Abstract Oral candidiasis is a common fungal infection that affects the oral mucosa, and happens when Candida albicans interacts with bacteria in the oral microbiota, such as Streptococcus mutans, causing severe early childhood caries. C. albicans and S. mutans mixed biofilms are challenging to treat with conventional antimicrobial therapies, thus, new anti-infective drugs are required. Objective This study aimed to test a drug delivery system based on chitosan microparticles loaded with geranium and lemongrass essential oils to inhibit C. albicans and S. mutans mixed biofilms. Methodology Chitosan microparticles loaded with essential oils (CM-EOs) were obtained by spray-drying. Susceptibility of planktonic were performed according CLSI at 4 to 2,048 µg/mL. Mixed biofilms were incubated at 37ºC for 48 h and exposed to CM-EOs at 256 to 4,096 µg/mL. The antimicrobial effect was evaluated using the MTT assay, with biofilm architectural changes analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. RAW 264.7 cell was used to evaluate compound cytotoxicity. Results CM-EOs had better planktonic activity against C. albicans than S. mutans. All samples reduced the metabolic activity of mixed C. albicans and S. mutans biofilms, with encapsulated oils showing better activity than raw chitosan or oils. The microparticles reduced the biofilm on the slides. The essential oils showed cytotoxic effects against RAW 264.7 cells, but encapsulation into chitosan microparticles decreased their toxicity. Conclusion This study demonstrates that chitosan loaded with essential oils may provide an alternative method for treating diseases caused by C. albicans and S. mutans mixed biofilm, such as dental caries.

Resumo: Introdução: A residência médica é reconhecida como o “padrão ouro” para a formação de especialistas. O estudo do perfil dos egressos da residência médica é importante para identificar potencialidades e fragilidades da especialização. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo conhecer o perfil e a satisfação profissional dos egressos dos programas de residência das áreas básicas de um hospital-escola do Nordeste. Método: Trata-se de estudo de corte transversal que utilizou a plataforma eletrônica Survey. Incluíram-se residentes das áreas básicas que concluíram o programa no período de 2013 a 2017. O Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido foi enviado com o formulário. Realizaram-se análises descritivas das variáveis, e os dados foram apresentados em frequências absoluta e relativa. O trabalho foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética do IMIP. Resultados: Dentre os 194 egressos, tivemos a adesão de 79 (40,72%). Com relação aos participantes do estudo: 73,4% eram do gênero feminino e 60,8% já estavam casados. Destacamos que 55,7% informaram que tinham uma renda mensal de dez a 20 salários mínimos. Dos egressos, 54 (68,4%) tinham cursado graduação em instituição de ensino superior privada. Sobre a pós-graduação stricto sensu, 19 egressos (21,7%) tinham mestrado. Sobre a atuação profissional, 93,7% exercem a especialidade e 54 (68,4%) trabalham no estado onde cursaram o programa. Em relação ao serviço público, 64,6% são vinculados ao Sistema Único de Saúde do estado de Pernambuco. Sobre a quantidade de horas de trabalho semanais, 43% trabalham entre 40 e 60 horas. Cerca de 75% dos egressos afirmaram que cursariam o programa novamente na instituição e declararam que a realização da residência facilitou a vida profissional deles. Conclusão: A monitoração periódica de egressos de programa de residência é um instrumento útil para avaliação do programa e permite monitoramento das intervenções implementadas, viabilizando inclusive a obtenção de informações que ajudem no planejamento de novos programas.

Abstract: Introduction: medical residency is known as the “gold standard” for the qualification of specialists. Research into the profile of medical residency program graduates is important to identify potentialities and fragilities of the specialization. Objective: The objective of this study was to understand the profile and professional satisfaction of the graduates from the residency programs of basic medical areas of a teaching hospital in the northeast of Brazil. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted through an online questionnaire that was sent to the participants via electronic mail. The study population consisted of residency program graduates of the basic medical areas who graduated between 2013 and 2017. The Informed Consent Form was sent together with the form. Descriptive analyses were performed and data were presented as relative and absolute frequencies. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the IMIP. Results: of the 194 graduates, 79 (40.72%) answered the questionnaire. 73.4% were female and 60.8% were married. Approximately 55.7% of the graduates earned salaries corresponding to 11 and 22 minimum monthly wages. 54 graduates (68.4%) had attended a private medical school. Regarding stricto sensu postgraduate studies, 19 (21.7%) had a master´s degree. 93.7% are practicing their medical specialization and 54 (68.4%) still live in Pernambuco. Regarding public service, 64.6% are linked to the Unified Health System of Pernambuco state. 43% of the graduates worked between 40 and 60 h per week. About 75% of the graduates stated that they would attend the program again at the hospital and declared that completing the residency at the institution facilitated their professional life. Conclusion: the periodic monitoring of graduates from a residency program is a useful tool for evaluating the program and allows for surveillance of implemented interventions

