ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The most common microcytic and hypochromic anemias are iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia trait. Several indices to discriminate iron deficiency anemia from thalassemia trait have been proposed as simple diagnostic tools. However, some of the best discriminative indices use parameters in the formulas that are only measured in modern counters and are not always available in small laboratories. The development of an index with good diagnostic accuracy based only on parameters derived from the blood cell count obtained using simple counters would be useful in the clinical routine. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop and validate a discriminative index to differentiate iron deficiency anemia from thalassemia trait. METHODS: To develop and to validate the new formula, blood count data from 106 (thalassemia trait: 23 and iron deficiency: 83) and 185 patients (thalassemia trait: 30 and iron deficiency: 155) were used, respectively. Iron deficiency, ß-thalassemia trait and a-thalassemia trait were confirmed by gold standard tests (low serum ferritin for iron deficiency anemia, HbA2 > 3.5% for ß-thalassemia trait and using molecular biology for the a-thalassemia trait). RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, efficiency, Youden's Index, area under receiver operating characteristic curve and Kappa coefficient of the new formula, called the Matos & Carvalho Index were 99.3%, 76.7%, 95.7%, 76.0, 0.95 and 0.83, respectively. CONCLUSION: The performance of this index was excellent with the advantage of being solely dependent on the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and red blood cell count obtained from simple automatic counters and thus may be of great value in underdeveloped and developing countries.

Resumo: A mosca dos estábulos Stomoxys calcitrans é descrita como um importante dispersor de agentes infecciosos aos bovinos. Dentre os agentes veiculados por esta mosca a bactéria Escherichia coli ganha relevância devido ao seu potencial em desenvolver alterações gastroentéricas, bem como mastite bovina ambiental. Desta forma, objetiva-se com este estudo isolar e acessar a diversidade genética e relação de clonalidade entre isolados de E. coli provenientes de casos de mastite e de moscas dos estábulos utilizando a técnica da Amplificação Randômica do DNA Polimórfico (RAPD). A tipagem molecular revelou elevado polimorfismo genético sugerindo que esses microrganismos têm origem não clonal. Perfis eletroforéticos idênticos entre si foram observados entre amostras isoladas de diferentes moscas, quartos mamários de uma mesma vaca, bem como de diferentes vacas dentro de uma mesma propriedade. Esses resultados revelam a circulação de uma mesma linhagem bacteriana e sugerem o papel da Stomoxys calcitrans na dispersão bacteriana. Considerando o elevado potencial patogênico dessa espécie bacteriana, nossos achados alertam para uma vigilância sanitária mais efetiva.

Abstract: The stable fly Stomoxys calcitrans (Linnaeus, 1758) has been described as a potential spreader of infectious agents to cattle herds. Among the agents transmitted by this fly, Escherichia coli has attracted attention due to its potential to cause gastrointestinal disorders as well as environmental mastitis in dairy cows. Therefore, the aim of this study was to isolate and to assess the genetic diversity and the clonal relatedness among E. coli isolates from the milk of dairy mastitis and from stable flies anatomical sites by the Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA (RAPD-PCR) technique. The molecular typing revealed a high degree of genetic polymorphism suggesting that these microorganisms have a non-clonal origin. Identical electrophoretic profiles were observed between E. coli isolates from different flies, different mammary quarters of the same cow and from cows on a single farm. These results reveal the circulation of the same bacterial lineages and suggest the role of the stable fly in bacterial dispersion. Considering the high pathogenic potential of this bacterial species, our findings alert to a more effective health surveillance.

This report aimed to study the interference in molecular testing for Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys in blood of 155 dogs from the coastal region of Rio de Janeiro. Five Anaplasmataceae positive samples but negative for E. canis and A. platys, from microfilaremic animals, were chosen for sequencing. These sequences, when compared to Gen et Bank database, showed 88% to 100% similarity with Wolbachia spp. denoting an interference in the detection of DNA from other members of Anaplasmataceae, possibly due to a high concentration of Wolbachia spp. DNA.

This study aimed to evaluate the extract of Aloe vera (AV) associated or not with 10% Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) in cryopreservation of tambaqui semen. For the formation of the pools (n= 14), 30 males were hormonally induced twice. Each pool had the objective motility, curvilinear velocity, straight-line velocity, average path velocity and morphology analyzed before and after cryopreservation of semen. The means for cryopreservation were constituted of Powder Coconut Water-104 diluent added DMSO and/or AV (5 or 10%). After cryopreservation, motility, velocities and morphology were reduced significantly when compared to fresh semen. For sperm motility the best treatment was that using only DMSO (20,86±8,31) and DMSO + 5% AV (15.71±9.77). For the velocities, the worse treatment was DMSO+10% AV. Treatment with only the addition of DMSO had a significantly higher effect than others on percentage of morphologically normal sperm. The mean correlation found was between motilityand the rate of morphologically normal sperm (r = 0.687). In conclusion, the addition of AV does not provide greater protection for spermatozoa during cryopreservation.

