Abstract In antimalarial research there are no standard procedures to determine the toxicity of a drug candidate. Among the alternatives available, in vitro cytotoxicity assays are the most widely used to predict toxic effects of future therapeutic products. They have the advantage over the in vivo assays, in that they offer the possibility to restrain the number of experimental variables. The objective of the present study was to compare in vitro cytotoxic methods by testing various compounds currently used to treat malaria against different cell lines. Neutral red (NR) uptake and methylthiazoletetrazolium (MTT) colorimetric in vitro assays were used to determine preliminary toxicity of commercially available antimalarial drugs against tumor and non-tumor cells lines. Toxicity through brine shrimp lethality bioassay and hemolytic activity were also evaluated. Significant differences were observed in the tests measured by NR uptake. The tumor cell lines TOV-21G and HepG2 and non-tumor WI-26VA4 cells showed relatively uniform toxicity results, with TOV-21G being the most sensitive cell tested, presenting the lowest concentration to cause death to 50% of viable cells (CC50) values. The results of this study support the use of TOV-21G, HepG2 and WI-26VA4 cells lines as the choice for cytotoxicity tests to evaluate potential bioactive compounds.

OBJETIVOS: Conocer los factores de riesgo, la magnitud y dirección de asociación con el síndrome metabólico en sujetos de diferentes grupos etáreos que habitan grandes alturas como en la ciudad de La Paz y El Alto, durante el 2009 y 2010. Identificar si existe asociación entre antecedente familiar de diabetes y enfermedad cardiovascular, nivel educacional, hábito de fumar, consumo de bebidas alcohólicas, estrés, depresión, actividad física, factores alimentarios, eritrocitosis patológica de altura, postmenopausia en las mujeres, edad y sexo con el síndrome metabólico. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional analítico de casos y controles, en 549 pacientes, 248 casos y 301 controles, las mediciones se realizaron con instrumentos validados para la recolección de datos, la historia clínica, así como procedimientos de análisis bioquímico para la definición del síndrome metabólico. La población estuvo comprendida entre 30 a 80 años, personas que habitan en la ciudad de La Paz o El Alto y que acudan a consulta o internación en las diferentes especialidades médicas de los centros hospitalarios del complejo de Miraflores incluido el IINSAD, de la ciudad de La Paz. RESULTADOS: Los factores de riesgo para síndrome metabólico fueron: antecedente familiar de diabetes, nivel educacional bajo, hábito de fumar, estado postmenopáusico, eritrocitosis patológica de altura y edad en pacientes que habitan grandes alturas, se identificó como protector la actividad física intensa.

OBJETIVES: To know the risk factors, the magnitude and direction of association with the metabolic syndrome in subjects of different age groups living in high altitudes and in the city of La Paz and El Alto, in 2009 and 2010. Identify the association between family history of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, educational level, smoking, drinking, stress, depression, physical activity, dietary factors, pathologic erythrocytosis high, postmenopausal women, age and sex with metabolic syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: observational analytical case-control study in 549 patients, 248 cases and 301 controls, measurements were performed with validated data collection instruments, medical history, and biochemical analysis procedures for the definition of the syndrome Metabolic. The population was between 30 to 80 years, people living in the city of La Paz and El Alto and come to see or stay in the different medical specialties hospitals complex Miraflores including IINSAD, of de La Paz city. RESULTS. Risk factors for metabolic syndrome were: family history of diabetes, low educational level, smoking, postmenopausal status, pathological eritrocitosis height and age in patients who inhabit high altitudes, was identified as a protective intensive physical activity.

