The Metagenomic Composition and Effects of Fecal-Microbe-Derived Extracellular Vesicles on Intestinal Permeability Depend on the Patient's Disease.

The composition and impact of fecal-microbe-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) present in different diseases has not been analyzed. We determined the metagenomic profiling of feces and fecal-microbe-derived EVs from healthy subjects and patients with different diseases (diarrhea, morbid obesity and Crohn's disease (CD)) and the effect of these fecal EVs on the cellular permeability of Caco-2 cells. The control group presented higher proportions of Pseudomonas and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and lower proportions of Phascolarctobacterium, Veillonella and Veillonellaceae_ge in EVs when compared with the feces from which these EVs were isolated. In contrast, there were significant differences in 20 genera between the feces and EV compositions in the disease groups. Bacteroidales and Pseudomonas were increased, and Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcus, Clostridium and Subdoligranum were decreased in EVs from control patients compared with the other three groups of patients. Tyzzerella, Verrucomicrobiaceae, Candidatus_Paracaedibacter and Akkermansia were increased in EVs from the CD group compared with the morbid obesity and diarrhea groups. Fecal EVs from the morbid obesity, CD and, mainly, diarrhea induced a significant increase in the permeability of Caco-2 cells. In conclusion, the metagenomic composition of fecal-microbe-derived EVs changes depending on the disease of the patients. The modification of the permeability of Caco-2 cells produced by fecal EVs depends on the disease of the patients.

CRISPR technology towards genome editing of the perennial and semi-perennial crops citrus, coffee and sugarcane.

Gene editing technologies have opened up the possibility of manipulating the genome of any organism in a predicted way. CRISPR technology is the most used genome editing tool and, in agriculture, it has allowed the expansion of possibilities in plant biotechnology, such as gene knockout or knock-in, transcriptional regulation, epigenetic modification, base editing, RNA editing, prime editing, and nucleic acid probing or detection. This technology mostly depends on in vitro tissue culture and genetic transformation/transfection protocols, which sometimes become the major challenges for its application in different crops. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, biolistics, plasmid or RNP (ribonucleoprotein) transfection of protoplasts are some of the commonly used CRISPR delivery methods, but they depend on the genotype and target gene for efficient editing. The choice of the CRISPR system (Cas9, Cas12), CRISPR mechanism (plasmid or RNP) and transfection technique (Agrobacterium spp., PEG solution, lipofection) directly impacts the transformation efficiency and/or editing rate. Besides, CRISPR/Cas technology has made countries rethink regulatory frameworks concerning genetically modified organisms and flexibilize regulatory obstacles for edited plants. Here we present an overview of the state-of-the-art of CRISPR technology applied to three important crops worldwide (citrus, coffee and sugarcane), considering the biological, methodological, and regulatory aspects of its application. In addition, we provide perspectives on recently developed CRISPR tools and promising applications for each of these crops, thus highlighting the usefulness of gene editing to develop novel cultivars.

Water stress signaling and hydraulic traits in three congeneric citrus species under water deficit.

Morpho-physiological strategies to deal with water deficit vary among citrus species and the chemical signaling through ABA and anatomical, hydraulic, and physiological traits were evaluated in saplings of Rangpur lime, Swingle citrumelo and Valencia sweet orange. Trunk and roots of Swingle citrumelo presented lower vessel diameter and higher vessel frequency as compared to the other species. However, relative water content at the turgor loss point (RWCTLP), the osmotic potential at full turgor (Ψ0), the osmotic potential at the turgor loss point (ΨTLP), bulk modulus of elasticity (ε) and the xylem water potential when hydraulic conductivity is reduced by 50% (Ψ50) and 88% (Ψ88) indicated similar hydraulic traits among citrus species, with Rangpur lime showing the highest hydraulic safety margin. Roots of Rangpur lime and Swingle citrumelo were more water conductive than ones of Valencia sweet orange, which was linked to higher stomatal conductance. Chemical signaling through ABA prevented shoot dehydration in Rangpur lime under water deficit, with this species showing a more conservative stomatal behavior, sensing, and responding rapidly to low soil moisture. Taken together, our results suggest that Rangpur lime - the drought tolerant species - has an improved control of leaf water status due to chemical signaling and effective stomatal regulation for reducing water loss as well as decreased root hydraulic conductivity for saving water resources under limiting conditions.

