Health and lifestyle parameters in peripheral artery disease at two periods of the COVID-19 pandemic: comparison between men and women

OBJECTIVE

This study analyzed the impact of sex on self-reported health and lifestyle parameters in peripheral artery disease patients at two periods of the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

In this longitudinal study, 99 patients with peripheral artery disease (53 men and 46 women) were evaluated during two periods of the COVID-19 pandemic ( i.e ., at onset: May to August 2020, and on follow-up: May to August 2021). Patients were interviewed via telephone, and information regarding lifestyle and health parameters was obtained.

RESULTS

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, health and habit parameters were similar between women and men, with 63.0% and 45.3% indicating frequent fatigue, 73.9% and 84.9% reporting increased sitting time, and 23.9% and 39.6% practicing physical activity, respectively. At follow-up, difficulties in physical mobility (women: from 26.1% to 73.9%, p<0.001; men: from 39.6% to 71.7%, p=0.001) and the frequency of hospitalization for reasons other than COVID-19 increased similarly in women and men (women: from 4.3% to 21.7%, p=0.013; men: from 9.4% to 24.5%, p=0.038). The other parameters were similar between the periods.

CONCLUSION

Self-reported physical mobility difficulties and hospitalization frequency increased in women and men with peripheral artery disease.

BACKGROUND

▪ Sitting time increased in 73.9% of women and 84.9% of men at the onset of the pandemic.

BACKGROUND

▪ Physical activity was practiced by 23.9% of women and 39.6% of men at the onset of the pandemic.

BACKGROUND

▪ The prevalence of both women and men reporting physical mobility difficulties increased at follow-up.

BACKGROUND

▪ Hospitalization rates for reasons unrelated to COVID-19 have increased in both women and.

BACKGROUND

While women experience more consequences related to peripheral artery disease than men, such as worse functional capacity and higher morbidity, there was a similar increase in physical mobility difficulty and frequency of hospitalization for reasons other than COVID-19 one year after the onset of the pandemic.

Dissociable roles of thalamic nuclei in the refinement of reaches to spatial targets

Reaches are complex movements that are critical for survival, and encompass the control of different aspects such as direction, speed, and endpoint precision. Complex movements have been postulated to be learned and controlled through distributed motor networks, of which the thalamus is a highly connected node. Still, the role of different thalamic circuits in learning and controlling specific aspects of reaches has not been investigated. We report dissociable roles of two distinct thalamic nuclei - the parafascicular (Pf) and ventroanterior/ventrolateral (VAL) nuclei - in the refinement of spatial target reaches in mice. Using 2-photon calcium imaging in a head-fixed joystick task where mice learned to reach to a target in space, we found that glutamatergic neurons in both areas were most active during reaches early in learning. Reach-related activity in both areas decreased late in learning, as movement direction was refined and reaches increased in accuracy. Furthermore, the population dynamics of Pf, but not VAL, covaried in different subspaces in early and late learning, but eventually stabilized in late learning. The neural activity in Pf, but not VAL, encoded the direction of reaches in early but not late learning. Accordingly, bilateral lesions of Pf before, but not after learning, strongly and specifically impaired the refinement of reach direction. VAL lesions did not impact direction refinement, but instead resulted in increased speed and target overshoot. Our findings provide new evidence that the thalamus is a critical motor node in the learning and control of reaching movements, with specific subnuclei controlling distinct aspects of the reach early in learning.

Exploration biases how forelimb reaches to a spatial target are learned

The brain can learn to generate actions, such as reaching to a target, using different movement strategies. Understanding how different variables bias which strategies are learned to produce such a reach is important for our understanding of the neural bases of movement. Here we introduce a novel spatial forelimb target task in which perched head-fixed mice learn to reach to a circular target area from a set start position using a joystick. These reaches can be achieved by learning to move into a specific direction or to a specific endpoint location. We find that mice gradually learn to successfully reach the covert target. With time, they refine their initially exploratory complex joystick trajectories into controlled targeted reaches. The execution of these controlled reaches depends on the sensorimotor cortex. Using a probe test with shifting start positions, we show that individual mice learned to use strategies biased to either direction or endpoint-based movements. The degree of endpoint learning bias was correlated with the spatial directional variability with which the workspace was explored early in training. Furthermore, we demonstrate that reinforcement learning model agents exhibit a similar correlation between directional variability during training and learned strategy. These results provide evidence that individual exploratory behavior during training biases the control strategies that mice use to perform forelimb covert target reaches.

