Determinação espectrofotométrica de ácido ascórbico em fármacos empregando amostragem binária em fluxo

A flow system procedure for spectrophotometric determination of ascorbic acid in drugs based on [Fe3+(SCN-)n]+3-n complex decomposition by reduction is described. The flow network was constituted by a set of three-way solenoid valves, controlled by a microcomputer running a software wrote in QuickBasic 4.5 language. The feasibility of the procedure was ascertained by determining ascorbic acid in drug samples with mass ranging from 0.0018 up to 0.0180 g. The results showed an agreement of about 7% when compared with recommended method. Other profitable features such as a standard deviation of 1.5% (n = 7) and a throughput of 120 determinations per hour was also achieved.

A FORMAÇÃO DE LIGAÇÕES DE HIDROGÊNIO π‧‧‧H, F‧‧‧H E C‧‧‧H NOS COMPLEXOS C2H2‧‧‧(HF), C2H2‧‧‧2(HF) E C2H2‧‧‧3(HF)

In this work, a theoretical study on the basis of structural, vibrational, electronic and topological parameters of the C2H2‧‧‧(HF), C2H2‧‧‧2(HF) and C2H2‧‧‧3(HF) complexes concerning the formation of π‧‧‧H, F‧‧‧H and C‧‧‧H hydrogen bonds is presented. The main difference among these complexes is not properly the interaction strength, but the hydrogen bond type whose benchmark is ruled justly by the structure. Meanwhile, the occurrence of π‧‧‧H hydrogen bonds was unveiled in both C2H2‧‧‧(HF) dimer and C2H2‧‧‧3(HF) tetramer, although in latter, this interaction is stronger than C‧‧‧H of the C2H2‧‧‧2(HF) trimer. However, the F‧‧‧H hydrogen bonds within the subunits of hydrofluoric acid are the strongest ones, reaching a partial covalent limit, and thereby contribute decisively to the stabilization of the tetramer structure. In line with this, the largest red-shifts were observed on the hydrofluoric acid trimer of the C2H2‧‧‧3(HF) complex.

Quality of life assessment of patients with schizophrenic spectrum disorders from Psychosocial Care Centers

OBJECTIVE: Assessing the quality of life and the clinical and social-demographic factors associated in schizophrenic spectrum patients (ICD-10 F20-F29) attending CAPS at the programmatic area 3.0. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a sample of schizophrenic spectrum patients who have been enrolled in 2008 in CAPS in programmatic area (AP) 3 at Rio de Janeiro city, using MINIPLUS to assess schizophrenia spectrum disorder and use of psychoactive substances, Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale (PANSS) to assess psychiatric symptoms and Quality of Life Scale (QLS-BR) to assess the quality of life. RESULTS: Seventy nine patients were included, of whom 74 (93.7%) presented some impairment in quality of life. The most frequently affected area was occupational performance. Variables that showed a significant association with severe impairment of quality of life were: marital status, race, occupation, who patients lived with, homelessness, having children, previous psychiatric hospitalization, negative symptoms and symptoms designated as not applicable (being characterized by a lack of typical positive and negative symptoms). CONCLUSION: The knowledge of these factors should be crucial to implement health policies and psychosocial rehabilitation programs focused on improving the quality of life of these patients.

Nodulação e rendimento de soja co-infectada com Bacillus Subtilis e Bradyrhizobium Japonicum / Bradyrhizobium Elkanii

