Genetic vaccine for tuberculosis (pVAXhsp65) primes neonate mice for a strong immune response at the adult stage

Background: Vaccination of neonates is generally difficult due to the immaturity of the immune system and consequent higher susceptibility to tolerance induction. Genetic immunization has been described as an alternative to trigger a stronger immune response in neonates, including significant Th1 polarization. In this investigation we analysed the potential use of a genetic vaccine containing the heat shock protein (hsp65) from Mycobacterium leprae (pVAXhsp65) against tuberculosis (TB) in neonate mice. Aspects as antigen production, genomic integration and immunogenicity were evaluated. Methods: Hsp65 message and genomic integration were evaluated by RT-PCR and Southern blot, respectively. Immunogenicity of pVAXhsp65 alone or combined with BCG was analysed by specific induction of antibodies and cytokines, both quantified by ELISA. Results: This DNA vaccine was transcribed by muscular cells of neonate mice without integration into the cellular genome. Even though this vaccine was not strongly immunogenic when entirely administered (three doses) during early animal's life, it was not tolerogenic. In addition, pVAXhsp65 and BCG were equally able to prime newborn mice for a strong and mixed immune response (Th1 + Th2) to pVAXhsp65 boosters administered later, at the adult life. Conclusion: These results suggest that pVAXhsp65 can be safely used as a priming stimulus in neonate animals in prime-boost similar strategies to control TB. However, priming with BCG or pVAXhsp65, directed the ensuing immune response triggered by an heterologous or homologous booster, to a mixed Th1/Th2 pattern of response. Measures as introduction of IL-12 or GM-CSF genes in the vaccine construct or even IL-4 neutralization, are probably required to increase the priming towards Th1 polarization to ensure control of tuberculosis infection. © 2007 Pelizon et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

An Extension of Craig's Family of Lattices

Let p be a prime, and let zeta(p) be a primitive p-th root of unity. The lattices in Craig's family are (p - 1)-dimensional and are geometrical representations of the integral Z[zeta(p)]-ideals < 1 - zeta(p)>(i), where i is a positive integer. This lattice construction technique is a powerful one. Indeed, in dimensions p - 1 where 149 <= p <= 3001, Craig's lattices are the densest packings known. Motivated by this, we construct (p - 1)(q - 1)-dimensional lattices from the integral Z[zeta(pq)]-ideals < 1 - zeta(p)>(i) < 1 - zeta(q)>(j), where p and q are distinct primes and i and fare positive integers. In terms of sphere-packing density, the new lattices and those in Craig's family have the same asymptotic behavior. In conclusion, Craig's family is greatly extended while preserving its sphere-packing properties.

A questão do desenvolvimento à luz da globalização da economia capitalista

Cet article cherche à dresser, sous la perspective historique, le bilan de la situation des pays périphériques dans les dernières trentes années. Pour cela, il aborde particulièrement les enjeux du développement dans la phase de la globalisation du capital. Ce travail s'appuie surtout sur les études de la vaste bibliographie publiée récemment. Dans quelle mesure la relance du développement concernant plusieurs secteurs stagnés de la périphérie deviendrait-elle une réelle possibilité? Autour de cette question, que nous trouvons centrale dans l'actuelle conjoncture, nous entamons quelques réflexions. Nous envisageons montrer que la stagnation économique à laquelle des nombreux pays non développés font face ne découle pas en partie d'une crise sociale et économique ouverte dans les années soixante-dix et qui s'élargit jusqu'à nos jours malgré les tentatives de restructuration de la société capitaliste. Les stratégies et les mesures politiques à caractère néo-liberal aussi auraient énormément contribué à cette situation étant donné qu'elles ont renforcé les amarres financières qui ont étranglé pour une part les économies périphériques. Outre ces difficultés, ces pays affronteraient les limites écologiques du capitalisme. La relance du développement dans un nouveau stade exigeant la croissance économique, la justice sociale et la préservation de la nature amènerait à une rupture face au capitalisme.

Fatores determinantes do deslocamento de setores intensivos em mão de obra para o Nordeste: o caso das grandes empresas calçadistas brasileiras a partir dos anos 1990

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

A Dinâmica agrária do município de Ortigueira(PR) e a reprodução social dos produtores familiares: uma análise das comunidades rurais de Pinhalzinho e Vila Rica

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Prospecção de gênes de celulase presentes em biblioteca metagenômica

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Números primos: propriedades, aplicações e avanços

Pós-graduação em Matemática em Rede Nacional - IBILCE

Diagnóstico morfológico e molecular de Haemonchus spp. em bovinos e ovinos

Pós-graduação em Biologia Geral e Aplicada - IBB

Deus escreve certo por linhas tortas

If cinema is an essentially urban means of expression, the fruit of technique and industry, can a film narrator express in a film’s esthetics a caipira’s « Weltanschauung » (world vision or philosophy) ? We suggest, agreeing with Benjamin – who considers that narrative is the best expression of manual and traditional work’s time– that the story related by the film A proteção de Santo António constitutes a cinematographic narrative which can be classified as caipira. Tenderly called by the audiences Santo António e a vaca, this film was supported by a large part of the population for its making, which allowed to fill in the lack of technical and financial resources. Here, we defend the idea that the visible traces of this work in this particular film, turns it into a real filmic narrative and also into a sincere tribute to caipira culture.

Critérios de Divisibilidade e Aplicação em Sala de Aula

Pós-graduação em Matemática - IBILCE

O uso de elementos da criptografia como estímulo matemático na sala de aula

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)