Essential oils of galled and non-galled leaves of Clusia lanceolataCambess., Clusiaceae, were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The chemical composition of both oils was similar, with a predominance of sesquiterpene caryophyllenes. The extracts from the leaves were evaluated regarding total phenols, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins. Galled leaves showed higher levels of phenolics and proanthocyanidins, since the content of flavonoids was higher in non-galled leaves. The chromatographic profiles of extracts were obtained by using HPLC/DAD and LC-ESI-MS. Electrospray ionisation (ESI) in positive and negative ion mode was used to identify four flavones C-glycosides in both extracts. The study constitutes a first report on the chemical research of C. lanceolata.The extract from galled leaves had a higher antioxidant activity.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana in vitro de extratos etanólicos de Banisteriopsis anisandra. Os testes foram realizados utilizando o método de sobreposição de extratos em meio de cultura para fungos fitopatogênicos Rhizoctonia solani e Fusarium oxysporum e de difusão em disco para os microrganismos Staphylococcus aureus e Candida albicans. Foram testados de extratos etanólicos de folhas preparados por maceração (extrato I) e decocção (extrato II), nas concentrações de 430,0; 215,0 e 107,5 mg/mL. A inibição do crescimento de R. solani e F. oxysporum foi determinada pelo cálculo do índice de velocidade de crescimento micelial (IVCM) e de C. albicans e S. aureus, por meio da medida da halos de inibição. Os extratos que causaram inibição significativa também foram testados nas concentrações de 86,0; 64,5; 43,0 e 21,5 mg/mL para C. albicans e S. aureus. Ambos os extratos mostraram atividade inibitória sobre os microrganismos estudados. Rizoctonia solani apresentou menor IVCM na presença do extrato II (107,5 mg/mL) e Fusarium oxysporum apresentou discreta redução no IVCM na presença do extrato I (107,5 mg/mL) e II (107,5 e 215 mg/mL). Extratos etanólicos I e II inibiram o crescimento de C. albicans, com as maiores taxas de inibição observadas na presença do extrato II (215,0 mg/mL). Para S. aureus a maior atividade inibitória foi observada na presença do extrato II, na concentração de 430 mg/mL. Os resultados mostraram promissora atividade antimicrobiana de extratos de B. anisandra, o que pode contribuir para estudos futuros visando o desenvolvimento de medicamentos para doenças humanas e de plantas causadas por estes microrganismos.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity in vitro of ethanolic extracts of Banisteriopsis anisandra. Tests were performed using the extracts overlay method in the culture medium for phytopathogenic fungi Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium oxysporum, and disk diffusion for the microorganisms Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Ethanolic extracts from leaves were prepared by maceration (extract I) and decoction (extract II) at 430.0, 215.0 and 107.5 mg/mL. The growth inhibition of R. solani and F. oxysporum was determined by calculating the mycelia growth speed rate (MGSR) and, in relation C. albicans and S. aureus, it was determined by measuring the inhibition halos. Extracts that caused significant inhibition were also tested at 86.0, 64.5, 43.0 and 21.5 mg/mL for C. albicans and S. aureus. Both extracts showed inhibitory activity on the microorganisms studied. Rizoctonia solani showed lower MGSR in the presence of extract II (107.5 mg/mL) and Fusarium oxysporum showed slight MGSR reduction in the presence of extract I (107.5 mg/mL) and II (107.5 and 215 mg/mL). Ethanolic extracts I and II inhibited the growth of C. albicans, with the highest rates of inhibition observed in the presence of extract II (215.0 mg/mL). For S. aureus, the highest inhibitory activity was observed in the presence of ethanolic extract II, prepared by decoction at 430.0 mg/mL. Results showed a promising antimicrobial activity of extracts of B. anisandra, which may contribute to further studies leading to a future development of medicines to treat human and plant diseases caused by these organisms.

