Mitochondrion genomes of seven species of the endangered genus Sporophila (Passeriformes: Thraupidae)

We announce the mitochondrial genomes of seven species of the genus Sporophila (S. bouvreuil, S. iberaensis, S. melanogaster, S. minuta, S. nigrorufa, S. pileata, and S. ruficollis) which were validated by comparative genomic and phylogenetic analysis with related species. The mitochondrial genomes of seven passerines of the genus Sporophila were assembled (three complete and four nearly complete genomes) and were validated by reconstructing phylogenetic relations within Thraupidae. The complete mitogenomes ranged from 16,781 bp in S. ruficollis to 16,791 bp in S. minuta. We identified a conserved genome composition within all mitogenomes with 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs and two rRNAs. We observed a bias in the nucleotide composition and six mutational hotspots in Sporophila mitogenomes. Our mitogenome-based phylogenetic tree has S. minuta, S. maximiliani and S. nigricollis as sister species of the remaining species in the genus. We present new mitogenome sequences for seven Sporophila species, providing new genomic resources that may be useful for research on the evolution, comparative genetics, and conservation of this threatened group.

Exposure to progesterone before an ovulation synchronization protocol increases the follicular diameter and fertility of multiparous suckled Bos taurus cows

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of administering injectable progesterone (P4i) before a timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocol on the follicular growth, ovulation, and pregnancy rate of Bos taurus suckled cows. The effect of P4i administration before the TAI on the pregnancy rate (P/AI) was evaluated in 576 suckled Bos taurus cows at 30-90 days postpartum. In addition, the effect of P4i administration before TAI on follicular dynamics was evaluated in subgroup of 401 suckled Bos taurus cows. On Day -10 (D-10), cows were divided into two experimental groups (Control and P4i). In this moment, P4i cows received i.m. 150 mg of injectable long-action progesterone. After that, both experimental groups received a synchronization protocol (Day 0; D0) that consisted of administration i.m. of 2 mg of estradiol benzoate and a progesterone intravaginal insert on D0. On Day 8 (D8), the progesterone insert was removed, and the cows received 500 μg of cloprostenol, 400 IU of eCG, and 1 mg of estradiol cypionate. TAI was performed 48 h after the removal of the progesterone insert. The ultrasound exams were performed in a subgroup of cows on Days 0, 8, 10 and 12 to evaluate the diameter of the largest follicle, rate of follicular growth and risks of single and double ovulation. The pregnancy diagnosis was performed 30 days after TAI in all cows to determine the pregnancy rate. The diameter of the largest follicle, on D10 (P = 0.84), rate of follicular growth (P = 0.14), ovulation rate (P = 0.40) and double ovulation rates (P = 0.23) did not differ between experimental groups. The pregnancy rate was greater in the P4i group [Control 46.2 % (133/288) vs. P4i 55.6 % (160/288); P = 0.03]. The diameter of the largest follicles (LF) on D0 (Control 11.6 ± 0.2 vs. P4i 13.3 ± 0.3) was greater (P = 0.01) in the P4i group. In conclusion, injectable progesterone before the ovulation synchronization protocol increased the diameter of the largest follicle on the D0 and the pregnancy rate in multiparous Bos taurus suckled beef cows.

Chloroplast genome characterization of Uncaria guianensis and Uncaria tomentosa and evolutive dynamics of the Cinchonoideae subfamily

Uncaria species are used in traditional medicine and are considered of high therapeutic value and economic importance. This work describes the assembly and annotation of the chloroplast genomes of U. guianensis and U. tomentosa, as well as a comparative analysis. The genomes were sequenced on MiSeq Illumina, assembled with NovoPlasty, and annotated using CHLOROBOX GeSeq. Addictionaly, comparative analysis were performed with six species from NCBI databases and primers were designed in Primer3 for hypervariable regions based on the consensus sequence of 16 species of the Rubiaceae family and validated on an in-silico PCR in OpenPrimeR. The genome size of U. guianensis and U. tomentosa was 155,505 bp and 156,390 bp, respectively. Both Species have 131 genes and GC content of 37.50%. The regions rpl32-ccsA, ycf1, and ndhF-ccsA showed the three highest values of nucleotide diversity within the species of the Rubiaceae family and within the Uncaria genus, these regions were trnH-psbA, psbM-trnY, and rps16-psbK. Our results indicates that the primer of the region ndhA had an amplification success for all species tested and can be promising for usage in the Rubiaceae family. The phylogenetic analysis recovered a congruent topology to APG IV. The gene content and the chloroplast genome structure of the analyzed species are conserved and most of the genes are under negative selection. We provide the cpDNA of Neotropical Uncaria species, an important genomic resource for evolutionary studies of the group.

