EVALUATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF THE PROTEINIC QUALITY OF THE GENETICALLY MODIFIED AND ORGANIC SOY BEANS IN THE GROWTH OF TWO GENERATIONS OF RATS WISTAR

Feijo, T.S., Cardozo, SX, Daleprane, J.B., Sabaa Srur, A.U.O. & Boaventura, G.T. [Evaluation of the influence of the proteinic quality of the genetically modified and organic soy beans in the growth of two generations of rats Wistar.] Avaliacao da influencia da qualidade proteica da soja geneticamente modificada e organica no crescimento de duas geracoes de ratos Wistar. Revista Brasileira de Medicina Veterinaria, 31(3):139-144, 2009. Programa de Pos-Graduacao em Patologia, Hospital Universitario Antonio Pedro. Centro de Ciencias Medicas, Universidade Federal Fluminense. Rua Marques do Parana, 303, Niteroi, RJ 24030-210, Brasil. E-mail: sergian@ufnj.br Sixty four Wistar rats, male of two consecutive generations determined as F(0) and F(1) were used to study the cumulative effect of two variety soy beans, cultivated with organic seasoning and genetically modified, The animals of each generation were divided into three groups of eight rats each fed on diets consisted of organic soy, soy genetically modified and casein respectively. All the animals received water and the diet ad libitum for period of 28 days. Where the diet consumption and the animals weight were evaluated. After statistic analysis of the results no expressive differences were observed on diet consumption, weight variation, protein efficient ratio and food efficiency ratio on same group of animals in the different generations. On the other hand, significant difference was found on final proteinic retention on animal descendants of the same groups; however of different generations. With this, the supplementation of organic soy with L-cistin provided better avail of this protein in relation to the protein of the soy genetically modified. However, this supplementation did not reveal efficiency in keeping the proteinic employment from one generation to another one, since soy varieties presented better performance on F(0) generation when compared with F(1).

WHO comparative evaluation of serologic assays for Chagas disease

Evaluation of commercially available test kits for Chagas disease for use in blood bank screening is difficult due to a lack of large and well-characterized specimen panels. This study presents a collaborative effort of Latin American blood centers and the World Health Organization (WHO) to establish such a panel. A total of 437 specimens, from 10 countries were collected and sent to the WHO Collaborating Center in Sao Paulo and used to evaluate 19 screening assays during 2001 through 2005. Specimens were assigned a positive or negative status based on concordant results in at least three of the four confirmatory assays (indirect immunofluorescence, Western blot, radioimmunoprecipitation assay, and recombinant immunoblot). Of the 437 specimens, 168 (39%) were characterized as positive, 262 (61%) were characterized as negative, and 7 (2%) were judged inconclusive and excluded from the analysis. Sensitivity and specificity varied considerably: 88 to 100 and 60 to 100 percent, respectively. Overall, enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) performed better than the other screening assays. Four EIAs had both parameters higher than 99 percent. Of the four confirmatory assays, only the RIPA gave a 100 percent agreement with the final serologic status of the specimens. The sensitivities and specificities of at least four of the commercially available EIAs for Chagas disease are probably high enough to justify their use for single-assay screening of blood donations. Our data suggest that the majority of commercially available indirect hemagglutination assays should not be used for blood donor screening and that the RIPA could be considered a gold standard for evaluating the performance of other assays.

Cell cycle arrest evidence, parasiticidal and bactericidal properties induced by L-amino acid oxidase from Bothrops atrox snake venom

The present article describes an L-amino acid oxidase from Bothrops atrox snake venom as with antiprotozoal activities in Trypanosoma cruzi and in different species of Leishmania (Leishmania braziliensis, Leishmania donovani and Leishmania major). Leishmanicidal effects were inhibited by catalase, suggesting that they are mediated by H(2)O(2) production. Leishmania spp. cause a spectrum of diseases, ranging from self-healing ulcers to disseminated and often fatal infections, depending on the species involved and the host`s immune response. BatroxLAAO also displays bactericidal activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The apoptosis induced by BatroxLAAO on HL-60 cell lines and PBMC cells was determined by morphological cell evaluation using a mix of fluorescent dyes. As revealed by flow cytometry analysis, suppression of cell proliferation with BatroxLAAO was accompanied by the significant accumulation of cells in the G0/G1 phase boundary in HL-60 cells. BatroxLAAO at 25 mu g/mL and 50 mu g/mL blocked G0-G1 transition, resulting in G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest, thereby delaying the progression of cells through S and G2/M phase in HL-60 cells. This was shown by an accentuated decrease in the proportion of cells in S phase, and the almost absence of G2/M phase cell population. BatroxLAAO is an interesting enzyme that provides a better understanding of the ophidian envenomation mechanism, and has biotechnological potential as a model for therapeutic agents. (C) 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

