ABSTRACT Introduction: Acute kidney injury is frequent in patients with COVID-19 and is associated with a higher mortality than in patients without acute kidney injury. Therefore we aimed to compare the creatinine and cystatin C initial values and trend in COVID-19 patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), in order to understand how renal dysfunction affects the prognosis. Methods: Longitudinal retrospective, single-center study of COVID-19 patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital ICU, between April 2020 and April of 2021. Demographic variables comorbidities, serum urea, creatinine, cystatin C values, as well as outcome were studied. Statistical analysis performed in SPSS 27. Results: The sample consists of 207 ICU patients, with mean age of 68 years, 68.6% male. Had chronic kidney disease, 11.5% (n=25) and the most prevalent comorbidities were hypertension, dyslipidemia and obesity. The median (interquartile range) length of stay at the ICU was 11 (6 - 19) days. The values of creatinine, cystatin C, urea adjusted for age and sex, at the time of hospital admission, were not significant for mortality. However, the variation in marker values between the first and second evaluation moments showed that a 5% increase in creatinine values increased, on average, the risk of death by about 2.3 times and a 5% increase in cystatin C values, increased, on average, the risk of death by about 2 times. Conclusion: The decline in renal function has a significant prognostic impact in patients with COVID-19. Therefore, an early detection of renal dysfunction in these patients is essential.

Abstract Introduction: Peer learning is a differentiated educational tool, including the traditional tutoring model and the interaction of individuals within the same training level. The general practice (GP) residency programme, updated in 2019, introduced peer learning as part of residents’ weekly schedule. In Lisbon and Tagus Valley region (ARSLVT), peer learning was implemented through the so-called Relational Learning Sessions (SAR). Methods: The present study sought to establish a state point regarding this practice in continental Portugal, in order to promote local adaptations necessary for the residents to reach relational learning’s full potential. Residents from the 54th group of the specialized training programme in GP were included. Data were collected between November 12nd and December 12nd 2020 through an online questionnaire sent via e-mail by the residency coordinators (CIMMGF). Results: Out of a total of 416 residents, 86 answers were obtained, 60 of which were from ARSLVT. At the time data was collected, in the North region, no model of peer learning had been implemented. In ARSLVT all residents had SAR, except for one group of Healthcare Units (ACeS). In the Center, Alentejo, and Algarve, this practice was not uniform between ACeS. In the implemented SAR, there is a wide variety of activities being performed, planning is mostly done according to the CIMMGF recommendations, and the majority of resident doctors recognize its usefulness. However, the impact on clinical activities, the distance between healthcare units, and the lack of support from local residency directors are pointed out as the main difficulties while planning these sessions. The adoption of a rotative schedule, the implementation of online sessions, and the issuing of guidelines might be possible solutions. Conclusion: Aiming for the adjustment and equality of training opportunities, effective local solutions must be sought so that peer learning becomes a fruitful reality for all residents.

Resumo Introdução: A aprendizagem interpares é uma ferramenta educacional diferenciada, incluindo o modelo tradicional de tutoria e a interação de indivíduos com o mesmo grau de formação. O programa de formação especializada em medicina geral e familiar (MGF) introduziu, em 2019, a aprendizagem relacional no horário semanal dos médicos internos. Na Administração Região de Saúde de Lisboa e Vale do Tejo (ARSLVT) foi adotado o modelo das Sessões de Aprendizagem Relacional (SAR). O presente estudo procurou perceber como está a ser implementada esta prática em Portugal continental, de forma a promover adaptações que permitam alcançar todo o seu potencial. Métodos: Foram incluídos os internos do 54.o grupo da formação especializada em MGF. Os dados foram recolhidos entre 12/nov e 12/dez de 2020, através de um questionário online divulgado por correio eletrónico pelas coordenações do Internato Médico de MGF (CIMMGF). Resultados: De um total de 416 internos obtiveram-se 86 respostas, 60 das quais da ARSLVT. À data da recolha dos dados verificou-se que na ARS Norte não tinha sido implementado qualquer modelo formal de aprendizagem relacional. Na ARSLVT apenas um ACeS não realizava SAR. Nas ARS Centro, Alentejo e Algarve, esta prática não era uniforme. Nas SAR implementadas parecem desenvolver-se diversas atividades, o planeamento é maioritariamente feito de acordo com as orientações publicadas e a maioria dos internos reconhece a sua utilidade. São apontadas como principais dificuldades o impacto na atividade assistencial, a distância entre unidades e a ausência de apoio da direção de internato. A adoção de um horário rotativo, a implementação de sessões online e a existência de documentos orientadores são possíveis soluções. Conclusão: Tendo em vista a harmonização do percurso e a igualdade de oportunidades formativas devem ser procuradas estratégias locais efetivas para que a aprendizagem relacional seja uma realidade profícua para todos os internos.

