Death trends based on autopsy data compared to the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic in Brazil

The novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is responsible for thousands of deaths worldwide, especially in Brazil, currently one of the leading countries in number of infections and deaths. The beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic in Brazil is uncertain due to the low number of tests done in the country. The excess number of deaths can suggest the beginning of the pandemic in this context. In this article, we used an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model to investigate possible excesses in the number of deaths processed by the São Paulo Autopsy Service according to different causes of deaths: all-cause, cardiovascular, and pulmonary causes. We calculated the expected number of deaths using data from 2019 to 2020 (n=17,011), and investigated different seasonal patterns using harmonic dynamic regression with Fourier terms with residuals modeled by an ARIMA method. We did not find any abnormalities in the predicted number of deaths and the real values in the first months of 2020. We found an increase in the number of deaths only by March 20, 2020, right after the first COVID-19 confirmed case in the city of São Paulo, which occurred on March 16, 2020.

Proteinograma e concentração sérica de IgG em potros, do nascimento aos trinta dias de vida, tratados com plasma / Proteinogram and serum IgG concentration in newborn foals up to thirty days of life treated with plasma

Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o proteinograma e concentrações séricas de IgG (após a padronização de teste ELISA) em potros do nascimento aos trinta dias de idade, antes e depois de mamarem colostro e serem tratados com plasma por via intravenosa. Foram utilizados 20 potros e suas respectivas mães, além de quatro animais doadores de plasma. Foram colhidas amostras de sangue dos potros em cinco momentos, logo após o nascimento e antes de mamar colostro (M1), dez horas após nascimento (M2), 24 horas após nascimento e previamente administração do plasma sanguíneo (M3), 48 horas de vida e 24 horas após administração do plasma sanguíneo (M4), e 30 dias após nascimento (M5). Foram colhidos sangue e colostro das éguas progenitoras no momento do parto. A concentração de proteína total (PT) e albumina foram determinadas em analisador bioquímico, a concentração de PT também foi avaliada em refratômetro manual. O fracionamento proteico foi realizado utilizando eletroforese em gel de agarose. A densidade do colostro foi avaliada com colostrômetros de refração BRIX e de densidade específica. A concentração de IgG total de todas as amostras foi determinada por teste ELISA. Com o sistema de ELISA aqui proposto foi possível determinar concentrações de IgG em amostras de soro, plasma e colostro equino com adequada repetibilidade. A média ± desvio padrão da concentração sérica de IgG dos potros ao nascer, foi de 15±8mg/dL, com dez horas de vida foi de 2.408±608mg/dL, se manteve em níveis semelhantes até 48 horas (2.364±784mg/dL) e diminuíram significativamente aos 30 dias de vida (1.414±586mg/dL). A concentração sérica e colostral de IgG nas éguas foi de 1.746±505mg/dL e 7.714±2.619mg/dL, respectivamente. A concentração plasmática de IgG dos doadores de plasma foi de 2.026±148mg/dL. Houve correlação positiva entre as concentrações séricas de IgG e PT (r=0,69 para refratômetro e r=0,76 para bioquímico), GT (r=0,81) e gamaglobulina (r=0,85). Dez horas após o nascimento foi possível verificar a transferência de imunidade passiva, possibilitando adotar medidas profiláticas e/ou terapêuticas em haras de criação de cavalos. Considerando que a proteína total, globulinas totais e fração γ-globulina apresentam correlação com IgG, estas determinações são úteis para monitorar os potros após mamarem o colostro. Um litro de plasma administrado às 24 horas de vida não foi suficiente para aumentar as concentrações séricas de IgG, 24 horas após transfusão, em potros com adequada transferência de imunidade passiva.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate serum protein and serum IgG concentrations (after a direct enzyme immunoassay test ELISA optimization) in newborns foals from birth to thirty days of life before and after colostrum consumption and intravenous treatment with plasma. Twenty foals and their respective progenitors as well as four plasma donor's horses were used. Blood samples were obtained from newborn foals at five time points, immediately after birth and before colostrum intake (M1), ten hours after birth (M2), 24 hours after birth and prior administration of blood plasma (M3), 48 hours after birth and 24 hours after plasma administration (M4), and 30 days after birth (M5). Blood and colostrum samples were collected from the progenitor mares immediately postpartum. Concentration of total protein (TP) and albumin were determined using a biochemical analyzer. The TP concentration was also measured by refractometer. Fractions of total serum protein were separated using agarose gel electrophoresis. Colostrum density was evaluated using BRIX refractometer and specific density colostrometer. Total IgG concentration was determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. With the ELISA system proposed here it was possible to determine IgG concentrations in serum, plasma, and equine colostrum samples with adequate repeatability. Serum IgG concentration in foals at birth was 15±8mg/dL (mean ± standard deviation) raising at ten hours (2,408±608mg/dL) and remaining at similar levels up to 48 hours of life (2,364±784mg/dL), and decreasing significantly at 30 days of age (1,414±586mg/dL). Serum and colostrum IgG concentrations of mares were 1,746±505mg/dL and 7,714±2,619mg/dL, respectively. The plasma IgG concentrations from donor mares were 2,026±148mg/dL. Total protein, total globulins, and γ-globulin fraction showed correlation with IgG. Ten hours post birth was an adequate time to verify the transfer of passive immunity, allowing to adoption prophylactic and/or therapeutic measures in a horse farms. One liter of plasma administered at 24 hours of life was not sufficient to raise serum IgG concentrations in foals without passive immunity transfer failure.(AU)

