On line pre-concentration for simultaneous determination of low molecular weight organic acids and inorganic anions in Amazonian river water samples employing ion chromatography with conductivity detection

An ion chromatography procedure, employing an IonPac AC15 concentrator column was used to investigate on line preconcentration for the simultaneous determination of inorganic anions and organic acids in river water. Twelve organic acids and nine inorganic anions were separated without any interference from other compounds and carry-over problems between samples. The injection loop was replaced by a Dionex AC15 concentrator column. The proposed procedure employed an auto-sampler that injected 1.5 ml of sample into a KOH mobile phase, generated by an Eluent Generator, at 1.5 mL min-1, which carried the sample to the chromatographic columns (one guard column, model AG-15, and one analytical column, model AS15, with 250 x 4mm i.d.). The gradient elution concentrations consisted of a 10.0 mmol l-1 KOH solution from 0 to 6.5 min, gradually increased to 45.0 mmol l-1 KOH at 21 min., and immediatelly returned and maintained at the initial concentrations until 24 min. of total run. The compounds were eluted and transported to an electro-conductivity detection cell that was attached to an electrochemical detector. The advantage of using concentrator column was the capability of performing routine simultaneous determinations for ions from 0.01 to 1.0 mg l-1 organic acids (acetate, propionic acid, formic acid, butyric acid, glycolic acid, pyruvate, tartaric acid, phthalic acid, methanesulfonic acid, valeric acid, maleic acid, oxalic acid, chlorate and citric acid) and 0.01 to 5.0 mg l-1 inorganic anions (fluoride, chloride, nitrite, nitrate, bromide, sulfate and phosphate), without extensive sample pretreatment and with an analysis time of only 24 minutes.

Hospitalização integral para tratamento dos transtornos alimentares: a experiência de um serviço especializado

OBJETIVO: Descrever as características da hospitalização integral para o tratamento de transtornos alimentares em um serviço especializado de Ribeirão Preto, SP. MÉTODOS: Foram revisados todos os prontuários dos pacientes em seguimento pelo serviço, de 1982 até 2011, especialmente aqueles que tiveram indicação de internação integral. Foram coletados dados sociodemográficos e referentes ao diagnóstico. RESULTADOS: No período referido, 186 pacientes receberam atendimento pelo serviço e, desses, 44,6% (n = 83) foram internados para tratamento. Ao longo do tempo, houve redução na relação atendimento/internação, passando de 77,7% para 36,2% dos casos. A média de internações foi de 1,9 ± 3,9 vezes, e 73,5% (n = 61) dos pacientes foram hospitalizados apenas uma vez. A duração média da internação, independentemente do número de hospitalizações, foi de 70,6 ± 115,9 dias (variação de 3 a 804 dias). A predominância foi do sexo feminino, raça branca, solteira, sem filhos e com idade média de 23,3 ± 10,8 anos. O diagnóstico predominante foi de anorexia nervosa (85,5%), sobretudo em seu tipo restritivo (54,2%). As indicações mais frequentes para internação foram para realização de terapia nutricional (50,9%), seguida da investigação do quadro clínico (30,1%) e por causa de depressão e/ou ideação suicida (10,9%). CONCLUSÃO: A hospitalização integral é uma modalidade terapêutica necessária para o tratamento desses quadros, e sua frequência foi considerada significativa, porém diminuiu ao longo do tempo. Esse resultado pode ser explicado pela tendência de desospitalização a partir da reforma psiquiátrica, do diagnóstico e tratamento mais precoces e da experiência adquirida pelos profissionais do serviço ao longo dos anos.

Avaliação da contratilidade segmentar na doença de Chagas utilizando a integral do gradiente intramiocárdico de velocidade (strain miocárdico) obtida pela ecocardiografia com Doppler tecidual

OBJETIVO: Quantificar o percentual de contratilidade dos diversos segmentos miocárdicos, em portadores de doença de Chagas, através da medida do strain miocárdico e verificar diferenças na função contrátil radial e longitudinal ventricular entre as formas indeterminada e dilatada da miocardiopatia chagásica crônica quando comparadas a um grupo de indivíduos normais. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 39 indivíduos, 20 (51,3%) do sexo masculino divididos em quatro grupos: Nl: 17 (43,6%) indivíduos normais; Ind: 7 (17,9%) portadores de doença de Chagas forma indeterminada; C1, 7 (17,9%) portadores de doença de Chagas forma crônica com fração de ejeção < 50% e C2: 8 (20,5%) portadores de doença de Chagas forma crônica com fração de ejeção > 50%. Após realização de ecocardiograma basal foram registradas as imagem em Doppler tecidual para a medida do strain miocárdico nos diversos segmentos aos cortes paraesternais, longitudinal e transversal, e apicais, de duas e quatro câmaras. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÃO: O percentual de contração dos diversos segmentos miocárdicos, tanto em seu componente radial quanto longitudinal é maior nos indivíduos normais do que em portadores da forma crônica da doença de Chagas e naqueles com a forma indeterminada da doença quando comparado com chagásicos crônicos com FE < 50%. A contratilidade radial do ventrículo esquerdo é maior que a longitudinal nos três grupos (Nl, Ind e Crônico). Os dados apresentados nos permitem propor um caráter progressivo do acometimento miocárdico em portadores da doença de Chagas.