CHARACTERIZATION OF AGROINDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE SUCRO-ENERGETIC SECTORS OF BRASIL AND COLOMBIA

Concern about the growing demand of food and fuel has focused the attention on countries with conditions to provide for global requirements. Also, the build-up of an environmental awareness has compelled several governments to implement programs for the addition of biofuels to oil derivatives. Considering their relevance as world and South American producers, this study makes a characterization of the sucro-energetic sectors of Brazil and Colombia, based on a view of agro-industrial systems, industrial organization and transaction cost economy. The approach followed considered of a secondary information survey and in-depth interviews. The main differences found are centered on institutional development level and production volumes. However, the use of the same raw material, sugarcane, trade opening policies, cultural approaches and regional integration, are factors that could generate links of commercial exchange and technological cooperation between the two countries.

A second known species of Eratomyia Amorim & Rindal (Diptera, Rangomaramidae, Chiletrichinae) from Colombia

A second species of the genus Eratomyia Amorim & Rindal-E. risaralda, sp. n.-is described from Risaralda, Colombia, based on one male and three females. The female of Eratomyia is described for the first time. A number of striking modifications in the female terminalia shared with Chiletricha Chandler support the hypothesis that they are sister genera within the Rangomaramidae. The position of Chiletricha and Eratomyia within the Chiletrichinae is discussed.

Lung Diffusing Capacity Relates Better to Short-Term Progression on HRCT Abnormalities Than Spirometry in Mild Asbestosis

Background Pulmonary function tests (PFT), particularly spirometry and lung diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DL(CO)), have been considered useful methods for the detection of the progression of interstitial asbestos abnormalities as indicated by high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). However, it is currently unknown which of these two tests correlates best with anatomical changes over time. Methods In this study, we contrasted longitudinal changes (3-9 years follow-up) in PFTs at rest and during exercise with interstitial abnormalities evaluated by HRCT in 63 ex-workers with mild-to-moderate asbestosis. Results At baseline, patients presented with low-grade asbestosis (Huuskonen classes I-II), and most PFT results were within the limits of normality. In the follow-up, most subjects had normal spirometry, static lung volumes and arterial blood gases. In contrast, frequency of DL(CO) abnormalities almost doubled (P < 0.05). Twenty-three (36.5%) subjects increased the interstitial marks on HRCT. These had significantly larger declines in DL(CO) compared to patients who remained stable (0.88 vs. 0.31 ml/min/mm Hg/year and 3.5 vs. 1.2%/year, respectively; P < 0.05). In contrast, no between-group differences were found for the other functional tests, including spirometry (P > 0.05). Conclusions These data demonstrate that the functional consequences of progression of HRCT abnormalities in mild-to-moderate asbestosis are better reflected by decrements in DL(CO) than by spirometric changes. These results might have important practical implications for medico-legal evaluation of this patient population. Am. J. Ind. Med. 54:185-193, 2011. (c) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Better CD4+T Cell Recovery in Brazilian HIV-Infected Individuals Under HAART Due to Cumulative Carriage of SDF-1-3`A, CCR2-V64I, CCR5-D32 and CCR5-Promoter 59029A/G Polymorphisms

