Histone proteoform analysis reveals epigenetic changes in adult mouse brown adipose tissue in response to cold stress.

BACKGROUND: Regulation of the thermogenic response by brown adipose tissue (BAT) is an important component of energy homeostasis with implications for the treatment of obesity and diabetes. Our preliminary analyses of RNA-Seq data uncovered many nodes representing epigenetic modifiers that are altered in BAT in response to chronic thermogenic activation. Thus, we hypothesized that chronic thermogenic activation broadly alters epigenetic modifications of DNA and histones in BAT. RESULTS: Motivated to understand how BAT function is regulated epigenetically, we developed a novel method for the first-ever unbiased top-down proteomic quantitation of histone modifications in BAT and validated our results with a multi-omic approach. To test our hypothesis, wildtype male C57BL/6J mice were housed under chronic conditions of thermoneutral temperature (TN, 28°C), mild cold/room temperature (RT, 22°C), or severe cold (SC, 8°C) and BAT was analyzed for DNA methylation and histone modifications. Methylation of promoters and intragenic regions in genomic DNA decrease in response to chronic cold exposure. Integration of DNA methylation and RNA expression datasets suggest a role for epigenetic modification of DNA in regulation of gene expression in response to cold. In response to cold housing, we observe increased bulk acetylation of histones H3.2 and H4, increased histone H3.2 proteoforms with di- and trimethylation of lysine 9 (K9me2 and K9me3), and increased histone H4 proteoforms with acetylation of lysine 16 (K16ac) in BAT. CONCLUSIONS: Our results reveal global epigenetically-regulated transcriptional "on" and "off" signals in murine BAT in response to varying degrees of chronic cold stimuli and establish a novel methodology to quantitatively study histones in BAT, allowing for direct comparisons to decipher mechanistic changes during the thermogenic response. Additionally, we make histone PTM and proteoform quantitation, RNA splicing, RRBS, and transcriptional footprint datasets available as a resource for future research.

A GREB1-steroid receptor feedforward mechanism governs differential GREB1 action in endometrial function and endometriosis.

Cellular responses to the steroid hormones, estrogen (E2), and progesterone (P4) are governed by their cognate receptor's transcriptional output. However, the feed-forward mechanisms that shape cell-type-specific transcriptional fulcrums for steroid receptors are unidentified. Herein, we found that a common feed-forward mechanism between GREB1 and steroid receptors regulates the differential effect of GREB1 on steroid hormones in a physiological or pathological context. In physiological (receptive) endometrium, GREB1 controls P4-responses in uterine stroma, affecting endometrial receptivity and decidualization, while not affecting E2-mediated epithelial proliferation. Of mechanism, progesterone-induced GREB1 physically interacts with the progesterone receptor, acting as a cofactor in a positive feedback mechanism to regulate P4-responsive genes. Conversely, in endometrial pathology (endometriosis), E2-induced GREB1 modulates E2-dependent gene expression to promote the growth of endometriotic lesions in mice. This differential action of GREB1 exerted by a common feed-forward mechanism with steroid receptors advances our understanding of mechanisms that underlie cell- and tissue-specific steroid hormone actions.

MATR3 pathogenic variants differentially impair its cryptic splicing repression function.

Matrin-3 (MATR3) is an RNA-binding protein implicated in neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases. However, little is known regarding the role of MATR3 in cryptic splicing within the context of functional genes and how disease-associated variants impact this function. We show that loss of MATR3 leads to cryptic exon inclusion in many transcripts. We reveal that ALS-linked S85C pathogenic variant reduces MATR3 solubility but does not impair RNA binding. In parallel, we report a novel neurodevelopmental disease-associated M548T variant, located in the RRM2 domain, which reduces protein solubility and impairs RNA binding and cryptic splicing repression functions of MATR3. Altogether, our research identifies cryptic events within functional genes and demonstrates how disease-associated variants impact MATR3 cryptic splicing repression function.

Histone proteoform analysis reveals epigenetic changes in adult mouse brown adipose tissue in response to cold stress.