Genome-enabled prediction of reproductive traits in Nellore cattle using parametric models and machine learning methods

This study aimed to assess the predictive ability of different machine learning (ML) methods for genomic prediction of reproductive traits in Nellore cattle. The studied traits were age at first calving (AFC), scrotal circumference (SC), early pregnancy (EP) and stayability (STAY). The numbers of genotyped animals and SNP markers available were 2342 and 321 419 (AFC), 4671 and 309 486 (SC), 2681 and 319 619 (STAY) and 3356 and 319 108 (EP). Predictive ability of support vector regression (SVR), Bayesian regularized artificial neural network (BRANN) and random forest (RF) were compared with results obtained using parametric models (genomic best linear unbiased predictor, GBLUP, and Bayesian least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, BLASSO). A 5-fold cross-validation strategy was performed and the average prediction accuracy (ACC) and mean squared errors (MSE) were computed. The ACC was defined as the linear correlation between predicted and observed breeding values for categorical traits (EP and STAY) and as the correlation between predicted and observed adjusted phenotypes divided by the square root of the estimated heritability for continuous traits (AFC and SC). The average ACC varied from low to moderate depending on the trait and model under consideration, ranging between 0.56 and 0.63 (AFC), 0.27 and 0.36 (SC), 0.57 and 0.67 (EP), and 0.52 and 0.62 (STAY). SVR provided slightly better accuracies than the parametric models for all traits, increasing the prediction accuracy for AFC to around 6.3 and 4.8% compared with GBLUP and BLASSO respectively. Likewise, there was an increase of 8.3% for SC, 4.5% for EP and 4.8% for STAY, comparing SVR with both GBLUP and BLASSO. In contrast, the RF and BRANN did not present competitive predictive ability compared with the parametric models. The results indicate that SVR is a suitable method for genome-enabled prediction of reproductive traits in Nellore cattle. Further, the optimal kernel bandwidth parameter in the SVR model was trait-dependent, thus, a fine-tuning for this hyper-parameter in the training phase is crucial.

Design and manufacturing challenges of optogenetic neural interfaces: a review

Optogenetics is a relatively new technology to achieve cell-type specific neuromodulation with millisecond-scale temporal precision. Optogenetic tools are being developed to address neuroscience challenges, and to improve the knowledge about brain networks, with the ultimate aim of catalyzing new treatments for brain disorders and diseases. To reach this ambitious goal the implementation of mature and reliable engineered tools is required. The success of optogenetics relies on optical tools that can deliver light into the neural tissue. Objective/Approach: Here, the design and manufacturing approaches available to the scientific community are reviewed, and current challenges to accomplish appropriate scalable, multimodal and wireless optical devices are discussed.

SIGNIFICANCE

Overall, this review aims at presenting a helpful guidance to the engineering and design of optical microsystems for optogenetic applications.

Eficácia da Utilização de Verniz Fluoretado Durante Tratamento Ortodôntico na Prevenção de Manchas Brancas