OBJETIVO. Determinar la prevalencia del consumo de drogas, lícitas e ilícitas, en estudiantes universitarios de las ciudades de La Paz y El Alto en la gestión 2009. METODOLOGÍA. El diseño aplicado fue Corte transversal, la muestra constituida por 2000 universitarios que cursaban alguna carrera a nivel licenciatura, de universidades públicas y privadas seleccionadas por muestreo aleatorio simple. Se utilizaron instrumentos validados de la Comisión Interamericana para el Control del Abuso de Drogas CICAD y del Sistema Interamericano de Datos Uniformes sobre Consumo de Drogas SIDUC para universitarios. RESULTADOS. Las drogas lícitas de mayor consumo son alcohol y tabaco, seguidas por tranquilizantes y finalmente estimulantes. El alcohol tiene una prevalencia de vida de 73.9%, 69% año y 45.6% mes, seguido del tabaco donde es de 67.6%, 57.3% y 39.8% respectivamente. La prevalencia de vida del consumo de tranquilizantes es de 22%. Las drogas ilícitas muestran valores más bajos en relación a las lícitas, dentro de este grupo la de mayor consumo es la marihuana con una prevalencia de vida de 13.6%, 4,4% año y 2% mes, seguida de la cocaína con prevalencia de vida de 3.9% e inhalables con prevalencia de vida de 3%. La edad de inicio del consumo de drogas lícitas e ilícitas fue desde los 7 años. El sexo masculino es el más afectado a excepción de Tranquilizantes y estimulantes. CONCLUSIONES. El principal problema que tienen los estudiantes universitarios de las ciudades de La Paz y El Alto en Bolivia es el consumo de ALCOHOL y TABACO, sin desmerecer el consumo de las demás drogas.

AIM. Determine the prevalence ofdrug use, both licit and illicit, in university students from the cities of La Paz and El Alto in management 2009. METHODS. Cross sectional study, 2000 university students who were studying any career degree, of public and private universities selected by simple random sampling. Validated instruments were used by the Inter-American Commission for the Control of Drug Abuse CICAD and the Inter-American System of Uniform Data on Drug Use SIDUC for university students. RESULTS. The licit drugs with the highest consumption are alcohol and tobacco, followed by tranquilizers and finally stimulants. Alcohol has a lifetime prevalence of 73.9 %, 69% and 45.6 % year month, followed by the tobacco where is 67.6 %, 57.3 % and 39.8 % respectively. The prevalence of lifetime use of tranquilizers is 22 %. Illicit drugs show lower values in relation to the licit, within this group with the greatest consumption is marijuana with a lifetime prevalence of 13.6 %, 4.4 % year and 2% month, followed by cocaine with lifetime prevalence of3.9 % and inhalants with lifetime prevalence of 3 %. The age of onset of the use of licit and illicit drugs was from 7 years. The male is the most affected with the exception of tranquilizers and stimulants. CONCLUSIONS. The main problem in the university students of the cities of La Paz and El Alto in Bolivia is the consumption of alcohol and tobacco, without detracting from the consumption of other drugs.

La producción mundial de jugos cítricos concentrados se estima en 2,6 millones de toneladas. El jugo de naranja representa el 88% del total. El mercado es liderizado por Brasil con el 50% del volumen elaborado, seguido por EEUU con el 40%. En Bolivia el mercado de frutas se encuentra en continuo crecimiento, tanto para importación como para consumo interno. Actualmente se comercializan bebidas a base de jugo de frutas tanto de importación como de fabricación nacional, las mismas que son sometidas a control por los Organismos Oficiales (Ministerio de Salud y Deportes, y el Servicio Nacional de Sanidad Agropecuaria e Inocuidad Alimentaria -SENASAG) bajo la Normativa Nacional e Internacional reconocida como es la Norma Boliviana y el Codex Alimentarius, al igual que todos los productos alimenticios para garantizar su calidad e inocuidad. El presente trabajo pretende determinar la genuinidad de los jugos comercializados en nuestro medio para lo cual el método por espectrofotometría fue el que nos permitió cuantificar la concentración de prolina como aminoácido predominante presente en la naranja. Actualmente el análisis laboratorial se basa principalmente en las determinaciones de parámetros fisicoquímicos que necesitan ser complementados con otros métodos analíticos (como: la Cuantificación de Prolina por Espectrofotometría y el Indice de For-mol) propuestos en éste trabajo, capaces de determinar la genuinidad de jugos de naranja presentes en el comercio de la ciudad de La Paz, y así colaborar con los Organismos de Control para cumplir a cabalidad con la responsabilidad de garantizar que los productos consumidos por nuestra población cumplen con lo declarado en sus etiquetas. El estudio reveló que todas las muestras analizadas cumplen con lo establecido en los parámetros fisicoquímicos, mientras que en los parámetros de genuinidad sugeridos en el presente trabajo, el 62 % cumple con los límites de referencia del índice de formol y sólo un 44 % con los límites de prolina.

