Bioinformatic analyses to uncover genes involved in trehalose metabolism in the polyploid sugarcane.

Trehalose-6-phosphate (T6P) is an intermediate of trehalose biosynthesis that plays an essential role in plant metabolism and development. Here, we comprehensively analyzed sequences from enzymes of trehalose metabolism in sugarcane, one of the main crops used for bioenergy production. We identified protein domains, phylogeny, and in silico expression levels for all classes of enzymes. However, post-translational modifications and residues involved in catalysis and substrate binding were analyzed only in trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS) sequences. We retrieved 71 putative full-length TPS, 93 trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase (TPP), and 3 trehalase (TRE) of sugarcane, showing all their conserved domains, respectively. Putative TPS (Classes I and II) and TPP sugarcane sequences were categorized into well-known groups reported in the literature. We measured the expression levels of the sequences from one sugarcane leaf transcriptomic dataset. Furthermore, TPS Class I has specific N-glycosylation sites inserted in conserved motifs and carries catalytic and binding residues in its TPS domain. Some of these residues are mutated in TPS Class II members, which implies loss of enzyme activity. Our approach retrieved many homo(eo)logous sequences for genes involved in trehalose metabolism, paving the way to discover the role of T6P signaling in sugarcane.

Bioinformatic analyses to uncover genes involved in trehalose metabolism in the polyploid sugarcane

Trehalose-6-phosphate (T6P) is an intermediate of trehalose biosynthesis that plays an essential role in plant metabolism and development. Here, we comprehensively analyzed sequences from enzymes of trehalose metabolism in sugarcane, one of the main crops used for bioenergy production. We identified protein domains, phylogeny, and in silico expression levels for all classes of enzymes. However, post-translational modifications and residues involved in catalysis and substrate binding were analyzed only in trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS) sequences. We retrieved 71 putative full-length TPS, 93 trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase (TPP), and 3 trehalase (TRE) of sugarcane, showing all their conserved domains, respectively. Putative TPS (Classes I and II) and TPP sugarcane sequences were categorized into well-known groups reported in the literature. We measured the expression levels of the sequences from one sugarcane leaf transcriptomic dataset. Furthermore, TPS Class I has specific N-glycosylation sites inserted in conserved motifs and carries catalytic and binding residues in its TPS domain. Some of these residues are mutated in TPS Class II members, which implies loss of enzyme activity. Our approach retrieved many homo(eo)logous sequences for genes involved in trehalose metabolism, paving the way to discover the role of T6P signaling in sugarcane.

Factors associated with mental health and quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Although mental distress and quality of life (QoL) impairments because of the pandemic have increased worldwide, the way that each community has been affected has varied. AIMS: This study evaluated the impact of social distancing imposed by coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) on Brazilians' mental health and QoL. METHOD: In this cross-sectional community-based online survey, data from 1156 community-dwelling adults were gathered between 11 May and 3 June 2020. We examined independent correlates of depression, anxiety and QoL, including sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, optimism/pessimism and spiritual/religious coping. Dependent variables were assessed using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire for depressive symptoms, the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale for anxiety symptoms, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF for QoL. Correlates of depressive and anxiety disorder were estimated using logistic regression. RESULTS: There were high levels of depressive symptoms (41.9%) and anxiety symptoms (29.0%) in participants. Negative spiritual/religious coping was positively correlated with depressive disorder (odds ratio (OR) = 2.14 95% CI 1.63-2.80; P < 0.001) and with anxiety disorder (OR = 2.46 95% CI 1.90-3.18; P < 0.001), and associated with worse social and environmental QoL (P < 0.001). Healthcare professionals were less likely to have depressive symptoms (OR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.55-0.93; P < 0.001). Participants with friend/family with COVID-19 scored lower on psychological and environmental QoL (P < 0.05). Participants with a longer duration of social isolation were less likely to experience anxiety disorder (OR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.98-0.99; P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: We found high levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms and low levels of QoL in Brazil, which has become a pandemic epicentre. Several characteristics were associated with negative mental health symptoms in this study. This information may contribute to local health policies in dealing with the mental health consequences of COVID-19.