A utilização de aparelhos fixos por pacientes em tratamento ortodôntico geralmente está associada à dificuldade de higiene oral, sendo um importante fator responsável pela formação da cárie dentária.O estágio inicial de desenvolvimento da cárie consiste no surgimento de lesões de mancha branca, muito frequente em paciente sob tratamento ortodôntico com má higiene oral. A intervenção nessa fase de desenvolvimento pode estacionar o desenvolvimento do processo carioso e impedir a perda de estrutura dentária.O verniz fluoretado, através da liberação lenta de flúor, busca evitar ou reduzir a perda mineral dos dentes durante o processo carioso. Este estudo teve como objetivo verificar a eficácia da utilização de verniz fluoretado de forma preventiva de lesões de mancha branca de pacientes utilizando aparelho ortodôntico. Para isso foi realizada uma revista da literatura no período dos últimos 10 anos utilizando os descritores “OrthodonticBracket”, “orthodontic white stain” e a palavra-chave “fluoridevarnish” nas bases de dados Pubmed, Lilacs e Scielo, onde foram encontrados 39 artigos, e destes, 7 foram selecionados. O verniz fluoretado mostrou-se eficaz na prevenção de lesões de mancha branca, mostrando que pode ser uma importante ferramenta para o ortodontista, juntamente com o correto incentivo à higiene oral, na prevenção de cáries durante o tratamento ortodôntico.Palavras-chave: Orthodontic Bracket. Fluoride Varnish.

Cuidados do Tratamento Ortodôntico em Pacientes com Hipersensibilidade ao Níquel

Hipersensibilidade corresponde à uma resposta do sistema imune exagerada, podendo causar lesões em células ou em tecidos normais do organismo. O níquel, material utilizado nos materiais ortodônticos, consiste em uma das principais causas de reações de hipersensibilidade. O trabalho objetivou avaliar os principais sintomas orais de alergia ao níquel em aparelhos ortodônticos e levantar as opções de materiais presentes no mercado que podem ser utilizadas para a continuação do tratamento ortodôntico desses pacientes. Para a execução desta revisão de literatura, foram utilizadas as palavras-chave hypersensitivity, orthodontic, hypersensitivity nickel, orthodontic brackets, nickel-free, nas bases de dados Scielo, PubMed e BVS, sendo selecionados artigos publicados nos últimos dez anos. Sintomas como crescimento gengival, sensação de queimação, quelite angular e descamação da cavidade oral, estão frequentemente presentes em casos de hipersensibilidade ao níquel. Atualmente, existem diversas opções no mercado de materiais sem níquel em sua constituição, que podem ser utilizados para a continuação do tratamento ortodôntico dos pacientes sem prejuízos no tempo de tratamento. O conhecimento dos sintomas de hipersensibilidade oral causadas pelo níquel e das possibilidades de continuação do tratamento ortodôntico, sem colocar em risco o paciente, é de extrema relevância para prática clínica.Palavras-chave: Hypersensitivity. Orthodontic. Hypersensitivity Nickel.

Bonding Polycrystalline Zirconia With 10-MDP–containing Adhesives

Objective:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of adhesives with different 10-MDP concentrations on the shear bond strength of a resin cement to zirconia.

Methods and Materials:

Six experimental adhesives were prepared with the following composition: camphorquinone, 1,2-diaminobenzene, butylhydroxytoluene, diphenyliodonium hexafluorophosphate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate triethylene glycol dimethacrylate, ethoxylated bisphenol A glycol dimethacrylate, urethane dimethacrylate, bisphenol A diglycidyl methacrylate, and ethanol. The 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (10-MDP) monomer was added at 0wt%, 3wt%, 6wt%, 9wt%, 12wt%, or 15wt%. Three commercially available adhesives were evaluated: Single Bond Universal, Single Bond 2, and Signum Zirconia Bond. Resin cement cylinders made with RelyX Ultimate were bonded to yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal with one of the evaluated adhesives and were subjected to the shear bond strength evaluation. Failure modes were analyzed with a stereoscopic loupe. Statistical analyses were performed with one-way analysis of variance and the Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference test (α=0.05). Pearson's was used to correlate the percentage of 10-MDP in the experimental adhesives and shear bond strength.

Results:

There were significant differences between adhesives (p&lt;0.00001). The highest shear bond strength values were obtained with the Signum Zirconia Bond and Single Bond Universal. Single Bond 2 showed the lowest values. There were no differences between experimental adhesives. All groups showed adhesives failures. A nonlinear correlation was found between bond strength and percentage of 10-MDP in experimental adhesives (r=0.872).

