Different Geographical Regions Of Brazil Research Articles

Phylogenetic and antimicrobial resistance gene analysis of Salmonella Typhimurium strains isolated in Brazil by whole genome sequencing

Whole genome sequencing (WGS) has been used as a powerful technology for molecular epidemiology, surveillance, identification of species and serotype, identification of the sources of outbreaks, among other purposes. In Brazil, there is relatively few epidemiological data on Salmonella. In this study, 90 Salmonella Typhimurium strains had their genome sequenced to uncover the diversity of Salmonella Typhimurium isolated from humans and food, between 1983 and 2013, from different geographic regions in Brazil based on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. A total of 39 resistance genes were identified, such as aminoglycoside, tetracycline, sulfonamide, trimethoprim, beta-lactam, fluoroquinolone, phenicol and macrolide, as well as the occurrence of point mutations in some of the genes such as gyrA, gyrB, parC and parE. A total of 65 (72.2%) out of 90 S. Typhimurium strains studied were phenotypically resistant to sulfonamides, 44 (48.9%) strains were streptomycin resistant, 27 (30%) strains were resistant to tetracycline, 21 (23.3%) strains were gentamicin resistant, and seven (7.8%) strains were resistant to ceftriaxone. In the gyrA gene, it was observed the following amino acid substitutions: Asp(87)→Gly, Asp(87)→Asn, Ser(83)→Phe, Ser(83)→Tyr. Phylogenetic results placed the 90 S. Typhimurium strains into two major clades suggesting the existence of a prevalent subtype, likely more adapted, among strains isolated from humans, with some diversity in subtypes in foods. The variety and prevalence of resistant genes found in these Salmonella Typhimurium strains reinforces their potential hazard for humans and the risk in foods in Brazil.

DIVERSIDADE GENÉTICA E ESTRUTURA POPULACIONAL DE JATOBÁ: UMA ESPÉCIE COM POTENCIAL ECONÔMICO PARA A AMAZÔNIA

O jatobá (Hymenaea courbaril L.) é uma espécie que apresenta importância ecológica e ocorre em diferentes regiões geográficas do Brasil. Conhecer e avaliar a existência de locais com maior variabilidade genética pode auxiliar em programas e ações de conservação. Neste contexto, o presente estudo objetivou avaliar a diversidade genética e a estrutura em populações naturais de jatobá com ocorrência na Amazônia mato-grossense por meio de marcadores ISSR. Foram amostrados 54 indivíduos em 3 populações, sendo uma no município de Marcelândia (MA=24) e duas no município de Alta Floresta (Comunidade Central AF=17 e Pista do Cabeça PC=13 indivíduos. DNA genômico total foi extraído de tecido foliar pelo método CTAB. Os 54 indivíduos foram genotipados com 10 primers ISSR. Foram amplificados um total de 110 fragmentos, sendo 78,2% polimórficos. Os maiores índices de diversidade foram encontrados na população de MA (H=0.25; I=0.37 e %P=65.45). A distância genética foi maior entre as populações dos dois municípios (0.17 entre MA e AF; 0.16 entre MA e PC). A análise de variância molecular (AMOVA) indicou que 31.79% da variância total está entre populações e 68.21% dentro de populações. Há diversidade genética nas populações nativas de jatobá na Amazônia mato-grossense. Recomenda-se que sejam preservados indivíduos de ambas as populações, a fim de garantir a manutenção da variabilidade genética e a conservação efetiva da espécie na Amazônia mato-grossense.

Genetic diversity, population structure and genetic parameters of fruit traits in Capsicum chinense

Abstract The fruits of Capsicum chinense stand out with a wide diversity of sizes, colors, shapes, and levels of pungency. Knowledge about this variability is essential for the success in species conservation and breeding programs. This study evaluated 65 C. chinense accessions, from different geographic regions of Brazil, for genotypic fruit traits, correlations between fruit traits, genetic parameters and diversity, population structure, and associations of AFLP markers with fruit traits. Deviance analysis showed significant differences between the accessions for all traits. Heritability in the broad sense (h2g) ranged from 0.31 (soluble solids content) to 0.90 (fruit diameter). The accuracy ​​of genotype selection was considered high (≥0.70) for most of the traits, except for soluble solids and dry matter contents (0.43 and 0.62, respectively). A high correlation between fresh and dry fruit weight was observed. However, these traits were negatively correlated with dry matter content. Soluble solids content was not correlated with any of the traits. The AFLP markers indicated high genetic variability among accessions. When the groups formed by molecular data and fruit traits were compared, no associations were observed, indicating that both stages of characterization are important. Structure analysis formed two groups, partially concordant with molecular hierarchical grouping. The AFLP markers were significantly associated with several fruit traits and considered interesting candidates for further studies.

