Distribución geográfica etaria y racial de la hemoglobina S en Brasil.

OBJECTIVES: This paper was meant to analyse distribution of HbS carriers in Brazil, comprising its regional prevalence and the relationship with racial settlement and age groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 67,667 blood samples from 48 Brazilian towns were analysed from 1976 to 1988. Such samples were classified as Caucasoid and Negroid. The diagnosis was defined by means of qualitative electrophoresis in alkaline and acid pH, quantification of haemoglobin fractions, cytological studies and some cases were confirmed after examination of the parents. RESULTS: The study of those 67,667 samples allowed us to detect 1,492 HbS carriers (2.2%). That frequency is higher among Negroids (5.16%) than among Caucasoids (1.22%): Z = 22.1397 (Zcritical; 0.05 = 1.9600). Taking the HbS carrier distribution into consideration, we noticed that it is relatively homogeneous among Negroids and higher than 5% in 9 out of the 16 areas involved in the study. By classifying the age group of the areas in the general sample and by comparing the proportions, we found out that there are significant differences (chi 2 = 50.88; chi 2 critical; 0.05; 5 gl = 11.070). CONCLUSIONS: Sickle-cell anaemia diseases play an important role among the pathologies found in several countries, including Brazil. This paper shows that the carriers prevalence varies in the several areas under study and is higher among Negroids in almost all of them. The decreasing frequency occurring from North to South in the general samples and among Caucasoids may be assigned to the contribution of the Negroes in the interracial crossing, particularly in the Northeast.

A interface entre distúrbio obsessivo-compulsivo e esquizofrenia: Desafios da prática clínica

The article discusses the relationship between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and schizophrenia, based on the report of eight clinical cases. It describes and discusses cases of OCD with poor insight, obsessions that seem paranoid delusions or auditive hallucinations, OCD with transient psychotic reactions, OCD with schizotypal personality disorder and schizophrenia with obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

Produção de matéria seca de feijoeiros submetidos a diferentes níveis de magnésio em solução nutritiva

The effect of Mg levels in nutrient solution upon root, stem, leaf, fruit and total dry matter production of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Carioca) was studied. Bean plants were grown in Hoagland & Arnon n. 2 solution modified to obtain 2.4, 24.3, 48.6, 72.9 and 97.2 ppm of Mg. The experimental design was a split-plot factorial replicated three times with five Mg levels and five samplings which were done fortnightly. Results were compared with those observed in plants submitted to a nutrient solution with 48.6 ppm of Mg concentration, considered the ideal Mg content. Only a mild prejudicial effect was observed with Mg excessive levels. Stem, leaves and total dry matter were higher when 2.4 ppm were used, suggesting this level as the concentration chosen for the culture of common bean.

Structural changes induced by ultrasound during aging of the boehmite phase

Structural changes induced by ultrasound during the aging of the aluminum monohydroxide (boehmite) were studied by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and nitrogen adsorption. The BET surface area and the pore volume of the ultrasound stimulated hydroxide (HU) are about 40% less than those of the non-stimulated one (HS). The mean pore size practically does not change, while the mean crystallite size (L) is about 25% greater in the HU system. The increase of L alone is not enough to account for the surface area diminution, suggesting that the sonication also induces compaction by elimination of some porosity. The sonication of the precursor hydroxide does not seem to play an apparent role in the structural properties of the resulting calcinated γ-alumina. © 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.

Efeitos da carência de alguns nutrientes minerais no desenvolvimento de plantas de soja (Glycine max (L.) Merrill cv Santa Rosa)

The present work studies Ca, B and Zn omission on the development of soybean plants (Glycine max (L.) Merrill cv Santa Rosa). The experiment was carried out as hydroponic culture, with complete Hoagland & Arnon nutrient solution nr. 2 (C), lacking calcium (-Ca), lacking boron (-B) or lacking zinc (-Zn), a total of 4 treatments. Seven samplings were made to determine: total dry matter (g), root dry matter (g), stem dry matter (g) and leaf dry matter (g). Results showed that Ca and B omissions decreased dry weight. Lack of Zn did not affect dry weight.

Estudo preliminar de uma metodologia baseada no conceito de graus-dia, para previsão das fases fenológicas de culturas agrícolas

This work develops a methodology (using the degree-days concept and linear regression), to forecast the duration of phenological phases in crops. An experiment was conducted in the greenhouse with three cultivars of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.), cv. Califórnia-781, Tvx 5058-09C and IT 81D-1032. The methodology was based on the relative thermal efficiency rate, determined for each species or cv. The results show that the proposed methodology may be a good alternative in works involving crops, especially because it does not require the repetition of the experiments.

