Resumo Nos períodos de transição escolar ocorre mais bullying. Um dos fatores associados pode ser a existência de déficits nas habilidades sociais dos estudantes. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi verificar possíveis diferenças nas habilidades sociais de estudantes envolvidos e não envolvidos em situações de bullying no período de transição escolar. Participaram 408 estudantes do sexto ano do Ensino Fundamental, com média de idade de 11,3 anos (DP = 0,62). Os dados foram coletados mediante uma escala e um questionário, e avaliados estatisticamente por análises de variância (ANOVA). As vítimas-agressoras apresentaram as menores médias nas habilidades sociais e diferenciaram-se significativamente das vítimas, agressores e não envolvidos no bullying em relação às habilidades de empatia/civilidade, autocontrole e participação. Já os estudantes não envolvidos apresentaram as maiores médias nas habilidades sociais. Conclui-se que a melhoria das habilidades sociais dos estudantes em transição escolar pode ajudar a prevenir e/ou reduzir o bullying.

Abstract Bullying tends to occur more often during periods of school transition. One of the associate factors may be a deficit in students’ social skills. Thus, this study’s objective was to verify potential differences between the social skills of students involved and not involved in bullying during school transition. A total of 408 sixth-grade students, with a mean age of 11.3 years old (SD = 0.62), participated in this study. Data were collected using a scale and a questionnaire and statistically analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Victim-offenders had the lowest mean scores in social skills and differed significantly from victims, bullies, and those not involved in bullying concerning empathy/civility, self-control, and participation skills. On the other hand, students not involved in bullying showed the highest mean scores in social skills. We concluded that improving the students’ social skills in school transition might help prevent and/or reduce bullying.

Resumen Em los períodos de transición escolar se produce más bullying. Uno de los factores asociados puede ser la existencia de déficits em las habilidades sociales de los estudiantes. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue verificar las posibles diferencias em las habilidades sociales de los estudiantes involucrados y no involucrados em situaciones de bullying em el período de transición escolar. Participaron 408 estudiantes del sexto año de la Educación Primaria, em em media de edad de 11,3 años (DS = 0,62). Los datos se recogieron mediante em escala y em cuestionario, y se analizaron por análisis de varianza (ANOVA). Las víctimas-agresoras presentaron las puntuaciones medias más bajas em las habilidades sociales y se diferenciaron significativamente de las víctimas, agresores y no involucrados em el bullying em relación a las habilidades de empatía/civilidad, autocontrol y participación. Por em lado, los estudiantes no involucrados mostraron las medias más altas em habilidades sociales. Se concluye que la mejora de las habilidades sociales de los estudiantes durante la transición escolar puede ayudar a prevenir y/o reducir el bullying.

Abstract The ionospheric investigations have improved our understanding of the space weather role in the upper atmosphere conditions, particularly at higher latitudes where the geospace phenomena print their signatures. The simultaneous observations using multi-instruments have improved our knowledge of the coupling processes inside the ionosphere, and their connection with the magnetosphere and neutral atmosphere processes under the space weather phenomena. The ionosphere probing at EACF started on 1986 using an analogical very low frequency (VLF) system, and after the year 2004 using digital VLF system, global navigation satellite system (GNSS), riometers and Canadian digital ionosonde (CADI). This paper presents the different radio techniques that have been used at Brazilian Antarctic Station Comandante Ferraz (EACF) to characterize the ionospheric conditions, and the highlights of the studies using multi-instrument observations performed in the last few decades.

Resumo A exposição ao bullying escolar é uma realidade para crianças e adolescentes, porém ainda não foram exploradas suficientemente algumas complexidades do fenômeno. Assim, este estudo objetivou sintetizar em um modelo teórico evidências empíricas sobre a relação entre bullying e variáveis familiares. Com delineamento misto, a amostra total foi constituída por 2.354 estudantes de 11 escolas públicas, os quais participaram da etapa quantitativa do estudo, respondendo a duas escalas. Na fase qualitativa, 55 estudantes foram selecionados aleatoriamente para participar de entrevistas semiestruturadas. Os resultados revelaram que interações familiares positivas possuem poder protetivo em relação ao bullying e à vitimização, ao passo que interações familiares negativas aumentam o risco de envolvimento dos estudantes nessas situações. Os fatores que influenciam no envolvimento dos estudantes em situações de bullying na escola pertenciam aos componentes analíticos da Teoria Bioecológica. Os resultados permitiram ampliar a compreensão sobre o bullying e dão apoio empírico para incluir a família no debate sobre essa questão.