Bleeding Disorders in Bothrops atrox Envenomations in the Brazilian Amazon: Participation of Hemostatic Factors and the Impact of Tissue Factor.

Bleeding is a common hemostatic disorder that occurs in Bothrops envenomations. We evaluated the changes in coagulation, fibrinolysis components, and platelets in Bothrops atrox envenomations with bleeding. This is an observational study with B. atrox snakebite patients (n = 100) treated in Manaus, Brazilian Amazon. Bleeding was recorded on admission and during hospitalization. We found that the platelet count in our patients presented a weak correlation to tissue factor, factor II, and plasminogen. Tissue factor presented weak correlation to factor V, II, D-dimer, plasminogen, alpha 2-antiplasmin, and moderate correlation to fibrinogen and fibrin/fibrinogen degradation product (FDP). Patients with systemic bleeding (n = 20) presented low levels of factor V, II, fibrinogen, plasminogen, and alpha 2-antiplasmin, and high levels of tissue factor and FDP compared to those without bleeding. Patients with only local bleeding (n = 41) and without bleeding showed similar levels of hemostatic factors. Thrombocytopenia was observed mainly in patients with systemic bleeding and increased levels of serum venom. No association was found between venom levels and systemic bleeding, or between venom levels and clinical severity of envenomation. This is the first report that shows the participation of the extrinsic coagulation pathway in the consumption coagulopathy of B. atrox envenomations with systemic bleeding due to tissue factor release.

"Bad things come in small packages": predicting venom-induced coagulopathy in Bothrops atrox bites using snake ontogenetic parameters.

Introduction: Snake venom composition shows significant inter- and intra-species variation. In the case of the viperid species Bothrops atrox, responsible for the majority of snakebites in the Amazon region, geographical and ontogenetic variables affect venom composition, with ecological and medical implications. Previous studies had shown that venom from neonate and juvenile Bothrops specimens have a higher in vitro coagulant activity. The aim of this investigation was to assess the association of clinical outcomes, such as venom-induced coagulopathy and local complications, with B. atrox ontogenetic variables.Methods: This study explored the relationship between some clinical parameters in patients suffering envenomations by B. atrox in the Amazon and several morphometric parameters of the snake specimens causing the bites.Results: There were 248 specimens confirmed as agents of envenomation, mostly female snakes (70.5%) and classified as juveniles (62.7%). Patients bitten by neonates compared to adult snakes [OR = 2.70 (95%CI 1.15-6.37); p = .021] and by snakes with white tail tip [OR = 1.98 (95%CI 1.15-3.41); p = .013] were more likely to develop coagulopathy. Time from patient admission to the unclottable blood reversion was not affected by the snake gender (p = .214) or age (p = .254). Patients bitten by neonate (p = .024) or juvenile snakes (p < .0001) presented a lower frequency of moderate to severe edema, as compared to those bitten by adult snakes. In agreement with experimental observations, patients bitten by neonates and by snakes with a white tail tip were more likely to develop coagulopathy than those bitten by adult snakes. In contrast, envenomations by adult snakes were associated with a higher incidence of severe local edema.Conclusion: Despite these variations, no difference was observed in the time needed to recover blood clotting in these patients after Bothrops antivenom administration.

Bothrops snakebites in the Amazon: recovery from hemostatic disorders after Brazilian antivenom therapy.

