Viability and molecular authentication of Coccidioides spp. isolates from the Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo culture collection, Brazil

Coccidioidomycosis is an emerging fungal disease in Brazil; adequate maintenance and authentication of Coccidioides isolates are essential for research into genetic diversity of the environmental organisms, as well as for understanding the human disease. Seventeen Coccidioides isolates maintained under mineral oil since 1975 in the Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo (IMTSP) culture collection, Brazil, were evaluated with respect to their viability, morphological characteristics and genetic features in order to authenticate these fungal cultures. Only five isolates were viable after almost 30 years, showing typical morphological characteristics, and sequencing analysis using Coi-F and Coi-R primers revealed 99% identity with Coccidioides genera. These five isolates were then preserved in liquid nitrogen and sterile water, and remained viable after two years of storage under these conditions, maintaining the same features.

Viability and molecular authentication of Coccidioides immitis strains from culture collection of the Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Twenty Coccidioides immitis strains were evaluated. Only 5 of the 20 strains kept under mineral oil maintained their viability while all 5 subcultures preserved in water remained viable and none of the 13 subcultures kept in soil were viable. A 519 bp PCR product from the csa gene confirmed the identity of the strains.

Controle da ferrugem e da broca-dos-ramos da figueira com diferentes fungicidas e inseticidas

Temperaturas e precipitações elevadas favorecem a incidência da ferrugem (Cerotelium fici(Cast.)) e da broca-dos-ramos (Azochis gripusalis (Walker, 1859) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)), limitando a produção comercial de figos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar a eficiência de fungicidas e inseticidas alternativos em relação à de produtos convencionais registrados para a cultura. Foram realizados dois experimentos, no delineamento de blocos inteiramente casualizados, com quatro repetições, no setor de fruticultura da Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, Campus Dois Vizinhos. Para controle da ferrugem, foram utilizados, em 100 L de água, azoxistrobin (10 g), calda bordalesa (1.500 g de cal virgem + 1.500 g de sulfato de cobre) e testemunha (água). No controle da broca-dos-ramos utilizaram-se, em 100 L de água, azadiractina (1.000 mL P.C.), alho (Allium sativum L.) (100 mL P.C.), cinza (20.000 g), extrato de fumo (nicotina) (10.000 mL do preparado), deltametrina (50 mL P.C.), Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (100 g P.C.), rotenona (1.000 mL P.C.), sabão de coco (1.000 g) e testemunha (água). A calda bordalesa foi o tratamento mais efetivo no controle da ferrugem, promovendo aumento da produtividade e da qualidade dos frutos. A deltametrina promoveu o melhor controle da broca-dos-ramos da figueira. Entre os produtos alternativos testados, o alho foi o mais efetivo no controle dessa praga.

Redes em subsidiárias de multinacionais: um estudo de caso com análise de redes sociais de inventores e patentes

Este artigo mostra a relevância estratégica de uma subsidiária do grupo multinacional Sabó, do setor de autopeças. Foi realizado um estudo de caso com análise de redes sociais e entrevistas com executivos para examinar uma rede de inventores e patentes depositadas entre 1978 e 2008 para esse grupo. Há uma breve revisão da literatura de negócios internacionais e da relevância estratégica de subsidiárias de multinacionais, do papel das redes, complementada pela questão das competências e do conhecimento em subsidiárias. O artigo parte do mapeamento total da rede (matriz e subsidiárias), de patentes e inventores (atores) para a Sabó, com suas relações investigadas por meio da análise de redes sociais (ARS). A relevância estratégica da subsidiária é enfatizada na estratégia global da empresa. Este artigo analisa as competências essenciais desenvolvidas pela subsidiária, bem como as métricas de rede, destacando a atuação dos principais atores (centrais) e seus papéis na rede como brokers.

Senses of body image in adolescents in elementary school

OBJECTIVE To comprehend the perception of body image in adolescence. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted with eight focus groups with 96 students of both sexes attending four public elementary school institutions in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil, in 2013. An interview guide with questions about the adolescents’ feelings in relation to: their bodies, standards of idealized beauty, practice of physical exercise and sociocultural influences on self-image. In the data analysis we sought to understand and interpret the meanings and contradictions of narratives, understanding the subjects’ context and reasons and the internal logic of the group. RESULTS Three thematic categories were identified. The influence of media on body image showed the difficulty of achieving the perfect body and is viewed with suspicion in face of standards of beauty broadcast; the importance of a healthy body was observed as standards of beauty and good looks were closely linked to good physical condition and result from having a healthy body; the relationship between the standard of beauty and prejudice, as people who are not considered attractive, having small physical imperfections, are discriminated against and can be rejected or even excluded from society. CONCLUSIONS The standard of perfect body propagated by media influences adolescents’ self-image and, consequently, self-esteem and is considered an unattainable goal, corresponding to a standard of beauty described as artificial and unreal. However, it causes great suffering and discrimination against those who do not feel they are attractive, which can lead to health problems resulting from low self-esteem.

