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Três experimentos de competição entre genótipos de feijão-fradinho (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) foram instalados em Coimbra (17 de novembro de 1993), Ponte Nova (19 de novembro de 1993) e Viçosa (1º de dezembro de 1994), municípios da Zona da Mata de Minas Gerais, com o objetivo de avaliar-lhes o comportamento na primavera-verão, nessa região. Foram testados 18 genótipos em 1993 e 10 em 1994. Foi utilizado o delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com três (1993) e quatro (1994) repetições. Os rendimentos variaram de 106 a 2.562 kg/ha. Em 1993, quando houve veranico nas três primeiras semanas de fevereiro, os rendimentos máximos foram de 1.587 (Coimbra) e 1.438 kg/ha (Ponte Nova), obtidos com a linhagem precoce e de porte intermediário IT 85F-2687. Em 1994, quando choveu regularmente até o mês de março, o rendimento máximo (2.562 kg/ha) foi alcançado com a linhagem de ciclo tardio e porte semi-ereto IT 85F-899. A mancha-café (Colletotrichum falcatum f. truncata) foi a única doença observada e as linhagens IT 85F-2687, IT 85D-34284, IT 83S-818, IT 83S-899 e IT 86D-716 foram consideradas resistentes. A primeira colheita foi realizada entre 69 e 79 dias após a emergência, e o período de colheita variou de 16 a 62 dias, dependendo do genótipo e do regime de chuvas.

Abstract Background Lepidium meyenii Walp. (Brassicaceae), known as Maca, is a Peruvian hypocotyl growing exclusively between 4000 and 4500 m altitude in the central Peruvian Andes, particularly in Junin plateau and is used traditionally to enhance fertility. Maca is a cultivated plant and different cultivars are described according to the color of the hypocotyls. Methods The study aimed to elucidate the effect of Yellow, Red and Black Maca on cognitive function and depression in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. In all experiments OVX mice were treated during 21 days and divided in four groups: control group, Yellow Maca, Red Maca and Black Maca. Latent learning was assessed using the water finding task and the antidepressant activity of the three varieties of Maca was evaluated using the forced swimming test. Animals were sacrificed at the end of each treatment and the uterus were excised and weighed. Results Black Maca was the variety that showed the best response in the water finding task, particularly in the trained mice. The three varieties were effective to reduce finding latency in non trained and trained mice (P < 0.05). In the force swimming test, all varieties assessed reduced the time of immobility and increased uterine weight in OVX mice. Conclusion Black Maca appeared to have more beneficial effects on latent learning in OVX mice; meanwhile, all varieties of Maca showed antidepressant activity.

Abstract Background: Left ventricular free wall rupture occurs in up to 10% of the in-hospital deaths following myocardial infarction. It is mainly associated with posterolateral myocardial infarction and its antemortem diagnosis is rarely made. Contrast echocardiography has been increasingly used for the evaluation of myocardial perfusion in patients with acute myocardial infarction, with important prognostic implications. In this case, we reported its use for the detection of a mechanical complication following myocardial infarction. Case presentation: A 50-year-old man with acute myocardial infarction in the lateral wall underwent myocardial contrast echocardiography for the evaluation of myocardial perfusion in the third day post-infarction. A perfusion defect was detected in lateral and inferior walls as well as the presence of contrast extrusion from the left ventricular cavity into the myocardium, forming a serpiginous duct extending from the endocardium to the epicardial region of the lateral wall, without communication with the pericardial space. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis of impending rupture of the left ventricular free wall. While waiting for cardiac surgery, patient presented with cardiogenic shock and died. Anatomopathological findings were consistent with acute myocardial infarction in the lateral wall and a left ventricular free wall rupture at the infarct site. Conclusion: This case illustrates the early diagnosis of left ventricular free wall rupture by contrast echocardiography. Due to its ability to be performed at bedside this modality of imaging has the potential to identify this catastrophic condition in patients with acute myocardial infarction and help to treat these patients with emergent surgery.

