Schistosoma mansoni Sambon, 1907: morphometric differences between adult worms from sympatric rodent and human isolates

A computer software for image analysis (IMAGE PRO PLUS, MEDIA CYBERNETICS) was utilized in male and females adult worms, aiming the morphological characterization of Schistosoma mansoni samples isolated from a slyvatic rodent, Nectomys squamipes, and humans in Sumidouro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and recovered from Mus musculus C3H/He. The following characters for males's testicular lobes were analyzed: number, area, density, larger and smaller diameter, longer and shorter axis and perimeter and extension; for females: area, longer and shorter axis, larger and smaller diameter and perimeter of the eggs and spine; oral and ventral suckers area and distance between them in both sex were determined. By the analysis of variance (one way ANOVA) significant differences (p<0.05) were observed in all studied characters, except for the density of testicular lobes. Significant differences (p<0.05) were detected for all characters in the female worms. Data ratify that sympatric isolates present phenotypic differences and the adult female characters are useful for the proper identification of S. mansoni isolates.

Distinction of males of the Lutzomyia intermedia (Lutz & Neiva, 1912) species complex by ratios between dimensions and by an artificial neural network (Diptera: Psychodidae, Phlebotominae)

The females of the two species of the Lutzomyia intermedia complex can be easily distinguished, but the males of each species are quite similar. The ratios between the extra-genital and the genital structures of L. neivai are larger than those of L. intermedia s. s., according to ANOVA. An artificial neural network was trained with a set of 300 examples, randomly taken from a sample of 358 individuals. The input vectors consisted of several ratios between some structures of each insect. The model was tested on the remaining 58 insects, 56 of which (96.6%) were correctly identified. This ratio of success can be considered remarkable if one takes into account the difficulty of attaining comparable results using traditional statistical techniques.

Differences in Brazilian strains of Schistosoma mansoni evaluated by means of morphometric analysis of cercariae of both sexes

Morphometrics of Brazilian strains (BH, SJ and CMO) of Schistosoma mansoni cercariae were obtained with a computerized image analyzer (IMAGE PRO PLUS, MEDIA CYBERNETICS), considering the following characters: body area, tail, furcae, oral and ventral suckers and distance between them. For statistical analysis, the variance test (one-way Anova) was applied and significant differences of p< 0.05 were considered. All morphometric values in the BH strain were significantly higher (p< 0.05) than in the others. Lower values were obtained in females of SJ strain for all characters, excepting the body area. Only this character showed to be significantly different in males and females of the three strains. Specimens of both sexes in the BH and SJ strains showed significant differences regarding all characters. It was observed that this morphometric analysis permits the characterization of strains and also the sex identification in S. mansoni cercariae. Due to its feasibility, this method can be applied as a tool in laboratories devoid of more complex equipment.

Molluscicidal action of the latex of Euphorbia splendens var. hislopii N.E.B. ("Christ's Crown") (Euphorbiaceae) against Lymnaea columella (Say, 1817) (Pulmonata: Lymnaeidae), intermediate host of Fasciola hepatica Linnaeus, 1758 (Trematode: Fasciolidae): 1- test in laboratory

The latex action of Euphorbia splendens var. hislopii (Christ's Crown) against snails Lymnaea columella, intermediate host of Fasciola hepatica, derived from irrigation ditches of the Station of Pisciculture at Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, was studied in the laboratory. Lab bioassays, using aqueous solutions of the latex, varying between 0.1 and 10 mg/l, have proven molluscicidal activity of the product collected on the same day the tests were performed, during the four seasons of the year, finding the following lethal concentrations (LC90): 1.51 mg/l in the spring; 0.55 mg/l in the summer; 0.74 mg/l in the fall and 0.93 mg/l in winter, after 24 h exposure of the snails, showing significant differences among the seasons of the year (ANOVA test, F = 11.01, G.L.= 3/33, p < 0.05), as well as among the concentrations (ANOVA test, F = 27.38, G.L.= 11/33, p < 0.05). In the summer, mortality reached 100% from concentration at 0.6 mg/l, the same during fall and in winter as of 1 mg/l, while in spring it only reached 100% mortality as of 2 mg/l. Mortality in the controls was low, reaching 5% in the summer and winter and 10% in the fall and spring. None of the samples died. During the assay, with an aqueous solution of the latex at a concentration of 5 mg/l, in order to check the time of duration of the product effect, in the laboratory, it was observed that the molluscicidal activity remained stable up to the 15th day after the beginning of the test with 100% mortality of L. columella, gradually losing its effect until the 23rd day, when we no longer observed animal mortality. In the control group, there was a random daily variation in mortality rate ranging 0-50% after 48 h of observation for 30 days.