O Bacillus subtilis pode favorecer o desempenho simbiótico do rizóbio, pelos efeitos na inibição de fitopatógenos ou pela exsudação de fitormônios. Com o objetivo de verificar a viabilidade da co-infecção de sementes de soja com Bradyrhizobium e Bacillus foram conduzidos três experimentos, no Paraná, em solos com população estabelecida de Bradyrhizobium, em que as estirpes de Bradyrhizobium SEMIA 5019 e SEMIA 5080 e suas variantes tolerantes aos metabólitos de Bacillus foram co-infectadas com duas estirpes de Bacillus (AP-3 e PRBS-1), ou seus metabólitos. Na safra 1993/94, em Londrina, o tratamento de co-inoculação de Bradyrhizobium com os metabólitos formulados de Bacillus incrementou, significativamente, em relação ao não-inoculado, o número de nódulos (59%, estádio V3), a ocupação dos nódulos pelas estirpes de Bradyrhizobium (76%, R2) e o rendimento de grãos (24%); em Ponta Grossa, esses incrementos foram de 60%, 145% e 22%, respectivamente. Nessa safra, em Londrina, a co-inoculação das variantes tolerantes com os metabólitos de Bacillus também aumentou o rendimento (26%) e N total (17%) dos grãos de soja e incrementos significativos foram constatados, na ocupação dos nódulos, pela co-inoculação das variantes tolerantes com as células de Bacillus (78%). Os resultados obtidos indicam a viabilidade da co-inoculação, em sementes de soja, de metabólitos brutos ou formulados ou, ainda, de células de Bacillus subtilis, para incrementar a contribuição do processo de fixação biológica do nitrogênio.

Reações de Cp'(CO)2MnPPH2H com CH3COCl e CH3S(O)2Cl em THF/trietilamina: evidências da primeira estabilização por complexação de um fósforo-homólogo das sulfonamidas

Cp'Mn(CO)3 (Cp'=h5-C5H4-CH 3) reacts with P(C6H5)2H in THF to give Cp'(CO)2MnPPh2H (Ph = Phenyl) (1), by substitution of one CO ligand. The reaction of 1 with CH3COCl and CH3S(O)2Cl in the presence of triethylamine occurs under electrophilic substitution on the diphenylphosphan ligand to yield the acetyl- and sulfonylphosphane complexes of manganese(I) Cp'(CO)2MnPPh2COCH3 (2) and Cp'(CO)2MnPPh2S(O)2 CH3 (3). The complex stabilisation of these molecules, wich are hitherto unknown in the free state, is only accomplished by blocking the free electron pair on phosphorus by coordination. The new complexes 1, 2 and 3 were analysed by IR, ¹H-NMR and 31P-MNR spectroscopy and their similar structures are discusssed.

Germination of Miconia ligustroides (Melastomataceae) diaspores submitted to different treatments for dormancy overcoming

To assess the germination behavior of Miconia ligustroides (DC.) Naudin, diaspores were submitted to different regimes of temperature, light and substrate. Due to intrinsic low germination of the diaspores, they were submitted to treatments that aimed to overcome endogenous and exogenous dormancy. Miconia ligustroides presents complex dormancy and to overcome it is recommended to soak the diaspores in H2SO4 diluted at 75% for 5 minutes, wash it and then soak it in a solution of 400 mg L-1 of GA3 for 12 hours. Seeding should be done on Germtest® paper at 25 °C.

The vacuum assisted closure of complex wounds: report of 3 cases

Treatment of wounds using conventional methods is frequently limited by inadequate local wound conditions, or by a poor systemic clinical situation. Vacuum system may promote faster granulation tissue formation, remove excessive exudate, increase blood flow in the wound, and attract the borders of the wound to the center, reducing its dimension. We present 3 cases of patients with difficult wounds, due to bad local conditions, or poor clinical situation, in whom we used a vacuum system to prepare the wound for the surgical closure. One patient had a pressure ulcer, another had a diabetic foot ulcer, and the third one had an open foot stump. In the 3 cases a significant improvement of the wound conditions was achieved after 7 to 8 days, allowing successful surgical treatment with flap or skin grafts.

Towards a Unified Theory of Health-Disease: I. Health as a complex model-object

Theory building is one of the most crucial challenges faced by basic, clinical and population research, which form the scientific foundations of health practices in contemporary societies. The objective of the study is to propose a Unified Theory of Health-Disease as a conceptual tool for modeling health-disease-care in the light of complexity approaches. With this aim, the epistemological basis of theoretical work in the health field and concepts related to complexity theory as concerned to health problems are discussed. Secondly, the concepts of model-object, multi-planes of occurrence, modes of health and disease-illness-sickness complex are introduced and integrated into a unified theoretical framework. Finally, in the light of recent epistemological developments, the concept of Health-Disease-Care Integrals is updated as a complex reference object fit for modeling health-related processes and phenomena.