Conclusions:

The commercially available adhesives indicated for bonding to zirconia showed the highest bonding values.

An electronic device to record consensual reflex in human pupil

Examination of the pupil offers an objective evaluation of visual function as well as the vegetative pathways to the eye. This work proposes the development of an effective method and a portable device to test the consensual pupillary reflex. The first results demonstrate the success of a new device construction and methodology to record the consensual reflex with different stimulus, in a situation of complete blockage of light.

An aetiological Foxp2 mutation causes aberrant striatal activity and alters plasticity during skill learning

Mutations in the human FOXP2 gene cause impaired speech development and linguistic deficits, which have been best characterised in a large pedigree called the KE family. The encoded protein is highly conserved in many vertebrates and is expressed in homologous brain regions required for sensorimotor integration and motor-skill learning, in particular corticostriatal circuits. Independent studies in multiple species suggest that the striatum is a key site of FOXP2 action. Here, we used in vivo recordings in awake-behaving mice to investigate the effects of the KE-family mutation on the function of striatal circuits during motor-skill learning. We uncovered abnormally high ongoing striatal activity in mice carrying an identical mutation to that of the KE family. Furthermore, there were dramatic alterations in striatal plasticity during the acquisition of a motor skill, with most neurons in mutants showing negative modulation of firing rate, starkly contrasting with the predominantly positive modulation seen in control animals. We also observed striking changes in the temporal coordination of striatal firing during motor-skill learning in mutants. Our results indicate that FOXP2 is critical for the function of striatal circuits in vivo, which are important not only for speech but also for other striatal-dependent skills.

Overestimation of heterosexually attributed AIDS deaths is associated with immature psychological defence mechanisms and clitoral masturbation during penile–vaginal intercourse

Research shows that (1) greater use of immature psychological defence mechanisms (associated with psychopathology) is associated with lesser orgasmic consistency from penile–vaginal intercourse (PVI), but greater frequency of other sexual behaviours and greater condom use for PVI, and (2) unlike the vectors of receptive anal intercourse and punctures, HIV acquisition during PVI is extremely unlikely in reasonably healthy persons. However, the relationship between overestimation of AIDS deaths due to ‘heterosexual transmission’ (often misunderstood as only PVI), sexual behaviour and mental health has been lacking. Two hundred and twenty-one Scottish women completed the Defense Style Questionnaire, reported past month frequencies of their various sexual activities, and estimated the total number of women who died from AIDS in Scotland nominally as a result of heterosexual transmission in the UK from a partner not known to be an injecting drug user, bisexual or infected through transfusion. The average respondent overestimated by 226,000%. Women providing lower estimates were less likely to use immature psychological defences, and had a lower frequency of orgasms from clitoral masturbation during PVI and from vibrator use. The results indicate that those who perceive ‘heterosexual transmission’ led to many AIDS deaths have poorer psychological functioning, and might be less able to appreciate PVI.

Dopamine levels modulate the updating of tastant values

To survive, animals must constantly update the internal value of stimuli they encounter; a process referred to as incentive learning. Although there have been many studies investigating whether dopamine is necessary for reward, or for the association between stimuli and actions with rewards, less is known about the role of dopamine in the updating of the internal value of stimuli per se. We used a single-bottle forced-choice task to investigate the role of dopamine in learning the value of tastants. We show that dopamine transporter knock-out mice (DAT-KO), which have constitutively elevated dopamine levels, develop a more positive bias towards a hedonically positive tastant (sucrose 400 mM) than their wild-type littermates. Furthermore, when compared to wild-type littermates, DAT-KO mice develop a less negative bias towards a hedonically negative tastant (quinine HCl 10 mM). Importantly, these effects develop with training, because at the onset of training DAT-KO and wild-type mice display similar biases towards sucrose and quinine. These data suggest that dopamine levels can modulate the updating of tastant values, a finding with implications for understanding sensory-specific motivation and reward seeking.

