Resumo O bioma das Florestas e Arbustais Tropicais Sazonalmente Secos tem na Caatinga sua mais extensa área, possuindo elevada diversidade florística e ambiental. Caracterizamos a composição florística e a fisionomia da vegetação no Refúgio da Vida Silvestre Pedra da Andorinha (RPA), área de conservação no noroeste do estado do Ceará, Brasil. Realizamos coletas botânicas entre março de 2015 e maio de 2021, aplicando os métodos tradicionais de coleta e herborização. Todo o material foi depositado no herbário HUVA. A fitossociologia foi feita em cinco parcelas de 50 x 50 m (1,25 ha), onde os indivíduos lenhosos com diâmetro ao nível do solo ³ a 3 cm foram inventariados. Avaliamos os parâmetros fitossociológicos de estrutura da vegetação e sua diversidade florística. Identificamos 266 plantas vasculares, distribuídas em 185 gêneros e 67 famílias, incluindo uma pteridófita (Marsilea deflexa - Marsileaceae). A família Fabaceae teve a maior riqueza (38 spp.), enquanto Ipomoea foi o gênero mais rico (9 spp.). O componente herbáceo foi o componente mais rico (43,6%), com uma predominância de herbáceas terófitas (57,5% de todas as plantas herbáceas). O estudo fitossociológico amostrou 1.988 indivíduos, distribuídos em 24 espécies de 13 famílias. As espécies com maior valor de importância foram Cordia oncocalyx e Croton blanchetianus, responsáveis por 63% dos indivíduos amostrados. Classificamos a área como Caatinga sensu stricto e em vegetação rupícola de inselbergues e afloramentos rochosos, chamando a atenção para a elevada riqueza de espécies no componente herbáceo, que, como em outras áreas de Caatinga sensu stricto, supera a riqueza de espécies lenhosas.

Abstract The Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests and Woodlands biome (SDTFW) has its largest nucleus in the Caatinga domain. We characterized the flora and physiognomy of the vegetation in the Pedra da Andorinha Wildlife Refuge (RPA), in Ceará, Brazil. Plant collections were made between March/2015 and May/2021, applying usual botanical methods. All material was deposited in HUVA herbarium. The phytosociological studies covered five 50 m x 50 m plots established (1.25 ha) in which all individuals with diameters at soil level ³ 3 cm were inventoried. We identified 266 vascular plants species distributed among 185 genera and 67 families, including one fern (Marsilea deflexa - Marsileaceae). Fabaceae had the greatest species richness (38 spp.), while Ipomoea was the richest genus (9 spp.). 43.6% of all plant species were herbaceous, with a predominance of therophytes (57.5% of all herbaceous plants). The phytosociological study sampled 1,988 individuals distributed among 24 species of 13 families. The species with the greatest important value were Cordia oncocalyx (Boraginaceae) and Croton blanchetianus (Euphorbiaceae). We classify the local physiognomy as typical caatinga sensu stricto vegetation and rocky vegetation on inselbergs and outcrops. We highlight the richness of herbaceous plants in the local community, which surpass the richness of the woody component.

Abstract Several deep-water mollusks collected during the Marion Dufresne MD55 expedition off SE Brazil have been studied in recent papers. The present work focuses on eight species belonging to the cerithioidean families Cerithiidae, Litiopidae, Modulidae and Planaxidae. Three species have their geographic distributions greatly expanded: Bayericerithium bayeri Petuch, 2001 from Pernambuco to Rio Grande do Norte and Ceará states (north) and to Bahia and Espírito Santo states (south), Brazilian coast; Ittibittium oryza (Mörch, 1876), from the Caribbean to the SW Atlantic; and Angiola lineata (Costa, 1778), from Trindade Island, Brazil to the Abrolhos Slope, nearly 870 km westward. Four species reported herein had their bathymetric ranges greatly expanded: Alaba incerta (d’Orbigny, 1841) from 0-40 m to 300 m; B. bayeri from 0-2 m to 120 m (live specimens); Litiopa melanostoma Rang, 1829 from 0-805 m to 1,550 m; Fossarus orbignyi Fischer, 1864 from 0-40 to 830 m (shells only).

