Dominance of mixed ether/ester, intact polar membrane lipids in five species of the order Rubrobacterales: Another group of bacteria not obeying the "lipid divide".

The composition of the core lipids and intact polar lipids (IPLs) of five Rubrobacter species was examined. Methylated (ω-4) fatty acids (FAs) characterized the core lipids of Rubrobacter radiotolerans, R. xylanophilus and R. bracarensis. In contrast, R. calidifluminis and R. naiadicus lacked ω-4 methyl FAs but instead contained abundant (i.e., 34-41 % of the core lipids) ω-cyclohexyl FAs not reported before in the order Rubrobacterales. Their genomes contained an almost complete operon encoding proteins enabling production of cyclohexane carboxylic acid CoA thioester, which acts as a building block for ω-cyclohexyl FAs in other bacteria. Hence, the most plausible explanation for the biosynthesis of these cyclic FAs in R. calidifluminis and R. naiadicus is a recent acquisition of this operon. All strains contained 1-O-alkyl glycerol ether lipids in abundance (up to 46 % of the core lipids), in line with the dominance (>90 %) of mixed ether/ester IPLs with a variety of polar headgroups. The IPL head group distribution of R. calidifluminis and R. naiadicus differed, e.g. they lacked a novel IPL tentatively assigned as phosphothreoninol. The genomes of all five Rubrobacter species contained a putative operon encoding the synthesis of the 1-O-alkyl glycerol phosphate, the presumed building block of mixed ether/ester IPLs, which shows some resemblance with an operon enabling ether lipid production in various other aerobic bacteria but requires more study. The uncommon dominance of mixed ether/ester IPLs in Rubrobacter species exemplifies our recent growing awareness that the lipid divide between archaea and bacteria/eukaryotes is not as clear cut as previously thought.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Age and Gender Effects in European Portuguese Oral Vowels.

The knowledge about the age effects in speech acoustics is still disperse and incomplete. This study extends the analyses of the effects of age and gender on acoustics of European Portuguese (EP) oral vowels, in order to complement initial studies with limited sets of acoustic parameters, and to further investigate unclear or inconsistent results. A database of EP vowels produced by a group of 113 adults, aged between 35 and 97, was used. Duration, fundamental frequency (f0), formant frequencies (F1 to F3), and a selection of vowel space metrics (F1 and F2 range ratios, vowel articulation index [VAI] and formant centralization ratio [FCR]) were analyzed. To avoid the arguable division into age groups, the analyses considered age as a continuous variable. The most relevant age-related results included: vowel duration increase in both genders; a general tendency to formant frequencies decrease for females; changes that were consistent with vowel centralization for males, confirmed by the vowel space acoustic indexes; and no evidence of F3 decrease with age, in both genders. This study has contributed to knowledge on aging speech, providing new information for an additional language. The results corroborated that acoustic characteristics of speech change with age and present different patterns between genders.

Randomized trial of the efficacy of trial-based cognitive therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder: preliminary findings.

INTRODUCTION: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is the fourth most prevalent mental disorder and is a disabling condition. OCD is associated with anatomical and functional changes in the brain, in addition to dysfunctional cognitions. The treatments of choice are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and exposure and response prevention (ERP). Trial-based cognitive therapy (TBCT) is a recent and empirically validated psychotherapy with a focus on restructuring dysfunctional negative core beliefs (CBs). The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of TBCT relative to ERP for treatment of OCD. METHOD: A randomized, single-blind clinical trial was conducted, randomizing 26 patients for individual treatment with TBCT (n = 12) or ERP (n = 14). The groups were evaluated at baseline, at the end of 3 months (12 sessions), and at 3, 6, and 12-month follow-ups. RESULTS: Both approaches reduced the severity of symptoms with large effect sizes. These results were maintained at the 12-month follow-up assessment. CONCLUSION: TBCT may be a valid and promising treatment for this disorder.

