The influence of vibrissal somatosensory processing in rat superior colliculus on prey capture.

The lateral part of intermediate layer of superior colliculus (SCl) is a critical substrate for successful predation by rats. Hunting-evoked expression of the activity marker Fos is concentrated in SCl while prey capture in rats with NMDA lesions in SCl is impaired. Particularly affected are rapid orienting and stereotyped sequences of actions associated with predation of fast moving prey. Such deficits are consistent with the view that the deep layers of SC are important for sensory guidance of movement. Although much of the relevant evidence involves visual control of movement, less is known about movement guidance by somatosensory input from vibrissae. Indeed, our impression is that prey contact with whiskers is a likely stimulus to trigger predation. Moreover, SCl receives whisker and orofacial somatosensory information directly from trigeminal complex, and indirectly from zona incerta, parvicelular reticular formation and somatosensory barrel cortex. To better understand sensory guidance of predation by vibrissal information we investigated prey capture by rats after whisker removal and the role of superior colliculus (SC) by comparing Fos expression after hunting with and without whiskers. Rats were allowed to hunt cockroaches, after which their whiskers were removed. Two days later they were allowed to hunt cockroaches again. Without whiskers the rats were less able to retain the cockroaches after capture and less able to pursue them in the event of the cockroach escaping. The predatory behaviour of rats with re-grown whiskers returned to normal. In parallel, Fos expression in SCl induced by predation was significantly reduced in whiskerless animals. We conclude that whiskers contribute to the efficiency of rat prey capture and that the loss of vibrissal input to SCl, as reflected by reduced Fos expression, could play a critical role in predatory deficits of whiskerless rats.

[Use of diet containing yeast protein (Saccharomyces cerevisiae): effects upon pregnancy, lactation and development in rats]. / Uso de uma mistura alimentar contendo bioproteínas (Saccharomyces cerevisiae): efeitos sobre a gestação, a lactação e o crescimento de ratos.

The nutritive value of manioc flour (Manihot esculenta) enriched with yeast protein (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) added to a food mixture most frequently consumed by low-income populations was assessed in female Wistar rats (n = 30; 100-120 days old). Animals were divided into three groups, mated and had free access to diets and water. Diets were as follows: beans, rice, yeast-enriched manioc flour (BRYMF17); beans, rice, manioc flour (BRMF13); casein (17% protein) (CAS17). Body weight gains and food consumption were recorded during pregnancy and lactation. At the parturition, the number of pups per litter was recorded and offspring were uniformly distributed (7 pups per litter). Weight gains were determined until weaning (21 days). At weaning two youngs were selected from each litter and individually housed. Weight gains, food consumption and the length of the tail were measured until rats were 70 days old. Rats had their liver and brain removed for protein determination and wet and relative weights. Liver samples were histologically examined. Blood hemoglobin, hematocrit and proteins, as well as the Food Efficiency Ratio (FER), were determined. ANOVA and Tukey's test were used. The experimental diet had not significant effect on pregnant and lactating dams. Values for the investigated parameters were higher in experimental youngs than in their controls and lower than in the standard group. This yeast protein-enriched manioc flour proved to be valid in terms of dietary supplementation.

[Risk behavior among Brazilian Military conscripts, 1998: an study of HIV infections following socioeconomic differences]. / Comportamento de risco dos conscritos do Exército Brasileiro, 1998: uma apreciação da infecção pelo HIV segundo diferenciais sócio-econômicos.

A study of HIV-related risk behavior was carried out in 1998 among Brazilian military conscripts aged 17-20 years. A sample of 30,318 subjects was selected in three strata, pertaining to counties from: 1) the North and Central-West (N/CW); 2) South (S); and the states of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. HIV prevalence rates were estimated in all strata. The objective of this paper was to analyze the results according to differences in socioeconomic status (SES). The statistical analysis used an index of sexual risk behavior and logistic regression models. The N/CW stratum showed the worst indicators for SES, sexual risk behavior, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well as the highest HIV seroprevalence rate. The best indicators for all variables were found in the RJ/SP stratum. The South showed intermediate results. Level of schooling also played a relevant role. In all three strata the conscripts with an incomplete high school education displayed the worst sexual risk behavior index, shown to be a relevant predictor of STI-related problems, including HIV infection.

Sexual disorders: demographic and diagnostic profile during one year of a multidisciplinary project.

Taking into consideration a study published 10 years ago on sexual disturbances of students at the University of São Paulo, the importance of the subject is discussed, along with the creation in 1993 of the Sexuality Project at the university hospital of the University of São Paulo School of Medicine. In its first year, this multidisciplinary project attended 140 patients with sexual dysfunctions (associated or not to other clinical manifestations); the majority were younger than 60 years-old, and 80 percent were male.

The Sexuality Project (Pro-Sex) of the Institute of Psychiatry of the HCFMUSP: first year of activities.

The results of one year of activities of a multidisciplinary staff comprised of five psychiatrists, one urologist, one gynecologist, and seven psychologists, who integrate the Sexuality Project (PRO-SEX) of the institute of Psychiatric. Hospital das Clinícas, College of Medicine, University of São Paulo (FMUSP), are presented. Different sexual disorders were evaluated and treated in 140 patients (116 men and 24 women). In addition, a standard protocol was established for the medical assistance of patients; four research projects have been initiated; and courses were offered to residents in psychiatry, urology, and obstetrics-gynecology, as well as to undergraduate and postgraduate students of FMUSP. The PRO-SEX staff presented their research at one congress and two symposiums, and published four articles. Furthermore, an extensive program was established for 1995 in order to continue the advanced medical study of human sexuality.