The influence of the area of the Serra da Mesa Hydroelectric Plant, State of Goiás, on the frequency and diversity of anophelines (Diptera: Culicidae): a study on the effect of a reservoir

INTRODUCTION: Bioecological aspects of anophelines (Diptera: Culicidae) near areas under the direct influence of the hydroelectric plant reservoir of Serra da Mesa in Goiás, Brazil, were analyzed. METHODS: Samples were collected at the surrounding dam area during the phases before and after reservoir impoundment. The influence of climatic and environmental factors on the occurrence of Anopheles darlingi, Anopheles albitarsis, Anopheles triannulatus, Anopheles oswaldoi and Anopheles evansae was assessed using Pearson's correlations with indicators for richness and diversity as well as the index of species abundance (ISA) and the standardized index of species abundance (SISA). RESULTS: The highest anopheline density occurred during the phase after filling the tank; however, no direct correlation with the climatic factors was observed during this stage. The reservoir formation determined the incidence of the anopheline species. An. darlingi was the predominant species (SISA = 1.00). CONCLUSIONS: The significant difference (p < 0.05) observed between the species incidence during the different reservoir phases demonstrates the environmental effect of the reservoir on anophelines.

Frequency of the toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 gene in methicillin-susceptible and -resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates from teaching hospitals in Shiraz, Iran

INTRODUCTION: Staphylococcus aureus produces a range of virulence factors such as toxic shock syndrome toxin-1. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study of 345 clinical S. aureus isolates, the presence of the tst gene was assessed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: The study revealed 53/345 (15.4%) isolates were positive for the tst gene. The tst gene was present in 18.1% of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) isolates and 11.6% of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates (p = 0.136). CONCLUSIONS: These results reveal the remarkable risk of S. aureus infections in hospitals, regardless of methicillin-resistance status.

Epidemiological study of hepatitis B and C in a municipality with rural characteristics: Cássia dos Coqueiros, State of São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B and C viral infections remain an important cause of global morbidity and mortality. Studies have been conducted in population groups of large cities, leaving gaps in the knowledge regarding the situation in small municipalities. We aimed to measure the prevalence of hepatitis B and C markers and presence of infection-associated factors. METHODS: All inhabitants of Cássia dos Coqueiros aged ≥18 years who agreed to participate in the research were included. We collected blood as well as information via a questionnaire between March 2011 and December 2013. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Among the 1,001 participants, 41 (4.1%) participants had a serological profile of hepatitis B viral exposure, and only one (0.1%) participant was considered a virus carrier. The frequency of isolated antibody to hepatitis B virus surface antigen (anti-HBs) markers was 17.8% for the overall population. In the multivariate analysis, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was associated with age, birth outside the State of São Paulo, history of hepatitis, ≥2 sexual partners in the last 6 months, and tattoos. Four (0.4%) participants had a serological profile of hepatitis C viral exposure. However, after confirmation using viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) evaluation, only one (0.1%) individual remained positive. CONCLUSIONS: The positivity rates for hepatitis B and C were low, despite greater sexual freedom and the recent emergence of illicit drugs, as observed by the health personnel working in Cássia dos Coqueiros.

Frequency of histopathological changes in Howler monkeys ( Alouatta sp.) naturally infected with yellow fever virus in Brazil

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Due to the importance that Howler monkeys have on the yellow fever (YF) epidemiological sylvatic cycle in Brazil, more accurate morphological diagnostic criteria needs to be established, especially considering the differences that may exist between the genera of Brazilian non-human primates (NHPs) involved in yellow fever virus (YFV) epizootics. METHODS: Records of YF epizootics in NHPs in Brazil between 2007 and 2009 were obtained from the Brazilian Ministry of Health database to select YF positive (n=98) Howler monkeys (Alouatta sp.) for this study. The changes described in the histopathological reports were categorized by organ and their frequencies calculated. RESULTS: The most frequent lesions observed in the animals with YF were hepatocyte apoptosis (Councilman body formation), midzonal hepatocyte necrosis, steatosis, liver hemorrhage, inflammatory mononuclear cell infiltration of the liver, renal acute tubular necrosis and interstitial nephritis. Midzonal hepatocyte necrosis, steatosis and hemorrhage presented positive correlations with apoptosis of hepatocytes, suggesting strong YFV pathogenic effect association; they were also the main histopathological changes in the Alouatta sp. A pronounced negative correlation between apoptosis of hepatocytes and hepatic mononuclear cell infiltration pointed to significant histopathological differences between YFV infection in Howler monkeys and humans. CONCLUSIONS: The results warn that NHPs may exhibit different response patterns following YFV infection and require a more careful diagnosis. Presumptive diagnosis based on primate histopathological lesions may contribute to public health service control.

