Proteomic analysis of the mucus of the photosynthetic sea slug Elysia crispata.

Elysia crispata is a tropical sea slug that can retain intracellular functional chloroplasts from its algae prey, a mechanism termed kleptoplasty. This sea slug, like other gastropods, secretes mucus, a viscous secretion with multiple functions, including lubrication, protection, and locomotion. This study presents the first comprehensive analysis of the mucus proteome of the sea slug E. crispata using gel electrophoresis and HPLC-MS/MS. We identified 306 proteins in the mucus secretions of this animal, despite the limited entries for E. crispata in the Uniprot database. The functional annotation of the mucus proteome using Gene Ontology identified proteins involved in different functions such as hydrolase activity (molecular function), carbohydrate-derived metabolic processes (biological processes) and cytoskeletal organization (cell component). Moreover, a high proportion of proteins with enzymatic activity in the mucus of E. crispata suggests potential biotechnological applications including antimicrobial and antitumor activities. Putative antimicrobial properties are reinforced by the high abundance of hydrolases. This study also identified proteins common in mucus samples from various species, supporting a common mechanism of mucus in protecting cells and tissues while facilitating animal movement. SIGNIFICANCE: Marine species are increasingly drawing the interest of researchers for their role in discovering new bioactive compounds. The study "Proteomic Analysis of the Mucus of the Photosynthetic Sea Slug Elysia crispata" is a pioneering effort that uncovers the complex protein content in this fascinating sea slug's mucus. This detailed proteomic study has revealed proteins with potential use in biotechnology, particularly for antimicrobial and antitumor purposes. This research is a first step in exploring the possibilities within the mucus of Elysia crispata, suggesting the potential for new drug discoveries. These findings could be crucial in developing treatments for severe diseases, especially those caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria, and may lead to significant advances in medical research.

Prey species and abundance affect growth and photosynthetic performance of the polyphagous sea slug Elysia crispata.

Some sacoglossan sea slugs steal functional macroalgal chloroplasts (kleptoplasts). In this study, we investigated the effects of algal prey species and abundance on the growth and photosynthetic capacity of the tropical polyphagous sea slug Elysia crispata. Recently hatched sea slugs fed and acquired chloroplasts from the macroalga Bryopsis plumosa, but not from Acetabularia acetabulum. However, adult sea slugs were able to switch diet to A. acetabulum, rapidly replacing the great majority of the original kleptoplasts. When fed with B. plumosa, higher feeding frequency resulted in significantly higher growth and kleptoplast photosynthetic yield, as well as a slower relative decrease in these parameters upon starvation. Longevity of A. acetabulum-derived chloroplasts in E. crispata was over twofold that of B. plumosa. Furthermore, significantly lower relative weight loss under starvation was observed in sea slugs previously fed on A. acetabulum than on B. plumosa. This study shows that functionality and longevity of kleptoplasts in photosynthetic sea slugs depend on the origin of the plastids. Furthermore, we have identified A. acetabulum as a donor of photosynthetically efficient chloroplasts common to highly specialized monophagous and polyphagous sea slugs capable of long-term retention, which opens new experimental routes to unravel the unsolved mysteries of kleptoplasty.

Food shaped photosynthesis: Photophysiology of the sea slug Elysia viridis fed with two alternative chloroplast donors.

Background: Some Sacoglossa sea slugs steal and integrate chloroplasts derived from the algae they feed on into their cells where they continue to function photosynthetically, a process termed kleptoplasty. The stolen chloroplasts - kleptoplasts - can maintain their functionality up to several months and support animal metabolism. However, chloroplast longevity can vary depending on sea slug species and algal donor. In this study, we focused on Elysia viridis, a polyphagous species that is mostly found associated with the macroalga Codium tomentosum, but that was reported to eat other macroalgae, including Chaetomorpha sp. Methods: We have investigated the changes in E. viridis physiology when provided with the two different food sources to evaluate to which extent the photosynthetic and photoprotective mechanisms of the algae chloroplasts matched those of the plastids once in the animal cells. To perform the study, we rely on the evaluation of chlorophyll a variable fluorescence to study the photophysiological state of the integrated kleptoplasts and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to study variations in the photosynthetic pigments. Results: We observed that the photosynthetic efficiency of E. viridis is lower when fed with Chaetomorpha. Also, significant differences were observed in the non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) abilities of the sea slugs. While sea slugs fed with C. tomentosum react similarly to high-light stress as the alga, E. viridis hosting Chaetomorpha chloroplasts were unable to properly recover from photoinhibition or perform a functional xanthophyll cycle (XC). Conclusions: Our results showed that, even if the sea slugs fed with the two algae show photosynthetic activities like the respective algal donors, not all the photoprotective mechanisms present in Chaetomorpha can be maintained in E. viridis. This indicates that the functionality of the kleptoplasts does not depend solely on their origin but also on the degree of compatibility with the animal species integrating them.