Ultrasound-guided aspiration of dominant follicles (≥25 mm) followed by luteinization and progesterone production during the estrous cycle in mares

The present study was designed to evaluate luteinization rates subsequent to aspiration of dominant follicles (≥25 mm) in the absence of a functional CL (progesterone <1 ng/mL) and characterize the temporal changes in plasma concentrations of progesterone following aspiration-induced luteinization during the estrous cycle in mares. A total of 29 estrous cycles involving 15 mares in a cross-over design were randomly assigned to five groups: 1) ASP-F≥25 mm (n = 6; follicle aspiration 25-29 mm), 2) ASP-F≥30 mm (n = 6; follicle aspiration 30-34 mm), 3) ASP-F≥35 mm (n = 6; follicle aspiration 35-40 mm), 4) ASP-F≥40 (n = 6; follicle aspiration ≥40), and 5) Control (n = 5; spontaneous ovulation or no follicle aspiration). Subsequent to ovulation (Day 0), PGF was administered to all groups on Day 5, blood samples were collected daily and aspiration of the dominant follicle was done using ultrasound-guided transvaginal follicle needle puncture. Among the follicle aspirations groups 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, and ≥40 mm, the luteinization rates were not different (P > 0.05) at 83, 67, 83, and 100%, respectively. Correspondingly, progesterone concentrations increased (>2 ng/mL) by approximately 6, 7, 5, and 4 d after aspiration, respectively, which were delayed (P < 0.05) in the 25-29 and 30-34 mm follicle aspiration groups compared to 2 d after ovulation in the control group. Thereafter, progesterone reached maximal concentrations (10-11 ng/mL) as averaged over all aspiration groups but were lower (P < 0.05) compared to the mean maximal concentration (18 ng/mL) in the control group. Subsequently, there was a decrease in progesterone concentrations (<2 ng/mL) in response to luteolysis, which was delayed (P < 0.05) in the aspiration groups over Days 16-20 compared to Day 15 in the control group. Despite this discrepancy, the mean length of the interovulatory intervals were not different (P > 0.05) among groups on Day 23. Thus, the present study provided novel information that the luteinization rate is relatively high (83%) and consistent following aspiration of dominant follicles (≥25 mm) in the absence of a functional CL and that the increase in progesterone reaches sustainable progestational concentrations (≥2 ng/mL) in accord with the length of the estrous cycle that may potentially support development and maintenance of early pregnancy in recipient mares involved in an embryo transfer program.

Ketoconazole Treatment Decreases the Viability of Immortalized Pituitary Cell Lines Associated with an Increased Expression of Apoptosis-Related Genes and Cell Cycle Inhibitors

Ketoconazole, which was initially developed as an antifungal agent, is a potent inhibitor of adrenal steroidogenesis and has therefore been used in the management of Cushing's disease. Surprisingly, the reduction of cortisol levels during ketoconazole treatment is not accompanied by the expected elevation in plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) at the loss of negative cortisol feedback from corticotrophic cells, suggesting a direct effect of ketoconazole on these cells. To characterize the direct effects of ketoconazole, we evaluated its in vitro effect on cell viability using the pituitary tumoural cell lines AtT-20 (which secretes ACTH), GH3 (which secretes growth hormone and prolactin) and αT3.1 (which secretes α-subunit) and we also determined the expression levels of genes involved in apoptosis and DNA replication by the quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). We also evaluated ACTH levels in AtT-20 cells during ketoconazole treatment. We observed a ketoconazole concentration-dependent decrease in pituitary cell viability and reduced ACTH levels in AtT-20 cells after removal of the drug. We also observed increased expression of cell death receptors (e.g. Fas, tumour necrosis factor receptor) and caspases (e.g., caspase-6, caspase-7, caspase-9), suggesting activation of the apoptosis pathway. In addition, we observed increased gene expression of the cell cycle inhibitors p21 and p27 in GH3 cells and increased expression of p21 in αT3.1 cells. In conclusion, our findings suggest that ketoconazole significantly reduces cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner in pituitary tumour cell lines and is associated with an increase in apoptosis- and cell cycle regulation-related gene expression.

