Coleoborers in Bambusa sp. in the Southern Amazon / Coleobrocas em Bambusa sp. na Amazonia Meridional

Bamboo (Bambusa sp.) is a grass species with high potential for exploitation, however, this raw material is easily attacked by xylophagous agents such as Coleoptera. The objective of this study is thus to analyse the presence of wood-boring beetles associated with Bambusa sp. in Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso, Brazil. The study was carried out in a bamboo plantation, from August 2016 to July 2017. Two models of ethanolic traps were used, PET Santa Maria and ESALQ-84. Three families of wood-boring beetles were observed in this study: Bostrichidae, Cerambycidae and Curculionidae. 2,144 individuals were identified, belonging to 19 species, in four subfamilies and 11 tribes, and the species Xyleborus affinis was the most frequently collected. Thus, this study constitutes an important contribution to the knowledge of coleoborers associated with bamboo plantations, with the registration of the occurrence of species, as well as contributing to the knowledge of the entomofauna associated with species cultivated in the Southern Amazon.

O bambu (Bambusa sp.) é uma espécie de gramínea com alto potencial de exploração de fibras, no entanto, essa matéria-prima é facilmente atacada por agentes xilófagos, como os coleópteros. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a presença de besouros associados a Bambusa sp. em Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso, Brasil. O estudo foi realizado em um plantio de bambu, no período de agosto de 2016 a julho de 2017. Foram utilizados dois modelos de armadilhas etanólicas, o PET Santa Maria e ESALQ-84. Três famílias de coleobrocas foram observadas neste estudo: Bostrichidae, Cerambycidae e Curculionidae. Foram identificados 2,144 indivíduos, pertencentes a 19 espécies, em quatro subfamílias e 11 tribos, e Xyleborus affinis foi a espécie com maior número de indivíduos coletados. Assim, este estudo constitui-se em uma importante contribuição para o conhecimento de coleobrocas associadas a plantios de bamboo, com o registro de ocorrência de espécies, bem como contribui para o conhecimento da entomofauna associada a espécies cultivadas na Amazônia Meridional.

Coleoborers in Bambusa sp. in the Southern Amazon

Abstract Bamboo (Bambusa sp.) is a grass species with high potential for exploitation, however, this raw material is easily attacked by xylophagous agents such as Coleoptera. The objective of this study is thus to analyse the presence of wood-boring beetles associated with Bambusa sp. in Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso, Brazil. The study was carried out in a bamboo plantation, from August 2016 to July 2017. Two models of ethanolic traps were used, PET Santa Maria and ESALQ-84. Three families of wood-boring beetles were observed in this study: Bostrichidae, Cerambycidae and Curculionidae. 2,144 individuals were identified, belonging to 19 species, in four subfamilies and 11 tribes, and the species Xyleborus affinis was the most frequently collected. Thus, this study constitutes an important contribution to the knowledge of coleoborers associated with bamboo plantations, with the registration of the occurrence of species, as well as contributing to the knowledge of the entomofauna associated with species cultivated in the Southern Amazon.

Resumo O bambu (Bambusa sp.) é uma espécie de gramínea com alto potencial de exploração de fibras, no entanto, essa matéria-prima é facilmente atacada por agentes xilófagos, como os coleópteros. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a presença de besouros associados a Bambusa sp. em Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso, Brasil. O estudo foi realizado em um plantio de bambu, no período de agosto de 2016 a julho de 2017. Foram utilizados dois modelos de armadilhas etanólicas, o PET Santa Maria e ESALQ-84. Três famílias de coleobrocas foram observadas neste estudo: Bostrichidae, Cerambycidae e Curculionidae. Foram identificados 2,144 indivíduos, pertencentes a 19 espécies, em quatro subfamílias e 11 tribos, e Xyleborus affinis foi a espécie com maior número de indivíduos coletados. Assim, este estudo constitui-se em uma importante contribuição para o conhecimento de coleobrocas associadas a plantios de bamboo, com o registro de ocorrência de espécies, bem como contribui para o conhecimento da entomofauna associada a espécies cultivadas na Amazônia Meridional.