RESUMO: Para comercialização das sementes de Bactris gasipaes Kunth, é necessária a realização do teste de germinação, cuja metodologia já se encontra estabelecida e tem duração de 120 dias. Em função do comportamento recalcitrante, a semente possui curta longevidade no armazenamento, em geral 30 a 45 dias, o que dificulta a seleção de sementes viáveis para a comercialização. O trabalho teve por objetivo estabelecer uma metodologia para condução do teste de tetrazólio em sementes de pupunha para obter resultados rápidos e que possam ser relacionados com o teste de germinação. Foram realizadas avaliações do teor de água, teste de germinação e teste de tetrazólio, considerando-se diferentes formas de pré-condicionamento, preparo e coloração, as áreas vitais da semente e estabelecendo as classes de viabilidade. O teste de tetrazólio, em função dos resultados obtidos para o lote estudado, forneceu resultados correlacionados ao teste de germinação mediante sua condução com pré-condicionamento por imersão em água (20 °C por 24 h), corte longitudinal adjacente ao embrião e imersão de metade da semente (embrião + endosperma) em solução a 1,0%, por 4 h a 30 °C. Assim, foi possível separar as sementes de pupunha em duas classes (viáveis e não viáveis).

ABSTRACT: Prior to commercialization, seeds of peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) have to undergo the germination test, whose well-established methodology takes 120 days. Due to their recalcitrant behavior, the seeds have short longevity when stored (around 30-45 days), which makes it challenging to select the most viable ones for marketing. This study aimed to determine a methodology for the tetrazolium test to be carried out in peach palm seeds, in order to fast deliver results that can be correlated to the germination test. Different forms of pre-conditioning, preparation, and staining were investigated via moisture content, germination, and tetrazolium tests, so as to define the vital parts of the seed and sort out the viability classes. For the seed lot under study, the tetrazolium test delivered results supported by the germination test when the following procedures were adopted: pre-conditioning by water submersion (20 °C for 24 h), longitudinal cut adjacent to the embryo, and half-seed immersion (embryo + endosperm) in a 1.0% tetrazolium solution for 4 h at 30 °C. Having fulfilled these criteria, it became possible to separate the peach palm seeds into two classes (viable or non-viable).

RESUMO Racional: A obesidade representa ameaça crescente à saúde da população em todo o mundo. A gastrectomia por laparoscopia induz alteração do ângulo esofagogástrico devido à própria técnica, hipotonia do esfíncter esofágico inferior após secção de fibras musculares da junção, diminuição do volume gástrico e, consequentemente, aumento da pressão intragástrica; é por isso que alguns pacientes têm refluxo após a gastrectomia vertical. Objetivo: Descrever uma técnica e resultados preliminares da gastrectomia vertical com fundoplicatura a Nissen, a fim de diminuir o refluxo após ela. Método: No artigo atual, descrevemos a técnica passo a passo, principalmente focada na criação da válvula e seu cuidado. Resultados: Este procedimento foi aplicado em um caso de mulher com IMC 45 de 53 anos com DRGE. Foi realizada endoscopia demonstrando hérnia hiatal e cinco pólipos benignos. A gastrectomia vertical com Nissen foi realizada devido à DRGE, à hérnia hiatal e aos múltiplos pólipos no estômago. Ela tolerou bem o procedimento e recebeu alta sem intercorrências 48 h depois. Conclusão: A N-gastrectomia vertical (N-sleeve) é alternativa viável e segura em pacientes obesos com refluxo e hérnia hiatal quando não é indicado o desvio gástrico em Y-de-Roux.

