Educação permanente para agentes comunitários de saúde na saúde materno-infantil: relato de experiência / Permanent education in maternal and child health for community health agents: an experience report

Objetivo: Relatar a experiência de acadêmicos de enfermagem na realização de uma atividade de educação permanente para Agentes Comunitários de Saúde sobre os cuidados à puérpera e ao recém-nascido. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, tipo relato de experiência, desenvolvido em uma Unidade de Saúde da Família de Belém-PA, nos meses de fevereiro e março de 2022, envolvendo os acadêmicos de enfermagem, a enfermeira da unidade e 10 Agentes Comunitários de Saúde (ACS). Para a construção e aplicação da atividade utilizou-se a metodologia da problematização através do Arco de Maguerez, representado em cinco etapas: observação da realidade, pontos-chave, teorização, hipóteses de solução e aplicação à realidade. Resultados: Os acadêmicos perceberam que os ACS demonstraram interesse nos assuntos abordados, e relacionaram os temas com as vivências na comunidade, bem como entenderam o papel fundamental que desempenham. Os assuntos observados maiores dúvidas e discussões foram: saúde mental da puérpera, cuidados com a higiene do recém-nascido e o calendário vacinal infantil. Conclusão: Através da experiência dos acadêmicos foi possível evidenciar que a educação permanente aos ACS sobre os cuidados da saúde da puérpera e do recém-nascidos é essencial para a qualidade do atendimento ofertado por eles à comunidade, contribuindo para uma assistência humanizada e individualizada. Descritores: Agentes Comunitários de Saúde; Recém-Nascido; Período Pós-Parto; Educação Continuada; Promoção da Saúde

Objective: To report Nursing students' experience in carrying out a permanent education activity for Community Health Agents about puerperal and newborn care.Methods: A descriptive study of the experience report type, developed in February and March 2022 at a Family Health Unit from Belém-PA, involving Nursing students, a nurse working in the unit and 10 Community HealthAgents (CHAs). For the construction and application of the activity, the problematization methodology was used through the Maguerez Arch, represented in five stages: observation of the reality; key points; theorization; solution hypotheses; and application to reality. Results: The students realized that the CHAs showed interest in the subject matters addressed and related the topics to their experiences in the community, as well as they understood the fundamental role they play. The subject matters observed with the main questions and discussions were as follows: puerperal women's mental health; hygiene care for the newborn; and the infant immunization schedule. Conclusion: Through the students' experience, it was possible to evidence that the permanent education offered to the CHAs about health care for puerperal women and newborns is essential for the quality of the service they offer to the community, contributing to humanized and individualized assistance. Descriptors: Community Health Agents; Infant, Newborn; Postpartum Period; Education, Continuing

Inhibition of O-acetylserine (thiol) lyase as a promising new mechanism of action for herbicides.

Enzymes of the sulfur assimilation pathway of plants have been identified as potential targets for herbicide development, given their crucial role in synthesizing amino acids, coenzymes, and various sulfated compounds. In this pathway, O-acetylserine (thiol) lyase (OAS-TL; EC 2.5.1.47) catalyzes the synthesis of L-cysteine through the incorporation of sulfate into O-acetylserine (OAS). This study used an in silico approach to select seven inhibitors for OAS-TL. The in silico experiments revealed that S-benzyl-L-cysteine (SBC) had a better docking score (-7.0 kcal mol-1) than the substrate OAS (-6.6 kcal mol-1), indicating its suitable interaction with the active site of the enzyme. In vitro experiments showed that SBC is a non-competitive inhibitor of OAS-TL from Arabidopsis thaliana expressed heterologously in Escherichia coli, with a Kic of 4.29 mM and a Kiu of 5.12 mM. When added to the nutrient solution, SBC inhibited the growth of maize and morning glory weed plants due to the reduction of L-cysteine synthesis. Remarkably, morning glory was more sensitive than maize. As proof of its mechanism of action, L-cysteine supplementation to the nutrient solution mitigated the inhibitory effect of SBC on the growth of morning glory. Taken together, our data suggest that reduced L-cysteine synthesis is the primary cause of growth inhibition in maize and morning glory plants exposed to SBC. Furthermore, our findings indicate that inhibiting OAS-TL could potentially be a novel approach for herbicidal action.