En este artículo se evalúa experimentalmente el efecto de las tensiones térmicas residuales en el pandeo y post-pandeo de placas compuestas reforzadas. El estudio se centra en el análisis de placas cuadradas de carbono-epoxi, en las cuales fueron colocados refuerzos laterales. Para evaluar el efecto de las tensiones que surgen durante el proceso de curado del laminado se utilizaron dos metodologías diferentes en el proceso de pegado de los mismos: en el primer procedimiento los refuerzos fueron pegados a temperatura ambiente (22ºC), mientras que en el segundo procedimiento se curaron en autoclave a 177ºC, provocando un gradiente térmico de 155ºC. Para los ensayos de pandeo y post-pandeo se aplicó una fuerza de compresión y se midieron los desplazamientos transversales originados en la placa con ayuda de una técnica óptica llamada topogrametría. Los resultados experimentales fueron comparados con resultados numéricos obtenidos con el software comercial ABAQUS®. Los valores obtenidos demuestran el efecto de la inducción de tensiones residuales durante el proceso de manufactura de laminados compuestos, en el comportamiento mecánico de los mismos, específicamente en el pandeo y post-pandeo, el cual queda evidenciado en un aumento de la rigidez de las placas, al ser curadas a una temperatura de 177ºC.

The objective of this work is to evaluate experimentally the effects of the thermal residual stresses on the buckling and post-buckling behavior of plates manufactured with reinforced symmetrical laminates. This study presents the analysis of square carbon/epoxy plates reinforced using lateral reinforcements. The reinforcements were bonded using two different procedures. In the first procedure, the reinforcements were bonded at room temperature, whereas in the second procedure they were co-cured with the plate at 177ºC. The buckling and post-buckling tests were performed applying a compression and the transverse displacements caused by the load were also measured using the topogrametry technique. All the experimental results were compared with numerical results using commercial software ABAQUS®. The obtained values demonstrated the influence of the thermal residual stresses on the mechanical behavior of the plate, especially in the buckling and post-buckling behavior, which is evidenced by an increase on stiffness of the composite plates, to be cured at a temperature of 177ºC.

Caryocar brasiliense (Caryocaraceae), un árbol símbolo de el Cerrado, tiene una amplia distribución y puede alcanzar los 10 m de altura y 6 m de ancho de copa. El objetivo fue estudiar la distribución de insectos chupadores (Hemiptera) y sus enemigos naturales en la copa de C. brasiliense en El Cerrado brasileño. La agrupación de las especies encontrada en la copa de los árboles de C. brasiliense mostró 1 y 3 especies raras, 9 y 7 especies comunes y 1 y 4 especies constantes para los insectos chupadores y sus enemigos naturales, respectivamente. La diversidad, el número de individuos y la riqueza de especies de Hemiptera y sus enemigos naturales fueron similares en todas las ramas del árbol huésped, según el muestreo en los puntos cardinales. Los depredadores Crematogaster sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) y Zelus armillatus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) fueron más abundante en la ramas orientadas hacia el este y el norte, respectivamente. Crematogaster sp. fue dominante en los árboles de C. brasiliense con predominio de Dikrella caryocar n. sp. (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) y Pseudoccocus sp. (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). Los depredadores Trybonia sp. (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) y Chrysoperla spp. (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) fueron mayores y disminuyeron el número de D. caryocar n. sp. y Aphis gossypii (Aphididae), respectivamente. El incremento de insectos chupadores aumentó la presencia de los enemigos naturales y la distribución diferencial de éstos influyó negativamente en los insectos chupadores. Se concluye que la velocidad y dirección de los vientos pueden afectar la distribución de insectos chupadores en la copa de los árboles de C. brasiliense, encontrándose las poblaciones más numerosas en la zona que no es afectada por el viento.