Regulation of the thermogenic response by brown adipose tissue (BAT) is an important component of energy homeostasis with implications for the treatment of obesity and diabetes. Our preliminary analyses uncovered many nodes representing epigenetic modifiers that are altered in BAT in response to chronic thermogenic activation. Thus, we hypothesized that chronic thermogenic activation broadly alters epigenetic modifications of DNA and histones in BAT. Motivated to understand how BAT function is regulated epigenetically, we developed a novel method for the first-ever unbiased top-down proteomic quantitation of histone modifications in BAT and validated our results with a multi-omic approach. To test our hypothesis, wildtype male C57BL/6J mice were housed under chronic conditions of thermoneutral temperature (TN, 28.8°C), mild cold/room temperature (RT, 22°C), or severe cold (SC, 8°C) and BAT was analyzed for DNA methylation and histone modifications. Methylation of promoters and intragenic regions in genomic DNA decrease in response to chronic cold exposure. Integration of DNA methylation and RNA expression data suggest a role for epigenetic modification of DNA in gene regulation in response to cold. In response to cold housing, we observe increased bulk acetylation of histones H3.2 and H4, increased histone H3.2 proteoforms with di- and trimethylation of lysine 9 (K9me2 and K9me3), and increased histone H4 proteoforms with acetylation of lysine 16 (K16ac) in BAT. Taken together, our results reveal global epigenetically-regulated transcriptional "on" and "off" signals in murine BAT in response to varying degrees of chronic cold stimuli and establish a novel methodology to quantitatively study histones in BAT, allowing for direct comparisons to decipher mechanistic changes during the thermogenic response. Additionally, we make histone PTM and proteoform quantitation, RNA splicing, RRBS, and transcriptional footprint datasets available as a resource for future research.

Artificial intelligence in medicine: A comprehensive survey of medical doctor's perspectives in Portugal.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly influential across various sectors, including healthcare, with the potential to revolutionize clinical practice. However, risks associated with AI adoption in medicine have also been identified. Despite the general understanding that AI will impact healthcare, studies that assess the perceptions of medical doctors about AI use in medicine are still scarce. We set out to survey the medical doctors licensed to practice medicine in Portugal about the impact, advantages, and disadvantages of AI adoption in clinical practice. We designed an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach and developed an online survey which addressed the following aspects: impact on healthcare quality of the extraction and processing of health data via AI; delegation of clinical procedures on AI tools; perception of the impact of AI in clinical practice; perceived advantages of using AI in clinical practice; perceived disadvantages of using AI in clinical practice and predisposition to adopt AI in professional activity. Our sample was also subject to demographic, professional and digital use and proficiency characterization. We obtained 1013 valid, fully answered questionnaires (sample representativeness of 99%, confidence level (p< 0.01), for the total universe of medical doctors licensed to practice in Portugal). Our results reveal that, in general terms, the medical community surveyed is optimistic about AI use in medicine and are predisposed to adopt it while still aware of some disadvantages and challenges to AI use in healthcare. Most medical doctors surveyed are also convinced that AI should be part of medical formation. These findings contribute to facilitating the professional integration of AI in medical practice in Portugal, aiding the seamless integration of AI into clinical workflows by leveraging its perceived strengths according to healthcare professionals. This study identifies challenges such as gaps in medical curricula, which hinder the adoption of AI applications due to inadequate digital health training. Due to high professional integration in the healthcare sector, particularly within the European Union, our results are also relevant for other jurisdictions and across diverse healthcare systems.

SF3B1-dependent alternative splicing is critical for maintaining endometrial homeostasis and the establishment of pregnancy.

The remarkable potential of human endometrium to undergo spontaneous remodeling is shaped by controlled spatiotemporal gene expression patterns. Although hormone-driven transcription shown to govern these patterns, the post-transcriptional processing of these mRNA transcripts, including the mRNA splicing in the endometrium is not studied yet. Here, we report that the splicing factor, SF3B1 is central in driving alternative splicing (AS) events that are vital for physiological responses of the endometrium. We show that loss of SF3B1 splicing activity impairs stromal cell decidualization as well as embryo implantation. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that SF3B1 depletion decidualizing stromal cells led to differential mRNA splicing. Specifically, a significant upregulation in mutually exclusive AS events (MXEs) with SF3B1 loss resulted in the generation of aberrant transcripts. Further, we found that some of these candidate genes phenocopy SF3B1 function in decidualization. Importantly, we identify progesterone as a potential upstream regulator of SF3B1-mediated functions in endometrium possibly via maintaining its persistently high levels, in coordination with deubiquitinating enzymes. Collectively, our data suggest that SF3B1-driven alternative splicing plays a critical role in mediating the endometrial-specific transcriptional paradigms. Thus, the identification of novel mRNA variants associated with successful pregnancy establishment may help to develop new strategies to diagnose or prevent early pregnancy loss.

