The modified frailty index predicts postoperative morbidity in elective hernia repair patients: analysis of the national inpatient sample 2015-2019.

PURPOSE: Frailty has shown promise in predicting postoperative morbidity and mortality following hernia surgery. This study aims to evaluate the predictive capacity of the 11-item modified frailty index (mFI) in estimating postoperative outcomes following elective hernia surgery using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the NIS from 2015 to 2019 was performed including adult patients who underwent elective hernia repair. The mFI was used to stratify patients as either frail (mFI ≥ 0.27) or robust (mFI < 0.27). The primary outcomes were in-hospital postoperative morbidity and mortality. The secondary outcomes were system-specific morbidity, length of stay (LOS), total in-hospital healthcare cost, and discharge disposition. Univariable and multivariable regressions were utilized. RESULTS: In total, 14,125 robust patients and 1704 frail patients were included. Frailty was associated with an increased age (mean age 66.4 years vs. 52.6 years, p < 0.001) and prevalence of ventral hernias (51.9% vs. 44.4%, p < 0.001). Adjusted analyses demonstrated that frail patients had increased in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.89, 95% CI 1.50, 10.11, p = 0.005), postoperative overall morbidity (aOR 1.98, 95% CI 1.72, 2.29, p < 0.001), postoperative LOS (adjusted mean difference (aMD) 0.78 days, 95% CI 0.51, 1.06, p < 0.001), total in-hospital healthcare costs (aMD $7562 95% CI 3292, 11,832, p = 0.001), and were less likely to be discharged home (aOR 0.61, 95% CI 0.53, 0.69, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The mFI may be a reliable predictor of postoperative morbidity and mortality in elective hernia surgery. Utilizing this tool can aid in patient education and identifying high-risk patients who may benefit from tailored prehabilitation.

Ensino e pesquisa em saúde mental na atenção básica: Portfólio de Práticas Inspiradoras em Atenção Psicossocial / Mental Health teaching and research in primary care: Portfolio of Inspiring Practices in Psychosocial Care / Enseñanza e investigación en salud mental en atención primaria: Portafolio de Prácticas Inspiradoras en Atención Psicosocial

Resumo Neste artigo, discutimos o processo de trabalho da pesquisa, a metodologia participativa e colaborativa para a construção do site para uso ampliado na Atenção, Ensino e Pesquisa nos campos da Saúde Mental Atenção Básica, o qual intitulamos 'Portfólio de Práticas Inspiradoras em Atenção Psicossocial', bem como as ações em curso para sua gestão compartilhada. O conjunto da pesquisa analisou, sistematizou e categorizou práticas na atenção básica e espaços comunitários, construindo mecanismos de busca e disseminação científica para experiências inovadoras e inspiradoras em todo o país, no período de 2015 a 2020. O site dá visibilidade e relevância às abordagens psicossociais de acolhimento, cuidado e potencialização da vida presentes no Sistema Único de Saúde. Experiências alternativas ao modelo biomédico, base para uma perspectiva interdisciplinar e desinstitucionalizante de Saúde Mental na Atenção Básica.

Abstract In this article, we discuss the working process of the research, the participatory and collaborative methodology for the construction of the website for expanded use in Care, Teaching and Research in the fields of Mental Health Primary Care, which we titled 'Portfolio of Inspiring Practices in Psychosocial care', as well as the ongoing actions for its shared management. The whole research analyzed, systematized and categorized practices in primary care and community spaces, building search engines and scientific dissemination for innovative and inspiring experiences throughout the country, in the period from 2015 to 2020. The website gives visibility and relevance to the psychosocial approaches of reception, care and enhancement of life present in the Unified Health System. Alternative experiences to the biomedical model, the basis for an interdisciplinary and deinstitutionalizing perspective of Mental Health in Primary Care.