Análise dos impactos energéticos e econômicos do programa brasileiro de etiquetagem energética (PBE/Inmetro) em coletores solares térmicos do Brasil

O presente estudo avalia os impactos energéticos e econômicos do uso de coletores solares térmicos planos fechados, típicos do setor residencial, nas diferentes regiões geográficas do Brasil, considerando as classes de eficiência energética do Programa Brasileiro de Etiquetagem Energética – PBE/INMETRO. As avaliações energéticas mostraram que todas as classes de coletores solares, de A (mais eficiente) a E (menos eficiente), apresentam significativos ganhos energéticos, em substituição aos chuveiros elétricos. Foi definida uma cidade representativa para cada região geográfica do país, bem como sua temperatura média ambiente e nível de radiação mensal, o volume diário de água do banho a ser aquecida pelo sistema e o chuveiro elétrico e também a área média de painel solar para cada residência. Posteriormente, foram coletadas as informações de custos dos modelos representativos em relação as classes de eficiência energética, bem como taxa de juros e tarifas de energia elétrica e, assim, foram calculadas as frações solares anuais. As análises econômicas, utilizando a ferramenta de Benefício Anual Líquido – BAL, mostraram que nem sempre é viável o consumidor residencial utilizar equipamentos mais eficientes, classe A (com o Selo PROCEL).

Geographic variation as a risk factor for digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis patients: a multicentre registry

Objective: To evaluate the influence of geographic variation on the risk of digital ulcer (DU) development in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients.Methods: This cross-sectional, multicentre study evaluated patients with SSc from centres located in different geographic regions of Brazil (subtropical and tropical climate zones). Demographic and clinical data were collected.Results: The study included 141 patients with SSc (26 from the subtropical and 115 from the tropical zone). In total, 43 DUs were observed in 23 (16%) of the patients. By a simple logistic regression model, the presence of DUs was associated with a higher modified Rodnan skin score, previous necrosis or amputation of the extremities, flexion contracture of the fingers, active smoking, higher avascular score on capillaroscopy, higher severity of Raynaud’s phenomenon, a higher Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) score, a higher visual analogue scale score for Raynaud’s phenomenon and overall disease, and the subtropical climate zone. Using multiple logistic regression, the presence of DUs was significantly associated with patients living in the subtropical climate zone [odds ratio (OR) = 5.4, p = 0.002], necrosis or amputation (OR = 5.2, p = 0.011), and a higher HAQ-DI score (OR = 2.6, p = 0.021).Conclusion: In this multicentre study in a continental country with different climates, patients with SSc living in a subtropical climate region had a 5.4 times higher risk of developing DUs than patients living in a warmer region (tropical climate), suggesting a more severe course of peripheral vasculopathy among patients living in geographic regions with relatively cold weather.

Pathological, Immunohistochemical and Molecular Findings Associated with Senecavirus A-Induced Lesions in Neonatal Piglets

This study investigated the cause of the mortality of piglets with cutaneous, enteric and neurological disorders from seven pig farms located in different geographical regions of Brazil. Twelve 1- to 5-day-old piglets were submitted for pathological evaluation. The principal gross findings included faint rib impressions on the pleural surface of the lungs (n=9), diphtheritic glossitis (n=6) and ulcerative lesions at the coronary band (n=5). Histopathology revealed interstitial pneumonia (n=12), myocarditis (n=6), diphtheritic glossitis (n=3), encephalitis (n=3) and atrophy of intestinal villi with vacuolation of the superficial epithelial cells (n=6). Immunohistochemistry with monoclonal antibodies specific for Senecavirus A (SenV-A) demonstrated immunoreactivity of the choroid plexus of the cerebrum, degenerate epithelium of ulcerative lesions of the tongue, the urothelium of the kidney and urinary bladder, and the superficial cells of the intestine. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR), PCR and/or quantitative PCR assays were used to investigate viral agents associated with vesicular and/or enteric diseases. Antigens and RNA of SenV-A were identified in multiple tissues of all piglets; molecular assays for all other viruses evaluated yielded negative results. These findings confirm the participation of SenV-A in the multiple lesions observed in these piglets. Several theories are proposed: SenV-A may be eliminated via the urinary system, neurological disease may occur due to initial invasion of choroid plexus, enteric disease may be related to atrophy and fusion of villi of the small intestine, and vertical transmission could be a form of dissemination.