Resumo: O artigo tem o objetivo de analisar a violência obstétrica e suas diversas expressões sob a ótica de puérperas. Captadas através de entrevistas semiestruturadas com 12 puérperas acompanhadas por uma Unidade Básica de Saúde em um município do nordeste brasileiro, as questões versaram sobre o perfil socioeconômico, a experiência vivenciada no parto e a percepção que as mesmas detinham sobre a violência obstétrica. Identificamos que a violência obstétrica é recorrente na assistência hospitalar e expressa desigualdades e opressões nas relações de gênero e entre profissionais e usuárias dos serviços de saúde. O enfrentamento da violência obstétrica demanda atribuir maior visibilidade a esta problemática, incluindo-a nos processos de formação e nos espaços de trabalho destes profissionais, bem como entre as mulheres, na busca de propiciar a identificação e o enfrentamento desta forma de violência.

Abstract: The study aims to analyze obstetric violence and its various expressions from the perspective of postpartum women. Captured through semi-structured interviews with 12 postpartum women accompanied by a Basic Health Unit in a municipality in northeastern Brazil, the questions were about the socio-economic profile, the experience of childbirth, and the perception they had about obstetric violence. We identified that obstetric violence is recurrent in-hospital care and expresses inequalities and oppression in gender relations and between professionals and users of health services. The confrontation of obstetric violence demands to give greater visibility to this problem, including it in the training processes and the workspaces of these professionals, as well as among women, in an attempt to provide the identification and confrontation of this form of violence.

Resumen: El estudio tiene como objetivo analizar la violencia obstétrica y sus diversas expresiones desde la perspectiva de la mujer posparto. Capturadas a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas con 12 puérperas acompañadas de una Unidad Básica de Salud en un municipio del noreste de Brasil, las preguntas fueron sobre el perfil socioeconómico, la experiencia del parto y la percepción que tenían sobre la violencia obstétrica. Identificamos que la violencia obstétrica es recurrente en la atención hospitalaria y expresa desigualdades y opresión en las relaciones de género y entre profesionales y usuarios de los servicios de salud. El enfrentamiento a la violencia obstétrica demanda dar mayor visibilidad a esta problemática, incluyéndola en los procesos de formación y en los espacios de trabajo de estas profesionales, así como entre las mujeres, en un intento por brindar la identificación y confrontación de esta forma de violencia.

Resumo Introdução: Uma comunidade de prática consiste num grupo de pessoas que se unem em torno de um mesmo tópico ou interesse, trabalhando em conjunto para melhorar o que fazem através de interações regulares. A Comunidade Formativa do Estoril reúne o grupo de orientadores e internos de medicina geral e familiar e saúde pública da zona do Estoril, com o objetivo de alargar o seu leque de experiências e vivências, espelhando os princípios de uma comunidade de prática. Este artigo relata a experiência desta Comunidade e tem como principal objetivo dar a conhecer as suas práticas, incentivar a partilha de experiências entre grupos e inspirar a formação de novas comunidades. Descrição: A Comunidade Formativa do Estoril nasceu no ano de 2015, composta pelos internos e orientadores de formação específica em medicina geral e familiar e de saúde pública de quatro das unidades funcionais do edifício de São João do Estoril do Agrupamento de Centros de Saúde (ACeS) de Cascais. Desde a criação da Comunidade, têm vindo a ser desenvolvidas várias atividades, como reuniões periódicas, elaboração do jornal e das I Jornadas da Comunidade Formativa do Estoril, entre outras. Conclusão: A Comunidade Formativa representa uma mais-valia para orientadores e internos, numa interação em que o todo é mais vasto do que a soma das partes. No caso da Comunidade Formativa do Estoril a proximidade originada pelo trabalho no mesmo edifício permitiu aos seus membros gerar este projeto, numa atmosfera colaborativa e de interajuda - uma comunidade frutífera, permeável ao que a rodeia e tendo sempre presente o desejo e a capacidade para evoluir através do contributo de cada novo membro e das interações que daí se criam.