Resumen En este artículo discutimos el proceso de trabajo de la investigación, la metodología participativa y colaborativa para la construcción del site de uso ampliado en la Atención, Enseñanza e Investigación en los campos de la Atención Primaria de Salud Mental, que denominamos 'Portafolio de Prácticas Inspiradoras en Atención Psicosocial', así como las acciones en curso para su gestión compartida. El conjunto de investigación analizó, sistematizó y categorizó prácticas en la atención primaria y en los espacios comunitarios, construyendo mecanismos de búsqueda y divulgación científica de experiencias innovadoras e inspiradoras en todo el país, de 2015 a 2020. El site confere visibilidad y relevancia a los enfoques psicosociales de acogida, cuidado y potenciación de vida presentes en el Sistema Único de Salud. Experiencias alternativas al modelo biomédico, base para una perspectiva interdisciplinar y desinstitucionalizadora de la Salud Mental en Atención Primaria.

Urethral leiomyoma: combined vaginal and abdominal approach - a case report / Mioma uretral: abordagem combinada vaginal e abdominal - um relato de caso

Abstract Introduction: leiomyomas are benign mesenchymal tumors of smooth muscle origin that can develop in various locations. Urethral leiomyomas are rare, with approximately only 120 cases reported in the literature. These tumors often occur in the third and fourth decades of life but are rare in menopausal patients. In general, treatment involves surgery, only three recurrence reports in the literature. Description: a case report on a 56-year-old woman; the patient had type II diabetes mellitus and chronic high blood pressure, was overweight (body mass index, 27.1 kg/m2), and a smoker. Besides this, the patient presented symptoms of urinary obstruction and had a large urethral leiomyoma. The tumor was completely removed with no associated urethral lesions using a complex, combined abdominalvaginal surgical approach. Discussion: the management and treatment on urethral leiomyomas is challenging and have not been established yet due to the rarity of these tumors.

Resumo Introdução: os leiomiomas são tumores mesenquimais benignos de origem muscular lisa, podendo manifestar-se em diversas localizações. Os leiomiomas uretrais são raros, tendo apenas aproximadamente 120 casos relatados na literatura. São mais comuns na terceira e quarta décadas de vida, sendo raros em pacientes menopausadas. Em geral, são tratados cirurgicamente, com apenas três relatos de recidivas na literatura. Descrição: relato de caso de uma paciente do sexo feminino, 56 anos, portadora de diabetes mellitus do tipo II, hipertensão arterial crônica, sobrepeso (IMC 27,1Kg/m2) e tabagismo. Além disso, com quadro de sintomas obstrutivos urinários e portadora de um grande leiomioma uretral, este que foi completamente removido, através de uma desafiadora abordagem cirúrgica combinada (abdominal e vaginal), sem lesões uretrais associadas. Discussão: os leiomiomas uretrais são tumores raros e seu manejo é desafiador e ainda não foi estabelecido.

A música como agente terapêutico no tratamento da Doença de Alzheimer / Music as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease / La música como agente terapéutico en el tratamiento de la enfermedad de Alzheimer

A Doença de Alzheimer (DA), causa mais comum de demência (transtorno neurocognitivo maior), ocupa maior espaço na medida em que a sociedade envelhece. Estudos demonstram que o olhar biomédico e a utilização de fármacos, muitas vezes, não abarcam os problemas decorrentes da doença. E, a busca por alternativas outras que não o medicamento e exclusão do doente são promissoras. É nessa finalidade que o presente trabalho se propõe: discorrer acerca da influência da música como potencial terapêutico para pacientes com Alzheimer. Para tanto, objetivou-se revisar estudos mais recentes sobre a temática e propor possíveis reflexões que possam colaborar com o maior entendimento da terapêutica musical na DA.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia (major neurocognitive disorder), is taking up more space as society ages. Studies show that the biomedical view and the use of drugs often do not cover the problems arising from the disease, and the search for alternatives other than medication and exclusion of the patient is promising. It is for this purpose that the present work proposes: to discuss about the influence of music as a therapeutic potential for Alzheimer's patients. Thus, the aim was to review the latest studies on the subject and propose possible reflections that may contribute to a better understanding of music therapy in AD.