Caryocar brasiliense (Caryocaraceae), a tree characteristic of e Cerrado, is widely distributed and can reach a height of 10 meters with a six-meter-wide canopy. The objective of this study was to study the distribution of sucking insects (Hemiptera) and their natural enemies in the canopies of C. brasiliense trees in the Brazilian Cerrado. One rare, nine common, and one constant species of sucking insects and three rare, seven common, and four constant species of natural enemies were observed on C. brasiliense trees. The diversity, number of individuals, and species of Hemiptera and their natural enemies were similar in all four cardinal directions of branches of host trees. Abundance of the natural predators Crematogaster sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and Zelus armillatus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) was highest on leaves of the east and north sides of the C. brasiliense trees, respectively. A large number of Crematogaster sp. was observed on C. brasiliense, with a predominance of Dikrella caryocar n. sp. (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) and Pseudoccocus sp. (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) also being observed. The predators Trybonia sp. (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) and Chrysoperla sp. (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) showed the highest numbers, while the number of D. caryocar n. sp. and Aphis gossypii (Aphididae) decreased, respectively, in comparison to the control. An increase in the number of sucking insects also increased the number of their natural enemies, and this differential distribution negatively influenced sucking insects. The speed and direction of wind may have affected the distribution of sucking insects on different sides of C. brasiliense trees, as higher populations were found on the sides without prevailing winds.

INTRODUCTION: Toxoplasma gondii infection is widely prevalent in humans and other animals worldwide. Information on the prevalence of T. gondii infection is scarce in some regions of Brazil, including riverside communities along the Amazon River basin. M METHODS: The prevalence of T. gondii in 231 people, aged 1-85 years, who were living in four riverside communities along the Purus River, Lábrea, State of Amazonas, Brazil, was determined. Antibodies against T. gondii were assayed using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The hearts and brains of 50 chickens, which were raised free-range in the communities, were pooled according to the community of origin and bioassayed in mice. The isolates were genotyped using polymorphisms at 12 nuclear markers (SAG1, 5' and 3'-SAG2, alt.SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, Apico and CS3). RESULTS: The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii was 56.7% (131/231). IgG antibodies were presented by 117 (89.3%) and IgM by 14 (10.7%) of the 131 positive individuals. No association between age group and gender with prevalence was observed (chi-square test, p > 0.05); however, the comparison between localities showed that the seroprevalence of T. gondii was significantly lower among the individuals living in the Boca do Ituxi (p < 0.05) community. Five isolates of T. gondii were obtained in the mouse bioassay, and genotyping revealed two complete genotypes that had not been described previously and three mixed isolates. CONCLUSIONS: These results support previous findings that T. gondii population genetics are highly diverse in Brazil and that T. gondii infection is active in these riverside communities.

Viral acute gastroenteritis (AG) is a significant cause of hospitalisation in children younger than five years. Group A rotavirus (RVA) is responsible for 30% of these cases. Following the introduction of RVA immunisation in Brazil in 2006, a decreased circulation of this virus has been observed. However, AG remains an important cause of hospitalisation of paediatric patients and only limited data are available regarding the role of other enteric viruses in these cases. We conducted a prospective study of paediatric patients hospitalised for AG. Stool samples were collected to investigate human adenovirus (HAdV), RVA, norovirus (NoV) and astrovirus (AstV). NoV typing was performed by nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. From the 225 samples tested, 60 (26%) were positive for at least one viral agent. HAdV, NoV, RVA and AstV were detected in 16%, 8%, 6% and 0% of the samples, respectively. Mixed infections were found in nine patients: HAdV/RVA (5), HAdV/NoV (3) and HAdV/NoV/RVA (1). The frequency of fever and lymphocytosis was significantly higher in virus-infected patients. Phylogenetic analysis of NoV indicated that all of these viruses belonged to genotype GII.4. The significant frequency of these pathogens in patients with AG highlights the need to routinely implement laboratory investigations.

A agricultura familiar é um segmento importante do agronegócio brasileiro e tem grande participação na produção de alimentos essenciais para a segurança alimentar do Brasil, por isso, é preciso o fornecimento de energia para esses agricultores. Uma alternativa é a energia eólica, no entanto um desafio para usar o vento em pequenas propriedades no Estado do Ceará é a condição operacional do vento que é de baixa velocidade (ventos < 6 m s-1). O objetivo deste trabalho foi propor um sistema eólico para pequenas propriedades do Estado do Ceará com inovações tecnológicas. Todos os sistemas foram concebidos e dimensionados em uma turbina inovadora e apropriada para as pequenas propriedades. A estimativa de custo indica um baixo valor de aquisição e através de redes inteligentes e da geração distribuída pode-se gerar renda.