Proximal tubular dysfunction related to tenofovir in people living with HIV/AIDS: a pharmacogenetic study.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this case-control study was to verify the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding drug transporters related to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and proximal renal tubular dysfunction (PRTD), and the association between PRTD and clinical characteristics. METHODS: The 'cases' met the diagnostic criteria for PRTD, determined by the presence of two or more of the following abnormalities: non-diabetic glycosuria, metabolic acidosis, increased uric acid and phosphorus excretion, decreased tubular phosphorus reabsorption and ß2-microglobulinuria. We analyzed eight SNPs in ABCC2, ABCC4, ABCC10 and SLC28A2 genes. Genotyping was performed using real-time PCR. RESULTS: Of the 204 people living with HIV, 38 (18.6%) met the criteria for diagnosis of PRTD and 131 were male (64.2%), with a mean age of 49 years and a history of previous antiretroviral therapy for an average of 5 years. In the multivariate analysis, older individuals, TDF use, protease inhibitor, antihypertensives and anticonvulsants were associated with a risk of developing PRTD. Increased excretion of ß2microglobulin was associated with the A/G genotype of rsCC8187710 from ABCC2 ( P = 0.003) and the following genotypes of ABCC4 SNPs: A/G from rs1059751 ( P = 0.023), G/G from rs1059751 ( P = 0.030) and C/C of rs3742106 ( P = 0.041). The increase in the fraction of excreted phosphorus was associated with the C/T genotype of SNCC rsP40037 from ABCC2 ( P = 0.0041). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate an important relationship between SNPs associated with these markers and changes in proximal renal tubule function, and thus support their use as biomarkers for the early detection of PRTD risk.

Breastfeeding versus free distribution of infant formulas by the Public Health System.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the situation of breastfeeding and the adequacy of prescription of infant formulas to infants assisted by a secondary care program of the Public Health System. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with analysis of medical records of 350 infants from zero to 6 months, followed up between February to April 2019. RESULTS: The possibility of breastfeeding was present in 97.0% of mothers and no infant presented an acceptable medical condition for proscription of breastfeeding. Despite this, only 47.2% of cases were on exclusive breastfeeding before being referred to the program. Regarding the reasons for the introduction of infant formulas, complementation to breast milk was the most present (75.8%), followed by mothers returning to the job market (20.1%). The general rates of inadequacy of those prescribed were 65% before arriving at the program, increasing to 69% (standard formulas) and 80% (formulas for special purposes) during follow-up. CONCLUSION: The low rate of exclusive breastfeeding and the indiscriminate prescription of infant formulas are a concern for damage to maternal-child healthcare and sound finances of the Public Health System.

Aluminum oxide nanoparticles affect the cell wall structure and lignin composition slightly altering the soybean growth.

Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles (NPs) are among the nanoparticles most used industrially, but their impacts on living organisms are widely unknown. We evaluated the effects of 50-1000 mg L-1 Al2O3 NPs on the growth, metabolism of lignin and its monomeric composition in soybean plants. Al2O3 NPs did not affect the length of roots and stems. However, at the microscopic level, Al2O3 NPs altered the root surface inducing the formation of cracks near to root apexes and damage to the root cap. The results suggest that Al2O3 NPs were internalized and accumulated into the cytosol and cell wall of roots, probably interacting with organelles such as mitochondria. At the metabolic level, Al2O3 NPs increased soluble and cell wall-bound peroxidase activities in roots and stems but reduced phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity in stems. Increased lignin contents were also detected in roots and stems. The Al2O3 NPs increased the p-hydroxyphenyl monomer levels in stems but reduced them in roots. The total phenolic content increased in roots and stems; cell wall-esterified p-coumaric and ferulic acids increased in roots, while the content of p-coumaric acid decreased in stems. In roots, the content of ionic aluminum (Al+3) was extremely low, corresponding to 0.0000252% of the aluminum applied in the nanoparticulate form. This finding suggests that all adverse effects observed were due to the Al2O3 NPs only. Altogether, these findings suggest that the structure and properties of the soybean cell wall were altered by the Al2O3 NPs, probably to reduce its uptake and phytotoxicity.