Influence of physical exercise and sodium intake on arterial pressure and cardiac hypertrophy in rats

Evidence shows that cardiac hypertrophy (CH) is a risk factor for many cardiovascular diseases. Several stimuli may cause CH-like manifestations and promote volume or pressure overload. Exercise-induced cardiac hypertrophy is an expected adaptation to regular exercise training. Salt intake has been shown to be the most important determinant of blood pressure in different populations. The purpose of the present work was to verify the influence of physical exercise and sodium intake on the blood pressure and myocardium. The study was performed on 36 rats divided into six groups: Group I (diet without salt overload), Group II (diet without salt overload and swimming), Group III (diet with 2.5% NaCl solution and swimming), Group IV (diet with 5% NaCl solution and swimming), Group V (diet with 2.5% NaCl solution without exercise), Group VI (diet with 5% NaCl solution without exercise). The arterial pressure was significantly lower in Group I when compared with Group IV. The ratio of cardiac mass/body mass was increased in Groups III and IV. In conclusion, there was evidence that exercise training and NaCl intake promotes arterial hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy.

Bowel preparation for colonoscopy: comparison of mannitol and sodium phosphate. Results of a prospective randomized study

METHOD: Eighty patients were prospectively randomized for precolonoscopic cleansing either with 750 ml of 10% mannitol (Group M) or 180 ml of a sodium phosphate preparation (Group NaP). Laboratory examinations before and after preparation on all patients included hemoglobin, hematocrit, sodium, potassium, phosphorous, calcium and serum osmolarity. A questionnaire was used to assess undesirable side effects and patient tolerance to the solution. The quality of preparation was assessed by the endoscopist who was unaware of the solution employed. RESULTS: Statistically significant changes were verified in serum sodium, phosphorous, potassium and calcium between the two groups, but no clinical symptoms were observed. There were no significant differences in the frequency of side effects studied. Six of the eight patients in Group NaP who had taken mannitol for a previous colonoscopy claimed better acceptance of the sodium phosphate solution. The endoscopic-blinded trial reported excellent or good bowel preparation in 85% prepared with sodium phosphate versus 82.5% for mannitol (p=0.37). CONCLUSIONS: Quality of preparation and frequency of side effects was similar in the two solutions. The smaller volume of sodium phosphate necessary for preparation seems to be related to its favorable acceptance. Nevertheless, the retention of sodium and phosphate ions contraindicates the use of sodium phosphate in patients with renal failure, cirrhosis, ascites, and heart failure.

Temperature influence and social interaction on the frequency of electric organ discharges in Rhamphicthys rostratus.

The frequency of electric organ discharges (EOD) of a gymnotiform fish of "pulse" frequency (40-100 Hz) from South America - Ramphicthys rostratuswas studied. The animals were settled in pairs in a aquarium and thus observed: variation in EOD frequency had at least two components: one more positively correlated with temperature, another less positively correlated due to social interaction.

Common mental disorders among medical students

OBJECTIVE: Common mental disorders (CMD) have a high impact on interpersonal relationships and quality of life and are potential underlying causes for the development of more serious disorders. Medical students have been indicated as a risk population for the development of CMD. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of CMD in undergraduate medical students and to identify related factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in a sample population of medical students. CMD was identified according to the 20-item Self-Report Questionnaire. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-three students completed the questionnaire. The overall prevalence of CMD was 29.6% and its presence was independently associated with sleep disorders, not owning a car, not working and sedentary lifestyle. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate a high prevalence of CMD in the sample studied and are important for supporting actions to prevent mental disorders in future doctors and for reflecting on the curricula currently in use in medical schools.