Efeito de auxinas e boro no enraizamento de estacas caulinares de kiwi retiradas em diferentes épocas

This work was carried out to study the effects of some synthetical auxins and boron on the rooting of stem cuttings of kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa Pl. cv. Tomuri). Cuttings of semi-woody stems with two knots and leaves divided in two, with approximately 10 cm of length were utilized. The base of the cuttings received the following treatments: 1) water only; 2) NAA 300 ppm; 3) IBA 300 ppm; 4) NAA 300 ppm + B; 5) IBA 300 ppm + B; 6) NAA 0,5%-talc and 7) IBA 0,5%-talc. After these treatments, the stems were placed in suitable rooting dishes, with pure vermiculite in misty nebulization chamber for 120 days. Evaluations were made based on the following observations: percentage of rooted stem cuttings; reductor sugar and total sugar analyses and tryptophan analyses. The results showed that the autumm season is the best for rooting for kiwi stem cuttings. The exogenous application of 0.5% of IBA talc on the bases of the cuttings showed positive results.

Magnésio, cálcio e potássio em sementes e cotilédones de feijoeiros e sua transferência para plantas jovens

Magnesium, calcium and potassium concentration in the seeds and cotyledons of Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Carioca and its translocation from the cotyledons to the plant were evaluated. For such an evaluation plants were cultivated during the cotyledons phase and were irrigated with deionized water. Three samplings of cotyledons completely randomized were done and replicated ten times, before its senescence and fall, at 8, 12 and 15 days after the germination of the seeds. Fresh and dry matter of the cotyledons and its magnesium, calcium and potassium content were determinated in every sample. These parameters were also determined in the seeds from the same lot. Potassium concentration was higher than magnesium in both seeds and cotyledons. Calcium presented the lesser concentration both in seeds and cotyledons. These minerals were translocated from the seeds and cotyledons to the young plants. Eight days after germination 59% of the magnesium, 78% of the calcium and 71% of the potassium were translocated to the plants. Fifteen days after germination these percentages were respectivaley 73%, 82% and 91%. Thus, magnesium was the less and potassium was the most translocated mineral at the end of the study.

Monolithic diphasic gels of mullite by sol-gel process under ultrasound stimulation

Diphasic gel in the mullite composition was prepared from a colloidal sol of boehmite mixed with a hydrolyzed tetraethoxisilane (TEOS) solution. The boehmite sol was obtained by peptization of a poorly crystallized or very small mean crystallite size (∼34 Å) precipitate, resulting from the reaction between solutions of aluminum sulfate and sodium hydroxide. Ultrasound was utilized in the processes of the TEOS hydrolysis and the boehmite peptization, and also for complete homogenization of the mixture to gel. The wet gel is almost clear and monolithic. The gel transparency is lost on drying, when syneresis has ended, so that the interlinked pore structure starts to empty and is recovered upon water re-absorption. Cracking closely accompanies this critical drying process. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) show that the solid structure of the gel is composed of an amorphous silica phase, as a matrix, and a colloidal sized crystalline phase of boehmite. Upon heat treatment, the boehmite phase within the gel closely follows the same transition sequence as in pure alumina shifted towards higher temperatures. Orthorhombic mullite formation was detected at 1300°C. © 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Ferulic acid uptake by soybean root in nutrient culture

Ferulic acid uptake by soybean root in nutrient culture was investigated by the depletion method at different concentrations, temperatures and pH. Results showed that soybean roots absorbed this compound at greater rates in the concentrations between 0.05-mM and 1.0-mM and it was concentration dependent. Ferulic acid uptake was unaffected at pH 4.5 or 6.0 but reduced at pH 7.0. At pH 6.0, uptake rates decreased significantly with increasing temperature of nutrient solution.

Diagnóstico laboratorial de hemoglobinopatias em populações diferenciadas

The inherited haemoglobinopathies are a heterogeneous group of recessive disorders that include the thalassaemias and sickle cell disease. Nearly a thousand mutant alleles have now been characterized. The mutations are regionally specific and in most cases the geographical and ethnic distribution shave been determined providing the foundation for a program of control through screening, genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis. The diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies requires care for the methodologies applied and the population group which will be evaluated. The information about the abnormal hemoglobin, the medical and psychological aspects and genetic counseling of the carriers and their families are goals of great importance for the success of preventive programs in this area. Aiming to evaluate the laboratory methods for hemoglobinopathy screening and their use in clinical laboratories, we have compared abnormal hemoglobins incidence in the different population groups: blood donors, anemia carriers, newborn and students. The laboratory methods applied involved eletrophoretic proceedings, cytological and biochemical analysis. Within the period from September 1999 through January 2000, we analyzed 524 individuals with varied types of abnormal hemoglobins. Among blood donors, we diagnosed two sickle cell carriers, which suggest the necessity for better care in the process of selection of blood donor candidates. The current interest in the medical and social aspects of sickle cell anemia has resulted in a great increase in methodology research leading to the development of sickle cell screening techniques.