RESEARCH OF ANTIGEN AND ANTIBODIES FROM RETROVIRUSES, CMV AND HBV AMONG PRISONERS OF THE PENITENTIARY COMPLEX OF THE REGION OF CAMPINAS, SP, BRAZIL

Some viruses of the families Retroviridae, such as Human T Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV); Herpesviridae as the Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Hepadnaviridae such as the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) are liable to be co-transmitted with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Since prisoners are exposed to several and important risk factors involved in the transmission of HIV and the above mentioned viruses, male inmates from the penitentiary complex of Campinas, SP, Brazil, including HIV + and HIV - ones, were examined for the presence of HTLV-I and/or II antibodies; IgG and IgM anti-CMV antibodies, and the research of the superficial hepatitis B antigen (HBsAg). The presence of anti-HTLV-I and/or II was determined by the Western Blot (WB) technique, whereas IgG and IgM anti-CMV and the search of HBsAg were carried out by the Microparticle Enzyme Immunoassay (MEIA-Abbott Lab).With regard to anti-HTLV-I and/or II, 58.3% (14/24-Number of positive reactions/number of sera examined) were reactive among the anti-HIV positive sera. Conversely, only 12.5% (3/24) among the HIV- negative sera showed positive reactions to HTLV-I and/or II antibodies. When looking for IgG anti-CMV percentages of 97.7% (43/44) and 95% (38/40) were obtained for anti-HIV positive and negative sera, respectively. As to IgM anti-CMV antibodies 11.36% (5/44) and 2.5% (1/40) of reactive sera were found for anti-HIV positive and negative, respectively. The HBsAg was found in 12.8% (5/39) of the sera which were anti-HIV positive.

Seroprevalence of antibodies to Venezuelan equine encephalitis complex (subtypes IAB and VI) in humans from General Belgrano Island, Formosa, Argentina

This work presents the results of the detection of antibodies (immunoglobulin G) for subtypes I and VI of VEE viruses complex (Togaviridae family) in people from the General Belgrano island, Formosa province (Argentina). The prevalence of neutralizing (NT) antibodies for subtype VI was from 30% to 70% and the prevalence of antibodies inhibitory of hemagglutination (HI) was of 0% in the first and second inquiry respectively. For the subtype IAB the prevalence of NT antibodies was from 13% to 3.6%, similar to the prevalence total for both subtypes. HI antibodies were not detected in any inquiries for any subtype. It was observed that both subtypes circulate simultaneously, while subtype VI remains constant with some peaks, subtype I was found in low level.

Sandfly fauna (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Parque do Sabiá complex, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Between April 2003 and May 2009 phlebotomine sandflies were collected in Parque do Sabiá complex, Uberlândia municipality, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, using CDC and Shannon traps. The objective was to associate the sandfly species captured to the risk of the transmission of leishmaniasis in the municipality. The 126 captured specimens belonging to six species of phlebotomine, among which Lutzomyia (Psychodopygus) davisi (Root, 1934) predominated with 113 specimens (89.7%). The remaining captured species were Lutzomyia (Pintomyia) mamedei Oliveira, Afonso, Dias & Brazil, 1994 - five specimens (3.9%); Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) flaviscutellata (Mangabeira, 1942) - four specimens (3.2%); Lutzomyia lenti (Mangabeira, 1938) - two specimens (1.6%); Brumptomyia avellari (Costa Lima, 1932) - one specimen (0.8%); and Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) whitmani (Antunes & Coutinho, 1939) - one specimen (0.8%). The collection of species that may be involved in the transmission of Leishmania reveals the need for continuous entomological surveillance.

