Implications of converting native forest areas to agricultural systems on the dynamics of CO2 emission and carbon stock in a Cerrado soil, Brazil.

The conversion of native vegetation to agricultural areas leads to a natural process of carbon loss but these systems can stabilize in terms of carbon dynamics depending on the management and conversion time, presenting potential to both store and stabilize this carbon in the soil, resulting in lower soil respiration rates. In this context, this study aimed to investigate the effect of converting native Cerrado forest areas to agricultural systems with a forest planted with Eucalyptus camaldulensis and silvopastoral systems on the dynamics of CO2 emission and carbon stock at different soil depths. The experimental sites are located in the Midwest of Brazil, in the coordinates 20°22'31″ S and 51°24'12″ W. Were evaluated soil CO2 emission (FCO2), soil organic carbon, the degree of humification of soil organic matter (HLIFS), soil temperature, soil moisture, and soil chemical and physical attributes. The soil of the area is classified as an Oxisol (Haplic Acrustox). Soil samples were collected at depths of 0.00-0.10, 0.10-0.20, 0.20-0.30, and 0.30-0.40 m. The lowest FCO2 values were found in the silvopastoral system (1.05 µmol m-2 s-1), followed by the native forest (1.65 µmol m-2 s-1) and the eucalyptus system (1.96 µmol m-2 s-1), indicating a 36% reduction in FCO2 compared to the conversion of the native forest to the silvopastoral system and an increase of 19% when converting the native forest to the eucalyptus system. The soil chemical attributes (N, K+, Ca2+, H++Al3+, CEC, and organic carbon) showed a decrease along the profile. The shallowest depths (0.00-0.10 and 0.10-0.20 m) presented no differences between systems but the subsequent depths (0.20-0.30 and 0.30-0.40 m) had a difference (95% confidence interval), relative to N, Ca2+, H++Al3, CEC, and organic carbon stock (OCS), and the soil under silvopastoral system showed a higher concentration of these attributes than the native forest. The multivariate analysis showed that the eucalyptus and silvopastoral systems did not differ from the forest in the shallowest soil layer but differed from each other. This behavior changed from the second assessed depth (0.10-0.20 m), in which the silvopastoral system stands out, differing both from the eucalyptus system and from the native forest, and this behavior is maintained at the following depths (0.20-0.30 and 0.30-0.40 m). OCS, H++Al3, CEC, and nitrogen are strongly related to land use change for silvopastoral system. Regarding the behavior/relationship of attributes as a function of depth, the silvopastoral system contributed to soil carbon accumulation and stability over consecutive years.

Artificial neural networks and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems for prediction of soil respiration in forested areas southern Brazil.

The purpose of this study was to estimate the temporal variability of CO2 emission (FCO2) from O2 influx into the soil (FO2) in a reforested area with native vegetation in the Brazilian Cerrado, as well as to understand the dynamics of soil respiration in this ecosystem. The database is composed of soil respiration data, agroclimatic variables, improved vegetation index (EVI), and soil attributes used to train machine learning algorithms: artificial neural network (ANN) and an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). The predictive performance was evaluated based on the mean absolute error (MEA), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), agreement index (d), confidence coefficient (c), and coefficient of determination (R2). The best estimation results for validation were FCO2 with multilayer perceptron neural network (MLP) (R2 = 0.53, RMSE = 0.967 µmol m-2 s-1) and radial basis function neural network (RBF) (R2 = 0.54, RMSE = 0.884 µmol m-2 s-1) and FO2 with MLP (R2 = 0.45, RMSE = 0.093 mg m-2 s-1) and RBF (R2 = 0.74, 0.079 mg m-2 s-1). Soil temperature and macroporosity are important predictors of FCO2 and FO2. The best combination of variables for training the ANFIS was selected based on trial and error. The results were as follows: FCO2 (R2 = 16) and FO2 (R2 = 29). In all models, FCO2 outperformed FO2. A primary factor analysis was performed, and FCO2 and FO2 correlated best with the weather and soil attributes, respectively.

Detection and application of novel SSR markers from transcriptome data for Astronium fraxinifolium Schott, a threatened Brazilian tree species.

Astronium fraxinifolium is an endangered tree species from Brazil. Due to its significance in environmental reforestation, as well as the continued exploitation of its wood, it is necessary to develop management programs that support the conservation of the species. Simple sequence repeats (SSR) or microsatellite markers are widely used in population genetic studies across a range of diverse organisms. In this study, we present the first SSR markers developed for A. fraxinifolium as well as their frequency and distribution based on transcriptome data. From transcriptome data, we identified more than 100 thousand sequences presenting microsatellites, with a predominant distribution of trinucleotide repeats. From the initial screening, we selected 20 microsatellite loci which were validated and evaluated for genetic indices in two natural populations. All loci were polymorphic, ranging from four to 11 alleles per locus. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0 to 1.0 and from 0.533 to 1.0, respectively, while the genetic differentiation (GST = 0.363) was greater within than between populations. The developed SSR loci from RNA-Seq data provides a foundation for future studies on genetic diversity and population structure, mating system, and gene flow for A. fraxinifolium populations and related species, aiming at conservation and management.

Complete chloroplast genome of Myracrodruon urundeuva and its phylogenetics relationships in Anacardiaceae family.

