Abstract Background: Pemphigus constitutes a group of autoimmune bullous diseases. A reduction in the incidence of endemic pemphigus foliaceus and an increase in pemphigus vulgaris has been described, but there are no studies in Minas Gerais that address the subject. Objective: To describe the epidemiological and clinical profile of patients with pemphigus treated at the Dermatology Service of a public University Hospital in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methods: An observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was carried out of cases of endemic pemphigus foliaceus and pemphigus vulgaris, for a period of six months. A questionnaire was filled out with epidemiological and clinical data on the disease. Results: A total of 122 patients were included in the study, 64 with endemic pemphigus foliaceus and 58 with pemphigus vulgaris. When comparing patients with endemic pemphigus foliaceus and those with pemphigus vulgaris, a statistical difference was observed between the median age of initial disease manifestation (p = 0.001), patient occupation (p = 0.010), area of residence (p = 0.000), forests (p = 0.000) and rivers/streams close to the dwelling (p = 0.001) and the number of systemic medications required to control the disease (p = 0.002). When comparing patients with endemic pemphigus foliaceus to those evaluated in a study carried out at the same service in 2008, there was a statistical difference in the area of residence (p = 0.030). Study limitations: The assessed population comes from a tertiary care service that is not a reference for the entire state. Conclusions: Patients with endemic pemphigus foliaceus and pemphigus vulgaris maintain statistically significant differences regarding their main variables in the literature, such as age and area of residence. Historically, there has been a reduction in cases of endemic pemphigus foliaceus and an increase in cases of pemphigus vulgaris in this population.

ABSTRACT Shewanella algae are gram-negative bacteria commonly found in aquatic environments. Infections caused by this agent are rarely documented; however, they are increasingly reported, mainly in countries with warm to temperate climates. Herein, we present a case of a 46-year-old immunocompetent woman with acute cellulitis and S. algae bacteremia (the first isolation culture performed at our hospital). To better understand the epidemiology, clinical outcomes, and treatment possibilities for S. algae bacteremia, we searched literature for similar cases; however, we did not find any cases of infections caused by this microorganism reported in Portugal or the Azores.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar a consistência de respostas entre avaliadores e verificar a usabilidade da Escala de Percepção e Análise da Fluência Leitora - SOLAR. Métodos: estudo descritivo não experimental de corte transversal. Participaram como juízes professores do Ensino Fundamental e acadêmicos de Fonoaudiologia e Pedagogia. Os juízes utilizaram como instrumento a Escala SOLAR para a análise de fluência leitora de áudios de 20 estudantes do Ensino Fundamental. A comparação da usabilidade foi realizada por meio do teste Kruskal Wallis e comparação dois a dois pelo teste Mann Whitney. Para análise da consistência de respostas entre juízes foi utilizado o cálculo do coeficiente de correlação interclasse. O nível de significância utilizado foi de 5%. Resultados: a análise da fidedignidade das respostas demonstrou coeficiente de correlação intraclasse excelente para todas as habilidades da escala. Quanto à usabilidade do instrumento, mais de 80% dos participantes o avaliaram positivamente. Verificou-se, por meio dos questionários de usabilidade, que é uma escala de fácil uso, com orientações claras, os seus usuários se sentem confortáveis e confiantes em utilizá-la. Conclusão: a SOLAR obteve bons indicadores de fidedignidade e consistência, com excelente concordância entre os avaliadores. Tais resultados indicam confiabilidade satisfatória dos itens e avaliações qualitativas favoráveis dos usuários.

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the consistency of responses of evaluators and to verify the usability of the perception and analysis of SOLAR (Science of Language and Reading) Methods: a non-experimental descriptive cross-sectional study. Elementary school teachers and undergraduate students of speech therapy and pedagogy participated as the judges. The judges used the SOLAR Scale as an instrument to analyze the reading fluency of twenty audios recorded by elementary school students. Usability comparisons were performed using the Kruskal Wallis test and two-by-two comparisons using the Mann Whitney test. To analyze the consistency of the responses between the judges, the calculation of the interclass correlation coefficient was used. Results: the analysis of the reliability of the answers showed an excellent intraclass correlation coefficient for all the skills of the Scale. As for the usability of the Scale, more than 80% of the participants positively evaluated the assessment. This was verified through the usability questionnaires which confirmed that it was easy to use, with clear guidelines and that users felt comfortable and confident using it. Conclusion: SOLAR obtained good results in reliability and consistency with excellent agreement between the evaluators. These results indicated satisfactory reliability of the SOLAR items and favorable qualitative ratings from users.