Abstract Exposure to school bullying is a situation experienced in children and adolescents’ routine and a few bullying complex conditions have not yet been sufficiently explored. Thus, this study’s objective aimed at synthesizing empirical evidence concerning the relationship between bullying and family variables in a theoretical model. Adopting a mixed design, the total sample included 2,354 students from 11 public schools who participated in the quantitative stage study. Data were collected using two scales. In the quantitative stage 55 students were randomly selected for semi-structured interviews. The results revealed that positive family interactions have a protective power in relation to bullying and victimization, while negative family interactions increase the risk of students becoming involved in such situations. The factors that influence students’ involvement in school bullying belonged to the analytical components of the Bioecological Model. The outcome helped a better understanding of bullying and provided empirical support for family inclusion in the issue.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Increasing genetic diversity of HIV-1 and emergence of drug-resistant mutations may reduce the efficacy of antiretroviral therapy and prophylaxis that are used to prevent mother-to-child transmission. The aim of this study was to assess the genetic diversity and prevalence of drug-resistant mutations among HIV-infected pregnant women. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study at an outpatient clinic for infectious diseases within gynecology and obstetrics. METHODS: This study evaluated the dynamics of HIV-1 subtypes and the prevalence of transmitted and acquired drug-resistant mutations among 38 HIV-infected pregnant women (20 previously exposed to antiretroviral therapy and 18 naive), in Ribeirão Preto (SP), Brazil, between 2010 and 2011. Genotyping was performed by means of molecular sequencing of the protease and reverse transcriptase regions of the HIV-1 pol gene. RESULTS: Subtype B was identified in 84.2% of the samples, recombinant forms between B and F in 7.9%, subtype F1 in 5.3% and the recombinant form K/F in 2.6%. No mutation associated with transmitted drug resistance was detected in the samples from the naive pregnant women, whereas mutations associated with acquired drug resistance were found in 35.0% of the pregnant women previously exposed to antiretroviral therapy. CONCLUSION: The results showed that subtype B predominated, while there was low prevalence of sequences with transmitted drug resistance.

Introduction: in recent years, research about muscle mass has gained popularity for their relationship to health. Thus precise measurement of muscle mass may have clinical application once may interfere with the diagnosis and prescription drug or drug treatment. Objective: to conduct a systematic review of the methods most used for evaluation of muscle mass in randomized controlled trials, with its advantages and disadvantages. Methods: we conducted a search of the data bases Pub-Med, Web of Science and Scopus, with words "muscle mass", "measurement", "assessment" and "evaluation", combined in this way: "muscle mass" AND (assessment OR measurement OR evaluation). Results: 23 studies were recovered and analyzed, all in English. 69.56% only used a method for quantification of muscle mass; 69.57% used dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA); in 45.46% the type of measure used was the body lean mass; and 51.61% chose the whole body as a site of measurement. Conclusions: in the randomized controlled trials analyzed the majority used just one method of assessment, with the DXA being the method most used, the body lean mass the measurement type most used and total body the most common site of measure.

Introducción: en los últimos años las investigaciones sobre la masa muscular han cobrado popularidad por su relación con la salud. Así, la medición precisa de la masa muscular puede tener aplicación clínica, ya que puede interferir en el diagnóstico y prescripción del tratamiento medicamentoso o no medicamentoso. Objetivo: realizar una revisión sistemática de los métodos más utilizados para la evaluación de la masa muscular en ensayos controlados aleatorios, con sus ventajas y desventajas. Método: se llevó a cabo una búsqueda en las bases de datos Pubmed, Web of Science y Scopus, con las palabras muscle mass, measurement, assessment y evaluation, combinadas de esta manera: "muscle mass" AND (measurement OR assessment OR evaluation). Resultados: 23 estudios fueron recuperados y analizados, todos ellos en inglés. El 69,56% utilizaron solamente un método para la cuantificación de la masa muscular; el 69,57% utilizaron la doble absorciometría de rayos X (DXA); en el 45,46% el tipo de medida utilizado fue la masa corporal total libre de grasa; y el 51,61% eligieron el cuerpo total como sitio de medida. Conclusiones: en los ensayos controlados aleatorios analizados la mayor parte utilizó apenas un método de evaluación, siendo la DXA el método más empleado, la masa corporal total libre de grasa el tipo de medida más utilizado y el cuerpo total el sitio de medida más común.