Abstract Introduction: A community of practice is a group of people coming together around the same topic or interest, working together to improve what they do through regular interactions. The Estoril Training Community brings together a group of residents and attending physicians in Family Medicine and Public Health in the region of Estoril (Lisbon Metropolitan Area, Portugal) with the aim of broadening their range of experiences, reflecting the principles of a community of practice. This article reports the experience of the Estoril Training Community and its main objective is to make their practices known, to encourage the sharing of experiences between groups, and inspire the formation of new communities. Description: The Estoril Training Community was born in 2015 and was composed by residents and attending physicians in family medicine and public health from four of the functional units of the São João do Estoril’s healthcare center, in Cascais. Since the establishment of the Community, there have been various activities such as periodic meetings, preparation of the Training Community newspaper, organization of the 1st Conference of the Estoril Training Community, among others. Conclusion: The Training Community is an asset for mentors and interns, in an interaction where the whole is larger than the sum of the parts. In the case of the Estoril Training Community, the proximity originated by working in the same building allowed its members to create this project in a collaborative and mutual help atmosphere - a productive community, open to dialogue, permeable to its surroundings and with the desire and ability to evolve through the input of each new member and the interactions that are created from there.

Abstract: During the COVID-19 pandemic the use of cloth masks has increased dramatically due to the shortage of medical masks. However, the efficiency of this material is controversial. We aimed to investigate the efficiency of cloth masks in reducing transmission and contamination by droplets and aerosols for the general population and healthcare workers. Electronic databases were searched without year or language restrictions. Clinical and laboratorial studies were included. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using an adapted quality checklist for laboratory-based studies. ROBINS-I tool and Cochrane RoB 2.0 were used to evaluate non-randomized (n-RCT) and randomized clinical trials (RCT), respectively. The quality of the evidence was assessed through GRADE tool. From the eleven studies selected, eight were laboratory-based studies, one non-randomized and one RCT supported by laboratory data. Between the evaluated fabrics only three presented a filtration efficiency > 90%. Hybrid of cotton/chiffon (95%CI 95.2 to 98.8), hybrid of cotton/silk (95%CI 92.2 to 95.8) and cotton quilt (95%CI 94.2 to 97.8). However, cloth masks are not recommended for healthcare workers. A meta-analysis was not feasible due to a high methodological heterogeneity. The overall quality of evidence ranged from very low to moderate. Despite the lower efficiency compared to medical masks, laboratorial results may underestimate the efficiency of cloth masks in real life. Cloth mask efficiency is higher when made of hybrid fabrics (cotton/chiffon, cotton/silk) and cotton quilt, mainly with multiple layers.

First trimester intertwin crown-rump length (CRL) discordance has been suggested to predict adverse perinatal outcomes. In dichorionic diamniotic pregnancies its etiology is poorly understood. We report the cases of two sets of dichorionic twins with crown-rump length discordance diagnosed in the first trimester of pregnancy with different obstetric outcomes. In the first case, no specific cause to justify the discordant growth was found, with the pregnancy ending in a preterm birth due to severe intrauterine growth restriction of fetus 2. The second case was associated with triploidia of the smallest fetus, with normal development and birth of the co-twin. The role of first trimester ultrasound in predicting an adverse perinatal outcome is still controversial and the optimal management of twin pregnancies with CRL discordance is a challenging question.