Impact of Epstein-Barr virus co-infection on natural acquired Plasmodium vivax antibody response.

BACKGROUND: The simultaneous infection of Plasmodium falciparum and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) could promote the development of the aggressive endemic Burkitt's Lymphoma (eBL) in children living in P. falciparum holoendemic areas. While it is well-established that eBL is not related to other human malaria parasites, the impact of EBV infection on the generation of human malaria immunity remains largely unexplored. Considering that this highly prevalent herpesvirus establishes a lifelong persistent infection on B-cells with possible influence on malaria immunity, we hypothesized that EBV co-infection could have impact on the naturally acquired antibody responses to P. vivax, the most widespread human malaria parasite. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The study design involved three cross-sectional surveys at six-month intervals (baseline, 6 and 12 months) among long-term P. vivax exposed individuals living in the Amazon rainforest. The approach focused on a group of malaria-exposed individuals whose EBV-DNA (amplification of balf-5 gene) was persistently detected in the peripheral blood (PersVDNA, n = 27), and an age-matched malaria-exposed group whose EBV-DNA could never be detected during the follow-up (NegVDNA, n = 29). During the follow-up period, the serological detection of EBV antibodies to lytic/ latent viral antigens showed that IgG antibodies to viral capsid antigen (VCA-p18) were significantly different between groups (PersVDNA > NegVDNA). A panel of blood-stage P. vivax antigens covering a wide range of immunogenicity confirmed that in general PersVDNA group showed low levels of antibodies as compared with NegVDNA. Interestingly, more significant differences were observed to a novel DBPII immunogen, named DEKnull-2, which has been associated with long-term neutralizing antibody response. Differences between groups were less pronounced with blood-stage antigens (such as MSP1-19) whose levels can fluctuate according to malaria transmission. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: In a proof-of-concept study we provide evidence that a persistent detection of EBV-DNA in peripheral blood of adults in a P. vivax semi-immune population may impact the long-term immune response to major malaria vaccine candidates.

Two Hits of EDCs Three Generations Apart: Effects on Social Behaviors in Rats, and Analysis by Machine Learning.

All individuals are directly exposed to extant environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), and indirectly exposed through transgenerational inheritance from our ancestors. Although direct and ancestral exposures can each lead to deficits in behaviors, their interactions are not known. Here we focused on social behaviors based on evidence of their vulnerability to direct or ancestral exposures, together with their importance in reproduction and survival of a species. Using a novel "two hits, three generations apart" experimental rat model, we investigated interactions of two classes of EDCs across six generations. PCBs (a weakly estrogenic mixture Aroclor 1221, 1 mg/kg), Vinclozolin (antiandrogenic, 1 mg/kg) or vehicle (6% DMSO in sesame oil) were administered to pregnant rat dams (F0) to directly expose the F1 generation, with subsequent breeding through paternal or maternal lines. A second EDC hit was given to F3 dams, thereby exposing the F4 generation, with breeding through the F6 generation. Approximately 1200 male and female rats from F1, F3, F4 and F6 generations were run through tests of sociability and social novelty as indices of social preference. We leveraged machine learning using DeepLabCut to analyze nuanced social behaviors such as nose touching with accuracy similar to a human scorer. Surprisingly, social behaviors were affected in ancestrally exposed but not directly exposed individuals, particularly females from a paternally exposed breeding lineage. Effects varied by EDC: Vinclozolin affected aspects of behavior in the F3 generation while PCBs affected both the F3 and F6 generations. Taken together, our data suggest that specific aspects of behavior are particularly vulnerable to heritable ancestral exposure of EDC contamination, that there are sex differences, and that lineage is a key factor in transgenerational outcomes.