Hemoglobin as AS/alfa talassemia - Importância diagnóstica

Sickle Cell disease is a generic term for a group of genetic disorders characterized by the predominance of hemoglobin S. These disorders include Sickle Cell anemia, the Sickle Cell beta Thalassemia syndromes and Hemoglobinopathies in which hemoglobin S is in association with another abnormal hemoglobin, such as hemoglobin S/C. The Sickle Cell trait (hemoglobin AS) associated with Alpha Thalassemia presents alterations in the red blood cells morphology, usually absent in the heterozygous for this hemoglobin variant. The interaction between hemoglobin Sand alpha Thalassemia has been described as one of the factors responsible for the improvement in the clinical picture of homozygous of hemoglobin S (Sickle Cell Anemia), decreasing the number of episodes of pain. The genetic mechanisms of this influence are evaluated using molecular analyses of the human globin genes. With the objective of verifying the presence of alpha Thalassemia in heterozygous of hemoglobin S, with anemia, sent to the Laboratory of Hemoglobins, Department of Biology, UNESP, São José do Rio Preto, SP, we analyzed 1002 blood samples with Sickle Cell trait, in the period from 1990 to 1998. The samples were picked with EDTA 5% as anticoagulant, after previous authorization of the carriers. Appropriated counseling and management requires definitive diagnosis. For the laboratorial diagnosis the blood samples were submitted to electrophoretic procedures in alkaline and acid pH and cytological evaluation of hemoglobin H. The electrophoretic procedures confirmed the presence of hemoglobin AS. The cytological evaluation evidenced the presence of alpha Thalassemia. Of this total analyzed, 16(1,59%) blood samples presented the association between hemoglobin AS and alpha Thalassemia and two individuals belonged of the same family. Our results addressed us to suggest to the routine laboratories, that is important to accomplish the research of alpha Thalassemia among the Sickle Cell trait, with anemia, to verify the interaction with alpha Thalassemia, supplying to the carriers a important information on its hematological profile, genetic pattern of hemoglobinopathies and the appropriated counseling. Rev.bras.hematol.hemoter.,2000,22(3):388-394.

Hemoglobinas anormais e dificuldade diagnóstica

The human hemoglobins, with genetically defined inheritance patterns, have shown characteristic polymorphic variation within the Brazilian population, depending on the racial groups of each region. They have appeared under the form of hemoglobin variants or thalassemias, the variant types S and C and the alpha and beta thalassemias being more common, all of them in heterozygote form. During the year of 1999, blood samples from 506 individuals, with suspected anemia or that had already passed through hemoglobinopathies screening, were sent to the Hemoglobin Reference Center - UNESP for diagnostic confirmation and submitted to electrophoresis proceedings, biochemical and cytological analyses in order to characterize the type of abnormal hemoglobins. The goal of the present study was to verify which abnormal hemoglobin types show greater diagnostic difficulty. The samples came from 24 cities in twelve states. The results showed that 354 (69.96%) individuals presented abnormal hemoglobins, 30 (5.93%) being Hb AS, 5 (0.98%) being Hb AC, 76 (15.02%) suggestive of heterozygote alpha thalassemia, 134 (26.48%) suggestive of heterozygote beta thalassemia and 109 (21.54%) with other forms of abnormal hemoglobin, including rare variants and different forms of thalassemias and variant hemoglobin interactions. It has been concluded that, despite the improved techniques currently available and a constant influx of capacitated personnel, the heterozygote form of thalassemias (210 individuals -41.50%) is challenging to diagnose, followed in difficulty by rare variant characterization and interactive forms of hemoglobinopathies (109 individuals-21,54%), suggesting that the capacity for production of qualified professionals and information about these genetic changes in our population should be increased.

Homogenous implant in rat tibias of matrix preserved in 98% glycerin: histomorphologic study.

As a chemical medium for preservation of tissues, glycerin has shown good results because it maintains the cellular integrity despite the tissue dehydration it causes. Taking advantage of the osteoinducing properties of the osseous matrix and glycerin as a proper medium for tissue preservation, osseous matrix was implanted in rat tibias. Twenty-four rats were used, each receiving two surgical wounds. In one of the wounds an osseous matrix preserved in 98% glycerin was implanted and the other received a matrix without preservatives. Six animals were sacrificed on days 10, 20, 30 and 60 post-implant. After routine histological processing, the specimens were stained in hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome. The results showed that the matrixes preserved in glycerin presented faster resorption with replacement by newly formed tissue.