Overview: Despite the reduction in the rate of hysterectomies during the past years, it is still the second most common major surgical procedure performed among women. It has been common practice to counsel women who were planning hysterectomy, particularly in their mid-40s or older, to undergo concomitant bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. However, this recommendation is now being replaced by consideration of ovarian conservation with bilateral salpingectomy (BS). Aims: To describe the trends regarding hysterectomies and concomitant adnexal surgery. Study Design: Single-center retrospective comparative study. Population: Women who underwent hysterectomy (2004 versus 2014). Methods: Data were analysed using STATA 13.1. Results: The overall number of hysterectomies decreased 28.5% (n=916 versus n=656). There was a change in the pattern of indications for hysterectomy: benign pathology decreased [79.4% versus 64.5% (p<0.001)] (mainly due to uterine fibroids) with a corresponding increase in hysterectomies due to urogenital prolapse [13.7% versus 23.6% p<0.001)] and malignant pathology [7.0% versus 11.9% (p<0.01)]. Regarding the surgical approach, there was a decrease in laparotomic route (80.9% versus 57.4% (p <0.001) with an increase in the vaginal [12.6% versus 28.7% (p<0.001)] and laparoscopic routes [6.6% versus 13.9% (p<0.001)]. In women with benign pathology, the rate of bilateral adnexectomy decreased from 69.4% to 53.3% (p<0.001) and the rate of BS increased from 0.9% to 16.5% (p<0.001). There was a reduction in intraoperative complications [4.3% versus 1.8% (p=0.006)], immediate postoperative complications [11.6% versus 7.0% (p=0.003)] and duration of hospitalizations [5.6±3.0 versus 4.1±2.4 days (p<0.001)]. Conclusion: The rate of hysterectomies decreased in the last decade, mainly due to the reduction in hysterectomies for uterine fibroids. We verified a significant shift towards ovarian conservation with increasingly concomitant BS. Considering ovarian carcinogenesis, the increase in prophylactic BS may have future impact on the reduction of ovarian cancer.

ResumoObjetivoInvestigar o perfil clínico-epidemiológico de pacientes portadores do HTLV-1 em Belém, no Estado do Pará, Brasil, descrevendo as características de indivíduos infectados e atendidos no Laboratório de Clínica e Epidemiologia de Doenças Endêmicas (LCEDE) do Núcleo de Medicina Tropical (NMT) da Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA).MetodologiaFoi um estudo descritivo de corte transversal, com coleta em prontuários de pacientes infectados pelo HTLV-1, matriculados no LCEDE do NMT da UFPA entre os anos 2000 a 2012. Foi aplicada a análise descritiva pelo programa Epi Info 3.2.5.ResultadosDos 182 prontuários, 35,2% eram do sexo masculino, e 64,8%, do sexo feminino. Houve predomínio de indivíduos casados (47,8%). A maioria (73,6%) tinha procedência do município de Belém-PA. Dentre os pacientes sintomáticos, 51% apresentavam sintomas neurológicos, 21%, queixas dermatológicas, 18%, queixas reumatológicas, e 10%, queixas autonômicas. Com relação aos pacientes com sintomas neurológicos, 16 (39,0%) foram diagnosticados com PET/MAH.ConclusõesHouve o predomínio do sexo feminino, na faixa etária entre 40 e 49 anos, casado, trabalho informal, procedentes de Belém, com queixas neurológicas e com retorno regular as consultas médicas.

AbstractObjectiveThe clinical-epidemiological profile of patients with HTLV-1 in Belém, Pará state, Brazil was investigated describing the characteristics of these patients at an outpatient service of the Clinical and Epidemiologic Laboratory of Endemic Diseases - LCEDE from the Tropical Medicine Center - NMT of the Federal University of Pará - UFPA.MethodologyIt was a descriptive, cross-sectional study with data collected from the records of HTLV-1 patients from 2000 to 2012. Descriptive analysis used Epi Info 3.2.5 software.ResultsOf the 182 patients, 35.2% were male and 64.8% female, with a predominance of married individuals (47.8%), approximately 73.6% were from Belém. Among the symptomatic patients, 51% presented neurological symptoms, 21% dermatological complaints, 18% rheumatologic complaints, and 10% autonomic complaints. Among the patients with neurological symptoms, 16 (39%) were diagnosed with HAM/TSP.ConclusionThere is predominance of females, aged 40-49 years, married, with informal jobs, from Belém, with neurological sings and regular return to medical visits.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate spasticity in human T-lymphotropic virus type 1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) patients before and after physical therapy using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). METHODS: Nine subjects underwent physical therapy. Spasticity was evaluated using the Modified Ashworth Scale. The obtained scores were converted into ICF body functions scores. RESULTS: The majority of subjects had a high degree of spasticity in the quadriceps muscles. According to the ICF codes, the spasticity decreased after 20 sessions of physical therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The ICF was effective in evaluating spasticity in HAM/TSP patients.