Marijuana Craving Questionnaire (MCQ-SF/Versão Brasil): validação semântica

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar tradução e adaptação transcultural do Marijuana Craving Questionnaire (MCQ-SF)10, que avalia o craving por maconha em uma amostra brasileira. MÉTODO: O MCQ-SF foi traduzido do inglês para o português, aplicado em 10 sujeitos, submetido ao brainstorming num grupo de três indivíduos para reprodução individual e verbal, item a item. Realizou-se o back-translation, uma versão para o idioma de origem, a partir da primeira tradução e do brainstorming. Logo após, traduziu-se novamente para o português. Um comitê de juízes especialistas analisou todas as traduções. RESULTADOS: Após as considerações do comitê e um estudo-piloto com 30 sujeitos, a versão final do MCQ-SF/Versão Brasil foi construída. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados demonstraram uma equivalência semântica satisfatória entre as versões. O MCQ-SF/Versão Brasil pode ser útil para avaliar o craving pela maconha nos dependentes dessa substância.

Tradução e adaptação transcultural do Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire

INTRODUÇÃO: Atualmente há um aumento crescente no número de diagnósticos de artrite reumatoide, seja graças à evolução dos métodos diagnósticos ou a intensas pesquisas realizadas na área de reumatologia, porém há uma lacuna quanto a instrumentos de medidas para acompanhamento no campo físico e psíquico da evolução dessa doença, que pode causar limitações físicas graves com o seu avanço, além do comprometimento de diversos aspectos da qualidade de vida. OBJETIVO: Este estudo tem como objetivo desenvolver a versão em português brasileiro do Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire, um instrumento de avaliação e monitoramento do estado de saúde em pacientes com transtornos e doenças que incapacitam as atividades cotidianas realizadas pelas suas mãos. MÉTODOS: Foram realizadas duas traduções e retrotraduções por avaliadores independentes e cegos quanto ao instrumento original, seguidas de composição de uma versão sintética, testada experimentalmente em um grupo de sujeitos da população geral e também pacientes com diagnóstico de artrite. RESULTADOS: São apresentadas todas as fases do processo. A participação de tradutores especialistas em saúde mental, reumatologia e ortopedia favoreceu a adequação dos termos utilizados ao construto mensurado. A aplicação experimental evidenciou a correta compreensão de todos os itens, quanto ao seu significado, por todos os respondentes. CONCLUSÃO: Elaborada a versão em português brasileiro da Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire.

Validação psicométrica do Cocaine Craving Questionnaire-Brief - Versão Brasileira Adaptada para o Crack para dependentes hospitalizados

Introdução: O craving (ou fissura) é um fator muito importante no tratamento da dependência de substâncias psicotrópicas. Objetivo: Validar o Cocaine Craving Questionnaire-Brief - Versão Brasileira Adaptada para o Crack. Método: O delineamento foi experimental e seus participantes foram randomizados, em grupos: experimental, para o qual foi apresentada uma imagem de um indivíduo consumindo crack (G1), e controle (G2), para o qual não foi apresentada nenhuma imagem. A amostra foi composta por 109 sujeitos (G1 = 50 e G2 = 59) do sexo masculino, internados por causa da dependência do crack. Os instrumentos utilizados foram: Entrevista Clínica com dados sociodemográficos, CCQ-B Versão Adaptada para o Crack, Escala Analógico-Visual do Craving, Inventários Beck de Ansiedade e de Depressão e o Estímulo Visual indutor de craving para o G1. Resultados: Na análise fatorial, foram encontrados dois fatores: o fator 1, relacionado ao craving propriamente dito, e o fator 2, relacionado à percepção da falta de controle do uso do crack. Os dois fatores apresentaram variância total de 68,84%, e a correlação entre os fatores foi significativa e de baixa intensidade (r = 0,204; p = 0,041). O alfa de Cronbach do seu total de pontos foi 0,85. O instrumento no total de pontos foi correlacionado com a Escala Analógico-Visual (r = 0,515; p < 0,01). Conclusão: O CCQ-B - Versão Brasileira Adaptada para o Crack demonstrou ser, psicometricamente, satisfatório para utilização em pesquisas e em ambiente clínico.