Abstract World production of citrus juice concen-trates, is estimated at 2.6 million tonnes. Or-ange juice accounts for 88% of the total. The market is led by Brazil with 50% of the vol-ume produced, followed by U.S. with 40%. In Bolivia the fruit market is still growing, both for imports and for domestic consumption Currently marketed drinks based on fruit juice both importand domestic manufacture, they are subject to control by gov-ernment agencies (Ministry of Health and Sports and the National Service of Agricul-tural Health and Food Safety - SENASAG) under national and international standards is recognized as the Standard Bolivian and the Codex Alimentarius, like all food prod-ucts to ensure quality and safety. This paper aims to determine the genu-ine from the juices marketed in our area for which the method was spectrophotometri-cally which allowed us to quantify the con-centration of the amino acid praline as a dominant presence in the orange Currently, the laboratory analysis is mainly based on the determinations of physical and chemical parameters that need to be complemented by other analyti-cal methods (such as: Quantifying Proline by spectrophotometry, and Formol Index) proposed in his work, able to determine the genuine orange juice in the trade of the city of La Paz, and collaborate with the su-pervisory bodies to fulfill the responsibili-ty to ensure that the products consumed by our population satisfied with what was stat-ed on their labels. The study revealed that all the samples tested complied with the parameters estab-lished physicochemical while in the parameters of genuine suggested in the present study, 62.5% comply with the limits of the reference rate of formol and only 43, 75% with the limits of proline.

To test the validity of the polymerase chain reaction for diagnosing American visceral leishmaniasis, 88 suspected cases were studied. Diagnosis was confirmed in 47 (53.5%) and ruled out in 41 (46.5%) patients. Samples of bone marrow and peripheral blood were processed by polymerase chain reaction to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the test and its agreement beyond chance with microscopy examination. The polymerase chain reaction was positive in bone marrow of 100% of the patients with amastigotes seen with microscopy examination, and in 59.5% in those where no parasite were seen. Agreement beyond chance between visualization of the parasite in bone marrow aspirates and polymerase chain reaction was considered weak (Kappa = 0.41). Concordance between polymerase chain reaction of bone marrow aspirates and of peripheral blood was considered excellent (Kappa = 0.88). The test turned out positive in all bone marrow aspirates of those with the disease and whereas the positivity rate was 58.5% among those without the disease, with specificity rate of 41.5%.

Introdução: Infecções por Entamoeba histolytica foram investigadas em moradores dos municípios de Ariquemes e Monte Negro, Rondônia, Brasil. Métodos: Amostras de fezes de 216 indivíduos foram processadas por microscopia óptica para detecção de cistos do complexo E. histolytica/E. dispar, seguido pelo método de imunoensaio utilizando kit de ensaio imunoenzimático para detecção específica de antígeno de E. histolytica. Resultados: Cistos de E. histolytica/E. dispar estavam presentes em 61% e 44% das amostras de Ariquemes e Monte Negro, respectivamente com diferença significativa na ocorrência da infecção entre as duas populações [p < 0,05; χ2 = 5,2; Odds relativa = 2,0 (1,1 - 3,6)]. A taxa de detecção de antígenos de E. histolytica nas amostras provenientes de Ariquemes foi de 36,6% e de 19,41% nas amostras de Monte Negro, sendo a ocorrência de amebíase significativamente maior na população de Ariquemes [p < 0,05; χ2 = 7,8; Odds relativa = 2,4 (1,2 - 4,7)]. Discussão: A elevada frequência da infecção por E. histolytica em residentes na região, bem como a indisponibilidade de avaliação clínica por testes específicos para distinção entre as duas espécies de Entamoeba, deve promover uma reflexão sobre o tratamento de infecções pelo complexo E. histolytica/E. dispar. Conclusão: Nas populações avaliadas foram detectadas elevadas ocorrências de E. histolytica.