Comparison of oxidative stress in ASA physical status I patients scheduled for minimally invasive surgery under balanced or intravenous anesthesia

BACKGROUND

The effects of anesthetics on inflammation and oxidative parameters, evaluated in patients without comorbidities undergoing minor surgery, remain unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the inflammatory and oxidative stress status in adult patients undergoing elective minimally invasive surgery, using different anesthetic techniques.

METHODS

Thirty patients classified as ASA physical status I, who were scheduled for minor surgeries (tympanoplasty or septoplasty), were randomly allocated into two groups: balanced (BAL) anesthesia maintained with isoflurane or total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with propofol. Blood samples were drawn prior to the induction of anesthesia (baseline), 120 min after the beginning of anesthesia and one day after surgery. The proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 was determined by flow cytometry; DNA oxidation was evaluated by the single cell gel electrophoresis assay, and plasma malondialdehyde (lipid peroxidation biomarker) and antioxidant status were determined through fluorometry.

RESULTS

Increased IL-6 was observed one day after surgery in both groups (P=0.0001). Malondialdehyde levels did not change among the time points assessed or between the groups (P>0.05). Whereas BAL anesthesia had no effect on acid nucleic and antioxidant status, TIVA decreased oxidized/alkylated purines (P=0.03) and increased antioxidant status (P=0.002) during anesthesia. The two groups did not differ significantly in DNA oxidation or antioxidant status (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

BAL anesthesia maintained with isoflurane and TIVA maintained with propofol are safe by virtue of not causing oxidative stress status in ASA physical status I patients undergoing minimally invasive surgeries. Moreover, even in minor surgeries, TIVA with propofol produces an antioxidant effect in patients.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester effects in the kidney during ischemia and reperfusion in rats anesthetized with isoflurane

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) in renal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats anesthetized with isoflurane (iso).

METHODS

We randomly assigned 26 male Wistar rats anesthetized with isoflurane, intubated and mechanically ventilated to 3 groups: G1 (controls; n = 8), G2 (CAPE; n = 10), and G3 (ethanol; n = 8). Mean arterial pressure was monitored for anesthetic control. Intraperitoneal CAPE (G2) or ethanol (G3) injections were administered 40 minutes before left renal ischemia. All animals underwent right nephrectomy and the left kidney was submitted to ischemia for 25 minutes. Serum creatinine (cr) values were determined at the beginning (M1), end (M2), and 24 hours after the experiment (M3) upon intracardiac blood samples. The left kidney was removed for histologic analysis, using a scale for tubular necrosis (0-5, injury maximum). Statistical analysis was applied to serum creatinine and histological score injury considering statistical differences to be significant when P < .05.

RESULTS

The cr values in the CAPE were significantly higher at M2 (0.8 mg/mL; P = .0012) and M3 (3.7 mg/mL; P = .0014) than the control (0.5 and 0.9 mg/mL) or G3 (0.6 and 1.0 mg/mL), respectively. Histologic examination showed the CAPE group to display more pericapsular tubular necrosis (3.0 [2.0; 3.0]) than the G1 group (2.0 [1.0; 2.0]) or G3 group (1.5 [1.0; 2.0]; P < .001). The CAPE group displayed more medullary tubular necrosis (2.0 [2.0; 3.0] than G1 (2.0 [1.0; 2.0] or G3 (1.0 [0.0; 2.0]; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

CAPE promoted greater functional and anatomic renal injury when rats were anesthetized with iso than control or ethanol groups, as demonstrated by histologic analysis and serum values.