Coleoborers in Bambusa sp. in the Southern Amazon / Coleobrocas em Bambusa sp. na Amazonia Meridional

Abstract Bamboo (Bambusa sp.) is a grass species with high potential for exploitation, however, this raw material is easily attacked by xylophagous agents such as Coleoptera. The objective of this study is thus to analyse the presence of wood-boring beetles associated with Bambusa sp. in Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso, Brazil. The study was carried out in a bamboo plantation, from August 2016 to July 2017. Two models of ethanolic traps were used, PET Santa Maria and ESALQ-84. Three families of wood-boring beetles were observed in this study: Bostrichidae, Cerambycidae and Curculionidae. 2,144 individuals were identified, belonging to 19 species, in four subfamilies and 11 tribes, and the species Xyleborus affinis was the most frequently collected. Thus, this study constitutes an important contribution to the knowledge of coleoborers associated with bamboo plantations, with the registration of the occurrence of species, as well as contributing to the knowledge of the entomofauna associated with species cultivated in the Southern Amazon.

Resumo O bambu (Bambusa sp.) é uma espécie de gramínea com alto potencial de exploração de fibras, no entanto, essa matéria-prima é facilmente atacada por agentes xilófagos, como os coleópteros. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a presença de besouros associados a Bambusa sp. em Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso, Brasil. O estudo foi realizado em um plantio de bambu, no período de agosto de 2016 a julho de 2017. Foram utilizados dois modelos de armadilhas etanólicas, o PET Santa Maria e ESALQ-84. Três famílias de coleobrocas foram observadas neste estudo: Bostrichidae, Cerambycidae e Curculionidae. Foram identificados 2,144 indivíduos, pertencentes a 19 espécies, em quatro subfamílias e 11 tribos, e Xyleborus affinis foi a espécie com maior número de indivíduos coletados. Assim, este estudo constitui-se em uma importante contribuição para o conhecimento de coleobrocas associadas a plantios de bamboo, com o registro de ocorrência de espécies, bem como contribui para o conhecimento da entomofauna associada a espécies cultivadas na Amazônia Meridional.

Matteucinol combined with temozolomide inhibits glioblastoma proliferation, invasion, and progression: an in vitro, in silico, and in vivo study

Glioblastoma is the most prevalent and malignant brain tumor identified in adults. Surgical resection followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, mainly with temozolomide (TMZ), is the chosen treatment for this type of tumor. However, the average survival of patients is around 15 months. Novel approaches to glioblastoma treatment are greatly needed. Here, we aimed to investigate the anti-glioblastoma effect of the combination of matteucinol (Mat) (dihydroxyflavanone derived from Miconia chamissois Naudin) with the chemotherapeutic TMZ in vitro using tumor (U-251MG) and normal astrocyte (NHA) cell lines and in vivo using the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. The combination was cytotoxic and selective for tumor cells (28 μg/mL Mat and 9.71 μg/mL TMZ). Additionally, the combination did not alter cell adhesion but caused morphological changes characteristic of apoptosis in vitro. Notably, the combination was also able to reduce tumor growth in the chick embryo model (CAM assay). The docking results showed that Mat was the best ligand to the cell death membrane receptor TNFR1 and to TNFR1/TMZ complex, suggesting that these two molecules may be working together increasing their potential. In conclusion, Mat-TMZ can be a good candidate for pharmacokinetic studies in view of clinical use for the treatment of glioblastoma.