Brincar nas, com e apesar das telas / Playing with, on and in spite of the screens / Jugar con, en y a pesar de las pantallas / Jouer avec, dans et malgré les écrans

Este trabalho está inserido em uma pesquisa que buscou explorar as articulações forjadas entre crianças e telas durante o isolamento físico imposto pela pandemia da COVID-19. O objetivo aqui foi analisar como as brincadeiras se desenrolaram nesse momento tão especial, levando em conta a presença das telas. Nossos principais referenciais teóricos foram a psicanálise e a Teoria Ator-Rede e adotamos a cartografia como metodologia, a fim de explorar o campo em toda sua fluidez e complexidade. Utilizamos questionários online e entrevistas com responsáveis e crianças. Foi possível observar que as crianças não deixaram de brincar por causa das telas, mas puderam construir múltiplas e singulares articulações, brincaram nas, com e apesar das telas

This article is part of a piece of research that sought to explore the articulations forged between children and screens during the physical isolation imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal was to analyse how children's games developed in this particular moment, taking into account the presence of digital screens. In order to explore the research field in all its fluidity and complexity, our main theoretical references were psychoanalysis and Actor-Network Theory. Besides this, we adopted cartography as a methodology where online questionnaires and interviews with parents and children were carried out. It was possible to observe that the children didn't stop playing because of the screens but were able to build multiple and unique articulations, playing on, with and in spite of the screens

Este trabajo es parte de una investigación que buscó explorar las articulaciones entre los niños y las pantallas durante el aislamiento físico impuesto por la pandemia del COVID-19. El objetivo aquí fue analizar cómo se desarrollaron los juegos en este momento tan especial, teniendo en cuenta la presencia de las pantallas. Nuestros principales referentes teóricos fueron el psicoanálisis y la Teoría del Actor-Red y adoptamos la cartografía como metodología para explorar el campo en toda su fluidez y complejidad. Utilizamos encuestas virtuales y entrevistas con responsables y niños. Se pudo observar que los niños no dejaron de jugar por causa de las pantallas, sino que lograron construir múltiples y singulares articulaciones, jugaron en, com y a pesar de las pantallas

Ce travail s'inscrit dans une recherche qui visait à explorer les articulations forgées entre les enfants et les écrans lors de l'isolement physique imposé par la pandémie de COVID-19. L'objectif était d'analyser le déroulement des jeux dans ce moment particulier, en tenant compte de la présence des écrans. Nos principales références théoriques étaient la psychanalyse et la théorie de l'acteur-réseau et nous avons adopté la cartographie comme méthodologie afin d'explorer le domaine dans toute sa fluidité et complexité. Nous utilisons des questionnaires en ligne et des entretiens avec les parents et les enfants. Il a été possible de constater que les enfants n'ont pas arrêté de jouer à cause des écrans, mais ils ont su construire des articulations multiples et uniques, ils ont joué dans, avec et malgré les écrans

Randomized trial of the efficacy of trial-based cognitive therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder: preliminary findings

Abstract Introduction Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is the fourth most prevalent mental disorder and is a disabling condition. OCD is associated with anatomical and functional changes in the brain, in addition to dysfunctional cognitions. The treatments of choice are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and exposure and response prevention (ERP). Trial-based cognitive therapy (TBCT) is a recent and empirically validated psychotherapy with a focus on restructuring dysfunctional negative core beliefs (CBs). The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of TBCT relative to ERP for treatment of OCD. Methods A randomized, single-blind clinical trial was conducted, randomizing 26 patients for individual treatment with TBCT (n = 12) or ERP (n = 14). The groups were evaluated at baseline, at the end of 3 months (12 sessions), and at 3, 6, and 12-month follow-ups. Results Both approaches reduced the severity of symptoms with large effect sizes. These results were maintained at the 12-month follow-up assessment. Conclusion TBCT may be a valid and promising treatment for this disorder.

Política de Educação Permanente em Saúde de Pernambuco, Brasil: estratégias de implementação / Permanent Health Education Policy in Pernambuco, Brazil: implementation strategies

