Governança ambiental e economia verde

A Conferência Rio+20 mobiliza a comunidade global em 2012 para participar de um desafiador debate sobre a realidade ambiental global e modus operandi existente quanto à temática ampla e genérica do desenvolvimento e do ambiente. Um dos temas estruturantes desta reunião é a transição para uma economia verde no contexto do desenvolvimento sustentável e da erradicação da pobreza. O tema da Governança Ambiental Global um dos carros chefe do debate na Rio+20, no intuito de promover e acelerar a transição rumo a sociedades sustentáveis, configura a construção muitas vezes, de forma controversa, das condições para a definição de novos espaços institucionais e processos decisórios compartilhados. Este artigo propõe aos leitores uma reflexão para discutir que tipo de sustentabilidade está por trás da economia verde, a sua aplicabilidade e o que deva ser priorizada na discussão de governança ambiental. Isto se explica na medida em que existe a necessidade de mudar os mecanismos de utilização dos recursos, profundamente injustos, e que impedem avanços nos processos decisórios, pois as decisões de poucos tem configurado uma lógica perversa de expropriação de recursos naturais e não resolução da exclusão social.

Transplantation for Autoimmune Diseases in North and South America: A Report of the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is an emerging therapy for patients with severe autoimmune diseases (AID). We report data on 368 patients with AID who underwent HCT in 64 North and South American transplantation centers reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research between 1996 and 2009. Most of the HCTs involved autologous grafts (n = 339); allogeneic HCT (n = 29) was done mostly in children. The most common indications for HCT were multiple sclerosis, systemic sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. The median age at transplantation was 38 years for autologous HCT and 25 years for allogeneic HCT. The corresponding times from diagnosis to HCT were 35 months and 24 months. Three-year overall survival after autologous HCT was 86% (95% confidence interval [CI], 81%-91%). Median follow-up of survivors was 31 months (range, 1-144 months). The most common causes of death were AID progression, infections, and organ failure. On multivariate analysis, the risk of death was higher in patients at centers that performed fewer than 5 autologous HCTs (relative risk, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.1-11.1; P = .03) and those that performed 5 to 15 autologous HCTs for AID during the study period (relative risk, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.5-11.7; P = .006) compared with patients at centers that performed more than 15 autologous HCTs for AID during the study period. AID is an emerging indication for HCT in the region. Collaboration of hematologists and other disease specialists with an outcomes database is important to promote optimal patient selection, analysis of the impact of prognostic variables and long-term outcomes, and development of clinical trials. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 18: 1471-1478 (2012) (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation

delta-Lactam derivative from thermophilic soil fungus exhibits in vitro anti-allergic activity

From cultures of thermophilic soil fungus Humicola grisea var thermoidea, a delta-lactam derivative (3-(2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-oxoethyl)-5,6-dihydropyridin-2( 1H)-one) that displayed anti-allergic activity was isolated, which was predicted by in silico computational chemistry approaches. The in vitro anti-allergic activity was investigated by beta-hexosaminidase release assay in rat basophilic leukaemia RBL-2H3 cells. The delta-lactam derivative exhibited similar anti-allergic activity (IC50 = 18.7 +/- 6.7 mu M) in comparison with ketotifen fumarate (IC50 = 15.0 +/- 1.3 mu M) and stronger anti-allergic activity than azelastine (IC50 = 32.0 mu M). Also, the MTT cytotoxicity assay with RBL-2H3 cells showed that delta-lactam does not display cytotoxicity at concentrations lower than 50 mu M. This study suggests that the delta-lactam derivative has the potential to be used as a lead compound in the development of anti-allergic drugs for clinical use in humans.

Oxidized low-density lipoproteins and their antibodies: Relationships with the reverse cholesterol transport and carotid atherosclerosis in adults without cardiovascular diseases

Background: Metabolic predictors and the atherogenicity of oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and the specific antibodies against oxLDL (oxLDL Ab) are unclear and controversial. Methods: In 107 adults without atherosclerotic manifestations, we measured oxLDL and oxLDL Ab, and also the activities of CETP. PLTP, lipases and the carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT). Comparisons were performed for the studied parameters between the lowest and the highest tertile of oxLDL and oxLDL Ab, and the relationships between studied variables were evaluated. Results: Subjects with higher oxLDL Ab present reduced hepatic lipase activity and borderline increased cIMT. In the highest oxLDL tertile, besides the higher levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C and apoB100, we found reduced CETP activity and higher cIMT. A significant correlation between oxLDL Ab and cIMT, independent of oxLDL, and a borderline correlation between oxLDL and cIMT independent of oxLDL Ab were found. In the multivariate analysis, apoAl was a significant predictor of oxLDL Ab, in contrast to regulation of oxLDL by apoB100, PLTP and inverse of CETP. Conclusions: In adults without atherosclerotic disease, the metabolic regulation and carotid atherosclerosis of oxLDLAb and oxLDL groups, characterized a dual trait in oxLDL Ab, as a contributor to carotid atherosclerosis, much less so than oxidized LDL, and with a modest atheroprotective role. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Spiranthera odoratissima A. St.-Hil. leaves involves reduction of TNF-alpha