Trata-se de um estudo transversal com o objetivo de verificar a prevalência do HPV na cavidade oral de indivíduos sem lesões clinicamente diagnosticáveis e quais são os tipos encontrados neles. Foram analisadas 166 amostras em pacientes maiores de 18 anos de idade, residentes no Estado do Pará, Brasil. As amostras foram coletadas por meio de raspado com escova estéril na cavidade oral. Para a detecção da presença do HPV, foi utilizada a técnica da reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). As amostras infectadas pelo HPV foram tipadas para HPV 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 52 e 58. Os resultados encontrados indicaram a presença de HPV em 40 amostras (24,1%). Três amostras (7,5%) foram positivas para HPV 6; cinco (12,5%), para HPV 18; e uma (2,5%), para HPV 58.

This cross-sectional study aimed to determine HPV prevalence in the oral cavity of individuals without clinically diagnosable lesions and to identify the respective HPV types. A total of 166 samples were analyzed from patients 18 years or older in the State of Pará, Brazil. Samples were collected by sterile brush scraping in the oral cavity. HPV detection used polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Infected samples were typed as HPV 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 52, and 58. HPV was present in 40 samples (24.1%). Three samples (7.5%) were positive for HPV 6, five (12.5%) for HPV 18, and one (2.5%) for HPV 58.

Se trata de un estudio transversal que tuvo por objetivo evaluar la prevalencia de HPV en la cavidad oral de sujetos sin lesiones orales clínicamente diagnosticables y qué tipos de HPV se encuentran en ellos. Se analizaron 166 muestras en pacientes mayores de 18 años de edad que viven en el estado de Pará, Brasil. Las muestras se recogieron por raspado con cepillo estéril en la cavidad oral. Para detectar la presencia de HPV se usó la técnica de Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa (PCR en inglés). En las muestras infectadas por el HPV se ejecutó una nueva PCR para los tipos HPV 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 52 y 58. Los resultados indicaron la presencia de HPV en 40 muestras (24,1%). Tres muestras (7,5%) fueron positivas en HPV 6, cinco (12,5%) en HPV 18 y una (2,5%) en HPV 58.

Trata-se de um estudo transversal com o objetivo de verificar a prevalência do HPV na cavidade oral de indivíduos sem lesões clinicamente diagnosticáveis e quais são os tipos encontrados neles. Foram analisadas 166 amostras em pacientes maiores de 18 anos de idade, residentes no Estado do Pará, Brasil. As amostras foram coletadas por meio de raspado com escova estéril na cavidade oral. Para a detecção da presença do HPV, foi utilizada a técnica da reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). As amostras infectadas pelo HPV foram tipadas para HPV 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 52 e 58. Os resultados encontrados indicaram a presença de HPV em 40 amostras (24,1%). Três amostras (7,5%) foram positivas para HPV 6; cinco (12,5%), para HPV 18; e uma (2,5%), para HPV 58.

This cross-sectional study aimed to determine HPV prevalence in the oral cavity of individuals without clinically diagnosable lesions and to identify the respective HPV types. A total of 166 samples were analyzed from patients 18 years or older in the State of Pará, Brazil. Samples were collected by sterile brush scraping in the oral cavity. HPV detection used polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Infected samples were typed as HPV 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 52, and 58. HPV was present in 40 samples (24.1%). Three samples (7.5%) were positive for HPV 6, five (12.5%) for HPV 18, and one (2.5%) for HPV 58.

Se trata de un estudio transversal que tuvo por objetivo evaluar la prevalencia de HPV en la cavidad oral de sujetos sin lesiones orales clínicamente diagnosticables y qué tipos de HPV se encuentran en ellos. Se analizaron 166 muestras en pacientes mayores de 18 años de edad que viven en el estado de Pará, Brasil. Las muestras se recogieron por raspado con cepillo estéril en la cavidad oral. Para detectar la presencia de HPV se usó la técnica de Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa (PCR en inglés). En las muestras infectadas por el HPV se ejecutó una nueva PCR para los tipos HPV 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 52 y 58. Los resultados indicaron la presencia de HPV en 40 muestras (24,1%). Tres muestras (7,5%) fueron positivas en HPV 6, cinco (12,5%) en HPV 18 y una (2,5%) en HPV 58.

The identification of predators of birds' nests, crucial to a better understanding of predator-prey interactions, remains poorly known. Here we provide evidence that birds, and especially passerines, may depredate birds' nests in the Cerrado (Neotropical Savannah) of Central Brazil. Data was collected primarily in a Conservation Unit (Estação Ecológica de Águas Emendadas) during the breeding season, between 2003 and 2007. We report and discuss details on 14 events of nest predation, 12 of which by passerines, mostly by curl-crested jays - Cyanocorax cristatellus (Temminck, 1823). The results of our study suggest that the role of birds as nest predators in the Cerrado has been underestimated and needs to be further investigated.