Sea slugs known as Sacoglossa (also called "solar-powered sea slugs") have a fascinating ability to steal and use chloroplasts from the algae they eat. This process is called kleptoplasty. These stolen chloroplasts, also called kleptoplasts, can remain functional for several months and help the sea slugs with their metabolism by performing photosynthesis like plants. However, the time of chloroplast maintenance can vary depending on the species of sea slug and the type of algae they feed on. In this study, we focused on a species called Elysia viridis, which eats various types of algae, including Codium tomentosum and Chaetomorpha sp. These two algae have different characteristics when it comes to photosynthesis and protection against excessive light. We investigated how the physiology of E. viridis changed when it was given these two different food sources. Our results show that sea slugs had similar photosynthetic activities to their respective food alga. However, not all photoprotective mechanisms of Chaetomorpha algae could be maintained in E. viridis. This suggests that the functionality of the stolen chloroplasts depends not only on their source but also on how well they match the sea slug species that incorporate them.

Efecto de la recuperación activa en la potencia pico y el lactato después de protocolos de sprints repetidos, realizados en cicloergómetros: una revisión sistemática / Active Recovery Effect in the Peak Power and the Lactate, after Repeated Sprints Pro- tocols, Executed in Cycloergometer: A Systemic Review / Efeito da recuperação ativa sobre a potência de pico e o lactato depois de repetidos protocolos de Sprints realizados em cicloergómetros: uma revisão sistemática

Introducción: La recuperación activa se ha utilizado en actividades físicas de alta demanda energética como los sprints repetidos en cicloergómetros. Objetivo: Analizar el efecto de la recuperación activa en la potencia pico y el lactato, después de protocolos de sprints repetidos, hechos en un cicloergómetro. Materiales: Las fuentes bibliográficas consultadas fueron las bases de datos electrónicas Pubmed y Web of Science. Método: Se evaluó la calidad de los nueve artículos incluidos para lectura completa, utilizando la escala PEDro. Resultados: La efectividad de la recuperación activa para los sprints repetidos (SR) con menor disminución de la potencia pico se presentó en tres estudios con tiempos de recuperación de 20 min, 4 min y 45 s, realizando 3 o 4 SR con porcentaje de cadencia de pedaleo de 40% y 28% VO2máx o entre 60 y 70 rpm. Los 9 estudios analizados no presentaron diferencias significativas (p > 0,05) en el comportamiento del lactato en cuanto a la recuperación activa con los protocolos que realizaron. No obstante, se presentan diferencias significativas (p = 0,001) entre la recuperación activa y otros métodos de recuperación. Conclusión: Se deben considerar las características de la población para los protocolos analizados con diferencias en los tiempos de recuperación activa y ejecución del sprint, así como la cantidad de SR realizados y los porcentajes de cadencia de pedaleo.

Introduction: active recovery has been used in physical activities from high energetic claim as repeated sprints on cycloergometer. Objectives: analyse the active recovery effect in peak power and the lactate after repeated sprints protocols, executed on cycloergometer. A systematized bibliography was developed. Material: The bibliography sources were looked up from electronic databases Pubmed and Web of Science. Methods: The quality from the nine articles includes was evaluated for a whole reading. Using PEDro the protocols analysed showed active recovery timing difference and sprint execution, thus as the repeated sprints quantity executed and the assigned pedalling cadence percentage. Results: The effectiveness of the active recovery for the repeated sprints (RS) with a less decrease from the peak power presented in three different trials with recovery times from 20 minutes, 4 minutes, 45 seconds. Execute 3 or 4 RS with pedalling cadence percentage of 40 and 28 VO2max or between 60 and 70 rpm. The nine analysed trials did not show significant differences (p > 0.05) in the lactate performance concerning to the active recovery with the executed protocols. However, it presented significant differences (p = 0.001) between the active recovery and other recovery techniques. Conclusions: It should consider the population characteristics for the analysed protocols with differences between the AR timing and sprint execution, like the quantity of RS executed and the pedalling cadence percentage.