Percepção de usuários em relação às práticas integrativas e complementares na saúde mental: musicoterapia / Percepción de los usuarios de las prácticas integrativas y complementarias en la salud mental: musicoterapia / Perception of users in relation to integrative and complementary practices in mental health: music therapy

Objetivo: identificar a percepção das pessoas atendidas na Associação Voluntários em Luta a respeito do uso da música nas atividades e outras estratégias terapêuticas complementares. Método: pesquisa descritiva, exploratória, de abordagem qualitativa. Participaram 15 pessoas atendidas na associação. A coleta de dados ocorreu por meio de entrevistas gravadas e transcritas. Utilizou-se a análise de conteúdo temático, proposta por Bardin, para analisar os dados. Resultados: dos discursos emergiram duas categorias temáticas: influência da musicoterapia no tratamento das pessoas atendidas na Associação Voluntários em Luta e aspectos do cuidado em saúde mental identificados nos participantes da Associação Voluntários em Luta. As atividades com música mostraram ser benéficas à coordenação motora, memória, afetividade e expressão de sentimentos. Considerações finais: na percepção dos participantes, a musicoterapia é capaz de alterar o comportamento e o desenvolvimento cognitivo e relacional, mostrando ser uma estratégia terapêutica possível para a utilização por profissionais de enfermagem, potencializando um cuidado humanizado.

Objetivo: identificar la percepción de las personas atendidas en la Associação Voluntários em Luta en relación al uso de la música en las actividades y otras estrategias terapéuticas complementarias. Método: investigación descriptiva, exploratoria, de abordaje cualitativo. Participaron 15 personas atendidas en la asociación. La recogida de datos se realizó a través de entrevistas grabadas y transcritas. Se utilizó el análisis de contenido temático, propuesto por Bardin, para analizar los datos. Resultados: de los discursos surgieron dos categorías temáticas: influencia de la musicoterapia en el tratamiento de las personas atendidas en la Associação Voluntários em Luta y aspectos del cuidado en salud mental identificados en los participantes de la Associação Voluntários em Luta. Las actividades con música han demostrado ser beneficiosas para la coordinación motora, memoria, afectividad y expresión de sentimientos. Consideraciones finales: en la percepción de los participantes, la musicoterapia es capaz de alterar el comportamiento y el desarrollo cognitivo y relacional, mostrando ser una estrategia terapéutica posible para la utilización por profesionales de enfermería, potenciando un cuidado humanizado.

Objective: to identify the perception of the people assisted in the Associação Voluntários em Luta regarding the use of music in activities and other complementary therapeutic strategies. Method: descriptive, exploratory research, with qualitative approach. The participants were 15 people assisted by the association. Data collection occurred through recorded and transcribed interviews. The thematic content analysis proposed by Bardin was used to analyze the data. Results: two thematic categories emerged from the discourses: the influence of music therapy on the treatment of people assisted in the Associação Voluntários em Luta and aspects of mental health care identified in the participants of the Associação Voluntários em Luta. Activities with music showed to be beneficial to motor coordination, memory, affectivity and expression of feelings. Final considerations: in participants' perception, music therapy is able to alter the behavior and cognitive and relational development, showing to be a possible therapeutic strategy for use by nursing professionals, enhancing a humanized care.

A percepção dos familiares sobre a unidade de internação psiquiátrica em um hospital geral / Percepción de la familia de la unidad psiquiátrica en um hospital general / Perception of family members about the psychiatric hospitalization unit in a general hospital

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar a percepção dos familiares sobre assistência e organização da unidade de internação psiquiátrica em um hospital geral. Método: Pesquisa descritiva exploratória, com abordagem qualitativa, realizada em um hospital geral no interior do Oeste Paulista, junto a 13 familiares de pessoas com transtorno mental. O instrumento de coleta de dados foi um roteiro de entrevista semiestruturado e a análise ocorreu mediante ao referencial metodológico da análise temática de conteúdo proposta por Bardin. Resultados: A partir da análise dos discursos, emergiram duas categorias: a) "Relevância da ambiência e equipe multidisciplinar no tratamento de pessoas com transtornos mentais", destacando o ambiente físico, o tratamento ministrado pela equipe multidisciplinar e o contato e participação dos familiares durante a internação; e b) "Fragilidades da dinâmica assistencial como suporte nas relações interpessoais", na qual foram evidenciados os aspectos apontados como ainda frágeis na assistência. Considerações Finais: A percepção familiar foi predominantemente positiva em relação ao serviço oferecido e, mesmo com as fragilidades apontadas, estes sentem-se satisfeitos com o ambiente hospitalar no que tange ao trabalho realizado pela equipe multidisciplinar e o cuidado inclusivo da família na terapêutica.