Microglial activation and adult neurogenesis after brain stroke.

The discovery that new neurons are produced in some regions of the adult mammalian brain is a paradigm-shift in neuroscience research. These new-born cells are produced from neuroprogenitors mainly in the subventricular zone at the margin of the lateral ventricle, subgranular zone in the hippocampal dentate gyrus and in the striatum, a component of the basal ganglia, even in humans. In the human hippocampus, neuroblasts are produced even in elderlies. The regulation of adult neurogenesis is a complex phenomenon involving a multitude of molecules, neurotransmitters and soluble factors released by different sources including glial cells. Microglia, the resident macrophages of the central nervous system, are considered to play an important role on the regulation of adult neurogenesis both in physiological and pathological conditions. Following stroke and other acute neural disorders, there is an increase in the numbers of neuroblast production in the neurogenic niches. Microglial activation is believed to display both beneficial and detrimental role on adult neurogenesis after stroke, depending on the activation level and brain location. In this article, we review the scientific evidence addressing the role of microglial activation on adult neurogenesis after ischemia. A comprehensive understanding of the microglial role after stroke and other neural disorders it is an important step for development of future therapies based on manipulation of adult neurogenesis.

Prospective assessment of malaria infection in a semi-isolated Amazonian indigenous Yanomami community: Transmission heterogeneity and predominance of submicroscopic infection.

In the Amazon basin, indigenous forest-dwelling communities typically suffer from a high burden of infectious diseases, including malaria. Difficulties in accessing these isolated ethnic groups, such as the semi-nomadic Yanomami, make official malaria data largely underestimated. In the current study, we longitudinally surveyed microscopic and submicroscopic malaria infection in four Yanomami villages of the Marari community in the northern-most region of the Brazilian Amazon. Malaria parasite species-specific PCR-based detection of ribosomal and non-ribosomal targets showed that approximately 75% to 80% of all malaria infections were submicroscopic, with the ratio of submicroscopic to microscopic infection remaining stable over the 4-month follow-up period. Although the prevalence of malaria infection fluctuated over time, microscopically-detectable parasitemia was only found in children and adolescents, presumably reflecting their higher susceptibility to malaria infection. As well as temporal variation, the prevalence of malaria infection differed significantly between villages (from 1% to 19%), demonstrating a marked heterogeneity at micro-scales. Over the study period, Plasmodium vivax was the most commonly detected malaria parasite species, followed by P. malariae, and much less frequently P. falciparum. Consecutive blood samples from 859 out of the 981 studied Yanomami showed that malaria parasites were detected in only 8% of the previously malaria-positive individuals, with most of them young children (median age 3 yrs). Overall, our results show that molecular tools are more sensitive for the identification of malaria infection among the Yanomami, which is characterized by heterogeneous transmission, a predominance of low-density infections, circulation of multiple malaria parasite species, and a higher susceptibility in young children. Our findings are important for the design and implementation of the new strategic interventions that will be required for the elimination of malaria from isolated indigenous populations in Latin America.

Genotoxic and epigenotoxic effects in mice exposed to concentrated ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from São Paulo city, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The Metropolitan Area of São Paulo has a unique composition of atmospheric pollutants, and positive correlations between exposure and the risk of diseases and mortality have been observed. Here we assessed the effects of ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on genotoxic and global DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation changes, as well as the activities of antioxidant enzymes, in tissues of AJ mice exposed whole body to ambient air enriched in PM2.5, which was concentrated in a chamber near an avenue of intense traffic in São Paulo City, Brazil. RESULTS: Mice exposed to concentrated ambient PM2.5 (1 h daily, 3 months) were compared to in situ ambient air exposed mice as the study control. The concentrated PM2.5 exposed group presented increased levels of the oxidized nucleoside 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine in lung and kidney DNA and increased levels of the etheno adducts 1,N6-etheno-2'-deoxyadenosine and 1,N2-etheno-2'-deoxyguanosine in kidney and liver DNA, respectively. Apart from the genotoxic effects, the exposure to PM2.5 led to decreased levels of the epigenetic mark 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) in lung and liver DNA. Changes in lung, liver, and erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities were also observed. Decreased glutathione reductase and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were observed in the lungs, while the liver presented increased glutathione S-transferase and decreased SOD activities. An increase in SOD activity was also observed in erythrocytes. These changes are consistent with the induction of local and systemic oxidative stress. CONCLUSIONS: Mice exposed daily to PM2.5 at a concentration that mimics 24-h exposure to the mean concentration found in ambient air presented, after 3 months, increased levels of DNA lesions related to the occurrence of oxidative stress in the lungs, liver, and kidney, in parallel to decreased global levels of 5-hmC in lung and liver DNA. Genetic and epigenetic alterations induced by pollutants may affect the genes committed to cell cycle control, apoptosis, and cell differentiation, increasing the chance of cancer development, which merits further investigation.