Introduction: Entamoeba histolytica infections were investigated in residents of the Ariquemes and Monte Negro municipalities in Rondônia State, Brazil. Methods: Stool samples of 216 individuals were processed by the spontaneous sedimentation method and analyzed by microscopy for detection of the E. histolytica/E. dispar complex, followed by the immunoassay method using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based kit for the E. histolytica stool antigen. Results: E. histolytica/E. dispar cysts were present in 61% (50/82) and 44% (59/134) of the samples from Ariquemes and Monte Negro respectively, with a significant difference in the occurrence of infection between the two populations [p < 0.05; χ2 = 5.2; odds ratio = 2.0 (1.1 - 3.6)]. The E. histolytica antigen detection rate was 36.6% (30/82) for stool samples from Ariquemes, and 19.4% (26/134) for stool taken from the residents of Monte Negro. The rate of the occurrence of amoebiasis was significantly higher in the population from Ariquemes [p < 0.05; χ2 = 7.8; odds ratio = 2.4 (1.2 - 4.7)]. Discussion: Due to the high occurrence of E. histolytica infected residents diagnosed in the region and the unavailability in local clinics of a test to distinguish between the two Entamoeba species, physicians should consider treating E. histolytica/E.dispar infections. Conclusion: The results indicate that E. histolytica infection is highly endemic in the studied areas.

Introduction: distribution of amebiasis has been reevaluated since it was demonstrated that two morphologically indistinguishable species of Entamoeba exist, but they differ in their capacity to cause disease: Entamoeba histolytica (pathogenic) and Entamoeba dispar (nonpathogenic). The use of techniques to identify specific antigenic characteristics makes it possible to establish differential diagnosis and to assess the actual prevalence of amebiasis cases (caused only by Entamoeba histolytica). Objective: to determine the prevalence of infection by Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar complex and, in a second phase, the prevalence of infection by Entamoeba histolytica in stool samples of students from public schools in Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil. Methods: screening of Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar complex infection cases was carried out by formol-ether concentration technique on stool samples of 1 798 students. The infection caused by this complex was confirmed with an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ENZYMEBA). Positive samples were then analyzed with a specific ELISA (Entamoeba histolytica II®) in order to detect an adesin only present in Entamoeba histolytica. Results: the microscopic observation of feces and the Enzymeba test allowed demonstrating the prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar infection amounting to 3.8 %. The Entamoeba histolytica II procedure showed the prevalence of infection by Entamoeba histolytica of 1.0%. Therefore, the microscopy presented a low predictive positivity value (26.4%) for detection of Entamoeba histolytica compared to Entamoeba histolytica II® method. Conclusions: although the prevalence figures are not high, the study shows for the first time the occurrence of Entamoeba histolytica in Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil. In spite of the fact that the optical microscopic test of feces is not the appropriate technique for amebiasis diagnosis, it can be used as a screening method in epidemiological studies. Cases of Entamoeba histolytica infection in positive samples by microscopy can be confirmed by using a specific test for detection of the parasite coproantigen like Entamoeba histolytica II®.

Introducción: la prevalencia de amebiasis ha tenido que ser reevaluada desde que fue demostrada la existencia de dos especies de Entamoeba indistinguibles morfológicamente, pero diferentes en cuanto a su capacidad de producir enfermedad: Entamoeba histolytica (patógena) y Entamoeba dispar (no patógena). Con el empleo de procedimientos capaces de identificar características antigénicas específicas es posible hacer la diferenciación y evaluar la prevalencia real de amebiasis (es decir, de infecciones producidas por Entamoeba histolytica). Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia de infección por el complejo E. histolytica/E. dispar y, más tarde, de infección por la especie Entamoeba histolytica en muestras fecales de estudiantes de escuelas públicas de Maceió, Alagoas, Brasil. Métodos: primero se realizó la detección microscópica de infección por el complejo E. histolytica/E. dispar en muestras fecales de 1 798 estudiantes (para ello, se empleó la técnica de concentración en formol-éter). A continuación, se confirmó la infección por el mencionado complejo mediante el empleo del ensayo inmunoenzimático ENZYMEBA. Posteriormente, a las muestras confirmadas positivas al complejo E. histolytica/E. dispar se les aplicó el procedimiento inmunoenzimático E. histolytica II®, que detecta de modo específico una adhesina de la especie Entamoeba histolytica. Resultados: el empleo de la observación microscópica de heces y del ensayo ENZYMEBApermitió demostrar una prevalencia de infección por el complejo E. histolytica/E. dispar de 3,8 %. La utilización del procedimiento E. histolytica II® condujo al hallazgo de una prevalencia de infección por la especie Entamoeba histolytica de 1,0 %. La observación microscópica de heces presentó un bajo valor predictivo positivo (26,4 %) para la detección de Entamoeba histolytica respecto al ensayo E. histolytica II®. Conclusiones: aunque las cifras de prevalencia encontradas son bajas, este estudio demuestra por primera vez la ocurrencia de infección por Entamoeba histolytica en Maceió, Alagoas, Brasil. A pesar de que el examen microscópico de heces no es un procedimiento apropiado para el diagnóstico de amebiasis, puede ser utilizado como prueba de descarte en estudios epidemiológicos. La demostración de infección por Entamoeba histolytica en muestras positivas a infección por el complejo E. histolytica/E. dispar puede ser realizada mediante ensayos para la detección específica de coproantígenos del parásito, como Entamoeba histolytica II®.