La enfermedad de Alzheimer (EA), la causa más común de demencia (trastorno neurocognitivo mayor), prevalece cada vez más a medida que la sociedad envejece. Los estudios demuestran que la visión biomédica y la utilización de fármacos a menudo no cubren los problemas derivados de la enfermedad y, la búsque da de alternativas distintas a la medicación y la exclusión del paciente son prometedoras. Es para este propósito que el presente trabajo propone: discutir sobre la influencia de la música como un potencial terapéutico para los pacientes con Alzheimer. Con este fin, el objetivo fue revisar los estudios recientes sobre el tema y proponer posibles reflexiones que puedan colaborar con una mayor comprensión de la terapia musical en EA.

Derbid Planthoppers (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Derbidae) Associated with Coconut and Oil Palm in Brazil.

We present surveys of derbid planthoppers associated with coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) and oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) collected in Northeastern (Sergipe) and North (Pará and Roraima) Brazil. The surveys were intended to contribute to our knowledge of possible vectors of phytoplasmas or other phloem-restricted plant pathogens. Eight derbid taxa were found, two in the subfamily Cedusinae, tribe Cedusini (Cedusa yipara Kramer and C. yowza Kramer) and six in the subfamily Derbinae, tribe Cenchreini: Herpis sp., Persis pugnax Stål, Omolicna anastomosa (Caldwell), O. nigripennis (Caldwell), and two new species in the genus Agoo Bahder & Bartlett are described here. Genus-level features between Omolicna and Agoo are discussed and a key to the species of Agoo is provided.

Internal quality control indicators in cervical cytopathology of a university laboratory.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the internal quality control indicators and quality management programme in a university cytopathology laboratory. METHODS: All results of conventional cervical smears tests (taken from the SISCAN, the Brazilian cervical cancer screening system) of women aged ≥15 years at the time of Papanicolaou smear specimen collection during January 2007-December 2014 were included. The final results of the cytopathology were classified in accordance with the Bethesda System. The variables included in the database were the woman's name, date of birth, and age at the time of sampling (15-30, 31-40 and older than 40 years). RESULTS: In this period, 50 286 cytopathology examinations were carried out. Of these, 44 386 (91.34%) were negative for malignancy or unsatisfactory and 4209 (8.66%) presented epithelial abnormalities. The percentage of the tests consistent with atypical squamous cells (ASC) between satisfactory examinations was 4.12%; the percentage of tests compatible with ASC among abnormal examinations was 47.87%; the ASC/squamous intraepithelial lesion) ratio was 0.97 and the percentage of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion among satisfactory tests was 2.21%, and the 5-year retrospective review identified 4.97% of false-negative results. CONCLUSION: All rates obtained were consistent over the years and within the recommended values by Federal Regulation of Brazil. This demonstrates the efficacy of our established internal quality monitoring and continuing education, reflecting the commitment of the team involved in the release of smear reports.

Isolation of human mesenchymal stem cells from amnion, chorion, placental decidua and umbilical cord: comparison of four enzymatic protocols.

OBJECTIVE: To compare four enzymatic protocols for mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolation from amniotic (A-MSC) and chorionic (C-MSC) membranes, umbilical cord (UC-MSC) and placental decidua (D-MSC) in order to define a robust, practical and low-cost protocol for each tissue. RESULTS: A-MSCs and UC-MSCs could be isolated from all samples using trypsin/collagenase-based protocols; C-MSCs could be isolated from all samples with collagenase- and trypsin/collagenase-based protocols; D-MSCs were isolated from all samples exclusively with a collagenase-based protocol. CONCLUSIONS: The trypsin-only protocol was least efficient; the collagenase-only protocol was best for C-MSCs and D-MSCs; the combination of trypsin and collagenase was best for UC-MSCs and none of tested protocols was adequate for A-MSCs isolation.