Spatial and temporal distribution in density and biomass of two Pseudodiaptomus species (Copepoda: Calanoida) in the Caeté river estuary (Amazon region - North of Brazil)

Spatial and temporal density and biomass distribution of the planktonic copepods Pseudodiaptomus richardi and P. acutus along a salinity gradient were investigated in the Caeté River Estuary (North-Brazil) in June and December, 1998 (dry season) and in February and May, 1999 (rainy season). Copepod biomass was estimated using regression parameters based on the relation of dry weight and body length (prosome) of adult organisms. The Caeté River Estuary was characterized by high spatial and temporal variations in salinity (0.8-37.2‰). Exponential length-weight relationships were observed for both Pseudodiaptomus species. Density and biomass values oscillated between 0.28-46.18 ind. m-3 and 0.0022-0.3507 mg DW. m-3 for P. richardi; and between 0.01-17.02 ind. m-3 and 0.0005-0.7181 mg DW. m-3 for P. acutus. The results showed that the contribution of P. richardi for the secondary production in the Caeté River Estuary is more important in the limnetic zone than in other zones where euhaline-polyhaline regimes were predominant. However, it was not possible to observe a clear pattern of spatial and temporal distribution for P. acutus.

Inducible, pharmacogenetic approaches to the study of learning and memory

Here we introduce a strategy in which pharmacology is used to induce the effects of recessive mutations. For example, mice heterozygous for a null mutation of the K-ras gene (K-ras+/-) show normal hippocampal mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation, long-term potentiation (LTP) and contextual conditioning. However, a dose of a mitogen-activated/extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (MEK) inhibitor, ineffective in wild-type controls, blocks MAPK activation, LTP and contextual learning in K-ras+/- mutants. These indicate that K-Ras/MEK/MAPK signaling is critical in synaptic and behavioral plasticity. A subthreshold dose of NMDA receptor antagonists triggered a contextual learning deficit in mice heterozygous for a point mutation (T286A) in the alphaCaMKII gene, but not in K-ras+/- mutants, demonstrating the specificity of the synergistic interaction between the MEK inhibitor and the K-ras+/- mutation. This pharmacogenetic approach combines the high temporal specificity that pharmacological manipulations offer, with the molecular specificity of genetic disruptions.

The participation of AtXPB1, the XPB/RAD25 homologue gene from Arabidopsis thaliana, in DNA repair and plant development

Nucleotide excision repair in Arabidopsis thaliana differs from other eukaryotes as it contains two paralogous copies of the corresponding XPB/RAD25 gene. In this work, the functional characterization of one copy, AtXPB1, is presented. The plant gene was able to partially complement the UV sensitivity of a yeast rad25 mutant strain, thus confirming its involvement in nucleotide excision repair. The biological role of AtXPB1 protein in A. thaliana was further ascertained by obtaining a homozygous mutant plant containing the AtXPB1 genomic sequence interrupted by a T-DNA insertion. The 3' end of the mutant gene is disrupted, generating the expression of a truncated mRNA molecule. Despite the normal morphology, the mutant plants presented developmental delay, lower seed viability and a loss of germination synchrony. These plants also manifested increased sensitivity to continuous exposure to the alkylating agent MMS, thus suggesting inefficient DNA damage removal. These results indicate that, although the duplication seems to be recent, the features described for the mutant plant imply some functional or timing expression divergence between the paralogous AtXPB genes. The AtXPB1 protein function in nucleotide excision repair is probably required for the removal of lesions during seed storage, germination and early plant development.

Bioequivalence of two lamivudine tablet formulations

The present study describes the determination of the bioavailability of a new commercial tablet formulation of lamivudine (CAS 134678-17-4) compared with a reference formulation. The comparative bioequivalence of the test and a reference formulation (each 3 x 150 mg) was assessed in 24 healthy volunteers by means of a randomized two-way crossover design. Prior to the study both the test and reference formulations were examined for conformation to chromatographic purity and drug content. Each volunteer received the test (T) and the reference formulation (R) with a one-week drug-free interval between administrations. The plasma concentrations of T were monitored over a period of 12 h after drug administration using a sensitive HPLC method. Pharmacokinetic parameters for T were determined from plasma concentration-time data. Statistical tests were carried out at 90% confidence intervals using a parametric method (three-way ANOVA) for AUC and Cmax, and non-parametric method for Tmax. The present study showed that both formulations were bioequivalent for the geometric mean of AUC(0-12), AUC0-infinity), Cmax, and Tmax at the 90% confidence interval. The bioavailability of the test (%) was 96.7, 93.3, 99.7, 100.3, respectively. The T:R ratio was, in each case, well within the acceptable range of 100 +/- 20%.

