Comportamento alimentar de paralarvas do polvo Octopus vulgaris Tipo II (Cuvier, 1797) alimentadas com artêmia enriquecida com microalgas e suplementada com DHA / Feeding behavior of octopus Octopus vulgaris Type II (Cuvier, 1797) paralarvae fed on Artemia enriched with microalgae and supplemented with DHA

The inexistence of nutritionally adequate diets in paralarval rearing is the main bottleneck for commercial production of the common octopus Octopus cf. vulgaris. We report the feeding behavior of O. vulgaris Type II paralarvae fed on Artemia sp (0.1 individual. mL-1) nauplii enriched with microalgae Isocrysis galbana and Pavlova lutheri microalgae from 0 to 7 Day After Hatching (DAH).; metanauplii enriched with microalgae and DHA SELCO® lipid emulsion from the 8 DAH. The paralarvae showed active swimming and predation by the 14 DAH, feeding in the most superficial portion of the water column. From the 15 DAH, the paralarvae remained near the bottom and there a decrease in the consumption of artemia was observed. The mortality observed from the 18 DAH and mass mortality of paralarvae on 20 DAH can be attributed mainly to the nutritional composition of the diet. Studies analyzing the biochemical composition and ontogeny of the digestive system during the early life stages should shed some light on the running for an appropriate feeding protocol to the paralarval rearing.(AU)

The use of biosimilar medicines in oncology - position statement of the Brazilian Society of Clinical Oncology (SBOC)

A biosimilar is a biologic product that is similar to a reference biopharmaceutical product, the manufacturing process of which hinders the ability to identically replicate the structure of the original product, and therefore, it cannot be described as an absolute equivalent of the original medication. The currently available technology does not allow for an accurate copy of complex molecules, but it does allow the replication of similar molecules with the same activity. As biosimilars are about to be introduced in oncology practice, these must be evaluated through evidence-based medicine. This manuscript is a position paper, where the Brazilian Society of Clinical Oncology (SBOC) aims to describe pertinent issues regarding the approval and use of biosimilars in oncology. As a working group on behalf of SBOC, we discuss aspects related to definition, labeling/nomenclature, extrapolation, interchangeability, switching, automatic substitution, clinical standards on safety and efficacy, and the potential impact on financial burden in healthcare. We take a stand in favor of the introduction of biosimilars, as they offer a viable, safe, and cost-effective alternative to the biopharmaceutical products currently used in cancer. We hope this document can provide valuable information to support therapeutic decisions that maximize the clinical benefit for the thousands of cancer patients in Brazil and can contribute to expedite the introduction of this new drug class in clinical practice. We expect the conveyed information to serve as a basis for further discussion in Latin America, this being the first position paper issued by a Latin American Oncology Society.

Quality of antenatal care as a risk factor for early onset neonatal infections in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Background: Neonatal infection is a serious public health problem. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of the antenatal care on the risk of early-onset neonatal healthcare associated infection in two Brazilian maternities. Methods: Cohort study - Newborns admitted at two public neonatal intensive care units from 2008 to 2009 were included in the study. Data on antenatal and perinatal variables were collected from maternal prenatal cards and medical charts. Newborns were actively surveyed for early-onset neonatal healthcare associated infection, defined as a neonatal infection diagnosed within 48 h after birth. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess variables independently associated with early-onset neonatal healthcare associated infection. Results: 561 neonate-mother pairs were included in the study. Early-onset neonatal health-care associated infection was diagnosed in 283 neonates (51%), an incidence rate of 43.5/1000 live births. Neonates whose mothers had less then six antenatal visits were under risk significantly higher for early-onset neonatal healthcare associated infection (OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.11-2.57), after adjusting for birth weight, membranes ruptured for >18 h, maternal complications during delivery, maternal infection at admission, and hospital where patients received care. Conclusions: The risk of neonatal early-onset neonatal healthcare associated infection was significantly associated with insufficient number of antenatal care visits. Further studies assessing the quality of antenatal care and targeting its improvement are warranted. .