Resumen Objetivos: determinar el valor diagnóstico de la ecografía y la mamografía en la detección de neoplasias de mama en pacientes mujeres del Hospital Obrero N°2 de la Caja Nacional de Salud durante el período 2008 a 2010. Métodos: se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de corte transversal, descriptivo. Se obtuvo una muestra no probabilística intencionada de 181 pacientes que cumplían con los criterios de inclusión, de las cuales 92 fueron biopsiadas y a 89 se les realizo controles ecográficos y/o mamográficos. Resultados: la sensibilidad de la ecografía y mamografía es 97,61 % y 97,83% respectivamente, la especificidad esta 91,49% para la ecografía y 83,61% para la mamo-grafía, estando discretamente por debajo de los valores recomendados y el valor predictivo positivo es de 77,36% para la ecografía y 81,82 % para la mamografía, estando dentro del valor recomendado. Conclusiones: por tanto, el valor diagnóstico de la ecografía y la mamografía cumple con los estándares establecidos por el American CollegeofRadiology, probando ser pruebas diagnósticas confiables en la detección de pacientes con neoplasias malignas.

Abstract Objectives: to determine the diagnostic value of ultrasound and mammography in detecting breast cancers in women patients of the Hospital Obrero N° 2 of the Caja Nacional de Salud during the period 2008 to 2010. Methods: we performed a retrospective study of cross-sectional, descriptive obtained a nonrandom sample of 181 intentioned patients meeting the inclusion criteria. Of which 92 were biopsied and 89 controls were performed ultrasound and / or mammography. Results: the sensitivity of ultrasound and mammography is 97.61% and 97.83% respectively, the specificity is 91.49% for ultrasonography and 83.61 % for mammography, while discreetly below the recommended values and positive predictive value of 77.36% to 81.82% and ultrasound to mammography, still within the recom-mended value. Conclusions: the diagnostic value of ultrasound and mammography meets the standards set by the American College of Radiology, proving reliable diagnostic tests for the detection of patients with malignancies and as a source to determine the patients healthy or benign findings.

A diversidade de plantas está associada à heterogeneidade de habitats, à ampla distribuição de espécies, ao pulso de inundação que podem estar sendo controlados pela dinâmica fluvial e diferenças na origem geomorfológica. Este estudo avaliou a diversidade da vegetação arbórea em seis ilhas do rio Paraguai, entre Cáceres e a Estação Ecológica de Taiamã, Pantanal Matogrossense. Foram comparadas ilhas originárias de dois processos geomorfológicos: a partir do rompimento do colo do meandro e de sedimentação. Foram estabelecidas 22 parcelas (10 x 20 m) por ilha, distantes 50 m entre si, onde foram amostradas todas as árvores com DAP > 5cm. Foram alocadas 10 parcelas na parte central e 12 nas bordas das ilhas. O cluster construído a partir do coeficiente de Sorensen resultou em dendrogramas, baseados em ligações simples e distancia euclidiana dos índices de similaridade, onde se observam as hierarquias entre os grupos formados, considerando parcelas localizadas no centro e borda das ilhas e entre ilhas. Foram registradas 40 espécies pertencentes a 34 gêneros e 21 famílias. Os Índices de Diversidade de Shannon-Weaver variaram de H' 0,91 a 2,72. Houve diferença na composição florística das ilhas originárias do rompimento do colo de meandro e partir de sedimentação. Houve diferença na composição florística do centro e borda nas ilhas formadas por rompimento do colo de meandro.