Family farming is an important segment of Brazilian agribusiness, and has a large part in producing that food which is essential for food security in Brazil, so the supply of energy to these farmers becomes necessary. One alternative is wind energy; however a challenge in using the wind on small properties in the State of Ceará are its low-speed conditions of operation (winds < 6 m s-1). The objective of this work was to propose a wind-energy system for small farms in the State of Ceará, having technological innovations. All the systems were designed and scaled employing an innovative turbine, and are suitable for small properties. The cost estimate indicates a low value for acquisition, and by using smart grids and the distribution of generated energy, income can be produced.

FUNDAMENTO: O gene da enzima conversora de angiotensina (gene ECA) tem sido amplamente estudado em relação a fenótipos de aptidão cardiorrespiratória, contudo a associação do genótipo da ECA com corridas de meia-distância tem sido pouco investigada. OBJETIVO: O presente estudo investigou a possível influência da enzima conversora de angiotensina (ECA) (I/D) sobre a aptidão cardiovascular e o desempenho em corridas de meia-distância por parte de brasileiros jovens do sexo masculino. A validade da previsão de VO2max em relação ao genótipo da ECA também foi analisada. MÉTODOS: Um grupo homogêneo de homens jovens moderadamente ativos foi avaliado em um teste de corrida (V1600 m; m.min-1) e em um teste adicional em esteira ergométrica para a determinação de VO2max. Posteriormente, o [(0,177*V1600m) + 8.101] VO2max real e previsto foi comparado com os genótipos da ECA. RESULTADOS: O VO2max e V1600m registrados para os genótipos DD, ID e II foram 45,6 (1,8); 51,9 (0,8) e 54,4 (1,0) mL.kg-1.min-1 e 211,2 (8,3); 249,1 (4,3) e 258,6 (5,4 ) m.min-1, respectivamente e foram significativamente mais baixos para os genótipos DD (p < 0,05). O VO2max real e previsto não diferiram entre si, apesar do genótipo da ECA, mas o nível de concordância entre os métodos de VO2max real e estimado foi menor para o genótipo DD. CONCLUSÃO: Concluiu-se que existe uma possível associação entre o genótipo da ECA, a aptidão cardiovascular e o desempenho em corridas de média distância de jovens do sexo masculino moderadamente ativos e que a precisão da previsão do VO2max também pode ser dependente do genótipo da ECA dos participantes.

BACKGROUND: The angiotensin I-converting enzyme gene (ACE gene) has been broadly studied as for cardiorespiratory fitness phenotypes, but the association of the ACE genotype to middle-distance running has been poorly investigated. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the possible influence of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) genotype (I/D) on cardiovascular fitness and middle-distance running performance of Brazilian young males. The validity of VO2max to predict the ACE genotype was also analyzed. METHODS: A homogeneous group of moderately active young males were evaluated in a 1,600 m running track test (V1600m; m.min-1) and in an incremental treadmill test for VO2max determination. Subsequently, the actual and the predicted [(0.177*V1600m) + 8.101] VO2max were compared to ACE genotypes. RESULTS: The VO2max and V1600m recorded for DD, ID and II genotypes were 45.6 (1.8); 51.9 (0.8) and 54.4 (1.0) mL.kg-1.min-1 and 211.2 (8.3); 249.1 (4.3) and 258.6 (5.4) m.min-1 respectively, and were significantly lower for DD carriers (p< 0.05). The actual and predicted VO2max did not differ from each other despite ACE genotype, but the agreement between actual and estimated VO2max methods was lower for the DD genotype. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that there is a possible association between ACE genotype, cardiovascular fitness and middle-distance running performance of moderately active young males and that the accuracy of VO2max prediction may also depend on the ACE genotype of the participants.