ABSTRACT Background: Obesity represents a growing threat to population health all over the world. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy induces alteration of the esophagogastric angle due to surgery itself, hypotony of the lower esophageal sphincter after division of muscular sling fibers, decrease of the gastric volume and, consequently, increase of intragastric pressure; that’s why some patients have reflux after sleeve. Aim: To describe a technique and preliminary results of sleeve gastrectomy with a Nissen fundoplication, in order to decrease reflux after sleeve. Method: In the current article we describe the technique step by step mostly focused on the creation of the wrap and it care. Results: This procedure was applied in a case of 45 BMI female of 53 years old, with GERD. An endoscopy was done demonstrating a hiatal hernia, and five benign polyps. A Nissen sleeve was performed due to its GERD, hiatal hernia and multiple polyps on the stomach. She tolerated well the procedure and was discharged home uneventfully 48 h after. Conclusion: N-sleeve is a feasible and safe alternative in obese patients with reflux and hiatal hernia when Roux-en-Y gastric bypass it is not indicated.

Abstract Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of an exercise session prescribed by the Sworkit® Personal Trainer application on hemodynamic and autonomic responses. Methods: The sample consisted of 11 men classified as sedentary according to IPAQ. The exercises were randomly selected by the app Sworkit® Personal Trainer, using the pre-built program "Light Warm-Up Cardio" (see supplementary material). Heart rate and perceived exertion data were collected every minute during an exercise session. Blood pressure and heart rate variability were measured Pre, Post, 30 min, 12h, 24 h, and 48h after exercise. Heart rate and rate of perceived exertion were collected during the 30 minutes exercise. Results: Hemodynamic responses showed differences in heart rate and systolic blood pressure: Post, 12 h and 24 h compared to Pre. We also found significant statistical differences in the heart rate variability indexes when comparing Post, 30min to 48h versus Pre, indicating modifications in the autonomic modulation post-exercise. The perceived exertions scale remained between 13-14 during the exercise. Heart rate was 149 ± 5.26 (80 ± 5% of HRmax) during the 30min exercise, indicating a moderate to vigorous intensity. Conclusion: We concluded that a single exercise session guided by the Sworkit® Personal Trainer application could generate autonomic changes in up to 12 hours, presenting a moderate to vigorous intensity in 30 minutes of exercise for sedentary men.

Abstract Non-caloric sweeteners are a good alternative to replace the sweet flavors without the physiological response generated by the consumption of sugars. Alone they are not tools for weight control. Its intake must be accompanied by a proper diet and a healthy lifestyle that includes physical activity. Its usefulness lies in providing a pleasant sweet taste without the energy intake. The safety of each of the compounds is tested and approved and constantly reassessed to take into account the results of new studies. Since there is no perfect sweetener, variety helps that more and more pleasing to the consumer products are developed. This work is the result of a comprehensive review of the literature and discussions of a panel of experts from various specialties: toxicology, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, endocrinology, nutrition, internal medicine, public health and preventive medicine, where literature was widely analyzed reviewing a variety of scientific papers that address the questions that usually are made by health professionals on safety in different age groups and with specific diseases, acceptable daily intake, etc.

Resumen Los edulcorantes no calóricos representan una buena alternativa para sustituir los sabores dulces sin la respuesta fisiológica que genera el consumo de azúcares. Por sí solos no son herramientas para el control de peso. Su consumo debe ir acompañado de una dieta correcta y un estilo de vida saludable que incluya actividad física. Su utilidad radica en proporcionar el agradable sabor dulce sin el aporte energético. La inocuidad de cada uno de los compuestos aprobados está comprobada y se reevalúa constantemente para tomar en cuenta los resultados de nuevos estudios. Debido a que no existe un edulcorante perfecto, la variedad ayuda a que se desarrollen productos cada vez más agradables para el consumidor. Este trabajo es fruto de una revisión exhaustiva de la bibliografía y de las discusiones de un panel de expertos de diversas especialidades: toxicología, ginecoobstetricia, pediatría, endocrinología, nutrición, medicina interna, salud pública y medicina preventiva, en el que se analizó extensamente la bibliografía se revisó una variedad de trabajos científicos que responden a las interrogantes que habitualmente se hacen los profesionales de la salud acerca de seguridad en diferentes grupos etáreos y con afecciones específicas, ingestión diaria admisible, etc.