Biocompatibilidade e biodegradabilidade de micropartículas de poli-lactato-co-glicolato na ceratite infecciosa em coelhos / Biocompatibility and biodegradability of poly-latic-co-glycolatic microparticles in the infectious keratitis in rabbits

Avaliaram-se a biocompatibilidade e a biodegradabilidade do sistema de liberação controlada de poli-lactato-co-glicolato (PLGA) no tratamento com ciprofloxacina das ceratites por Staphylococcus aureus em coelhos. Foram utilizados 20 coelhos, distribuídos em quatro grupos (G). Os animais dos G1, G3 e G4 foram inoculados com 2,5µL da bactéria - 108UFC, no estroma corneano. Os do G2 não receberam a aplicação do inóculo. O tratamento foi realizado com solução salina básica para os animais do G1, micropartículas de PLGA contendo ciprofloxacina nos animais dos G2 e G4 e colírio de ciprofloxacina naqueles do G3. Suabe e biópsia da superfície ocular foram coletados para cultura. Apenas um animal do G1 apresentou cultura positiva para S. aureus. Exame histológico revelou a presença bacteriana em todos os animais do G1 e em dois animais do G3. Também foi constatada reação inflamatória no local da aplicação do sistema de liberação controlada. O tratamento com micropartículas de PLGA foi eficiente no tratamento de ceratites bacterianas, ao eliminar por completo a presença do S. aureus, mas entretanto não foi completamente biocompatível e biodegradável após cinco dias.

The biocompatibility and biodegradability of the controlled delivery system of Poly-Latic-Co-Glucolatic (PLGA) in the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus keratitis with ciprofloxacin in rabbits were evaluated. Twenty rabbits divided into four groups (G) were used. G1, G3 and G4 animals were inoculated with bacterial 2.5µL (108CFU) in the corneal stroma, and G2 animals did not receive the application of inoculum. The treatment was performed with basic saline solution in G1 rabbits, micro particles of PLGA containing ciprofloxacin in G2 and G4 animals, and ciprofloxacin eye drops in G3 rabbits. Swab and biopsy of the ocular surface were collected for culture. Only one animal in G1 had positive culture for S. aureus in the processed material. Histological examination showed a bacterial presence in all animals in G1 and two animals in G3. Inflammatory reaction was noted at the application site of the controlled release. Data analysis showed that treatment with micro particles of PLGA was effective in treating bacterial keratitis, completely eliminating the presence of S. aureus, but it was not being completely biocompatible and biodegradable after five days.

Emergence of clonal complex 5 (CC5) methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates susceptible to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in a Brazilian hospital

In this study, genotyping techniques including staphylococcal chromosomal cassette mec (SCCmec) typing, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and restriction-modification tests were used to compare the molecular characteristics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates recovered at two times within a 10-year interval (1998 and 2008) from a tertiary Brazilian hospital. In addition, the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were analyzed. All 48 MRSA isolates from 1998 and 85.7% from 2008 (48/56 isolates) displayed multidrug-resistance phenotypes and SCCmec III. All but one of the 13 representative SCCmec III isolates belonged to CC8 and had PFGE patterns similar to that of the BMB9393 strain (Brazilian epidemic clone of MRSA; BEC). In 2008, we found an increased susceptibility to rifampicin and chloramphenicol among the SCCmec III isolates. In addition, we detected the entrance of diverse international MRSA lineages susceptible to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SXT), almost all belonging to CC5. These non-SCCmec III isolates were related to the USA 300 (ST8-SCCmec IV; PFGE-type B), USA 800 (ST5-SCCmec IV; subtype D1), USA 100 (ST5-SCCmec II; subtype D2), and EMRSA-3/Cordobes (ST5-SCCmec I, type C) clones. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the emergence of isolates genetically related to the EMRSA-3/Cordobes clone in southeast Brazil. In this regard, these isolates were the most common non-SCCmec III MRSA in our institution, accounting for 8.9% of all isolates recovered in 2008. Thus, despite the supremacy of BEC isolates in our country, significant changes may occur in local MRSA epidemiology, with possible consequences for the rationality of MRSA empiric therapy.

