Polymorphic microsatellite loci and partial mitogenome for the Chestnut-bellied Seed-finch Sporophila angolensis (Aves, Passeriformes) using next generation sequencing.

Brazil is one of the major contributors to international trade in wildlife and species of the bird genus Sporophila are currently under threat due to illegal trade. Microsatellite loci and mitochondrial DNA constitute important molecular markers for population genetics studies and parentage analyses, and hold great potential to help authorities manage illegal trafficking and control commercial breeders. We describe and characterize 19 polymorphic microsatellite loci and recover part of the mitochondrial genome for Sporophila angolensis using massive parallel sequencing with the Illumina platform. DNA sequencing resulted in a dataset with 2,379,295 paired reads, of which 392 were mapped to the mitogenome of S. maximiliani, resulting in a partial mitogenome of 16,785 bp for S. angolensis. The microsatellite search identified a total of 4737 loci, from which 27 primer pairs were tested on 24 individuals of unknown geographic origin. Nineteen of the 27 loci were successfully amplified and exhibited high levels of genetic variation, with a mean of 11.2 alleles per locus, a mean observed heterozygosity of 0.588 and a mean expected heterozygosity of 0.852. About half of the loci showed significant evidence for the presence of a null allele and significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium; the remaining eight loci had high paternity exclusion probabilities and low identity probabilities. The high levels of polymorphism for these loci, as well as their high paternity exclusion probability and low identity probability, indicate that they hold potential for parentage analyses and population genetics studies of S. angolensis.

In silico identification and characterization of novel microsatellite loci for the Blue-and-yellow Macaw Ara ararauna (Linnaeus, 1758) (Psittaciformes, Psittacidae).

The illegal trade is a major threat to many bird species, and parrots are common victims of this activity. Domestic and international pet markets are interested on different parrot species, such as the Blue-and-yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna). This South American macaw is not globally threatened, but is under protection from over-exploitation. This study aimed to identify and characterize novel microsatellite loci for population and parentage analysis of A. ararauna. Scaffold sequences of Ara macao available in the NCBI database were used for microsatellite searches using MsatCommander software. We tested a total of 28 loci, from which 25 were polymorphic, one was monomorphic, and two did not generated amplification products. For polymorphic loci, the mean number of alleles was 8.24 (4 - 15 alleles per locus), the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.333 to 0.917, and the expected heterozygosity from 0.353 to 0.890. The paternity exclusion probability and identity probability were highly discriminatory. Thus, these novel microsatellite markers can be useful for population assignment and paternity tests, helping the authorities to manage macaws from the illegal trafficking and control commercial breeders.

Development and characterization of novel microsatellite loci for the Blue-fronted Amazon (Amazona aestiva, Psittaciformes, Aves) and cross-species amplification for other two threatened Amazona species.

Parrots are among the most threatened avian groups of the world, with illegal pet trade being a major threat to some Amazon (Amazona genus) and macaw (Ara and Anodorhynchus genera) species. Population genetic studies and effective control of commercial breeders are important actions for the conservation of these parrot species; however, few microsatellite loci are available for most Amazona species to date. In this study, 25 polymorphic microsatellite loci were identified in silico and characterized for the Blue-fronted Amazon [Amazona aestiva (Aa)]. Loci were tested in 24 Blue-fronted Amazons from wild population from central Brazil with cross-species amplified in two individuals of Amazona vinacea (Av) and Amazona pretrei (Ap) from northeastern Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul, in southeastern and south of Brazil, respectively. The number of alleles per locus for Aa ranged from 5 to 24 with an average of 13.1. Twenty-four and 25 loci were successfully amplified for Av and Ap, respectively. The observed and expected heterozygosities for Aa ranged from 0.27 to 1.00 and from 0.35 to 0.94, with averages of 0.75 and 0.85, respectively. Nine loci significantly deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium after Bonferroni correction (likely due to null alleles) and no significant linkage disequilibrium between loci pairs was detected. The combined paternity exclusion probability was very high, and the probability of identity was extremely low. This new set of microsatellite loci will be useful for analyzing population genetic structure and making conservation and management decisions, as well as for parentage analysis and the control of commercial breeding of Aa and potentially other Amazona species.

DNA sequence analysis to guide the release of blue-and-yellow macaws (Ara ararauna, Psittaciformes, Aves) from the illegal trade back into the wild.