RESUMEN Objetivo: identificar la percepción de los parientes sobre la atención y la organización de la unidad de hospitalización psiquiátrica en un hospital general. Método: Investigación exploratoria descriptiva, con enfoque cualitativo, efectuada en un hospital general del interior del Oeste de São Paulo, abarcando 13 parientes de personas con trastornos mentales. El instrumento de recolección de datos fue un guion de entrevista semiestructurado y el análisis se llevó a cabo utilizando el marco metodológico del análisis de contenido temático propuesto por Bardin. Resultados: Del análisis de los discursos, surgieron dos categorías: a) "Relevancia del ambiente y equipo multidisciplinario en el tratamiento de personas con trastornos mentales", subrayando el entorno físico, el trato brindado por el equipo multidisciplinario y el contacto y la participación de los parientes durante la hospitalización; yb) "Debilidades en la dinámica de atención como apoyo en las relaciones interpersonales", donde se resaltaron los aspectos señalados como aún débiles en la atención. Consideraciones finales: La percepción familiar fue predominantemente positiva con relación al servicio ofrecido e, incluso con las debilidades señaladas, los parientes sienten satisfechos con el entorno hospitalario en cuanto al trabajo desarrollado por el equipo multidisciplinario y la atención inclusiva de la familia en la terapia.

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify the perception family members about the care and organization of the psychiatric hospitalization unit in a general hospital. Method: Descriptive and exploratory research, with a qualitative approach, conducted in a general hospital in western São Paulo, including 13 relatives of people with mental disorders. The data collection instrument was a semi-structured interview script and the analysis took place using the methodological framework of the thematic content analysis proposed by Bardin. Results: From the analysis of the speeches, two categories were raised: a) "Relevance of environment and multidisciplinary team in the treatment of people with mental disorders", highlighting the physical environment, the treatment given by the multidisciplinary team and the contact and participation of family members during hospitalization; and b) "Weaknesses in care dynamics as a support in interpersonal relationships", where the aspects pointed out as still fragile in health care were highlighted. Final Considerations: The relatives' perception was predominantly positive in relation to the service offered and, even with the weaknesses pointed out, they feel satisfied with the hospital environment regarding the work performed by the multidisciplinary team and the inclusive care of the family in the therapy.

Changes in the requirement for early surgery in inflammatory bowel disease in the era of biological agents.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Biological therapies may be changing the natural history of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), reducing the need for surgical intervention. We aimed to assess whether the availability of anti-TNF agents impacts the need for early surgery in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS: Retrospective, cohort study of patients diagnosed within a 6-year period before and after the licensing of anti-TNFs (1990-1995 and 2007-2012 for CD; 1995-2000 and 2007-2012 for UC) were identified in the ENEIDA Registry. Surgery-free survival curves were compared between cohorts. RESULTS: A total of 7370 CD patients (2022 in Cohort 1 and 5348 in Cohort 2) and 8069 UC patients (2938 in Cohort 1 and 5131 in Cohort 2) were included. Immunosuppressants were used significantly earlier and more frequently in both CD and UC post-biological cohorts. The cumulative probability of surgery was lower in CD following anti-TNF approval (16% and 11%, 22% and 16%, and 29% and 19%, at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively P < 0.0001), although not in UC (3% and 2%, 4% and 4%, and 6% and 5% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively; P = 0.2). Ileal involvement, older age at diagnosis and active smoking in CD, and extensive disease in UC, were independent risk factors for surgery, whereas high-volume IBD centers (in both CD and UC) and immunosuppressant use (in CD) were protective factors. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-TNF availability was associated with a reduction in early surgery for CD (driven mainly by earlier and more widespread immunosuppressant use) but not in UC.

Rootstock-induced molecular responses associated with drought tolerance in sweet orange as revealed by RNA-Seq.