Estudos de pré-formulação de cápsulas gelatinosas duras contendo formulação de extrato de Gymnema sylvestre em pó / Preformulation studies of Gymnema sylvestre extract powder formulation for hard gelatin capsules

Gymnema sylvestre extract (GSE) is a plant product widely used as an adjuvant in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and commercially available as a powder. Owing to its low flowability, the manufacturing of hard gelatin capsules containing GSE faces specific problems. The purpose of this study was to investigate the best excipient (starch, lactose or microcrystalline cellulose) for hard gelatin capsules containing GSE. The technological properties such us bulk density (ñâ); tapped density (ñt); inter-particle porosity (Ie); Carr index (CI); Hausner ratio (HR); loss on drying (%LOD) and particle size distribution (%Pf) of the various GSE mixtures were investigated with the aim of identifying the best excipient. The need for lubricants (talc/magnesium stearate) was also assessed. GSE was characterized as a fine powder with more than 50% of its particles between 0.149mm to 0.250mm; furthermore, CI=25.6%; RH=1.3 and Ie = 25.6% and, as expected with such properties, it showed poor flowability. All the excipients investigated were able to change the technological properties of GSE and the powder mixture containing microcrystalline cellulose gave the best results.

O extrato seco de Gymnema sylvestre (EGS) é um produto fitoterápico amplamente utilizado como adjuvante no tratamento da diabetes, sendo comercializado na forma de pó. O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar a influência da adição de adjuvantes (amido, lactose ou celulose microcristalina) à formulação para a preparação de cápsulas gelatinosas duras contendo o EGS. As propriedades tecnológicas como densidade aparente (Da), densidade aparente de compactação (Dc), porosidade interparticulas (Ie), Índice de Carr (IC), Fator de Hausner (FH), perda por dessecação (PD%) e análise do tamanho de partículas (%Pf) das diferentes misturas preparadas foram investigadas com o objetivo de escolher o melhor excipiente. A necessidade de agentes lubrificantes (talco/estearato de magnésio) também foi avaliada. O EGS foi caracterizado como um pó fino, com mais de 50% do material particulado compreendido entre 0,149-0,250mm; IC=25,6%; FH=1,3 and Ie = 25,6%, o que justifica seu fluxo pobre. Todos os excipientes testados foram capazes de modificar as propriedades tecnológicas do EGS, sendo a mistura de pós que apresentou melhores resultados aquela obtida com a adição de celulose microcristalina.

Microemulsão: um promissor carreador para moléculas insolúveis / Microemulsion: a promising carrier system for insoluble compounds

Microemulsão (ME) é um sistema que foi descoberto por Hoar e Schulman no ano de 1943 e que é termodinamicamente estável e isotropicamente translúcido de dois líquidos imiscíveis (óleo/água), estabilizados por um filme interfacial de tensoativos. O estudo de sistemas microemulsionados se baseia nas suas três teorias de formação: (1) teoria da solubilização, (2) teoria da tensão interfacial e (3) teoria termodinâmica. A estrutura formada é influenciada pelas propriedades físico-químicas dos componentes utilizados e da razão entre os componentes. O objetivo desta revisão foi avaliar o estado da arte de sistemas microemulsionados enfatizando uma abordagem teórica. Além disso, os recentes avanços sobre a aplicabilidade clínca e utilização como carreador de moléculas insolúveis foram discutidas.

Microemulsions (ME) are thermodynamically stable and isotropic systems of two immiscible liquids (oil/water), stabilized by an interfacial film of surfactants, discovered by Hoar and Schulman in 1943. The study of ME formation is based on three areas of theory: (1) solubilization, (2) interfacial tension and (3) thermodynamics. ME structures are influenced by the physicochemical properties and proportions of their ingredients. The goal of this review is to assess the state of the art of microemulsified systems, from a theoretical viewpoint. Also, recent progress on their clinical application and use as carriers for insoluble compounds is discussed.