The illegal wildlife trade is one of the major threats to Brazil's biodiversity. Approximately 80 % of illegally captured animals are birds, and 4 % of those are parrots. Although many seized birds do not survive, those that are recovered may be returned to the wild. The release of seized individuals into the wild should be conducted with caution, as local populations may suffer adverse effects if genetically different individuals are introduced. In this study, we evaluated the genetic relationships between 13 illegally captured blue-and-yellow macaws selected for release in northeastern Goiás, Brazil, and previously studied Brazilian macaw populations. We identified the seized macaws that were genetically similar to those from northwestern Goiás and that were therefore most suitable for release in that area. The genetic relationship was evaluated by sequence analysis of 403 bp of mitochondrial DNA control region. Relationships between mitochondrial haplotypes were computed via a median-joining network. Only six of the seized macaws were closely related to the macaws of northeastern Goiás, indicating that those macaws were potential candidates for release in that area. However, the release of these birds should follow all technical recommendations required by the Brazilian environmental authorities.

Qualidade da atenção as pessoas com hanseníase na rede pública de saúde / Quality of assistance provided to people with leprosy in the public health network

O estudo avaliou os serviços de saúde na assistência à Hanseníase a partir da percepção de todos os pacientes diagnosticados em um biênio em um município com baixa prevalência e incidência da doença de acordo com parâmetros da Organização Mundial de Saúde. Os entrevistados responderam a um questionário validado para o Brasil sobre a organização e o desempenho desses serviços. Destacam-se como fatores facilitadores: porta de entrada do serviço; vínculo com os profissionais e atuação profissional. Domínios que mesclaram pontos de satisfação e insatisfação entre os entrevistados: serviços prestados durante as consultas; falta de interesse pelas condições socioeconômicas do doente e de sua família; e participação da família no tratamento. Aspectos que foram consideradas dificultadores: iniciar o acesso ao diagnóstico e ao tratamento, falta de resolutividade dos profissionais quanto aos problemas gerais de saúde, que não relacionados à hanseníase e dificuldade no acesso às especialidades médicas, ausência de visitas domiciliares e orientação à comunidade com ações de educação em saúde.

This study evaluated leprosy care services from the view point of all patients diagnosed during one bienniumin a city with a low prevalence and incidence of the disease according to World Health Organization parameters. Leprosy patients answered a questionnaire validated in Brazil on the organization and performance of services provided. Access to services,relationship with professionals and performance of professionals were considered facilitating factors. Domains of mixed satisfaction and dissatisfaction among those interviewed were the service provided during consultations, lack of interest in the socioeconomic conditions of the patient and their family and family participation in treatment. The factors considered problematic were initial access to diagnosis and treatment, lack of determination of professional sin respect to general health problems not related to leprosy, difficulties to access medical specialties, and lack of home visits and community guidance with health education initiatives.

Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of linear and nonlinear indices of heart rate variability in stable angina patients.

BACKGROUND: Decreased heart rate variability (HRV) is related to higher morbidity and mortality. In this study we evaluated the linear and nonlinear indices of the HRV in stable angina patients submitted to coronary angiography. METHODS: We studied 77 unselected patients for elective coronary angiography, which were divided into two groups: coronary artery disease (CAD) and non-CAD groups. For analysis of HRV indices, HRV was recorded beat by beat with the volunteers in the supine position for 40 minutes. We analyzed the linear indices in the time (SDNN [standard deviation of normal to normal], NN50 [total number of adjacent RR intervals with a difference of duration greater than 50ms] and RMSSD [root-mean square of differences]) and frequency domains ultra-low frequency (ULF) ≤ 0,003 Hz, very low frequency (VLF) 0,003 - 0,04 Hz, low frequency (LF) (0.04-0.15 Hz), and high frequency (HF) (0.15-0.40 Hz) as well as the ratio between LF and HF components (LF/HF). In relation to the nonlinear indices we evaluated SD1, SD2, SD1/SD2, approximate entropy (-ApEn), α1, α2, Lyapunov Exponent, Hurst Exponent, autocorrelation and dimension correlation. The definition of the cutoff point of the variables for predictive tests was obtained by the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (ROC). The area under the ROC curve was calculated by the extended trapezoidal rule, assuming as relevant areas under the curve ≥ 0.650. RESULTS: Coronary arterial disease patients presented reduced values of SDNN, RMSSD, NN50, HF, SD1, SD2 and -ApEn. HF ≤ 66 ms2, RMSSD ≤ 23.9 ms, ApEn ≤-0.296 and NN50 ≤ 16 presented the best discriminatory power for the presence of significant coronary obstruction. CONCLUSION: We suggest the use of Heart Rate Variability Analysis in linear and nonlinear domains, for prognostic purposes in patients with stable angina pectoris, in view of their overall impairment.