Early serum biomarker networks in infants with distinct retinochoroidal lesion status of congenital toxoplasmosis.

The present study characterized the early changes in the serum chemokines/cytokine signatures and networks in infants with congenital-toxoplasmosis/(TOXO) as compared to non-infected-controls/(NI). TOXO were subgrouped according to the retinochoroidal lesion status as no-lesion/(NL), active-lesion/(ARL), active/cicatricial-lesion/(ACRL) and cicatricial-lesion/(CRL). The results showed that TOXO display prominent chemokine production mediated by IL-8/CXCL8, MIG/CXCL9, IP-10/CXCL10 and RANTES/CCL5. Additionally, TOXO is accompanied by mixed proinflammatory/regulatory cytokine pattern mediated by IL-6, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10. While TNF appears as a putative biomarker for NL and IFN-γ/IL-5 as immunological features for ARL, IL-10 emerges as a relevant mediator in ACRL/CRL. IL-8/CXCL8 and IP-10/CXCL10 are broad-spectrum indicators of ocular disease, whereas TNF is a NL biomarker, IFN-γ and MIG/CXCL9 point out to ARL; and IL-10 is highlighted as a genuine serum biomarker of ACRL/CRL. The network analysis demonstrated a broad chemokine/cytokine crosstalk with divergences in the molecular signatures in patients with different ocular lesions during congenital toxoplasmosis.

One-year timeline kinetics of cytokine-mediated cellular immunity in dogs vaccinated against visceral leishmaniasis.

BACKGROUND: The main control strategy for visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil has been based on the elimination of seropositive dogs, although this is not widely accepted. In this context, the use of a long-lasting protective vaccine against canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) has been highly expected. The aim of this work was to determine the timeline kinetics of the cytokine microenvironment derived from circulating leukocytes as supportive immunological biomarkers triggered by Leishmune® vaccine. Cross-sectional kinetic analysis of cellular immunity cytokines was carried out at three times (1, 6 and 12 months) after primovaccination with Leishmune®. In vitro short-term whole blood cultures were stimulated with Leishmania infantum soluble antigen (SLAg). The secreted cytokine signatures and their major sources were determined. RESULTS: At six months after vaccination, Leishmune® induced an increase in IL-8, IFN-γ, IL-17a and TNF-α levels and a decrease in IL-10. Cytokine signature analysis revealed a shift in the microenvironment towards a pro-inflammatory profile mediated by IL-8 and IFN-γ. Both, CD4(+) (↑TNF-α(+) and ↑IFN-γ (+)) and CD8(+) (↑IL-17a and ↓IL-4) T-cells contributed to the acquired immune responses observed after stimulation with SLAg. CONCLUSIONS: The changes observed in the cytokine profile suggested that Leishmune® was able to induce an effective response at six months after primovaccination. After one year, it returned to baseline suggesting the need of additional boosting.

Pretreatment with Saccharomyces boulardii does not prevent the experimental mucositis in Swiss mice.