BACKGROUND: Citrus plants are commercially propagated by grafting, with the rootstock variety influencing a number of horticultural traits, including drought tolerance. Among the different rootstock varieties available for citrus propagation, 'Rangpur' lime is known to confer enhanced tolerance to drought as compared to other citrus rootstocks. The objective of this study was to investigate the poorly understood molecular responses underlying the rootstock-induced drought tolerance in sweet orange. RESULTS: RNA-Seq transcriptome analysis was carried out in leaves of sweet orange grafted on 'Rangpur' lime subjected to control and drought-stress treatments, under greenhouse conditions, using the Illumina HiSeq platform. A total of 41,827 unique transcripts were identified, among which 1764 transcripts showed significant variation (P ≤ 0.001) between the treatments, with 1081 genes induced and 683 repressed by drought-stress treatment. The transcripts were distributed in 44 different categories of cellular component, molecular function and biological process. Several genes related to cell metabolism, including those involved in the metabolisms of cell wall, carbohydrates and antioxidants, light reactions, biotic and abiotic stress responses, as well as genes coding for transcription factors (TFs), protein kinases (PKs) and proteins involved in the abscisic acid (ABA) and ethylene signaling pathways, were differentially regulated by drought stress. RNA-Seq data were validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) analysis and comparative analysis of expression of the selected genes between sweet orange grafted on drought-tolerant and -sensitive rootstocks revealed new candidate genes for drought tolerance in citrus. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our results showed that only a relatively small but functionally diverse fraction of the sweet orange transcriptome, with functions in metabolism, cellular responses and regulation, was differentially regulated by drought stress. The data suggest that the rootstock-induced drought tolerance in sweet orange includes the transcriptional activation of genes related to the cell wall, soluble carbohydrate and antioxidant metabolisms, biotic and abiotic stress responses, TFs, PKs and ABA signaling pathway, and the downregulation of genes involved in the starch metabolism, light reactions and ethylene signaling. Future efforts to elucidate their functional roles and explore their potential in the citrus genetic improvement should benefit from this data.

Effectiveness of adalimumab for the treatment of ulcerative colitis in clinical practice: comparison between anti-tumour necrosis factor-naïve and non-naïve patients.

BACKGROUND: Ulcerative colitis (UC) treatment is focused to achieve mucosal healing, avoiding disease progression. The study aimed to evaluate the real-world effectiveness of adalimumab (ADA) in UC and to identify predictors of remission to ADA. METHODS: This cohort study used data from the ENEIDA registry. Clinical response, clinical remission, endoscopic remission, adverse events (AE), colectomy, and hospitalisations were evaluated; baseline characteristics and biological parameters were compared to determine predictors of response. RESULTS: We included 263 patients (87 naïve and 176 previously exposed to anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha, TNF). After 12 weeks, clinical response, clinical remission, and endoscopic remission rates were 51, 26, and 14 %, respectively. The naïve group demonstrated better response to treatment than the anti-TNF-exposed group at short-term. Clinical and endoscopic remission within 1 year of treatment was better in the naïve group (65 vs. 49 and 50 vs. 35 %, respectively). The rates of AE, dose-escalation, hospitalisations, and colectomy during the first year were higher in anti-TNF-exposed patients (40, 43, and 27 % vs. 26, 21, and 11 %, respectively). Patients with primary failure and intolerance to the first anti-TNF and severe disease were associated with worse clinical response. Primary non-response to prior anti-TNF treatment and severe disease were predictive of poorer clinical remission. Low levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and faecal calprotectin (FC) at baseline were predictors of clinical remission. CONCLUSIONS: In clinical practice, ADA was effective in UC, especially in anti-TNF naïve patients. FC and CRP could be predictors of treatment effectiveness.

Prevalência de casos de depressão em acadêmicos de enfermagem em uma instituição de ensino de Brasília / Prevalence of cases of depression in nursing students in an institution of higher education in Brasilia / El predominio de casos de depresión entre estudiantes de enfermería de una institución educativa de Brasília