Pan-hipopituitarismo de surgimento na infância e diagnóstico diferencial de poliúria / Childhood-onset panhypopituitarism and differential diagnosis of polyuria

RESUMO: O hipopituitarismo é a deficiência de dois ou mais hormônios hipofisários, que se expressa por sintomas dependentes do tipo e grau de déficit hormonal. A adequada condução destes pacientes é de fundamental importância para que não acarrete atraso no crescimento e desenvolvimento, óbito ou mudanças na qualidade de vida dos indivíduos. Objetiva-se, neste estudo, relatar caso clínico de abordagem de paciente pediátrico com pan-hipopituitarismo e descrever o manejo adotado, bem como a importância do acompanhamento pelo endocrinologista pediátrico. Trata-se de paciente do sexo masculino, 14 anos, com pan-hipopituitarismo iniciado na infância, secundário ao surgimento de germinoma e ao tratamento realizado para o mesmo. A primeira deficiência hormonal apresentada foi diabetes insipidus, seguida, após a realização de quimioterapia e radioterapia, de múltiplas deficiências. O menor segue em acompanhamento especializado, e faz uso de levotiroxina, desmopressina, somatropina, testosterona e prednisolona. A partir do presente relato, percebe-se a importância do diagnóstico oportuno e da adequada abordagem da criança com pan-hipopituitarismo e de seu seguimento a fim de se manter uma qualidade de vida satisfatória. (AU)

ABSTRACT: Hypopituitarism is the deficiency of two or more pituitary hormones. Its symptoms depend on the type and degree of hormonal deficit. Proper care of these patients is of fundamental importance to avoid delay in growth and development, death, or changes in the quality of life. The objective of this study is to report a clinical case of a pediatric patient with pan-hypopituitarism and describe the care adopted, as well as the importance of monitoring by the pediatric endocrinologist. The patient was a 14-year-old boy, with pan-hypopituitarism beginning in childhood, secondary to the appearance of germinoma and the treatment performed for it. The first hormonal deficiency presented was diabetes insipidus, followed by multiple deficiencies after chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The patient is under specialized monitoring and takes levothyroxine, desmopressin, somatropin, testosterone, and prednisolone. From the present report, timely diagnosis and adequate approach to a child with pan-hypopituitarism and its follow-up are important to maintain a satisfactory quality of life. (AU)

Breastfeeding versus free distribution of infant formulas by the Public Health System / Aleitamento materno versus distribuição gratuita de fórmulas infantis pelo Sistema Único de Saúde

ABSTRACT Objective: To characterize the situation of breastfeeding and the adequacy of prescription of infant formulas to infants assisted by a secondary care program of the Public Health System. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with analysis of medical records of 350 infants from zero to 6 months, followed up between February to April 2019. Results: The possibility of breastfeeding was present in 97.0% of mothers and no infant presented an acceptable medical condition for proscription of breastfeeding. Despite this, only 47.2% of cases were on exclusive breastfeeding before being referred to the program. Regarding the reasons for the introduction of infant formulas, complementation to breast milk was the most present (75.8%), followed by mothers returning to the job market (20.1%). The general rates of inadequacy of those prescribed were 65% before arriving at the program, increasing to 69% (standard formulas) and 80% (formulas for special purposes) during follow-up. Conclusion: The low rate of exclusive breastfeeding and the indiscriminate prescription of infant formulas are a concern for damage to maternal-child healthcare and sound finances of the Public Health System.