Introduction:Bothrops atrox snakebites are a major public health problem in the Amazon region and also cause hemostatic disorders. In this study, we assessed the recovery from hemostatic disorders in Bothrops snakebite patients after being given antivenom therapy.Methods: This is a prospective study of Bothrops snakebite patients (n = 100) treated at the Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazilian Amazon, between January 2016 and December 2017. Blood samples were taken for the measurement of venom concentrations, platelets, clotting time and factors of patients on admission, 12, 24 and 48 h after antivenom therapy, and taken again on discharge. The presence of systemic bleeding was recorded during the follow-up.Results: On admission, systemic bleeding was observed in 14% of the patients. Thrombocytopenia was noted in 10% of the patients. A total of 54% of the patients presented unclottable blood with low levels of fibrinogen and alpha 2-antiplasmin, and high levels of fibrin/fibrinogen degradation product (FDP) and D-dimers. Unclottable blood and systemic bleeding were overcome in most patients 12 h after the antivenom therapy. Three patients developed systemic bleeding 48 h after antivenom therapy. Levels of fibrinogen and alpha 2-antiplasmin, FDP and D-dimer returned to normal around 48 h after the treatment or on discharge. The frequency of thrombocytopenia with high mean platelet volume increased in the first 24 h after antivenom therapy, and decreased on discharge. Bothrops venom levels in patients decreased 12 h after antivenom therapy and were not correlated with coagulation and fibrinolytic parameters. There were no deaths.Conclusion: Laboratorial parameters of coagulopathy returned to normal values within 48 h after the antivenom therapy until discharge. A few patients still presented bleeding signs within 48 h after beginning antivenom therapy. However, the Brazilian antivenom was able to overcome the hemostatic disorders in these cases of envenomation.

Bleeding disorders in bothrops atrox envenomations in the Brazilian Amazon: participation of hemostatic factors and the impact of tissue factor

Bleeding is a common hemostatic disorder that occurs in Bothrops envenomations. We evaluated the changes in coagulation, fibrinolysis components, and platelets in Bothrops atrox envenomations with bleeding. This is an observational study with B. atrox snakebite patients (n = 100) treated in Manaus, Brazilian Amazon. Bleeding was recorded on admission and during hospitalization. We found that the platelet count in our patients presented a weak correlation to tissue factor, factor II, and plasminogen. Tissue factor presented weak correlation to factor V, II, D-dimer, plasminogen, alpha 2-antiplasmin, and moderate correlation to fibrinogen and fibrin/fibrinogen degradation product (FDP). Patients with systemic bleeding (n = 20) presented low levels of factor V, II, fibrinogen, plasminogen, and alpha 2-antiplasmin, and high levels of tissue factor and FDP compared to those without bleeding. Patients with only local bleeding (n = 41) and without bleeding showed similar levels of hemostatic factors. Thrombocytopenia was observed mainly in patients with systemic bleeding and increased levels of serum venom. No association was found between venom levels and systemic bleeding, or between venom levels and clinical severity of envenomation. This is the first report that shows the participation of the extrinsic coagulation pathway in the consumption coagulopathy of B. atrox envenomations with systemic bleeding due to tissue factor release.

Bad things come in small packages: predicting venom-induced coagulopathy in Bothrops atrox bites using snake ontogenetic parameters

Introduction: Snake venom composition shows significant inter- and intra-species variation. In the case of the viperid species Bothrops atrox, responsible for the majority of snakebites in the Amazon region, geographical and ontogenetic variables affect venom composition, with ecological and medical implications. Previous studies had shown that venom from neonate and juvenile Bothrops specimens have a higher in vitro coagulant activity. The aim of this investigation was to assess the association of clinical outcomes, such as venom-induced coagulopathy and local complications, with B. atrox ontogenetic variables. Methods: This study explored the relationship between some clinical parameters in patients suffering envenomations by B. atrox in the Amazon and several morphometric parameters of the snake specimens causing the bites.Results: There were 248 specimens confirmed as agents of envenomation, mostly female snakes (70.5%) and classified as juveniles (62.7%). Patients bitten by neonates compared to adult snakes [OR=2.70 (95%CI 1.15-6.37); p=.021] and by snakes with white tail tip [OR=1.98 (95%CI 1.15–3.41); p=.013] were more likely to develop coagulopathy. Time from patient admission to the unclottable blood reversion was not affected by the snake gender (p=.214) or age (p=.254). Patients bitten by neonate (p=.024) or juvenile snakes (p<.0001) presented a lower frequency of moderate to severe edema, as compared to those bitten by adult snakes. In agreement with experimental observations, patients bitten by neonates and by snakes with a white tail tip were more likely to develop coagulopathy than those bitten by adult snakes. In contrast, envenomations by adult snakes were associated with a higher incidence of severe local edema. Conclusion: Despite these variations, no difference was observed in the time needed to recover blood clotting in these patients after Bothrops antivenom administration.