Plant diversity on islands is associated with habitat heterogeneity, the distribution of a species, the flood pulse that may be influenced by fluvial dynamics and differences in geomorphologic origin. This study assessed the diversity of trees on six islands of the Paraguay River, between Caceres and Taimã Ecological Station, in the Pantanal, Brazil. Islands created by two geomorphologic processes were compared: sedimentation and islands formed when the necks of meanders erode. All of the trees with DBH > 5 cm were sampled from 22 (10 m x 20 m) plots (per island), which were 50 m from each other. Ten plots were allocated in the central parts and 12 on the edges of the islands in areas where there was erosion and sediment deposition. The cluster constructed from the Sorensen coefficient resulted in dendrograms based on single bonds and Euclidean distance of similarity indexes, where hierarchies were observed among the groups when considering the plots located in the center and on the edge of the islands, and between islands. Forty species belonging to 34 genera and 21 families were recorded. The Shannon-Weaver diversity indexes ranged from H' 1.08 to 2.77. There was a difference in the floristic composition on the islands that were formed when necks of meanders eroded compared to those formed by sedimentation. There was a difference in the floristic composition when comparing the center and edge of islands formed when necks of meanders eroded.

Concerns have been raised that universal availability of antiretroviral agents in resource-limited settings might lead to the emergence and spread of resistant strains. We present the largest survey on human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) resistance among treatment-naïve and experienced patients followed in small, relatively underprivileged cities in Brazil with universal availability to standard of care antiretroviral combinations. Samples were collected between 2004 and 2006 from 95 patients followed in the cities of Saquarema and Santo Antonio de Pádua, state of Rio de Janeiro. A proviral fragment encompassing protease and reverse transcriptase (RT) regions was generated and drug susceptibility level was inferred. Among 50 strains from drug-naïve subjects, one (2%) had intermediate-level resistance to RT inhibitors. Among 38 patients on therapy as of sampling, 28 (73.7%) had plasma viral load (PVL) below detection limit (26 of whom without evidence of resistance mutations) and 11 (28.9%) harbored strains with reduced susceptibility. Only two strains harbored both protease and RT inhibitor mutations. Among seven patients who were off-treatment as of sampling, two (28.5%) harbored strains with reduced susceptibility to RT inhibitors. The relatively high frequency of undetectable PVL among patients on treatment and the overall low prevalence of resistance-associated mutations are reassuring. Continued surveillance, however, is necessary.

Highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) of human immunodeficiency type 1 (HIV-1) infection is very effective in controlling infection, but elimination of viral infection has not been achieved as yet, and upon treatment interruption an immediate rebound of viremia is observed. A combination of HAART with an immune stimulation might allow treatment interruption without this rebounding viremia, as the very low viremias observed with successful HAART may be insufficient to permit maintenance of a specific anti-HIV-1 immune response. The objective of this study was to compare the humoral immune response of individuals undergoing successful HAART (NF=no failure) with that of individuals with evidence of failure of therapy (FT) and to verify if the viremia peaks observed in individuals with therapy failure would act as a specific stimulus for the humoral anti-HIV-1 immune response. Antibodies binding to gp120 V3 genotype consensus peptides were more frequently observed for FT, mainly against peptides corresponding to sequences of genotypes prevalent in the Rio de Janeiro city area, B and F. HIV-1 neutralization of HIV-1 IIIB and of four primary isolates from Rio de Janeiro was less frequently observed for plasma from the NF than the FT group, but this difference was more expressive when plasma from individuals with detectable viremia were compared to that of individuals with undetectable viral loads in the year before sample collection. Although statistically significant differences were observed only in some specific comparisons, the study indicates that presence of detectable viremia may contribute to the maintenance of a specific anti-HIV-1 humoral immune response.

Genetic variability of human immunodeficiency virus type - 1(HIV-1) is a potential threat for both diagnosis and treatment of HIV/AIDS, as well as the development of effective vaccines. Up to now, HIV subtypes circulating among HIV-positive patients in the state of Espírito Santo were not known. In the present study, blood samples from 100 therapy-naïve HIV-1 infected patients were collected and the HIV subtype was determined through the Heteroduplex Mobility Assay (HMA). Ninety-seven out of 100 studied samples were subtyped by HMA, 73 samples (75.2%) were from subtype B, 9 (9.3%) from subtype F, 3 (3.1%) from subtype C, 6 (6.2%) Benv/Fgag, and another 6 (6.2%) Fenv/Bgag, what suggests that recombinant viruses were present in the studied samples. Twenty-eight percent of the subtype B samples were represented by the Brazilian B" subtype, which were identified by RFLP with Fok I. Data presented here demonstrate that the epidemiological characteristics of the HIV epidemic in the state of Espírito Santo are similar to those from the other Southeastern states and helped to better understand the genetic polymorphism of HIV in Brazil.