RESUMO Objetivo: Caracterizar a situação de aleitamento materno e da adequação de prescrição de fórmulas infantis a lactentes assistidos por um programa de Atenção Secundária do Sistema Único de Saúde. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo transversal pela análise de prontuários de 350 lactentes de zero a 6 meses, acompanhados entre fevereiro a abril de 2019. Resultados: A possibilidade de aleitamento materno esteve presente em 97,0% das mães, e nenhum lactente apresentou condição médica aceitável para a proscrição do aleitamento materno. Apesar disso, apenas 47,2% dos casos estavam em aleitamento materno exclusivo antes do encaminhamento ao programa. Em relação aos motivos da introdução das fórmulas infantis, a complementação ao leite materno foi o mais presente (75,8%), seguido da volta da mãe ao mercado de trabalho (20,1%). As taxas gerais de inadequação dentre os prescritos foram de 65% antes da chegada ao programa, passando para 69% (fórmulas padrão) e 80% (fórmulas para fins especiais) durante o acompanhamento. Conclusão: A baixa taxa de aleitamento materno exclusivo e a prescrição indiscriminada de fórmulas infantis são preocupantes por causar prejuízos à saúde maternoinfantil e financeira do Sistema Único de Saúde.

Risk Factors for Hospitalization and Mortality due to COVID-19 in Espírito Santo State, Brazil.

Brazil is, at the time of writing, the global epicenter of COVID-19, but information on risk factors for hospitalization and mortality in the country is still limited. Demographic and clinical data of COVID-19 patients until June 11th, 2020 were retrieved from the State Health Secretariat of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Potential risk factors for COVID-19 hospitalization and death were analyzed by univariate and multivariable logistic regression models. A total of 10,713 COVID-19 patients were included in this study; 81.0% were younger than 60 years, 55.2% were female, 89.2% were not hospitalized, 32.9% had at least one comorbidity, and 7.7% died. The most common symptoms on admission were cough (67.7%) and fever (62.6%); 7.1% of the patients were asymptomatic. Cardiovascular diseases (23.7%) and diabetes (10.3%) were the two most common chronic diseases. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified an association of all explanatory variables, except for cough and diarrhea, with hospitalization. Older age (odds ratio [OR] = 3.95, P < 0.001) and shortness of breath (OR = 3.55, P < 0.001) were associated with increase of odds to COVID-19 death in hospitalized patients. Our study provided evidence that older age, male gender, Asian, indigenous or unknown race, comorbidities (smoking, kidney disease, obesity, pulmonary disease, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease), as well as fever and shortness of breath increased the risk of hospitalization. For death outcome in hospitalized patients, only older age and shortness of breath increased the risk.

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV/AIDS in northeastern Brazil: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Nonadherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) may lead to viral replication and development of antiretroviral resistance. OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors associated with nonadherence to ART among people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHA). DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study in a tertiary-level hospital in northeastern Brazil. METHODS: Intake of less than 90% of the antiretroviral drugs prescribed in the last week prior to the interview was defined as nonadherence. Intake was evaluated using a questionnaire. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were conducted on the study population, with estimation of the respective odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The prevalence of nonadherence was 28.4%. Significant associations were found regarding the following variables: age less than 35 years, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, lack of medication and lack of knowledge regarding the patient's HIV status, on the part of the patient's partner or family. CONCLUSIONS: Encouragement of adherence to antiretroviral therapy is one of the fundamental pillars of treatment for HIV-infected patients. The high proportion of nonadherence (28.4%) and the predictive factors related to this indicate that it is necessary to improve patients' adherence to antiretroviral therapy.

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV/AIDS in northeastern Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Nonadherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) may lead to viral replication and development of antiretroviral resistance. OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors associated with nonadherence to ART among people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHA). DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study in a tertiary-level hospital in northeastern Brazil. METHODS: Intake of less than 90% of the antiretroviral drugs prescribed in the last week prior to the interview was defined as nonadherence. Intake was evaluated using a questionnaire. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were conducted on the study population, with estimation of the respective odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The prevalence of nonadherence was 28.4%. Significant associations were found regarding the following variables: age less than 35 years, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, lack of medication and lack of knowledge regarding the patient's HIV status, on the part of the patient's partner or family. CONCLUSIONS: Encouragement of adherence to antiretroviral therapy is one of the fundamental pillars of treatment for HIV-infected patients. The high proportion of nonadherence (28.4%) and the predictive factors related to this indicate that it is necessary to improve patients' adherence to antiretroviral therapy.