Continuous exploratory use of tree species is threatening the existence of several plants in South America. One of these threatened species is Myracroduron urundeuva, highly exploited due to the high quality and durability of its wood. The chloroplast (cp) has been used for several evolutionary studies as well traceability of timber origin, based on its gene sequences and simple sequence repeats (SSR) variability. Cp genome organization is usually consisting of a large single copy and a small single copy region separated by two inverted repeats regions. We sequenced the complete cp genome from M. urundeuva based on Illumina next-generation sequencing. Our results show that the cp genome is 159,883 bp in size. The 36 SSR identified ranging from mono- to hexanucleotides. Positive selection analysis revealed nine genes related to photosystem, protein synthesis, and DNA replication, and protease are under positive selection. Genome comparison a other Anacardiaceae chloroplast genomes showed great variability in the family. The phylogenetic analysis using complete chloroplast genome sequences of other Anacardiaceae family members showed a close relationship with two other economically important genera, Pistacia and Rhus. These results will help future investigations of timber monitoring and population and evolutionary studies. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-021-00989-1.

Development of microsatellite markers for Myracrodruon urundeuva (F.F. & M.F. Allemão), a highly endangered species from tropical forest based on next-generation sequencing.

Myracrodruon urundeuva is a tree species of high economic importance due the strength and durability of its wood. Threatened of extinction in Brazil, it is present only in a few forest remnants, mostly in conservation units. Currently, there is little information on the genetic diversity of natural populations in Brazil and even less information about the genome of this species. Here, new species-specific microsatellite loci were developed based on next-generation sequencing (Illumina). More than 100,000 loci were identified in the run, with di- to hexanucleotides motifs. Of these, 20 loci were selected for validation in 30 individuals, with 15 successfully polymorphic loci detected. The number of alleles ranged among loci from 3 to 16, with an average of 7.73, expected (H e ) and observed (H o ) heterozygosity ranged from 0.246 to 0.902 and from 0.103 to 0.867, respectively. These results point out that these new set of markers has a great potential for use in population genetic studies for genetic conservation of the species.

[Maternal postnatal depression and its impact on child neurodevelopment: a cohort study]. / Depresión materna postnatal y su repercusión en el neurodesarrollo infantil: estudio de cohorte.

Post partum depresion (DPP) is the most frequent psquiatric disorder in pregnant woman and it may affect the neurodevelopment of their offspring. Our goal was to analyze the association between maternal depressive symptoms at 6 months after birth and child’s neurodevelopmental disorders at 18 months-old, in a homogeneous population characterized by low socioeconomic and cultural level. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted. There were included 127 healthy postpartum women and their infants. A structured interview was performed which included patronymic data and family perception before discharge. Binomial monitoring took place at 6 months postpartum, when was applied the Beck test for depression and anxiety to mothers; children´s neurodevelopment at 18 month-old was evaluated by Lezine Revised Brunet-test. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 125 women and their children. The mean age was 24.5 year old (SD 6.02); 30.6% had completed less than 6 years of formal education. The incidence of moderate to severe postpartum depression at 6 months after birth was 20%. The overall development score mean was 73.52 (SD 8.06) in the depression population and 76.97 (SD 8.07) in the population without depression (p = 0.04). The development coefficient was 69.08 (SD: 10.35) in the depression population and 74.11 (SD 0.67) in the population without depression (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of moderate to severe DPP was 20%. Persistent DPP in a vulnerable socio-economic context has impact on child development.

New records of Mansonella ozzardi: a parasite that is spreading from the state of Amazonas to previously uninfected areas of the state of Acre in the Purus River region.

Mansonella ozzardi infections are common in the riverside communities along the Solimões, Negro and Purus Rivers in the state of Amazonas (AM). However, little is known about the presence of this parasite in communities located in regions bordering AM and the state of Acre. The prevalence rate of M. ozzardi infections was determined in blood samples from volunteers according to the Knott method. A total of 355 volunteers from six riverine communities were enrolled in the study and 65 (18.3%) were found to be infected with M. ozzardi. As expected, most of the infections (25%) occurred in individuals involved in agriculture, cattle rearing and fishing and an age/sex group analysis revealed that the prevalence increased beginning in the 40-50-years-of-age group and reached 33% in both sexes in individuals over 50 years of age. Based on the described symptomatology, articular pain and headache were found to be significantly higher among infected individuals (56 and 65% prevalence, respectively, p < 0.05). Sera from volunteers were subjected to ELISA using a cocktail of recombinant proteins from Onchocerca volvulus to evaluate the specificity of the test in an endemic M. ozzardi region. No cross-reactions between M. ozzardi-infected individuals and recombinant O. volvulus proteins were detected, thus providing information on the secure use of this particular cocktail in areas where these parasites are sympatric.

Machine learning for prediction of soil CO2 emission in tropical forests in the Brazilian Cerrado.