Introdução: A recuperação ativa tem sido utilizada em atividades físicas exigentes em termos energéticos, tais como repetidos Sprints em cicloergómetros. Objetivo: Analisar o efeito da recuperação ativa sobre a potência de pico e o lactato depois de repetidos protocolos de Sprint realizados num cicloergómetro. Materiais: As fontes bibliográficas consultadas foram as bases de dados electrónicas Pubmed e Web of Science. Método: A qualidade dos nove artigos incluídos para leitura completa foi avaliada utilizando a escala PEDro. Resultados: A eficácia da recuperação ativa para Sprints repetidos (SR) com menor diminuição da potência de pico foi apresentada em três estudos com tempos de recuperação de 20 min, 4 min e 45 s, realizando 3 ou 4 SR com uma percentagem de cadência de pedalagem de 40 % e 28 % de VO2max ou entre 60 e 70 rpm. Os 9 estudos analisados não mostraram diferenças significativas (p > 0,05) no comportamento do lactato em termos de recuperação ativa com os protocolos que rea- lizaram. No entanto, houve diferenças significativas (p = 0,001) entre a recuperação ativa e outros métodos de recuperação. Conclusão: As características da população devem ser consideradas para os protocolos analisados com diferenças nos tempos de recuperação ativa e execução de Sprints, bem como o número de SR realizados e as percentagens de cadência de pedalagem.

Validation of a Histologic Scoring Index for C3 Glomerulopathy.

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: A previous study that evaluated associations of kidney biopsy findings with disease progression in patients with C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) proposed a prognostic histologic index (C3G-HI) that has not yet been validated. Our objective was to validate the performance of the C3G-HI in a new patient population. STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter, retrospective cohort study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: 111 patients fulfilling diagnostic criteria of C3G between January 1995 and December 2019, from 33 nephrology departments belonging to the Spanish Group for the Study of Glomerular Diseases (GLOSEN). PREDICTORS: Demographic, clinical parameters, C3G-HI total activity score, and the C3G-HI total chronicity score. OUTCOME: Time to kidney failure. ANALYTICAL APPROACH: Intraclass correlation coefficients and κ statistic were used to summarize inter-rater reproducibility for assessment of histopathology in kidney biopsies. The nonlinear relationships of risk of kidney failure with the total activity score and total chronicity score were modeled using Cox proportional hazards analysis that incorporated cubic splines. RESULTS: The study group included 93 patients with C3 glomerulonephritis and 18 with dense-deposit disease. Participants had an overall meanage of 35±22 (SD) years. Forty-eight patients (43%) developed kidney failure after a mean follow-up of 65±27 months. The overall inter-rater reproducibility was very good for the total activity score (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]=0.63) and excellent for total chronicity score (ICC=0.89). Baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), 24-hour proteinuria, and treatment with immunosuppression were the main determinants of kidney failure in a model with only clinical variables. Only tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis were identified as predictors in a model with histological variables. When the total activity score and total chronicity score were added to the model, only the latter was identified as an independent predictor of kidney failure. LIMITATIONS: Only a subset of the kidney biopsies was centrally reviewed. Residual confounding. CONCLUSIONS: We validated the performance of C3G-HI as a predictor of kidney failure in patients with C3G. The total chronicity score was the principal histologic correlate of kidney failure.

Análisis de los factores medioambientales condicionantes de la inocuidad de hortalizas cultivadas y consumidas en el área rural de Tenjo, Colombia / An analysis of environmental determinants regarding the safety of vegetables farmed and consumed in rural areas around Tenjo, Colombia

Antecedentes. La inocuidad es una de las principales dimensiones de la Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutricional (SAN) y su ausencia puede ser la causa de enfermedades transmitidas por alimentos. Por esta razón desde el ámbito internacional y nacional cada vez se hace mayor énfasis en el enfoque "de la granja a la mesa" y en las características ambientales que influyen directamente la producción, el abastecimiento y el consumo de alimentos sanos, seguros y nutritivos. Objetivo. Identificar y exponer algunos factores medioambientales que afectan la inocuidad de las hortalizas, a lo largo del proceso que abarca desde su cultivo hasta su consumo, producidas en el municipio de Tenjo, Cundinamarca. Materiales y métodos. Este estudio descriptivo se desarrolló en tres fases. Primero se efectuó la revisión y análisis documental. Seguidamente, se realizó el trabajo de campo, dividido en dos actividades: visitas a cultivos, tanto convencionales como orgánicos, de hortalizas para caracterizar los entornos y establecer diferencias entre ellos. Posteriormente se aplicaron encuestas sobre prácticas de manipulación y preparación a consumidores de hortalizas en Tenjo y en la ciudad de Bogotá. Resultados. A partir del análisis de la información obtenida se identificaron los peligros y puntos críticos de control para proponer los correctivos necesarios y prevención de riesgos potenciales para los consumidores. Se encontró que los principales factores medioambientes que determinan las condiciones de inocuidad de las hortalizas o verduras para la situación analizada son: la calidad del agua que se utiliza en el riego, las sustancias que se emplean para fertilizar el suelo y controlar las plagas -agroquímicos y fertilizantes-, los procesos de cosecha y poscosecha, los empaques o embalajes para la distribución del producto, la manipulación y prácticas de preparación inadecuadas de las hortalizas. Conclusiones. Las etapas en la que se encuentran más peligros de contaminación para las hortalizas son las etapas de cultivo, cosecha y preparación para su consumo. Los mecanismos de autocontrol implantados por los productores, sumados al fortalecimiento de los organismos de control estatales y privados, deben buscar siempre brindar productos de excelente calidad para mitigar cualquier riesgo al consumidor final debido a los factores señalados.