Transmission of a multidrug-resistant HIV-! from an accupational exposure, in São Paulo, Brazil

We documented the first transmission of a multidrug-resistant HIV from an occupational exposure in Sao Paulo, Brazil, albeit with antiretroviral prophylaxis instituted within 1 h after the accident. A 27-year-old female healthcare worker (HCW) sustained an index finger needle stick injury with a 20-gauge needle while puncturing the forearm of an HIV-infected patient. The putative source (index) patient was a 44-year-old homeless female, on irregular use of zidovudine (AZT), lamivudine (3TC) and ritonavir boosted lopinavir(LPV/r). She was hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfected and had been prescribed different regimens including nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI), non-nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) or protease inhibitors since 2011. Around the time of the accident, she had a HIV viral load of 4.56 log10, HCV viral load of 5.9 log10 (Abbott Real Time HIV and HCV, USA) and CD4+ cell count (BD Biosciences FACSCalibur Flow Cytometer, USA) of 143 cells/µl. After the HCW tested negative by rapid test, AZT/3TC/LPV/r was instituted, as suggested by current guidelines [1,2], within 1 h of the accident.

Desenvolvimento de Maytenus ilicifolia e de seus polifenóis totais sob condição de sombreamento e poda / Shadowing and pruning on the development and polyphenol contents in Maytenus ilicifolia

Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. ex Reissek (Celastraceae), conhecida popularmente por espinheira-santa, é nativa e cultivada, principalmente, no sul do Brasil. Suas folhas apresentam triterpenos e substâncias polifenólicas (flavonóides e taninos) relacionadas ao efeito antiulcerogênico. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a produção de massa seca, altura, ramificação, e o teor de polifenóis totais em plantas de M. ilicifolia que se desenvolveram sob duas condições de luminosidade, após dois tratamentos distintos de poda. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos cazualizados com plantas desenvolvidas sob sombra e a pleno sol, e com plantas manejadas por poda parcial e rasa, com quatro repetições. No tratamento de poda rasa a maior altura das plantas foi observada nas plantas cultivadas a sombra em comparação com as conduzidas a pleno sol. No tratamento de poda parcial o número de ramos terciários aumentou significativamente nas plantas conduzidas a pleno sol. As plantas cultivadas a pleno sol apresentaram diferença significativa na concentração de polifenóis totais em relação às plantas produzidas à sombra alcançando valores de 10,29 ± 0,20% (CV=1,94%) e 7,16 ± 0,09% (CV=1,30%) respectivamente.

The Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. ex Reissek (Celastraceae), traditionally known as "espinheira-santa" in Portuguese, is native and cultivated in South Brazil. Its leaves contain triterpenes and polyphenolic compounds (flavonoids and tannins), which are related to the antiulcerogenic effect. The aim of this work was to evaluate the dried biomass production (g), height (m), ramification, and also the total content in polyphenol compounds of the leaves from the M. ilicifolia specie, which were developed under two different light conditions after two different pruning treatments. The design of the experiment was randomized blocks with two levels of light (shadow or full sunlight) and two levels of prune (partial and drastic), with four replications. The height of the plants grown in the shadow was greater for the treatment of drastic pruning than in plants in full sunlight. The ramification increased significantly with drastic prune in full sunlight. The plants grown in full sunlight showed a significant higher content in total polyphenols than the plants grown in the shadow, 10.29±0.20% (RSD=1.94%) and 7.16±0.09% (RSD=1.30%) respectively.

Efeito do extrato aquoso e etanólico do angico preto sobre larvas de Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus / The effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts from the angico Preto about larvae of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus

Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus representa um grande problema na bovinocultura e o uso de acaricidas é a medida de controle profilático e terapêutico mais comum contra esses ectoparasitos. Os principais problemas relacionados com essa prática dizem respeito ao desenvolvimento de linhagens resistentes de carrapatos. Assim, objetivou-se determinar o efeito de extratos da casca de Anadenanthera macrocarpa sobre as larvas de R. (B.) microplus, obtidas de um pool de ovos, acondicionadas em tubo de polietileno. De acordo com os resultados, o extrato aquoso na concentração de 8,26mg.mL-1 causou 85% de mortalidade nas primeiras 12 horas. Quanto ao extrato etanólico, observou-se maior mortalidade nas concentrações 12,5; 6,25 e 1,56mg.mL-1, em torno de 84%, percentuais semelhantes ao amitraz. Os controles negativos não apresentaram mortalidade durante o experimento. Assim, tanto o extrato aquoso como o extrato etanólico apresentaram efeito larvicida, embora o extrato etanólico tenha sido mais eficiente para a espécie, podendo ser uma alternativa no controle desse ectoparasito.

Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus represents a major problem in cattle breeding and the use of acaricides is the most common prophylactic and therapeutic control measure against these ectoparasites. The main problems with this practice relate to the development of resistant strains of ticks. Thus, the objective was to determine the effect of bark extracts from Anadenanthera macrocarpa on the larvae of R.(B.) microplus, obtained from a pool of eggs packed in a polyethylene tube. According to the results, the aqueous extract at a concentration of 8.26mg.mL-1caused 85% mortality in the first 12 hours. As for the ethanolic extract, higher mortality of about 84%, a percentage similar to amitraz, was observed at concentrations of 12.5mg.mL-1, 6.25mg.mL-1 and 1.56mg.mL-1. The negative controls showed no mortality during the experiment. Thus, both the aqueous and ethanolic extracts showed larvicidal activity, although the ethanolic extract has been more efficient and could be an alternative to control this ectoparasite.

Validação de metodologia analítica para a determinação de derivados do ácido o-hidroxicinâmico de Echinodorus grandiflorus / Validation of analytical methodology for the determination of derivatives of o-hydroxycinnamic acid from Echinodorus grandiflorus

Este artigo descreve o desenvolvimento e a validação de método espectrofotométrico UV-Visível para quantificação de derivados do ácido o-hidroxicinâmico em folhas de Echinodorus grandiflorus. O método demonstrou ser linear (r² = 0,9974), preciso (DPR < 15%) na análise de matriz complexa e exata (recuperação = 107,56%).

This paper describes the development and the validation of an UV-Vis spectrophotometric method for the quantification of derivatives of o-hydroxycinnamic acid in leaves of Echinodorus grandiflorus. The method showed to be linear (r² = 0.9974), precise (RSD < 15%) in the analysis of complex matrix and accurate (recovery = 107.56%).

Modulation of rhodopsin gene expression and signaling mechanisms evoked by endothelins in goldfish and murine pigment cell lines

Endothelins (ETs) and sarafotoxins (SRTXs) belong to a family of vasoconstrictor peptides, which regulate pigment migration and/or production in vertebrate pigment cells. The teleost Carassius auratus erythrophoroma cell line, GEM-81, and Mus musculus B16 melanocytes express rhodopsin, as well as the ET receptors, ETB and ETA, respectively. Both cell lines are photoresponsive, and respond to light with a decreased proliferation rate. For B16, the doubling time of cells kept in 14-h light (14L):10-h darkness (10D) was higher compared to 10L:14D, or to DD. The doubling time of cells kept in 10L:14D was also higher compared to DD. Using real-time PCR, we demonstrated that SRTX S6c (12-h treatment, 100 pM and 1 nM; 24-h treatment, 1 nM) and ET-1 (12-h treatment, 10 and 100 pM; 24- and 48-h treatments, 100 pM) increased rhodopsin mRNA levels in GEM-81 and B16 cells, respectively. This modulation involves protein kinase C (PKC) and the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade in GEM-81 cells, and phospholipase C, Ca2+, calmodulin, a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase, and PKC in B16 cells. Cells were kept under constant darkness throughout the gene expression experiments. These results show that rhodopsin mRNA levels can be modulated by SRTXs/ETs in vertebrate pigment cells. It is possible that SRTX S6c binding to the ETB receptors in GEM-81 cells, and ET-1 binding to ETA receptors in B16 melanocytes, although activating diverse intracellular signaling mechanisms, mobilize transcription factors such as c-Fos, c-Jun, c-Myc, and neural retina leucine zipper protein. These activated transcription factors may be involved in the positive regulation of rhodopsin mRNA levels in these cell lines.