In this document, the Inter-American Committee of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation, together with the South American Society of Cardiology, aimed to formulate strategies, measures, and actions for cardiovascular disease prevention and rehabilitation (CVDPR). In the context of the implementation of a regional and national health policy in Latin American countries, the goal is to promote cardiovascular health and thereby decrease morbidity and mortality. The study group on Cardiopulmonary and Metabolic Rehabilitation from the Department of Exercise, Ergometry, and Cardiovascular Rehabilitation of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology has created a committee of experts to review the Portuguese version of the guideline and adapt it to the national reality. The mission of this document is to help health professionals to adopt effective measures of CVDPR in the routine clinical practice. The publication of this document and its broad implementation will contribute to the goal of the World Health Organization (WHO), which is the reduction of worldwide cardiovascular mortality by 25% until 2025. The study group's priorities are the following: • Emphasize the important role of CVDPR as an instrument of secondary prevention with significant impact on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality; • Join efforts for the knowledge on CVDPR, its dissemination, and adoption in most cardiovascular centers and institutes in South America, prioritizing the adoption of cardiovascular prevention methods that are comprehensive, practical, simple and which have a good cost/benefit ratio; • Improve the education of health professionals and patients with education programs on the importance of CVDPR services, which are directly targeted at the health system, clinical staff, patients, and community leaders, with the aim of decreasing the barriers to CVDPR implementation.

Este estudo analisou moduladores de apoptose no miocárdio de ratos submetidos a treinamento físico. Os ratos foram distribuídos nos seguintes grupos, respectivamente: não treinados; treinados. Os animais realizaram exercício em esteira (60 min./dia; 6 x semana) por 13 semanas. O ventrículo esquerdo foi processado para análise da expressão gênica e protéica de fatores anti-apoptóticos (Bcl-2, c-IAP1, c-IAP2, Survivina, ILK, Akt e pAkt) e pro-apoptóticos (Bad) por PCR em tempo real (exceto Akt e pAkt) e Western blot, respectivamente. O teor de RNAm da Bad (p<0,05) foi significativamente reduzido após treinamento. Porém, a expressão protéica da Bad não foi diferente entre os grupos. A expressão gênica e proteica de todos os fatores anti-apoptóticos foi significativamente aumentada com o treinamento. A exceção foi para c-IAP2, que aumentou somente em nível transcripcional (p<0,05). Os achados deste estudo indicam que o exercício cria um ambiente favorável para sobrevivência dos cardiomiócitos a apoptose.

This study evaluated modulators of apoptosis in the myocardium of rats subjected to exercise training. Rats were assigned to non-trained and exercise-trained groups, respectively. The animals ran for 1 h per day, 6 times per week and, for a total of 13 weeks. The left ventricle was processed for analysis of gene and protein anti- (Bcl-2, c-IAP1, c-IAP2, Survivin, ILK, Akt and pAkt) and pro- (Bad) apoptotic expression by real-time PCR (except for Akt and pAkt) and Western blot, respectively. The Bad mRNA (p<0.05), but not the protein expression (p = 0.19), was significantly lower after training. The exercise training significantly increased the gene and protein expression for all anti-apoptotic factors. However, a significant change in the c-IAP2 was seen only for gene expression (p<0.05). The present findings indicate that exercise can create a favorable milieu for the survival of cardiomyocytes when apoptosis is increased.

El estudio analizó moduladores de la apoptosis en el miocardio de ratas entrenadas físicamente. Las ratas se dividieron en no entrenado y entrenadas. Los animales se ha ejecutado (60 por día x 6 semanas) a las 13 semanas. El ventrículo izquierdo se procesan para el análisis de la expresión de sus genes y proteínas que inhiben (Bcl-2, c-IAP1, c-IAP2, survivina, ILK, Akt y pAkt) y causa (Bad) de la apoptosis por PCR en tiempo real (excepto Akt y pAkt) y Western blot. El nivel de ARNm de Bad (p<0,05) se redujo después de la entrenamiento, pero no era diferente de proteína. La expresión de los inhibidores de la apoptosis fue significativamente mayor con la entrenamiento. La excepción fue para c-IAP2, que aumentó sólo en el nivel transcripcional (p<0,05). Los resultados de este estudio indican que el ejercicio crea un entorno buen para la supervivencia de la apoptosis de los cardiomiocitos.