Background. Food safety is one of the main dimensions of Food and Nutrition Security (SAN) and its absence may be the cause of foodborne illness. Therefore from the international and national levels today an increasing emphasis over "from farm to table" strategy and the environmental characteristics that directly influence the production, supply and consumption of healthy, safe and nutritious food is made. Objective. Identify and present some environmental factors which affect the safety of vegetables grown near and consumed in the town of Tenjo on the savannah around Colombia's capital Bogotá. Materials and methods. This descriptive study was divided into three parts. The first step was to make a systematic document search of databases and documentary sources and review and analyse them. Fieldwork then followed which included two types of activity: visits to conventional and organic vegetable crops near the town to characterise the environments and differentiate them and consumer surveys about consumers' handling and preparation practice in Tenjo and Bogotá. The third stage consisted of data analysis for determining hazards and identifying critical control points to propose the necessary corrective and preventative action regarding potential risks for consumers. Results. The main environmental factors determining the safety of vegetables in the food chain for the analyzed situation were; the quality of the water used for irrigation, the substances used to fertilise the soil and control pests, agrochemicals and fertilisers, harvest and post-harvest processes, packaging for the distribution and sale of the products and consumers' handling and preparation practice. Conclusions. Cultivation, harvesting and preparation for consumption are the dangerous stages for contamination of vegetables. Self-control mechanisms implemented by producers, together with the strengthening of State agencies and private control should always seek to provide high quality products to mitigate any risk for the final consumer due to environmental factors.

Concepciones curriculares del Programa de Nutrición y Dietética en la Universidad Nacional de Colombia (1965-2013) / The Universidad Nacional de Colombia's Nutrition and Dietetics Programme's curricular concepts (1965-2013)

Las concepciones curriculares que han orientado el programa de Nutrición y Dietética de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia se encuentran implícitas en los documentos de reforma curricular, elaborados en diferentes momentos desde la creación del programa. El presente documento pretende aportar una revisión documental en torno a los factores que influyeron en la construcción de los diseños curriculares adelantados en el programa hasta el presente, en la concepción del proceso alimentario y nutricional como objeto de estudio de la profesión, y su incidencia en el proceso formativo de Nutricionistas Dietistas de esta alma máter.

The curricular concepts which have guided the Universidad Nacional de Colombia's Nutrition and Dietetics Programme have been implicit in curriculum reform documents issued since the programme's inception. This paper was aimed at providing a literature review concerning the pertinent factors influencing an approach to curriculum design to date regarding an understanding of food and nutrition as an object of study for our profession and its impact on dietician/nutritionist training/education at the university.

Alcohol consumption and smoking and their associations with socio-demographic characteristics, dietary patterns, and perceived academic stress in Puerto Rican college students.

OBJECTIVE: College students often use different strategies, such as consuming alcohol and smoking, to cope with stress. We examined the associations between self-perceived academic stress, alcohol consumption, smoking, and dietary patterns in graduate students. METHODS: A representative stratified sample of 275 students from each school of the Medical Science Campus of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR-MSC) completed a 48-item questionnaire that solicited the following: socio-demographic data, estimates of self-perceived stress, estimates of the frequency of alcohol consumption and the type(s) of alcohol consumed, details regarding smoking habits, and information associated with diet (i.e., dietary patterns). Fisher's exact test and the Chi2 test were used to assess the associations between the different study variables. RESULTS: Only 3% were considered smokers (defined as > 1 cigarettes per day), with the greatest number of smokers among those aged 21-30 y (p<0.05). Smoking habits was not associated with academic load/stress or with dietary pattern. Most smokers reported that their main reason for using cigarettes was to cope with stress. About 70% of the students were considered drinkers (defined as > 0 drink/day), with a higher proportion found among women (63.5%), among those aged 21-30 years (90.6%), and among those with a low or moderate household income (p<0.05). Alcohol intake was significantly associated with academic stress, with a greater proportion of drinkers reporting experiencing moderate levels of academic stress (p<0.05), but it was not associated with dietary patterns or academic load (p>0.05). Most subjects classified as drinkers reported that alcohol consumption was not (in their experience) an effective strategy for the management of stress (81%). CONCLUSION: Alcohol consumption was only associated with academic stress. No associations were found between smoking habits and academic stress/load and dietary patterns.

