoglucanase, em farelo de trigo, foram obtidas após 72 horas de cultivo: 0,4 e 21,0 UI g-1, respectivamente. Observou-se expressivo aumento nas atividades enzimáticas na medida em que se aumentou a proporção de farelos no substrato, em comparação à fermentação com bagaço de cana apenas. O conteúdo de umidade de 50% foi insuficiente para conseguir completa hidratação do bagaço de cana, e a umidade ideal varia de acordo com o meio utilizado para suplementação e encontra-se entre 70 e 80%. O meio de Mandels & Weber modificado apresenta o melhor resultado como indutor da atividade enzimática.

Parâmetros sanguíneos, hepáticos e ruminais de ovinos alimentados com dietas com farelo de mamona destoxificado

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os parâmetros sanguíneos, hepáticos e ruminais, bem como caracterizar e quantificar a população de protozoários ciliados, no rúmen de ovinos alimentados com dietas com farelo de mamona destoxificada (FM). Foram utilizados 32 ovinos, para a avaliação dos parâmetros sanguíneos e hepáticos, e quatro ovinos adultos fistulados no rúmen, para a avaliação dos parâmetros ruminais. A dieta controle foi composta por feno de capim-buffel, milho em grão moído, ureia e farelo de soja (FS). Nos tratamentos, o FS foi substituído parcialmente pelo FM a 15, 30 e 45% no concentrado. Não houve diferença, entre os tratamentos, quanto aos teores de ureia no soro, cuja média foi de 666,0 mg L-1. Não houve diferença entre as dietas quanto à glicose, ao aspartato aminotranferase e à alanina aminotransferase, que tiveram média de 690,3 mg L-1, 127,4 UI L-1 e 16,9 UI L-1, respectivamente. Os valores de nitrogênio amoniacal e pH apresentaram padrão linear crescente com a substituição do FS pelo FM. O gênero Entodinium foi o mais frequente em todos os tratamentos e obteve média geral de 76,4% do total de protozoários; o tratamento sem inclusão do FM obteve a maior percentagem deste gênero entre os tratamentos.Adieta com substituição de 45% do farelo de soja pelo de mamona destoxificado favorece o ambiente ruminal.