Histopathology, serology and cultures in the diagnosis of cryptococcosis

Cryptococcosis is one of the most common opportunistic fungal infections in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). We report 13 cases of cryptococcal infection based on histopathology, serology and cultures. Epidemiological analysis, histochemical techniques of hematoxilin and eosin (HE) and Grocot's silver (GMS), as well special histochemical techniques such as Mayer's mucicarmine (MM) and Fontana-Masson (FM), cryptococcal antigen test (CrAg) and isolation on fungal media: Sabouraud's (SAB), brain-heart infusion agar (BHI) and canavanine-glycine-bromothymol blue (CGB) agar were analyzed. Unsatisfactory staining results by MM stain associated to negative titers by CrAg test, which FM stain confirmed that capsule-deficient Cryptococcus infections were observed in four cases. Eight isolated cases were identified as follows: six cases were infection with Cryptococcus neoformans and two cases were Cryptococcus gattii.

MOLECULAR TYPING OF Candida albicans ISOLATES FROM HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS

SUMMARYIntroduction: The majority of nosocomial fungal infections are caused by Candida spp. where C. albicans is the species most commonly identified. Molecular methods are important tools for assessing the origin of the yeasts isolated in hospitals.Methods: This is a study on the genetic profifiles of 39 nosocomial clinical isolates of C. albicans using two typing methods: random amplifified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and microsatellite, two different primers for each technique were used.Results: RAPD provided 10 and 11 different profiles with values for SAB of 0.84 ± 0.126 and 0.88 ± 0.08 for primers M2 and P4, respectively. Microsatellite using two markers, CDC3 and HIS3, allowed the observation of six and seven different alleles, respectively, with combined discriminatory power of 0.91.Conclusions: Although genetic variability is clear, it was possible to identify high similarity, suggesting a common origin for at least a part of isolates. It is important to emphasize that common origin was proven from yeasts isolated from colonization (urine, catheter or endotracheal secretions) and blood culture from the same patient, indicating that the candidemia must have started from a site of colonization. The combination of RAPD and microsatellite provides a quick and efficient analysis for investigation of similarity among nosocomial isolates of C. albicans.

The general practitioner and the surgeon: stereotypes and medical specialties

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and characterize the professional stereotypes associated with general medicine and surgery among Brazilian medical residents. METHODS: A randomized sample of residents of the General Medicine and Surgery Residence Programs were interviewed and their perceptions and views of general and surgical doctors were compared. RESULTS: The general practitioner was characterized by the residents in general to be principally a sensitive and concerned doctor with a close relationship with the patient; (45%); calm, tranquil, and balanced (27%); with intellectual skills (25%); meticulous and attentive to details (23%); slow to resolve problems and make decisions (22%); and working more with probabilities and hypotheses (20%). The surgeon was considered to be practical and objective (40%); quickly resolving problems (35%); technical with manual skills (23%); omnipotent, arrogant, and domineering (23%); anxious, stressed, nervous, and temperamental (23%); and more decided, secure, and courageous (20%). Only the residents of general medicine attributed the surgeon with less knowledge of medicine and only the surgeons attributed gender characteristics to their own specialty. CONCLUSION: There was considerable similarity in the description of a typical general practitioner and surgeon among the residents in general, regardless of the specialty they had chosen. It was interesting to observe that these stereotypes persist despite the transformations in the history of medicine, i.e. the first physicians (especially regarding the valorization of knowledge) and the first surgeons, so-called "barber surgeons" in Brazil (associated with less knowledge and the performance of high-risk procedures).

Miracetyma etimaruya gen. et sp. n. (COPEPODA, POECILOSTOMATOIDA, ERGASILIDAE) FROM FRESHWATER FISHES OF THE BRAZILIAN AMAZON

Miracetyma etimaruyagen. et sp. n. is proposed from the gills filaments of Curimata cyprinoides(Linnaeus, 1758), Potamorhina latior(Spix, 1829) and Psectrogaster essequibensis(Gunther, 1864). The species of the new genus is characterized by having a more complex latching antenna. The claw is greatly reduced and has a groove; the third segment has one or two grooves; the first, second and third segments have one or two cuticular extensions. The legs have pectinate setae and the first endopod is greatly modified, very long, and without setae. The first segment of the first endopod is large, strong and elongate and the second segment is subcylindrical, slender and elongate. These modifications imply in a loss of swimming capacity which is linked to secure fixation on the gill filament. As a result, the leg morphology has evolved other functions.

Tocopherol profile of Brazil nut oil from different geographic areas of the Amazon region

The tocopherol content of Brazil nut oil from different Amazon regions (Manicoré-AM, Rio Preto da Eva-AM, São João da Baliza-RR, Caroebe-RR, Belém-PA, and Xapurí-AC) was investigated by normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. For all authentic oils, two isomers: α- and γ-tocopherols were observed (37.92-74.48 µg g-1, 106.88-171.80 µg g-1, respectively), and their levels were relatively constant among the oils having these geographic origins, which would enable to distinguish Brazil nut oil from other plant oils for authentication purposes. Commercial Brazil nut oils were also evaluated, and some of these oils demonstrated a tocopherol content that was very different from that of the authentic oils. Therefore, we suggest that the tocopherol profile of Brazil nut oil can be useful chemical marker for quality control and authentication.