RESUMO O presente trabalho foi realizado no Parque Natural Municipal de Santo Ângelo (RS), pertencente à Prefeitura Municipal de Santo Ângelo, com o objetivo de avaliar a composição florística e estrutura fitossociológica da floresta, em uma área de 13 hectares. Para tanto, foram utilizadas 12 parcelas de tamanho 10 x 20 m distribuídas sistematicamente na área, nas quais foram medidos e identificados todos os indivíduos com DAP maior ou igual a 10 cm. Os resultados obtidos foram analisados e processados com o uso do programa FITOANÁLISE, calculando-se os parâmetros fitossociológicos de densidade, dominância, frequência, valor de importância, valor de cobertura, índice de diversidade de Shannon H’ e índice de Morisita. Foram encontradas 35 espécies, pertencentes a 30 gêneros e 21 famílias, das quais branquilho (Sebastiania commersoniana (Baill.) L. B. Sm. & Downs), açoita-cavalo (Luhea divaricata Mart), maria- preta (Diatenopterix sorbifolia Radlk) e canela-preta (Nectandra megapotamica Spreng.) foram as que apresentaram maior representatividade nos parâmetros fitossociológicos do componente arbóreo desta floresta. As espécies com maior Valor de Importância (VI) foram açoita-cavalo (Luhea divaricata Mart) com 50,53; branquilho (Sebastiania commersoniana (Baill.) com 46,24; maria-preta (Diatenopterix sorbifolia Radlk) com 26,93; canela-preta (Nectandra megapotamica Spreng.) com 20 e farinha-seca (Machaerium stipitatum Vogel) com 16,64. Já na estrutura vertical da floresta, Luehea divaricata apresentou maiores valores no estrato superior e Sebastiania commersoniana Baill. nos estratos médio e inferior.

ABSTRACT The present work was performed in the Natural Municipal Park of Santo Ângelo (RS) owned by the City Government of Santo Ângelo, the objective was to evaluate the floristic composition and the phytosociological structure of the forest, in an area with 13 hectares. Twelve units samples of size 10 x 20 m systematically distributed in the area were used , in which these unit samples were measured and identified all individuals with DAP greater than or equal to 10 cm. The results were analyzed and processed with the use of the software FITOANÁLISE, calculating the phytosociological parameters of density, dominance, frequency, value of importance, value of coverage, diversity Shannon H’ index and Morisita index. 35 species were found, belonging to 30 genera and 21 families, of which (Sebastiania commersoniana (Baill.) L. B. Sm. & Downs), açoita-cavalo (Luhea divaricata Mart), maria- preta (Diatenopterix sorbifolia Radlk) e canela preta (Nectandra megapotamica Spreng.) were the ones with greater in phyto-sociological parameters from the tree components of forest. The species with the greatest value of importance (VI) were açoita-cavalo (Luhea divaricata Mart) with 50,53; branquilho (Sebastiania commersoniana Baill.) with 46,24; maria- preta (Diatenopterix sorbifolia Radlk) with 26,93, canela preta (Nectandra megapotamica Spreng.) with 20 and farinha-seca (Machaerium stipitatum Vogel) with 16,64. The forest vertical structure Luhea divaricata showed higher values in the upper stratum and Sebastiania commersoniana Baill in middle and lower strata.

A validação técnica analítica para determinação de poliaminas em tecido cerebral utilizando cromotografia líquida de alta eficiência (HPLC) e derivação pós-coluna com o-ftaldialdeído é descrita. A separação das poliaminas deu-se em coluna LiChrospher 100 RP18. O gradiente de eluição foi formado por duas fases móveis A (acetato de sódio 0,1M + octanossulfonato de sódio 0,01 M) e B (acetato de sódio 0,2 M + octanossulfonato de sódio 0,01 M)/acetonitrila (10:3), fluxo de 1,2 ml/min. O eluente foi monitorado por fluorescência (excitação, 345 nm; emissão, 455 nm). Além da excelente linearidade (putrescina, r = 0,9816; espermidina, r = 0,9920; espermina, r = 0,9901), a técnica demonstrou adequada precisão intra e interdia (< 20%) e recuperação (espermidina = 92,56%; espermina = 84,47%). Os limites de quantificação foram 0,22 pM para putrescina, 76,44 pM para espermidina e 51,44 pM para espermina. O método demonstrou ser consistente, simples e altamente reprodutível para a determinação proposta.