Objetivo: Analisar as estratégias de implementação da Política de Educação Permanente em Saúde no estado de Pernambuco. Métodos: Estudo descritivo de abordagem qualitativa. Realizou-se análise documental para produção dos dados. Foram analisados o Plano de Educação Permanente em Saúde de Pernambuco (2019 ­ 2022) e os relatórios das cinco oficinas regionais realizadas no período de junho a agosto de 2019. Utilizou-se a análise de conteúdo para exame e organização das discussões contidas nos relatórios, cuja categorização foi orientada pela descrição do eixo do plano: governança da Política Estadual de Educação Permanente em Saúde. Tomou-se como referência o modelo do ciclo de políticas públicas, voltando-se para a análise de implementação. Resultados: As oficinas contemplaram 548 participantes, 39,8% de segmento gestor, 15,0% de conselheiros de saúde, 4,6% de representantes de movimentos sociais, 25,0% de segmento trabalhador e 15,7% de instituições formadoras. Foi observada a necessidade de desenvolvimento de aspectos como a institucionalização da política no âmbito municipal, o financiamento tripartite e a participação efetiva do quadrilátero da formação. As residências em saúde se destacam como importante estratégia de formação de profissionais e desenvolvimento dos serviços e da regionalização. Conclusões: Os desdobramentos do Plano de Educação Permanente em Saúde nas regiões de saúde foram fundamentais para mobilizar os diversos atores no desenvolvimento das comissões de integração ensino-serviço regionais, no reconhecimento e incentivo à implantação das políticas municipais e na construção de estratégias coletivas para o desenvolvimento da política estadual.

Miltoncostaea marina gen. nov. sp. nov., and Miltoncostaea oceani sp. nov., a novel deep branching phylogenetic lineage within the class Thermoleophilia isolated from marine environments, and proposal of Miltoncostaeaceae fam. nov. and Miltoncostaeales ord. nov.

Two novel marine actinobacteria, designated as SCSIO 60955T and SCSIO 61214T, were isolated from deep-sea sediment samples collected from the South China Sea. The cells of these organisms stained Gram-negative and were rod shaped. These strains were aerobic, and catalase- and oxidase-positive. Optimal growth occurred at 28 °C and pH 7 over 14 days of cultivation. Both strains possessed phospholipids and phosphoglycolipids. The main menaquinone was MK-7. The major fatty acid was C16:0. The peptidoglycan structure was type A1γ' (meso-Dpm). Analysis of genome sequences revealed that the genome size of SCSIO 60955T was 3.37 Mbp with G + C content of 76.1%, while the genome size of SCSIO 61214T was 3.67 Mbp with a G + C content of 74.8%. The ANI and 16S rRNA gene analysis results showed that the pairwise similarities between the two strains were 73.4% and 97.7% and that with other recognized Thermoleophilia species were less than 69.1% and 87.8%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strains SCSIO 60955T and SCSIO 61214T were separately clustered together and formed a well-separated phylogenetic branch distinct from their most related neighbor Gaiella occulta. Based on the data presented here, these two strains are proposed to represent two novel species of a novel genus, for which the name Miltoncostaea marina gen. nov., sp. nov., with the type strain SCSIO 60955T (=DSM 110281T =CGMCC 1.18757T), and Miltoncostaea oceani sp. nov., with the type strain SCSIO 61214T (=KCTC 49527T =CGMCC 1.18758T) are proposed. We also propose that these organisms represent a novel family named Miltoncostaeaceae fam. nov. of a novel order Miltoncostaeales ord. nov.

Bremerella alba sp. nov., a novel planctomycete isolated from the surface of the macroalga Fucus spiralis.

A bacterial strain, designated FF15T, was isolated from the thallus surface of the macroalga Fucus spiralis sampled on a rocky beach in Porto, Portugal. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence, strain FF15T was affiliated to the phylum Planctomycetes. This strain forms white colonies on modified M13 medium and the cells are pear-shaped, can form rosettes, divide by polar budding and are motile. The novel isolate is mesophilic and neutrophilic with an optimum growth temperature of about 30 °C and an optimum pH for growth between 6.5 and 7.5. It showed growth over a broad range of salinities (0-9% NaCl - optimum at 1.5%). No additional vitamins are required for growth. It is cytochrome c oxidase and catalase positive. The major respiratory quinone was menaquinone 6 (MK-6). Genome sequencing revealed a genome size of 6.37 Mbp and a DNA G + C content of 54.2%. Analysis of phylogenetic markers, including similarities of the 16S rRNA gene sequence, rpoB gene sequence, as well as Percentage of Conserved Proteins (POCP), Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) and Average Amino Acid Identity (AAI), suggest the affiliation of strain FF15T to "Bremerella", a recently described genus in the family Pirellulaceae. Based on the genotypic, phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic, physiological and biochemical characterization, we described a new species represented by strain FF15T (=CECT 8078T = LMG 31936T), for which we propose the name Bremerella alba snov.