Simulator Sickness Questionnaire: tradução e adaptação transcultural

Contexto: O estudo de cybersickness, sintomas desconfortáveis relacionados à interação em ambientes virtuais, é importante para a implementação de melhorias destes, para ajudar a preservar o bem-estar dos usuários e reduzir o abandono às exposições virtuais. Usar um instrumento adequado para identificar e mensurar os sintomas de cybersickness, de forma padronizada, pode contribuir para essa finalidade. Objetivo: Este estudo tem como objetivo apresentar as etapas de tradução e adaptação para a língua portuguesa do instrumento Simulator Sickness Questionnaire, que mede os sintomas de cybersickness. Métodos: Três traduções e retrotraduções foram realizadas por avaliadores independentes; realizaram-se a equivalência semântica e a avaliação das versões, sendo elaborada uma versão síntese. Os comentários dos participantes sobre a versão preliminar do questionário foram examinados. Resultados: Foi construída a versão brasileira preliminar do questionário. Verificou-se que a maioria dos participantes entendeu as descrições dos sintomas expostas no questionário em português. Conclusão: A utilização de três versões de tradução e retrotradução, discussão sobre a versão síntese e a interlocução com a população-alvo proporcionaram viabilidade ao processo de equivalência semântica da versão final brasileira.

Prodromal Questionnaire: translation, adaptation to Portuguese and preliminary results in ultra-high risk individuals and first episode psychosis

OBJECTIVE: The Prodromal Questionnaire (PQ) is a 92-item self-report screening tool for individuals at ultra-high risk (UHR) to develop psychosis. This study aims to present the translation to Portuguese and preliminary results in UHR and first episode (FE) psychosis in a Portuguese sample. METHODS: The PQ was translated from English to Portuguese by two bilingual researchers from the research program on early psychosis of the Instituto de Psiquiatria HCFMUSP, São Paulo, Brazil (ASAS - "Evaluation and Follow up of Adolescents and Young Adults in São Paulo") and back translated by two other researchers. The study participants (n = 11-) were evaluated through the Portuguese version of the Prodromal Questionnaire (PQ) and SIPS. RESULTS: The individuals at UHR (n = 7) presented a lower score than first episode patients (n = 4). The UHR mean scores and standard deviation on Portuguese version of the PQ were: 13.0 ± 10.0 points on positive symptoms subscale, and FE patients: 33.0 ± 10.0. CONCLUSION: The UHR and FE patients' of this study presented PQ scores similar to the ones found in the literature; what suggests that it is possible to use the PQ in Brazilian help-seeking individuals as a screening tool.

A questionnaire to evaluate the impact of chronic diseases: validated translation and Illness Effects Questionnaire (IEQ) reliability study

INTRODUCTION: Patients' perception about their health condition, mainly involving chronic diseases, has been investigated in many studies and it has been associated to depression, compliance with the treatment, quality of life and prognosis. The Illness Effects Questionnaire (IEQ) is a tool which makes the standardized evaluation of patients' perception about their illness possible, so that it is brief and accessible to the different clinical settings. This work aims to begin the transcultural adaptation of the IEQ to Brazil through the validated translation and the reliability study. METHODS: The back-translation method and the test-retest reliability study were used in a sample of 30 adult patients under chronic hemodialysis. The reliability indexes were estimated using the Pearson, Spearman, Weighted Kappa and Cronbach's alpha coefficients. RESULTS: The semantic equivalence was reached through the validated translation. In this study, the reliability indexes obtained were respectively: 0.85 and 0.75 (p < 0.001); 0.68 and 0.92 (p < 0.0001). DISCUSSION: The reliability indexes obtained attest to the stability of responses in both evaluations. Additional procedures are necessary for the transcultural adaptation of the IEQ to be complete. CONCLUSION: The results indicate the translation validity and the reliability of the Brazilian version of the IEQ for the sample studied.