The validation of the analytical technique for the determination of polyamines in cerebral tissue using HPLC based on o-phthalaldehyde post-column derivatization is described. The polyamines were separated in a LiChrospher100 RP18 column. Elution gradient was formed with two mobile phases: A (sodium acetate 0.1 M + sodium octanesulphonate 0.01 M, pH = 4.5) and B (sodium acetate 0.2 M + sodium octanesulphonate 0.01 M)/acetonitrile (10:3), pH = 4.5) in a 1.2 ml/min flow rate. The derivative eluent was monitored by fluorescence (excitation, 345 nm; emission, 455 nm). Besides excellent linearity (putrescine, r = 0.9816; spermidine, r = 0.9920; spermine, r = 0.9901), the technique demonstrated intra and inter-day precision (< 20%) as well as recovery (spermidine = 92.56%; spermine = 84.47%). Quantification limits were 0.22 pM for putrescine, 76.44 pM for spermidine and 51.44 pM for spermine. The method demonstrated to be robust, simple and highly reproducible for polyamine determination in tissues.

The human metapneumovirus (hMPV), member of the Paramyxoviridae family, has been reported as an important agent involved with acute respiratory infections (ARIs). The aim of this study is to identify hMPV as the etiological agent of ARIs on in and outpatients in the city of Curitiba, Southern Brazil, and describe clinical data of hMPV subtyping. A retrospective study was performed in 1,572 respiratory samples over a period of three years. hMPV was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and subtyping was performed by nucleotide sequencing. hMPV was present in 61 (3.9%) samples and subtypes A1, A2a, B1 and B2 were detected. The incidence of hMPV was higher in outpatients (5.9%), whose mean age was 19.7 years (range 6 months-75 years old), than in inpatients (3%), whose mean age was 7.6 months (range 1 month-26 years old). The outpatients had upper respiratory tract infections with flu-like symptoms and all hospitalized children had lower respiratory tract infections. A pediatric patient died from complications associated with hMPV A2a infection. hMPV has been reported as a respiratory pathogen in all age groups. No correlation was observed between viral subtype and disease severity in the samples of this study.

The present study investigated the effects of protein malnutrition and environmental stimulation on biochemical and behavioral parameters in rats. The concentrations of polyamines in the frontal cortex, striatum, and hippocampus, as well as plasma corticosterone levels, were measured. The exploratory behavior was analyzed using the elevated plus-maze (EPM) test. Rats received either 16% (well-nourished - W) or 6% (malnourished - M) protein diets and were divided into stimulated or non-stimulated groups. Malnutrition increased corticosterone levels and decreased plasma protein and anxiety. Non-stimulated rats tested in the EPM had increased corticosterone levels and decreased frontal cortex, striatum and hippocampus protein and polyamines contents. Stimulation decreased open arm entries in the EPM in M animals and increased closed arm entries in the W ones. Stimulation increased frequency and time spent in risk-assessment behaviors. These results suggest that both malnutrition and EPM testing are distressing situations, as indicated by increased corticosterone levels. These results are consistent with lower anxiety and/or higher impulsiveness in M animals.