Spiranthera odoratissima A. St.-Hil., 'manaca', is a medicinal species used in Brazil, especially in central region, for the treatment of several diseases such as pain and inflammation. In this study, the methanol/aqueous phase of the ethanol extract of the leaves of 'manaca' (MAP), at the doses of 50, 150 and 500 mg/kg was used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and/or antinociceptive effects and the possible anti-inflammatory mechanism. The antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of MAP were assessed using formalin test, carrageenan-induced paw oedema. The myeloperoxidase activity, capillary permeability, leukocyte migration and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) levels were evaluated in pleural exudate. The MAP reduced the licking time only in the later phase of formalin test, and showed anti-inflammatory activity by reducing the paw oedema, migration cell, myeloperoxidase activity, capillary permeability and TNF-alpha levels. In conclusion, we confirmed the inflammatory activity of MAP and affirm that this effect involves the reduction of TNF-alpha level.

Correlations of CTLA-4 gene polymorphisms and hepatitis C chronic infection

Background: Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated factor 4 (CTLA-4) functions as a negative regulator of T cell-mediated immune response. Molecular changes associated to CTLA-4 gene polymorphisms could reduce its ability to suppress and control lymphocyte proliferation. Aims: To evaluate the frequency of CTLA-4 gene polymorphisms in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected patients and correlate to clinical and histological findings. Methods: We evaluated 112 HCV-infected subjects prospectively selected and 183 healthy controls. Clinical and liver histological data were analysed. - 318C > T, A49G and CT60 CTLA-4 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were studied by PCR-RFLP and AT(n) polymorphism by DNA fragment analysis by capillary electrophoresis in automatic sequencer. Results: Eight AT repetitions in 3' UTR region were more frequent in HCV-infected subjects. We found a positive association of -318C and + 49G with HCV genotype 3 (P = 0.008, OR 9.13, P = 0.004, OR 2.49 respectively) and an inverse association of both alleles with HCV genotype 1 (P = 0.020, OR 0.19, P = 0.002, OR 0.38 respectively). Allele + 49G was also associated to aminotransferases quotients > 3 (qALT, P = 0.034, qAST, P = 0.041). Allele G of CT60 SNP was also associated with qAST > 3 (P = 0.012). Increased number of AT repetitions was positively associated to severe necroinflammatory activity scores in liver biopsies (P = 0.045, OR 4.62). Conclusion: CTLA-4 gene polymorphisms were associated to HCVinfection. Eight AT repetitions were more prevalent in HCV-infected subjects. - 318C and + 49G alleles were associated to genotypes 1 and 3 infections and increased number of AT repetitions in 3' UTR region favoured severe necroinflammatory activity scores in liver biopsies.

Cyclooxygenase inhibitory properties of nor-neolignans from Styrax pohlii

Chemical investigation of the n-hexane and EtOAc fractions of the ethanolic extract from Styrax pohlii (Styracaceae) aerial parts resulted in the isolation of the benzofuran nor-neolignan derivatives egonol (1), homoegonol (2), homoegonol gentiobioside (3), homoegonol glucoside (4) and egonol gentiobioside (5). This is the first report of compounds 1-5 in S. pohlii. Compounds 1-5, the acetyl derivatives 1a and 2a, the ethanolic extract (EE), the n-hexane fraction (HF) and EtOAc fraction (EF) were tested for their inhibitory activities against COX-1 and COX-2. The results showed that EE, HF, EF and compounds 1-5 and 1 a-2 a shown weak to moderate inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2. Among the assayed nor-neolignans, 4 gave a COX-1 inhibition of 35.7% at 30 mu M. Compound 5 displayed a COX-2 inhibition of 19.7% at 30 mu M.