Efeito do nim (Azadirachta indica) na mosca-das-frutas Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) e seu parasitoide Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) / Effect of neem (Azadirachta indica) oil on the fruit-fly Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) and its parasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a ação do inseticida botânico nim em larvas de Ceratitis capitata, bem como no parasitismo destas larvas por Diachasmimorpha longicaudata. Para tanto, larvas de 3o ínstar de C. capitata foram mergulhadas por 30 segundos em soluções contendo as concentrações de 0,5%, 1% e 1,5% de um produto comercial à base de óleo de nim a 0,37% (3.686 ppm), além da testemunha mergulhada apenas em água destilada. Em seguida, as larvas foram expostas ao parasitismo de D. longicaudata por um período de 2 horas e 30 minutos. No experimento sem chance de escolha, para cada tratamento, uma única "unidade de parasitismo" foi pendurada no interior da gaiola. No experimento com livre escolha, as "unidades de parasitismo" foram penduradas no interior de uma mesma gaiola, de forma que os parasitoides tivessem livre acesso a todos os tratamentos. No experimento sem livre escolha, foi constatado que o aumento da concentração de nim diminuiu a atração das fêmeas, o número de fêmeas que efetuaram postura, o índice de parasitismo e a emergência dos parasitoides. No experimento com livre escolha, verificou-se que a emergência dos parasitoides e o índice de parasitismo também foram prejudicados nas maiores concentrações de nim. A ação isolada do nim, quando em contato com as larvas de 3o instar, não afetou a emergência de C. capitata.

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the action of the botanic insecticide neem oil on larvae of Ceratitis capitata, as well as in the parasitism of these larvae by Diachasmimorpha longicaudata. Third-instar larvae were immersed for 30 seconds in a neem solution, in concentrations of 0.5%, 1% and 1.5% of a commercial product composed of 0.37% (3.686 ppm) neem oil, while the controls were immersed only in distilled water. Soon afterwards the larvae were exposed to parasitism of D. longicaudata for 2 hours and 30 minutes. In the no-choice experiment, for every treatment, a single "parasitism unit" was hung inside the cage. In the experiment with free choice, "parasitism units" were hung inside another cage, so that the parasitoids had free access to all treatments. In the no-choice experiment, it was ascertained that the increase of the neem oil concentration decreased the attraction of the females, the number of females that lay, the parasitism rate and parasitoid emergency. In the experiment with free choice, it was ascertained that the emergence of parasitoids and parasitism rate were harmed at the larger neem oil concentrations. The isolated action of neem oil, when in contact with the third-instar larvae, did not affect the emergence of C. capitata.

Effectiveness of highly active antiretroviral therapy using non-brand name drugs in Brazil

In Brazil, HIV-infected individuals receive drugs (including non-brand name drugs which comprise locally produced generics and drugs that have not been tested in bioequivalence trials) free of charge from the government. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where non-brand drugs are widely used. For this purpose, we estimated the proportion of subjects with virologic failure (plasma HIV viral load greater than 400 copies/mL at 6 months after initiation of treatment). This was a retrospective cohort study of drug-naive HIV-infected subjects who initiated HAART. Subjects were included in the analysis if they were 18 years of age or older, were treatment naive, started HAART with a minimum of 3 drugs, and had available information on blood plasma HIV-1 viral load after 6 months on therapy. All subjects used antiretrovirals in dosing regimens recommended by the Brazilian National Advisory Committee for Antiretroviral Therapy. Chart reviews were conducted in three settings: at two public health outpatient units, at one clinical trial unit and at one private office. No comparisons of the effectiveness of non-brand name with the effectiveness of brand name drugs were made. We present results for 485 patients; of these, 354 (73 percent), 55 (11 percent), and 76 (16 percent) were seen at the public health outpatient units, private office, and clinical trial unit, respectively. Virologic failure was observed in 119 (25 percent) of the subjects. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of HAART in a setting where non-brand name drugs are widely used.

Prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and HCV genotypes of hemodialysis patients in Salvador, Northeastern Brazil

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been identified as the major cause of chronic liver disease among patients on chronic hemodialysis (HD), despite the important reduction in risks obtained by testing candidate blood donors for anti-HCV antibodies and the use of recombinant erythropoietin to treat anemia. A cross-sectional study was performed to estimate the prevalence of HCV infection and genotypes among HD patients in Salvador, Northeastern Brazil. Anti-HCV seroprevalence was determined by ELISA in 1243 HD patients from all ten different dialysis centers of the city. HCV infection was confirmed by RT-PCR and genotyping was performed by restriction fragment length polymorphism. Anti-HCV seroprevalence among HD patients was 10.5 percent (95 percent CI: 8.8-12.3) (Murex anti-HCV, Abbott Murex, Chicago, IL, USA). Blood samples for qualitative HCV detection and genotyping were collected from 125/130 seropositive HD patients (96.2 percent). HCV-RNA was detected in 92/125 (73.6 percent) of the anti-HCV-positive patients. HCV genotype 1 (77.9 percent) was the most prevalent, followed by genotype 3 (10.5 percent) and genotype 2 (4.6 percent). Mixed infections of genotypes 1 and 3 were found in 7.0 percent of the total number of patients. The present results indicate a significant decrease in anti-HCV prevalence from 23.8 percent detected in a study carried out in 1994 to 10.5 percent in the present study. The HCV genotype distribution was closely similar to that observed in other hemodialysis populations in Brazil, in local candidate blood donors and in other groups at risk of transfusion-transmitted infection.

L- and DL-carnitine induce tetanic fade in rat neuromuscular preparation

Carnitine, a structurally choline-like metabolite, has been used to increase athletic performance, although its effects on neuromuscular transmission have not been investigated. It is present in skeletal muscle and its plasma levels are about 30 to 90 æM. Using rat phrenic nerve diaphragm preparations indirectly and directly stimulated with high rate pulses, D-carnitine (30 and 60 æM), L-carnitine (60 æM) and DL-carnitine (60 æM) were shown to induce tetanic fade (D-carnitine = 19.7 ± 3.1 percent, N = 6; L-carnitine = 16.6 ± 2.4 percent, N = 6; DL-carnitine = 14.9 ± 2.1 percent, N = 6) without any reduction of maximal tetanic tension. D-carnitine induced tetanic fade in neuromuscular preparations previously paralyzed with d-tubocurarine and directly stimulated. The effect was greater than that obtained by indirect muscle stimulation. Furthermore, previous addition of atropine (20 to 80 æM) to the bath did not reduce carnitine isomer-induced tetanic fade. In contrast to D-carnitine, the tetanic fade induced by L- and DL-carnitine was antagonized by choline (60 æM). The combined effect of carnitine isomers and hemicholinium-3 (0.01 nM) was similar to the effect of hemicholinium-3 alone. The data suggest that L- and DL-carnitine-induced tetanic fade seems to depend on their transport into the motor nerve terminal

Estudo físico-químico, químico e biológico de extrato das cascas de Stryphnodendron polyphyllum Mart. (Leguminosae)

Two flavan-3-ols and one proanthocyanidins have been isolated from the stem bark of Stryphnodendron polyphyllum Mart., which is traditionally used in Brazil against various diseases. The structure was determined on the basis of spectroscopic data including 1-D (¹H, 13C) and 2-D NMR (¹H/¹H COSY) and MS. The antibacterial activities of an acetone:water and semipurified extracts from the stem bark of Stryphnodendron polyphyllum Mart. were evaluated. Both the crude and semipurified extracts showed activity against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. Quality control was determined using several pharmacopoeial assay.