OBJETIVO: identificar os casos de depressão e os níveis de prevalência em acadêmicos de Enfermagem em uma instituição de ensino de Brasília. MÉTODOS: estudo de caráter exploratório descritivo, que compreendeu o período de outubro de 2010 a outubro de 2011, com amostra probabilística de 91 indivíduos, representando percentual de 30% dos alunos matriculados no curso. Foi aplicado um questionário, utilizando-se o Inventário de Depressão de Beck (IDB). O IDB é composto de 21 itens, incluindo sintomas e atividades em quatro graus de intensidade. RESULTADOS: a totalidade dos indivíduos pesquisados apresenta sintomas de depressão, sendo que 57 (62,6%) apresentaram níveis de depressão mínima; 23 (25,2%) situam-se na faixa de depressão leve a moderada; 10 (10,9%) relataram depressão moderada a grave e um (1,1%) manifestou quadro de depressão grave. CONCLUSÃO: os resultados obtidos contribuem para o avanço do conhecimento científico e como incentivo para a realização de novas pesquisas. Nesta pesquisa houve mais prevalência de depressão em acadêmicos na faixa etária de 17 a 23 anos, representando 70 (72,5%) participantes da amostra. Dos participantes da pesquisa, 85 (93,4%) eram do sexo feminino, revelando a prevalência feminina no curso de Enfermagem. Considera-se, assim, oportuno que a instituição de ensino coloque em prática um programa de suporte psicológico destinado aos acadêmicos.

OBJETIVO: Identificar los casos de depresión y sus niveles de prevalencia en estudiantes de enfermería de una institución educativa de Brasilia. MÉTODOS: Entre octubre de 2010 y octubre de 2011 se llevó a cabo un estudio exploratorio descriptivo que contó con una muestra aleatoria de 91 individuos representando el 30% de los alumnos inscritos en el curso. Se aplicó un cuestionario mediante el Inventario de Depresión de Beck (BDI). El BDI consta de 21 artículos que incluyen los síntomas y actividades de los cuatro grados de intensidad. RESULTADOS: Todos los individuos objeto de estudio presentaban síntomas de depresión. El 62.6% (57 alumnos) mostró un nivel mínimo de depresión, el 25,2% (23 alumnos) estaba en el rango de depresión leve a moderada, un 10,9% (10) de depresión moderada a grave y 1.1% (1) de depresión severa. CONCLUSIÓN: Los resultados contribuyen al avance del conocimiento científico y sirven como incentivo para realizar nuevas investigaciones. En este estudio se observó una mayor prevalencia de depresión en estudiantes entre 17y 23 años, lo cual representa un 72,5% de la muestra. De los encuestados 85 (93,4%) eran mujeres, revelando la prevalencia femenina en el curso de enfermería. Se sugiere que las institucione

OBJECTIVE: To identify cases of depression and prevalence levels in nursing students in an institution of higher education in Brasilia, Brazil. METHODS: This work is an exploratory, descriptive study, carried out from October 2010 to October 2011, with a probabilistic sample of 91 individuals, representing 30% of the students enrolled in the nursing course. A questionnaire was applied, using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The BDI consists of 21 items, including symptoms and activities at four degrees of intensity. RESULTS: All of the studied individuals presented symptoms of depression, of which 62.6% showed minimal levels of depression, 25.2% presented mild to moderate depression, 10.9% reported moderate to severe depression, and 1.1% manifested severe depression. CONCLUSION: The results contribute to advances in scientific knowledge and serve as an incentive for further research. This study showed a higher prevalence of depression in students from 17 to 23 years of age, representing 70 (72.5%) participants of the sample. Of the survey participants, 85 (93.4%) were female, revealing the prevalence of women in the nursing course. It can therefore be concluded that this institution of higher education needs to implement a psychological support program for its students.

Perfil do Profissional de Serviço Social da Secretaria Estadual de Saúde de Mato Grosso lotado no Município de Cuiabá / Profile of the Social Work Professional of the State Health Department of Mato Grosso located in the Municipality of Cuiabá