Objective: to describe the first cases of microcephaly possibly related to Zika virus in live born babies reported in the Metropolitan Region of Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil., Methods: this was a descriptive case series study (cases reported between August 1st and October 31st 2015), using medical record data and data from a questionnaire answered by the mothers of the babies., Results: 40 microcephaly cases were confirmed, distributed in eight municipalities within the Metropolitan Region, with Recife itself having the highest concentration of cases (n=12); median head circumference was 29 cm, median chest girth was 31 cm and median weight was 2,628 grams; 21/25 cases had brain calcification, ventriculomegaly or lissencephaly; 27 of the 40 mothers reported rash during pregnancy, 20 in the first trimester and 7 in the second trimester, as well as itching, headache, myalgia and absence of fever., Conclusion: the majority of the cases bore the characteristics of congenital infection; the clinical condition of the majority of mothers suggested Zika virus infection during pregnancy.

Background: Diagnosis of cardiac masses is still challenging by echocardiography and distinguishing tumors from thrombi has important therapeutical implications. We sought to determine the diagnostic value of real-time perfusion echocardiography (RTPE) for cardiac masses characterization., Methods: We prospectively studied 86 patients, 23 with malignant tumors (MT), 26 with benign tumors (BT), 33 with thrombi and 6 with pseudotumors who underwent RTPE. Mass perfusion was analyzed qualitatively and blood flow volume (A), blood flow velocity (β), and microvascular blood flow (A x β) were determined by quantitative RTPE., Results: Logistic regression models showed that the probability of having a tumor increased by 15.8 times with a peripheral qualitative perfusion pattern, and 34.5 times with a central perfusion pattern, in comparison with the absence of perfusion. Using quantitative RTPE analysis, thrombi group had parameters of blood flow lower than tumor group. A values for thrombi, MT, and BT were 0.1 dB (0.01-0.22), 2.78 dB (1-7) and 2.58 dB (1.44-5), respectively; p < 0.05, while A x β values were 0.0 dB/s(-1) (0.01-0.14), 2.00 dB/s(-1) (1-6), and 1.18 dB/s(-1) (0.52-3), respectively; p < 0.05. At peak dipyridamole stress, MT had greater microvascular blood volume than BT [A = 4.18 dB (2.14-7.93) versus A = 2.04 dB (1.09-3.55); p < 0.05], but no difference in blood flow [Axβ = 2.46 dB/s(-1) (1.42-4.59) versus Axβ = 1.55 dB/s [1] (0.51-4.08); p = NS]. An A value >3.28 dB at peak dipyridamole stress predicted MT (AUC = 0.75) and conferred 5.8-times higher chance of being MT rather than BT., Conclusion: RTPE demonstrated that cardiac tumors have greater microvascular blood volume and regional blood flow when compared with thrombi. Dipyridamole stress was useful in differentiating MT from BT.

Unlabelled: Benign paroxysmal positioning vertigo (BPPV) is considered as the most common vestibular disease., Aim: to evaluate the age, gender, type and site of the lesion, association with other vestibular diseases, progression, and recurrence in these patients., Material and Method: A retrospective series study. Data from medical reports of BPPV patients examined in series during the past six years were analyzed., Results: prevalences of BPPV were: at age 41-60 years (42.2 %); in females (62.8 %), wit nystagmus and positioning vertigo (81.3%); affecting the posterior canal (87%), unilateral (91.8 %), the right labyrinth (60.2%) - p<0.001). Due to canalithiasis (97.5%), idiopathic (74.8%), association with Menière's disease compared to other affections (55.4%); healing or recovery by means of the particle repositioning maneuver (77.9%); and possible recurrence (21.8% in a one-year follow-up period)., Conclusion: BPPV is characterized by its prevalence at age 41 to 60 years, in females, with nystagmus and positioning vertigo, involving mostly the posterior canal of the right labyrinth, associated with canalithiasis or idiopathic, associated with Menière's disease compared to other affections, healing or recovery by means of particle repositioning maneuver, and possible recurrence.