Space variability of phenological indicators of common bean crop / Variabilidade espacial dos índices fenológicos da cultura do feijão

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) has a representative agricultural holding, not only for the economic value of its production, but also for the large area of growing in Brazil. In the harvest 2016/17, this work was conducted in a Quartzarenic Neosol in the municipality of Cassilândia, MS. The objective of this work was to characterize the structure and magnitude of the spatial distribution of phenological indices of the common bean crop and to map the phenological indices in order to visualize the spatial distribution and to evaluate the spatial correlation among common bean yield and plant variables: grain yield (YIE), mass of one hundred grains (MHG), number of grains per plant (NG), number of grains per pod (NGP), number of pods per plant (NP), dry matter (DM), plant length (PL) and stem diameter (SD), sampled in a grid of 117 georeferenced points (81 points of base grid and 36 points of higher density grid). Analysis of these data through statistical and geostatistical techniques made it possible to verify that the production and yield components presented spatial dependence. There was a positive spatial correlation among common bean yield and the mass of one hundred grains, number of grains per pod and plant length, demonstrating that they have a strong spatial dependence.

A cultura do feijoeiro (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) tem representativa exploração agrícola, não só pelo valor econômico de sua produção, como também pela grande área de cultivo no Brasil. No ano agrícola de 2016/17, este trabalho foi conduzido em um Neossolo Quartzarênico no município de Cassilândia, MS. O trabalho objetivou caracterizar a estrutura e a magnitude da distribuição espacial de índices fenológicos da planta em lavoura de feijão e realizar o mapeamento desses índices fenológicos, de forma a visualizar a distribuição espacial, e avaliar a correlação espacial existente entre a produtividade do feijoeiro e as variáveis da planta: produtividade de grãos (PG), massa de cem grãos (MC), número de grãos por uma planta (GP), número de grãos por uma vagem (GV), número de vagem por uma planta (VP), massa seca de uma planta (MS), comprimento da planta (CO), diâmetro do colmo (DC), amostrados em uma malha de 117 pontos georreferenciados (81 pontos da malha base e 36 pontos de malha com maior densidade). A análise destes dados por meio das técnicas estatísticas e da geoestatística possibilitaram constatar que os componentes de produção e produtividade do feijão apresentaram dependência espacial. Houve destaque na correlação espacial positiva entre a produtividade do feijoeiro e a massa de cem grãos, grãos por vagem e comprimento da planta, demonstrando que as mesmas possuem uma dependência espacial forte.

Role of physical exercise on hepatic insulin, glucocorticoid and inflammatory signaling pathways in an animal model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

AIMS: Pro-inflammatory mediators, glucocorticoids and transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß are implicated in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-related insulin resistance. As physical activity is beneficial against NASH, we analyzed the voluntary physical activity (VPA) and endurance training (ET) (preventive and therapeutic strategies) effects on hepatic insulin, pro-inflammatory and glucocorticoid signaling regulators/mediators in high-fat (Lieber-DeCarli) diet (HFD)-induced NASH. MAIN METHODS: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided in standard diet (SD) or HFD, with sedentary, VPA and ET animals in both diet regimens. Plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were analyzed; plasma insulin sensitivity index (ISI) was calculated. Hepatic insulin, pro-inflammatory and glucocorticoid signaling regulators/mediators were evaluated by Western blot or reverse transcriptase-PCR. KEY FINDINGS: ET improved ISI in both diet regimens. HFD-feeding increased interleukin-1ß and induced a similar pattern on interleukin-6 and TGF-ß, which were globally reduced by physical exercise. ET decreased HFD leukemia inhibitory factor level, SD+VPA animals presenting higher values than HFD+VPA animals. HFD increased the ratio of IRS-1(Ser307)/total IRS-1, which was completely mitigated by physical exercise. Physical exercise reduced total ERK and JNK (total and activated) expression in HFD. In SD vs. HFD, VPA presented higher activated JNK and ET presented higher total JNK. Generally, in HFD, the ratio (activated/total) of AKT, and each separately, decreased with exercise and also for activated AKT in SD. Overall, in both diets, exercise reduced 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1. ET increased glucocorticoid receptor and reduced PTP1B in HFD. SIGNIFICANCE: Physical exercise mitigates the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and positively modulates insulin and glucocorticoid signaling in NASH.