In order to study the infectious agents causing human disseminated cryptococcosis in the state of Pará, North Brazil, 56 isolates of Cryptococcusspp. (54 isolated from cerebral spinal fluid and two from blood cultures) from 43 cases diagnosed between 2003-2007 were analysed. The species were determined through morphological and physiological tests and genotypes were determined by URA5-RFLP and PCR-fingerprinting (wild-type phage M13). The following species and genotypes were identified: Cryptococcus neoformans VNI (28/56, 50%), Cryptococcus gattii VGII (25/56, 44.64%) and C. gattii VGI (3/56, 5.26%). The genotype VNI occurred in 12 out of 14 HIV-positive adults, whereas the genotype VGII occurred in 11 out of 21 HIV-negative adults (p < 0.02, OR = 6.6 IC95% 0.98-56.0). All patients less than 12 years old were HIV negative and six cases were caused by the VGII genotype, one by the VGI and one by VNI. Therefore, endemic primary mycosis in HIV-negative individuals, including an unexpectedly high number of children, caused by the VGII genotype deserves further study and suggests the need for surveillance on cryptococcal infection in the state of Pará, Eastern Amazon.

Elaenia chiriquensis (Lawrence, 1865) é um Passeriforme abundante nos cerrados do Planalto Central entre os meses de setembro e dezembro, quando se reproduz. Este trabalho tem por objetivo descrever alguns aspectos de sua biologia reprodutiva. O estudo foi desenvolvido na área da Estação Ecológica de Águas Emendadas, Planaltina, Distrito Federal durante o período de agosto de 2002 a dezembro de 2003. Ninhos (n = 110) foram monitorados a cada 1-5 dias. Adultos (n = 285) foram individualmente marcados. O tamanho das ninhadas variou entre um (n = 14), dois (n = 88) ou três ovos (n = 1). Elaenia chiriquensis constrói ninhos abertos em forma de "taça", com ovos de coloração branco gelo a rosado e pequenas manchas de cor ferrugínea no pólo obtuso. Dimensões e forma dos ninhos foram comparáveis aos da mesma espécie na América do Sul. A reprodução ocorreu entre meados de setembro a fins de dezembro, com dois picos de ninhos ativos, meados de outubro e novembro. Estes dois picos podem ser explicados por uma segunda tentativa após o sucesso ou insucesso da primeira nidificação. Trinta e dois ninhos (30%) obtiveram sucesso, 70 foram predados (67%) e 4 abandonados (4%). O sucesso dos ovos foi de 28% e a taxa de eclosão de 0,96 ± 0,02. A produção anual de filhotes (0,48 filhotes/ninho), a taxa de fecundidade (1,1 filhotes/fêmea), bem como as demais taxas encontradas foram semelhantes para outros estudos sobre a espécie e para outros Passeriformes neotropicais em países da América do Sul.

Elaenia chiriquensis (Lawrence, 1865) is a very common passerine abundant during the reproductive season (September-December) in the cerrados of Central Brazil. Since its breeding biology is still poorly known, this study had the aim to describe several aspects of its reproduction. We conducted the study at the "Estação Ecológica de Águas Emendadas", Federal District, Brazil, between August 2002 and December 2003. Birds were banded (n = 285) during this period. Nests (n = 110) found were monitored every 1-5 days. Clutch sizes had one (n = 14), two (n = 88) or three eggs (n = 1), which were pinkish with small reddish dots around the obtuse end. Nest characteristics were comparable to other records of this species. Breeding occurred between mid September to the end of December with two peaks of active nests, one in mid October and one in mid November. These two peaks may be explained by a second breeding attempt after a successful nest or a second breeding attempt after an unsuccessful first attempt. Thirty-two nests (30%) were successful, with most of the nests being depredated (n = 70%) and few abandoned (n = 4%). Egg success was of 28% and the hatching rate was 0.96 ± 0.02. Fledgling production was of 0.48 fledglings/nest and fecundity was 1.1 fledglings/female. All these values are similar to the ones already reported for this species and similar to other Neotropical passerines.