Validation of quantitative analysis method for triamcinolone in ternary complexes by UV-Vis spectrophotometry / Validação de método de análise quantitativa para a triancinolona a partir de complexo ternário por espectrofotometria de UV-Vis

Triamcinolone (TRI), a drug widely used in the treatment of ocular inflammatory diseases, is practically insoluble in water, which limits its use in eye drops. Cyclodextrins (CDs) have been used to increase the solubility or dissolution rate of drugs. The purpose of the present study was to validate a UV-Vis spectrophotometric method for quantitative analysis of TRI in inclusion complexes with beta-cyclodextrin (B-CD) associated with triethanolamine (TEA) (ternary complex). The proposed analytical method was validated with respect to the parameters established by the Brazilian regulatory National Agency of Sanitary Monitoring ANVISA). The analytical measurements of absorbance were made at 242nm, at room temperature, in a 1-cm path-length cuvette. The precision and accuracy studies were performed at five concentration levels (4, 8, 12, 18 and 20µg.mL-1. The B-CD associated with TEA did not provoke any alteration in the photochemical behavior of TRI. The results for the measured analytical parameters showed the success of the method. The standard curve was linear (r2 > 0.999) in the concentration range from 2 to 24 µg.mL-1. The method achieved good precision levels in the inter-day (relative standard deviation-RSD <3.4%) and reproducibility (RSD <3.8%) tests. The accuracy was about 80% and the pH changes introduced in the robustness study did not reveal any relevant interference at any of the studied concentrations. The experimental results demonstrate a simple, rapid and affordable UV-Vis spectrophotometric method that could be applied to the quantitation of TRI in this ternary complex.

A triancinolona (TRI) é um fármaco amplamente utilizado no tratamento de doenças inflamatórias do globo ocular e é praticamente insolúvel em água, o que limita sua utilização na forma de colírio. As ciclodextrinas (CDs) têm sido utilizadas com sucesso para aumentar a solubilidade ou velocidade de dissolução de fármacos. O presente estudo teve como objetivo a validação de uma metodologia analítica para a TRI a partir de complexos de inclusão com beta-ciclodextrina (B-CD) associada com a trietanolamina (TEA) (complexo ternário) por espectrofotometria de UV-Vis. A validação do método proposto foi realizada de acordo com os parâmetros analíticos estabelecidos pela Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA). As análises quantitativas foram realizadas a 242nm a temperatura ambiente, utilizando cubeta de quartzo de 1cm. Os estudos de precisão e exatidão foram realizados para cinco níveis de concentração (4, 8, 12, 18 e 20µg.mL-1). A B-CD associada a TEA não alterou o comportamento fotoquímico da TRI. Os resultados da avaliação dos parâmetros analíticos demonstraram o sucesso da metodologia. A curva padrão apresentou linearidade (r2 > 0.999) na faixa de concentração de 2 a 24µg.mL-1. A metodologia apresentou bons níveis de precisão para o estudo inter dia (desvio padrão relativo-DPR <3.4%) e reprodutibilidade (DPR<3.8%). A exatidão ficou em torno de 80% e a variação de pH inserida no estudo de robustez não revelou uma interferência significativa em todas as concentrações estudadas. Os resultados experimentais demonstraram um simples, rápido e viável método de espectrofotometria de UV-Vis com aplicabilidade para a análise quantitativa da TRI a partir do complexo ternário.