Uma Investigação sobre Disfunções Familiares em Estudantes de Medicina / An investigation into Familiar Dysfunctions among Medical Students

RESUMO Introdução As Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais do Curso de Graduação em Medicina (2014) determinam como perfil do egresso médico uma identidade generalista, humanista, crítica, reflexiva e multicultural. Isto exige habilidades biopsicomotoras qualificadas (competências de cuidar, curar e reabilitar pessoas e suas famílias). Os núcleos psicopedagógicos nacionais encontram no atendimento desses estudantes conflitos pessoais, pedagógicos e familiares traduzidos em transtornos mentais. As disfunções familiares estarão relacionadas ao aumento dessa prevalência na graduação médica (socialização secundária)? Uma socialização primária insatisfatória contribuiria para o adoecer no processo do adultecer? Objetivos Verificar o perfil sociodemográfico, psiquiátrico e familiar de estudantes de Medicina numa instituição federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Métodos A pesquisa foi um estudo quali-quantitativo, com intervenção observacional, exploratória, transversal, descritiva e inferencial. A coleta de dados foi feita por meio de dois instrumentos: (1) um questionário construído para esta pesquisa, autoaplicável, com variáveis sociopsicodemográficas e categorias familiares disfuncionais descritas na literatura; (2) o Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (Mini), versão 5.0.0, compatível com os critérios do DSM-IV e validado por Patrícia Amorim/2000. Os dados foram colhidos após consentimento livre e esclarecido (TCLE) e organizados em banco de dados, no Excel. A análise foi feita com o software estatístico R. As variáveis quantitativas foram analisadas por desvio padrão, média, mediana e moda. As variáveis qualitativas tiveram análises de frequência. Foram realizados testes estatísticos: exato de Fisher, Wilcoxon bilateral, Qui-Quadrado e Shapiro-Wilk, de acordo com as variáveis e objetivos da análise. A pesquisa foi aprovada pelo Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa. CAAE: 67590317.5.0000.5258, em 25/07/2017. Resultados Foram avaliados 129 alunos, com 18 a 32 anos de idade, do primeiro ao 12º período da graduação, 49% do sexo feminino e 51% do sexo masculino. Prevalência de transtorno de ansiedade generalizada: 39,53%; de depressão (atual ou recorrente): 32,56%; e risco de suicídio: 28,68%. A depressão possuiu forte correlação com história familiar de transtorno psiquiátrico (p-valor: 7.639e-08) e com o relacionamento dos pais. Ela esteve presente naqueles com pais divorciados, viúvos ou sem relacionamento (p-valor: 0.008291). O risco de suicídio foi maior entre acadêmicos do ciclo básico, do primeiro ao quarto período da graduação (p-valor: 0,01), e possuía forte correlação com ter sofrido ou sofrer bullying (p-valor: 0,02), ter uma religião (p-valor: 0,006), e depressão (p-valor: 0,03) ou transtorno de pânico (p-valor: 4.903e-05). Houve correlação entre depressão (p-valor: 1.248 e-09) e risco de suicídio (p valor: 0.0009) nos que tinham problemas de comunicação na família. Transtorno de pânico foi observado em 17,05% dos entrevistados, sexo feminino (p-valor: 0.00583). Isto decorre do relacionamento dos pais. Os alunos com pais casados foram os mais afetados (p-valor: 0.01284) Conclusões: Os dados colhidos demonstraram correlações entre disfunções familiares e transtornos psiquiátricos, como depressão, risco de suicídio, transtorno de pânico e transtorno de ansiedade generalizada. Existe a necessidade de um ambiente de ensino-aprendizagem com espaços e cenários e educadores médicos que identifiquem precocemente o sofrimento psíquico na socialização secundária do futuro médico.