Radiofrequency ablation of the pulmonary veins has been used to treat patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF), and atrial damage after ablation is an issue of concern. To evaluate left atrial function shortly and midterm after ablation, 33 consecutive patients with paroxysmal AF were studied at baseline, 24 hours, and > or =6 months after ablation. Patients in sinus rhythm with normal ventricular function were included in the study. Echocardiographic measurements of left atrial volumes (Simpson's rule) and transmitral and tissue Doppler myocardial (A') velocities at the septal and lateral mitral annulus were undertaken at each time. Left atrial emptying fraction (EF; maximal - minimal left atrial volume/maximal left atrial volume) was used to express left atrial function. After 8 +/- 2 months, 30 of 33 patients returned (23 men, age 53 +/- 13 years), and all except 2 were in sinus rhythm. Shortly after ablation, left atrial minimal volumes increased (from 30 +/- 15 to 35 +/- 15 ml; p = 0.02), with maximal volumes unchanged, resulting in decreased left atrial EF (from 47 +/- 8 to 40 +/- 7 ml; p <0.05). Tissue Doppler septal A' velocities also decreased (from 8.2 +/- 1.8 to 6.9 +/- 2.0 cm/s; p <0.05). However, after midterm follow-up, both left atrial EF and septal A' velocities had slightly increased compared with shortly after ablation, although left atrial volumes remained similar to baseline. Septal A' velocity changes paralleled left atrial EF both shortly (r = 0.46, p = 0.02) and at midterm after ablation (r = 0.47, p = 0.01). In conclusion, after radiofrequency ablation, patients with paroxysmal AF experienced an initial impairment in atrial function, with improvement at longer term follow-up.

Contrast echocardiography is based on intravenous injection of microbubbles that act as blood flow tracers and increase ultra-sound signal. Contrast agents have shown to improve cardiac cavities opacification and endocardial border delineation in addition to helping perfusion evaluation. Contrast echocardiography has recently been used to evaluate cardiac masses. In this report we will describe three cases evaluated by contrast echocardiography: a left atrial myxoma (benign tumor), a lung adenocarcinoma metastasis (malign tumor), and one thrombus. Contrast echocardiography showed to be valuable in the diagnosis of the different types of cardiac masses.

Objective: The exact determination of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) extent is still a challenging issue. Quantitative myocardial perfusion echocardiography (MPE) with parametric imaging (PI) and gray scale (GS) has been shown to accurately measure infarcted area in animals, but not in human beings. We sought to validate MPE quantification of transmural extent and size of AMI using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a gold standard., Methods: Twenty patients (12 men, 64 +/- 13 years) underwent MPE and MRI between the second and fifth day post-AMI. Infarct area and location, number of involved segments, and transmural extent in each segment were determined by PI using beta value and GS. Results were compared with late enhanced MRI., Results: There was 99% agreement between both methods regarding the segmental location. The correlation between infarct area by MRI and GS was 0.82 (P < .001) whereas MRI and beta PI was 0.92 (P < .001). The correlation between transmural extent by MRI and GS was 0.77 (P < .001), and between MRI and beta PI was 0.93 (P < .001)., Conclusion: There was a good correlation between MPE, in special beta PI, with MRI in measuring infarcted area and its transmural extent in patients with AMI.

Background: Left ventricular free wall rupture occurs in up to 10% of the in-hospital deaths following myocardial infarction. It is mainly associated with posterolateral myocardial infarction and its antemortem diagnosis is rarely made. Contrast echocardiography has been increasingly used for the evaluation of myocardial perfusion in patients with acute myocardial infarction, with important prognostic implications. In this case, we reported its use for the detection of a mechanical complication following myocardial infarction., Case Presentation: A 50-year-old man with acute myocardial infarction in the lateral wall underwent myocardial contrast echocardiography for the evaluation of myocardial perfusion in the third day post-infarction. A perfusion defect was detected in lateral and inferior walls as well as the presence of contrast extrusion from the left ventricular cavity into the myocardium, forming a serpiginous duct extending from the endocardium to the epicardial region of the lateral wall, without communication with the pericardial space. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis of impending rupture of the left ventricular free wall. While waiting for cardiac surgery, patient presented with cardiogenic shock and died. Anatomopathological findings were consistent with acute myocardial infarction in the lateral wall and a left ventricular free wall rupture at the infarct site., Conclusion: This case illustrates the early diagnosis of left ventricular free wall rupture by contrast echocardiography. Due to its ability to be performed at bedside this modality of imaging has the potential to identify this catastrophic condition in patients with acute myocardial infarction and help to treat these patients with emergent surgery.