Physical activity and its associations with sociodemographic characteristics, dietary patterns, and perceived academic stress in students attending college in Puerto Rico.

OBJECTIVE: The academic environment usually generates stress in students. Increasing physical activity (PA) is one of the stress-coping strategies for students; however, students usually reduce their PA while enrolled in college. OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between PA, self-perceived academic load and stress, and dietary patterns in students attending college in Puerto Rico. METHODS: A proportional stratified sample of 275 students from UPR-MSC completed a self-administered questionnaire on socioeconomic status, academic load and stress, body composition, dietary patterns, and PA. Chi2 was used to assess the association between variables. RESULTS: Most of the participants were female (68%), were aged 21 to 30 years (88%), and had low annual household incomes ($0-$24,999) (43%). Women reported higher levels of stress (p < 0.001) than did men. Overweight and obesity was found in 35.4%, while most students reported a light PA level (46.5%), which was higher among women (p < 0.001). During periods of greater stress, most students increased sedentary activities (68%), and -30% reported a decrease in moderate and vigorous activities; however, 60% reported that PA was an effective coping strategy and 66% would use it again. There was a negative association between PA and stress: those with higher levels of stress had lower PA levels (p = 0.06). No significant associations were found between PA and the others variables studied (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Most students reported sedentary lifestyles during periods of greater stress. High level of stress were positively associated with a light PA level.

La formación dennutricionistas dietistas en la niversidad nacional de Colombiaa en el contexto de la reforma curricular del año 2008: antecedentes, proyecciones y retos curriculares / The training of dieticians in the Universidad Nacional de Colombia within a context of curriculum reform in 2008: background, projections and curriculum challenges

Los procesos de la alimentación y la nutrición humana son indispensables para el desarrollo de todos los procesos vitales y por ende para la garantía de un óptimo estado de salud. Dada la importancia del conocimiento sobre estos aspectos en el siglo XX se estructuraron programas académicos orientados a la formación de Nutricionistas Dietistas. En este contexto la Universidad Nacional de Colombia ha venido formando profesionales Nutricionistas Dietistas desde 1965. Desde entonces se ha contado con tres planes de estudio diseñados con atención a los avances de la disciplina, los contextos históricos y las necesidades de formación en el país. El plan de estudios actual producto de la reforma curricular de 2008, ofrece al estudiante la posibilidad de formarse en la profesión construyendo sus propias trayectorias de formación e incentiva el tránsito directo entre los niveles de formación de pregrado y posgrado. Los cambios propuestos intentan responder a las demandas que el contexto exige a la nutrición como ciencia y a los requerimientos de profesionales integrales con una visión holística capaces de aportar alternativas de solución a los problemas inherentes a la alimentación y la nutrición. El presente artículo propone un análisis del proceso de formación de nutricionistas dietistas a la luz de la modificación curricular y los retos que esto genera para los actores del programa y para el área curricular al cual se encuentra adscrito.

Human eating habits and nutrition are indispensable for the development of all life processes and thus for guaranteeing an optimum state of health. Academic programmes have been structured (given the importance of knowledge regarding these aspects in the 20th century) which have been orientated towards training dieticians; the Universidad Nacional de Colombia has been training professional dieticians since 1965. Three study plans have been designed since then regarding advances made in the discipline, historical contexts and the need for professional training in Colombia. The current study plan (arising from curriculum reform in 2008) offers students the chance to become trained in the profession by constructing their own development trajectory and encourages direct crossover between levels of undergraduate and postgraduate training. The proposed changes are aimed at responding to the demands made on nutrition as a science and the requirements of all-round professionals having a holistic vision who are able to contribute alternative solutions to the problems inherent in food and nutrition. This article proposes an analysis of dieticians' formation in the light of curriculum modification and the challenges which this produces for actors in the programme and for the particular curriculum area.