Association between acoustic speech features and non-severe levels of anxiety and depression symptoms across lifespan.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have investigated the acoustic effects of diagnosed anxiety and depression. Anxiety and depression are not characteristics of the typical aging process, but minimal or mild symptoms can appear and evolve with age. However, the knowledge about the association between speech and anxiety or depression is scarce for minimal/mild symptoms, typical of healthy aging. As longevity and aging are still a new phenomenon worldwide, posing also several clinical challenges, it is important to improve our understanding of non-severe mood symptoms' impact on acoustic features across lifetime. The purpose of this study was to determine if variations in acoustic measures of voice are associated with non-severe anxiety or depression symptoms in adult population across lifetime. METHODS: Two different speech tasks (reading vowels in disyllabic words and describing a picture) were produced by 112 individuals aged 35-97. To assess anxiety and depression symptoms, the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) was used. The association between the segmental and suprasegmental acoustic parameters and HADS scores were analyzed using the linear multiple regression technique. RESULTS: The number of participants with presence of anxiety or depression symptoms is low (>7: 26.8% and 10.7%, respectively) and non-severe (HADS-A: 5.4 ± 2.9 and HADS-D: 4.2 ± 2.7, respectively). Adults with higher anxiety symptoms did not present significant relationships associated with the acoustic parameters studied. Adults with increased depressive symptoms presented higher vowel duration, longer total pause duration and short total speech duration. Finally, age presented a positive and significant effect only for depressive symptoms, showing that older participants tend to have more depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Non-severe depression symptoms can be related to some acoustic parameters and age. Depression symptoms can be explained by acoustic parameters even among individuals without severe symptom levels.

Maintenance of venomous snakes in captivity for venom production at Butantan Institute from 1908 to the present: a scoping history.

Maintenance of snakes at Butantan Institute started in the last century, intending to produce a different antivenom serum to reduce death caused by snakebites. Through a successful campaign coordinated by Vital Brazil, farmers sent venomous snakes to Butantan Institute by the railway lines with no cost. From 1908 to 1962, the snakes were kept in an outdoor serpentarium, where venom extraction was performed every 15 days. During this period, the snake average survival was 15 days. In 1963, the snakes were transferred to an adapted building, currently called Laboratory of Herpetology (LH), to be maintained in an intensive system. Although the periodicity of venom extraction remained the same, animal average survival increased to two months. With the severe serum crisis in 1983, the Ministry of Health financed remodeling for the three public antivenom producers, and with this support, the LH could be improved. Air conditioning and exhausting systems were installed in the rooms, besides the settlement of critical hygienic-sanitary managements to increase the welfare of snakes. In the early 1990s, snake survival was ten months. Over the years to the present day, several improvements have been made in the intensive serpentarium, as the establishment of two quarantines, feeding with thawed rodents, an interval of two months between venom extraction routines, and monitoring of snake health through laboratory tests. With these new protocols, average snake survival increased significantly, being eight years for the genus Bothrops, ten years for genus Crotalus and Lachesis, and four years for the genus Micrurus. Aiming the production of venoms of good quality, respect for good management practices is essential for the maintenance of snakes in captivity. New techniques and efficient management must always be sought to improve animal welfare, the quality of the venom produced, and the safety of those working directly with the venomous snakes.

Maintenance of venomous snakes in captivity for venom production at Butantan Institute from 1908 to the present: a scoping history