Resumo Não havendo normas padronizadas para realização de testes laboratoriais com sementes de soja tratadas quimicamente, objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho fisiológico de sementes de soja tratadas por produtos fitoquímicos nos substratos padrão (rolo de papel e entre areia) indicados pelas Regras para Análise de Sementes e em substratos classificados como alternativos (vermiculita entre papel e areia entre papel). Para isso, foram utilizadas sementes de diferentes cultivares de soja tratadas com fungicidas e/ou inseticidas (Maxim Advanced®, CropStar®, Rocks® e Cruiser® 350 FS), semeadas nos substratos padrões e em substratos alternativos. O estudo foi realizado em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema bifatorial, com quatro repetições. Foram avaliadas as variáveis primeira contagem, plântulas anormais e germinação. As cultivares ‘Elite IPRO’ e ‘2606 IPRO’ apresentaram interação dos fatores com resultados inferiores quanto à qualidade fisiológica das sementes tratadas com imidacloprido+tiodicarbe, enquanto ‘7161 RR’, também com interação significativa, pouco variou entre tratamentos. ‘6410 IPRO’, ‘7062 IPRO’ e ‘15630 IPRO’ apresentaram indícios de relação negativa na presença do ingrediente ativo imidacloprido com destaque positivo para o uso do substrato areia em detrimento do papel. A cultivar ‘7209 IPRO’ apresentou-se mais estável, sem interação significativa, mas com melhores resultados para sementes não tratadas e tratadas com tiametoxam, assim como para o substrato areia. É possível constatar divergências entre as cultivares e efeitos negativos de produtos contendo imidacloprido, principalmente no substrato papel.

