Anticorpos anti-trypanosoma cruzi como preditivos de infecção por leishmania infantum

Leishmania infantum and Trypanosoma cruzi are trypanosomatids of medical importance and are, respectively, the etiologic agents of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and Chagas disease (CD) in Brazil. People infected with L. infantum or T. cruzi may develop asymptomatically, enabling the transmission of pathogens through blood transfusion and / or organs. The assessment of the infection by T. cruzi is included among the tests performed for screening blood donors in Brazil, however, there is no availability of tests for Leishmania. Serological tests for T. cruzi are very sensitive, but not specific, and may have cross-reactions with other microorganisms. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Leishmania infection in blood donors and assess whether the serological test for T. cruzi detect L. infantum. Among the 300 blood samples from donors, discarded in 2011, 61 were T. cruzi positive, 203 were from donors with other infections and 36 were from handbags with low blood volume, but without infection. We also assessed 144 samples from donors without infections and able to donate blood, totaling 444 subjects. DNA was extracted from blood samples of all to perform quantitative PCR (qPCR) to detect Leishmania DNA. The buffy coat obtained from all samples was grown in Schneider medium supplemented and NNN. All samples were evaluated for the presence of anti-Leishmania antibody. The serological results indicate a percentage of 22% of Leishmania infection in blood samples obtained from discarded bags. A total of 60% of samples positive in ELISA for T. cruzi were negative by IFI, used as confirmatory test, ie 60% false positive for Chagas. Among these samples false positive for Chagas, 72% were positive by ELISA for Leishmania characterizing the occurrence of cross reaction between serologic assays. Of the 300 cultures performed, 18 grew parasites that were typed by qPCR and specific isoenzymes, found the species Leishmania infantum crops. Among the 18 cultures, 4 were purged from scholarships for low volume and all negative serology blood bank, thus demonstrating that there is a real risk of Leishmania transmission via transfusion. It is concluded that in an area endemic for leishmaniasis in Brazil, serological diagnosis performed to detect infection by T. cruzi among blood donors can identify infection by L. infantum and although cause false positive for Chagas, this cross-reactivity reduces the risk of Leishmania infection via blood transfusion, since tests are not applied specific detection of the parasite. In this way, there remains the need to discuss the implementation of a specific serological screening test for Leishmania in endemic countries such as Brazil

Camarão Litopenaeus vannamei: componentes de importância nutricional na carne e nos resíduos do beneficiamento

Farming of marine shrimp is growing worldwide and the Litopenaeus vannamei (L. vannamei) shrimp is the species most widely cultivated. Shrimp is an attractive food for its nutritional value and sensory aspects, being essential the maintenance of this attributes throughout storage, which takes place largely under freezing. The aim of this research was to evaluate quality characteristics of Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp, during freezing storage and to verify the effect of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) adding. Considering the reutilization of processing shrimp wastes, total carotenoids analysis were conducted in waste of Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp and in the flour obtained after dryer. Monthly physicochemical and sensorial analysis were carried out on shrimp stored at 28,3 ± 3,8ºC for 180 days. Samples were placed in polyethylene bags and were categorized as whole shrimp (WS), peeled shrimp (PS), and PS with 0,5% dehydrated rosemary (RS). TBARS, pH, total carotenoid and sensorial Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA) were carried out. Carotenoid total analysis was conducted in fresh wastes and processed flour (0 day) and after 60, 120 and 180 days of frozen storage. After 180 days, RS had lower pH (p = 0.001) and TBARS (p = 0.001) values and higher carotenoids (p = 0.003), while WS showed higher carotenoid losses. Sensory analysis showed that WS were firmer although rancid taste and smell were perceived with greater intensity (p = 0.001). Rancid taste was detected in RS only at 120 days at significantly lower intensity (p = 0.001) than WS and PS. Fresh wastes had 42.74μg/g of total carotenoids and processed flour 98.51μg/g. After 180 days of frozen storage, total carotenoids were significantly lower than 0 day (p<0,05). The addition of rosemary can improve sensory quality of frozen shrimp and reduce nutritional losses during storage. Shrimp wastes and flour of L. vannamei shrimp showed considerable astaxanthin content however, during storage it was observed losses in this pigment