Learning deficits, but normal development and tumor predisposition, in mice lacking exon 23a of Nf1

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a commonly inherited autosomal dominant disorder. Previous studies indicated that mice homozygous for a null mutation in Nf1 exhibit mid-gestation lethality, whereas heterozygous mice have an increased predisposition to tumors and learning impairments. Here we show that mice lacking the alternatively spliced exon 23a, which modifies the GTPase-activating protein (GAP) domain of Nf1, are viable and physically normal, and do not have an increased tumor predisposition, but show specific learning impairments. Our findings have implications for the development of a treatment for the learning disabilities associated with NF1 and indicate that the GAP domain of NF1 modulates learning and memory.

Atrazine degradation in a containerized rhizosphere system

The effect of atrazine (2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-s-triazine) on rhizosphere microorganisms and its fate in a containerized rhizosphere system was studied. The rhizosphere system consisted of corn grown in pot containing a defined potting mix of sand and bark with atrazine. Sterilized potting mix and a container without plants served as controls. Atrazine was extracted and analyzed via HPLC. Fluorescent pseudomonad populations increased 100-fold in the rhizposphere during a 60-day incubation period as compared to the nonvegetated control. Atrazine degradation was higher in the rhizosphere system (half-life of 7 days) compared to the nonvegetated control (half-life of greater than 45 days). The major degradation product detected in the rhizosphere system was deisopropylatrazine; other products detected included deethylatrazine, deethylhydroxyatrazine, deisopropylatrazine and hydroxyatrazine. Hydroxyatrazine was detected in the nonvegetated and sterile controls. The containerized rhizosphere system provides an experimental system to study the fate of pesticidal chemicals as well as the effects on microbial populations.

Molecular and cellular mechanisms of cognitive function: implications for psychiatric disorders

Recent studies on the molecular and cellular basis of learning and memory have brought us closer than ever to understanding the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and their relevance to memory formation. Genetic approaches have played a central role in these new findings because the same mutant mice can be studied with molecular, cellular, circuit, and behavioral tools. Therefore, the results can be used to construct models that cut across levels of analytical complexity, forging connections from the biochemistry of the modified protein to the behavior of the mutant mice. These findings are not only improving our understanding of learning and memory, they are also enriching our understanding of cognitive disorders, such as neurofibromatosis type I. Mechanisms underlying long-term changes in synaptic function are likely to be at the heart of many cognitive and emotional processes in humans. Therefore, molecular and cellular insights into learning and memory undoubtedly will have a profound impact on the understanding and treatment of psychiatric disorders.

Cloning of a cDNA from Arabidopsis thaliana homologous to the human XPB gene

The human gene XPB, defective in xeroderma pigmentosum patients complementation group B, encodes a DNA helicase involved in several DNA metabolic pathways, including DNA repair and transcription. The high conservation of this gene has allowed the cloning of homologs in various species, such as mouse, yeast and Drosophila. Not much information on the molecular basis of nucleotide excision repair in plants is available, but these organisms may have similar mechanisms to other eukaryotes. A homolog of XPB was isolated in Arabidopsis thaliana by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with degenerate oligonucleotides based on protein domains which are conserved among several species. Screening of an Arabidopsis cDNA library led to the identification and isolation of a cDNA clone with 2670 bp encoding a predicted protein of 767 amino acids, denoted araXPB. Genomic analysis indicated that this is a nuclear single copy gene in plant cells. Northern blot with the cDNA probe revealed a major transcript which migrated at approx. 2,800 b, in agreement with the size of the cDNA isolated. The araXPB protein shares approximately 50% identical and 70% conserved amino acids with the yeast and human homologs. The plant protein maintains all the functional domains found in the other proteins, including nuclear localization signal, DNA-binding domain and helicase motifs, suggesting that it might also act as part of the RNA transcription apparatus, as well as nucleotide excision repair in plant cells.