Prevalence and antifungal susceptibility of Candida parapsilosis complex isolates collected from oral cavities of HIV-infected individuals

At present, few data are available on the prevalence and antifungal susceptibility of Candida parapsilosis complex isolates from HIV-infected individuals. The C. parapsilosis complex comprises three species, C. parapsilosis sensu stricto, C. metapsilosis and C. orthopsilosis. Fifteen of 318 Candida isolates were identified as members of the C. parapsilosis complex by PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). The prevalence of C. parapsilosis complex isolates was 4.7 %, 2.2 % being identified as C. parapsilosis sensu stricto and 2.5 % as C. metapsilosis, while no C. orthopsilosis was isolated. This is believed to be the first study that has identified isolates of C. metapsilosis obtained from the oral cavity of HIV-infected individuals. Antifungal susceptibility tests indicated that all the isolates were susceptible to amphotericin B (AMB), fluconazole (FLC), ketoconazole (KTC), itraconazole (ITC), voriconazole (VRC) and caspofungin (CASPO). Although isolates of C. parapsilosis sensu stricto and C. metapsilosis were susceptible to FLC, isolates of C. metapsilosis showed a tendency for higher MICs (≥1.0 µg ml(-1)). Based upon the frequency of candidiasis and the fact that certain isolates of the C. parapsilosis complex respond differently to FLC therapy, our data may be of therapeutic relevance with respect to susceptibility and potential resistance to specific antifungal agents. Our data suggest that C. metapsilosis can be a human commensal; its importance as a pathogen has yet to be confirmed.

Molecular mechanisms of pituitary organogenesis: In search of novel regulatory genes

Defects in pituitary gland organogenesis are sometimes associated with congenital anomalies that affect head development. Lesions in transcription factors and signaling pathways explain some of these developmental syndromes. Basic research studies, including the characterization of genetically engineered mice, provide a mechanistic framework for understanding how mutations create the clinical characteristics observed in patients. Defects in BMP, WNT, Notch, and FGF signaling pathways affect induction and growth of the pituitary primordium and other organ systems partly by altering the balance between signaling pathways. The PITX and LHX transcription factor families influence pituitary and head development and are clinically relevant. A few later-acting transcription factors have pituitary-specific effects, including PROP1, POU1F1 (PIT1), and TPIT (TBX19), while others, such as NeuroD1 and NR5A1 (SF1), are syndromic, influencing development of other endocrine organs. We conducted a survey of genes transcribed in developing mouse pituitary to find candidates for cases of pituitary hormone deficiency of unknown etiology. We identified numerous transcription factors that are members of gene families with roles in syndromic or non-syndromic pituitary hormone deficiency. This collection is a rich source for future basic and clinical studies.

Advances in ultrasound techniques improve early detection of deep vein thrombosis

AIM

This study aimed at assessing the accuracy of ultrasound (US) in the diagnosis of recent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in an experimental study in dogs.

DESIGN

blinded and randomized experimental study. Twenty dogs were randomly divided in two groups: control group (CG) and thrombosis group (TG). US was performed in the pre- and postoperative period. Phlebography was performed immediately prior to the postoperative US. After the second US, a surgery was performed to detect whether thrombus was present or not. US results were compared to those of phlebography and surgical findings.

RESULTS

In all dogs, inferior vena cava (IVC) was compressible. The relations of IVC diameter with the aorta were higher (P<0.005) in TG than in CG. Spectral Doppler in spontaneous breathing, tissue harmonic imaging, power Doppler and B flow showed sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 1. Phlebography presented sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 80% and accuracy of 85%, when compared to surgical finding.

CONCLUSIONS

For the diagnosis of recent DVT in the experimental model used, venous compressibility proved to be inefficient. The ratio of IVC diameter to aorta, when increased, suggests thrombosis. The use of new US technological advances increases accuracy. Phlebography was less accurate than US.

Honey consumption in the state of São Paulo: a risk to human health?

Infantile botulism was recognized in 1976 as a paralyzing disease caused by the ingestion of viable spores that would germinate and colonize the intestinal tract of infants, with local production and absorption of Clostridium botulinum toxin. The possible origins of botulinic spores are dust and honey, which has been identified as a dietary risk factor for infantile botulism. The objectives of the present study were to investigate 100 honey samples obtained in the state of São Paulo (Brazil) in terms of incidence of botulinic spores and of microbiologic quality, in agreement with Decree 367/9. All 100 samples analysed were negative for the presence of Salmonella, Shigella, total coliforms. C. botulinum spores were present in 3 samples (3%) and molds and yeasts, in 64 samples (64%), but only 25 (25%) exceeded established criteria, with counts ranging from zero to 1.5 x 10(5)CFU/g. The presence of small sporogenic Gram-positive rods was observed in 42 (42%) of the 100 samples tested but these bacteria were not identified.

Combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) due to a complete PROP1 deletion

OBJECTIVE

PROP1 mutations are the most common cause of genetic combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD). The aim of this study was to investigate the PROP1 gene in two siblings with CPHD.

DESIGN

Pituitary function and imaging assessment and molecular analysis of PROP1.

PATIENTS

Two siblings, born to consanguineous parents, presented with GH deficiency associated with other pituitary hormone deficiencies (TSH, PRL and gonadotrophins). The male sibling also had an evolving cortisol deficiency.

METHODS

Pituitary size was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). PROP1 gene analysis was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), automatic sequencing and Southern blotting. Amplification of sequence tag sites (STS) and the Q8N6H0 gene flanking PROP1 were performed to define the extension of PROP1 deletion.

RESULTS

MRI revealed a hypoplastic anterior pituitary in the girl at 14 years and pituitary enlargement in the boy at 18 years. The PROP1 gene failed to amplify in both siblings, whereas other genes were amplified. Southern blotting analysis revealed the PROP1 band in the controls and confirmed complete PROP1 deletion in both siblings. The extension of the deletion was 18.4 kb. The region flanking PROP1 contains several Alu core sequences that might have facilitated stem-loop-mediated excision of PROP1.

CONCLUSIONS

We report here a complete deletion of PROP1 in two siblings with CPHD phenotype.

Dysphonia and laryngeal sequelae in paracoccidioidomycosis patients: a morphological and phoniatric study

The larynx is the third most commonly involved organ in paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). While a few studies have evaluated laryngeal sequelae, there have not been any investigations of voice abnormalities in PCM patients. To evaluate persistent dysphonia and laryngeal lesions, we studied 15 normal subjects and 30 post-treatment PCM patients, i.e., 15 with only pulmonary and 15 with both laryngeal and pulmonary involvement. Perceptual and acoustic voice analysis were performed with all patients, while endoscopic studies were also conducted with the 15 laryngeal patients. Voice analysis showed instability by perceptual analysis (P<0.01) in both groups, but more severe dysphonia was noted in the laryngeal group (P<0.01). The dysponia, seen in 66.7% of these patients (dysphonia index < 7.0), was characterized by roughness and breathness. The Dr. Speech (Tiger Electronics) analysis program did not accept five voices from the laryngeal group due to the severe dysphonia. Jitter was elevated in five laryngeal lesion patients. Endoscopy showed that 80% of patients with laryngeal lesion had two or more laryngeal structures involved. Vocal fold alterations were seen in all laryngeal lesion patients, which included involvement of the arythenoids, epiglottis, and vestibular folds. This first functional study of laryngeal sequelae in PCM revealed frequent and severe dysphonia that may have important social consequences for patients.

Effects of fetuin on zona pellucida hardening, fertilization and embryo development in cattle

Mammalian oocytes can undergo spontaneous meiotic maturation when they are liberated from their follicles and cultured in vitro; however, the zona pellucida (ZP) becomes resistant to chymotrypsin digestion, or hardens, when spontaneous maturation occurs in serum-free medium. Schroeder et al. [Biol. Reprod. 43 (1990) 891] described that fetuin, a component of fetal calf serum (FCS), inhibits ZP hardening during oocyte maturation. The aim of this experiment was to study the effect of the presence of cumulus cells and addition of hormones to maturation media on bovine zona hardening and embryo development in medium with and without fetuin. In Experiment I, different concentrations of fetuin were added to the maturation medium. The time necessary for digestion of 50% of the ZP (d50) was not different when oocytes were matured in presence of 10% FCS, 1mg/ml polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), or 4, 1 and 0.25mg/ml of fetuin; cleavage rates were also similar. However, significantly more blastocysts (P<0.05) were formed when FCS was used compared to PVA and 0.25mg/ml of fetuin. In Experiment II, we examined the influence of the presence of cumulus cells and hormones during the maturation of oocytes in media with PVA, BSA, FCS and fetuin. The d50 was significantly higher (P<0.05) when oocytes were matured in presence of cumulus cells. The cleavage rate of cumulus-intact oocytes was similar for all groups. However, when oocytes were partially stripped before maturation, the cleavage rate was significantly higher (P<0.05) when FCS or fetuin was used. In both stripped and non-stripped groups, significantly more blastocysts (P<0.05) were formed when oocytes were matured with FCS compared to BSA and PVA. These results indicate that zona hardening, as described for mouse and human oocytes, does not have a large effect on bovine cumulus-intact oocytes. Apparently fetuin can be used as a substitute for FCS during bovine oocyte maturation, since it leads to similar developmental rates as FCS in intact and partially stripped oocytes.