Correlation of male genital filaments and female spermathecal ducts in New World sand flies of the Lutzomyia intermedia species complex (Diptera: Psychodidae, Phlebotominae)

The lengths of the male genital filaments and female spermathecal ducts were measured in phlebotomine sand flies of the Lutzomyia intermedia species complex and the ratios between these characters calculated. Ratios for L. intermedia s. s. from Northeast vs Southeast Brazil (Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais), Espírito Santo/Minas Gerais vs Rio de Janeiro/São Paulo and L. intermedia vs L. neivai were significantly different at P < 0.1, 0.05 and 0.01 respectively when compared using ANOVA. The spermathecal ducts and genital filaments of L. intermedia were significantly longer than those of L. neivai (P < 0.01) and could be used to differentiate these species. The taxonomic and biological significance of these differences is discussed.

Changes associated with laboratory rearing in antennal sensilla patterns of Triatoma infestans, Rhodnius prolixus, and Rhodnius pallescens (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae)

We examined changes in the array of antennal sensilla of three species of Triatominae (Triatoma infestans, Rhodnius prolixus, and R. pallescens) following their establishment for different periods in laboratory culture. In each case, the laboratory colonies were compared with conspecific samples taken directly from the field, by quantitative analysis of the sensilla arrays on the three distal segments of the antenna in terms of the densities of three types of chemoreceptors (basiconics and thick and thin walled trichoids) and one type of mechanoreceptor (bristles). Sensilla densities were compared by ANOVA or non-parametric tests, and by multivariate discriminant analysis. Strains of the same species reared in different laboratories showed significant differences in their sensilla arrays, especially when compared to field-collected material from the same geographic origin. A Bolivian strain of T. infestans reared in the laboratory for 15 years and fed at monthly intervals, showed greatest differences from its conspecific wild forms, especially in terms of reductions in the number of chemoreceptors. By contrast, an Argentine strain of T. infestans reared for 25 years in the laboratory and fed weekly, showed a relative increase in the density of mechanoreceptors. A Colombian strain of R. prolixus reared for 20 years and fed weekly or fortnightly, showed only modest differences in the sensilla array when compared to its wild populations from the same area. However, a Colombian strain of R. pallescens reared for 12 years and fed fortnightly, did show highly significant reductions in one form of chemoreceptor compared to its conspecific wild populations. For all populations, multivariate analysis clearly discriminated between laboratory and field collected specimens, suggesting that artificial rearing can lead to modifications in the sensory array. This not only supports the idea of morphological plasticity in these species, but also suggests caution in the use of long-established laboratory material for experimental studies designed to extrapolate the natural behaviour and physiology of these species.

Evaluation of respiratory model employing conventional NIH mice to access the immunity induced by cellular and acellular pertussis vaccines

The increasing number of pertussis cases reported on the last twenty years and the existence of new acellular vaccines reinforce the need of research for experimental models to assure the quality of available pertussis vaccines. In this study, allotments of whole-cell and acellular pertussis vaccines were tested through the Intranasal Challenge Model (INM) using conventional NIH mice. The results have been compared to those achieved by the "Gold standard" Intracerebral Challenge Model (ICM). In contrast to ICM, INM results did not show intralaboratorial variations. Statistical analysis by Anova and Ancova tests revealed that the INM presented reproducibility and allowed identification and separation of different products, including three-component and four-component accellular pertussis vaccines. INM revealed differences between pertussis vaccines. INM provides lower distress to the mice allowing the reduction of mice number including the possibility of using conventional mice (less expensive) under non-aseptic environment. Thus, INM may be used as an alternative method of verifying the consistence of allotment production, including acellular pertussis vaccines.

Long-term storage and viability of Ochlerotatus albifasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae)

The viability of Ochlerotatus albifasciatus (Macquart) eggs stored at room temperature and at 5ºC was studied over 31 months. After 12, 18 and 31 months of storage, eggs were acclimatized at 22ºC for ten days, and then inundated twice every seven days. The effect of the storage period on the percentage of hatching was analyzed by one way ANOVA. Differences on the hatching response between the first and second flooding were analyzed by paired t-test. Differences on the hatching response between the two storage conditions were analyzed by Mann-Whitney rank test. Results showed that (1) Oc. albifasciatus eggs were able to survive and hatch over 31 months; (2) the percent hatching of eggs stored at 5ºC was higher than that of eggs stored at room temperature; and (3) low temperatures and long periods without water favor installment hatching.