Soil CO2 emission (FCO2) is a critical component of the global carbon cycle, but it is a source of great uncertainty due to the great spatial and temporal variability. Modeling of soil respiration can strongly contribute to reducing the uncertainties associated with the sources and sinks of carbon in the soil. In this study, we compared five machine learning (ML) models to predict the spatiotemporal variability of FCO2 in three reforested areas: eucalyptus (RE), pine (RP) and native species (RNS). The study also included a generalized scenario (GS) where all the data from RE, RP and RNS were included in one dataset. The ML models include generalized regression neural network (GRNN), radial basis function neural network (RBFNN), multilayer perceptron neural network (MLPNN), adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and random forest (RF). Initially, we had 32 attributes and after pre-processing, including Pearson's correlation, canonical correlation analysis (CCA), and biophysical justification, only 21 variables remained. We used as input variables 19 soil properties and climate variables in reforested areas of eucalyptus, pine and native species. RF was the best model to predict soil respiration to RE [adjusted coefficient of determination (R2 adj): 0.70 and root mean square error (RMSE): 1.02 µmol m-2 s-1], RP (R2 adj: 0.48 and RMSE: 1.07 µmol m-2 s-1) and GS (R2 adj: 0.70 and RMSE: 1.05 µmol m-2 s-1). Our findings support that RF and GRNN are promising for predicting soil respiration of reforested areas which could help to identify and monitor potential sources and sinks of the main additional greenhouse gas over ecosystems.

Tree age and cultivar-oriented use of mineral oil added to fungicide tank mixture for the control of citrus black spot in sweet orange orchards.

BACKGROUND: Mineral oil added to fungicide spray mixtures has been a frequently used strategy to control citrus black spot (CBS) worldwide. Although mineral oil may increase the efficacy of control, its use represents around 15% of the costs of a CBS spray program. This study aimed to assess the performance of different proportions of mineral oil added to a fungicide tank mixture for CBS control in young (less than 10 years old) and old (more than 12 years old) sweet orange orchards of early ('Hamlin'), mid-season ('Pera') and late-maturing ('Valencia') cultivars in São Paulo state, Brazil. The efficacy of 0.15%, 0.20% or 0.25% mineral oil added to a fungicide spray mixture was determined by assessing CBS incidence, severity and fruit drop in six orchards over two seasons. RESULTS: Fungicide programs with or without oil were effective in reducing 100% CBS symptom expression in both young and old 'Hamlin' orchards and in the young 'Pera' orchard. The lowest mineral oil rate tested (0.15%) showed a reduction in CBS intensity of around 90%, similar to the highest rate tested in the old 'Pera' orchard. The highest cost-benefit program to control CBS in the old 'Valencia' orchard was obtained with the mineral oil rate of 0.25%, commonly used in the São Paulo citrus belt, which reduced CBS severity by up to 97%. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that mineral oil rates for CBS control can be adjusted according to tree age and cultivar. These findings contribute to the establishment of more sustainable citrus production by reducing spray costs while maintaining the efficacy of CBS control. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Landscape barriers to pollen and seed flow in the dioecious tropical tree Astronium fraxinifolium in Brazilian savannah.

Gene flow studies provide information on gene exchange between populations, which is essential for developing genetic conservation strategies. Such analyses enable a better understanding of the life history and seed and pollen dispersal mechanisms of plant species. In this study, we investigate pollen and seed flow in a regenerant population of the pioneer species Astronium fraxinifolium in an area degraded during the construction of a hydroelectric dam. We mapped, sampled, sexed, and genotyped 386 individuals in the regenerant population (RP), as well as 128 adult trees located along two highways adjacent to the degraded area; one in Mato Grosso do Sul State (MS) and other in São Paulo State (SP). Parentage analyses was carried out for 370 individuals of the RP population, using as putative parents 348 individuals from RP and all 128 individuals sampled in MS and SP. Based on parentage analysis and eight microsatellite loci, our analyses revealed that for individuals of the RP with an identified father (pollen donor), 1.1% of the pollen was dispersed up to 532 m, while for those with an identified mother (seed donor), 0.5% of seeds were dispersed up to 4,782 m. However, a large proportion of pollen (76.5%) and seeds (57%) immigrated from trees outside the sampled populations. Pollen and seeds were dispersed through a pattern of isolation by distance. Genetic diversity was significantly similar between adults of both highway populations and individuals from RP, with significant levels of inbreeding detected only in RP. Our results demonstrate that the nearest trees contributed pollen and seeds for the recovery of the degraded area, indicating reproductive spatial isolation among the sampled populations due to the damming of the river. Such results help to understand the process of regeneration for A. fraxinifolium in regenerant populations to inform strategies for conservation and environmental recovery with this species.

Acute conjunctivitis with episcleritis and anterior uveitis linked to adiaspiromycosis and freshwater sponges, Amazon region, Brazil, 2005.

We conducted an epidemiologic investigation of an outbreak of ocular disease among children to determine whether the disease was linked to Emmonsia sp., a rarely-reported fungus and an agent of adiaspiromycosis. Using an unmatched case-control study design, we compared case-patients with asymptomatic controls randomly selected from the population. Scleral biopsies were analyzed microscopically. Of 5,084 children examined, 99 case-patients were identified; mean age (+1 SD) was 11.0 +/- 4.4 years. Symptoms included photophobia (57%), ocular pain (42%), and blurred vision (40%). In the multivariate analysis, risk factors included diving in the Araguaia River (odds ratio 5.2; 95% confidence interval 2.4-12.0). Microscopy identified foreign bodies consistent with adiaconidia. This outbreak probably resulted from foreign-body-type reactions to adiaspiromycosis conidia after initial irritation caused by conjunctival contact with spicules of sponges in the river. Symptomatic children responded to corticosteroid treatment. Adiaspiromycosis is a preventable cause of ocular disease in the Amazon region.

Hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita clásica de presentación neonatal. Reporte de un caso clínico

Introducción: la hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita (HSC) comprende un conjunto de enfermedades hereditarias que involucran alteraciones en el ciclo del cortisol a nivel enzimático. La forma clásica tiene una incidencia de 1:14.000 a 1:18.000 nacimientos, mientras que la no clásica se presenta en 1:2.000 recién nacidos. Según la enzima involucrada, las manifestaciones clínicas varían desde asintomáticas a alteraciones en medio interno que comprometen la vida, por lo que debe tenerse un alto nivel de sospecha clínica para diagnosticarla en forma oportuna. En Uruguay, desde el año 2007, se cuenta con el pesquisaje de la 17-OH progesterona, producto aumentado en la forma más frecuente de HSC. El diagnóstico prenatal mediante la búsqueda de mutaciones en el gen CYP21A2, a través de punción de vellosidades coriales o amniocentesis, o del ADN fetal en sangre materna se recomienda en HSC con ambos padres portadores de la mutación severa y el antecedente de un hijo previo con la forma clásica. El tratamiento prenatal se considera en etapa experimental, con dexametasona en fetos femeninos con riesgo de enfermedad clásica, manteniéndose con la confirmación hasta el parto. Se presenta el caso clínico de una recién nacida de 11 días con HSC perdedora de sal y virilización de genitales externos, diagnosticada por la pesquisa neonatal. Se reporta su manejo interdisciplinario y evolución. Conclusiones: la hiperplasia suprarrenal es una enfermedad hereditaria potencialmente grave. La pesquisa neonatal constituye una herramienta efectiva para la detección de esta enfermedad. El manejo multidisciplinario es clave para el seguimiento y la optimización del tratamiento.

Summary: Introduction: congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) involves a set of hereditary diseases that include alterations in the cortisol cycle, at enzymatic level. The classic variant has an incidence of 1:14,000 to 1:18,000 births, while the non-classic one occurs in 1:2,000 newborns. As a result of the enzyme involved, the clinical manifestations change from asymptomatic to alterations in the internal environment that compromise life, so clinical suspicion must be high in order to diagnose it in a timely manner. The diagnosis is more frequently made by neonatal screening than by physical examination, and it is a more sensitive method, especially in males, since there are no changes at the level of external genitalia. The implementation of screening has reduced the time prior to diagnosis. In Uruguay, since 2007, a universal screening has been carried out measuring 17-OH progesterone, which is increased in the most frequent form of CAH. Treatment is lifelong, consisting of oral glucocorticoids (hydrocortisone) and mineralocorticoids (fludrocortisone). We recommend prenatal diagnosis by searching for mutations in the CYP21A2 gene through chorionic villus puncture or amniocentesis, or fetal DNA in maternal blood in cases of CAH if both parents are carriers of the severe mutation and have a history of a previous classic case. Prenatal treatment with dexamethasone is considered in the experimental stage, in female fetuses at risk of the standard disease, which is maintained until birth if confirmed. We present a clinical case of an 11-day-old newborn with salt-wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia and virilization of the external genitalia, diagnosed by neonatal screening. We report her management and interdisciplinary evolution. Conclusion: adrenal hyperplasia is a potentially serious inherited disease. Neonatal screening is an effective tool for detecting this disease. Multidisciplinary management is key to monitoring and optimizing treatment.

Introdução: a hiperplasia adrenal congênita (HAC) compreende um conjunto de doenças hereditárias que envolvem alterações no ciclo do cortisol, em nível enzimático. A forma clássica tem incidência de 1:14.000 a 1:18.000 nascimentos, enquanto a forma não clássica ocorre em 1:2.000 recém-nascidos. Dependendo da enzima envolvida, as manifestações clínicas variam de assintomáticas até alterações do ambiente interno que comprometem a vida, portanto é necessário ter um alto nível de suspeita clínica para diagnosticá-la em forma precoce. No Uruguai, desde 2007, existe triagem para 17-OH progesterona, produto aumentado na forma mais frequente de HAC. O diagnóstico pré-natal pela busca de mutações no gene CYP21A2 por meio de punção de vilosidades coriônicas ou amniocentese, ou DNA fetal no sangue materno é recomendado na HAC com ambos os pais portadores da mutação grave e história de filho anterior com a forma clássica. O tratamento pré-natal é considerado em fase experimental, com dexametasona em fetos femininos com risco de doença clássica, continuando com confirmação até o parto. É apresentado o caso clínico de um recém-nascido de 11 dias com hiperplasia adrenal congênita perdedora de sal e virilização da genitália externa, diagnosticado por triagem neonatal. Relatamos sua gestão interdisciplinar e evolução. Conclusões: a hiperplasia adrenal é uma doença hereditária potencialmente grave. A triagem neonatal é uma ferramenta eficaz para detectar esta doença. O manejo multidisciplinar é fundamental para monitorar e otimizar o tratamento.