Uma das preocupações nos estudos de adesão recai na investigação dos motivos que justificam a permanência dos praticantes em programas de exercícios físicos. Neste sentido, o objetivo da presente investigação foi identificar os grupos (categorias) de motivos que influenciam a permanência de adolescentes, adultos e idosos nos programas de exercícios físicos oferecidos nos Centros de Atividades do Serviço Social do Comércio do Distrito Federal do Brasil. Uma amostra representativa e aleatória de 986 indivíduos de ambos os sexos (15-89 anos) respondeu a um instrumento de coleta de dados para investigar aspectos sócio-demográficos e os motivos de permanência no referido programa. Os resultados revelaram que o bem-estar pessoal (91.9%) foi considerado o principal motivo para a manutenção da prática de exercícios físicos, entre todas as possibilidades existentes, seguido pela prevenção de doenças (82.8%), condicionamento físico (80.7%), empatia com o professor (79.2%), metodologia do trabalho desenvolvido (75.2%) e diversão (73.9%). Enquanto a prescrição médica tem alto potencial para estimular a inserção destes praticantes nos referidos programas, este motivo perde força no sentido de justificar a permanência da prática de exercícios físicos. Deste modo, é possível concluir que o bem-estar pessoal foi considerado o principal motivo alegado pelos participantes dos programas de exercícios físicos oferecidos pelo Serviço Social do Comércio - Brasil.

One of the concerns in the studies of adhesion lies in the investigation of the motives that justify continuation in physical exercise programs. The goal of this study was to identify motives influencing the continuation of adolescents, adults and the elderly in physical education programs offered by the Centers of Activity of Serviço Social do Comércio do Distrito Federal do Brasil. A representative and random sample of 986 individuals (between 15 and 89 years of age) answered a data collection instrument designed to investigate socio-demographic aspects and motives for permanence in the aforementioned program. Results showed personal wellbeing (91.9%) as the major reason for keeping up on practicing followed by prevention of illnesses (82.8%), physical conditioning (80.7%), empathy with the teacher (79.2%), program methodology (75.2%), and entertainment (73.9%). While medical exercise prescription highly influences people's entrance in these programs, it does not explain people's continuance.

The participation of opioids in the antinociceptive effect of electroacupuncture was evaluated in terms of nociception produced by thermal stimuli applied to the face of male Wistar rats, weighing 180-230 g. Electrical stimulation (bipolar and asymmetric square wave with 0.5 mA intensity for 20 min) of acupoint St36, located in the anterior tibial muscle 10 mm distal to the knee joint, induced antinociception in the present model, which was maintained for 150 min. Acupoint LI4, located in the junction of the first and second metacarpal bones, did not achieve antinociception at any frequency studied (5 Hz: 1.7 ± 0.1; 30 Hz: 1.8 ± 0.1; 100 Hz: 1.7 ± 0.1 vs 1.4 ± 0.2). The antinociception obtained by stimulation of acupoint St36 was only achieved when high frequency 100 Hz (3.0 ± 0.2 vs 1.0 ± 0.1) was used, and not with 5 or 30 Hz (1.2 ± 0.2 and 0.7 ± 0.1 vs 1.0 ± 0.1). The antinociceptive effect of acupuncture occurred by opioid pathway activation, since naloxone (1 and 2 mg/kg, subcutaneously) antagonized it (1.8 ± 0.2 and 1.7 ± 0.2 vs 3.0 ± 0.1).

Interfacial dielectric relaxation has been studying in composite materials made with epoxy resin and aluminum. Electric modulus, which has been proposed for the description of systems with relaxation process, presents advantages in comparison to the classic approach of the real and imaginary part of dielectric permittivity. In composite polymer materials, relaxation phenomena at the low frequency region are attributed to the heterogeneity of the system. Epoxy was diluted using tetrahydrofuran as solvent in order to reduce matrix viscosity and to facilitate the mixing step. The fillers were mixed with the resin using an ultrasonic mixer during 4 minutes. The composites were prepared pouring them into suitable moulds and cured at 100ºC for 2 hours. Density was measured by the Arquimedes method and real volume fraction of each composite was found by termogravimetric analysis. Dielectric measurements were performed from 25 Hz to 1 MHz and 20 ºC to 120 ºC. It was found that the epoxy - aluminum composites had higher permittivity and a strong dependence with filler concentration. Relaxation processes were influenced by the epoxy resin near their Tg, while metal content modified the real permittivity values. Interfacial polarisation processes known as Maxwell-Wagner-Sillar were generated by particles. This process is attributed to the accumulation of charges on the interface that helped to displace peaks to higher frequencies.

En este trabajo se estudiaron los fenómenos de relajación de materiales compuestos polímero/metal en función de la cantidad de partículas de metálicas incorporadas (aluminio). El concepto de módulo eléctrico fue empleado para analizar los procesos de relajación tipo Debye y Maxwell-Wagner-Sillar, debido a que presenta varias ventajas con respecto al análisis clásico de la parte real (ε') e imaginaria (ε") de la permitividad. El material compuesto se obtuvo por colada y posterior curado a 100ºC por 2 horas, previa mezcla en un mezclador ultrasónico de ambos componentes. La densidad de las muestras se determinó por el método de Arquímedes, mientras que las fracciones en volumen se establecieron mediante termogravimetría. Las mediciones de propiedades dieléctricas se realizaron en el rango de frecuencias de 25Hz a 1Mhz y temperatura de 30 a 120ºC. Por último, la microestructura fue observada mediante Microscopía Electrónica de Barrido. Las micrografías revelaron que la incorporación del metal no incrementó en forma significativa la cantidad de defectos o la porosidad. Los resultados del análisis dieléctrico mostraron que los materiales poseen muy buenas propiedades dieléctricas a bajas temperaturas, y que los fenómenos de relajación son propios de la resina y modificados por la influencia de las cargas metálicas debido a fenómenos de relajación interfacial tipo MWS.