Polymorphisms of chemokines and chemokine-receptors genes have been shown to influence the rate of progression to AIDS; however, their influence on response to HAART remains unclear. We investigated the frequency of the SDF-1-3`A, CCR2-64I, CCR5-D32 and CCR5-Promoter-59029-A/G polymorphisms in Brazilian HIV-1-infected and uninfected individuals and their influence on CD4+ T-cell evolution HIV-1 infected individuals before and during HAART. Polymorphism detection was done in a transversal study of 200 HIV-1-infected and 82 uninfected individuals. The rate of CD4+ T cell increase or decrease was studied in a cohort of 155 HIV-1 infected individuals on pre and post-HAART. Polymorphisms were determined by PCR associated with RFLP. The rate of CD4+ T-cell decline or increase was also determined. HIV-1 infected and uninfected subjects showed, respectively, frequencies of 0.193 and 0.220 for SDF-1-3`A, of 0.140 and 0.110 for CCR2-V64I, of 0.038 and 0.055 for CCR5-D32, and of 0.442 and 0.390 for CCR5-P-59029-A/G. HIV-1-infected subjects carrying one, two or three of these four polymorphisms showed better CD4+ T-cell recovery than HIV-1-infected subjects carrying the four wild-type alleles (+2.7, +1.6, +3.5, and -0.9 lymphocytes/mu l/month, respectively). Regression logistic analysis showed that the CCR5-D32/CCR2-V64I association was predictor of positive CD4+ T cell slope after HAART. The distribution of polymorphisms did not differ between HIV-1-infected and uninfected individuals, but differed from more homogenous ethnic groups probably reflecting the miscegenation of the Brazilian population. We add further evidence of the role of these polymorphisms by showing that the CD4 gain was influenced by carriage of one or more of the polymorphisms studied here. These results highlight the possibility that these genetic traits can be useful to identify patients at risk for faster progression to AIDS or therapeutic failure.

Molecular characterization of the Hepatitis B virus genotypes in Colombia: A Bayesian inference on the genotype F

Hepatitis B is a worldwide health problem affecting about 2 billion people and more than 350 million are chronic carriers of the virus. Nine HBV genotypes (A to I) have been described. The geographical distribution of HBV genotypes is not completely understood due to the limited number of samples from some parts of the world. One such example is Colombia, in which few studies have described the HBV genotypes. In this study, we characterized HBV genotypes in 143 HBsAg-positive volunteer blood donors from Colombia. A fragment of 1306 bp partially comprising HBsAg and the DNA polymerase coding regions (S/POL) was amplified and sequenced. Bayesian phylogenetic analyses were conducted using the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) approach to obtain the maximum clade credibility (MCC) tree using BEAST v.1.5.3. Of all samples, 68 were positive and 52 were successfully sequenced. Genotype F was the most prevalent in this population (77%) - subgenotypes F3 (75%) and Fib (2%). Genotype G (7.7%) and subgenotype A2 (15.3%) were also found. Genotype G sequence analysis suggests distinct introductions of this genotype in the country. Furthermore, we estimated the time of the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) for each HBV/F subgenotype and also for Colombian F3 sequences using two different datasets: (i) 77 sequences comprising 1306 bp of S/POL region and (ii) 283 sequences comprising 681 bp of S/POL region. We also used two other previously estimated evolutionary rates: (i) 2.60 x 10(-4) s/s/y and (ii) 1.5 x 10(-5) s/s/y. Here we report the HBV genotypes circulating in Colombia and estimated the TMRCA for the four different subgenotypes of genotype F. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Molecular Characterization, Distribution, and Dynamics of Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes in Blood Donors in Colombia

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a frequent cause of acute and chronic hepatitis and a leading cause for cirrhosis of the liver and hepatocellular carcinoma. HCV is classified in six major genotypes and more than 70 subtypes. In Colombian blood banks, serum samples were tested for anti-HCV antibodies using a third-generation ELISA. The aim of this study was to characterize the viral sequences in plasma of 184 volunteer blood donors who attended the ""Banco Nacional de Sangre de la Cruz Roja Colombiana,`` Bogota, Colombia. Three different HCV genomic regions were amplified by nested PCR. The first of these was a segment of 180 bp of the 5`UTR region to confirm the previous diagnosis by ELISA. From those that were positive to the 5`UTR region, two further segments were amplified for genotyping and subtyping by phylogenetic analysis: a segment of 380 bp from the NS5B region; and a segment of 391 bp from the E1 region. The distribution of HCV subtypes was: 1b (82.8%), 1a (5.7%), 2a (5.7%), 2b (2.8%), and 3a (2.8%). By applying Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation, it was estimated that HCV-1b was introduced into Bogota around 1950. Also, this subtype spread at an exponential rate between about 1970 to about 1990, after which transmission of HCV was reduced by anti-HCV testing of this population. Among Colombian blood donors, HCV genotype 1b is the most frequent genotype, especially in large urban conglomerates such as Bogota, as is the case in other South American countries. J. Med. Virol. 82: 1889-1898, 2010. (C) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

A better understanding of urogenital tuberculosis pathophysiology based on radiological findings