Objectives: Due to the absence of randomized studies, the Spanish Reemex Working Group started a registry to analyze and review the results of a large group of patients with mid-term and long-term follow-up to obtain conclusions based on clinical experience. Methods: A registry of 715 patients who underwent surgical intervention for insertion of the SUI readjustable prosthesis Reemex TRT (tension free readjustable tape) in 15 Spanish hospitals (40% urology departments,60% gynecology departments). The registry was established to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the sling adjustability concept in the surgical treatment of female SUI. The Spanish Working Group was able to evaluate results of the Reemex system in 683 patients of a total of 715. Mean age was 59.9 yr. (range 21-87) with a mean follow-up of 23 months (6-93). The group includes: 30.2% patients with mixed incontinence, 73.1% patients with urodynamic intrinsic sphincteric deficit, 35.7% patients with previous history of failed surgical interventions for urinary incontinence, and 54.3% previous pelvic floor associated operations. All patients were evaluated preoperatively with history, physical examination and urinary incontinence questionnaire. Each follow-up visit included incontinence questionnaire, physical examination and stress test. Results: Cure rate was 92.2%, with 6.9% improvement and 0.9% failures. Readjustment was performed in 416 patients (60.9%) as a second phase of surgery over the following 24-48 hours, before hospital discharge. 80 patients (11.7%) were readjusted in the mid- or long-term (between 6 and 8 months after surgery). The level of support of the sling was successfully reduced in three patients between 6 and 14 months after surgery. No other patient suffered voiding difficulties in the long-term. 1.7% of the patients needed extraction of the tensor due to persistent abdominal wall seroma. 0.8% presented vaginal extrusion of the sling. Conclusions: The Reemex system is a minimally invasive technique with consistent results and even improved in heterogeneous groups of patients including intrinsic sphincter defficiency, reoperations, mixed incontinence and associated pathologies.

Objetivo: En ausencia de estudios randomizados, el Grupo de Trabajo Español Remeex inició un registro para analizar y revisar resultados en un gran grupo de pacientes con seguimiento a medio y largo plazo, para obtener conclusiones basadas en experiencias clínicas. Métodos: Se analizan prospectivamente los datos procedentes del registro de 715 pacientes que fueron operadas con una prótesis de incontinencia reajustable Remeex TRT (Tensión free Readjustable Tape) en 15 hospitales españoles, servicios de Urología 40% y Ginecología 60%. El registro se realizó para evaluar la seguridad y eficacia del concepto de ajustabilidad del sling para el tratamiento quirúrgico de la Incontinencia Urinaria de Esfuerzo Femenina. El grupo de trabajo español pudo evaluar los resultados del Sistema Remeex en 683 pacientes de un grupo total de 715. La edad media fue de 59.9 (rango 21-87) con un periodo de seguimiento medio de 23 meses (6-93). El grupo incluye: 30.2% de pacientes con Incontinencia Mixta, 33.1% de pacientes con Déficit Esfinteriano Intrínseco urodinámico, 35.7% de pacientes sometidas a intervenciones previas de Incontinencia, y el 54.3% a cirugías asociadas del suelo pélvico. Todas las pacientes fueron analizadas pre-operatoriamente mediante historia clínica, examen físico y cuestionario de incontiencia. En cada seguimiento, las pacientes rellenaron un cuestionario de incontinencia, se sometieron a examen físico y test de esfuerzo. Resultados: El índice de curación valorado en la última revisión fue del 92.2%, 6.9% de los pacientes mejoraron y el 0.9% de las pacientes fueron consideradas fracasos. La capacidad de reajuste fue utilizada en 416 casos (60.9%) de las pacientes como una segunda fase de la cirugía durante las siguientes 24-48 horas, antes del alta hospitalaria. 80 pacientes (11.7%) fueron reajustadas a medio o largo plazo (entre 6 y 8 meses después de la cirugía). En tres pacientes el nivel de soporte del cabestrillo fue reducido con éxito entre 6 y 14 meses después de la cirugía. Ninguna otra paciente sufrió dificultades de vaciado a largo plazo. Como complicaciones, al 1.7% de las pacientes se les extrajo el varitensor, debido a la persistencia de seroma abdominal. Un 0.8% presentaron exposición del cabestrillo en la pared vaginal. Conclusiones: El sistema Remeex es una técnica mínimamente invasiva con resultados consistentes y mejorados incluso en grupos de pacientes no homogéneos, en los que se incluyen pacientes con déficit esfinteriano intrínseco, pacientes reintervenidas, incontinencia mixta y patología asociada.