IntroductionThe aim of this work was to identify possible lymphatic filariasis foci in the western Brazilian Amazonian that could be established from the reports of Rachou in the 1950s. The study was conducted in three cities of the western Brazilian Amazon region - Porto Velho and Guajará-Mirim (State of Rondônia) and Humaitá (State of Amazonas).MethodsFor human infection evaluation thick blood smear stained with Giemsa was used to analyze samples collected from 10pm to 1am. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to examine mosquito vectors for the presence of Wuchereria bancrofti DNA. Humans were randomly sampled from night schools students and from inhabitants in neighborhoods lacking sanitation. Mosquitoes were collected from residences only.ResultsA total 2,709 night students enrolled in the Program for Education of Young Adults (EJA), and 935 people registered in the residences near the schools were examined, being 641 from Porto Velho, 214 from Guajará-Mirim and 80 from Humaitá. No individual examined was positive for the presence of microfilariae in the blood stream. A total of 7,860 female Culex quinquefasciatus specimens examined were negative by PCR.ConclusionsThis survey including human and mosquito examinations indicates that the western Amazon region of Brazil is not a focus of Bancroftian filariasis infection or transmission. Therefore, there is no need to be included in the Brazilian lymphatic filariasis control program.

Malaria remains a major world health problem following the emergence and spread of Plasmodium falciparum that is resistant to the majority of antimalarial drugs. This problem has since been aggravated by a decreased sensitivity of Plasmodium vivax to chloroquine. This review discusses strategies for evaluating the antimalarial activity of new compounds in vitro and in animal models ranging from conventional tests to the latest high-throughput screening technologies. Antimalarial discovery approaches include the following: the discovery of antimalarials from natural sources, chemical modifications of existing antimalarials, the development of hybrid compounds, testing of commercially available drugs that have been approved for human use for other diseases and molecular modelling using virtual screening technology and docking. Using these approaches, thousands of new drugs with known molecular specificity and active against P. falciparum have been selected. The inhibition of haemozoin formation in vitro, an indirect test that does not require P. falciparum cultures, has been described and this test is believed to improve antimalarial drug discovery. Clinical trials conducted with new funds from international agencies and the participation of several industries committed to the eradication of malaria should accelerate the discovery of drugs that are as effective as artemisinin derivatives, thus providing new hope for the control of malaria.