Percepciones y creencias en personas que padecieron un evento coronario agudo / Perceptions and beliefs in people that suffered an acute coronary episode

Utilizando un abordaje cualitativo interpretativo, se describen y analizan las percepciones y creencias que tiene un grupo de personas que padecieron un infarto agudo de miocardio, con respecto a sus hábitos de vida; se busca encontrar, desde el propio sujeto, las implicaciones que lo llevan a asumir un hábito. La muestra se constituyó con la información proporcionada por siete personas usuarias del servicio de salud de la Universidad Nacional, que fueron abordadas en dos momentos diferentes con entrevistas no estructuradas, justificadas mediante el criterio de saturación. Del análisis se obtuvo la construcción de seis categorías y subcategorías que permitieron una descripción del fenómeno en estudio. Entre las categorías encontradas están: identidad, impacto de la experiencia, gusto, lo que hay detrás del cambio, relaciones humanas y estrategias para conservarse sano. Posteriormente estas categorías se analizaron a la luz de los cuatro existenciales que presenta la teoría fenomenológica: cuerpo vivido, espacio vivido, tiempo vivido y relaciones humanas vividas. Los hallazgos permiten avanzar en la comprensión del Ser, al cual se le recomienda un cambio de hábito con una visión renovada del sujeto; así se intenta construir y recuperar el acervo cultural de los procesos de salud y enfermedad tomando como punto de partida a los propios sujetos sociales y, de esta manera, poder repensar desde ópticas diferentes los enfoques de promoción de la salud y prevención de la enfermedad que lleven a mejores resultados.

Using a qualitative and interpretative approach, the perceptions and beliefs related to lifestyle choices of a group of sufferers of acute myocardial infarctions are analyzed and described. The study tries to find, from the subject itself, the situations that make him or her pick up a habit. The sample was constituted by the information given by seven users of the health services of the National University, who were approached at two different moments with non-structured interviews, justified by the principle of saturation. From the analysis, it was possible to build six categories and subcategories that allowed for a description of the studied incident. Amongst these categories, are: identity, impact of the experience, taste, elements behind change, human relationships and health strategies. These categories were later analyzed through the lens of four existential elements, presented by the phenomenological theory: experienced body, experienced space, experienced period and experienced human relationships. The findings allows for advances in the comprehension of the Self, to which is recommended a change of habits, with a renewed vision of the topic. As such, the construction and retrieval of the cultural knowledge of the health-disease process from the point of view of those same social subjects is attempted. This also brings the reanalysis, from different standpoints, of several health promotion and disease prevention approaches that provide better results.

Utilizando um método qualitativo e interpretativo, foram descritas e analisadas as percepções e crenças de um grupo de pessoas que padeceram um infarto agudo do miocárdio em relação a seus hábitos, e as implicações que o levam a assumir um hábito são procuradas no sujeito mesmo. A amostra foi constituída pela informação fornecida por sete usuários do serviço de saúde da Universidade Nacional, entrevistados em dois momentos diferentes, utilizando entrevistas estruturadas e justificadas pelo critério de saturação. Desta análise, foram construídas seis categorias e subca-tegorias que permitiram uma descrição do fenômeno estudado. Entre as categorias estão: identidade, impacto da experiência, gosto, razões da mudança, relações humanas e estratégias para se manter são. Estas categorias foram analisadas posteriormente à luz das quatro elementos existenciais apresentados pela teoria fenomenológica: corpo vivido, espaço vivido, tempo vivido, e relações humanas vividas. As descobertas permitem avançar na compreensão do Ser, ao qual uma mudança de hábitos é recomendada, junto com uma visão renovada do sujeito. Desta forma, a construção e a recuperação do acervo cultural dos processos de saúde e de doença são iniciadas, utilizando os sujeitos sociais como ponto de partida e, portanto, repensar a promoção da saúde e da prevenção das doenças desde diversos pontos de vista que gerem melhores resultados.

Prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade em crianças de escola pública da Coordenadoria Regional de Saúde Sul

Atualmente o excesso de peso é um desafio para a Atenção Primária à Saúde - Estratégia Saúde da Família, em f u n ç ã o d o fenômeno da transição nutricional, potencial de desenvolvimento de doenças crônico-degenerativas, mudanças no estilo de vida

Relationship between the adsorption capacity of pesticides by wood residues and the properties of woods and pesticides.