Bothrops snakebites in the Amazon: recovery from hemostatic disorders after Brazilian antivenom therapy

Introduction: Bothrops atrox snakebites are a major public health problem in the Amazon region and also cause hemostatic disorders. In this study, we assessed the recovery from hemostatic disorders in Bothrops snakebite patients after being given antivenom therapy. Methods: This is a prospective study of Bothrops snakebite patients (n=100) treated at the Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazilian Amazon, between January 2016 and December 2017. Blood samples were taken for the measurement of venom concentrations, platelets, clotting time and factors of patients on admission, 12, 24 and 48h after antivenom therapy, and taken again on discharge. The presence of systemic bleeding was recorded during the follow-up. Results: On admission, systemic bleeding was observed in 14% of the patients. Thrombocytopenia was noted in 10% of the patients. A total of 54% of the patients presented unclottable blood with low levels of fibrinogen and alpha 2-antiplasmin, and high levels of fibrin/fibrinogen degradation product (FDP) and D-dimers. Unclottable blood and systemic bleeding were overcome in most patients 12h after the antivenom therapy. Three patients developed systemic bleeding 48h after antivenom therapy. Levels of fibrinogen and alpha 2-antiplasmin, FDP and D-dimer returned to normal around 48h after the treatment or on discharge. The frequency of thrombocytopenia with high mean platelet volume increased in the first 24h after antivenom therapy, and decreased on discharge. Bothrops venom levels in patients decreased 12h after antivenom therapy and were not correlated with coagulation and fibrinolytic parameters. There were no deaths. Conclusion: Laboratorial parameters of coagulopathy returned to normal values within 48h after the antivenom therapy until discharge. A few patients still presented bleeding signs within 48h after beginning antivenom therapy. However, the Brazilian antivenom was able to overcome the hemostatic disorders in these cases of envenomation.

Organização digital do Serviço de Cirurgia Plástica / Digital organization of Plastic Surgery Service

A atenção e zelo do médico no período pré e pós-operatório é de extrema importância para a manutenção da boa relação médico/paciente. A organização e o adequado registro documental, contribui para a obtenção de um bom vínculo e assegura importante ferramenta jurídica ao médico. Hoje, com os avanços tecnológicos, o prontuário eletrônico é uma forma segura e democrática de lidar com estas informações. Nas instituições públicas o governo tem buscado implementar este sistema, mas os resultados são ainda discretos, talvez pela falta principalmente de recursos para investimento nesta área. Diante deste cenário e da grande relevância de um prontuário médico prático, informativo e dinâmico, objetivamos apresentar a nossa experiência com o uso complementar de um recurso digital sem custos. Associado ao prontuário médico de uso habitual dos serviços, descreve-se um sistema complementar, utilizando-se uma plataforma digital de armazenamento de dados na "nuvem". Por meio desse sistema é possível fornecer informações adicionais sobre cada paciente, incluindo o seguimento ambulatorial, assim como o registro fotográfico do pré, intra e pós-operatório, além de viabilizar um acesso rápido, sincronizado e remoto por meio da internet. O sistema gera economia de recursos, planejamento cirúrgico e melhora na relação médico/paciente. Favorece maior integração da equipe médica, discussão dos casos e distribuição das cirurgias por preceptor e residente. Assim, é um recurso alternativo para incrementar os prontuários médicos com dados importantes para a atuação das equipes médicas, com especial atenção às peculiaridades da cirurgia plástica.

The attention and enthusiasm of doctors in the pre- and postoperative period is of extreme importance in maintaining good doctor/patient relationships. An adequate organization and documentary record contributes to achieving a good relationship and ensures an important legal tool for physicians. With current technological advances, the electronic medical record is a secure and democratic way to deal with this information. The government has sought to implement this system in public institutions; however, results are still modest, perhaps mainly due to the lack of resources for investment in this area. In light of this, and given the relevance of practical, informative, and dynamic medical records, we aim to present our experience with the use of a complementary digital resource that is commonly associated with medical records and uses a free of cost digital platform for storing data in the "cloud". This system can provide additional information about each patient, including outpatient follow-up, as well as photographic records of the pre-, intra-, and post-operative periods, and also facilitates quick, synchronized, and remote access through the internet. The system generates optimization of resources, surgical planning, and improvement in patient/ doctor relationships. It also leads to greater integration of the medical team, particularly in the discussion of cases and distribution of surgeries by preceptors and residents. Thus, it is an alternative resource to improve medical charts with important data regarding the performance of medical teams, paying special attention to the peculiarities of plastic surgery.

