[Central nervous system malformations and the presence of the MTHFR-C677T mutation in fetal blood].

Purpose: To evaluate the association between central nervous system (CNS) malformations and the C677T-MTHFR mutation in fetal blood.

Methods: A case-control study was conducted to compare the MTHFR-C677T mutation detected in 78 fetuses with CNS malformations and with 100 morphologically normal fetuses. Genomic DNA was extracted and purified from fetal blood using the Wizard® Genomic DNA Purification Kit (Promega Corp.

Evaluation of functional respiratory parameters in AIDS patients assisted in the infectious diseases ambulatory care clinic of a tertiary care university hospital in Brazil.

Background: Pulmonary function, in HIV infected patients, has been associated with reduction in pulmonary ventilation parameters.

Methods: We conducted a prospective cross sectional study to evaluate the pulmonary function of AIDS patients cared for in the infectious diseases ambulatory care clinic. Maximal inspiratory (P(Imax)) and expiratory (P(Emax)) pressures and spirometry were assessed.

Quality of life, depression and anxiety among pregnant women with previous adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Context And Objective: Previous adverse pregnancy outcomes (recurrent spontaneous abortion, fetal death, preterm birth or early neonatal death) can affect the quality of life of pregnant women. The objective of this study was to compare the quality of life and the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression among pregnant women with and without these antecedents.

Design And Setting: An analytical cross-sectional study was performed in four settings (two high-risk and two low-risk prenatal clinics) in the city of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.