IL28B polymorphisms are markers of therapy response and are influenced by genetic ancestry in chronic hepatitis C patients from an admixed population

Background: IL28B polymorphisms are predictors of therapy response in hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients. We do not know whether they are markers of treatment response in admixed populations or not. Aims: To determine whether IL28B polymorphisms are predictors of therapy response in patients with HCV from an admixed population and are influenced by genetic ancestry. Methods: rs12979860 and rs8099917 were genotyped in 222 HCV patients treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Ancestry was determined using genetic markers. Results: IL28B rs12979860 C/C was associated with sustained virological response (SVR), whereas C/T and T/T were associated with failure to therapy (P = 1.12 x 10(-5)). IL28B rs8099917 T/T was associated with SVR, and G/G and G/T were associated with nonresponse/ relapse (NR/R) (P = 8.00 x 10(-3)). Among HCV genotype 1 patients with C/C genotype, genomic ancestry did not interfere with therapy response. Among patients with rs12979860 T/T genotype, African genetic contribution was greater in the NR/R group (P = 1.51 x 10(-3)), whereas Amerindian and European genetic ancestry contribution were higher in the SVR group (P = 3.77 x 10(-3) and P = 2.16 x 10(-2) respectively). Among HCV type 1 patients with rs8099917 T/T, African genetic contribution was significantly greater in the NR/R group (P = 5.0 x 10(-3)); Amerindian and European ancestry genetic contribution were greater in the SVR group. Conclusion: IL28B rs12979860 and rs8099917 polymorphisms were predictors of therapy response in HCV genotypes 1, 2 and 3 subjects from an admixed population. Genomic ancestry did not interfere with response to therapy in patients with rs12979860 C/C, whereas it interfered in patients with C/T and T/T genotypes. Among HCV genotype 1 rs8099917 T/T patients, genomic ancestry interfered with response to therapy.

Secondary metabolites isolated from Piper chimonantifolium and their antifungal activity

In this study, the CH2Cl2 extract from leaves of Piper chimonantifolium was subjected to several chromatographic separation procedures to afford one chromene (gaudichaudianic acid) as a major compound as well as two flavonoids (dihydrooroxylin and pinocembrin) and three steroids (sitosterol, sitosteryl palmitate and stigmasterol). The structures of all determined compounds were characterised by spectrometric analysis, mainly mass spectrometry and NMR, as well as their optical properties. This article describes the first phytochemical study of the leaves of P. chimonantifolium and an evaluation of the antifungal activity of its major compounds.

Comparison of microsatellites and isozymes in genetic diversity studies of Oryza glumaepatula (Poaceae) populations

The study of the genetic structure of wild plant populations is essential for their management and conservation. Several DNA markers have been used in such studies, as well as isozyme markers. In order to provide a better comprehension of the results obtained and a comparison between markers which will help choose tools for future studies in natural populations of Oryza glumaepatula, a predominantly autogamous species, this study used both isozymes and microsatellites to assess the genetic diversity and genetic structure of 13 populations, pointing to similarities and divergences of each marker, and evaluating the relative importance of the results for studies of population genetics and conservation. A bulk sample for each population was obtained, by sampling two to three seeds of each plant, up to a set of 50 seeds. Amplified products of eight SSR loci were electrophoresed on non-denaturing polyacrylamide gels, and the fragments were visualized using silver staining procedure. Isozyme analyses were conducted in polyacrylamide gels, under a discontinuous system, using six enzymatic loci. SSR loci showed higher mean levels of genetic diversity (A=2.83, p=0.71, A(P)=3.17, H-o=0.081, H-e=0.351) than isozyme loci (A=1.20, p=0.20, A(P)=1.38, H-o=0.006, H-e=0.056). Interpopulation genetic differentiation detected by SSR loci (R-ST=0.631, equivalent to F-ST=0.533) was lower than that obtained with isozymes (F-ST=0.772). However, both markers showed high deviation from Hardy-Weinberg expectations (F-IS=0.744 and 0.899, respectively for SSR and isozymes). The mean apparent outcrossing rate for SSR ((t) over bar (a)=0.14) was higher than that obtained using isozymes ((t) over bar (a)=0.043), although both markers detected lower levels of outcrossing in Amazonia compared to the Pantanal. The migrant number estimation was also higher for SSR (Nm=0.219) than isozymes (Nm=0.074), although a small number for both markers was expected due to the mode of reproduction of this species, defined as mixed with predominance of self fertilization. No correlation was obtained between genetic and geographic distances with SSR, but a positive correlation was found between genetic and geographic distances with isozymes. We conclude that these markers are divergent in detecting genetic diversity parameters in O. glumaepatula and that microsatellites are powerful for detecting information at the intra-population level, while isozymes are more powerful for inter-population diversity, since clustering of populations agreed with the expectations based on the geographic distribution of the populations using this marker. Rev. Biol. Trop. 60 (4): 1463-1478. Epub 2012 December 01.

The neonatal immune system: immunomodulation of infections in early life

The innate and adaptive immune responses in neonates are usually functionally impaired when compared with their adult counterparts. The qualitative and quantitative differences in the neonatal immune response put them at risk for the development of bacterial and viral infections, resulting in increased mortality. Newborns often exhibit decreased production of Th1-polarizing cytokines and are biased toward Th2-type responses. Studies aimed at understanding the plasticity of the immune response in the neonatal and early infant periods or that seek to improve neonatal innate immune function with adjuvants or special formulations are crucial for preventing the infectious disease burden in this susceptible group. Considerable studies focused on identifying potential immunomodulatory therapies have been performed in murine models. This article highlights the strategies used in the emerging field of immunomodulation in bacterial and viral pathogens, focusing on preclinical studies carried out in animal models with particular emphasis on neonatal-specific immune deficits.