Abstract Since there are no standardized standards for carrying out laboratory tests with chemically treated soybean seeds, the objective was to evaluate the physiological performance of soybean seeds treated by phytochemicals on the standard substrates (paper roll and between sand) indicated by the Rules for Seed Analysis and on substrates classified as alternative (vermiculite between paper and sand between paper). For that, seeds of different soybean cultivars were used treated with fungicides and/or insecticides (Maxim Advanced®, CropStar®, Rocks® and Cruiser® 350 FS), sown on standard substrates and on alternative substrates. The study was carried out in a completely randomized design in a bifactorial scheme, with four replications. The variables first count, abnormal seedlings and germination were evaluated. The cultivars ‘Elite IPRO’ and ‘2606 IPRO’ showed interaction of factors with lower results regarding the physiological quality of seeds treated with imidacloprid + thiodicarb, while ‘7161 RR’, also with significant interaction, little varied between treatments. ‘6410 IPRO’, ‘7062 IPRO’ and ‘15630 IPRO’ showed evidence of a negative relationship in the presence of the active ingredient imidacloprid with a positive emphasis on the use of the substrate sand instead of paper. The cultivar ‘7209 IPRO’ was more stable, without significant interaction, but with better results for untreated seeds and treated with thiamethoxam, as well as for the substrate sand. It is possible to observe divergences between cultivars and negative effects of products containing imidacloprid, mainly in the paper substrate.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar cinco diferentes cultivares híbridas de peras (‘Tenra’, ‘Centenária’, ‘Cascatence’, ‘Primorosa’ e ‘Seleta’) implantadas em regiões subtropicais do Brasil quanto as caracteristicas físico-química, compostos bioativos e atividade antioxidante, bem como avaliar a influência destas cultivares sobre as características físico-químicas, propriedades reológicas e aceitação sensorial da geleia obtida, para identificação de cultivares com maior potentcial para a utilização industrial. Com relação aos compostos bioativos e atividade antioxidante, pode-se observar que a cultivar ‘Seleta’ caracterizou-se pelo maior teor de fenólicos (57,68mg GAEs 100 g-1), maior atividade antioxidante (13,56% de sequestro de DPPH e 1,25μM de trolox g-1) e se destaca devido ao seu maior teor de vitamina C (3,59mg 100g-1). A acidez, variou de 4,09 a 5,81g de ácido málico 100 g-1 (‘Tenra’ e ‘Seleta’, respectivamente). Em relação à cor, o parâmetro de cor L* variou de 32,14 a 36,83, a* variou de 2,87 a 5,20, b* variou de 16,67 a 20,42, Chroma variou de 16,57 a 21,02 e °Hue variou de 74,94 a 80,18. Em relação à textura, as geleias produzidas a partir de ‘Centenária’ e ‘Tenra’ caracterizam-se por apresentar os maiores valores de dureza (1,21 e 1,23N, respectivamente), gomosidade (0,42 e 0,45N, respectivamente) e mastigabilidade (0,40 e 0,45, respectivamente). A geleia obtida da ‘Centenária’ ainda apresentava a maior adesividade (2,27N s-1) e a elasticidade (0,99). Já as geleias preparadas com a ‘Cascatence’ apresentaram os maiores valores de coesividade (0,68). As geleias preparadas com diferentes cultivares de pera mostraram boa aceitação sensorial para todas as propriedades avaliadas, com notas médias variando entre os termos hedônicos “gostei ligeiramente” e “gostei muito”. As cultivares de pereiras subtropicais apresentam características físico-químicas diferentes, resultando em geleias com características físico-químicas e propriedades reológicas distintas. O processamento sob a forma de geleia é extremamente viável devido à boa aceitação por parte dos consumidores de todas as formulações elaboradas.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to characterize five different hybrid cultivars pears (‘Tenra’, ‘Centenária’, ‘Cascatence’, ‘Primorosa’ and ‘Seleta’) deployed in subtropical regions of Brazil regarding its physicochemical characteristics, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity, as well as to evaluate the influence of these cultivars on the characteristics physicochemical, rheological properties and sensory acceptance of the obtained jelly, for identifying varieties with higher potential for industrial use. Regardingthe bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity it was observed that ‘Seleta’ cultivar was characterized by a higher phenolic content (57.68mg GAEs 100g-1), higher antioxidant activity (13.56% of DPPH sequestration and 1.25µM of trolox g -1) and higher content of vitamin C (3.59mg 100g-1). As the acidity, it ranged from 4.09 to 5.81 g of malic acid 100g-1 (‘Tenra’ and ‘Seleta’, respectively). Regarding color, the color parameter L* varied from 32.14 to 36.83, a* ranged from 2.87 to 5.20, b* ranged from 16.57 to 20.42, Chroma ranged from 16.67 to 21.02 and °Hue ranged from 74.94 to 80.18. Regarding the texture, the jellies produced from ‘Centenária’ and ‘Tenra’ were characterized by having the highest values of hardness (1.21 and 1.23N, respectively), gumminess (0.42 and 0.45, respectively) and chewiness (0.40 and 0.45N, respectively). The jelly obtained from the ‘Centenária’ still showed the highest adhesiveness (2.27N s-1) and springiness (0.99). Already jellies prepared by ‘Cascatence’ showed the highest cohesiveness values (0.68). The jellies prepared with different pear cultivars showed good sensory acceptance for all measured properties, with average scores ranging between the hedonic terms “liked slightly” to “liked very much”. Cultivars of subtropical pear trees present different physicochemical characteristics, resulting in jellies with different physicochemical characteristics and rheological properties. Processing in the form of jelly is extremely viable due to the good acceptance by consumers of all formulations elaborated.