Expression of E-cadherin, Snail and Hakai in epithelial cells isolated from the primary tumor and from peritumoral tissue of invasive ductal breast carcinomas

Epithelial intercellular cohesion, mainly mediated by E-cadherin (CDH1) expression and function, may be deregulated during cancer cell invasion of adjacent tissues and lymphatic and vascular channels. CDH1 expression is down-modulated in invasive lobular breast carcinomas but its regulation in invasive ductal carcinomas (IDC) is less clear. CDH1 expression is repressed by transcription factors such as Snail (SNAI1) and its product is degraded after Hakai ubiquitination. We compared CDH1, SNAI1 and HAKAI mRNA expression in IDC and paired adjacent normal breast tissue and evaluated its relation with node metastasis and circulating tumor cells. Matched tumor/peritumoral and blood samples were collected from 30 patients with early IDC. Epithelial cells from each compartment (tumor/peritumoral) were recovered by an immunomagnetic method and gene expression was determined by real time RT-PCR. There were no differences in CDH1, SNAI1 and HAKAI mRNA expression between tumor and corresponding peritumoral samples and no differential tumoral gene expression according to nodal involvement. Another 30 patients with a long-term follow-up (at least 5 years) and a differential prognosis (good or poor, as defined by breast cancer death) had E-cadherin and Snail protein detected by immunohistochemistry in tumor samples. In this group, E-cadherin-positive expression, but not Snail, may be associated with a better prognosis. This is the first report simultaneously analyzing CDH1, SNAI1 and HAKAI mRNA expression in matched tumor and peritumoral samples from patients with IDC. However, no clear pattern of their expression could distinguish the invasive tumor compartment from its adjacent normal tissue.

A new insight about pharmaceutical dosage forms for benzathine penicillin G

O objetivo desse trabalho foi o de desenvolver e avaliar do ponto de vista físico-químico um sistema micelar de penicilina G benzatina (BPG) em desoxicolato de sódio (NaDC).Foram estudadas as características físicoquímicas da BPG quanto à solubilidade em água e em soluções tampões com diferentes pHs, além do coeficiente de partição octanol-água.Foram avaliadas as propriedades da concentração micelar crítica (CMC) das soluções micelares de Desoxicolato de sódio (NaDC) em baixa e alta força iônica provocada pela presença de cloreto de sódio.O estudo da incorporação da BPG em soluções micelares de NaDC usando várias concentrações de NaDC também foi realizado.O aumento da solubilidade da BPG provocada pela presença de micelas de NaDC foi analisada quantitativamente pelo formalismo do modelo de pseudo-fase.Houve indicação da aplicabilidade do sistema micelar estudado quanto à incorporação de penicilina e aumento se sua solubilidade aparente, com taxa de incorporação de até 90 por cento.Espera-se que a formulação micellar de BPG apresente melhor estabilidade, considerando-se que o antibiótico incorporado na região hidrofóbica das micelas está protegido do meio aquoso externo.

Desenvolvimento e validação de método de análise quantitativa para triancinolona em micropartículasbiodegradáveis por CLAE / Development and validation of HPLC method for quantitative analysis of triamcinolone in biodegradable microparticles

Neste trabalho, foi desenvolvido um método de cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE) para a determinação quantitativa da triancinolona contida em micropartículas de ácido polilático-co-glicólico (PLGA). As condições cromatográficas utilizadas foram Colunade Fase Reversa C18, 250mm x 4,6mm com diâmetro partícula 5 m. O forno de coluna foi termostatizado a 35 mais ou menos 2ºC, a fase móvel usada foi metanol:água 45:55 (v:v), com fluxo isocrático de 1 mL.min-1 e volume de injeção de 10 ì L. Foi utilizado detector de UV-Vis selecionado em 239nm. A curva padrão obtida apresentou linearidade (r2 maior que 0,999) na faixa de concentração 100-2.500 ng.mL-1. O método proposto apresentou precisão adequada com desvio padrão relativo menor que 3 por cento. Os resultados mostraram que a exatidão do método apresentou valores de recuperação dentro dos limites recomendáveis em toda a faixa de concentração estudada. O método de CLAE mostrou especificidade e seletividade com linearidade dentro da faixa de concentração de trabalho utilizada e precisão e exatidão que permitem a quantificação da triancinolona em micropartículas de PLGA.