Liofilização como ferramenta de preservação de sêmen humano

Liofilização é um método alternativo de preservação de espermatozóide, com vantagens sobre o criopreservado pelo baixo custo de armazenamento, facilidade no transporte pela não necessidade de containers e baixas taxas de contaminação. Esse estudo foi realizado no intuito e testar a eficácia de 5 açúcares na proteção do material cromossômico (DNA) de espermatozoides humanos liofilizados após reidratação. Para isso foram utilizados espermatozoides de indivíduos classificados como normozooespérmicos segundo OMS. Em eppendorfs foram colocados 1ml de sêmen que foram diluídos (1:1) em 1 ml de solução de Glicose, Lactose, Maltose, Manitol e Sorbitol, separadamente, nas concentrações 0.2M, 0.4M, 0.5M e 0.6M. Essas amostras foram analisadas em duas fases a primeira após congelamento observando a porcentagem de células com danos de membrana e outra análise após a liofilização, utilizando o Teste Cometa para detectar as taxas de fragmentação de DNA dos espermatozoides recuperadas após reidratação. O processo de liofilização de espermatozoides não foi capaz de recuperar a motilidade dos mesmos, mas foi capaz de manter 62.30 ± 13.76% de membrana plasmática intacta na presença de 0.6M manitol. As substâncias que melhor preservaram o DNA dessas células foram 0.2 lactose, 0.2M e 0.6M manitol e sorbitol, com apenas 4% de danos ao DNA. Esses resultados sugerem uma boa proteção ao DNA de espermatozoides humanos liofilizados, mas ainda requer testes adicionais para avaliar a fertilização e estudos que garantam a viabilidade da prole

Avaliação de um método de cromatografia em fase gasosa head space e estudo da estabilidade do etanol em amostras de sangue

The ethanol is the most overused psychoactive drug over the world; this fact makes it one of the main substances required in toxicological exams nowadays. The development of an analytical method, adaptation or implementation of a method known, involves a process of validation that estimates its efficiency in the laboratory routine and credibility of the method. The stability is defined as the ability of the sample of material to keep the initial value of a quantitative measure for a defined period within specific limits when stored under defined conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the method of Gas chromatography and study the stability of ethanol in blood samples, considering the variables time and temperature of storage, and the presence of preservative and, with that check if the conditions of conservation and storage used in this study maintain the quality of the sample and preserve the originally amount of analyte present. Blood samples were collected from 10 volunteers to evaluate the method and to study the stability of ethanol. For the evaluation of the method, part of the samples was added to known concentrations of ethanol. In the study of stability, the other side of the pool of blood was placed in two containers: one containing the preservative sodium fluoride 1% and the anticoagulant heparin and the other only heparin, was added ethanol at a concentration of 0.6 g/L, fractionated in two bottles, one being stored at 4ºC (refrigerator) and another at -20ºC (freezer), the tests were performed on the same day (time zero) and after 1, 3, 7, 14, 30 and 60 days of storage. The assessment found the difference in results during storage in relation to time zero. It used the technique of headspace associated with gas chromatography with the FID and capillary column with stationary phase of polyethylene. The best analysis of chromatographic conditions were: temperature of 50ºC (column), 150ºC (jet) and 250ºC (detector), with retention time for ethanol from 9.107 ± 0.026 and the tercbutanol (internal standard) of 8.170 ± 0.081 minutes, the ethanol being separated properly from acetaldehyde, acetone, methanol and 2-propanol, which are potential interfering in the determination of ethanol. The technique showed linearity in the concentration range of 0.01 and 3.2 g/L (0.8051 x + y = 0.6196; r2 = 0.999). The calibration curve showed the following equation of the line: y = x 0.7542 + 0.6545, with a linear correlation coefficient equal to 0.996. The average recovery was 100.2%, the coefficients of variation of accuracy and inter intra test showed values of up to 7.3%, the limit of detection and quantification was 0.01 g/L and showed coefficient of variation within the allowed. The analytical method evaluated in this study proved to be fast, efficient and practical, given the objective of this work satisfactorily. The study of stability has less than 20% difference in the response obtained under the conditions of storage and stipulated period, compared with the response obtained at time zero and at the significance level of 5%, no statistical difference in the concentration of ethanol was observed between analysis. The results reinforce the reliability of the method of gas chromatography and blood samples in search of ethanol, either in the toxicological, forensic, social or clinic

Produção, acúmulo e decomposição da serrapilhadeira e repartição da precipitação pluviométrica por espécies da caatinga