Avaliação do tratamento das lesões intra-epiteliais do colo por cirurgia de alta freqüência

A incidência de câncer de colo do útero continua sendo importante problema de saúde no Brasil. De acordo com dados do INCA, é o terceiro tipo de câncer mais comum entre a população feminina, sendo superado pelo câncer de pele (não – melanoma) e de mama, e representando a quarta causa de mortalidade entre os tipos de câncer que afetam a população feminina. Estima-se para este ano que sejam detectados vinte mil novos casos de câncer de colo no país. Considerando a relativa facilidade de diagnóstico da doença em fases precoces através dos métodos de screening como o método de papanicolau, e, paradoxalmente o grande número de mulheres que iniciam tratamento em estágios avançados do câncer, pode-se concluir que há uma grande falha do sistema de saúde brasileiro e de países em desenvolvimento, de maneira geral, compromentendo significativamente o prognóstico das pacientes, que iniciam o tratamento em estágios avançados da doença

Avaliação do tratamento das lesões intra-epiteliais do colo por cirurgia de alta freqüência / Evaluation of treatment of squamous intraepithelial lesions of the cervix by high frequency surgery

A incidência de câncer de colo do útero continua sendo importante problema de saúde no Brasil. De acordo com dados do INCA, é o terceiro tipo de câncer mais comum entre a população feminina, sendo superado pelo câncer de pele (não – melanoma) e de mama, e representando a quarta causa de mortalidade entre os tipos de câncer que afetam a população feminina. Estima-se para este ano que sejam detectados vinte mil novos casos de câncer de colo no país. Considerando a relativa facilidade de diagnóstico da doença em fases precoces através dos métodos de screening como o método de papanicolau, e, paradoxalmente o grande número de mulheres que iniciam tratamento em estágios avançados do câncer, pode-se concluir que há uma grande falha do sistema de saúde brasileiro e de países em desenvolvimento, de maneira geral, compromentendo significativamente o prognóstico das pacientes, que iniciam o tratamento em estágios avançados da doença

Avaliação da satisfação das pacientes submetidas à Histerectomia Subtotal Abdominal e Histerectomia Total Abdominal no Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal no período de janeiro a dezembro de 2003

Histerectomia pode ser realizada via vaginal, abdominal ou laparoscópica. A operação via abdominal e laparoscópica pode ser total [ i.e., envolvendo a remoção do útero e cérvice ] ou subtotal [ i.e., envolvendo a remoção do fundo uterino e segmento uterino baixo, com preservação da cérvice ] e pode ou não incluir a remoção dos anexos. Histerectomia é a única cura definitiva para sangramento uterino anormal. Ao lado deste benefício óbvio; ela melhora a qualidade de vida em muitas mulheres. Múltiplos estudos têm mostrado que sintomas como dor pélvica, dispareunia e fadiga são abolidos ou significativamente reduzidos após a cirurgia

Avaliação da satisfação das pacientes submetidas à Histerectomia Subtotal Abdominal e Histerectomia Total Abdominal no Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal no período de janeiro a dezembro de 2003 / Assessment of satisfaction of patients who underwent subtotal abdominal hysterectomy Total Abdominal Hysterectomy and the Municipal Public Servants Hospital in the period January to December 2003

Histerectomia pode ser realizada via vaginal, abdominal ou laparoscópica. A operação via abdominal e laparoscópica pode ser total [ i.e., envolvendo a remoção do útero e cérvice ] ou subtotal [ i.e., envolvendo a remoção do fundo uterino e segmento uterino baixo, com preservação da cérvice ] e pode ou não incluir a remoção dos anexos. Histerectomia é a única cura definitiva para sangramento uterino anormal. Ao lado deste benefício óbvio; ela melhora a qualidade de vida em muitas mulheres. Múltiplos estudos têm mostrado que sintomas como dor pélvica, dispareunia e fadiga são abolidos ou significativamente reduzidos após a cirurgia