Objective: To establish the utility of procalcitonin (PCT) and other clinical and analytical parameters as markers of acute and permanent renal damage in children after a first febrile urinary tract infection (UTI). Methods: Retrospective multicentre study. Statistical study: descriptive, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and multiple logistic regression. Results: 219 patients, aged between 1 week and 14 years (68% under 1 year). The mean PCT values were significantly higher in patients with acute pyelonephritis with respect to normal acute DMSA (4.8 vs 1.44; p=0.0001), without achieving that signification for late affected DMSA (6.5 vs 5.05; p=0.6). The area under the ROC curve for PCT was 0.64 (CI 95% 0.55-0.72) for acute renal damage, and 0.62 (CI 95% 0.44-0.80) for permanent damage, with optimum statistical cut-off values of 0.85 and 1.17ng/ml. Multivariate analysis for acute renal damage only found correlation with PCT (Odds Ratio [OR] 1.2 (CI 95% 1.06-1.4, p=0.005), and hours of fever (OR for less than 6 hours of fever 0.4 (CI 95% 0.2-1.02, p=0.05). In patients with renal scarring, PCT showed an OR 1.0 (CI 95% 0.9-1.1, p=0.6). Conclusions: PCT and the duration of fever were the only parameters statistically associated with early renal damage. PCT and renal scarring did not reach statistical significance.

Objetivo: Establecer la utilidad de la procalcitonina (PCT) y otros parámetros clínicos y analíticos como indicadores de daño renal agudo y permanente en niños tras una primera infección del tracto urinario (ITU) febril. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo multicéntrico. Estudio estadístico: descriptivo, curvas ROC y regresión logística múltiple. Resultados: 219 pacientes, con edades entre 1 semana y 14 años (68 % menores de 1 año). Las medias de PCT fueron significativamente mayores en pacientes con pielonefritis aguda respecto a aquellos con DMSA agudo normal (4,8 frente a 1,44; p = 0,0001), sin alcanzar significación para DMSA tardío (6,5 frente a 5,05; p = 0,6). El área bajo la curva ROC de PCT fue 0,64 (IC 95 % 0,55-0,72) para daño renal agudo y 0,62 (IC 95 % 0,44-0,80) para permanente; con puntos de corte óptimos de 0,85 y 1,17 ng/ml. El análisis multivariante para daño renal agudo solo encontró correlación con PCT (odds ratio [OR] 1,2, IC 95 % 1,06-1,4; p = 0,005) y horas de fiebre (OR para < 6 h 0,4, IC 95 % 0,2-1,02; p = 0,05). En los pacientes con cicatriz, la OR para PCT fue 1,0 (IC 95 % 0,9-1,1; p = 0,6). Conclusiones: La PCT y la duración de la fiebre fueron los únicos parámetros que se asociaron de forma significativa a daño parenquimatoso agudo. No se observó relación estadísticamente significativa entre la PCT y la cicatriz renal.

This study evaluated stress indicators of juvenile piau (Leporinus friderici) during and after a 4-hour transportation in order to establish an appropriate transportation protocol for this type of fish. Fish were transported in plastic bags (133.1 g/L) and sampled before loading, during 1, 2, 3 and 4 h and after transportation (2, 6, 12 and 24 h). Blood samples were analyzed for cortisol and glucose levels, hematocrit, hemoglobin level, number and mean corpuscular volume of erythrocytes. Water pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature and ammonia were monitored before, during and after transportation. No mortality was observed through the experiment. Ammonia levels increased throughout transportation, but the low pH values kept NH3 in safe levels for fish. Cortisol levels increased within 4 h of transportation, and returned to control condition 2 h after arrival. Plasma glucose increased within one hour of transportation, reaching peak value within 4 h and returning to initial condition 2 h after arrival. Erythrocyte number and hemoglobin levels showed the lowest levels 2 h after arrival, and mean corpuscular volume increased during transportation, decreasing at 12 and 24 h after arrival. Transporting piau is stressful, but fish recover the initial condition in short time, showing tolerance to the changes in the water quality parameters.