Heavy metals in tributaries of Pampulha Reservoir, Minas Gerais

A great amount of heavy metals enter Pampulha Reservoir via it's main tributaries (Sarandi and Ressaca). Although no water quality classification has been carried out for these tributaries, the reservoir is expected to be in class 2 of the CONAMA-86 system. As part of a monitoring scheme of the Pampulha Watershed, heavy metals (Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni, Cu, Cr, Mn and Fe) were investigated in the water at a control site (considered free from direct human influence) and at potential sites of toxicity and contamination during August (dry season) and November (wet season) of 1998. The results for the first sampling period showed relatively high concentrations of zinc (0.22 mg.L FONT FACE=Symbol>- /FONT>1) in the upper portion of the reservoir. The highest values of nickel and chromium (0.19 and 0.89 mg.L FONT FACE=Symbol>- /FONT>1, respectively) were found in the initial portion of the Sarandi Stream, while the highest concentrations of lead (0.05 mg.L FONT FACE=Symbol>- /FONT>1), cadmium (0.014 mg.L FONT FACE=Symbol>- /FONT>1), manganese (0.43 mg.L FONT FACE=Symbol>- /FONT>1) and iron (15.25 mg.L FONT FACE=Symbol>- /FONT>1) were detected in the Ressaca Stream by the landfill dump of Belo Horizonte. A relatively high concentration of cadmium was also detected at the confluence of the two streams. During the second sampling period, there was an increase in the concentrations of zinc at all sampling sites except the control, with values varying from 0.71 mg.L FONT FACE=Symbol>- /FONT>1 (the Sarandi Stream) to 2.50 mg.L FONT FACE=Symbol>- /FONT>1 (the Ressaca Stream). Lead, cadmium, nickel and chromium concentrations were also higher in the Ressaca Stream, but not detected at the other sampling sites. Copper values were higher than in the first period: 0.10 mg.L FONT FACE=Symbol>- /FONT>1 at the control up to 0.38 mg.L FONT FACE=Symbol>- /FONT>1 at the confluence of the streams. Similar results were found for manganese and iron, with values reaching up to 19.30 and 125 mg.L FONT FACE=Symbol>- /FONT>1, respectively. Moreover, all values recorded in the second sampling period were much higher than recommended for class 2 waters. These results emphasize the need for such monitoring in relation to better water quality management of this reservoir.

Os efluentes lançados nos principais tributários da represa da Pampulha (Sarandi e Ressaca) estão em grande parte representados por metais pesados. Embora não haja enquadramento para a qualidade da água destes tributários, por apresentarem trechos canalizados, os limites recomendados para o reservatório o classificam como classe 2. Dentre os aspectos ecotoxicológicos considerados no monitoramento da Bacia da Pampulha, foram investigados teores de metais pesados (Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni, Cu, Cr, Fe e Mn) na água, em locais com potencial de toxicidade e contaminação, durante agosto (estação seca) e novembro/98 (estação chuvosa). Os primeiros resultados mostraram concentrações relativamente elevadas de zinco (0,22 mg.L FONT FACE=Symbol>- /FONT>1) na porção inicial do reservatório. No início do Córrego Sarandi, foram encontrados os maiores teores de níquel e cromo (0,19 e 0,89 mg.L FONT FACE=Symbol>- /FONT>1, respectivamente), enquanto as maiores concentrações de chumbo (0,05 mg.L FONT FACE=Symbol>- /FONT>1), cádmio (0,014 mg. L FONT FACE=Symbol>- /FONT>1), manganês (0,43 mg.L FONT FACE=Symbol>- /FONT>1) e ferro (15,25 mg.L FONT FACE=Symbol>- /FONT>1) foram encontradas no Córrego Ressaca, onde está situado o aterro sanitário de Belo Horizonte. Uma concentração relativamente elevada de cádmio também foi verificada na junção dos córregos Sarandi e Ressaca. No segundo período de análises, verificou-se um aumento nas concentrações de zinco em todos os pontos de amostragem, exceto no controle, com valores entre 0,71 (Córrego Sarandi) e 2,50 mg.L FONT FACE=Symbol>- /FONT>1 (Córrego Ressaca). Chumbo, cádmio, níquel e cromo apresentaram-se em maiores concentrações no Córrego Ressaca, não tendo sido detectados nos demais pontos de amostragem. Os valores de cobre foram mais elevados que os obtidos em agosto/98, entre 0,10 (controle) e 0,38 mg.L FONT FACE=Symbol>- /FONT>1 (junção). O mesmo foi verificado em relação ao manganês e ao ferro, cujos valores chegaram a 19,3 e 125,0 mg.L FONT FACE=Symbol>- /FONT>1, respectivamente. Além disso, todos os valores de metais detectados no segundo período de amostragem estiveram muito acima dos valores recomendados para águas classe 2. Os resultados mostram a necessidade de continuidade do monitoramento desses metais, devido ao interesse na melhoria da qualidade da água do reservatório.

