Spermathecae: Morphofunctional features and correlation with fat bodies and trachea in six species of vectors of Chagas disease.

Since spermatheca is able to transport spermatozoa and maintain a specific microenvironment for the storage of viable sperm cells for long periods of time, specific morphofunctional features must be involved in this capacity, and an efficient nutritional and oxygen supply must be required. In this study, we investigated the histological features of spermathecae and fat bodies in six species of three genera of epidemiological importance for Chagas' disease. The association of the reproductive system with the fat bodies and tracheal system was also focused in these species.

[Comparative study between female adolescents with and without sexually transmitted diseases].

Objectives: To learn about some social and behavioral characteristics of female adolescents with Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD), to compare them with adolescents without STD attended at NESA-UERJ (Adolescent Health Study Center of the State University of Rio de Janeiro) and to identify possible risk factors related to STD.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed by interviewing adolescents that sought care at NESA between August/2001 and July/2003. For data analysis, we computed the frequency of variables and compared the two groups of adolescents, with and without STD, performing chi-square test, with a 5% level of significance.

[Sexually transmitted diseases in adolescence: study of risk factors].

Sexually transmitted diseases are frequent in adolescence and facilitates HIV contamination. The early age limit of the first sexual intercourse, the diversity of partners, the habit of not using condoms and illicit drug abuse are pointed out as risk factors for sexual transmitted disease. We interviewed 356 adolescents who sought medical attendance at the Adolescent Health Study Center of The State University of Rio de Janeiro between August/2001 and July/2002 regarding their sexuality and to identify risk behaviors.

[Sexually transmitted diseases and gender: a cross-sectional study with adolescents in Rio de Janeiro].

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are frequent in adolescence and contribute to the increase in the number of AIDS cases. Early sexual initiation, multiple sex partners, and lack of condom use are considered risk factors and are influenced by a male-dominated gender system. We interviewed 356 adolescent patients at the Adolescent Health Research Center in Rio de Janeiro State University to identify possible STD risk factors in adolescence.