Objective. To make an independent evaluation of the capacity for exercise as a predictive factor in lung transplant recipients. Design. Retrospective study. Scope. Lung transplant unit of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a university hospital. Patients. We analyzed 132 lung transplants in a total of 130 patients. The patients were monitorized up to June 18, 2005 or their death. Variables of interest. An evaluation was made of their pre-operative exercise capacity with the 6-minute walking test (6MWT). Long-term survival in relationship with the walking test value was also assessed. The survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Comparison between curves was made with the Log-Rank methods and the hazard ratios were estimated by Cox regression. Results. The association between mortality and the walking test value showed a hazard ratio of 0.99 (95% CI: 0.99-1.00) per metric unit (meter), (p = 0.282). The patients were classified according to the distance covered in the 4 groups: group 1 (distance covered less than 100 meters), group II (distance covered between 101-200 meters), group III (distance covered between 201 and 300 meters) and group IV (distance greater than 301 meters). No significant differences were found when comparing the survival curves of the four groups (p = 0.709). The multivariant analysis also did not show any statistical significance. Conclusions. We do not believe that the distance covered in the 6MWT conducted in the study protocol in the lung transplant candidates is useful as a marker to predict long-term mortality in patients undergoing lung transplant.

Objetivo. Evaluar de manera independiente la capacidad al ejercicio como factor predictivo de supervivencia en el trasplante pulmonar. Diseño. Estudio retrospectivo. Ámbito. Unidad de trasplante pulmonar de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) de un hospital universitario. Pacientes. Se realizaron y analizaron 132 trasplantes pulmonares, en un total de 130 enfermos. El seguimiento de cada caso se realizó hasta fecha de 18 de junio de 2005 o fallecimiento del paciente. Variables de interés. Se valoró la capacidad preoperatoria al ejercicio mediante la prueba de marcha de los 6 minutos (PM6M). También se valoró la supervivencia a largo plazo en relación con el valor obtenido en la PM6M. Las curvas de supervivencia se estimaron por el método de Kaplan-Meier; la comparación entre curvas se hizo por el método de Log-Rank y las hazard ratios se estimaron por regresión de Cox. Resultados. El estudio de asociación a mortalidad de la PM6M mostró un riesgo relativo de 0,99 (intervalo de confianza del 95%: 0,99-1,00) por cada unidad de medida métrica (metro) (p = 0,282). Se clasificó a los enfermos según la distancia recorrida en 4 grupos: grupo I (distancia recorrida menor de 100 metros), grupo II (distancia recorrida entre 101-200 metros), grupo III (distancia recorrida entre 201 y 300 metros) y grupo 4 (distancia mayor de 301 metros). No se encontraron diferencias significativas al comparar las curvas de supervivencia entre los grupos (p = 0,709). El análisis multivariante tampoco aportó significación estadística. Conclusión. La distancia recorrida en la PM6M realizada en el protocolo de estudio de candidatos a trasplante pulmonar no creemos que sea útil como marcador de mortalidad a largo plazo en los enfermos sometidos a recambio pulmonar.

Identificou-se a microbiota normal da região peri-alveolar de incisivos em 72 ratos Wistar, com 70-90 dias de idade e 280-330g de peso. As bactérias foram coletadas com suabes embebidos em solução salina. Do material depositado em tubo contendo 460µl de Brain Heart Infusion e diluído em 1:10, retirou-se 1µl para semeadura em placas de Petri. O crescimento médio foi 1,4x10(6) ± 2,6x10(5)UFC/ml. Segundo a ordem das freqüências, as bactérias encontradas foram: Bacillus sp., Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus viridans, Corynebacterium sp., Staphylococcus coagulase negativa, Enterococcus sp., Staphylococcus saprophyticcus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumoniae e Serratia liquefaciens. De todas as bactérias isoladas, as Gram-positivas e as Gram-negativas compreenderam 91,2% e 8,8%, respectivamente. Dentre as Gram-positivas, a mais freqüente foi Bacillus sp.(31,2%) e a menos, Staphylococcus saprophyticcus (3,0%). Quanto às bactérias Gram-negativas, a mais encontrada foi Escherichia coli (50,1%) e a menos, Serratia liquefaciens (6,2%).