Caracterización de recién nacidos con síndrome de Down. Experiencia de cuatro años en el Servicio de Neonatología del Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell, Montevideo. Uruguay

Introducción: la trisomía 21 o síndrome de Down (SD) es la alteración cromosómica más frecuente, con una incidencia general de 1 en 600 a 800 recién nacidos vivos. Su diagnóstico es de sospecha clínica y confirmación citogenética. Las cardiopatías congénitas y las malformaciones gastrointestinales son frecuentes, al igual que las alteraciones hematológicas y desórdenes tiroideos. Material y método: estudio descriptivo con el objetivo de detallar las características fenotípicas, genéticas, malformaciones y morbilidades asociadas en los pacientes con trisomía 21 nacidos en el Servicio de Neonatología del Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell entre el 1 de julio de 2017 y el 1 de julio de 2021. Resultados: se incluyeron 56 pacientes, 30/56 fueron de sexo masculino, la media de edad gestacional fue de 37 semanas. Un total de 17 pacientes fue pretérmino. De los pacientes estudiados, 45/56 presentaron trisomía libre en el cariotipo. La hipotonía fue el signo más frecuentemente observado en el examen clínico. El defecto congénito más frecuente, en 34 pacientes, fue la cardiopatía congénita. La más frecuente fue la comunicación interauricular (CIA), seguida de la comunicación interventricular (CIV) en segundo lugar y el canal atrioventricular (canal AV) en tercer lugar. Se encontraron 23 pacientes con alteraciones en el hemograma, siendo la plaquetopenia la alteración más observada. A nueve pacientes se les realizó diagnóstico de hipotiroidismo y la mortalidad global durante la internación fue de 1,78%. Conclusiones: se destaca la alta prevalencia de prematurez y de defectos congénitos asociados, siendo la cardiopatía congénita la más frecuente.

Summary: Introduction: trisomy 21 or Down Syndrome is the most frequent chromosomal alteration, with a general incidence of 1 in 600 to 800 live newborns. Diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion and cytogenetic confirmation. Congenital heart disease and gastrointestinal malformations are frequent, as are hematological abnormalities and thyroid disorders. Materials and Methods: descriptive study with the objective of describing the phenotypic and genetic characteristics, malformations and associated morbidities in patients with trisomy 21 born in the neonatology service of the Pereira Rossell Hospital between July 1, 2017 and July 1, 2021. Results: 56 patients were included, 30/56 were male, the mean gestational age was 37 weeks. A total of 17 patients were preterm. Of the patients studied, 45/56 presented free trisomy in the karyotype. Hypotonia was the most frequently observed sign on clinical examination. The most common birth defect, in 34 patients, was congenital heart disease. Among them, the most frequent defect was interatrial septal defect (CIA), followed by interventricular septal defect (VSD) and thirdly, atrioventricular canal (AV canal). Twenty-three patients with alterations in the complete blood count were found, being thrombocytopenia the most observed alteration. Nine patients were diagnosed with hypothyroidism and overall mortality during hospitalization was 1.78%. Conclusions: we must highlight the high prevalence of prematurity and associated congenital defects, being congenital heart disease the most frequent.

Introdução: a Trissomia do 21 ou Síndrome de Down é a alteração cromossômica mais frequente, com incidência geral de 1 em 600 a 800 recém-nascidos vivos. Seu diagnóstico é baseado na suspeita clínica e na confirmação citogenética. Doenças cardíacas congênitas e malformações gastrointestinais são frequentes, assim como anomalias hematológicas e distúrbios da tireoide. Materiais e métodos: estudo descritivo com objetivo de descrever as características fenotípicas e genéticas, malformações e morbidades associadas em pacientes com trissomia dos 21 nascidos no serviço de Neonatologia do Hospital Pereira Rossell entre 1º de julho de 2017 e 1º de julho de 2021. Resultados: foram incluídos 56 pacientes, 30/56 do sexo masculino, idade gestacional média de 37 semanas. Um total de 17 pacientes foram prematuros. Dos pacientes estudados, 45/56 apresentavam trissomia livre no cariótipo. A hipotonia foi o sinal mais frequentemente observado no exame clínico. O defeito congênito mais comum, em 34 pacientes, foi a cardiopatia congênita. Dentre eles, o mais frequente foi a comunicação interatrial (CIA), seguida pela comunicação interventricular (CIV) em segundo lugar e pelo canal atrioventricular (canal AV) em terceiro lugar. Foram encontrados 23 pacientes com alterações no hemograma completo, sendo a trombocitopenia a alteração mais observada. Nove pacientes foram diagnosticados com hipotireoidismo e a mortalidade geral durante a internação foi de 1,78%. Conclusões: destaca-se a alta prevalência de prematuridade e defeitos congênitos associados, sendo as cardiopatias congênitas as mais frequentes.

[Paracoccidioidomycosis at Brasilias university hospital]. / Paracoccidioidomicose no Hospital Universitário de Brasília.

Seventy-six paracoccidioidomycosis patients attended at the university hospital of Brasília from 1984 to 2005 were studied. 82.9% were male and the mean age was 42 years. 54.9% of the patients were engaged in farming activities. Among the patients with the chronic form, 87% were smokers and 55.3% consumed alcohol. Among 71 patients without HIV/AIDS coinfection: a) paracoccidioidomycosis was recurrent in 21 (29.6%); b) the chronic or mixed form affected 77.5% of patients, predominantly in the oropharynx (70.9%) and lungs (67.3%), with lymph node lesions in 29.8%, laryngeal lesions in 27.3% and cutaneous lesions in 16.4%; c) in the acute/subacute form, lymph node lesions predominated (81.3%), followed by cutaneous lesions in 43.8%, which resulted in severe disease in 62.5% and moderate disease in 37.5%. Five patients had HIV/AIDS coinfection and three of them presented disseminated fungal infection together with marked immunosuppression.

