Diagnostic tests for hepatitis C: Recent trends in electrochemical immunosensor and genosensor analysis

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

A simple method based on ICP-MS for estimation of background levels of arsenic, cadmium, copper, manganese, nickel, lead, and selenium in blood of the Brazillian population

Throughout the world, biomonitoring has become the standard for assessing exposure of individuals to toxic elements as well as for responding to serious environmental public health problems. However, extensive biomonitoring surveys require rapid and simple analytical methods. Thus, a simple and high-throughput method is proposed for the determination of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and selenium (Se) in blood samples by using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICPMS). Prior to analysis, 200 ml of blood samples was mixed with 500 ml of 10% v/v tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) solution, incubated for 10 min, and subsequently diluted to 10 ml with a solution containing 0.05% w/v ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) + 0.005% v/v Triton X-100. After that, samples were directly analyzed by ICP-MS (ELAN DRC II). Rhodium was selected as an internal standard with matrix-matching calibration. Method detection limits were 0.08, 0.04, 0.5, 0.09, 0.12, 0.04, and 0.1 mg//L for As, Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Se, respectively. Validation data are provided based on the analysis of blood samples from the trace elements inter-\comparison program operated by the Institut National de Santé Publique du Quebec, Canada. Additional validation was provided by the analysis of human blood samples by the proposed method and by using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). The method was subsequently applied for the estimation of background metal blood values in the Brazilian population. In general, the mean concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Se in blood were 1.1, 0.4, 890, 9.6, 2.1, 65.4, and 89.3 mg/L, respectively, and are in agreement with other global populations. Influences of age, gender, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, and geographical variation on the values were also considered. Smoking habits influenced the levels of Cd in blood. The levels of Cu, Mn, and Pb were significantly correlated with gender, whereas Cu and Pb were significantly correlated with age. There were also interesting differences in Mn and Se levels in the population living in the north of Brazil compared to the south.

Hemoglobin I-Philadelphia [alpha 16 (A14) LYS→GLU] heterozygote among blood donors from Brazil

We describe a heterozygous case of Hb I-Philadelphia [alpha 16 (A14) LYS-->GLU] in a blood donor from the Acre State Blood Bank, in the Brazilian Amazon region. We confirmed the mutation by electrophoretic and chromatographic methods and by DNA sequencing. A literature search showed that this is the first description of this alpha globin mutant in a Brazilian Caucasian group. We also emphasize the importance of the hemoglobin study in blood donors for the purpose of the genetic counseling and quality assurance of the blood to be transfused. Screening tests for hemoglobin mutants are also important for gathering anthropological information about the Brazilian population.

Alcohol in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and alcoholism

Alcohol levels were measured in 15 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples and 14 blood samples from grade III and IV male alcoholic patients with signs of nervous system involvement, and compared with levels detected in 11 CSF samples and 11 blood samples from abstemious patients or patients with grade I or II alcoholism whose CSF had been found to be normal by routine analysis (controls). Among the alcoholic patients, alcohol levels were lower in the CSF than in blood, whereas the opposite was true for the controls. The possible mechanisms underlying this difference are discussed and the need for further study of this topic is emphasized.

High blood pressure and sedentary behavior in adolescents are associated even after controlling for confounding factors

The aim of this study was to determine whether high blood pressure (HBP) is associated with sedentary behavior in young people even after controlling for potential confounders (gender, age, socioeconomic level, tobacco, alcohol, obesity and physical activity). In this epidemiological study, 1231 adolescents were evaluated. Blood pressure was measured with an oscillometric device and waist circumference with an inextensible tape. Sedentary behavior (watching television, computer use and playing video games) and physical activity were assessed by a questionnaire. We used mean and standard deviation to describe the statistical analysis, and the association between HBP and sedentary behavior was assessed by the chi-squared test. Binary logistic regression was used to observe the magnitude of association and cluster analyses (sedentary behavior and abdominal obesity; sedentary behavior and physical inactivity). HBP was associated with sedentary behaviors [odds ratio (OR) = 2.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.41-3.96], even after controlling for various confounders (OR = 1.68, CI = 1.03-2.75). In cluster analysis the combination of sedentary behavior and elevated abdominal obesity contributed significantly to an increased likelihood of having HBP (OR = 13.51, CI 7.21-23.97). Sedentary behavior was associated with HBP, and excess fat in the abdominal region contributed to the modulation of this association.

Comparison of diferent diagnostic tests in dogs uninfected and naturally infected with visceral leishmaniasis

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Potenciais corticais auditivos e modulação autonômica cardíaca em mulheres saudáveis

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Efeito do benzoato de estradiol na recuperação de oócitos, embriões e nos parâmetros hematológicos de cadelas recém acasaladas

We investigated estradiol benzoate effects on oocytes/embryos recovery rate and the influence of this drug on the hematopoietic system. Twenty four bitches were divided in two groups, Group I, 12 females that received a single shot of estradiol benzoate, 0.2 mg/kg intramuscularly, between 2 and 7 days after the date of the last mismating or insemination and, Group II (control), 12 bitches that received 0.2 ml/kg of oily diluent, in corresponding dates. The bitches were ovary-hysterectomized and the uterus/oviduct were isolated and flushed with a PBS, heparin and polyvinyl alcohol solution. Oocytes and embryos were quantified and classified according to their stage of development. Blood counts were performed on M1 (before drug administration), M2 (15 days after drug administration) and M3 (40 days after drug administration). Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyze the variable retrieval structures, while Fisher exact test was used for the analysis of embryonic viability. ANOVA was used to analyze repeated measurements and Tukey test for hematological parameters. All tests were performed at 5% significance level. The recovery rate of total structures in group I was lower (22.88%) than group II (65.85%). A lower embryo recovery (ratio 3: 52) rate and a greater number of degenerated structures (ratio 11: 1) were observed in group I. Hematological parameters showed significant difference in erythrocytes, hematocrit and hemoglobin concentrations 15 days after drug administration and difference in leukocytes concentration 40 days after using the medication in bitches of group I, however, at the end of the experiment all bitches had blood counts considered normal.

Prevalência da síndrome metabólica em moradores adultos do Arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha (PE)-Brasil

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)