Produtividade da cana-de-açúcar: variabilidade linear e espacial entre componentes tecnológicos e da produção / Productivity of cane sugar: linear and spatial variability between components and technological production

Na atualidade, a cultura da cana-de-açúcar desempenha frente à realidade brasileira, sobretudo no aspecto relacionado às fontes energéticas alternativas, importantíssimo papel. No ano de 2009, no município de Suzanápolis (SP), no Cerrado Brasileiro, foi instalado um experimento com a cultura da cana-de-açúcar em um Argissolo Vermelho eutrófico, com o objetivo de selecionar, por meio de coeficientes de correlação de Pearson, da modelagem de regressões lineares simples e de múltiplas e da correlação espacial, os melhores componentes tecnológicos e os de produção, para explicar a variabilidade da produtividade da cana-de-açúcar. Foi instalada a malha geoestatística, para a coleta de dados, com 120 pontos amostrais, numa área de 14,53 ha. Para as regressões lineares simples, a população de plantas é o componente da produção que apresenta a melhor correlação quadrática com a produtividade da cana-de-açúcar, dada por: PRO = -0,553**xPOP2+16,14*xPOP-15,77. Entretanto, para as regressões lineares múltiplas, a equação PRO = - 21,11+4,92xPOP**+0,76xPUR** é a que melhor se apresenta para estimar a referida produtividade. Espacialmente, a melhor correlação com a produtividade da cana-de-açúcar é determinada, também, pelo componente da produção da população de plantas.

Nowadays, the culture of the sugarcane plays an important role regarding the Brazilian reality, especially in the aspect related to the alternative energy sources. In 2009, the municipality of Suzanápolis (SP), in the Brazilian Cerrado, an experiment was conducted with the culture of the sugarcane in a Red eutrophic, with the aim of selecting, using Pearson correlation coefficients, modeling, simple, linear and multiple regressions and spatial correlation, and also the best technological and productive components, to explain the variability of the productivity of the sugarcane. The geostatistical grid was installed in order to collect the data, with 120 sampling points, in an area of 14.53 ha. For the simple linear regressions, the plants population is the component of production that presents the best quadratic correlation with the productivity of the sugarcane, given by: PRO = -0.553**xPOP2+16.14*xPOP-15.77. However, for multiple linear regressions, the equation PRO = -21.11+4.92xPOP**+0.76xPUR** is the one that best presents in order to estimate that productivity. Spatially, the best correlation with yield of the sugarcane is also determined by the component of the production population of plants.

Produtividade de madeira do eucalipto correlacionada com atributos do solo visando ao mapeamento de zonas específicas de manejo / Eucalyptus wood productivity correlated with soil attributes aiming the mapping of management specifics regions

A correta intervenção espacial na administração da lavoura, decorrente das zonas específicas de manejo do solo, aumenta a produtividade e a lucratividade agrícola. No ano de 2010, em Selvíria, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil (20° 20' S lat.; 51° 24' W long.) foram empregadas correlações, espaciais e de Pearson, entre dados da planta de eucalipto e alguns atributos físico-químicos do solo, visando encontrar aquele que se correlacionasse bem com a produtividade de madeira. Para tanto, instalou-se uma rede geoestatística para a coleta de dados de solo e planta, com 120 pontos amostrais, num talhão de Eucalyptus camaldulensis de 2 anos. O solo foi um Latossolo Vermelho distrófico (Haplic Acrustox) com declive de 0,025m m-1. O diâmetro basal da copa e a densidade do solo, por resultarem estreitas correlações com o volume de madeira, evidenciaram zonas específicas de manejo do solo intimamente associadas à produção de madeira do eucalipto.

The perfect spatial intervention to manage the cultivation of the land, deriving from specific regions of the soil mapping, increases the agricultural productivity, as well as its clear gain. The relationships, spatial and Pearson, between eucalyptus data plant with some physical and chemical attributes of soil, in the growing season of 2011, in Selviria County, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil (20° 20' S lat.; 51° 24' W long.), were studied in order to obtain the one that could have the best relationship in order to improve the wood productivity. Thus, a geostatistical grid was installed for the soil and plant data collection, it contained 120 sample points, in plantation of Eucalyptus camaldulensis of 2 years old. The soil was a Dystrophic Red Latosol (Haplic Acrustox) whit slope of 0.025m m-1. Due to their excellent relationship with wood productivity, the basis diameter of the crown and the bulk density showed management specific regions of soil whit high relation to eucalyptus wood productivity.