Mutation (G275E) of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α6 subunit is associated with high levels of resistance to spinosyns in Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

The tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta, now a major pest of tomato crops worldwide, is primarily controlled using chemical insecticides. Recently, high levels of resistance to the insecticide spinosad have been described in T. absoluta populations in Brazil. Selection of a resistant field-collected strain led to very high levels of resistance to spinosad and cross-resistance to spinetoram, but not to other insecticides that target the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). In this study the mechanisms underlying resistance to spinosad were investigated using toxicological, biochemical and molecular approaches. Inhibition of metabolic enzymes using synergists and biochemical assessment of detoxification enzyme activity provided little evidence of metabolic resistance in the selected strain. Cloning and sequencing of the nAChR α6 subunit from T. absoluta, the spinosad target-site, from susceptible and spinosad-resistant strains were done to investigate the role of a target-site mechanism in resistance. A single nucleotide change was identified in exon 9 of the α6 subunit of the resistant strain, resulting in the replacement of the glycine (G) residue at position 275 observed in susceptible T. absoluta strains with a glutamic acid (E). A high-throughput DNA-based diagnostic assay was developed and used to assess the prevalence of the G275E mutation in 17 field populations collected from different geographical regions of Brazil. The resistant allele was found at low frequency, and in the heterozygous form, in seven of these populations but at much higher frequency and in the homozygous form in a population collected in the Iraquara municipality. The frequency of the mutation was significantly correlated with the mortality of these populations in discriminating dose bioassays. In summary our results provide evidence that the G275E mutation is an important mechanism of resistance to spinosyns in T. absoluta, and may be used as a marker for resistance monitoring in field populations.

Study of IRF6 and 8q24 region in non‐syndromic oral clefts in the Brazilian population

ObjectivesWe investigated the association between non‐syndromic oral cleft and variants in IRF6 (rs2235371 and rs642961) and 8q24 region (rs987525) according to the ancestry contribution of the Brazilian population.Subjects and methodsSubjects with oral cleft (CL, CLP, or CP) and their parents were selected from different geographic regions of Brazil. Polymorphisms were genotyped using a TaqMan assay and genomic ancestry was estimated using a panel of 48 INDEL polymorphisms.ResultsA total of 259 probands were analyzed. A TDT detected overtransmission of the rs2235371 G allele (P = 0.0008) in the total sample. A significant association of this allele was also observed in CLP (P = 0.0343) and CLP + CL (P = 0.0027). IRF6 haplotype analysis showed that the G/A haplotype increased the risk for cleft in children (single dose: P = 0.0038, double dose: P = 0.0022) and in mothers (single dose: P = 0.0016). The rs987525 (8q24) also exhibited an association between the A allele and the CLP + CL group (P = 0.0462). These results were confirmed in the probands with European ancestry.ConclusionsThe 8q24 region plays a role in CL/P and the IRF6 G/A haplotype (rs2235371/rs642961) increases the risk for oral cleft in the Brazilian population.

Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Extracts Obtained by Supercritical Extraction and Ethanolic Extraction of Brown, Green and Red Propolis Derived from Different Geographic Regions in Brazil.

The variations in the chemical composition, and consequently, on the biological activity of the propolis, are associated with its type and geographic origin. Considering this fact, this study evaluated propolis extracts obtained by supercritical extraction (SCO2) and ethanolic extraction (EtOH), in eight samples of different types of propolis (red, green and brown), collected from different regions in Brazil. The content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, in vitro antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS), Artepillin C, p-coumaric acid and antimicrobial activity against two bacteria were determined for all extracts. For the EtOH extracts, the anti-proliferative activity regarding the cell lines of B16F10, were also evaluated. Amongst the samples evaluated, the red propolis from the Brazilian Northeast (states of Sergipe and Alagoas) showed the higher biological potential, as well as the larger content of antioxidant compounds. The best results were shown for the extracts obtained through the conventional extraction method (EtOH). However, the highest concentrations of Artepillin C and p-coumaric acid were identified in the extracts from SCO2, indicating a higher selectivity for the extraction of these compounds. It was verified that the composition and biological activity of the Brazilian propolis vary significantly, depending on the type of sample and geographical area of collection.

Health-related quality of life in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus in the different geographical regions of Brazil: data from the Brazilian Type 1 Diabetes Study Group.