Retalho zigomático-palpebral: uma técnica opcional para a reconstrução da pálpebra inferior / Zygomatic-palpebral flap: an optional technique for lower eyelid reconstruction

Introdução: A reconstrução de pálpebra inferior representa um desafio peculiar ao cirurgião plástico, uma vez que traduz uma região facial de importância estética e funcional. O objetivo é apresentar uma técnica opcional para a reconstrução de defeitos da pálpebra inferior com o retalho cutâneo zigomáticopalpebral. Esta técnica mostra uma alternativa nos casos de pele escleroatrófica de pessoas idosas, bem como para pessoas jovens, que não apresentam redundância da pele palpebral superior, impossibilitando por exemplo o uso de enxertos de pálpebra superior ou retalhos como o de Fricke ou Tripier. Métodos: Os autores mostram a indicação do retalho em casos de ectrópio cicatricial, reconstrução após ressecção de neoplasias, associação com outros retalhos como de Hughes ou para cobertura de enxertos cartilaginosos. É um retalho de transposição composto por pele e subcutâneo, randomizado. A técnica baseia-se no uso de retalho local, de características muito semelhantes à área do defeito, o que permite mimetização, segurança e exequibilidade. Resultados: Os resultados imediatos e tardios são satisfatórios e bem aceitos pelos pacientes e pela equipe cirúrgica em termos estéticos e funcionais, com oclusão palpebral adequada e lubrificação ocular preservada. Conclusão: O retalho zigomático-palpebral apresenta como vantagens a simplicidade de execução, sangramento mínimo, baixa morbidade de área doadora e feito sob anestesia local. O objetivo de reconstruir defeitos da pálpebra é restaurar a anatomia e função. Esta pode ser uma tarefa desafiadora, especialmente em defeitos maiores que podem estar presentes nos procedimentos oncológicos em jovens e em idosos com pele escleroatrófica e mínima frouxidão.

Introduction: Lower eyelid reconstruction represents a unique challenge to plastic surgeons, since it involves a facial region of aesthetic and functional importance. The objective is to present an optional technique for the reconstruction of lower eyelid defects using zygomatic-palpebral skin flap. This technique represents an alternative in cases of scleroatrophic skin in older patients, and for young people who do not have an upper eyelid skin redundancy, which prevents, for example, the use of upper eyelid grafts or flaps such as those of Fricke or Tripier. Methods: The authors describe the flap used in cases of cicatricial ectropion and reconstruction after resection of neoplasms and association with other flaps, such as those of Hughes, or for coverage of cartilage grafts. The flap consisted of a transposition flap made up of skin and underlying subcutaneous tissues, randomized . The technique was based on the use of a local flap with highly similar characteristics to the defect area, which allowed it to mimic functions, while being safe and feasible. Results: The immediate and late results in terms of aesthetics and function were satisfactory and well accepted by patients and the surgical team, with adequate eyelid occlusion and preserved ocular lubrication. Conclusion: The advantages of the zygomatic-palpebral flap are its ease of execution, minimal bleeding, low morbidity of the donor area, and the use of local anesthesia. The reconstruction of eyelid defects aims to restore anatomy and function. This can be a challenging task, especially in cases with larger defects that may be present after oncologic procedures both in young and old patients presenting with scleroatrophic skin and minimal tissue laxity.

Factors Associated with Systemic Bleeding in Bothrops Envenomation in a Tertiary Hospital in the Brazilian Amazon.