Purpose: To assess the radiological findings of urogenital tuberculosis (UGT) in patients at different disease stages, for a better understanding of its pathophysiology. Patients and methods: We retrospectively reviewed the radiological exams of 20 men (median age 41 years; range: 28-65) with urogenital tuberculosis diagnosis. The patients were classified in the following groups: (1) bilateral renal tuberculosis with predominantly parenchymatous involvement; (2) unilateral renal tuberculosis; (3) unilateral renal tuberculosis with bladder tuberculosis and (4) bilateral renal tuberculosis with bladder tuberculosis. Results: One AIDS patient had multiple bilateral renal tuberculosis abscesses (group 1). Six patients had unilateral renal tuberculosis with hydronephrosis due to stenosis and thickening of the collecting system, without involvement of the bladder or contralateral kidney (group 2). Six patients had bladder tuberculosis with diffuse thickening of the bladder wall, with one very low or no function kidney while the other kidney was normal (group 3). Seven patients had bladder tuberculosis associated to a very low or no function kidney with the other kidney with high-grade vesicoureteral reflux-associated ureterohydronephrosis (group 4). In two patients, sequential exams showed evolution of tuberculosis from a unilateral renal and ureteral lesion to contracted bladder and dilatation of the contralateral kidney secondary to high-grade reflux. Conclusions: UGT may have variable radiological presentations. However, in two of our cases we have seen that tuberculosis involvement of the urinary tract may be sequential. Further evidences are necessary to confirm this hypothesis. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nitinol biliary stent versus surgery for palliation of distal malignant biliary obstruction

Background Curative resection of pancreatic and biliary malignancies is rare. Most tumors are inoperable at presentation, and palliation of jaundice often is the goal. Biliary decompression can be achieved by surgical diversion or endoscopic biliary stents. This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes between surgical bypass and endoscopic uncovered nitinol stents in the palliation of patients with malignant distal common bile duct obstruction. Methods A multicenter, retrospective, cohort study investigated 86 patients with inoperable malignant distal common bile duct strictures at tertiary referral centers in Medellin, Colombia. These patients had undergone surgery (group 1) or placement of an uncovered 30-Fr self-expandable nitinol stent produced locally in Medellin, Colombia (group 2). The main outcome measurements included cumulative biliary patency, hospital stay, and patient survival. Results The study enrolled 86 patients (mean age, 66 years; range, 43-78 years) including 40 patients in group 1 and 46 patients in group 2. Both groups were similar in terms of age, gender, liver metastasis, and diagnosis. Technical success was achieved for 38 patients in group 1 (95%) and 43 patients in group 2 (93%). Functional biliary decompression was obtained in for 35 of the surgical patients (88%) and 42 of the stented patients (91%). Group 2 had lower rates for procedure-related mortality (2 vs. 7.5%; p = 0.01), a lower frequency of early complications (8.7 vs. 45%; p = 0.02), and a shorter hospital stay (median, 6 vs. 12 days; p = 0.01). Recurrent jaundice occurred for three patients in group 1 (7.5%) and eight patients in group 2 (17.3%) (p = 0.198). Late gastric outlet obstruction occurred for 12.5% of the patients in group 1 and 13% of the patients in group 2 (p = 0.73). Despite the early benefits of stenting, no significant difference in the median overall survival between the two groups was found (group 1, 163 days; group 2, 178 days; p = 0.11). The limitations of this study included the small number of patients and the retrospective design. Conclusions Endoscopic stenting and surgery are effective palliation. The former is associated with fewer early complications and the latter with fewer late complications. Patients who do not qualify for curative resection may be better managed by stent placement. Surgery should be reserved for patients more likely to survive longer.

A method for better positioning bipolar electrodes for lower limb EMG recordings during dynamic contractions

To obtain a high quality EMG acquisition, the signal must be recorded as far away as possible from muscle innervations and tendon zones, which are known to shift during dynamic contractions. This study describes a methodology, using commercial bipolar electrodes, to identify better electrode positions for superficial EMG of lower limb muscles during dynamic contractions. Eight female volunteers participated in this study. Myoelectric signals of the vastus lateralis, gastrocnemius medialis, peroneus longus and tibialis anterior muscles were acquired during maximum isometric contractions using bipolar electrodes. The electrode positions of each muscle were selected assessing SENIAM and then, other positions were located along the length of muscle up and down the SENIAM site. The raw signal (density), the linear envelopes, the RMS value, the motor point site, the position of the IZ and its shift during dynamic contractions were taken into account to select and compare electrode positions. For vastus lateralis and peroneus longus, the best sites were 66% and 25% of muscle length, respectively (similar to SENIAM location). The position of the tibialis anterior electrodes presented the best signal at 47.5% of its length (different from SENIAM location). The position of the gastrocnemius medialis electrodes was at 38% of its length and SENIAM does not specify a precise location for signal acquisition. The proposed method should be considered as another methodological step in every EMG study to guarantee the quality of the signal and subsequent human movement interpretations. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Are the recommendations from three-dimensional gait analysis associated with better postoperative outcomes in patients with cerebral palsy?