We combined two models to investigate the theoretical dynamics of five exotic and native blowfly species in response to the Allee effect by using demographic parameters estimated from experimental populations. Most of the results suggest stabilization of dynamic behavior in response to the Allee effect. However, the results depended on the magnitude of the demographic parameters of each species, and also indicated chaotic fluctuations and limit cycles. The results are discussed in the context of larval aggregation, an important biological process for blowflies, which naturally incorporates the Allee effect.

Este artigo apresenta um caso de abscesso agudo em cavidade orbitária, após 2 dias de trauma facial, sem a presença de fratura óssea, ocorrido em uma mulher da raça negra com 20 anos de idade. Os sintomas se intensificaram nas últimas 24 h com o desenvolvimento de distúrbios visuais do tipo diplopia e fotofobia. Durante exame clínico foi constatado a presença de febre, edema e eritema periorbitário, ptose, proptose e limitação de movimentação ocular para cima, baixo, lado direto e esquerdo. A tomografia computadorizada evidenciava proptose associada a edema considerável, dos tecidos moles no lado esquerdo da face, sem fratura do complexo zigomático-orbitário. A internação hospitalar e o início da antibioticoterapia endovenosa foram realizados, e o tratamento cirúrgico de incisão e drenagem do abscesso sob anestesia geral foi conduzido, sendo realizado por meio de incisão na pálpebra superior e inferior para acesso a cavidade orbitária e por acesso de Caldwell-Luc para o seio maxilar. No pós-operatório imediato foi observada rápida melhora dos sintomas inicialmente relatados pela paciente. Após 2 dias da intervenção cirúrgica foi observado melhora na movimentação ocular e na acuidade visual, retornando ao normal. No décimo segundo dia pós-operatório, a paciente apresentou melhora significativa com relação à ptose palpebral e a proptose, com adequado processo de cicatrização.

This paper reports a rare case of acute severe orbital abscess manifested 2 days after a facial trauma without bone fracture in a 20-year-old Afro-American female. The symptoms worsened within the 24 h prior to hospital admission resulting in visual disturbances such as diplopia and photophobia. The clinical findings at the first consultation included fever, periorbital swelling and redness, ptosis, proptosis and limitation of ocular movements upwards, downwards, to the right and to the left. Computed tomography scan showed proptosis with considerable soft tissue swelling on the left side and no fracture was evidenced in the facial skeleton, including the zygomatic-orbital complex. After hospital admission and antibiotic therapy intravenously the patient was conducted to the operation room and submitted to incision and drainage under general anesthesia. The orbit was approached thorough both eyelids and the maxillary sinus was reached only through the Caldwell-Luc approach. The postoperative period was uneventful and the rapid improvement of symptoms was remarkable. Visual acuity and ocular motility returned to the normal ranges within 2 days after the surgical intervention. After 12 postoperative days, the patient presented with significative improvement in the ptosis and proptosis, and acceptable scars.

Amblyseius largoensis (Muma) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) é uma espécie de ampla distribuição, ocorrendo em regiões tropicais e subtropicais, freqüentemente associada a plantas perenes, sendo um dos principais predadores de Aceria guerreronis Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae) em coqueiro (Cocos nucifera L.). O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar as exigências térmicas de A. largoensis alimentado com uma combinação de Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), pólen de Ricinus communis L. e mel a 10% e elaborar uma tabela de vida de fertilidade. O estudo foi conduzido a 18, 21, 24, 27 e 30°C, umidade relativa 70 ± 10 % e fotofase de 12 h. Nessas temperaturas, o período de ovo-adulto durou 14,0; 8,6; 6,1; 5,0 e 3,9 dias, respectivamente. Os estágios de ovo, larva, protoninfa, deutoninfa e período de ovo-adulto apresentaram limiares térmicos de 13,3; 13,3; 13,5; 11,9 e 13,3°C e constantes térmicas de 20,9; 13,5; 14,9; 18,9 e 66,1 graus-dia. Os parâmetros da tabela de vida de fertilidade foram melhores a 27 e 30°C.