Characterization of monocyte-derived dendritic cells from patients with active and treated paracoccidioidomycosis.

Cellular immune responses are a significant defence mechanism in human paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), an endemic mycosis in Latin America; however, little is known about the role of dendritic cells (DCs) in human PCM. We investigated monocyte-derived DCs from patients with treated (TP) and active PCM (AP) compared with healthy non-PCM donors (CO). DCs from the TP group showed higher expression of HLA-DR, CD86 and DC-SIGN compared with CO, whereas AP showed similar expression to CO. Production of IL-10 was downregulated by TNF-α in all groups and lower levels were observed in untreated DCs from AP compared with CO. Conversely, IL-12p40 was significantly upregulated in the DCs of the TP group. TNF-α-activated DCs from the CO group produced significantly lower levels of IL-12p40 when differentiated from magnetic-sorted monocytes (MACS) compared with adhered monocyte-derived DCs. This comparison in the TP group revealed similar levels of IL-12p40, suggesting a T cell-independent increase in the production of IL-12p40. Higher expression of surface molecules with increased IL-12p40 may indicate a better activation of DCs after the treatment of PCM. Our findings suggest that DCs may be crucial in the protective response to Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and that in vitro-generated DCs might be useful in enhancing antifungal immunity, especially during active PCM.

Primeiro registro no Brasil de Erythrina velutina Willd. como hospedeira de Tetranychus neocaledonicus (Acari: Tetranychidae) / First Brazilian report of Erythrina velutina Willd. as host of Tetranychus neocaledonicus (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Os ácaros tetraniquídeos representam importantes pragas para diversas culturas agrícolas em todo o mundo. Durante a prospecção em mudas de Erytrina velutina no distrito de São Cristovão, Estado de Sergipe, Brasil, a ocorrência destes foi observada em 15 por cento das mudas que foram levadas ao laboratório para a caracterização dos danos. As mudas apresentavam sintomas de redução e encarquilhamento do limbo. Foram coletados 100 indivíduos destas plantas, os quais foram montados em lâminas de microscopia para a identificação taxonômica. Os ácaros foram identificados como pertencentes à espécie Tetranychus neocaledonicus (Acari: Tetranychidae). Este é o primeiro relato em E. velutina, como hospedeira para T. neocaledonicus no Brasil.

Spider mites are important pests to several crops worldwide. During prospecting in Erytrina velutina specimens from São Cristovão District, Sergipe State, Brazil, their occurrence was observed in 15 percent seedlings, which were taken to the laboratory for description of damages. The seedlings presented leaf blade reduction and crumpling symptoms. One hundred mites were collected from these seedlings and mounted on microscope slides for taxonomic identification. The identified mites belonged to the species Tetranychus neocaledonicus (Acari: Tetranychidae). This is the first report of E. velutina as host for T. neocaledonicus in Brazil.

Produtividade da soja correlacionada com a porosidade e a densidade de um Latossolo Vermelho do cerrado brasileiro / Soybean yield correlated with the porosity and the density of a red Latosol of the Brazilian Savanna

No ano agrícola de 2004/05, na Fazenda Experimental da FE/Unesp-Campus de Ilha Solteira, localizada no Município de Selvíria, Mato Grosso do Sul - (MS), foram estudadas a variabilidade e a dependência espacial entre a macroporosidade (MA), a microporosidade (MI), a porosidade total (PT) e a densidade do solo (DS), em três profundidades, com a produtividade da soja (PG), em sistema plantio direto, sobre um Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico. O objetivo foi pesquisar a variabilidade e as correlações lineares e espaciais entre os atributos da planta e do solo, visando a selecionar um indicador da qualidade física do solo para a produtividade da soja. Foi instalada a malha geoestatística, para a coleta de dados do solo e da planta, contendo 124 pontos amostrais, numa área de 4.000m². A correlação linear entre a produtividade de grãos de soja com os atributos do solo estudados foi baixa. Houve correlação espacial direta entre a PG e a MA nas camadas de zero-0,10m e 0,10-0,20m. A macroporosidade do solo (MA1), avaliada na camada de zero-0,10m, apresentou-se como o melhor indicador da qualidade física do solo quando destinada à avaliação da produtividade de soja, nas condições de plantio direto, em solo de cerrado.