Variation of the oviposition preferences of Aedes aegypti in function of substratum and humidity

Two Aedes aegypti (L.) populations were studied in the laboratory regarding the preference for three types of breeding sites, i.e., flasks containing only water, flasks with a plant and flasks with a stick. Each of these breeding units was placed in one cage and the choice of the oviposition sites was determined for individual females and three females per experimental unit at two humidity levels. Preference for ovipositing on the water surface was observed and varied according to experimental unit and humidity. Mean hatching of eggs in water surface was 46.6%. Experiments with three females showed a more marked difference than when only one female was used. Inter and intrapopulation variability regarding oviposition sites was observed. The discrimination between the different oviposition substrates, hatching in water surface and its implication for mosquito control are discussed.

Measurements of atmospheric carboxylic acids and carbonyl compounds in São Paulo City, Brazil

Winter atmospheric measurements of gaseous lower carbonyl and carboxylic acids were carried out simultaneously (in 1999) at two distinct urban sites located in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. The greater metropolitan area of São Paulo is the largest industrialized region of Latin America and has a highly polluted atmosphere. It has an unconventional mix of vehicle types in that a variety of gasoline blends, including oxygenated ones, are used. Mixing ratios of formic and acetic acids ranged, respectively, from 0.6 to 19.4 and from 0.1 to 10.6 ppbv in one of the sites studied and from 1.4 to 18.4 and from 0.4 to 6.7 ppbv in the other site. High values of formic to acetic ratios were found, especially in the latter site (average = 4.3), suggesting that photochemical production was the predominant source of the formic and acetic acid during the afternoon. Differing from the acids, levels of carbonyls were similar at both sites. Higher average mixing ratios of acetaldehyde and formaldehyde were found in the morning (18.9 and 17.2 ppbv) and gradually decreased from midday (9.5 and 11.8 ppbv) to evening (7.2 and 10.2 ppbv). In the morning, vehicular direct emission seemed to be the main primary source of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, whereas at midday and evening these compounds appeared to be mainly formed by photochemistry. Secondary photochemical production of organic acids and aldehydes (rather than primary emissions from vehicles) was shown to be more important in São Paulo's atmosphere from midday to evening, particularly on days with strong solar radiation.

[Influence of socioeconomic conditions in the nutritional changes and at rest metabolic rate in school children living in shantytowns of the city of São Paulo, Brazil]

PURPOSE

A cross-sectional study was carried out to characterize the alterations in the resting metabolic rate (RMR), and socioeconomic conditions of 15 stunted (DP= height/age < 95% and 110% (3) weight/height >90%) and 15 nonstunted (EU= height/age > 95% and 110% (3) weight/height >90%) school girls living in shantytowns of São Paulo.

METHODS

Resting metabolic rate was measured using indirect calorimetry. Socioeconomic data was collected during home visits by administration of a questionnaire.

RESULTS

The mildly stunted group had a higher RMR when expressed as Kcal/kg body weight (EU= 40,5 Kcal/kg/day; DP=44,4 Kcal/kg/day; p<0.05) and lean body mass (EU= 49, 2 Kcal/kg/day; DP=52,5 Kcal/kg/day; p<0.05). Stunting was associated with maternal illiteracy (EU= 13,3%; DP=57,1%; p<0.05), income per capita (EU=US$107,14; DP=US$54,40; p< 0.05), number of parasites per child (EU=0; DP=1; p<0.05), birth order (EU=2; DP=4; p< 0.05), and number of siblings (EU=4; DP=6; p<0.01). Stunting was best predicted by income per capita and maternal illiteracy by using multiple logistic regression.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the two groups had normal weight/height, the group with mild stunting showed socioeconomic and metabolic alterations, typical of a malnourished condition.