Bothrops snakebites usually present systemic bleeding, and the clinical⁻epidemiological and laboratorial factors associated with the development of this manifestation are not well established. In this study, we assessed the prevalence of Bothrops snakebites with systemic bleeding reported at the Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, in Manaus, Amazonas State, Brazil, and the clinical⁻epidemiological and laboratorial factors associated with systemic bleeding. This is an observational, cross-sectional study carried out between August, 2013 and July, 2016. Patients who developed systemic bleeding on admission or during hospitalization were considered cases, and those with non-systemic bleeding were included in the control group. Systemic bleeding was observed in 63 (15.3%) of the 442 Bothrops snakebites evaluated. Bothrops snakebites mostly occurred in males (78.2%), in rural areas (89.0%) and in the age group of 11 to 30 years old (40.4%). It took most of the patients (59.8%) less than 3 h to receive medical assistance. Unclottable blood (AOR = 3.11 (95% CI = 1.53 to 6.31; p = 0.002)) and thrombocytopenia (AOR = 4.52 (95% CI = 2.03 to 10.09; p < 0.001)) on admission were independently associated with systemic bleeding during hospitalization. These hemostatic disorders on admission increase the chances of systemic bleeding during hospitalization. Prospective studies are needed to clarify the pathophysiology of systemic bleeding in Bothrops snakebites in the Amazon region.

Factors associated with systemic bleeding in Bothrops envenomation in a tertiary hospital in the Brazilian Amazon

Bothrops snakebites usually present systemic bleeding, and the clinical–epidemiological and laboratorial factors associated with the development of this manifestation are not well established. In this study, we assessed the prevalence of Bothrops snakebites with systemic bleeding reported at the Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, in Manaus, Amazonas State, Brazil, and the clinical–epidemiological and laboratorial factors associated with systemic bleeding. This is an observational, cross-sectional study carried out between August, 2013 and July, 2016. Patients who developed systemic bleeding on admission or during hospitalization were considered cases, and those with non-systemic bleeding were included in the control group. Systemic bleeding was observed in 63 (15.3%) of the 442 Bothrops snakebites evaluated. Bothrops snakebites mostly occurred in males (78.2%), in rural areas (89.0%) and in the age group of 11 to 30 years old (40.4%). It took most of the patients (59.8%) less than 3 h to receive medical assistance. Unclottable blood (AOR = 3.11 (95% CI = 1.53 to 6.31; p = 0.002)) and thrombocytopenia (AOR = 4.52 (95% CI = 2.03 to 10.09; p < 0.001)) on admission were independently associated with systemic bleeding during hospitalization. These hemostatic disorders on admission increase the chances of systemic bleeding during hospitalization. Prospective studies are needed to clarify the pathophysiology of systemic bleeding in Bothrops snakebites in the Amazon region.

Neuropsychological Profiles Correlated with Clinical and Behavioral Impairments in a Sample of Brazilian Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that implies several-step process, and there is no single test to diagnose both ADHD and associated comorbidities, such as oppositional-defiant disorder (ODD), anxiety disorder, depression, and certain types of learning disabilities. The purpose of the present study was to examine correlations between behavioral and clinical symptoms by administering an extensive neuropsychological battery to a sample of children and adolescents from a developing country. The sample was divided into three groups: non-ADHD, ADHD-non-comorbid, and ADHD + comorbidity. A full neuropsychological battery and clinical assessment found that 105 children met DSM-5 criteria, of whom 46.6% had the predominantly inattentive presentation, 37.3% had combined presentation, and 16% were predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation. The internal correlation between neuropsychological tests did not reach statistical significance in the comparison between ADHD and non-ADHD cases (p < 0.17). Clinical ADHD cases, including both + comorbidity and non-comorbid groups, performed substantially worse on continuous performance test (CPT), working memory. Comparing ADHD-non-comorbid and ADHD + comorbidity groups, the latter did significantly worse on inhibitory control, time processing, and the level of perseveration response on CPT indexes, as well as on working memory performance and child behavior checklist (CBCL) tests particularly the CBCL-deficient emotional self-regulation test in the ADHD + comorbidity group. Children diagnosed as ODD or with conduct disorder showed close correlations between clinical CBCL profiles and externalized symptoms. Our findings suggest that ADHD + comorbidity and ADHD non-comorbid cases may be differentiated by a number of neuropsychological measures, such as processing speed, inhibitory control, and working memory, that may reflect different levels of involvement of the hot and cool executive domains, which are more impaired in cases of severe symptomatic-externalized behavior and emotional regulation problems. Therefore, profiles based on clinical and behavioral findings can help clinicians select better strategies for detecting neuropsychological impairment in Brazilian children with ADHD.