História, Letras, Pedagogia, Psicologia e Teologia. A maioria de 93,10% é pós-graduado em contraditória de sua minoria ser mestre, sendo este de apenas 2,30%. No que tange quanto realização de cursos de capacitação e/ou qualificação, com mais de 40 horas no ano de 2010, 27,59% apontou ter realizado no mínimo um, e 20,69% relatou ter realizado mais de três capacitações e/ou qualificações, com mais de 40 horas no ano de 2010. Quanto ao desejo de realizar em futuro próximo capacitação e/ou qualificação, a maioria de 88,51% possui essa vontade, dentre estes 85,90% deseja realizar dentro da área de atuação. No aspecto vínculo trabalhista a sua maioria de 99,55% é efetivo, tendo como carga horária de trabalho variando entre 30 horas semanais com 54,02% destes e 40 horas semanais apresentando 43,68% destes. Identificamos também que 29,89% possuem outro vínculo trabalhista, e que destes 48,28% também é no serviço público e que 74,20% destes é na área do Serviço Social. Identificamos com relação a ocupação de cargos de assessoramente, direção ou chefia, que 12,64% realizam essas funções atualmente e 28,74% já ocupou anteriormente cargo de assessoramente, direção ou chefia. Quanto ao aspecto de filiação partidária e a representatividade em organização de participação coletiva, visualizamos que apenas 6,90% são filiados em algum partido político e um número mais significativo de 56,32% é sindicalizado trabalhista. Quanto à frequência em ações/trabalhos/reuniões 33,33% são militantes. Das entidades de participação em organização coletiva, 22,86% é atuante no Conselho Regional de Serviço Social. Com relação ao conhecimento da Lei Federal no. 12.312 de 27 de agosto de 2010, onde regulamenta a jornada de trabalho para assistentes sociais de 30 horas semanais sem redução de salário, a maioria maciça de 98,85% tem conhecimento da mesma e destes 57,47% acreditam que com a efetivação da Lei na Secretaria Estadual de Saúde de Mato Grosso, venha a melhorar a sua qualidade de vida e 49,43% acredita que também melhore a qualidade de seu trabalho com a efetivação a Lei Federal no.12.317/10.

Internação psiquátrica: ouvindo quem passou pela experiência / Psychiatric hospitalization: listening to those who experienced it / Internación psiquiátrica: escuchando a quien vivió la experiencia

Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo de abordagem fenomenológica, com o objetivo de elucidar o fenômeno "estar internado em uma ala de psiquiatria de um hospital geral", com base no relato de quem o vivenciou. Participaram desse estudo oito clientes internados na enfermaria psiquiátrica do Hospital das Clínicas de Marília (HC), por meio de duas entrevistas semiestruturadas, gravadas e transcritas. A primeira entrevista ocorreu nos primeiros cinco dias de internação e a segunda, próxima ao momento da alta hospitalar. A análise das entrevistas se deu mediante a união das falas concordantes em oito unidades temáticas: 1. história da doença; 2. relações familiares; 3. sentimentos envolvidos durante a internação; 4. impressões sobre a ala e o atendimento; 5. influência da religião; 6. medicações; 7. internações antigas em hospitais psiquiátricas; e 8. perspectiva para o futuro. Os resultados mostram que a doença psiquiátrica gera grande sofrimento, que, quando intensificado, torna-se motivo para a internação. As relações familiares patológicas e o uso incorreto das medicações também foram vistos como agravantes desse sofrimento. A religião foi percebida como um fator que exerce grande influência nos pacientes psiquiátricos, tanto de forma prejudicial como fonte de conforto. A internação foi relatada por alguns dos entrevistados como de difícil aceitação a princípio, mas houve reconhecimento dos benefícios no decorrer dela, quando constataram que estavam mais preparados para voltar a conviver em sociedade e vislumbraram suas expectativas para o futuro.

This is a qualitative study with a phenomenological approach that aims to elucidate the phenomenon of "being hospitalized in a psychiatric ward", considering the reports of those who experienced it. Eight patients admitted in a psychiatric ward of the Clinical Hospital of Marilia underwent two semi-structured interviews which were recorded and then transcribed. The first interview was performed within five days of admission and the second one was obtained at the moment of hospital discharge. Patient's reports were analyzed and separated in eight thematic groups: 1) history of the disease; 2) family relationships; 3) feelings during the hospitalization; 4) impressions about the ward and the treatment; 5) influence of religion; 6) medication; 7) previous hospitalization in psychiatric institution, and 8) perspectives for the future. Results show that psychiatric diseases cause great suffering, which may become a reason for hospitalization. Moreover, pathologic family relationships and incorrect use of medications seem to enhance suffering. Religion also seems to have an effect on psychiatric patients, either in a positive or in a negative way. Reports show that patients find it hard to accept hospitalization at first, but they recognize its benefits during the process, when they are able to go back home and relate their perspectives for the future.