The variability and the spatial dependence attributes of the following plant and soil: a) the soybean yield (SY) in no-tillage and irrigated, b) the macroporosity (MA), c) microporosity (MI), d) total porosity (TP), e) and bulk density (BD), in depths of 1 (0-0.10m), 2 (0.10-0.20m) and 3 (0.20-0.30 m), in a Red Latosol of the Engineering college of the São Paulo State University (FE/UNESP) in the Ilha Solteira campus, located in Selvíria County, Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil, were analyzed in the agricultural year of 2004/05. The main goal was to study the variability and the linear and spatial correlations among the attributes (plant and soil), aiming to select an index of soil physical quality with good capacity to represent the soybean yield. A geostatistical grid to collect soil and plant data was installed, with one hundred and twenty four sample points, in an area of 4000m². The linear relationship between soybean yield and physical attributes of soil studied was low. So, there was a direct spatial relationship between SY and MA1 (0-0.10m), as well as between SY and MA2 (0.10-0.20m). The MA1 showed its best index of the soil physical quality, when it was destined to estimate the soybean yield on no-tillage.

What variables predict generic and health-related quality of life in a sample of Brazilian women experiencing infertility?

BACKGROUND: Infertility is a condition associated with impairment in several areas of life. Questionnaires about quality of life (QoL) allow the examination of the impact of health conditions in a broader way, comprehending outcomes beyond symptomatology, morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with various aspects of QoL. METHODS: Cross-sectional study using the following: a socio-demographic and clinical data form, the Health Survey Short Form (SF-36) which examines health-related QoL and the WHOQOL-BREF which examines general QoL. RESULTS: 177 women seeking fertility assistance were interviewed. The sample was predominantly composed of women between 30 and 40 years old (64%), who had known about their infertility for <5 years (57%) and who had had no previous attempts at assisted reproduction (79%). Logistic regression indicated the following predictor variables: age (for better general health and physical functioning), previous in vitro fertilization (for lower vitality and poor psychological health scores), previous reproductive tract surgery (for worse general health but higher environment scores), advanced education (for higher vitality, mental health and environment scores, but for worse social relationships) and perception of worse sexual life (for lower overall scores). CONCLUSIONS: The identification of factors associated with better or worse QoL, in its different domains, is vital in order to propose and test scientifically based interventions on infertile women.

Lack of correlation between rabies virus replication in the brain and antibody isotype profile in genetically modified mice

The relationship among the phenotypes resistance to infection, virus replication in the brain and isotype production was investigated in genetically modified High (H) or Low (L) antibody responder mouse lines. Although they express the same innate susceptibility to rabies infection, these lines differ as to different viral replication rates in the central nervous system and L mice showed a higher permissible state. After intramuscular infection with the Pasteur rabies strain (PV), the H-L interline differences on the earlier stage of virus replication were 1000 and 80 folds on days 5 and 6, respectively. The isotype profile in sera of the experimentally infected mice reflected an interline difference of 25 folds for IgG2a throughout the infection period, and for the IgE production the H-L difference was highly significant only at the beginning of the process. These results confirm the multi-specific effect of antibody immune responsiveness and the general isotype distribution of antibodies in these genetically selected mice. Contrary to the clear correlation between antibody responsiveness and the acquired resistance to rabies infection, the present study demonstrates that the constitutive genetic character of High and Low responder individuals does not intervene in the degree of resistance following infection. Altogether, this study contributes to the knowledge of the protective role of the general innate responsiveness on the pathological pattern to rabies virus infection

Subendometrial power Doppler quantification: a new classification proposal.