EFECTO DEL SOMBRÍO SOBRE LA SIGATOKA NEGRA (Mycosphaerella fijiensis MORELET) EN CULTIVO DE PLÁTANO cv HARTÓN (Musa AAB SIMMONDS)

La sigatoka negra en el cultivo del plátano es considerada como una de las enfermedades más limitante de la producción, a nivel mundial, siendo manejada con fungicidas, ocasionando contaminaciones ambientales e incremento de los costos de producción. Como estrategia no contaminante, algunos investigadores recomiendan cultivar en condiciones de sombrío, para reducir la enfermedad. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de diferentes porcentajes de sombrío en la incidencia de la enfermedad y en la producción, bajo condiciones del Caribe húmedo colombiano. En condiciones de campo, se estableció el cultivar '˜Hartón', en un diseño de bloques completos al azar y cuatro porcentajes de sombrío, 20, 35 y 50%, teniendo como testigo plantas cultivadas a libre exposición solar 100%. Las evaluaciones, se realizaron durante el periodo de floración del cultivo, cuantificando el número de hojas funcionales NHF, la hoja más joven con síntomas HMJS, la hoja más joven enferma HMJE, el índice de severidad IS y rendimiento. Los tratamientos con 20, 35 y 50% de sombrío no presentaron diferencias estadísticas entre sí; más sí, con el testigo en las variables NHF, HMJE, IS y rendimiento. Los tratamientos con sombra manifestaron menor IS de la sigatoka negra, de 13 al 15%, mientras el testigo fue del 18%; además, los rendimientos se incrementaron en 400kg ha-1. Se concluye, que el cultivo de plátano '˜Hartón', manejado a partir del 20% de sombrío, fue suficiente para reducir la severidad de la sigatoka negra e incrementar significativamente los rendimientos.

Black sigatoka in plantain cultivation is considered one of the most limiting production diseases worldwide. It is managed with fungicides, causing environmental pollution and increased production costs. As a nonpolluting strategy, some researchers recommend cultivating shade conditions to reduce the disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different shade percentages in the incidence of disease and production under the Caribbean Colombian humid conditions. Under field conditions it was established to cultivate the '˜Harton' in a completely randomized block design and four shade percentages 20, 35 and 50%, having as control plants growing in 100% sun exposure. Evaluations were performed during the flowering period of the crop, quantifying the number of functional leaves NFL, the youngest leaf with symptoms YLS, the youngest diseased leaf YDL, the severity index SI and yield. Treatments with 20, 35 and 50% shade were not statistically different from each other; but with the witness in the NFL, YLS, SI and yield. Treatments with shade had lower SI of black sigatoka, between 13 to 15%; while the witness was 18%; also the yield increased in 400kg ha-1. It is concluded that growing '˜Harton', managed from 20% shade was enough to reduce the severity of black sigatoka and significantly increase yields.

Consumo de cigarrillo entre estudiantes de Cartagena, Colombia: factores familiares asociados / Cigarette consumption among students from Cartagena, Colombia: associated family factors

Los factores familiares en los adolescentes se relacionan con el inicio y la experimentación del consumo de sustancias legales o ilegales; sin embargo, la influencia de la familia ha sido un tema poco abordado. OBJETIVO: determinar los factores familiares asociados al consumo de cigarrillo en estudiantes de Cartagena, Colombia. METODOLOGÍA: se diseñó un estudio transversal con estudiantes de colegios públicos y privados. Se investigaron las características demográficas, el consumo de cigarrillo durante el último mes, los antecedentes familiares de personas fumadoras y el funcionamiento familiar. La funcionalidad familiar se valoró con el cuestionario de apgar familiar. Resultados: se encuestaron 1.014 estudiantes con edades entre 11 y 22 años. El 6,9% (70 estudiantes) informó fumar al menos un cigarrillo durante el último mes y el 48,4% (491) informó tener disfunción familiar. Las variables familiares padre fumador (OR = 2,40) y hermano fumador (OR = 2,06), mostraron asociación estadísticamente significativa al consumo de cigarrillo. Conclusión: el consumo de cigarrillo en estudiantes se asoció con tener padre fumador y hermano fumador. No existe relación con la condición de madre fumadora u otro familiar, ni con el funcionamiento familiar. En próximas investigaciones se deberían incluir otras variables familiares como la estructura y la comunicación.