Heavy metals in tributaries of Pampulha Reservoir, Minas Gerais

A great amount of heavy metals enter Pampulha Reservoir via it's main tributaries (Sarandi and Ressaca). Although no water quality classification has been carried out for these tributaries, the reservoir is expected to be in class 2 of the CONAMA-86 system. As part of a monitoring scheme of the Pampulha Watershed, heavy metals (Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni, Cu, Cr, Mn and Fe) were investigated in the water at a control site (considered free from direct human influence) and at potential sites of toxicity and contamination during August (dry season) and November (wet season) of 1998. The results for the first sampling period showed relatively high concentrations of zinc (0.22 mg.L-1) in the upper portion of the reservoir. The highest values of nickel and chromium (0.19 and 0.89 mg.L-1, respectively) were found in the initial portion of the Sarandi Stream, while the highest concentrations of lead (0.05 mg.L-1), cadmium (0.014 mg.L-1), manganese (0.43 mg.L-1) and iron (15.25 mg.L-1) were detected in the Ressaca Stream by the landfill dump of Belo Horizonte. A relatively high concentration of cadmium was also detected at the confluence of the two streams. During the second sampling period, there was an increase in the concentrations of zinc at all sampling sites except the control, with values varying from 0.71 mg.L-1 (the Sarandi Stream) to 2.50 mg.L-1 (the Ressaca Stream). Lead, cadmium, nickel and chromium concentrations were also higher in the Ressaca Stream, but not detected at the other sampling sites. Copper values were higher than in the first period: 0.10 mg.L-1 at the control up to 0.38 mg.L-1 at the confluence of the streams. Similar results were found for manganese and iron, with values reaching up to 19.30 and 125 mg.L-1, respectively. Moreover, all values recorded in the second sampling period were much higher than recommended for class 2 waters. These results emphasize the need for such monitoring in relation to better water quality management of this reservoir.

Time sequence of changes in the responsiveness of glycogen breakdown to adrenergic agonists in perfused liver of rats with insulin-induced hypoglycemia

The time-course changes of the responsiveness of glycogen breakdown to a- and Beta-adrenergic agonists during insulin-induced hypoglycemia (IIH) were investigated. Blood glucose levels were decreased prior to the alteration in the hepatic responsiveness to adrenergic agonists. The activation of hepatic glucose production and glycogenolysis by phenylephrine (2 µM) and isoproterenol (20 µM) was decreased in IIH. The changes in the responsiveness of glycogen catabolism were first observed for isoproterenol and later for phenylephrine. Hepatic ß-adrenergic receptors showed a higher degree of adrenergic desensitization than did a-receptors. Liver glycogen synthase activity, glycogen content and the catabolic effect of dibutyryl cyclic AMP (the Beta-receptor second messenger) were not affected by IIH.

Avaliaçäo do conhecimento sobre doenças sexualmente transmissíveis (DSTs) e síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida (AIDS) entre universitários de Ribeiräo Preto/SP / Evaluation of the knowledge on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) among universitary students of Ribeiräo Preto/SP