Objective: Patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) have a poorer quality of life than those with other chronic liver diseases. However, some of the factors that determine health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in these patients, such as the degree of liver fibrosis, are still controversial. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of CHC on HRQOL by conducting clinical, psychiatric, and sociodemographic evaluations. Methods: One hundred and twenty-four consecutive patients attending a referral center for hepatitis were evaluated using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatry Interview, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to quantify independent associations between HRQOL and the clinical, psychiatric, and sociodemographic variables of interest. Results: Reduced HRQOL was independently associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) and with elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase, but was not associated with hepatic cirrhosis. Conclusions: MDD rather than the grade of liver fibrosis was strongly associated with HRQOL impairment in patients with CHC. These findings highlight that, in patients with CHC, the psychological effects of the disease deserve more attention and the implementation of integrated medical, psychiatric, and psychological care may be helpful.

Introdução: Antimoniais pentavalentes são os fármacos de primeira escolha no tratamento da leishmaniose tegumentar. Dados de ototoxicidade relacionados a tais fármacos são escassos na literatura, o que nos levou a desenvolver um estudo de funções cócleo-vestibulares. Relato de caso: Relatamos caso de paciente masculino de 78 anos com leishmaniose tegumentar, que apresentou aumento significativo dos limiares auditivos com zumbido e tontura rotatória grave durante o tratamento com antimoniato de meglumina. Os sintomas pioraram até duas semanas após a interrupção do tratamento. Conclusão: Tontura e zumbido já tinham sido associados ao antimoniato de meglumina. Entretanto, este é o primeiro caso bem documentado de toxicidade cócleo-vestibular relacionado ao antimoniato de meglumina.

Introduction: Pentavalent antimonials are the first drug of choice in the treatment of tegumentary leishmaniasis. Data on ototoxicity related with such drugs is scarcely available in literature, leading us to develop a study on cochleovestibular functions. Case Report: A case of a tegumentary leishmaniasis patient, a 78-year-old man who presented a substantial increase in auditory threshold with tinnitus and severe rotatory dizziness during the treatment with meglumine antimoniate, is reported. These symptoms worsened in two weeks after treatment was interrupted. Conclusion: Dizziness and tinnitus had already been related to meglumine antimoniate. However, this is the first well documented case of cochlear-vestibular toxicity related to meglumine antimoniate.

OBJETIVO: Correlacionar os achados da audiometria infantil em campo livre com os limiares do Potencial Evocado Auditivo de Estado Estável (PEAEE) encontrados em lactentes de até 6 meses de idade com perda auditiva sensorioneural. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos no estudo 19 lactentes, oito do gênero masculino e 11 do feminino, com idade mínima de 2 e máxima de 6 meses, que apresentaram perda auditiva sensorioneural. Foi realizada a pesquisa do PEAEE nas frequências de 500 e 2.000 Hz e realizada a audiometria em campo livre por meio da observação das respostas comportamentais frente a estímulos sonoros, nas mesmas frequências. RESULTADOS: Observamos correlação significativa entre os achados das duas testagens nas frequências de 500 e 2.000 Hz, sendo os valores de p=0,002 e p=0,013, respectivamente. Não houve diferença estatística entre orelhas (p=0,532) e gêneros (p=0,615). CONCLUSÃO: Concluímos que há correlação significativa entre os limiares do PEAEE e os achados obtidos na audiometria infantil em campo livre. Sendo assim, podemos afirmar que o PEAEE é um exame viável, capaz de predizer o grau e a configuração da perda auditiva em lactentes menores de 6 meses, podendo ser incluído na rotina clínica da avaliação audiológica infantil.

PURPOSE: To correlate the findings of an open-field audiometry with the thresholds of steady-state auditory-evoked potentials (SSAEPs) found in infants of up to 6 months of age with sensorineural hearing loss. METHODS: This study included 19 infants with sensorineural hearing loss (8 males and 11 females), with minimum age of 2 months and maximum age of 6 months. The SSAEPs were assessed at 500 and 2000 Hz, and the audiometry was performed in open field through observation of behavioral responses to sound stimuli, at the same frequencies. RESULTS: We observed a significant correlation between the findings of both tests conducted at 500 and 2000 Hz, with p-values of 0.002 and 0.013, respectively. There was no statistical difference between ears (p=0.532) and genders (p=0.615). CONCLUSION: We conclude that there was a significant correlation between the SSAEP thresholds and the findings of the open-field audiometry. Therefore, we can affirm that the SSAEPs are a viable examination, able to predict the degree and configuration of hearing loss in infants of up to 6 months of age, and that they can be included in the clinical routine of hearing assessments conducted in children.