The family and neighbors of a patient infected with W. bancrofti microfilariae were assessed aiming to evaluate the occurrence of cases of lymphatic filariasis in a non-endemic area in the city of Maceió, in the Brazilian state of Alagoas. The patient had previously lived in an endemic focus; however, he has been living in an area where the parasite has never been detected for the past ten years. Female ingurgitated Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes captured in the houses of the microfilaremic individual and of his neighbors in the non-endemic region were also examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. The thick blood smear examination, blood membrane filtration, and rapid immunochromatography (antigen search) revealed no infected individuals in the family of the microfilaremic individual. All 334 neighbors undergoing the thick blood smear examination were negative for W. bancrofti microfilariae. In 478 ingurgitated C. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes examined by PCR, no W. bancrofti DNA was detected. The microfilaremic individual had a microfilaremia considered very low according to WHO standards (4 microfilariae/mL of blood). As the vectorial infection depends on microfilaremia, the patient's low parasite load did not determine the contamination of other individuals in the area. Our data have shown that the long-term residence of the microfilaremic individual in the non-endemic region was not sufficient to start a new transmission focus of lymphatic filariasis in Maceió.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o consumo alimentar de energia, macronutrientes e micronutrientes, relacionados ao crescimento e desenvolvimento, de indivíduos menores de 16 anos residentes numa área de invasão consolidada em Maceió, Alagoas. MÉTODOS: Estudo do tipo transversal, realizado com 272 indivíduos menores de 16 anos residentes numa área de invasão consolidada em Maceió, Alagoas. A avaliação do consumo alimentar foi realizada pelo método recordatório 24 horas, com auxílio de um álbum de registro fotográfico. Para a análise da composição nutricional das dietas utilizou-se o programa Virtual-Nutri 1.0. A estimativa da prevalência de inadequação foi baseada nas Ingestões Dietéticas de Referência (DRIs) com o ajuste da variabilidade intrapessoal. Para a análise dos dados utilizou-se o programa Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) versão 11.5. RESULTADOS: Dos indivíduos avaliados, 5,6% apresentavam ingestão energética excessiva e 3,7% insuficiente. A frequência de ingestão energética excessiva foi superior no grupo de 1 a 3 anos (p<0,05), que também apresentou maiores frequências de ingestão inadequada para vitamina A, vitamina E e zinco, e foi a única faixa etária que teve consumo médio de cálcio superior à ingestão adequada. CONCLUSÃO: os dados demonstram que o padrão alimentar dos indivíduos avaliados necessita de ajustes.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the food intake of energy, macronutrients and micronutrients related to growth and development in individuals under 16 years of age living in a consolidated invasion settlement in Maceió, Alagoas. METHODS: The assessment of food intake was carried out by the 24-hour recall method, using a food picture album. Nutritional composition of diets was analysed using the Virtual Nutri-1.0 software. The estimated prevalence of inadequate intake was based on the Dietary Reference (DRIs), adjusted to account for intra-individual variability. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 11.5 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: 5.6% of the subjects studied presented excessive energy intake and for 3.7% it was inadequate. The frequency of excessive energy intake was higher in the 1 to 3 year-old age group (p <0.05), which also showed higher rates of inadequate intake of vitamin A, vitamin E and zinc, and it was the only group in which average consumption of calcium was higher than the adequate intake. CONCLUSION: Data show that dietary patterns of the individuals studied need adjustments.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o consumo alimentar de energia, macronutrientes e micronutrientes, relacionados ao crescimento e desenvolvimento, de indivíduos menores de 16 anos residentes numa área de invasão consolidada em Maceió, Alagoas. MÉTODOS: Estudo do tipo transversal, realizado com 272 indivíduos menores de 16 anos residentes numa área de invasão consolidada em Maceió, Alagoas. A avaliação do consumo alimentar foi realizada pelo método recordatório 24 horas, com auxílio de um álbum de registro fotográfico. Para a análise da composição nutricional das dietas utilizou-se o programa Virtual-Nutri 1.0. A estimativa da prevalência de inadequação foi baseada nas Ingestões Dietéticas de Referência (DRIs) com o ajuste da variabilidade intrapessoal. Para a análise dos dados utilizou-se o programa Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) versão 11.5. RESULTADOS: Dos indivíduos avaliados, 5,6% apresentavam ingestão energética excessiva e 3,7% insuficiente. A frequência de ingestão energética excessiva foi superior no grupo de 1 a 3 anos (p<0,05), que também apresentou maiores frequências de ingestão inadequada para vitamina A, vitamina E e zinco, e foi a única faixa etária que teve consumo médio de cálcio superior à ingestão adequada. CONCLUSÃO: os dados demonstram que o padrão alimentar dos indivíduos avaliados necessita de ajustes.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the food intake of energy, macronutrients and micronutrients related to growth and development in individuals under 16 years of age living in a consolidated invasion settlement in Maceió, Alagoas. METHODS: The assessment of food intake was carried out by the 24-hour recall method, using a food picture album. Nutritional composition of diets was analysed using the Virtual Nutri-1.0 software. The estimated prevalence of inadequate intake was based on the Dietary Reference (DRIs), adjusted to account for intra-individual variability. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 11.5 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: 5.6% of the subjects studied presented excessive energy intake and for 3.7% it was inadequate. The frequency of excessive energy intake was higher in the 1 to 3 year-old age group (p <0.05), which also showed higher rates of inadequate intake of vitamin A, vitamin E and zinc, and it was the only group in which average consumption of calcium was higher than the adequate intake. CONCLUSION: Data show that dietary patterns of the individuals studied need adjustments.