Prevalencia de sífilis gestacional y congénita en una maternidad pública de Montevideo, Uruguay, en los años 2018 y 2019 / Prevalence of gestational and congenital syphilis in a public maternity hospital in Montevideo, Uruguay, in 2018 and 2019

INTRODUCCIÓN: Pese a que la sífilis congénita es prevenible, la transmisión materno infantil es un problema de salud mundial. OBJETIVO: Determinar la prevalencia de sífilis gestacional activa y la prevalencia de sífilis congénita en el período comprendido entre 1 de enero de 2018 y 31 de diciembre de 2019 en la maternidad de referencia del sector público de Uruguay. METODOLOGÍA: Trabajo observacional, descriptivo y transversal. RESULTADOS: Se revisaron 11.949 historias clínicas siendo seleccionadas 107 pacientes en el año 2018 y 142 pacientes en el año 2019 que cumplían criterios de inclusión. La prevalencia calculada de sífilis gestacional fue de 20,8 cada 1.000 mujeres embarazadas (249/11.949), la incidencia de sífilis congénita fue de 1,0 cada 1.000 nacidos vivos (12/11.949). La mortalidad en ambos períodos fue de 0%. CONCLUSIONES: La prevalencia de sífilis gestacional aumentó en el período 2018-2019. Esta tendencia es consonante con el aumento de la prevalencia mundial. La prevalencia obtenida de 20,8 cada 1.000 mujeres embarazadas es alta de forma comparativa con los datos nacionales, a diferencia de la incidencia de sífilis congénita (1,0/1.000) inferior a las nacionales que oscilaban de 1,4 a 2,2 cada 1.000 nacidos vivos en los últimos años.

BACKGROUND: Although congenital syphilis is preventable, mother-to-child transmission is a worldwide health problem. AIM: To determine the prevalence of active gestational syphilis and the prevalence of congenital syphilis in the period between January 1, 2018 and December 31,2019 in the reference maternity unit of the public sector of Uruguay. METHODS: Observational, descriptive and cross-sectional work. RESULTS: 11,949 medical records were analyzed, 107 patients were selected in 2018 and 142 patients in 2019 who met the inclusion criteria. The calculated prevalence of gestational syphilis was 20.8 per 1000 pregnant women (249/11949), the incidence of congenital syphilis was 1.0 per 1,000 live births (12/11949). Mortality was 0% in both periods. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of gestational syphilis increased in the 2018-2019 period. This trend is consistent with the increase in prevalence worldwide. The prevalence obtained 20.8 per 1,000 pregnant women is high compared to national data, unlike the incidence of congenital syphilis (1.0/1,000) lower than the national ones that ranged from 1.4 to 2.2 per 1,000 live births in recent years.

[Incidence of group B streptococcal early-onset sepsis in infants born at Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell between 2007-2015]. / Incidencia de sepsis precoz por Streptococcus agalactiae en recién nacidos del Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell en el período 2007-2015.

BACKGROUND: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) disease remains the leading cause of early-onset sepsis (EOS) in developed countries despite effective prophylaxis strategies. AIMS: To describe the incidence, clinical features and mortality of GBS EOS in infants born at Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell (CHPR) and analyse failure of adherence to prevention strategies. METHODS: Retrospective review of EOS cases between 2007 and 2015 collected from the bacteriology laboratory database. RESULTS: Fifteen cases of GBS EOS were identified, with an incidence of 0.23% during the study period. Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) was not administered in any of the cases. All infants were symptomatic within the first 15 hours of life, mainly due to respiratory signs (80%). In one case, GBS was isolated from spinal fluid. Mortality rate was 20%. All deaths occurred in the first 24 hours of life, corresponding two thirds to preterm infants. CONCLUSION: The incidence of GBS EOS at CHPR was similar to other centers where IAP is implemented. Better adherence to prophylaxis strategies could reduce the incidence.

Síndrome de Burnout en residentes y posgrados de Neonatología en un centro hospitalario de tercer nivel. Análisis situacional y seguimiento, período 2021 - 2023

Introducción: los residentes y posgrados son un eslabón central en los servicios hospitalarios. El síndrome de Burnout se define como el agotamiento físico y emocional resultado de la exposición crónica al estrés en el ámbito laboral. El Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI-HSS) es un instrumento diseñado y validado para evaluarlo. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar la prevalencia del síndrome de Burnout en nuestro servicio y compararla entre los estudiantes de distintas generaciones para luego poner en marcha mecanismos que permitan realizar seguimiento, detección temprana e identificación de factores modificables. Material y método: estudio transversal, descriptivo, observacional, desarrollado en abril de 2021 a través de la realización del test MBI-HSS para el diagnóstico de situación. Este estudio continuará con una segunda etapa que consta de la aplicación del test cada cuatro meses, la cual no desarrollaremos en el presente trabajo. La población objetivo la constituyen todos los residentes y posgrados de la especialidad de Neonatología en un centro hospitalario de tercer nivel. Se aplicó el cuestionario MBI-HSS y un cuestionario general para caracterizar a la población. Resultados: se incluyeron un total de 22 participantes, de los cuales 13 presentaron puntajes altos de agotamiento emocional, 9 obtuvieron un valor alterado de despersonalización y 9 presentaron puntajes bajos de realización personal. Seis participantes (27%) presentaron puntajes alterados para las tres variables. Conclusiones: se evidenció una alta prevalencia de Burnout, el 27% en la población total. Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas para los ítems despersonalización y realización personal entre los distintos años de la especialidad, con mayor puntaje de despersonalización y menor puntaje de realización personal en los de segundo y tercer año. Esto constituye un elemento de alarma que exige la modificación inmediata del funcionamiento y de las actividades.