Bioinformatics of the Paracoccidioides brasiliensis EST Project

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is the etiological agent of paracoccidioidomycosis, an endemic mycosis of Latin America. This fungus presents a dimorphic character; it grows as a mycelium at room temperature, but it is isolated as yeast from infected individuals. It is believed that the transition from mycelium to yeast is important for the infective process. The Functional and Differential Genome of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis Project--PbGenome Project was developed to study the infection process by analyzing expressed sequence tags--ESTs, isolated from both mycelial and yeast forms. The PbGenome Project was executed by a consortium that included 70 researchers (professors and students) from two sequencing laboratories of the midwest region of Brazil; this project produced 25,741 ESTs, 19,718 of which with sufficient quality to be analyzed. We describe the computational procedures used to receive process, analyze these ESTs, and help with their functional annotations; we also detail the services that were used for sequence data exploration. Various programs were compared for filtering and grouping the sequences, and they were adapted to a user-friendly interface. This system made the analysis of the differential transcriptome of P. brasiliensis possible.

Estudo dos aspectos psicológicos em mulheres inférteis / Psicological aspects in infertile women

PURPOSE: To assess the frequency of stress and anxiety levels in infertile women, and to correlate these aspects with risk factors, in order to obtain data for specific psychological guidance. METHODS: The case-control study included a total of 302 women, 152 being infertile (case group: 30.3 +/- 5.4 years), and 150 non-fertile (control group: 25.7 +/- 7.9 years). The quantitative approach involved the application of Lipp's Stress Symptoms Inventory and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Response variables considered were: stress frequency and anxiety scores (State and Trait). Statistical analysis was performed by using the Chi-squared and Mann-Whitney tests, and logistical regression to test associations between response variables and considered risk factors. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. RESULTS: The stress was more frequent in the case group than the control group (61.8 and 36.0%, respectively), however, no significant differences were observed between groups in relation to stress phases and predominant symptoms. With respect to anxiety, there were no significant differences between case and control groups as to median state scores (39.5 and 41.0; respectively) and anxiety trait scores (44.0 and 42.0; respectively). Factors significantly associated with greater risk for high anxiety scores in the case group were: primary infertility, unawareness of the causal factor, diagnostic phase investigation, religion, lack of children from other marriages. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that infertile women are more vulnerable to stress; however, they are capable of adapting to stressful events without serious physical or psychological compromising.

Contrast sensitivity threshold measured by sweep-visual evoked potential in term and preterm infants at 3 and 10 months of age

Although healthy preterm infants frequently seem to be more attentive to visual stimuli and to fix on them longer than full-term infants, no difference in visual acuity has been reported compared to term infants. We evaluated the contrast sensitivity (CS) function of term (N = 5) and healthy preterm (N = 11) infants at 3 and 10 months of life using sweep-visual evoked potentials. Two spatial frequencies were studied: low (0.2 cycles per degrees, cpd) and medium (4.0 cpd). The mean contrast sensitivity (expressed in percentage of contrast) of the preterm infants at 3 months was 55.4 for the low spatial frequency (0.2 cpd) and 43.4 for the medium spatial frequency (4.0 cpd). At 10 months the low spatial CS was 52.7 and the medium spatial CS was 9.9. The results for the term infants at 3 months were 55.1 for the low spatial frequency and 34.5 for the medium spatial frequency. At 10 months the equivalent values were 54.3 and 14.4, respectively. No difference was found using the Mann-Whitney rank sum T-test between term and preterm infants for the low frequency at 3 or 10 months or for the medium spatial frequency at 3 or 10 months. The development of CS for the medium spatial frequency was equally fast for term and preterm infants. As also observed for visual acuity, CS was equivalent among term and preterm infants, suggesting that visual experience does not modify the development of the primary visual pathway. An earlier development of synapses in higher cortical visual areas of preterm infants could explain the better use of visual information observed behaviorally in these infants.