Objetivando verificar a extensão dos diferenciais regionais de rendimentos sobre o mercado de trabalho, este artigo desenvolve uma análise comparativa para medir os principais elementos que diferenciam os rendimentos provenientes do trabalho entre as regiões metropolitanas de São Paulo (RMSP) e de Salvador (RMS). Com os dados da Pesquisa de Emprego e Desemprego (PED) para as duas regiões metropolitanas, buscou-se quantificar, pr meio da decomposição de Oaxaca, os diferenciais de rendimentos provenientes de distintas distribuições de atributos produtivos dos trabalhadores, separando-os dos diferenciais inerentes ao aspecto regional. Visando eliminar os possíveis vieses de seleção amostral, utilizou-se o procedimento de Heckman. Os resultados mostram um importante diferencial regional de rendimentos, para todos os agrupamentos de trabalhadores analisados, em favor dos trabalhadores da RMSP. Tais diferenciais de rendimento são decorrentes das sinergias vinculadas à maior concentração e aglomeração econômica da RMSP, relativamente à RMS. Observou-se ainda um diferencial significativo de rendimentos, também em favor dos trabalhadores da RMSP, decorrente da maior dotação dos atributos produtivos.

Aiming to verify the extent of regional differentials over the labor markets, this paper develops a comparative analyses to measure the main elements of differentiation of labor earnings between the metropolitan regions of São Paulo (RMSP) and Salvador (RMS). Taking the data from the Employment and Unemployment Research (PED) of these two metropolitan regions, we tried to estimate, through de Oaxaca decomposition, the labor income differentials resulting from different distribution of workers' productive attributes, splitting them from the differentials resulting from the regional aspects. Trying to eliminate the selectivity bias, we used the Heckman's proceduree. The results confirm the existence of an important regional differential of labor income for all group of workers analyzed, in benefit of workers of the MRSP. Such differentials of labor earnings result from the synergies associated to a larger economic concentration and conglomeration in the MRSP. Besides that, we observed a significant differential of labor earnings for the worker from the MRSP, due to the larger endowment of workers' productive attributes.

A obtenção de dados epidemiológicos é de fundamental importância para o estabelecimento de políticas em Saúde Pública. No Brasil, essas informações são escassas, principalmente na região Nordeste. Para se obter alguns destes dados, avaliamos a soroprevalência de algumas infecções de transmissão perinatal, em cerca de 1024 gestantes de baixa renda, em Salvador, Bahia. Os resultados encontrados foram os seguintes: HIV-1 (0,10%), HTLV-I/II (0,88%), T.cruzi (2,34%), T.pallidum (3,91%), vírus da rubéola (77,44%), IgM e IgG para T.gondii (2,87% e 69,34%, respectivamente), e antígenos e anticorpos de superfície (HBs Ag e anti-HBs) do vírus da hepatite B (0,6% e 7,62%, respectivamente). A prevalência de HTLV-I/II foi nove vezes maior do que aquela observada para o HIV-1. Constatou-se um decréscimo na prevalência das infecções causadas pelos T.cruzi e o vírus da hepatite B, em relação a anos anteriores, enquanto na infecção pelo T.gondii houve um aumento. Em função dos dados encontrados recomendamos que em Salvador, testes de triagem para HTLV-I, IgM, para T.gondii, T.pallidum e o vírus da rubéola, sejam feitos como rotina prenatal, e que triagens para T.cruzi, hepatite B e HIV-1 sejam feitas quando estiverem presentes fatores de risco associados a estas infecções. Entretanto, em áreas com altas taxas de prevalência para estas infecções, a triagem no prenatal deve ser considerada.