Epidemiology of the viral hepatitis B and C in female prisoners of Metropolitan Regional Prison Complex in the State of Goiás, Central Brazil

INTRODUCTION: Little information regarding hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among Brazilian female prisoners exists. This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors associated with HBV and HCV infections and identified viral genotypes among female prisoners in Goiás, Central Brazil. METHODS: Women incarcerated in the largest prison in the State of Goiás were invited to participate in the study. All female prisoners were interviewed and tested for the detection of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibodies against HBsAg (anti-HBs), against hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), and antibody against HCV (anti-HCV) by ELISA. HBsAg and anti-HCV positive samples were tested for HBV DNA and HCV RNA and genotyped, respectively. RESULTS: Participants (n=148; 98.6%) completed the study with an overall HBV prevalence of 18.9%. Age >30 years, a low education level, sex with a sexually transmitted diseases carrier, and a male sexual partner serving in the same penitentiary were associated with HBV infections. Only 24% of the women were anti-HBs positive suggesting previous HBV vaccination. Nine female prisoners (6.1%) were anti-HCV positive. Age >40 years, injecting drug use and length of incarceration were statistically associated with anti-HCV antibodies. Five samples were HCV RNA positive and classified as genotypes 1 (subtypes 1a; n=3 and 1b; n=1) and 3 (subtype 3a; n=1). The HBsAg-reactive sample was HBV DNA positive and genotype A. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the necessity of public policies to control hepatitis B and C infections and emphasize the importance of hepatitis B vaccination in prison environments.

Debranching Solutions in Endografting for Complex Thoracic Aortic Dissections

Background: Conventional surgical repair of thoracic aortic dissections is a challenge due to mortality and morbidity risks. Objectives: We analyzed our experience in hybrid aortic arch repair for complex dissections of the aortic arch. Methods: Between 2009 and 2013, 18 patients (the mean age of 67 ± 8 years-old) underwent hybrid aortic arch repair. The procedural strategy was determined on the individual patient. Results: Thirteen patients had type I repair using trifurcation and another patient with bifurcation graft. Two patients had type II repair with replacement of the ascending aorta. Two patients received extra-anatomic bypass grafting to left carotid artery allowing covering of zone 1. Stent graft deployment rate was 100%. No patients experienced stroke. One patient with total debranching of the aortic arch following an acute dissection of the proximal arch expired 3 months after TEVAR due to heart failure. There were no early to midterm endoleaks. The median follow-up was 20 ± 8 months with patency rate of 100%. Conclusion: Various debranching solutions for different complex scenarios of the aortic arch serve as less invasive procedures than conventional open surgery enabling safe and effective treatment of this highly selected subgroup of patients with complex aortic pathologies.

Complex mating behavior in Adelosgryllus rubricephalus (Orthoptera, Phalangopsidae, Grylloidea)

We describe the mating behavior of Adelosgryllus rubricephalus Mesa & Zefa, 2004. In trials carried out in laboratory we verified the following mating sequence: (1) sexual recognition by antennation; (2) courtship with male turning his abdomen towards the female, performing mediolateral antennae vibration, jerking its body antero-posteriorly and stridulating intermittently, while receptive female drums on the male's abdomen tip, cerci and hind-tibia with her palpi or foretarsi; the male then stops and stays motionless for some seconds, extrudes the spermatophore and both restart the behavioral sequence described above; (3) copulation: male underneath female; with his tegmina inclined forward, and joins his genitalia to the female's to promote sperm transference ; the female steps off the male, occurring a brief end-to-end position; (4) postcopulation: without guarding behavior; male retains the spermatophore and eats it. We quantified elapsed time of each behavioral sequence and discussed its implications in the observed mating behavior.

Condition factor of Goniopsis cruentata (Crustacea, Brachyura, Grapsidae) from Mundaú/Manguaba estuarine complex, Alagoas, Brazil

The condition factor is a parameter which acts as a general indicator of the "well-being" of a species, and it can be obtained through the analysis of width vs. weight relationships. The present work aims to investigate size vs. weight relationship and the condition factor of the crab Goniopsis cruentata (Latreille, 1803). The study area was the Mundaú/Manguaba estuarine complex, Maceió, state of Alagoas, Northeast Brazil. Samplings were monthly accomplished from August 2007 to July 2008. A total of 626 individuals were analyzed, being 309 males and 317 females. Males were larger and heavier than females, what is expected in many brachyuran. The growth was positive allometric to both males (b = 3.42) and females (b = 3.30), not obeying the "cube law". The condition factor of female was higher than that of male crabs, probably due to the gonad weight of females. It also varied seasonally for both sexes, being higher in the autumn and winter in males, and in the autumn and spring in females, and related to the molt and period of spawning intensification.