BackgroundIn type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) management, enhancing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is as important as good metabolic control and prevention of secondary complications. This study aims to evaluate possible regional differences in HRQoL, demographic features and clinical characteristics of patients with T1DM in Brazil, a country of continental proportions, as well as investigate which variables could influence the HRQoL of these individuals and contribute to these regional disparities.MethodsThis was a retrospective, cross-sectional, multicenter study performed by the Brazilian Type 1 Diabetes Study Group (BrazDiab1SG), by analyzing EuroQol scores from 3005 participants with T1DM, in 28 public clinics, among all geographical regions of Brazil. Data on demography, economic status, chronic complications, glycemic control and lipid profile were also collected.ResultsWe have found that the North-Northeast region presents a higher index in the assessment of the overall health status (EQ-VAS) compared to the Southeast (74.6 ± 30 and 70.4 ± 19, respectively; p < 0.05). In addition, North-Northeast presented a lower frequency of self-reported anxiety-depression compared to all regions of the country (North-Northeast: 1.53 ± 0.6; Southeast: 1.65 ± 0.7; South: 1.72 ± 0.7; Midwest: 1.67 ± 0.7; p < 0.05). These findings could not be entirely explained by the HbA1c levels or the other variables examined.ConclusionsOur study points to the existence of additional factors not yet evaluated that could be determinant in the HRQoL of people with T1DM and contribute to these regional disparities.

A cross-sectional study to assess the prevalence of DSM-5 specific learning disorders in representative school samples from the second to sixth grade in Brazil.

Little is known about specific learning disorder (SLD) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and even less from representative school samples in small size cities outside huge urban centers. Few studies addressed the new DSM-5 criteria for SLDs. We investigated the prevalence of DSM-5 SLDs, their comorbidities and correlates in school samples of students from the second to sixth grades living in median cities from four different geographic regions in Brazil. A national test for academic performance covering reading, writing and mathematical abilities was applied. Psychiatric diagnoses were assessed by the K-SADS-PL applied to the primary caregiver. A total of 1618 children and adolescents were included in the study. The following prevalence rates of SLDs were found: 7.6% for global impairment, 5.4% for writing, 6.0% for arithmetic, and 7.5% for reading impairment. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was the only comorbidity significantly associated with SLD with global impairment (p = 0.031). Anxiety disorders and ADHD were associated with SLD with arithmetic impairment. Significant differences were detected in prevalence rates among cities, and several socio-demographic correlates (age, gender, IQ, and socioeconomic status) were significantly associated with SLD with global impairment in our sample. Careful validation and normatization of instruments to assess academic performance is a major problem in LMICs. As expected, we found a significant heterogeneity in prevalence rates of SLD according to geographic regions considering that Brazil is a country with a robust diversity. SLD with global and arithmetic impairment was significantly associated with psychiatric comorbidities.

Psychometric properties of the self-reporting questionnaire (SRQ-20): Measurement invariance across women from Brazilian community settings

BackgroundSRQ-20 is a validated screening tool for common psychiatric disorders in several countries. Exploration of the latent structure of this instrument resulted in conflicting evidence. This study aimed to explore the latent structure of SRQ-20 among Brazilian women from community settings. We also tested the model invariance across different sociodemographic conditions. MethodsExploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted on a sample of 1668 women from four different geographical regions of Brazil. Invariance of the model was tested through multi-group CFA according to sociodemographic variables. ResultsEFA has shown two potential solutions with two and three factors. CFA resulted in indices of the two-factor solution slightly worse than the three-factor solution. Invariance testing has shown this model was not invariant across cities, but was invariant across different social classes. The structure was also invariant for the two lower educated groups. The respecified model (i.e., excluding item 16) was not invariant across groups with different educational levels. ConclusionThe three-factor solution seems to be the most suitable model of SRQ-20 for Brazilian women in community settings. Furthermore, sociodemographic variables seem to reflect on the latent structure of this instrument. Validation of screening tools should consider sociodemographic variables.

Prevalence of fumonisin-producing Fusarium species in Brazilian corn grains

The aims of this study were to perform morphological and molecular characterization of Fusarium species within the Liseola section isolated from corn grains from different geographic regions in Brazil, and to evaluate their potential for fumonisins production. The results showed that Fusarium verticillioides is the predominant species (99%) associated with corn grains, and other toxigenic species, Fusarium proliferatum, was incidental in Brazilian corn. Although there was a high variability in the total fumonisin production among the isolates (0.01–2.39 μg g−1), all fifty isolates analyzed produce fumonisins. The level of total fumonisin production was not correlated with the geographic origin of the isolates.