BACKGROUND: The antimetabolite chemotherapy 5-Fluorouracil is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in clinical cancer treatment. Although this drug is not specific for cancer cells and also acts on healthy cells, it can cause mucositis, a common collateral effect. Dysbiosis has also been described in 5-fluorouracil-induced mucositis and is likely to contribute to the overall development of mucositis. In light of this theory, the use of probiotics could be a helpful strategy to alleviate mucositis. So the aim of this study was evaluate the impact of the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii in a model of mucositis. RESULTS: After induced of mucositis, mice from the Mucositis groups showed a decrease in food consumption (p < 0.05) and therefore had a greater weight loss (p < 0.05). The treatment with Saccharomyces boulardii did not reverse this effect (p > 0.05). Mucositis induced an increase in intestinal permeability and intestinal inflammation (p < 0.05). There were no differences in mucosal lesions, intestinal permeability and sIgA secretion (p > 0.05) in mice pretreated with S. boulardii. CONCLUSIONS: S. boulardii was not able to prevent the effects of experimental mucositis induced by 5- Fluorouracil.

Avaliação do conhecimento sobre a discalculia entre educadores / Assessment of the awareness of dyscalculia among educators

OBJETIVO: Obter dados locais na região metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro sobre o conhecimento ou a percepção do profissional de educação sobre os sinais indicativos de discalculia. MÉTODOS: Foi elaborado e aplicado a 63 professores do ensino fundamental das redes de ensino pública e particular, um questionário com 18 perguntas específicas sobre discalculia, sendo duas perguntas abertas e 16 fechadas. As perguntas abordavam a presença do tema na formação, experiência profissional, conhecimento específico e propostas de estratégias pedagógicas para a discalculia. RESULTADOS: Quarenta e cinco vírgula dois por cento dos professores informaram desconhecer o quadro de discalculia. Apenas 12,9% consideraram-se capazes de identificar um caso de suspeita de discalculia. CONCLUSÃO: De acordo com os resultados obtidos, os professores possuem pouco conhecimento específico sobre a discalculia e se mostram inseguros da sua capacidade de identificar um caso suspeito.

PURPOSE: To obtain local data in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro on the knowledge and perception of educators of signs indicative of dyscalculia. METHODS: A questionnaire with 18 questions (two open questions and sixteen closed questions) was presented to primary school teachers of public and private schools. The questions were related to the occurrence of the topic of dyscalculia during their education as a teacher, their professional experience, specific knowledge about dyscalculia, and strategies to be used in the classroom. RESULTS: Forty five point two percent reported not to know what dyscalculia is. Only 12.9% believed they can identify signs of dyscalculia. CONCLUSION: The participants have little specific knowledge about dyscalculia and showed to be insecure with respect to their ability to identify possible cases of dyscalculia.

Depression during pregnancy in the Brazilian public health care system.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of depression and correlate clinical and demographic characteristics in pregnant women assisted by the public health system in the city of Pelotas, RS, Brazil. METHOD: We performed a cross-sectional study focused on pregnant women assisted by the public health service. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to screen for depression. RESULTS: In a sample of 1,264 pregnant women aged 12-46 years, 21.1% (n = 255) presented a depressive episode during pregnancy. The presence of depression was associated with older age, lower education, lack of a cohabiting partner, not being primiparous, planned pregnancy, abortion thoughts, psychological or psychiatric treatment, smoking and alcohol consumption during pregnancy, and stressful events. CONCLUSION: Pregnant women assisted by the Brazilian public health system presented a high prevalence of depression. Psychiatric history, lack of support, and stressful events increase the probability of antenatal depression.

Depression during pregnancy in the Brazilian public health care system / Depressão durante a gravidez no sistema público de saúde brasileiro

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of depression and correlate clinical and demographic characteristics in pregnant women assisted by the public health system in the city of Pelotas, RS, Brazil. METHOD: We performed a cross-sectional study focused on pregnant women assisted by the public health service. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to screen for depression. RESULTS: In a sample of 1,264 pregnant women aged 12-46 years, 21.1 percent (n = 255) presented a depressive episode during pregnancy. The presence of depression was associated with older age, lower education, lack of a cohabiting partner, not being primiparous, planned pregnancy, abortion thoughts, psychological or psychiatric treatment, smoking and alcohol consumption during pregnancy, and stressful events. CONCLUSION: Pregnant women assisted by the Brazilian public health system presented a high prevalence of depression. Psychiatric history, lack of support, and stressful events increase the probability of antenatal depression.

OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência de depressão, bem como fatores clínicos e características demográficas associados em grávidas assistidas por meio do sistema público de saúde da cidade de Pelotas, RS, Brasil. MÉTODO: Foi realizado um estudo transversal tendo como população-alvo as grávidas assistidas pelo sistema público de saúde. Para o rastreio da depressão foi utilizada a Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. RESULTADOS: Em uma amostra de 1.264 mulheres grávidas com idade de 12 a 46 anos, 21,1 por cento (n = 255) apresentaram episodio depressivo durante a gravidez. A presença de depressão foi associada com ter mais idade, menor grau educacional, não morar com companheiro, não ser primigesta, ter planejado a gestação, idealizar o aborto, ter feito tratamento psicológico ou psiquiátrico, consumir tabaco e/ou álcool durante a gravidez e ter sofrido algum evento estressor. CONCLUSÃO: As mulheres grávidas acompanhadas pelo sistema público de saúde apresentaram alta prevalência de depressão. História psiquiátrica, baixo suporte e eventos estressores aumentam a probabilidade de depressão no período pré-parto.

[Self-esteem and associated factors in pregnant women in the city of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil]. / Auto-estima e fatores associados em gestantes da cidade de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.

This study analyzes self-esteem and associated factors in pregnant women treated by the Unified National Health System (SUS) in the city of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Using a cross-sectional design, 560 pregnant women were interviewed from May to November 2006. The interviews were held in specific locations like University outpatient clinics and hospital wards and a center run by the city government. A full 62.9% were diagnosed as high-risk pregnancies. Mean self-esteem according to the Rosenberg scale was 9.2 (SD = 4.6). Variables showing a positive, significant association with self-esteem were age, schooling, and income. Perception of risk to the unborn infant's health and parity were both negatively associated with maternal self-esteem. These high-risk pregnant women also showed higher self-esteem than low-risk pregnant women.

Auto-estima e fatores associados em gestantes da cidade de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / Self-esteem and associated factors in pregnant women in the city of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil

O estudo tem como objetivo mensurar a auto-estima e fatores associados em gestantes atendidas pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) na cidade de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. É do tipo transversal, tendo-se entrevistado 560 gestantes nos meses de maio a novembro de 2006, nos ambulatórios e enfermarias dos hospitais universitários e do centro de atendimento da Prefeitura Municipal. Dentre as gestantes atendidas, 62,9 por cento receberam o diagnóstico de alto-risco. Para avaliação da auto-estima foi utilizada a escala de Rosenberg. Na amostra total a média de pontos na escala foi de 9,2 e o desvio-padrão de 4,6. As variáveis associadas positiva e significativamente com auto-estima foram idade, nível de escolaridade e nível econômico. Já as variáveis percepção de risco à saúde do bebê e número de gestações mostraram-se associadas negativamente à auto-estima. Além disso, as gestantes com condição gestacional de alto-risco têm uma auto-estima mais elevada quando comparadas com as de baixo-risco.

This study analyzes self-esteem and associated factors in pregnant women treated by the Unified National Health System (SUS) in the city of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Using a cross-sectional design, 560 pregnant women were interviewed from May to November 2006. The interviews were held in specific locations like University outpatient clinics and hospital wards and a center run by the city government. A full 62.9 percent were diagnosed as high-risk pregnancies. Mean self-esteem according to the Rosenberg scale was 9.2 (SD = 4.6). Variables showing a positive, significant association with self-esteem were age, schooling, and income. Perception of risk to the unborn infant's health and parity were both negatively associated with maternal self-esteem. These high-risk pregnant women also showed higher self-esteem than low-risk pregnant women.

Blends of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and poly(p-dioxanone): miscibility, thermal stability and biocompatibility.

The miscibility, the thermal degradation and biocompatibility of the blends of two biodegradable and bioreabsorbable polymers, brittle polyhydroxybutyric acid (PHB) and flexible poly (p-dioxanone) (PPD) are reported. The blends were prepared by casting from chloroform solutions and analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, scanning electron microscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis. The blends are immiscible and present promising morphology of a dense phase and a microporous phase, one or the other being the matrix, depending on the composition. Despite the immiscibility, the thermal stability under an inert atmosphere is improved for both polymers. The results obtained from toxicity tests showed that PHB/PPD blends do not present indirect or direct cytotoxicity as a substrate for cellular growth.