This study was performed to check if recommendations based on three-dimensional gait analysis (3DGA) are associated with better postoperative outcomes in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). Thirty-eight patients who underwent orthopedic surgery and assessment at the Gait Analysis Laboratory were evaluated retrospectively. The patients were divided in four groups according to the agreement between the recommendations from gait analysis and the procedures actually carried out. Fifteen patients with diplegic spastic cerebral palsy and indication for orthopedic surgery to improve walking - and whose surgical intervention was postponed - were also included in the study as a control group. Fourteen gait parameters recorded before and after treatment, were included in the statistical analysis. No gait improvement was noted in the control group or inh patients on whom no procedures recommended by the gait exam were performed (agreement of 0%). In the other groups, agreements averaged 46.71%, 72.2%, and 100%, respectively. Improvement of gait parameters after treatment was observed in these groups, with more significant values directly related to increased agreement percentage. Therefore, in this study the patients whose treatment matched the recommendations from three-dimensional gait analysis showed a more significant improvement in walking. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Experimental tuberculosis: Designing a better model to test vaccines against tuberculosis

Experimental models of infection are good tools for establishing immunological parameters that have an effect on the host-pathogen relationship and also for designing new vaccines and immune therapies. In this work, we evaluated the evolution of experimental tuberculosis in mice infected with increasing bacterial doses or via distinct routes. We showed that mice infected with low bacterial doses by the intratracheal route were able to develop a progressive infection that was proportional to the inoculum size. In the initial phase of disease, mice developed a specific Th1-driven immune response independent of inoculum concentration. However, in the late phase, mice infected with higher concentrations exhibited a mixed Th1/Th2 response, while mice infected with lower concentrations sustained the Th1 pattern. Significant IL-10 concentrations and a more preeminent T regulatory cell recruitment were also detected at 70 days post-infection with high bacterial doses. These results suggest that mice infected with higher concentrations of bacilli developed an immune response similar to the pattern described for human tuberculosis wherein patients with progressive tuberculosis exhibit a down modulation of IFN-gamma production accompanied by increased levels of IL-4. Thus, these data indicate that the experimental model is important in evaluating the protective efficacy of new vaccines and therapies against tuberculosis. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Karyotype variability in KP1(+) and KP1(-) strains of Trypanosoma rangeli isolated in Brazil and Colombia

In the present study, the molecular karyotypes of 12 KP1(+) and KP1(-) Trypanosoma rangeli strains were determined and 10 different molecular markers were hybridized to the chromosomes of the parasite, including seven obtained from T. rangeli [ubiquitin hydrolase (UH), a predicted serine/threonine protein kinase (STK), hexose transporter, hypothetical protein, three anonymous sequences] and three from Trypanosoma cruzi [ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 (UBE2), ribosomal RNA methyltransferase (rRNAmtr), proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 6 (PSMD6)]. Despite intraspecific variation, analysis of the karyotype profiles permitted the division of the T rangeli strains into two groups coinciding with the KP1(+) and KP1(-) genotypes. Southern blot hybridization showed that, except for the hexose transporter probe, all other probes produced distinct patterns able to differentiate the KP1(+) and KP1(-) genotypes. The UH, STK and An-1A04 probes exclusively hybridized to the chromosomes of KP1(+) strains and can be used as markers of this group. In addition, the UBE2, rRNAmtr and PSMD6 markers, which are present in a conserved region in all trypanosomatid species sequenced so far, co-hybridized to the same T. rangeli chromosomal bands, suggesting the occurrence of gene synteny in these species. The finding of distinct molecular karyotypes in KP1(+) and KP1 (-) strains of T rangeli is noteworthy and might be used as a new approach to the study of genetic variability in this parasite. Together with the Southern blot hybridization results, these findings demonstrate that differences at the kDNA level might be associated with variations in nuclear DNA. (c) 2009 Elsevier BY. All rights reserved.