Analysis of susceptibility polymorphisms for nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate in the Brazilian population

Although genome-wide association studies have identified several susceptibility loci for nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) in populations around the world, the role of most loci is unknown in the highly heterogeneous Brazilian population. To determine the association of 7 markers that showed genome-wide significant association in Brazilians with NSCL/P, we conducted a structured association study conditioned upon the individual ancestry proportions to evaluate markers at 1p36 (rs742071), 2p21 (rs7590268), 3p11.1 (rs7632427), 8q21.3 (rs12543318), 13q31.1 (rs8001641), 15q22.2 (rs1873147), and 17q22 (rs227731) in 505 patients with NSCL/P and 594 healthy controls recruited from 2 different geographical regions of Brazil. The polymorphisms were genotyped by TaqMan 5'-exonuclease allelic discrimination assay, and each sample was independently typed for 40 biallelic short insertion/deletion markers to characterize the genomic ancestry. After Bonferroni correction for multiple tests, significant associations with NSCL/P were observed for rs742071, rs1873147, and rs227731. However, the frequency of the risk alleles varied between the geographical regions, according to the proportions of European and African genomic ancestry. The group enriched by European ancestry showed significant association with rs227731 (p = 0.001), whereas the group with high African ancestry was significantly associated with rs1873147 polymorphism (p = 0.005). The significant association with rs742071 was only detected in the combined sample (p = 0.005). The findings of the present study revealed the associations of 1p36 (rs742071), 15q22 (rs1873147), and 17p22 (rs227731) with NSCL/P in the Brazilian population, and further confirmed that the genetic heterogeneity of NSCL/P may be related to the different ethnic background of the affected individuals.

Spinocerebellar Ataxias in Brazil—Frequencies and Modulating Effects of Related Genes

This study describes the frequency of spinocerebellar ataxias and of CAG repeats range in different geographical regions of Brazil, and explores the hypothetical role of normal CAG repeats at ATXN1, ATXN2, ATXN3, CACNA1A, and ATXN7 genes on age at onset and on neurological findings. Patients with symptoms and family history compatible with a SCA were recruited in 11 cities of the country; clinical data and DNA samples were collected. Capillary electrophoresis was performed to detect CAG lengths at SCA1, SCA2, SCA3/MJD, SCA6, SCA7, SCA12, SCA17, and DRPLA associated genes, and a repeat primed PCR was used to detect ATTCT expansions at SCA10 gene. Five hundred forty-four patients (359 families) were included. There were 214 SCA3/MJD families (59.6%), 28 SCA2 (7.8%), 20 SCA7 (5.6%), 15 SCA1 (4.2%), 12 SCA10 (3.3%), 5 SCA6 (1.4%), and 65 families without a molecular diagnosis (18.1%). Divergent rates of SCA3/MJD, SCA2, and SCA7 were seen in regions with different ethnic backgrounds. 64.7% of our SCA10 patients presented seizures. Among SCA2 patients, longer ATXN3 CAG alleles were associated with earlier ages at onset (p < 0.036, linear regression). A portrait of SCAs in Brazil was obtained, where variation in frequencies seemed to parallel ethnic differences. New potential interactions between some SCA-related genes were presented.

High frequency of Aichivirus C (porcine kobuvirus) infection in piglets from different geographic regions of Brazil

The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of Aichivirus C infection in the three major industrial pig-producing regions of Brazil. This retrospective study evaluated 63 faecal samples that were collected between 2004 and 2011 from suckling piglets (1 to 3weeks old) belonging to 46 pig herds located in the South, Southeast and Central-west regions of Brazil. The presence of Aichivirus C in the samples was evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay. A 216-bp fragment of the aichivirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene was amplified from 48 out of 63 (76.2%) faecal samples. Aichivirus C was identified in all the evaluated regions, and variations in the frequency of virus detection among the different Brazilian regions were observed. Aichivirus C was detected at significantly higher rates in 2-week-old (18/20; 90.0%) and 3-week-old (19/22; 86.4%) piglets than in 1-week-old piglets (11/21; 52.4%) (P < 0.05). The nucleotide sequences of three amplicons clustered together with other sequences previously isolated in Brazil, revealing that there were no phylogenetic differences in the strains of Aichivirus C by region or age. This study demonstrated that Aichivirus C has been present in Brazilian pig herds for years and has spread to the major pig-producing regions of the country.