With the aim to explore the potential use of wood residues in technologies aimed at preventing the pollution of soil and water, we studied the adsorption of four non-ionic pesticides (linuron, alachlor, metalaxyl, and chlorpyrifos) and two ionic pesticides (dicamba and paraquat) with a Kow range of -4.5 to 4.7 by nine types of wood with lignin content in the 18.2-26.9% range. The Freundlich Kf values were considered as indicators of the adsorption capacity. A statistical study was carried out using simple and multiple correlations to establish the degree to which the different parameters of the woods and of the pesticides were involved in adsorption. In the case of the non-ionic pesticides, positive and negative significant correlations were observed between Kf and the lignin (r = 0.73-0.83, p < 0.05-0.01), and soluble C contents of the woods (r = 0.66-0.84), p < 0.1-0.01). For dicamba, a correlation between Kf and pH (r = -0.66, p < 0.1) of the woods was found, while for paraquat, this was seen between Kf and the cation exchange capacity (r = 0.71, p < 0.1) of the woods. No significant correlation was observed between Kf and the total C content of the woods. A highly significant correlation between Kf and Kow values (r > or = 0.93, p < 0.01) was found in the adsorption of the pesticides by the woods (with the exception of paraquat) showing that this parameter is very important in this adsorption process. The determination coefficient of the multiple correlation between Kf and the parameters Kow, soluble C, and lignin contents accounts for nearly 100% of the variability in adsorption for non-ionic pesticides. Based on the results of our study and of those of the literature related to the adsorption of aromatic hydrocarbons, we used the Kow values to define a predictive model of adsorption of hydrophobic organic compounds in general by the woods.

Degradation of alachlor in natural and sludge-amended soils, studied by gas and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS and HPLC-MS).

Alachlor [2-chloro-N-(2,6-diethylphenyl)-N-(methoxymethyl)acetamide] is an herbicide used worldwide. The relative rates of disappearance of alachlor, the formation kinetics of alachlor ethane sulfonic acid (ESA), and the formation of other degradation products in two different soils (a soil with natural organic matter and a sludge-amended soil) has been studied. For such a purpose, soil samples were spiked with alachlor at 2.5 mg kg(-1), concentration generally applied in agricultural soils, and were submitted to sunlight, simulating natural field conditions. Extracts were analyzed by GC-MS and HPLC-MS in scan mode. A good correlation was observed between both techniques, and HPLC-MS allowed the determination of two eluting peaks corresponding to the two stereoisomeric forms of alachlor ESA. Degradation of alachlor in the two soils followed first-order kinetics. Half-life in the natural soil was 4.2 +/- 0.1 days, and half-life in the sludge-amended soil was 5.8 +/- 0.8 days. The higher half-life observed in the sludge-amended soil was attributed to the higher sorption of alachlor to this soil compared to the natural soil. The degradation of alachlor in both soils gave rise to the production of alachlor ESA. Its concentration increased during the incubation period, and after 27 days, its concentration was about 0.59 mg kg(-1) in the natural soil and 0.37 mg kg(-1) in the sludge-amended soil. The other two alachlor transformation products were identified using GC-MS, and the abundance of these degradation products increased while alachlor was degraded.

Estudio epidemiológico de quemaduras en niños menores de 6 años admitidos en la Corporación de Ayuda al Niño Quemado de la ciudad de Antofagasta / Epidemiological survey of burns in children less than six years in age admitted to the Corporation for Aid to Burned Children (COANIQUEN) in Antofagasta, Chile

An epidemiological survey was carried out on children with burns admitted to the Corporation for Aid to Burned Children (COANIQUEN) in Antofagasta, Chile from january to december 1997. A total of 339 children less than six years of age were treated, with 52.8 percent representing children less than two, 33 percent children between two and four, and 13.3 percent children between four and six. Data on the patients were analyzed and distributed according to age group. The majority of the children arrived at COANIQUEN from the regional hospital (42.5 percent) or directly from home (16.2 percent). A greater incidence of burn injury occurred in boys (56.3 percent) compared with girls (43.7 percent). Most of the burns occurred within the patient's homes, particulary in the kitchen (86.4 percent); [89.9 percent in those less than 2.87 percent in those between 2 and 4, and 82.2 percent in those from 4 to 6]. The most frequent causes for burns were hot liquids (54.6 percent), other burns occurred principally by contact with hot objects (31.9 percent). Water was the immediate treatment most employed after occurrence of a burns (65.4 percent in children less than 2 and 73 percent in those between 2 and 4). The importance of this study is that it demonstrates one with greater attention to occurrences in the home.