Fifty-two women with regular menses were enrolled in the study. The patients were not allowed to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs within 24 h of any examination. All patients were examined during the mid-luteal phase (6-9 days after ovulation, according to previous ultrasound record). Power Doppler energy levels were classified into five categories according to the per cent area of sub-endometrial signal: I (<10%), II (10-25%), III (25-50%), IV (50-75%) and V (>75%). The colour Doppler signal was considered positive when it reached at least the endometrial basal layer. The picture of the endometrium was analysed and the regions of interest were identified and marked for further analysis. Each recorded image was then independently evaluated and classified by three blinded observers. According to the power Doppler classification, age, body mass index (BMI) and endometrial thickness were analysed, and no significant differences were observed among them. The Kappa test (0.70) demonstrated an excellent agreement among examiners (P = 0.0001). This study has validated a very simple and cost-effective classification for sub-endometrial vascularization. This method of quantification may potentially be of use, and its relevance to clinical practice should be explored.

Predictive factors for motile sperm recovery using testicular biopsy in nonobstructive azoospermic patients.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to assess the predictive value of hormone values, histological analysis for the finding of motile spermatozoa on testicular biopsy in nonobstructive azoospermia. METHODS: This cross-sectional study assessed serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone, prolactin and total testosterone values in 50 patients undergoing testicular biopsy prior to ICSI. P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Recovery was successful in 28 cases, and motile spermatozoa were retrieved in 7. Significant differences were detected between presence of motile spermatozoa and absence of spermatozoa in terms of FSH values (P = 0.003, one-way ANOVA). The other variables did not present statistical differences. A receiver operating characteristic curve showed that FSH levels below 17.00 IU/L were predictive of motile spermatozoa recovery. CONCLUSIONS: FSH values can serve as a predictive factor for the recovery of motile spermatozoa using biopsy in azoospermic patients. On the other hand, histological analysis and other hormone values were not helpful in the prediction of motile sperm.

Prolactin and growth hormone secretion after thyrotrophin-releasing hormone infusion and dopaminergic (DA2) blockade in infertile patients with minimal/mild endometriosis.

BACKGROUND: The origin of infertility in patients with endometriosis without tubal occlusion has not yet been clearly defined. Several reports show an abnormal pituitary-ovarian axis in this group of patients. Moreover, prolactin (PRL) and growth hormone (GH) secretion is closely related to reproductive status. This study aimed to evaluate PRL and GH secretion after metoclopramide and thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) infusion in infertile patients with minimal/mild endometriosis. METHODS: A total of 64 women participated in the study: 33 fertile patients without endometriosis; 10 fertile patients with minimal/mild endometriosis; and 21 infertile patients with minimal/mild endometriosis. TRH or metoclopramide was administered randomly in two sequential menstrual cycles (cycle days 3-5). Serum PRL and GH secretion before and after dopaminergic type 2 (DA2) receptor blockade and TRH were compared. RESULTS: Higher serum PRL levels were observed in patients with endometriosis at baseline and after 15 and 30 min of TRH administration. Also, infertile patients with endometriosis had lower serum estradiol levels than fertile patients. Moreover, the dopaminergic blockade did not result in abnormal PRL or GH secretion. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased serum estradiol levels and altered PRL secretion after TRH administration in infertile patients with minimal/mild endometriosis are related to ovulatory dysfunction and infertility in this group of patients without tubal occlusion.

Growth hormone and prolactin secretion after metoclopramide administration (DA2 receptor blockade) in fertile women.

In this report, we will describe the results of a cross-sectional study to assess PRL and GH secretion during the early follicular phase in 22 fertile patients after metoclopramide administration in order to achieve a dopaminergic DA2 receptor blockade. Blood samples were collected at - 15, 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes. PRL, GH, estradiol, IGF-I, TSH, glucose, and insulin were measured in the samples taken at - 15 and 0 minutes. The existence of a correlation between GH and PRL secretion was investigated. All patients presented normal serum levels of estradiol, prolactin, insulin, fasting glucose and IGF-I. Serum GH levels were not changed after metoclopramide infusion (p = 0.302), but there was a significant alteration in serum PRL (p = 0.0001) with the highest levels after 30 (mean: 237.20 ng/ml +/- 95.86) and 45 (mean: 211.80 ng/ml +/- 83.24) minutes. Serum GH levels did not correlate with serum PRL levels after the dopaminergic DA2 blockade. We conclude that GH secretion was not modulated by a direct effect of type 2 dopamine receptor.