This study aimed to establish patterns of dynamics of litter and redistribution of rainfall of Caatinga vegetation. Sampling was done monthly for twenty three months in four areas: degraded, successional primary stage, secondary stage and late stage. We installed 72 collectors of 1.0 mx 1.0 m, with nylon fabric background in three areas. Litter deposited was fractionated into leaves, twigs, reproductive structures and miscellaneous, dried and weighed. To assess the stock of accumulated litter we used metal frame with dimensions of 0.5 mx 0.5 m, thrown randomly and collected monthly, taken to the laboratory for oven drying and weighed. To evaluate the decomposition, 40g of litter were placed in nylon bags (litterbags) mesh 1 mm ², dimensions 20.0 x 20.0 cm, being distributed on the soil surface and removed monthly, cleaned, dried and weighed. To evaluate the contribution of rainfall we used interceptometers installed 1.0 m above the ground surface, distributed under the canopy of six species of the caatinga, which evaluated the stemflow through collecting system installed around the stems of these species. The deposition of litter in the primary stage was 2.631,26 kg ha-1; 3.144,89 kg ha-1 in the secondary stage; 3.144,89 kg ha-1 in the late stage. The fraction of leaves was the largest contributor to the formation of litter in three stages. The degraded area showed greater accumulation of litter and decomposition has been sluggish during the dry period. We conclude that occurred greater litterfall in later stages. The late successional stage showed faster decomposition of litter, the evidence that is a better use of litter in nutrient cycling processes and incorporation of organic matter to the soil. The time required to decompose 50 % of the litter in the later stages of succession was lower indicating greater speed of release and reuse of nutrients by the vegetation. The specie jurema preta with less leaf area and consists of leaflets, showed greater internal precipitation in rain events of greater magnitude. The stemflow was not influenced by DAP and basal area. The water lost by trapping represented the largest proportion of total rainfall in all species studied

Crescimento inicial e morfologia foliar em plantas de Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell.) Morong. E Erythrina velutina Mart. ex Benth, sob estresse hídrico

The Caatinga is the predominant vegetation type in semi-arid region of Brazil, where many inhabitants depend on hunting and gathering for survival, obtaining resources for: food and feed, folk medicine, timber production, etc. It‟s the dry ecosystem with highest population density in the world. The early stages of development are the most critical during the life cycle of a flowering plant and they‟re primordial to its establishment in environments exposed to water stress. Information about adjustments to the growth of the species, correlated with their studies of distribution in Seridó oriental potiguar, are an important ecological and economic standpoint, because they provide subsidies for the development of cultivation techniques, to programs of sustainable use and recovery of degraded areas. This thesis aimed to study the initial growth and foliar morphology in plants like Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell.) Morong. (tamboril) and Erythrina velutina Mart. ex Benth (mulungu), species of occurrence in the Caatinga, under water stress. After sowing and emergency, the seedlings were exposed to three water regimes: 450 (control), 225 (moderate stress) and 112.5 (severe stress) mm of water slide for 40 days. Seeding occurred in bags of 5 kg and after the establishment of seedlings thinning was carried out leaving a plantlet per bag. At the beginning the waterings occurred daily with distilled water, passing to be on alternate days after thinning. Twenty and forty days after the thinning seedlings collections were held to be done analysis of growth and biomass partition. When compared to the control group, the treatments with water stress showed reduction in the growth of the aerial part, growth of the greater root, number of leaves and leaflets, dry leaf area and total phytomass in both species, but in general, this effect was most marked for E. velutina. Regarding the partition of biomass, there were few changes throughout the experiment. Morphological changes in the leaves as a function of stress were not significant, however, there was a trend, in both species, to produce narrower leaves, that facilitate heat loss to the environment. It has not been possible to establish a positive relationship between inhibition of growth and distribution of species, whereas E. velutina is a species of most common occurrence in Seridó oriental potiguar. In this way, other aspects should be taken into account when studying the adaptation of species the dry environments, such as salinity, presence of heavy metals, wind speed, etc

Análise antropotecnológica do desenvolvimento de novos produtos na produção artesanal : caso das rendeiras de bilro da Vila de Ponta Negra em Natal, RN

Brazilian craft production plays an important role in the generation of employment and income for many families in every state across Brazil. In Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, among many types found, identifies itself with the production of bobbin-lace, still practiced in Ponta Negra Village for ancient craftswomens of city that try to preserve the art and tradition of bobbin-lace. This work presents the results of an analysis conducted based in concepts of anthropotechnology, on the effects of a design workshop held with bobbin-lace craftswomen in the village of Ponta Negra in July of 2006. The workshop was intended to propose a new concept of products and a new alternative for production in the activity of the craftswomen, on the premise that the laces could be used as a detail inserted into other industrial products such as shirts, bags, towels, etc. Evaluations after the workshop showed that none of the artisans continued to work, indicating that actions focused solely on products did not generate representative results in the production of bobbin-lace. Evaluations also indicated that knowledge about the artisan's personal and professional characteristics, organization, pace, workload, and cultural and historical issues that permeate the activity are essential to the success of technology transfer, particularly when the transfer affects the craft production as it relates to the inseparable aspects of the craftswomen's work and lifestyle

Simulação de reservatórios não convencionais para armazenamento de gás natural veicular