ABSTRACT Introduction The National Curricular Guidelines for Undergraduate Medicine Courses (2014) determine the profile of medical graduates as having a generalist, humanistic, critical, reflective and multicultural identity. This requires qualified biopsychomotor skills (skills of caring, healing and rehabilitating people and their families). The national psycho-pedagogical support centres find in these students personal, pedagogical and family conflicts translated into mental disorders. Will family dysfunctions be related to increased prevalence among medical undergraduate students (secondary socialization)? Would unsatisfactory primary socialization contribute to becoming ill in the ageing process? Objectives To verify the socio-demographic, psychiatric and family profile of medical students in a federal institution in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Methods The research was a qualitative-quantitative study, involving an observational intervention, and of an exploratory, transversal, descriptive and inferential nature. Data collection was performed through two strategies: (1) a self-administered questionnaire built for this research, with socio-psycho-demographic variables and dysfunctional family categories described in the literature. (2) the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (Mini), 5.0.0 version, compatible with the DSM-IV criteria; Validated by Patrícia Amorim/2000. Data were collected after an Informed Consent Form (ICF) was signed and a database was created in Excel. The analysis was performed with the statistical software R. Quantitative variables were analysed by standard deviation, mean, median and mode. The qualitative variables underwent frequency analyses. Statistical tests were performed by Fisher exact test, bilateral Wilcoxon, chi-Square and Shapiro-Wilk, according to the variables and objectives of the analysis. The research was approved by the Ethics and Research Committee under number CAAE: 67590317.5.0000.5258, on 25/07/2017. Results 129 students were evaluated, aged 18 to 32 years, ranging from the 1st to 12th semester of the undergraduate course, 49% were female and 51% male. The prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder was 39.53%; depression (current or recurrent), 32.56% and suicide risk, 28.68%. Depression had a strong correlation with a family history of psychiatric disorder (p-value: 7.639 e-08) and the parents' relationship. It was present in those with divorced parents, widowed or without a relationship (P value: 0.008291). The risk of suicide was higher among students of the basic cycle, 1st to 4th semester of the course (p-value: 0.01), that had a strong correlation with suffering or still suffer bullying (p-value: 0.02), having a religion (p-value: 0.006), and depression (p-value: 0.03) or panic disorder (p-value: 4.903 e-05). There was a correlation between depression (p-value: 1.248 and-09) and suicide risk (p-value: 0.0009) in those who had communication problems in the family. Panic disorder was observed in 17.05% of the interviewees, females (p-value: 0.00583). This stems from the parents' relationship. Students with married parents were the most affected. (p-value: 0.01284) Conclusions: The collected data showed correlations between family dysfunctions and psychiatric disorders such as depression, suicide risk, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. There is a need for a teaching/learning environment, including adequate spaces and scenarios, and also medical educators who can, at an early stage, identify psychological distress in the secondary socialization of the future physician.

Trans-aconitic acid inhibits the growth and photosynthesis of Glycine max.

Grasses producing trans-aconitic acid, a geometric isomer of cis-aconitic acid, are often used in Glycine max rotation systems. However, the effects of trans-aconitic acid on Glycine max are unknown. We conducted a hydroponic experiment to evaluate the effects of 2.5-10 mM trans-aconitic acid on Glycine max growth and photosynthesis. The results revealed that the enhanced H2O2 production in the roots increased the membrane permeability and reduced the water uptake. These effects culminated with a reduced stomatal conductance (gs), which seems to be the main cause for a decreased photosynthetic rate (A). Due to low gs, the limited CO2 assimilation may have overexcited the photosystems, as indicated by the high production of H2O2 in leaves. After 96 h of incubation, and due to H2O2-induced damage to photosystems, a probable non-stomatal limitation for photosynthesis contributed to reducing A. This is corroborated by the significant decrease in the quantum yield of electron flow through photosystem II in vivo (ΦPSII) and the chlorophyll content. Taken together, the damage to the root system and photosynthetic apparatus caused by trans-aconitic acid significantly reduced the Glycine max plant growth.

The effects of dopamine on antioxidant enzymes activities and reactive oxygen species levels in soybean roots.

In the current work, we investigated the effects of dopamine, an neurotransmitter found in several plant species on antioxidant enzyme activities and ROS in soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) roots. The effects of dopamine on SOD, CAT and POD activities, as well as H2O2, O2(•-), melanin contents and lipid peroxidation were evaluated. Three-day-old seedlings were cultivated in half-strength Hoagland nutrient solution (pH 6.0), without or with 0.1 to 1.0 mM dopamine, in a growth chamber (25°C, 12 h photoperiod, irradiance of 280 µmol m(-2) s(-1)) for 24 h. Significant increases in melanin content were observed. The levels of ROS and lipid peroxidation decreased at all concentrations of dopamine tested. The SOD activity increased significantly under the action of dopamine, while CT activity was inhibited and POD activity was unaffected. The results suggest a close relationship between a possible antioxidant activity of dopamine and melanin and activation of SOD, reducing the levels of ROS and damage on membranes of soybean roots.