El propósito de este trabajo fue realizar un estudio epidemiológico en los niños menores de 6 años atendidos en la Corporación de Ayuda al Niño Quemado (COANIQUEN) de la ciudad de Antofagasta en el período de un año, enero a diciembre de 1997. Se atendieron 339 niños quemados menores de 6 años, correspondiendo el 52,8 por ciento, 33 por ciento, y 13,3 a niños menores de 2 años, entre 2 a 4 años y entre 4 a 6 años, respectivamente. Los datos de los pacientes se analizaron y distribuyeron de acuerdo a la edad. La mayoría de los niños quemados llegaron a COANIQUEN desde el hospital regional (42,5 por ciento) o desde su hogar (16,2 por ciento). La incidencia de la quemadura fue mayor en los niños que en las niñas (56,3 por ciento vs 43,7 por ciento). La mayor parte de las quemaduras ocurren en la casa de los pacientes, especialmente en la cocina (86,4 por ciento) (89,9 en los menores de 2 años, 87 por ciento en los niños entre 2 a 4 años y 82,2 por ciento en el grupo de 4 a 6 años). La causa más frecuente son los líquidos calientes (54,6 por ciento), las otras quemaduras son causadas principalmente por contacto (31,9 por ciento). El agua fue el tratamiento más recurrente después de ocurrida la quemadura (65,4 por ciento en los menores de 2 años y 73 por ciento en los niños entre 2 a 4 años). La importancia de este estudio es que ratifica una vez más el peligro a que están expuestos los niños y la necesidad de estimular la aplicación de medidas preventivas, poniendo mayor atención en las acciones en el hogar.

Serviço Integrado de Neurogeriatria. Ambulatório da Memória - Análise dos resultados iniciais / Neurogeriatric Integrated Service. Memory Clinic - description of the initial results

Demência é o declínio da capacidade intelectual e adequação social em grau suficiente para afetar as atividades de vida diária. A demência pode ter várias etiologias, sendo algumas reversíveis. O Ambulatório da Memória do Serviço Integrado de Neurogeriatria da Real e Benemérita Sociedade Portuguesa de Beneficência - Hospital São Joaquim - propõe um modelo de atendimento multidisciplinar para o diagnóstico e tratamento das síndromes demenciais, com os seguintes resultados preliminares: dos 104 pacientes, 10 (9,6 por cento) não apresentavam deterioração intelectual. Dos 94 demais, 27 (28,7 por cento) tinham afecções potencialmentereversíveis: 18 casos de doença psiquiátrica; dois de doenças metabólicas; três de intoxicações exógenas e 4 casos de hidrocefalia. Foram 67 casos (71,2 por cento) de perda cognitiva causada por lesão estrutural, dos quais 42 pacientes (62,5 por cento) tinham doença de Alzheimer, que, atualmente possui tratamento específico. A proposta de uma equipe multidisciplinar, bem estruturada, pode beneficiar estes pacientes e seus familiares

Diagnóstico nutricional de crianças de zero a cinco anos atendidos pela rede municipal de saúde em área urbana da regiäo sul do Brasil, 1988 / Nutritional diagnosis of children under five years of age assisted by the municipal health network an urban area in the Southern Region of Brazil, 1988

Como um dos requisitos para a operacionalizaçäo do Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional (SISVAN) no município de Curitiba, PR, Brasil, foi realizado um levantamento epidemiológico retrospectivo com dados de 1988, que buscou através do exame antropométrico conhecer a prevalência e as formas de desnutriçäo calórico-protéico de crianças menores de cinco anos atendidas pela Rede Municipal de Saúde de Curitiba. Numa amostra de 4.213 crianças encontrou-se pela Classificaçäo de Gomez 28,1 por cento de desnutridos, sendo que 3,6 por cento destes situam-se no grau II e III. A Classificaçäo de Seoane e Latham modificada por Batista Filho revelou que 19,7 por cento das crianças apresentam alguma forma de desnutriçäo. O perfil antropométrico revelou maior concentraçäo de crianças no primeiro decil a partir do sexto mês de vida, sendo esta mais acentuada no grupo etário de 12 a 24 meses para os índices: peso/idade e altura/idade

Evoluçäo no tratamento do abscesso hepático / Evaluation in the treatment of liver abscess

Nove pacientes consecutivos com diagnóstico de abscesso hepático foram estudados num período de nove anos. Dois apresentavam abscessos amebianos e seis bacterianos; um caso tinha etiologia mista. Sete pacientes apresentavam quadro com duraçäo inferior a 15 dias. O tempo médio para estabelecer-se o diagnóstico foi de cinco dias e meio. Dois casos foram submetidos à drenagem cirúrgica aberta e sete receberam tratamento apenas clínico. Houve um óbito näo relacionado ao abscesso. Concluímos que o tratamento clínico evidencia-se como nova modalidade terapêutica para o abscesso hepático piogênico, reservando-se a cirurgia apenas às complicaçöes