Maintenance of snakes at Butantan Institute started in the last century, intending to produce a different antivenom serum to reduce death caused by snakebites. Through a successful campaign coordinated by Vital Brazil, farmers sent venomous snakes to Butantan Institute by the railway lines with no cost. From 1908 to 1962, the snakes were kept in an outdoor serpentarium, where venom extraction was performed every 15 days. During this period, the snake average survival was 15 days. In 1963, the snakes were transferred to an adapted building, currently called Laboratory of Herpetology (LH), to be maintained in an intensive system. Although the periodicity of venom extraction remained the same, animal average survival increased to two months. With the severe serum crisis in 1983, the Ministry of Health financed remodeling for the three public antivenom producers, and with this support, the LH could be improved. Air conditioning and exhausting systems were installed in the rooms, besides the settlement of critical hygienic-sanitary managements to increase the welfare of snakes. In the early 1990s, snake survival was ten months. Over the years to the present day, several improvements have been made in the intensive serpentarium, as the establishment of two quarantines, feeding with thawed rodents, an interval of two months between venom extraction routines, and monitoring of snake health through laboratory tests. With these new protocols, average snake survival increased significantly, being eight years for the genus Bothrops, ten years for genus Crotalus and Lachesis, and four years for the genus Micrurus. Aiming the production of venoms of good quality, respect for good management practices is essential for the maintenance of snakes in captivity. New techniques and efficient management must always be sought to improve animal welfare, the quality of the venom produced, and the safety of those working directly with the venomous snakes.(AU)

Perfil clínico dos portadores da síndrome congênita do zika vírus atendidos no centro especializado em reabilitação da cidade de Campina Grande- Pb / Clinical profile of patients with congenital syndrome of zika virus attended at the specialized center for rehabilitation in the city of Campina Grande-Pb

INTRODUÇÃO: No segundo semestre do ano de 2015 um surto de microcefalia foi registrado na região nordeste do Brasil. O presente artigo tem como objetivo traçar o perfil clínico dos portadores da síndrome congênita do zika vírus da cidade de Campina Grande. MÉTODOS: Tratou-se de um estudo documental com abordagem quantitativa. A coleta de dados deu-se no Centro Especializado em Reabilitação (CER), no município de Campina Grande no estado da Paraíba com análise de 66 prontuários. RESULTADOS: Maioria do sexo feminino (57,6%), com idade média de 3,36 anos. Houve predominância de infecção pelo vírus da Zika no 1º trimestre de gestação (69,7%), em mães com baixo grau de escolaridade em que apenas 28,8% completaram o ensino médio. A maioria das crianças, mesmo com a infecção, nasceram a termo (68,2%), porém, apresentaram baixo peso ao nascer, 2,697kg em média, perímetro cefálico médio de 29,97 cm, hipertonia, diminuição da amplitude de movimento, grande dependência nas atividades de vida diária e um importante atraso no desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: Com isto é possível destacar que os distúrbios apresentados, contribuem de maneira negativa para o desenvolvimento motor das crianças gerando um impacto em sua qualidade de vida

INTRODUCTION: In the second half of 2015, an outbreak of microcephaly was recorded in the northeast of Brazil. This article aims to outline the clinical profile of patients with congenital Zika virus syndrome in the city of Campina Grande. METHODS: This was a documentary study with a quantitative approach. Data collection took place at the Specialized Center for Rehabilitation (CER), in the city of Campina Grande in the state of Paraíba, with the analysis of 66 medical records. RESULTS: Most of them were female (57.6%), with an average age of 3.36 years. There was a predominance of Zika virus infection in the first trimester of pregnancy (69.7%), in mothers with a low level of education, in which only 28.8% completed high school. Most of the children, even with the infection, were born at term (68.2%), however, they had low birth weight, 2.697 kg on average, average head circumference of 29.97 cm, hypertonia, decreased range of motion, great dependence on activities of daily living and an important delay in neuropsychomotor development. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: With this it is possible to highlight that the disorders presented, contribute negatively to the motor development of children generating an impact on their quality of life

Intestinal Myxoid Leiomyosarcoma in a Sambar Deer (Rusa unicolor).

A 9-year-old male sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) that died during sedation had a large and firm polypoid mass, which expanded the small intestinal wall and partially obstructed the duodenal lumen. Histopathology revealed a pleomorphic sarcoma composed of stellate to spindloid cells loosely arranged in an abundant myxoid matrix. The cytoplasm of the neoplastic cells was strongly immunopositive for vimentin and smooth muscle actin, but negative for c-KIT, desmin and myoglobin. The findings are consistent with intestinal myxoid leiomyosarcoma, which is rare in cervids and has not been described in the sambar deer, which is an endangered species.

Alienimonas chondri sp. nov., a novel planctomycete isolated from the biofilm of the red alga Chondrus crispus.