Introduction: Residents and postgraduates are a fundamental part of hospital services. Burnout Syndrome is defined as physical and emotional exhaustion resulting from chronic exposure to stress in the workplace. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI-HSS) is an instrument designed and validated to evaluate it. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of Burnout Syndrome in our service and to compare it among students of different generations to then implement mechanisms that allow monitoring, early detection and identification of modifiable factors. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study carried out in April 2021 through the Maslach Burnout Inventory - Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) test to carry out a diagnosis of the situation. This study will continue with a 2nd stage consisting of the application of the test every 4 months, which we will not develop in this work. The target population is all residents and postgraduates in the neonatology specialty at a tertiary level hospital. The MBI-HSS questionnaire and a general questionnaire were applied to characterize the population. Results: A total of 22 participants were included, of which 13 presented high scores of emotional exhaustion, 9 obtained an altered value of depersonalization and 9 presented low scores of personal fulfillment. Six participants, 27%, presented altered scores for the three variables. Conclusions: A high prevalence of Burnout was evidenced, being 27% in the total population. Statistically significant differences were found for the items "depersonalization" and "personal fulfillment" between the different years of the specialty, with higher depersonalization scores and lower personal fulfillment scores in the second and third years. This constitutes an alarm element, which requires immediate modification of the operation and activities.

Introdução: Residentes e pós-graduandos constituem um elo central nos serviços hospitalares. A Síndrome de Burnout é definida como exaustão física e emocional resultante da exposição crônica ao estresse no ambiente de trabalho. O Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI-HSS) é um instrumento elaborado e validado para avaliá-lo. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo é determinar a prevalência da Síndrome de Burnout no Serviço de Neonatologia do Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossel e compará-la entre estudantes de diferentes gerações para então implementar mecanismos que permitam monitoramento, detecção precoce e identificação de fatores modificáveis. Materiais e métodos: Estudo transversal, descritivo, observacional realizado em abril de 2021 por meio do teste Maslach Burnout Inventory - Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) para diagnóstico da situação. Este estudo continuará com uma 2ª etapa que consiste na aplicação do teste a cada 4 meses, que não desenvolveremos neste trabalho. A população-alvo são todos os residentes e pós-graduandos da especialidade de neonatologia de um hospital de nível terciário. O questionário MBI-HSS e um questionário geral foram aplicados para caracterizar a população. Resultados: Foram incluídos 22 participantes, dos quais 13 apresentaram escores elevados de exaustão emocional, 9 obtiveram valor alterado de despersonalização e 9 apresentaram escores baixos de realização pessoal. Seis participantes, 27%, apresentaram escores alterados nas três variáveis. Conclusões: Evidenciou-se uma alta prevalência de Burnout de 27% na população total. Foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas nos itens "despersonalização" e "realização pessoal" entre os diferentes anos da especialidade, com maiores pontuações de despersonalização e menores pontuações de realização pessoal no segundo e terceiro anos. Isto constitui um elemento de alarme, que requer modificação imediata do funcionamento e das atividades.

Long-distance pollen and seed dispersal and inbreeding depression in Hymenaea stigonocarpa (Fabaceae: Caesalpinioideae) in the Brazilian savannah.

Hymenaea stigonocarpa is a neotropical tree that is economically important due to its high-quality wood; however, because it has been exploited extensively, it is currently considered threatened. Microsatellite loci were used to investigate the pollen and seed dispersal, mating patterns, spatial genetic structure (SGS), genetic diversity, and inbreeding depression in H. stigonocarpa adults, juveniles, and open-pollinated seeds, which were sampled from isolated trees in a pasture and trees within a forest fragment in the Brazilian savannah. We found that the species presented a mixed mating system, with population and individual variations in the outcrossing rate (0.53-1.0). The studied populations were not genetically isolated due to pollen and seed flow between the studied populations and between the populations and individuals located outside of the study area. Pollen and seed dispersal occurred over long distances (>8 km); however, the dispersal patterns were isolated by distance, with a high frequency of mating occurring between near-neighbor trees and seeds dispersed near the parent trees. The correlated mating for individual seed trees was higher within than among fruits, indicating that fruits present a high proportion of full-sibs. Genetic diversity and SGS were similar among the populations, but offspring showed evidence of inbreeding, mainly originating from mating among related trees, which suggests inbreeding depression between the seed and adult stages. Selfing resulted in a higher inbreeding depression than mating among relatives, as assessed through survival and height. As the populations are not genetically isolated, both are important targets for in situ conservation to maintain their genetic diversity; for ex situ conservation, seeds can be collected from at least 78 trees in both populations separated by at least 250 m.