Congenital Chagas disease: time to screen pregnant women?

The congenital transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi has gained epidemiological importance because it is partially responsible for the spread of Chagas disease worldwide. The feasibility of a cure when infected children are treated early makes the detection of congenital infection a valuable goal toward the control of the disease. Here, the authors review and discuss the findings of Bua et al., who quantified the parasitemia of infected women and their newborns by quantitative PCR. The authors demonstrate that the maternal parasite burden is directly related to the risk of neonatal infection. This study points out the importance of a quantitative screen for T. cruzi in pregnant women who live in, or have traveled to, endemic areas for improving the diagnosis of infected newborns and providing prompt treatment.

Can an immune-regulatory vaccine prevent HIV infection?

Developing vaccines to prevent the establishment of HIV infection has been fraught with difficulties. It might therefore be important to consider other new strategies. Since several studies suggest that anti-inflammatory stimuli can protect from HIV infection and because HIV replicates preferably in activated T cells, we suggest here that the reduction of immune activation through a HIV-specific regulatory T-cell vaccine might thwart early viral replication. Thus, because immune activation is a good predictor of disease progression and the immune activation set point has been shown to be an early event during HIV infection, vaccinating to achieve control of early virus-specific immune activation might be advantageous.

The efficacy of chemical agents in cleaning and disinfection programs

Abstract Background Due to the growing number of outbreaks of infection in hospital nurseries, it becomes essential to set up a sanitation program that indicates that the appropriate chemical agent was chosen for application in the most effective way. Method For the purpose of evaluating the efficacy of a chemical agent, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was reached by the classic method of successive broth dilutions. The reference bacteria utilized were Bacillus subtilis var. globigii ATCC 9372, Bacillus stearothermophilus ATCC 7953, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. The strains of Enterobacter cloacae IAL 1976 (Adolfo Lutz Institute), Serratia marcescens IAL 1478 and Acinetobactev calcoaceticus IAL 124 (ATCC 19606), were isolated from material collected from babies involved in outbreaks of infection in hospital nurseries. Results The MIC intervals, which reduced bacteria populations over 08 log10, were: 59 to 156 mg/L of quaternarium ammonium compounds (QACs); 63 to 10000 mg/L of chlorhexidine digluconate; 1375 to 3250 mg/L of glutaraldehyde; 39 to 246 mg/L of formaldehyde; 43750 to 87500 mg/L of isopropanol or ethanol; 1250 to 6250 mg/L of iodine in polyvinyl-pyrolidone complexes, 150 to 4491 mg/L of chlorine-releasing-agents (CRAs); 469 to 2500 mg/L of hydrogen peroxide; and, 2310 to 18500 mg/L of peracetic acid. Conclusions Chlorhexidine showed non inhibitory activity over germinating spores. A. calcoaceticus, was observed to show resistance to the majority of the agents tested, followed by E. cloacae and S. marcescens.

Hurdles at work: perceptions of hospital food handlers

Abstract Background Food handlers have a very important role in preventing food contamination during its preparation and distribution. This responsibility is even greater in hospitals, since a large number of patients have low immunity and consequently food contamination by pathogenic bacteria could be particularly harmful. Therefore, a good working environment and periodic training should be provided to food handlers by upper management. Methods This study is qualitative research by means of focus group and thematic content analysis methodologies to examine, in detail, the statements by food handlers working in the milk and specific-diet kitchens in a hospital to understand the problems they face in the workplace. Results We found that food handlers are aware of the role they play in restoring patients' health; they consider it important to offer a good-quality diet. However, according to their perceptions, a number of difficulties prevent them from reaching this aim. These include: upper management not prioritizing human and material resources to the dietetic services when making resource allocation decisions; a perception that upper management considers their work to be of lesser importance; delayed overtime payments; lack of periodic training; managers lacking administrative skills; insufficient dietitian staff assistants, leading to overwork, at the same time as there is an excess of dietitians; unhealthy environmental working conditions – high temperature, high humidity, loud and constant noise level, poor ventilation; lack of food, and kitchen utensils and equipment; and relationship conflicts with chief dieticians and co-workers. Conclusion From these findings, improvement in staff motivation could be achieved by considering non-financial incentives, such as improvement in working conditions and showing appreciation and respect through supervision, training and performance appraisal. Management action, such as investments in intermediary management so that managers have the capacity to provide supportive supervision, as well as better use of performance appraisal and access to training, may help overcome the identified problems.