Family factors in adolescents are related to the initiation and experimentation with the consumption of legal or illegal substances, but the influence of the family has been a subject little discussed. OBJECTIVE: To identify family factors associated with cigarette consumption among students from Cartagena, Colombia. METHODOLOGY: A cross sectional study was designed with students in public and private schools. We investigated the demographic characteristics, cigarette consumption during the last month, family history of smokers and family functioning. Family functioning was assessed with the Family apgar questionnaire. Results: We surveyed 1014 students aged between 11 and 22 years. 6.9% (70 students) reported smoking at least one cigarette during the last month and 48.4% (491) reported having family dysfunction. The family variables fathers who smoked (OR = 2.40) and sibling smoking (OR = 2.06) showed significant association to smoking. Conclusion: Cigarette consumption among students was associated with having a father and brother smoker. There is no relation to maternal smoking status or other family or with family functioning. In future research should include other variables such as family structure and communication.

DNA injury induced by 5-aminouracil and caffeine in G2 checkpoints path of higher plant cells

This work evaluated the qualitative and quantitative cellular changes induced by treatment with 5-aminouracil (5-AU) and a combination of 5-AU and caffeine in plant cells in relation to DNA damage, repaired damage, and residual damage. As biological material, Allium cepa L. root tips were used, grown in filtered water, in darkness, with aeration at constant temperature of 25°C ± 0.5. Cell populations were synchronized using 5 mM caffeine in order to study the effects of 5-AU and caffeine/5-AU combined treatment on the DNA content and their incidence in the entrance to mitosis. The results showed a delay in the G2 period due to induced DNA damage by the 5-AU and caffeine/5-AU combined treatment, shown by aberrant metaphases, anaphases and telophases. The effect of caffeine in the combined treatment was heightened in spite of lengthening the checkpoints route that retains the cells in G2. The existence of G2 checkpoints was shown in the cell population studied, inducing lesions in the DNA, chromosomic aberrations and cellular instability

Ideación suicida en niños, niñas y adolescentes maltratados / Idea suicide in boys, girls and teen with abuse

Los niños maltratados refieren frecuentemente idación suicida y están en alto riesgo de suicidio. Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia actual de ideación suicida en niños, niñas y adolescentes institucionalizados con historia de maltrato. Conclusiones: es alta la prevalencia de ideas suicidas en niños, niñas y adolescentes de la calle y guarda asociación con trastornos depresivos y con el consumo de sustancias. Es considerable el riesgo de suicidio en esta población

Identificación de niñas y niños de la consulta pediátrica que ameritan evaluación psiquiátrica / Identification of boys and girls in pediatrics consultation

Objetivo: determinar el número de niños y niñas entre 4 y 12 de la consulta pediátrica que ameritaban una consulta psiquiátrica. Conclusiones: una quinta parte de niños y niñas de la consulta pediátrica necesita evaluación pediátrica

Seroprevalencia de VIH en niños, niñas y adolescentes con conductas disruptivas / HIV in boys, girls and teens

Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia de anticuerpos contra el VIH en niños, niñas y adolescentes con conduta disruptiva residentes en una institución. Conclusiones: la seroprevalencia de VIH es alta en niños, niñas y adolescentes que han vivido en la calle. Es probable que guarde relación con el consumo de sustancias psicoactivas

Concordancia en la evaluación de niños y adolescentes de un módulo de protección / Evaluation of childs and teens

Objetivo:presentar la concordancia interevaluador de la observación de los niños y adolescentes de un módulo de protección.Conclusión: la concordancia entre evaluadores es aceptable cuando se utiliza el cuestionario de síntomas pediátricos en niños y adolescentes de un módulo de protección

Disfunción psicosocial en niños y adolescentes de un módulo de protección: un estudio piloto

Objetivo: El objetivo fue determinar la prevalencia de disfunción psicosocial (DPS) en niños y adolescentes de un módulo de protección. Método: Fueron evaluados veinticinco niños y adolescentes con edad promedio de 13 años (DE=2.1), escolaridad medio de 3.1 años (DE=2.1), y una estancia promedio de 16.8 meses (DE=16.5). Se utilizó como instrumento el cuestionario de síntomas pediátricos (CSP). Resultados: El puntaje promedio de los evaluadores en el CSP estuvo entre 25.5 y 40.0 puntos, con una media de 33.4 (DE=3.9). El 52 por ciento de los evaluados presentaba DPS leve, 36 por ciento DPS moderada, el 8 por ciento DPS severa y el 8 por ciento no presentaba DPS. La DPS fue independiente de la edad, la escolaridad y la estancia en el módulo. Conclusión: La prevalencia de DPS es alta en este módulo de protección, es probable que esté relacionada con los factores adversos que llevan a los muchachos a esta institución

Ultrasonido intravascular: informe preliminar / Intravascular ultrasound: preliminary report

Se presenta la aplicación y uso del ultrasonido intravascular, efectuado en los primeros cuatro pacientes en nuestra institución; dos de ellos con lesión arterial coronaria, uno en arteria periférica y un paciente a quien se efectuó revisión de una derivación portosistemica intrahepática por vía yugular (TIPS). Se plantea la alternativa diagnóstica del ultrasonido intravascular, para valorar las características de la pared vascular, los sitios estenóticos, así como componentes de la estenosis, presentando algunas imagenes características