Amblyseius largoensis (Muma) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is a species widely spread and naturally occurring in the tropics and subtropics regions. This species is also associated with perennial plants and considered an important predator of Aceria guerreronis Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae) in coconut trees (Cocos nucifera L.). The objective of this research was to determinate the thermal requirements of A. largoensis fed with a combination of Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), pollen of Ricinus communis L. and a 10 % honey solution. The study was conducted at 18, 21, 24, 27 and 30°C, 70 ± 10 % relative humidity and 12 h photophase. At these temperatures, the period from egg-adult lasted 14.0, 8.6, 6.1, 5,0 e 3.9 respectively. At those temperatures, the threshold temperature for the development of larva, protonynph, deutonymph and egg-adult were 13.3, 13.3, 13.5, 11.9 and 13.3°C, and the thermal constants were 20.9, 13.5, 14.9, 18.9 and 66.1 degree-days, respectively. The fertility life table parameters were better in the 27 and 30°C.

To investigate the effect of low-doses of glucocorticoids on androgen and cortisol secretion during the course of the day, we evaluated clinical signs of hyperandrogenism and total, free and bioavailable testosterone, SHBG, and cortisol following two different protocols: A) fourteen patients received betamethasone 0.6 mg/day (n=8) or methylprednisolone 4 mg/day (n=6), as single daily oral dose at 11.00 PM, during 30 days, B) fourteen patients were evaluated under betamethasone 0.3 mg in a single daily dose at 11.00 PM during six months, 11 out of whom were re-evaluated six months later. Twenty eight women with hyperandrogenism were included and seven normal females were used as control. Blood samples were taken in follicular phase at 8 AM and 7 PM to determine SHBG, cortisol, total, free and bioavailable testosterone. In both protocols, a significant morning and evening decrease in cortisol and testosterone (p<0.05 to < 0.01), which was more marked with betamethasone (p<0.05), was shown. In protocol B, morning SHBG levels showed a significant increase (p<0.05) and betamethasone also improved clinical hyperandrogenism along the trial. Although morning and evening cortisol significantly decreased during treatment, no side effects were reported. The 11 patients re-evaluated after therapy withdrawal, showed a rise in serum total testosterone and its fractions to pre-treatment values and a normalization of cortisol levels. It is concluded that glucocorticoids in low-doses effectively normalize serum androgens, independently of their origin. They may be used therapeutically, mainly whenever a hyperandrogenic woman presents with cycle irregularities or seeking fertility.

Con el objetivo de investigar el efecto de bajas dosis de glucocorticoides sobre la secreción de andrógenos y cortisol en el curso del día, evaluamos signos de hiperandrogenismo, testosterona total, libre y biodisponible y cortisol según dos protocolos diferentes: A) catorce pacientes recibieron betametasona 0.6 mg/día (n= 8) o metilprednisolona 4 mg/día (n= 6) en dosis única cotidiana, a las 23 h, durante 30 días, B) catorce pacientes fueron evaluadas bajo betametasona 0.3 mg en dosis única cotidiana a la 23 h, administrada durante 6 meses; de ellas, 11 pacientes fueron re-evaluadas 6 meses más tarde. Se incluyeron 28 mujeres con hiperandrogenismo y 7 controles normales. Se obtuvieron muestras de sangre en fase folicular a las 08:00 y 9:00 h para determinar SHBG, cortisol, testosterona total, libre y biodisponible. En ambos protocolos se observó una disminución significativa de cortisol y testosterona (p<0.05 a <0.01), más importante con betametasona (p<0.05). En el protocolo B, los niveles matutinos de SHBG aumentaron significativamente (p<0.05) y se observó mejoría clínica con el tratamiento. Aunque los niveles matutinos y vespertinos de cortisol disminuyeron significativamente durante el tratamiento, no se observaron efectos secundarios. En las 11 pacientes reevaluadas luego de suspensión de glucocorticoides se observó un aumento de testosterona y sus fracciones a los niveles pre-tratamiento con normalización de las concentraciones de cortisol. Dosis bajas de glucocorticoides normalizaron eficazmente los andrógenos séricos elevados, independientemente de su causa. Pueden emplearse terapéuticamente, en especial cuando una mujer hiperandrogénica presenta alteraciones del ciclo menstrual o busca fertilidad.