Com o objetivo de avaliar o grau de conhecimento sobre DST/AIDS entre universitários de diferentes áreas, submeteu estudantes de uma faculdade de Ribeiräo Preto-SP a questionários com perguntas abertas e fechadas, anônimos após aquiescência. As respostas foram categorizadas como corretas (C), incorretas (I), entendimento incompleto (EI) e prejudicadas (P), sendo a análise realizada por porcentagens. De 1.200 estudantes, 961 (80,80 por cento) participaram do estudo. O número de respostas näo foi harmonioso para os diferentes itens do questionário. A área em que o aluno estava matriculado näo pareceu influenciar nas respostas. Com relaçäo à transmissäo do HIV, em 2.914 respostas obteve-se 65,37 por cento como categoria EI e em 923 (31,68 por cento) como C. Quanto a medidas preventivas contra a AIDS de 1888 respostas, 1.625 (86,07 por cento) como categoria C e 207 (10,96 por cento) como EI. Sobre medidas preventivas contra AIDS, utilizadas pelo aluno, 1.126 (74,42 por cento) como categoria C e 249 (16,46 por cento) e P. Quanto a medidas preventivas contra DSTs, 1.339 (71,11 por cento) como categoria C e 284 (15,80 por cento) obteve-se 1. Sobre medidas preventivas contra DSTs utilizadas pelo aluno, obteve-se 542 (43,92 por cento) como categoria C e 350 (28,36 por cento) como P. Os universitários em sua maioria parecem possuir um conhecimento teórico correto sobre as medidas preventivas contra à AIDS e DST e entendimento incompleto sobre a transmissäo do HIV. Provavelmente existem fatores relacionados à educaçäo ou culturais que impedem aos universitários fazerem uso das medidas preventivas que conhecem. Há necessidade de identificaçao desses fatores para que os programas de difusäo possam atingir os seus objetivos. A educaçäo continuada ainda se mostra necessária.

Adiaspiromicose pulmonar disseminada: relato de caso / Disseminated pulmonary adiaspiromycosis: a case report

Relata-se caso de adiaspiromicose causando infiltrado pulmonar retículo-nodular difuso e bilateral, em lavrador de 26 anos. O diagnóstico etiológico foi estabelecido através de biópsia por toracoscopia. Tratado com cetoconazol, o paciente evoluiu bem, retornando às atividades profissionais um mês após a alta.

A case of thoracoscopic lung biopsy proven diffuse human adiaspiromycosis is reported. The patient, a 26-year-old male farm worker presented with a three-week history of fever, sweating, dyspnea and unproductive cough. Radiographic findings were those of granulomatous pulmonary interstitial disease. Treated with ketoconazole he improved very well, resuming work normal activities a month later.

Effect of conbined administration of counterregulatory hormones during insulin-induced hypoglycemia in rats: lipolysis mediated by a Beta-adrenergic mechanism contributes to hyperglycemia

The synergistic effect of combined injection of glucagon (G), cortisol (C) and phenylephrine + isoproterenol (E) during hypoglycemia in male adult Wistar rats was investigated. For this purpose we injected insulin (1 mg/kg), individually or combined (G+C, G+E, C+E and C+G+E). All drugs were injected ip and all rats were killed 60 min after insulin injection. The rise in glycemia with C+G+E was greater (delta = 107 mg/dl) than the sum of the responses to injection of C, G and E individually, or in double combination plus any single hormone injection. This synergistic effect was reproduced by G + C + isoproterenol (Iso) but not by G + C + phenylephrine (delta = 0 mg/dl). The results also showed a clear relationship between hyperglycemia and lipolysis. Thus, lipolysis mediated by a ß-adrenergic mechanism played a significant role in promoting hyperglycemia when Iso was combined with G and C

Cardiotocografia basal anteparto no Hospital Mater-Dei. Analise dos tracados reativos em 500 exames. / Antepartum basal cardiotocography at the Mater-Dei Hospital. Analysis of reactive tracings in 500 examinations

Sao analisados 500 tracados de cardiotocografia basal realizados no Hospital Mater Dei em 391 pacientes, com uma media de 1,3 exames por paciente.Estas sao provenientes de clinica privada (50,2%) e de servicos diversos (49,8%).Foram considerados no estudo a idade gestacional, paridade e idade das pacientes. Discutem-se a indicacao, os resultados e o tempo decorrido entre o ultimo exame e o parto. Estudou-se tambem retrospectivamente 249 pacientes das quais 213 apresentaram padrao reativo no ultimo exame. Relacionou-se estes tracados reativos com a ocorrencia de natimortalidade, neomortalidade ou recem-nascido com indice de Apgar menor que sete no 5o. minuto, considerando-os falsos-negativos. O indice obtido foi de 1,4%, compativel com dados da literatura