No abstract

Monocercomonas sp. is a flagellate protozoan found in the large intestine of snakes and in insects. Light microscopy revealed the measurements of morphological features of the trophozoites. Scanning electron microscopy showed in detail the emergence of the three anterior flagella, the recurrent flagellum, the axostyle, and the absence of undulating membrane. In addition, we described spherical forms which are probably pseudocysts. The investigation on the occurrence of this process was carried out through the incubation of Monocercomonas sp. trophozoites in several stressful conditions, such as pH change, nutrient depletion and different temperatures. Results revealed high pseudocyst formation at acidic pH values (4.0, 5.0, and 6.0), in absence of serum and in incubation at 37 degrees C. The occurrence of these pseudocystic forms in trichomonads life cycle is under investigation. This study describes the external structure of Monocercomonas sp., as demonstrated by light and scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, to our knowledge, this is the first time that formation of probable pseudocysts is shown in Monocercomonas sp., contributing to the research field on termite protozoa biology.

No abstract

Preeclampsia is the most common hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, often responsible for severe maternal and fetal complications, which can lead to early pregnancy termination and death. Despite the numerous studies, its pathophysiology is still unclear, although it seems to involve a multiplicity of complex factors related to angiogenesis, ineffective vasodilation, oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and endothelial dysfunction. It has been hypothetically suggested that the use of phosphodiesterase inhibitors is capable of improving placental and fetal perfusion, contributing to gestational scenario, by decreasing the symptomatology and severity of this syndrome. In this literature review, it has been found that most of the studies were conducted in animal models, and there is still lack of evidence supporting its use in clinical practice. Research in human indicates conflicting findings; randomized controlled trials were scarce and did not demonstrate any benefit in morbidity or mortality. Data regarding to pathophysiological and interventional research are described and commented in this review. The use of phosphodiesterase inhibitors in the treatment of preeclampsia is controversial and should not be encouraged taking into account recent data.

Antagonizing vasodilation has been considered one of the potential mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. Phosphodiesterases hydrolyze cGMP, interfering with the action of nitric oxide on vascular smooth muscle, thus causing vasoconstriction. We hypothesize that the phosphodiesterases in maternal plasma, phosphodiesterase-5 in particular, may be linked to clinical manifestations in preeclampsia syndrome.

Apesar dos enteroparasitos comprometerem o estado nutricional de idosos e a qualidade da saúde em geral, estudos abordando ocorrência e prevenção de parasitas intestinais, nesse segmento populacional, são escassos. O escopo do presente estudo é analisar o perfil de enteroparasitos nos idosos institucionalizados e funcionários desses lares geriátricos, correlacionando-os com variáveis sóciodemográficas, econômicas, hábitos de higiene e sintomatologia. Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado em Instituições de Longa Permanência na Região Metropolitana de Porto Alegre e na Região Serrana do Rio Grande do Sul. Através da aplicação de questionários e coletas de amostras fecais, 12 lares geriátricos foram pesquisados e 200 amostras de fezes de idosos, com média de idade de 79,4±9,5 anos, foram analisadas pelo exame parasitológico de fezes (EPF). Também coletamos amostras de 26 funcionários (com faixa etária entre 19 a 60 anos). Verificou-se prevalência de 4,0% de enteroparasitoses em relação aos idosos, sendo maior positividade encontrada nas mulheres 4,8% (n=7), enquanto nos homens 1,8% (n=1). Dos quais, 75,0% (n=6) correspondiam a Endolimax nana e 25,0% (n=2) a Entamoeba coli. Identificou-se nos funcionários, prevalência de 19,2%, dos quais 60,0% (n=3) correspondiam a E. nana, 20,0% (n=1) a E. coli e 20,0% (n=1) de biparasitismo. Evidenciamos condições peculiares nestas duas regiões gaúchas. Pois o envelhecimento traz alguns desafios para a sociedade, exigindo implantação e efetivação de políticas públicas sociais e de saúde condizentes com a realidade. Assim, melhoraríamos a qualidade de vida destes idosos e trabalhadores em relação as suas variáveis sociodemográficas, econômicas, hábitos de higiene e sintomatologia.

Os conteúdos deste periódico de acesso aberto estão licenciados sob os termos da Licença Creative Commons Atribuição-UsoNãoComercial-ObrasDerivadasProibidas 3.0 Unported. Interferência da intensidade da atividade aquática nos níveis de pressão arterial em mulheres adultas e idosas