Se trata de un estudio cualitativo de enfoque fenomenológico con el objetivo de elucidar el fenómeno de "estar internado en una ala de psiquiatría de un hospital general", a partir del relato de quien lo vivió. Participaron ocho clientes internados en la enfermería psiquiátrica del Hospital de las Clínicas de Marília (HC), a través de dos entrevistas semiestructuradas, grabadas y transcritas. La primera entrevista ocurrió en los primeros cinco días de internación y, la otra, cerca del alta hospitalaria. El análisis de las entrevistas se realizó vinculando las respectivas charlas en ocho unidades temáticas: 1) historia de la enfermedad; 2) relaciones familiares; 3) sentimientos durante la internación; 4) impresiones sobre el ala y la atención; 5) influencia de la religión; 6) medicación; 7) internaciones antiguas en hospitales psiquiátricos; y 8) perspectivas para el futuro. Los resultados muestran que la enfermedad psiquiátrica genera mucho sufrimiento y que, cuando se intensifica, se torna motivo para la internación. La relaciones familiares patológicas y el uso incorrecto de los medicamentos agravan el sufrimiento. La religión fue percibida como un factor que ejerce mucha influencia en los pacientes psiquiátricos, ya sea de forma perjudicial o como fuente de confort. La internación fue relatada como de difícil aceptación al principio; sin embargo, más tarde se reconocieron sus beneficios cuando algunos de los entrevistados afirmaron estar más preparados para volver a convivir en sociedad y pudieron relatar sus expectativas para el futuro.

Towards the identification of flower-specific genes in Citrus spp

Citrus sinensis is a perennial woody species, for which genetic approaches to the study of reproductive development are not readily amenable. Here, the usefulness of the CitEST Expressed Sequence Tag (EST) database is demonstrated as a reliable new resource for identifying novel genes exclusively related to Citrus reproductive biology. We performed the analysis of an EST dataset of the CitEST Project containing 4,330 flower-derived cDNA sequences. Relying on bioinformatics tools, sequences exclusively present in this flower-derived sequence collection were selected and used for the identification of Citrus putative flower-specific genes. Our analysis revealed several Citrus sequences showing significant similarity to conserved genes known to have flower-specific expression and possessing functions related to flower metabolism and/or reproductive development in diverse plant species. Comparison of the Citrus flower-specific sequences with all available plant peptide sequences unraveled 247 unique transcripts not identified elsewhere within the plant kingdom. Additionally, 49 transcripts, for which no biological function could be attributed by means of sequence comparisons, were found to be conserved among plant species. These results allow further gene expression analysis and possibly novel approaches to the understanding of reproductive development in Citrus.

A genetic framework for flowering-time pathways in Citrus spp.

Floral transition is one the most drastic changes occurring during the life cycle of a plant. The shoot apical meristem switches from the production of leaves with associated secondary shoot meristems to the production of flower meristems. This transition is abrupt and generally irreversible, suggesting it is regulated by a robust gene regulatory network capable of driving sharp transitions. The moment at which this transition occurs is precisely determined by environmental and endogenous signals. A large number of genes acting within these pathways have been cloned in model herbaceous plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana. In this paper, we report the results of our search in the Citrus expressed sequence tag (CitEST) database for expressed sequence tags (ESTs) showing sequence homology with known elements of flowering-time pathways. We have searched all sequence clusters in the CitEST database and identified more than one hundred Citrus spp sequences that codify putative conserved elements of the autonomous, vernalization, photoperiod response and gibberelic acid-controlled flowering-time pathways. Additionally, we have characterized in silico putative members of the Citrus spp homologs to the Arabidopsis CONSTANS family of transcription factors.

In silico analysis of ESTs from roots of Rangpur lime (Citrus limonia Osbeck) under water stress

CitEST project resulted in the construction of cDNA libraries from different Citrus sp. tissues under various physiological conditions. Among them, plantlets of Rangpur lime were exposed to hydroponic conditions with and without water stress using PEG6000. RNA from roots was obtained and generated a total of 4,130 valid cDNA reads, with 2,020 from the non-stressed condition and 2,110 from the stressed set. Bioinformatic analyses measured the frequency of each read in the libraries and yielded an in silico transcriptional profile for each condition. A total of 40 contigs were differentially expressed and allowed to detect up-regulated homologue sequences to well known genes involved in stress response, such as aquaporins, dehydrin, sucrose synthase, and proline-related synthase. Some sequences could not be classified by using FunCat and remained with an unknown function. A large number of sequences presented high similarities to annotated genes involved with cell energy, protein synthesis and cellular transport, suggesting that Rangpur lime may sustain active cell growth under stressed condition. The presence of membrane transporters and cell signaling components could be an indication of a coordinated morphological adaptation and biochemical response during drought, helping to explain the higher tolerance of this rootstock to water stress.