A endomiocardiofibrose (EMF) é uma doença tropical, negligenciada, que afeta milhões de pessoas no mundo. É considerada a causa mais comum de cardiomiopatia restritiva, causada pela deposição de tecido fibroso em superfícies endocárdicas. Endomiocardiofibrose é uma das principais causas de morte em áreas onde é endêmica, e sua patogênese é pouco conhecida. A esquistossomose mansoni é uma doença parasitária endêmica no Brasil, onde a EMF também tem sido descrita. Tem sido apontada associação entre EMF e esquistossomose em várias publicações, buscando-se uma possível correlação entre a fibrose endocárdica e periportal. Neste relato, descreve-se um caso de EMF associado a esquistossomose.

Endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF) is a neglected tropical disease that affects millions of people worldwide. EMF is the most common cause of restrictive cardiomyopathy, caused by deposition of fibrous tissue on endocardial surfaces. EMF is a major cause of death in areas where it is endemic, but the pathogenesis of the disease is poorly understood. Schistosomiasis mansoni is a parasitic disease endemic in Brazil, where EMF has also been described. The association between EMF and schistosomiasis has been suggested in various publications, seeking a possible correlation between endocardial and periportal fibroses. This report describes a case of EMF associated with schistosomiasis.

Objetivou-se caracterizar 22 linhagens tropicais de milho, de diferentes origens genéticas, quanto à disponibilidade de Zn e de Fe, por meio das razões molares ácido fítico/Zn e ácido fítico/Fe. Os teores de Zn e Fe foram determinados por espectrofotometria de absorção atômica e os de P por colorimetria. Três métodos de triagem para análise dos teores de ácido fítico (AF) foram testados e um, baseado na reação com 2,2'-bipiridina, foi selecionado. Observou-se variabilidade significativa nos teores de Zn (17,5 a 42 mg.kg-1), Fe (12,2 a 36,7 mg.kg-1), P (230 a 400 mg.100 g-1), AF (484 a 1056 mg.100 g-1), P fítico (140 a 293 mg.100 g-1), P disponível(43.5 to 199.5 mg.100 g-1) e na relação P disponível/ P total e razões molares AF/Zn (18,0 a 43,5) e AF/Fe (16,3 a 45,5). As linhagens 560977, 560978 e 560982 mostraram maior disponibilidade de Zn e as linhagens 560975, 560977, 561010 e 561011 apresentaram o melhor resultado de disponibilidade de Fe. As linhagens 560975, 560977 e 560978 também mostraram melhor relação P disponível/ P total. Assim, as linhagens 560975, 560977 e 560978 foram consideradas com potencial para desenvolvimento de cultivares de milho com alta disponibilidade de Fe e/ou Zn.

The aim of this study was to characterize the Zn and Fe availability by phytic acid/Zn and phytic acid/Fe molar ratios, in 22 tropical maize inbred lines with different genetic backgrounds. The Zn and Fe levels were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and the P through colorimetry method. Three screening methods for phytic acid (Phy) analysis were tested and one, based on the 2,2'-bipyridine reaction, was select. There was significant variability in the contents of zinc (17.5 to 42 mg.kg-1), iron (12.2 to 36.7 mg.kg-1), phosphorus (230 to 400 mg.100 g-1), phytic acid (484 to 1056 mg.100 g-1), phytic acid P (140 to 293 mg.100 g-1) and available-P (43.5 to 199.5 mg.100 g-1), and in the available-P/total-P ratio (0.14 to 0.50), Phy/Zn (18.0 to 43.5) and Phy/Fe (16.3 to 45.5) molar ratios. Lines 560977, 560978 and 560982 had greater availability of Zn and lines 560975, 560977, 561010 and 5610111 showed better Fe availability. Lines 560975, 560977 and 560978 also showed better available-P/total-P ratio. Thus, the lines 560975, 560977 and 560978 were considered to have the potential for the development of cultivars of maize with high availability of Fe and/or Zn.