Season of birth as a risk factor for multiple sclerosis in Brazil

Risk factors for development of multiple sclerosis (MS) are still a matter of debate. Latitude gradient, vitamin D deficiency and season of birth are among the most investigated environmental factors associated with the disease. Several international studies suggest that birth in spring is a substantial risk factor for MS. We investigated the season of birth as a potential risk for MS in different geographical regions of Brazil. We conducted a cross-sectional retrospective study with 2257 clinically definite MS patients enrolled in 13 Brazilian MS clinics in the south, southeast, and northeast regions of Brazil. Demographic and clinical data relating to date of birth and clinical features of the disease were collected and analysed, and subsequently compared with birth date among the general Brazilian population. The distribution of date of birth of MS patients showed an increase in spring and a decrease in autumn, with no difference being observed in the other seasons. In conclusion, season of birth is a probable risk factor for MS in most parts of Brazil. These findings may be related to the role that vitamin D plays in MS pathogenesis.

Prevalence of pressure ulcers in hospitals in Brazil and association with nutritional status—A multicenter, cross-sectional study

BackgroundPressure ulcers (PU) represent a widespread, painful, and expensive health care problem directly associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and length of hospital stay. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of PU in hospitalised patients in public and private Brazilian institutions and the ulcers’ associations with nutritional status and other risk factors. MethodsA multicenter, cross-sectional, quantitative and qualitative study was carried out in hospitals in different geographic regions of Brazil from March 2009 to February 2011. The prevalence and characteristics of PU, the nutritional status and the association between the presence of PU, and the nutritional status and other study variables were evaluated. The association of the presence of PU with the study variables was performed by univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression models. The final multivariate model was one in which all variables were significant at the 0.05 level. ResultsAccording to the subjective global assessment (SGA), the prevalence of PU was 16.9%, and 52.4% of patients were malnourished. PU and their severity were directly associated with malnutrition (P < 0.05). Patients who are bedridden, who are elderly, who have neurological disorders or cancer, who are staying at a public or private institution, and who are staying at the hospital between 8 d and 15 d had an increased risk of PU (P < 0.05). ConclusionThe prevalence of PU in Brazilian general hospitals is high, and the prevalence of malnutrition is extremely high. Malnourishment is one of the most important risk factors associated with the development and severity of PU in hospitals. Patients who are malnourished are more prone to developing PU.

Identification of Phenotypic and Genotypic Variability among the Isolates of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Ramularia areola&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; of Brazilian Cotton

Genotypic and phenotypic variation among 16 isolates of Ramularia areola of Gossypium hirsutum collected from five different geographical regions of Brazil was studied through virulence spectrum on three cultivars in the glasshouse and through ERIC- and REP-PCR and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA analysis. Difference in virulence spectrum and molecular analysis of some isolates was observed. ERIC- and REP-PCR showed similar results and revealed a high level of diversity among the isolates. A unique profile for both ERIC and REP was obtained for most isolates. On the other hand, the ITS rDNA analysis did not show different PCR-RFLP patterns. While some isolates differed among each other considering genotypic and phenotypic reactions, no clear cut evidence was found about the existence of genetic lineages of R. areola in Brazil. Identification of genetic variability among the R. areola isolates originated from different geographic regions would permit screening of Brazilian germplasm and achieve sources with a wide spectrum of resistance. This is the first report of the genotypic and phenotypic variability among the R. areola isolates originated from five cotton growing regions of Brazil.

Understanding and attitudes of Brazilian men with regard to premenstrual syndrome

ObjectiveTo assess the understanding and attitudes of Brazilian men regarding premenstrual syndrome (PMS). MethodsIn a survey-based study between September 2007 and April 2008, information was collected from men aged 18–40years who were attending public healthcare services or were university and faculty staff at 5 cities in different geographic regions of Brazil and the Federal District. ResultsIn total, 527 men were interviewed. Of these, 86.3% had heard of PMS, and 34.3% reported that it is a natural part of the menstrual cycle. The most commonly reported characteristics of PMS were emotional symptoms (55.2%), including nervousness or anxiety; irritability, anger, or aggressiveness; and a greater tendency to start arguments and fights. A significant relationship was found between men who had heard of PMS and being aged 20–35years, having a university degree, being white, and belonging to a higher socioeconomic stratum (P<0.001). Furthermore, men with a university degree were more likely to know that PMS symptoms occur before menses (P<0.004). ConclusionMany of the men interviewed were knowledgeable about PMS symptoms; however, this awareness was more common among men of higher socioeconomic strata with more years of schooling.