Prevalencia de déficit de vitamina B12 en sangre periférica de madres cursando el puerperio inmediato en el Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell

Objetivo: evaluar la prevalencia del déficit de vitamina B12 en mujeres cursando puerperio inmediato. Material y método: estudio observacional descriptivo de captación prospectiva de la cohorte en estudio. Muestra de 133 mujeres cursando el tercer trimestre de embarazo en la maternidad del Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell (CHPR), Montevideo, Uruguay, entre setiembre de 2021 y octubre de 2022. Se obtuvieron muestras de sangre materna en el puerperio inmediato por punción venosa periférica. Estas muestras fueron procesadas mediante inmunoensayo de electroquimioluminiscencia. Además, se aplicó una entrevista para la evaluación de los hábitos nutricionales. Resultados: todas las pacientes reportaron tener una dieta omnívora, excepto una, que manifestó llevar una dieta vegana y recibía suplementación diaria de vitamina B12. El 75,9% de la muestra del estudio presentó un nivel socioeconómico bajo, puntuado según el cuestionario de medición de nivel socioeconómico del INSE (Índice de nivel socioeconómico, 2018 - Cámara de Empresas de Investigación Social y Mercado del Uruguay, CEISMU). Se registró una prevalencia de déficit de vitamina B12 de 39,10% (n: 52). Conclusiones: a pesar de que esta muestra de embarazadas presenta una dieta omnívora, se detectó una elevada prevalencia de déficit de vitamina B12. Dada la importancia de esta vitamina en la salud materna, fetal y neonatal, se deberían considerar políticas de salud pública de prevención de la deficiencia tanto en embarazadas como en madres lactantes.

Objective: To assess the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in women during the immediate postpartum period. Method: Descriptive observational study with prospective cohort recruitment, involving a sample of 133 women in their third trimester of pregnancy at the Maternity Department of the Pereira Rossell Hospital Center (CHPR) in Montevideo, Uruguay, between September 2021 and October 2022. Maternal blood samples were obtained during the immediate postpartum period through peripheral venous puncture. These samples were processed using electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunoassay. Additionally, a nutritional interview was conducted to assess dietary habits. Results: All patients reported following an omnivorous diet, except for one who reported following a vegan diet and received daily vitamin B12 supplementation. Seventy-five point nine percent (75.9%) of the study sample exhibited a low socioeconomic status as determined by the Socioeconomic Level Measurement Questionnaire of the INSE (Socioeconomic Level Index, 2018 - CEISMU, Uruguay). Resulting in a vitamin B12 deficiency prevalence of 39.10% (n: 52). Conclusions: Despite the fact that this sample of pregnant women maintains an omnivorous diet, a high prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency was detected. Given the significance of vitamin B12 for maternal, fetal, and neonatal health, public health policies for preventing deficiency should be considered for both pregnant women and lactating mothers.

Objetivos: Avaliar a prevalência da deficiência de vitamina B12 em mulheres durante o pós-parto imediato. Métodos: Estudo observacional descritivo de recrutamento prospectivo da coorte em estudo; amostra com 133 mulheres no terceiro trimestre de gravidez na maternidade do Centro Hospitalar Pereira Rossell (CHPR), em Montevidéu Uruguai, entre setembro de 2021 e outubro de 2022. As amostras de sangue materno foram obtidas no pós-parto imediato por punção venosa periférica que foram processadas por imunoensaio eletroquimioluminescente. Além disso, foi realizada uma entrevista nutricional para avaliar hábitos nutricionais. Resultados: Todas as pacientes relataram ter dieta onívora, exceto uma que relatou ter dieta vegana e receber suplementação diária de vitamina B12. 75,9% da amostra apresentou baixo nível socioeconômico de acordo com o Questionário de Medição do Nível Socioeconômico do INSE (Índice de Nível Socioeconômico, 2018 - CEISMU, Uruguai). Uma prevalência de deficiência de vitamina B12 de 39,10% (n: 52) foi registrada. Conclusões: Embora esta amostra de gestantes tenha dieta onívora, uma alta prevalência de deficiência de vitamina B12 foi detectada. Dada a importância da vitamina B12 na saúde materna, fetal e neonatal, devem ser consideradas políticas de saúde pública para prevenir a deficiência tanto em mães grávidas como em lactantes.

Linkage Disequilibrium and Population Structure in Wild and Cultivated Populations of Rubber Tree (Hevea brasiliensis).

Among rubber tree species, which belong to the Hevea genus of the Euphorbiaceae family, Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex Adr.de Juss.) Muell. Arg. is the main commercial source of natural rubber production worldwide. Knowledge of the population structure and linkage disequilibrium (LD) of this species is essential for the efficient organization and exploitation of genetic resources. Here, we obtained single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using a genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) approach and then employed the SNPs for the following objectives: (i) to identify the positions of SNPs on a genetic map of a segregating mapping population, (ii) to evaluate the population structure of a germplasm collection, and (iii) to detect patterns of LD decay among chromosomes for future genetic association studies in rubber tree. A total of 626 genotypes, including both germplasm accessions (368) and individuals from a genetic mapping population (254), were genotyped. A total of 77,660 and 21,283 SNPs were detected by GBS in the germplasm and mapping populations, respectively. The mapping population, which was previously mapped, was constructed with 1,062 markers, among which only 576 SNPs came from GBS, reducing the average interval between two adjacent markers to 4.4 cM. SNPs from GBS genotyping were used for the analysis of genetic structure and LD estimation in the germplasm accessions. Two groups, which largely corresponded to the cultivated and wild populations, were detected using STRUCTURE and via principal coordinate analysis. LD analysis, also using the mapped SNPs, revealed that non-random associations varied along chromosomes, with regions of high LD interspersed with regions of low LD. Considering the length of the genetic map (4,693 cM) and the mean LD (0.49 for cultivated and 0.02 for wild populations), a large number of evenly spaced SNPs would be needed to perform genome-wide association studies in rubber tree, and the wilder the genotypes used, the more difficult the mapping saturation.