Analysis of expressed sequence tags from Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck infected with Xylella fastidiosa

In order to understand the genetic responses resulting from physiological changes that occur in plants displaying citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC) symptoms, we adopted a strategy of comparing two EST libraries from sweet orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck]. One of them was prepared with plants showing typical CVC symptoms caused by Xylella fastidiosa and the other with non-inoculated plants. We obtained 15,944 ESTs by sequencing the two cDNA libraries. Using an in silico hybridization strategy, 37 genes were found to have significant variation at the transcriptional level. Within this subset, 21 were up-regulated and 16 were down-regulated in plants with CVC. The main functional categories of the down-regulated transcripts in plants with CVC were associated with metabolism, protein modification, energy and transport facilitation. The majority of the up-regulated transcripts were associated with metabolism and defense response. Some transcripts associated with adaptation to stress conditions were up-regulated in plants with CVC and could explain why plants remain alive even under severe water and nutritional stress. Others of the up-regulated transcripts are related to defense response suggesting that sweet orange plants activate their defense machinery. The genes associated with stress response might be expressed as part of a secondary response related to physiological alterations caused by the infection.

Differential expression of genes identified from Poncirus trifoliata tissue inoculated with CTV through EST analysis and in silico hybridization

Citrus is the most important fruit crop in Brazil and Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) is considered one of the most important pathogens of citrus. Most citrus species and varieties are susceptible to CTV infection. However, Poncirus trifoliata, a close relative of citrus, is resistant to the virus. In order to better understand the responses of citrus plants to the infection of CTV, we constructed expressed sequence tag (EST) libraries with tissues collected from Poncirus trifoliata plants, inoculated or not with Citrus tristeza virus at 90 days after inoculation, grafted on Rangpur lime rootstocks. We generated 17,867 sequence tags from Poncirus trifoliata inoculated (8,926 reads) and not (8,941 reads) with a severe CTV isolate. A total of 2,782 TCs (Tentative Consensi sequences) were obtained using both cDNA libraries in a single clusterization procedure. By the in silico hybridization approach, 289 TCs were identified as differentially expressed in the two libraries. A total of 121 TCs were found to be overexpressed in plants infected with CTV and were grouped in 12 primary functional categories. The majority of them were associated with metabolism and defense response. Some others were related to lignin, ethylene biosynthesis and PR proteins. In general, the differentially expressed transcripts seem to be somehow involved in secondary plant response to CTV infection.

Vascular ophthalmological side effects associated with antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C are related to vascular endothelial growth factor levels.

We have screened for the incidence of vascular ophthalmological side effects (VOSE) in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients undergoing pegylated interferon (peg-IFN) plus ribavirin (RBV) therapy and sought evidence for angiogenesis activation. Thirty-four CHC patients were prospectively evaluated (18 patients with 180 microg/week of peg-IFN-alpha2a plus 800mg/day of RBV and 16 with 1.5 microg/kg/week of peg-IFN-alpha2b plus 800-1,200mg/day of RBV). Complete ophthalmological evaluation and serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were assessed before and at the end of therapy. Thirteen patients (38.2%) developed VOSE, eight (23.5%) featured subconjunctival haemorrhage, and five (14.7%) had evidence of retinopathy - all were unrelated to age, sex, genotype, the type of antiviral schedule used and response to therapy. At the end of treatment, the VOSE group had significantly higher serum VEGF levels than the group of patients without detectable side effects (median 281 [range 106-386] vs 117 [83-225] pg/ml, P=0.05). These differences increased when VEGF values were corrected by platelet count. In the VOSE group, baseline VEGF and VEGF/platelet values were also significantly higher (164 [55-260] vs 64 [21-172] pg/ml, P=0.046; and 0.920 [0.217-1.543] vs 0.320 [0.100-0.661] pg/10(6) platelets, P=0.024, respectively]. In a multivariate model VEGF/platelet values at end of treatment and hepatic fibrosis stage were the only predictors of VOSE development. In 3 out of 13 patients visual acuity was affected and 2 had residual lesions in the follow-up. In this exploratory study, antiviral therapy of CHC frequently induces VOSE, apparently through an activation of angiogenesis.