OBJETIVO: Investigar o desenvolvimento da infra-estrutura de serviço de saúde mental e do seu financiamento no Brasil. MÉTODO: Os dados sobre número de leitos, centros comunitários de saúde mental, profissionais de saúde mental e custos, no período de 1995 a 2005, foram coletados no sítio de internet de livre acesso do DATASUS. RESULTADOS: Em 10 anos, houve uma redução de 41% no número de leitos psiquiátricos (5,4 a 3,2 por 10.000 habitantes), enquanto os serviços comunitários aumentaram nove vezes (0,004 to 0,037 por 10.000). Psicólogos e assistentes sociais foram contratados três e duas vezes mais do que psiquiatras, respectivamente. As internações psiquiátricas representavam 95,5% do total de gastos com saúde mental em 1995, passando para 49% em 2005. Por outro lado, as despesas com serviços comunitários e medicação aumentaram 15% cada. Em relação ao total de gastos, as despesas com saúde mental diminuíram 26,7% (2,66 a 1,95 US$ per capita). CONCLUSÃO: Existe um claro movimento de transformação do modelo dos cuidados psiquiátricos no Brasil, passando do hospital psiquiátrico para os serviços comunitários. O sistema tem disponibilizado um maior número de modalidades de tratamento, incluindo o acesso gratuito aos psicotrópicos. A cobertura dos serviços comunitários, entretanto, ainda é precária e a reforma da assistência psiquiátrica não foi acompanhada pelo aumento do investimento público em saúde mental. A reforma psiquiátrica não é uma estratégia de redução de custos; ela necessariamente implica no aumento de investimentos se os países decidirem melhorar os cuidados em saúde para aqueles em desvantagens.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate trends in the provision of mental health services and financing in Brazil. METHOD: Data from DATASUS (the Brazilian Unified Health Computerized System) with free access in the web were collected regarding the number of beds, the development of new community centers, the number of mental health professionals, and costs involved from 1995 to 2005. RESULTS: In ten years, the number of psychiatric beds decreased 41% (5.4 to 3.2 per 10,000 inhabitants) while community services have increased nine-fold (0.004 to 0.037 per 10,000 inhabitants). Psychologists and social workers have accounted for three and two-fold, respectively, as much hirings as psychiatrists. Psychiatric admissions accounted for 95.5% of the budget in 1995 and 49% in 2005, and the expenses with community services and medication have increased 15% each. As a whole, the expenses in mental health decreased by 26.7% (2.66 to 1.95 US$ per capita). CONCLUSION: There has been a clear switch from hospital to community psychiatric care in Brazil, where the system can now provide a diversity of treatments and free access to psychotropics. However, the coverage of community services is precarious, and the reform was not accompanied by an increased public investment in mental health. The psychiatric reform is not a strategy for reducing costs; it necessarily implies increasing investments if countries decide to have a better care of those more disadvantaged.

Os tumores cardíacos primários do coração são raros, com uma prevalência entre 0,0017% e 0,19% dos estudos de autópsia não selecionados. Cerca de 75% são tumores benignos e quase a metade são mixomas. Os restantes se dividem entre rabdomiomas, lipomas e fibroelastomas. Os mixomas são os tumores cardíacos mais comuns na idade adulta e os rabdomiomas, os mais comuns da população pediátrica. O fibroelastoma papilífero (FEP) é um tumor benigno do coração, relativamente raro, correspondendo a aproximadamente 8% dos tumores cardíacos. São os que mais comumente acometem as valvas cardíacas¹. No passado, consistiam de achados de necropsia ou eram encontrados em procedimentos cirúrgicos ao acaso. O diagnóstico in vivo era esporádico². Com o aprimoramento das técnicas de ecocardiografia, o FEP tem sido diagnosticado com maior freqüência. São, geralmente, descritos como uma massa móvel, pedunculada, bem delimitada e com predileção pelo endocárdio valvar. A proposta terapêutica, quando pedunculados, é a ressecção cirúrgica, visando a prevenção de fenômenos embólicos cerebrais, pulmonares, coronarianos ou periféricos1,3. Serão apresentados cinco casos diagnosticados em nossa instituição, no período de agosto de 1995 a junho de 2004.

Primary intracardiac tumors are rare, with prevalence between 0.0017% and 0.19% from non-selected autopsy studies. Approximately 75% are benign and almost half of them are myxomas. The remaining tumors are divided among rabdomyomas, lipomas and fibroelastomas. Myxomas are the most common intracardiac tumors in adult age and rabdomyomas the most common among pediatric population. Papillary fibroelastoma (PFE) is a relative rare benign heart tumor, corresponding to approximately 8% of intracardiac tumors. They most commonly manifested in cardiac valves¹. In the past, they either consisted of necropsy findings or were found in surgical procedures at random. In vivo diagnosis was sporadic². With the improvement of echocardiography techniques, PFE has been more frequently diagnosed. They are usually described as a movable, pedunculate, well-delimited mass and with predilection for valve endocardium. Therapeutic proposal, when they are pedunculate, is surgical resection, preventing cerebral, pulmonary, coronary or peripheral embolic phenomena1,3. Five cases diagnosed in our institution, in the period from August 1995 to June 2004, will be presented