Objective: We sought to study the value of microvascular perfusion assessed by myocardial contrast echocardiography in predicting left ventricular remodeling after anterior wall acute myocardial infarction., Methods: In 31 patients myocardial contrast echocardiography was performed up to 48 hours after acute myocardial infarction with determination of end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, wall-motion score index, and myocardial perfusion score index (MPSI) at rest and under dobutamine stress at 6 months. Patients were classified into remodeling group (RG) (n = 19) and non-RG (n = 12), and, according to number of segments without opacification, reflow (< or =2 segments, n = 15) and no-reflow (>2 segments, n = 16) groups., Results: Wall-motion score index (1.84 +/- 0.22 vs 1.64 +/- 0.3; P =.049), MPSI (1.53 +/- 0.25 vs 1.26 +/- 0.17; P =.006), and number of segments without contrast (3.11 +/- 2.23 vs 1.08 +/- 1.38; P =.018) were higher in RG than in non-RG. End-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, and wall-motion score index, increased significantly in RG at 6 months and decreased in non-RG. MPSI increased in RG (1.53 +/- 0.25-1.66 +/- 0.21; P =.011) and was the only independent predictor of left ventricular remodeling (odds ratio = 1.8; 95% confidence interval = 1.15-2.82; P =.010). No-reflow group presented 27.8 +/- 19.9% of segments with resting functional recovery or contractile reserve, and reflow group presented 69.9 +/- 31.2% (P <.001)., Conclusion: MPSI obtained 48 hours after acute myocardial infarction is an independent predictor of left ventricular remodeling. Patients with two or fewer segments without opacification revealed a better prognosis of resting ventricular function and contractile reserve.

Background: Left ventricular function changes in the postmenopausal state. However, there are conflicting reports about the effects of oestrogen on left ventricular diastolic function in postmenopausal women., Objective: To evaluate the acute and chronic effects of oestradiol in physiological doses on diastolic heart function in hypertensive postmenopausal women with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction., Methods: A prospective, randomised, double blind, placebo controlled study was used to evaluate the effects of oestradiol in 34 hypertensive women with left ventricular dysfunction. The acute effects of a single 1 mg oral dose of oestradiol or placebo were determined after 90 minutes. The chronic effects of 1 mg oestradiol orally/day or placebo were determined after 12 weeks. Diastolic functional indices (mitral flow and pulmonary venous flow) were assessed by Doppler echocardiography., Results: Though an appropriate serum concentration was achieved, no acute effect of oestradiol administration on left ventricular diastolic function was identified. After 12 weeks of treatment the following changes (mean (SD)) were identified in the oestradiol group: a decrease in isovolumic relaxation time from 127 (23) to 106 (16) ms (p < 0.001), and in the deceleration time of the mitral E wave from 260 (42) to 238 (20) ms (p < 0.05); and an increase in the E/A ratio from 0.8 (0.2) (basal) to 1.0 (0.2) after 12 weeks (p < 0.001)., Conclusions: Hypertensive postmenopausal women who had hormone replacement therapy over a period of 12 weeks had significant improvement in left ventricular diastolic function. No changes were identified following acute administration.

A method for seed proteome analysis using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry is described. The data were used to estimate the genetic diversity degree among twelve genotypes of pepper (Capsicum). The resulting spectra were converted into a binary matrix consisting of 23 protein data sets, and genetic similarity values were calculated with the FreeTree software and Jaccard's coefficient of similarity. We have also been able to identify the presence of certain proteins in the extracts, by checking their masses on on-line databases.

Objective: To assess the effects of carvedilol in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy., Methods: In a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study, 30 patients (7 women) with functional class II and III heart failure were assessed. Their ages ranged from 28 to 66 years (mean of 43 +/- 9 years), and their left ventricular ejection fraction varied from 8% to 35%. Carvedilol was added to the usual therapy of 20 patients; placebo was added to the usual therapy of 10 patients. The initial dose of carvedilol was 12.5 mg, which was increased weekly until it reached 75 mg/day, according to the patient's tolerance. Clinical assessment, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and radionuclide ventriculography were performed in the pretreatment phase, being repeated after 2 and 6 months of medication use., Results: A reduction in heart rate (p = 0.016) as well as an increase in left ventricular shortening fraction (p = 0.02) and in left ventricular ejection fraction (p = 0.017) occurred in the group using carvedilol as compared with that using placebo., Conclusion: Carvedilol added to the usual therapy for heart failure resulted in better heart function.