Hipometilação do LINE-1 está Associada ao Risco de Doença Cardíaca Coronariana na População Chinesa

Fundamentos: O nível de metilação global do ADN de leucócitos no sangue tem sido associado ao risco de doença arterial coronariana (DAC), com resultados inconsistentes em diferentes populações. Faltam dados semelhantes da população chinesa, onde diferentes fatores genéticos, de estilo de vida e ambientais podem afetar a metilação do ADN e sua relação com o risco de DCC. Objetivos: Analisar se a metilação global está associada ao risco de doença coronariana na população chinesa. Métodos: Foram incluídos um total de 334 casos de DCC e 788 controles saudáveis. A metilação global do ADN de leucócitos de sangue foi estimada por meio da análise das repetições do LINE-1 usando pirosequenciamento de bissulfito. Resultados: Em uma análise inicial restrita aos controles o nível do LINE-1 diminui significativamente com a idade avançada, colesterol total elevado, e diagnóstico de diabetes. Na análise de caso-controle, a redução da metilação do LINE-1 foi associada ao aumento do risco de DCC, tendo a análise por quartil revelado uma odds ratio (IC 95%) de 0,9 (0,6-1,4), 1,9 (1,3-2,9) e 2,3 (1,6 3.5) para o terceiro, segundo e primeiro (o mais baixo) quartil (P da tendência < 0,001), respectivamente, em comparação com o quarto (o mais alto) quartil. A metilação inferior (< mediana) do LINE-1 esteve associada a 2,2 vezes (IC 95% = 1,7-3,0) o aumento de risco de doença coronariana. As estimativas de risco de DCC menores relacionadas com o LINE-1 tenderam a ser mais fortes entre os indivíduos com maior tercil de homocisteína (P interação = 0,042) e naqueles com diagnóstico de hipertensão arterial (P interação = 0,012). Conclusão: A hipometilação do LINE-1 está associada ao risco de doença coronariana na população chinesa. Fatores de risco de DCC potenciais tais como a idade avançada, colesterol total elevado, e diagnóstico de diabetes podem ter impacto na metilação global do ADN, exercendo, portanto, o seu efeito sobre o risco de doença coronariana.

Estudo do aproveitamento integral da planta mandioca

This paper deals with cassava leaf, stem and root production. Field competition trial showed that production of leaves and stems are the same; as that of roots and that leaves and stems can be used in animal feeding beside the industrialization of roots.

Tratamento da osteomielite por assepsia integral e penicilina intra-arterial: sutura primitiva e secundária da ferida

Os AA. apresentam dois casos de Osteomilite crônica submetidos durante anos a diversos tratamentos, sem resultado. Pela associação da assepsia integral com a Penicilina intra-arterial (via ainda não usada), conseguiram a cura após sutura primitiva num caso e secundária no outro. Por serem fátos excepcionais acham que devem ficar registrado.

On the current existence of a coccidial line of development in the malaria parasites: a theory

Most opinion favors the origin of the malaria parasites from a coccidial ancestor. It is assumed that whatever the process through which the coccidia differentiated into a Plasmodium this phenomenon very probably occured millions of year ago, and during that differentiation process the original coccidia vanished. Therefore it has never repeated. At the light of some experiments the existence, at the present time, of a coccidial cycle of development in the malaria parasites, is proposed. The conection routes and mechanisms through which the malaria parasite changes to a coccidial life, and the routes in reverse are exposed. Transmission of the malaria-coccidial forms is suggested.

Establishment and Characterization of a Cell Line from the Mosquito Anopheles albimanus (Diptera: Culicidae)

A new cell line designated LSB-AA695BB, was established from embryos of the mosquito Anopheles albimanus. The primary culture was initiated in April, 1995, and the first passage was made 48 days later. Serial subcultures of the cells have been carried through 90 passages from Abril 1995 to February 1996. The cells were grown at 28°C in MK/VP12 medium, supplemented with 20% fetal bovine serum; the pH tolerance ranged between 6.8 to 7.0. The cells have also been adapted to MM/VP12 medium under the same pH, temperature and serum concentration. The majority of the cells were a fibroblast-type. Isozyme characterization showed a pattern similar to that of An. albimanus pupae and adults but distinct from Ae. taeniorhynchus and Ae. albopictus (C6/36) mosquito cell lines. The culture was shown to be free of mycoplasma, bacteria and fungi. Microsporidia contamination of transovarial transmission was controlled with 6.0 mg/ml of albendazole

Establishment and characterization of a new continuous cell line from Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae) and its susceptibility to infections with arboviruses and Leishmania chagasi