The acetyl bromide method is faster, simpler and presents best recovery of lignin in different herbaceous tissues than Klason and thioglycolic acid methods.

We compared the amount of lignin as determined by the three most traditional methods for lignin measurement in three tissues (sugarcane bagasse, soybean roots and soybean seed coat) contrasting for lignin amount and composition. Although all methods presented high reproducibility, major inconsistencies among them were found. The amount of lignin determined by thioglycolic acid method was severely lower than that provided by the other methods (up to 95%) in all tissues analyzed. Klason method was quite similar to acetyl bromide in tissues containing higher amounts of lignin, but presented lower recovery of lignin in the less lignified tissue. To investigate the causes of the inconsistencies observed, we determined the monomer composition of all plant materials, but found no correlation. We found that the low recovery of lignin presented by the thioglycolic acid method were due losses of lignin in the residues disposed throughout the procedures. The production of furfurals by acetyl bromide method does not explain the differences observed. The acetyl bromide method is the simplest and fastest among the methods evaluated presenting similar or best recovery of lignin in all the tissues assessed.

The role of L-DOPA in plants.

Since higher plants regularly release organic compounds into the environment, their decay products are often added to the soil matrix and a few have been reported as agents of plant-plant interactions. These compounds, active against higher plants, typically suppress seed germination, cause injury to root growth and other meristems, and inhibit seedling growth. Mucuna pruriens is an example of a successful cover crop with several highly active secondary chemical agents that are produced by its seeds, leaves and roots. The main phytotoxic compound encountered is the non-protein amino acid L-DOPA, which is used in treating the symptoms of Parkinson disease. In plants, L-DOPA is a precursor of many alkaloids, catecholamines, and melanin and is released from Mucuna into soils, inhibiting the growth of nearby plant species. This mini-review summarizes knowledge regarding L-DOPA in plants, providing a brief overview about its metabolic actions.

The effects of dopamine on root growth and enzyme activity in soybean seedlings.

In the present study, we investigated the effects of dopamine, an allelochemical exuded from the velvetbean (Mucuna pruriens L DC. var utilis), on the growth and cell viability of soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) roots. We analyzed the effects of dopamine on superoxide dismutase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and cell wall-bound peroxidase activities as well as its effects on lignin contents in the roots. Three-day-old seedlings were cultivated in half-strength Hoagland nutrient solution (pH 6.0), without or with 0.25 to 1.0 mM dopamine, in a growth chamber (25°C, 12L:12D photoperiod, irradiance of 280 µmol m(-2) s(-1)) for 24 h. In general, the length, fresh weight and dry weight of roots, cell viability, PAL and POD activities decreased, while SOD activities increased after dopamine treatment. The content of lignin was not altered. The data demonstrate the susceptibility of soybean to dopamine and reinforce the role of this catecholamine as a strong allelochemical. The results also suggest that dopamine-induced inhibition in soybean roots is not related to the production of lignin, but may be related to damage caused by reactive oxygen species.

A não adesão ao tratamento com antirretrovirais em adultos com infecção pelo HIV/AIDS, atendidos no Hospital das Clínicas da UFPE / A non adherence to antiretroviral treatmanet in adults with HIV infection/ AIDS, served in the hospital of the UFPE