Generation of epidemiological data on perinatally-transmitted infections is a fundamental tool for the formulation of health policies. In Brazil, this information is scarce, particularly in Northeast, the poorest region of the country. In order to gain some insights of the problem we studied the seroprevalence of some perinatally-transmitted infections in 1,024 low income pregnant women in Salvador, Bahia. The prevalences were as follow: HIV-1 (0.10%), HTLV-I/II (0.88%), T.cruzi (2.34%). T.pallidum (3.91%), rubella virus (77.44%). T.gondii IgM (2.87%) and IgG (69.34%), HBs Ag (0.6%) and anti-HBs (7.62%). Rubella virus and T.gondii IgG antibodies were present in more than two thirds of pregnant women but antibodies against other pathogens were present at much lower rates. We found that the prevalence of HTLV-I/II was nine times higher than that found for HIV-1. In some cases such as T.cruzi and hepatitis B infection there was a decrease in the prevalence over the years. On the other hand, there was an increase in the seroprevalence of T.gondii infection. Our data strongly recommend mandatory screening tests for HTLV-I/II, T.gondii (IgM), T.pallidum and rubella virus in prenatal routine for pregnant women in Salvador. Screening test for T.cruzi, hepatitis and HIV-1 is recommended whenever risk factors associated with these infections are suspected. However in areas with high prevalence for these infections, the mandatory screening test in prenatal care should be considered.

To determine the genomic polymorphism and biological properties present in HIV-1 Brazilian isolates, were analyzed five viral isolates obtained from patients residing in Rio de Janeiro (P1 and P5), São Paulo (P3) and Bahia (P2 and P4) states. For each viral isolate in vitro characteristics such as replication rate, syncytium-inducing capacity and cell death were observed in lymphoblastoid (H9, CEM and peripheral blood mononuclear cells) as well as monocytoid (U937) cells. In addition, the evaluation of the restriction fragment lenght polymorphism of these isolates was also performed using a panel of endonucleases such as Hind III, Bgl II, Sac I, Pst I, Kpn I and Eco RI. One of the isolates (P1), showed the highest phenotypic and genotypic divergence, when compared to others. The results found suggest a HIV heterogeneity in Brazil similar to that already described in other regions of the world.

Between 1974 and 1987 we have examined 50 patients with the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. Female preponderance (2,5: 1) was found. Also, it was observed that most of the patients were aged between 20 and 49 years. Beside the clinical examination, the following tests were performed: (1) edrofonium test, (2) supramaximal repetitive nerve stimulation, (3) serum acetylcholine antibodies titers and (4) intraperitoneal passive transference of patient's sera to mice and recording of meepp's amplitude in the phrenic-diaphragm preparation in vitro. These four tests gave positive values for myasthenia in 90 to 100% of the cases. Thymus radiological examination was carried out by pneumomediastinography, which proved to correlate with the hsitological picture of the gland, and computed tomography, which disclosed some discrepances with the histology. Treatment was based on anticholinesterase drugs, corticosteroids and thymectomy, being the corticosteroids the most valuable therapeutical tool. Nine patients treated with steroids disclosed transitory worsening of their signs and symptoms at very early stages after onset of corticosteroid therapy, 6 of them had a disfavorable course in their follow-up. This observation seem to have value in the early prognosis of the disease.

Durante la observacion de 50 pacientes con Myasthenia gravis entre los anos 1974 y 1987 se encontro un predominio del sexo femenino en la proporcion de 2,5 a 1 y mayor frecuencia de presentacion en Ias 3ª y 5ª décadas de la vida. Luego de la evaluacion clínica, el diagnóstico fué confirmado mediante: (1) prueba dei edrofonio, (2) estímulo nervioso repetitivo, (3) dosaje de anticuerpos antirreceptor colinérgico y (4) transferencia pasiva del suero al raton con ulterior niedicion de la amplitud de mepp's. La positividad diagnostica vario entre el 90 y el 100%, segun el tipo de prueba empleada. El estúdio radiológico del timo fué hecho con neumomediastinografía. obteniendose excelente correlación con la descripcion histológica de la glândula, y con tomografia computada, que demostro menor eficiência diagnostica. El tratamiento fué implementado en base a anticolinesterásicos, timectomía y corticoterapia inmunosupresora, evidenciandose con esta última mejores resultados. Nueve pacientes desarrollaron peoria transitória del cuadro muscular al iniciarse el tratamiento esteroideo, 6 de ellos exhibieron posteriormente evolucion desfavorable. Esta observacion aparenta tener valor pronóstico en la evolucion de la MG.