Plasma membrane phospholipid and cholesterol distribution of skin fibroblasts from drug-naive patients at the onset of psychosis

Contents of plasma membrane major phospholipids, cholesterol, and cholesteryl esters of fibroblasts from drug-naive psychotic patients were compared with those from normal controls. Total membrane lipids were extracted and individual lipids were separated on high-performance thin-layer chromatography. The contents of lipid bands were quantitated by densitometric scanning and comparing with standards. Contents of total phospholipids as well as phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylethanolamine were significantly lower in fibroblasts from patients than in those from normal controls (P < 0.001, < 0.005, < 0.05 respectively). Total cholesterol fraction and cholesteryl esters were also significantly lower in fibroblasts from patient (P < 0.005, < 0.001 respectively). These changes were not related to differences in age or sex. These data support the hypothesis that schizophrenia is associated with disordered membrane lipid metabolism, and that this predates the onset of psychosis.

An urban outbreak of visceral leishmaniasis in Natal, Brazil

The epidemiological pattern of visceral leishmaniasis in north-eastern Brazil is changing. The disease was typically seen in rural, endemic areas, but is now occurring as an epidemic in the city of Natal where 316 cases have been reported since 1989; 49% were in children less than 5 years of age. The principle clinical and laboratory findings were weight loss, fever, hepato-splenomegaly, anaemia, leucopenia and hypergammaglobulinaemia. Elevated transaminases and hyperbilirubinaemia were also observed. The diagnosis was confirmed in 87% of cases by identifying amastigotes in aspirates from bone marrow or spleen. Five isolates were identified as Leishmania (L.) chagasi by isoenzyme analysis. The mortality rate was 9%; all deaths occurred during the first week in hospital. One person had concurrent human immunodeficiency virus infection. Among 210 household contacts and neighbours of patients from the endemic area examined for evidence of L. (L.) chagasi infection, 6 additional cases of visceral leishmaniasis were diagnosed. Thirty-eight percent of house-mates and neighbours gave a positive Montenegro skin test reaction, indicating prior subclinical infection.

"Pararamose": an occupational arthritis caused by lepidoptera (Premolis semirufa). An epidemiological study

The frequency of "pararama" occupational accidents between 1988 and 1990 as well as some associated clinical manifestations are herein reported. Data were collected at an industrial rubber tree plantation, in the northern part of Brazil and compared with data similarly collected from 1971 to 1974 on the same plantation, before starting protective measures. "Pararama" is the popular name of the larval form of a native insect of the Amazonian region, Premolis semirufa. During the study period, the annual average number of latex extractors was 337 and 60 accidents caused by "pararama" were registered. The annual average number of accidents per worker from 1971 to 1974 was 0.117 and in the period of this study, 0.063 (p = 0.061). Nineteen injured subjects were clinically evaluated and 13 of them were symptomatic. There was a statistically significant association between multiple accidents and the presence of symptoms (p = 0.001). "Pararamose", an occupational arthropathy, which may evolve with functional impairment of the affected joint, can be prevented with the latex extractors education and the institution of prophylactic measures, such as the use of gloves, boots and protective glasses.

[Information-related changes in attitude to mucocutaneous leishmaniasis of a population from an endemic region of the south of Bahia]

The mutilant nature of the mucosal form of leishmaniasis can cause alterations in personal relations. To identify the level of understanding of leishmaniasis and the psychological reaction to it patients and houseowners in an endemic area of Bahia were interviewed. Several false beliefs were identified and there was a strong tendency to reject mutilated patients among the population for a false fear of contagion. Possibly future clarification of the real nature of leishmaniasis could change such a negative attitude among the resident population.