The phylum Planctomycetes comprises bacteria with peculiar and very unique characteristics among prokaryotes. In marine environments, macroalgae biofilms are well known for harboring planctomycetal diversity. Here, we describe a novel isolate obtained from the biofilm of the red alga Chondrus crispus collected at a rocky beach in Porto, Portugal. The novel strain LzC2T is motile, rosette-forming with spherical- to ovoid-shaped cells. LzC2T forms magenta- to pinkish-colored colonies in M13 and M14 media. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy observations showed a division by polar and lateral budding. Mother cells are connected to the daughter cells by a tubular neck-like structure. The strain requires salt for growth. Vitamins are not required for growth. Optimal growth occurs from 15 to 30°C and within a pH range from 5.5 to 10.0. Major fatty acids are anteiso-C15:0 (54.2%) and iso-C15:0 (19.5%). Phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified glycolipid represent the main lipids and menaquinone 6 (MK-6) is the only quinone present. 16S rRNA gene-based phylogenetic analysis supports the affiliation to the phylum Planctomycetes and family Planctomycetaceae, with Alienimonas as the closest relative. Strain LzC2T shares 97% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Alienimonas californiensis. LzC2T has a genome size of 5.3 Mb and a G+C content of 68.3%. Genotypic and phenotypic comparison with the closest relatives strongly suggest that LzC2T (=CECT 30038T=LMG XXXT) is a new species of the genus Alienimonas, for which we propose the name Alienimonas chondri sp. nov., represented by LzC2T as type strain. 16S rRNA gene accession number: GenBank=MN757873.1. Genome accession number: GenBank=WTPX00000000.

Comparative genome sequence analysis of several species in the genus Tepidimonas and the description of a novel species Tepidimonas charontis sp. nov.

We performed high-quality genome sequencing of eight strains of the species of the genus Tepidimonas and examined the genomes of closely related strains from the databases to understand why Tepidimonas taiwanensis is the only strain of this genus that utilizes glucose and fructose for growth. We found that the assimilation of these hexoses by T. taiwanensis was due to the presence of two transporters that are absent in all other genomes of strains of members of the genus Tepidimonas examined. Some strains lack genes coding for glucokinase, but the Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas pathway appears to be otherwise complete. The pentose phosphate pathway has a complete set of genes, but genes of the Entner-Doudoroff pathway were not identified in the genomes of any of the strains examined. Genome analysis using average nucleotide identity (ANIb), digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH), average amino acid identity (AAI) and phylogenetic analysis of 400 conserved genes was performed to assess the taxonomic classification of the organisms. Two isolates of the genus Tepidimonas from the hot spring at São Pedro do Sul, Portugal, designated SPSP-6T and SPSPC-18 were also examined in this study. These organisms are mixotrophic, have an optimum growth temperature of about 50 ºC, utilize several organic acids and amino acids for growth but do not grow on sugars. Distinctive phenotypic, 16S rRNA gene sequence and genomic characteristics of strains SPSP-6T and SPSPC-18 lead us to propose a novel species based on strain SPSP-6T for which we recommend the name Tepidimonas charontis sp. nov. (=CECT 9683T=LMG 30884T).

Characterization of amputees at a large hospital in Recife, PE, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Limb amputation can be defined as a procedure that consists of separating a limb or a segment of a limb from the body. OBJECTIVES: To describe the profile of limb amputation procedures performed at a large hospital run by the state of Pernambuco (Brazil). METHODS: Cross-sectional descriptive and retrospective study conducted at a large hospital in the city of Recife, PE. Data were collected from the records of patients who underwent amputations during 2017. Records from patients who had had a limb amputation during 2017 were included, unless data were illegible or missing. RESULTS: A total of 328 procedures were performed on 274 patients, the majority of whom were male (57.7%). There was a predominance of lower limb amputations (64.2%), of non-traumatic causes (86.5%), and urgent treatment (96.4%). The majority of patients who underwent amputations remained in hospital for 11 to 25 days (32.1%). The study found that the majority of amputees were discharged (69.7%), although a proportion died. Deaths of lower limb amputees were primarily among elderly women in the age range of 60 to 90 years (76%), females (55%), and patients subjected to a single amputation (91%). CONCLUSIONS: The data observed in this study are alarming, particularly considering that many of these amputations could have been avoided, since they were caused by complications of diseases that can be prevented and controlled at healthcare services of a lower level of complexity and at a relatively low cost.