Trata-se de um estudo de corte transversal com o objetivo de investigar a não adesão ao tratamento com antiretrovirais em adultos com HIV/aids, atendidos no ambulatório do Hospital das Clínicas da UFPE e identificar os fatores associados a não adesão à terapia ARV. Os dados foram obtidos de um questionário aplicado por meio de entrevista, realizadas em 253 pacientes no período de novembro de 2012 a março de 2013. Tomou-se como não adesão, o relato de tomada de menos de 90 por cento dos medicamentos antirretrovirais prescritos na última semana anterior a entrevista. O estudo encontrou 28,5 por cento (IC 95 por cento) de não aderentes ao tratamento ARV. Os fatores associados a não adesão que apresentaram significância foram: idade de 18 a 35 anos, tabagismo, uso de drogas ilícitas, não ter religião, não fazer atividade física, ter parceiros eventuais, não conhecer o status sorológico dos parceiros, parceiros não são HIV+, não falar para alguém da família, usar esquema terapêutico básico alternativo, especiais e de resgate, viagens, ter dificuldade de ter consulta com seu médico, médico não conversa sobre seus medicamentos ARV e não pergunta ao médico quando tem dúvidas sobre seus medicamentos ARV. Os resultados sugerem o perfil do indivíduo com maior risco de interrupção do tratamento com ARV, atendido no Hospital das Clínicas da UFPE. O que possibilita a adoção de medida que aumentem a adesão observada, que venha contribuir com o estabelecimento de informações para um sistema de vigilância por meio da atenção farmacêutica integrada às atividades de uma equipe multiprofissional.

Doença arterial coronariana e mixoma cardíaco: prevalência e associação com os fatores de risco convencionais / Coronary artery disease and cardiac myxoma: prevalence and association with conventional risk factors

Analisar a prevalência de doença arterial coronariana(DAC) em pacientes com mixoma cardíaco e sua correlação com fatores de risco para aterosclerose. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, transversal, no qual foram selecionados todos os pacientes com diagnóstico de mixoma cardíaco, encaminhados para tratamento cirúrgico em uma única instituição, entre janeiro de 1998 e dezembro de 2005. Nesse período, 21 pacientes com mixoma foram identificados por meio de consulta ao banco de dados da cirurgia cardíaca do Instituto. Foram excluídos três pacientes que não realizaram coronariografia pré-operatória. Resultados: A idade média dos pacientes foi de 59 mais ou menos 10 anos, sendo 83 por cento mulheres. Foi encontrada DAC em 3 pacientes (16,7 por cento). A presença de fatores de risco tradicionais para aterosclerose não foi estatisticamente diferente entre os pacientes operados por mixoma com e sem DAC na coronariografia. Conclusão: Preditores clínicos não são capazes de diferenciar, com segurança, pacientes com e sem DAC no pré-operatório de cirurgia de mixoma, sendo sugerida a realização de coronariografia em todos os casos.

Adesão inicial ao tratamento de adolescentes obesos em programas de redução de peso / Initial compliance of obese adolescents in weigth-reduction programs

Objetivo: Avaliar a adesão às orientações iniciais quanto à alimentação, práticas alimentares e atividade física de adolescentes acompanhados em ambulatório de obesidade, que tiveram redução de peso. Métodos: foram etudados 75 adolescentes obesos (43 do sexo masculino e 32 do sexo feminino), com idade de 10 à 18 anos (média - 12, 15 anos) que receberam...

Improvement in left ventricular dysfunction after surgical correction of mitral regurgitation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether left ventricular end-systolic (ESD) diameters < or = 51mm in patients (pt) with severe chronic mitral regurgitation (MR) are predictors of a poor prognosis after mitral valve surgery (MVS). METHODS: Eleven pt (aged 36 +/- 13 years) were studied in the preoperative period (pre), median of 36 days; in the early postoperative period (post1), median of 9 days; and in the late postoperative period (post2), mean of 38.5 +/- 37.6 months. Clinical and echocardiographic data were gathered from each pt with MR and systolic diameter > or = 51 mm (mean = 57 +/- 4mm) to evaluate the result of MVS. Ten patients were in NYHA Class III/IV. RESULTS: All but 2 pt improved in functional class. Two pt died from heart failure and infectious endocarditis 14 and 11 months, respectively, after valve replacement. According to ejection fraction (EF) in post2, we identified 2 groups: group 1 (n=6), whose EF decreased in post1, but increased in post2 (p=0.01) and group 2 (n=5), whose EF decreased progressively from post1 to post2 (p=0.10). All pt with symptoms lasting < or = 48 months had improvement in EF in post2 (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: ESD > or = 51 mm are not always associated with a poor prognosis after MVS in patients with MR. Symptoms lasting up to 48 months are associated with improvement in left ventricular function.