Efeitos do enxofre e do boro e da inoculação em alfafa (Medicago sativa L.)

This paper deals with the results of a pot and plot experiment which was carried out to determine the influence of sulphur and boron and the effect seed inoculation with Rhizobium meliloti in the yield of alfafa. Sulphur was applied as flower of sulphur at the rates of 1,000 and 2,000 kg por hectare; boron was employed in the proportion of 15 kg of borax per hectare; both sulphur and boron were distributed broadcast before planting; the experimental design chosen for the field trial was a latin square of 6 x 6 with the following treatments: Number Treatment 1 Control 2 One dosis S + inoculation 3 Two dosis S +inoculation 4 One dosis S + B + inoculation 5 B + inoculation 6 inoculation The crop supplied four cuttings in an eleven months period. The pot experiment nearly confirmed the plot one. The following conclusions can be drawn: 1. The classification of treatments in a decrescent order was: l.o - two doses S + inoculation; 2.o - one dosis S +inoculation, S + B + inoculation, and B + inoculation (these treatmente were not statistically different); 3.o - control; 4.o - inoculation; 2 The vield due to the treatment two dosis S + inoculation was 22 per cent higher than the control one, a fact that suggests that the S supply in the soil studied ("terra roxa misturada") is not sufficient for the total requirements of alfafa; 3. From an economical point of view the best treatment was: one dosis B + inoculation which permits a net gain of Cr$ 12.527,30 per hectare per year; 4. Based on the mentioned results we recommend in soils of same type the following fertilization for alfafa. 5 tons limestone/hectare 300 kg serranafosfato and 600 kg hiperfosfato/ha 300 kg muriate of potash/ha 15 kg borax/ha and a medium organic manuring if the soil is very poor in organic matter.

Localização do adubo em relação à semente (I)

The authors discuss in the introduction the literature about the distribution and placemement of fertilizers in agricultural experiments in U.S.A. in such crops as cotton, corn, potato, beans and some vegetables. An experiment was carried out with corn in a randomized block with 7 treatments, and 4 repetitions. The plots were 11,2m wide by 10m long. The 7 treatments were the following: one broadcast, 3 applications of fertilizer in hills and 3 in rows. In the latter six treatments application in rows or hills was combined with applications in three different depths: below the seeds without mixing the soil, below the seeds but with mixing of the soil, and above the seeds without mixing the soil. The variation between treatments was significant, and the best treatment was the application of fertilizer in hill, below the seeds and with mixing of the soil. The most unfavorable was application in rows above the seed without mixing of the soil. The second best treatment was the application by broadcasting the fertilizer, with mixing the fertilizer and soil by hoeing. New experiments will be carried out, applying the fertilizer in two rows, parallel on each side to the seed row, at three depths: above, below and level with seeds planted. In their discussion the authors stress the need for more experimentation on the methods of applying fertilizers not only to corn plants, but with respect to all main crops and diferent types of soils.

Fertilizer policy in the developing countries: the case of Brazil

This paper deals initially with the role of mineral fertilizers in increasing agricultural production: the relationship between the two variables is illustrated within global, regional national and local contexts. The pattern and trends in fertilizer usage in Brazil are presented next, namely: increase in consumption in the period 1950/72; regional distribution; consumption as related to crops and cultivated land. It is shown that in less than a quarter or century fertilizer use has increased in the country nearly 12 fold, whereas world consumption was raised 7 fold, thus exceeding estimates based in several criteria. Steps taken to secure the raise in fertilizer consumption above the historical trend are discussed: research experience for outlining fertilization recomendations; the transfer of the knowledge to the farmer by the extension work both official and private; the credit policy and special incentives for the purchase of fertilizer; the national policy for minumum proces of agricultural products; the implantation of a national fertilizer industry. It is considered that the Brazilian experience adapted to similar local conditions in other developing countries, presents a possibility for achieving beneficial results without inflationary reflexes in the economy.

Louse infestation of the Chiribaya Culture, Southern Peru: variation in prevalence by age and sex

In order to improve the interpretive potential of archaeoparasitology, it is important to demonstrate that the epidemiology of ancient parasites is comparable to that of modern parasites. Once this is demonstrated, then we can be secure that the evidence of ancient parasitism truly reflects the pathoecology of parasitic disease. Presented here is an analysis of the paleoepidemiology of Pediculus humanus infestation from 146 mummies from the Chiribaya culture 1000-1250 AD of Southern Peru. The study demonstrates the modern parasitological axiom that 10% of the population harbors 70% of the parasites holds true for ancient louse infestation. This is the first demonstration of the paleoepidemiology of prehistoric lice infestation.