The investigation of viability to use containers for Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) storage, with different geometries of commercial standards, come from necessity to join the ambient, financial and technological benefits offered by the gas combustion, to the convenience of not modify the original proposal of the automobile. The use of these current cylindrical models for storage in the converted vehicles is justified by the excellent behavior that this geometry presents about the imposed tensions for the high pressure that the related reservoirs are submitted. However, recent research directed toward application of adsorbent materials in the natural gas reservoirs had proven a substantial redusction of pressure and, consequently, a relief of the tensions in the reservoirs. However, this study considers alternative geometries for NGV reservoirs, searching the minimization of dimensions and weight, remaining capacity to resist the tensions imposed by the new pressure situation. The proposed reservoirs parameters are calculated through a mathematical study of the internal pressure according to Brazilian standards (NBR) for pressure vessels. Finally simulations of the new geometries behavior are carried through using a commercially avaible Finite Element Method (FEM) software package ALGOR® to verify of the reservoirs efficincy under the gas pressure load

Incorporação de cinzas da casca de café na produção de placas cerâmicas para revestimento

Brazil is the world s leading coffee producer. In 2008, 45.99 million of 60 kg bags of benefited coffee were produced. In the process of improvement 50% is grain and 50% is husk, thus, 1.38 million tons of coffee husk are produced annually. The husk is used as combustible in the drying and improvement ovens in the coffee farms, generating ash as residue. These ashes contain a high concentration of alkaline metals and earth metals, mainly K2O and CaO. This work studies the use of this residue in the ceramic tiles industry, as fluxing agents in substitution to the feldspar. Ten mixtures with equal ratios of clay and kaolin, proceeding from Bahia and the residue (varying from 30 to 5%) were defined and produced in uniaxial tool die of 60x20mm with approximately 5 mm of thickness and 45MPa compacting pressure. The samples were fired in four different temperatures: 1100 °C, 1150 °C, 1185 °C and 1200 °C during 60 minutes and characterized by means of X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, gravimetric thermal analysis and differential thermal analysis. The results of water absorption, apparent porosity, linear shrinkage, XRD, dilatometry, flexural strength and SEM were also analysed. The test specimen with addition of 10% of ash fired in 1200 °C resulted in 0.18% water absorption and 40.77 MPa flexural strength, being classified as porcelain stoneware tiles according to ABNT, UNI and ISO norms

Reaproveitamento e caracterização dos resíduos orgânicos provenientes do Programa MESA DA SOLIDARIEDADE da CEASA/RN

As an auxiliary tool to combat hunger by decreasing the waste of food and contributing for improvement of life quality on the population, CEASA/RN has released from August/03 to August/05 the program MESA DA SOLIDARIEDADE. Despite of the positive results of this program, that has already distributed around 226 tons of food, there is still food being thrown in the trash as the deliver of the same food in its natural form would be a health risk to those who would consume it and only the correct processing of this food can make it edible. This work has as a goal the reuse of solid residues of vegetal origin generated by the CEASA/RN, through the Program MESA DA SOLIDARIEDADE and the characterization of the product obtained so it might be used as a mineral complement in the human diet. To the collecting of samples (from September until December /2004) it was developed a methodology having as a reference the daily needs of mineral salts for infants at the age of seven to ten. The sample was packed in plastic bags and transported in an ambient temperature to the laboratory where it was selected, weighted, disinfected, fractionated and dried to 70ºC in greenhouse. The dry sample was shredded and stored in bottles previously sterilized. The sample in nature was weighted in the same proportion of the dry sample and it was obtained a uniform mass in a domestic processor. The physical-chemical analyses were carried out in triplicate in the samples in nature and in the dry product, being analyzed: pH, humidity, acidity and soluble solids according to IAL (1985), mineral salts contents (Ca, K, Na, Mg, P and Fe) determined by spectrophotometry of Atomic Absorption, caloric power through a calorimetric bomb and presence of fecal traces and E. coli through the colilert method (APHA, 1995). During this period the dry food a base of vegetables presented on average 5,06% of humidity, 4,62 of pH, acidity of 2,73 mg of citric acid /100g of sample, 51,45ºBrix of soluble solids, 2.323,50mg of K/100g, 299,06mg of Ca/100g, 293mg of Na/100g, 154,66mg of Mg/100g, 269,62mg of P/100g, 6,38mg of Fe/100g, caloric power of 3,691Kcal/g (15,502KJ/g) and is free of contamination by fecal traces and E..coli. The dry food developed in this research presented satisfactory characteristics regarding to its conservation, possessing low calories, constituting itself a good source of potassium, magnesium, sodium and iron that can be utilized as a food complement of these minerals