Correlation of biological serum markers with the degree of hepatic fibrosis and necroinflammatory activity in hepatitis C and schistosomiasis patients

Liver biopsy is the gold-standard method to stage fibrosis; however, it is an invasive procedure and is potentially dangerous. The main objective of this study was to evaluate biological markers, such as cytokines IL-13, IFN-γ, TNF-α and TGF-β, platelets, bilirubins (Bil), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total proteins, γ-glutamil transferase (γ-GT) and alkaline phosphatase (AP), that could be used to predict the severity of hepatic fibrosis in schistosomiasis and hepatitis C (HC) as isolated diseases or co-infections. The following patient groups were selected: HC (n = 39), HC/hepatosplenic schistosomiasis (HSS) (n = 19), HSS (n = 22) and a control group (n = 13). ANOVA and ROC curves were used for statistical analysis. P < 0.05 was considered significant. With HC patients we showed that TNF-α (p = 0.020) and AP (p = 0.005) could differentiate mild and severe fibrosis. With regard to necroinflammatory activity, AST (p = 0.002), γ-GT (p = 0.034) and AP (p = 0.001) were the best markers to differentiate mild and severe activity. In HC + HSS patients, total Bil (p = 0.008) was capable of differentiating between mild and severe fibrosis. In conclusion, our study was able to suggest biological markers that are non-invasive candidates to evaluate fibrosis and necroinflammatory activity in HC and HC + HSS.

O relacionamento entre a incerteza ambiental e o comportamento estratégico na percepção dos gestores de pequenas empresas

Neste estudo, objetiva-se examinar o relacionamento entre o comportamento estratégico e a incerteza ambiental na percepção dos gestores. Os dados relativos ao construto incerteza foram levantados conforme uma taxonomia que explicita 29 fatores agrupados em 6 clusters. Para comportamento estratégico utilizou-se um modelo que caracteriza tal comportamento em quatro tipos: prospectores, analistas, defensivos e reativos. A pesquisa apresenta abordagem quantitativa, descritiva correlacional e explicativa. Os dados foram coletados por meio de survey com questionário aplicado a uma população de 203 gestores das empresas de Tapejara (Rio Grande do Sul). Desse total, 53 questionários (26,1%) foram respondidos. A análise da relação entre os construtos incerteza e comportamento foi realizada por meio da técnica ANOVA precedida dos testes de normalidade e de homocedasticidade a fim de verificar os pressupostos para a análise. Quanto à percepção de incerteza, 64% dos administradores consideram o ambiente com baixa incerteza. Em relação ao comportamento, 40% das empresas adotam uma postura prospectora. No que tange à relação entre incerteza e comportamento, não houve significância nos resultados dos testes que possibilite afirmar que a percepção de incerteza leve à adoção de determinado comportamento.

Todo tipo de relacionamento consumidor-marca é eficiente?

O objetivo neste estudo foi investigar a existência de diferentes perfis de relacionamento consumidor-marca e sua respectiva eficiência na relação comercial. Três construtos da teoria de relacionamento com marcas foram avaliados: autoconexão, intimidade e interdependência com a marca. Foi realizado um survey com 441 casos. Os dados foram analisados por técnicas de cluster, fatorial e ANOVA. Três diferentes perfis foram encontrados: o relacionamento por inércia (RI), o qual sugere uma relação superficial e com menor poder de diferenciação sobre a marca; o relacionamento moderado (RM), o qual registrou avaliações intermediárias em todas as variáveis; o relacionamento verdadeiro (RV), o qual demonstra maior proximidade e conexão com a marca. Para verificar a eficiência desses tipos, foram avaliados os índices de satisfação, confiança, comprometimento e lealdade. Consumidores do tipo RI tendem a trocar de marca tão logo percebam vantagens maiores em outros concorrentes. Já os RM demonstram certa tendência de atitudes positivas em relação à marca, dependendo de seu contexto e oferta. O grupo RV demonstra maior tendência à continuidade do relacionamento. Do ponto de vista gerencial, perceber diferentes intensidades de relacionamento permite reconhecer que nem todo relacionamento é eficiente.