A etapa de aclimatização é uma fase crítica da micropropagação vegetal, podendo ser responsável por altos índices de mortalidade, baixas taxas de crescimento e desuniformidade das plantas. Um fator fundamental na aclimatização é tipo de substrato a ser utilizado. Nesse trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de diferentes substratos na aclimatização de mudas micropropagadas de helicônia (Heliconia lingulata Ruiz & Pav.). A pesquisa foi conduzida em um túnel alto de cultivo forçado pertencente à Embrapa Agroindústria Tropica,l situada no município de Fortaleza - CE, Brasil (3º44'S e 38º33'W). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos casualizados com cinco tratamentos e cinco repetições. Os substratos testados foram: T1 -pó-de-coco seco + húmus de minhoca + solo (PCS+H+S); T2 -pó-de-coco verde + vermiculita + composto de cama de frango (PCV+V+CCF); T3 -pó-de-coco verde + húmus de minhoca + solo (PCV+H+S); T4 -pó-de-coco seco + vermiculita + composto de cama de frango (PCS+V+CCF); e T5 - substrato comercial Hortimix® (HORT). As variáveis agronômicas, avaliadas no experimento foram: altura da planta, número de folhas e diâmetro do pseudocaule. Os resultados do experimento evidenciaram o maior desenvolvimento das mudas micropropagadas de helicônia, quando o substrato utilizado foi a combinação pó de coco verde + húmus de minhoca + solo (PCV + H + S).

Acclimatization is the most important and critical plant micropropagation phase. It can be responsible for high mortality rate, low growth rate, and plant heterogeneity. One of the limiting factors in plant acclimatization is the substrate. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of different substrates on the acclimatization of micropropagated heliconia plants (Heliconia lingulata Ruiz & Pav.). The research was carried out in a greenhouse at the Embrapa Tropical Agroindustry located in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil (3º44' S and 38º33' W). The experimental design was a randomized block with five treatments and five repetitions. The substrates tested were: T1 - dry 'coir' dust + earthworm humus + soil (DCD+EH+S); T2 - green 'coir' dust + vermiculite + poultry litter (GCD+V+PL); T3 - green 'coir' dust + earthworm humus + soil (GCD+EH+S); T4 - dry 'coir' dust + vermiculite + poultry litter (DCD+V+PL) and T5 -Hortimix® (HORT). The variables evaluated in the experiments were plant height, number of leaves, and diameter of the pseudostem. The results revealed that the best development of micropropagated heliconia plants was with a combination of green 'coir' dust + earthworm humus + soil (GCD+EH+S).

Este artigo descreve o processo e resultados alcançados em um programa de habilidades de vida para dezoito adolescentes, de uma amostra não clínica, entre 12 a 14 anos de idade. Dezesseis sessões de grupo foram feitas, baseadas em uma abordagem psico-educativa e em técnicas de grupo. A avaliação de processo incluiu medidas diárias de satisfação do consumidor, prática de habilidades treinadas no curso da intervenção e suporte fornecido pelo grupo. A avaliação de processo demonstrou que os participantes se sentiram satisfeitos com o programa; praticaram habilidades sociais, habilidades cognitivas e habilidades de manejo de estresse aprendidas durante a intervenção; e demonstram um senso de confiança na intervenção em grupo. Entrevistas de follow-up conduzidas um ano depois com os adolescentes e seus pais mostraram que as mudanças comportamentais se mantiveram. Os resultados mostraram-se positivos, mas estudos experimentais serão necessários para conclusões definitivas sobre a efetividade do programa.

This paper describes the process and results reached in a life skills program for 18 adolescents, from a non-clinical sample, with 12 to 14 years-old. Sixteen group sessions were done, based on a psycho-educational approach and group techniques. The process evaluation included diary measures of consumer satisfaction, practice of skills trained in the course of the intervention and support provided by the group. The process evaluation demonstrated that the participants felt satisfied with the program; practiced social skills, cognitive skills and stress management skills learned during the intervention; and demonstrated a sense of confidence in the group intervention. Follow-up interviews one year after the intervention conducted with the adolescents and their parents shown that the behavioral changes were maintained. The results suggest positive results from the intervention, but experimental studies will be necessary for robust conclusions on the effectiveness of this program.