Medidas das circunferências abdominal e cervical para mensurar riscos cardiovasculares / Measures of abdominal and neck circumferences to measure cardiovascular risks

Introdução: as cardiopatias são a principal causa de morte e de alocação de recursos públicos em hospitalizações no Brasil. Levando-se em conta que o IMC é pouco descritivo quanto à distribuição de tecido adiposo/muscular, há outro método para obter a relação com riscos cardíacos: circunferência abdominal e cervical. A gordura visceral é vista como depósito patogênico, conferindo riscos metabólicos. Já a circunferência do pescoço reflete o acúmulo de gordura na parede das artérias carótidas. Considerando essa incidência, trabalhos que abordem esses aspectos demonstram relevância no contexto de obesidade e sedentarismo. Objetivos: evidenciar a relação entre as medidas das circunferências abdominal e do pescoço e a hipertensão arterial sistêmica. Metodologia: estudo realizado no CEM-MG, com medidas das circunferências do pescoço e abdome e IMC de 328 cardiopatas após TCLE e questionário. O nível de confiança é de 95%. Com fatores de inclusão/exclusão. Resultados: a circunferência abdominal acima do valor aumenta 3,87 vezes a chance de hipertensão (valor-p=0,000).Já a cervical aumenta 2,38 (1,09; 5,19) vezes (valor p=0,026). Conclusão:embora não interfiram diretamente sobre cardiopatias, as medidas analisadas têm papel secundário sobre estas. Isso porque foi comprovada com o estudo a significância de tais medidas para hipertensão, que representa um importante desencadeante para as demais cardiopatias. Assim, há forte relação das circunferências abdominal e cervical sobre as cardiopatias e os fatores de risco para desenvolvê-las. Essa mensuração mostra-se importante também para mapeamento da saúde dos pacientes.

Introduction: Heart diseases are the leading cause of death and allocation of public resources in hospitalizations in Brazil. Given that BMI is little descriptive as to the distribution of adipose tissue and muscle, there is another method to obtain the relationship with heart risks: abdominal and neck circumference. Visceral fat is seen as pathogenic deposit, giving metabolic risks. Moreover neck circumference reflects the accumulationof fat in the wall of the carotid arteries. Considering this effect, work that approach these aspects demonstrate relevance in the context of obesity and sedentary lifestyle. Objectives: To demonstrate the relationship between measures of abdominal and neck circumferences and the presence of hypertension. Methodology: A study conducted in CEM-MG, with performance of the neck and abdomen circumference measurements and BMI of 328 cardiac patients after informed consent and questionnaire. The confidence level is 95%. With some inclusion and exclusion factors. Results: abdominal circumference circumference increases 3.87 times the odds for hypertension (p-value = 0.000). In the other hand, cervical circumference increases 2.38 (1.09, 5.19) times (p = 0.026). Conclusion: Although not interfere directly on heart disease, the measures examined are secondary role on these. That's because it was proven to study the significance of the measures for hypertension, which is a trigger for other diseases. Thus, there is strong relationship of abdominal and neck circumferences about heart diseases and risk factors to develop them. This measurement also shows important for health mapping of patients.

Urgência na introdução do NAT: é fundamental não cometer os erros do passado: [carta ao editor] / Urgency of the introduction of NAT: it is crucial not to commit past errors: [letter to the editor]

This letter to the Editor about "the urgency of the introduction ofNAT in Brazil" complements and defines the position of theDirectorate of the Brazilian Society of Hematology and Hemotherapyin respect to letters to the Editor both in this and the previous issueof the RBHH.

Responsabilização médica e a diminuição de transfusões: [carta ao editor] / Medical responsibility and decreased number of transfusions: [letter to editor]

This study describes the impact of the implantation of a document ofresponsibility that should be followed by doctors who do not complywith the guidelines of Hospital de Clínicas when prescribing packedred blood cells. Data analysis shows that the compulsory nature ofthe responsibility terms significantly decreases the number of packedred blood cells transfused in opposition to the Institution guidelines(p < 0.001). Rev. bras. hematol. hemoter. 2008; 30(4):333-334..