Barreiras econômicas na acessibilidade ao tratamento da tuberculose em Ribeirão Preto - São Paulo

A presente pesquisa objetivou analisar as barreiras econômicas na acessibilidade dos doentes aos Centros de Referência e Atenção à Tuberculose (TB) no município de Ribeirão Preto. Realizou-se inquérito de opinião a partir da adaptação do instrumento Primary Care Assessment (PCAT) com 100 doentes em tratamento e 16 profissionais de saúde dos Centros de Referência à TB em Ribeirão Preto. Aplicaram-se os testes Anova, Kruskall Wallis e Qui-quadrado. Predominaram doentes do sexo masculino e profissionais de saúde do sexo feminino. Identificaram-se diferenças entre os centros C e A, sendo que em C (p=0, 028) é oferecido o vale-transporte e em A (p=0,010) o paciente arca com os custos de deslocamento. O indicador consulta médica em 24 horas apresentou-se com nível satisfatório. Houve divergências entre os relatos dos doentes e dos profissionais de saúde em relação ao oferecimento de vale-transporte. O doente encontra barreiras para o tratamento, como gastos com transportes ou atrasos no emprego, acarretando prejuízos na renda familiar.

Aplicabilidade da auriculoterapia com agulhas ou sementes para diminuição de estresse em profissionais de enfermagem

Este estudo clínico randomizado objetivou avaliar os níveis de estresse na equipe de Enfermagem de um hospital e analisar a efetividade da auriculoterapia com agulhas e sementes. 75 pessoas com escores médio (44/58,7%) e alto (31/41,3%) de acordo com a Lista de Sintomas de Estresse foram divididas em grupos (controle, agulhas e sementes), que receberam oito sessões nos pontos Shenmen, Rim e Tronco Cerebral e foram avaliados no início, com quatro, oito sessões e follow-up (15 dias). Na análise de variância (ANOVA), constataram-se diferenças entre os grupos, na 3ª avaliação (F=3,963/P=0,023) e follow-up (F=6,136/P=0,003). Tais diferenças foram entre o grupo controle e agulha. Os grupos de intervenção mostraram diferenças (P<0,05) a partir da segunda avaliação, quando comparados dentro do mesmo grupo. Concluiu-se que a auriculoterapia reduziu o estresse em profissionais de enfermagem, com melhores resultados para agulhas do que sementes, em escores altos, com manutenção de efeitos por 15 dias.

Eficácia da auriculoterapia na redução de ansiedade em estudantes de enfermagem

Este Ensaio Clínico Randomizado simples-cego verificou níveis de ansiedade dos estudantes de Enfermagem de nível médio da Escola de Enfermagem São Joaquim, do Hospital Beneficência Portuguesa, e a eficácia da auriculoterapia na redução desses níveis. Foi aplicado o Inventário de Ansiedade Traço-Estado no início, após 8 e 12 sessões e no follow-up (quinze dias). A amostra foi composta por 71 indivíduos divididos em três grupos: Controle sem intervenção (25), Auriculoterapia (24), e Placebo (22). Resultados: Na análise de variância (ANOVA) houve diferença estatisticamente significativa pelo Post Hoc entre os grupos controle/auriculoterapia na segunda (p=0.000), terceira (p=0.012) e quarta avaliações (p=0.005); e entre grupos placebo/controle, somente na 2ª avaliação (p=0.003). A auriculoterapia com os pontos Shenmen e Tronco Cerebral foi mais eficaz para a diminuição dos níveis de ansiedade em estudantes de Enfermagem (20,97%), em comparação com os pontos sham (13,74%), porém, estudos com amostragem mais representativa se fazem necessários.

Contributory factors for the functional independence of oldest old

OBJECTIVE To investigate the socioeconomic and clinical factors that contribute to the functional independence of the oldest old of a community. METHOD Cross-sectional quantitative study whose sample consisted of 214 elderly people registered in Basic Health Units. Data were collected through structured interviews and application of the Functional Independence Measure. We used descriptive statistics, and for association of the variables we used the Student t-test, ANOVA and Tukey's test for multiple comparisons. RESULTS The significant variables that contributed to the functional independence were remaining economically active, practicing physical and leisure activities, having a social life, eating fruits, vegetables and meat. The orientation to conduct these practices reduces the demand for care and help needed in everyday activities. CONCLUSION Maintaining independence is primordial to delay disability and presents itself as an excellent field of work for nursing.