Embryonic tissue explants of the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva 1912) the main vector of Leishmania chagasi (Cunha and Chagas), were used to obtain a continuous cell line (Lulo). The tissues were seeded in MM/VP12 medium and these were incubated at 28ºC. The first subculture was obtained 45 days after explanting and 96 passages have been made to date. Lulo is composed of epithelioid cells, showed a 0.04 generations/hour exponential growth rate and population doubling time at 24.7 h. The cell line isoenzymatic profiles were determined by using PGI, PGM, MPI and 6-PGDH systems, coinciding with patterns obtained from the same species and colony's pupae and adults. The species karyotype characteristics were recognized (2n = 8), in which pair 1 is subtelocentric and pairs 2, 3 and 4 are metacentric. Lulo was free from bacterial, fungal, mycoplasmic and viral infection. Susceptibility to five arbovirus was determined, the same as Lulo interaction with Leishmania promastigotes.

A new continuous cell line from the mosquito Psorophora confinnis (Diptera: Culicidae) and its susceptibility to infections with some arboviruses

A new cell line, PC-0199-BR, was established from embryonated eggs of the mosquito Psorophora confinnis. To date (September 2000) it has had 62 continuous passages. This is the first report of a cell line of mosquitoes belonging to the genus Psorophora. Cell growth initially was achieved in the MM/VP12 medium, supplemented with 20% fetal bovine serum; however, the subcultures were later adapted to Grace's medium with 10% fetal bovine serum. Cell morphology in the primary cultures was heterogeneous; but later in the established cell line, the predominant cell type was epithelioid. Cultured cells were predominantly diploid (2n=6); however, chromosome abnormalities were observed in a small proportion of the cells in later passages. C and G band patterns were also determined in the karyotype. The cell line isozyme profiles coincided with pupae and adult samples of the species taken from the same colony. A preliminary arbovirus susceptibility study for the cell line was undertaken. No evidence was observed of contamination of the cell line with bacteria, fungi or mycoplasma.

Laboratory diagnosis of Schistosomiasis in areas of low transmission: a review of a line of research

After 57 years of successful control of schistosomiasis in Venezuela, the prevalence and intensity of infection have declined. Approximately 80% of the individuals eliminate less than 100 eggs/g of stools, therefore morbidity is mild and the majority are asymptomatic. The sensitivity of Kato-Katz decreases to approximately 60%. Available serological methods for the detection of circulating antigens only reach a 70% of sensitivity. Tests based on the detection of antibodies by immunoenzymatic assays have been improved. The circumoval precipitine test has shown a high sensitivity (97%), specificity (100%), and correlation with oviposition, being considered the best confirmatory diagnostic test. Additionally to the classical immunoenzymatic assays, the development of the alkaline phosphatase immunoassay, allowed to reach a 100% specificity with an 89% sensitivity. Recently, we have developed a modified ELISA in which the soluble egg antigen is treated with sodium metaperiodate (SMP-ELISA) in order to eliminate the glycosilated epitopes responsible for the false positive reactions. The specificity and sensitivity reaches 97% and 99%, respectively. Synthetic peptides from the excretory-secretory enzymes, cathepsin B (Sm31) legumain (Sm32) and cathepsin D (Sm45), have been synthesized. The combination of two peptides derived from the Sm31 have been evaluated, reaching a sensitivity of 96% when analyzed independently and with a 100% specificity. Antibodies raised in rabbits against peptides derived from the Sm31 and Sm32 are currently evaluated in two different antigen-capture-based assays. The development of a simple, cheap and reliable test that correlates with parasite activity is a major goal.

Evaluation of indirect susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to the first- and second-line, and alternative drugs by the newer MB/BacT system

In order to evaluate the Organon Teknika MB/BacT system used for testing indirect susceptibility to the alternative drugs ofloxacin (OFLO), amikacin (AMI), and rifabutin (RIF), and to the usual drugs of standard treatment regimes such as rifampin (RMP), isoniazid (INH), pyrazinamide (PZA), streptomycin (SM), ethambutol (EMB), and ethionamide (ETH), cultures of clinical specimens from 117 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis under multidrug-resistant investigation, admitted sequentially for examination from 2001 to 2002, were studied. Fifty of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis cultures were inoculated into the gold-standard BACTEC 460 TB (Becton Dickinson) for studying resistance to AMI, RIF, and OFLO, and the remaining 67 were inoculated into Lowenstein Jensen (LJ) medium (the gold standard currently used in Brazil) for studying resistance to RMP, INH, PZA, SM, EMB, and ETH. We observed 100% sensitivity for AMI (80.8-100), RIF (80.8-100), and OFLO (78.1-100); and 100% specificity for AMI (85.4-100), RIF (85.4-100), and OFLO (86.7-100) compared to the BACTEC system. Comparing the results obtained in LJ we observed 100% sensitivity for RMP (80-100), followed by INH - 95% (81.8-99.1), EMB - 94.7% (71.9-99.7), and 100% specificity for all drugs tested except for PZA - 98.3 (89.5-99.9) at 95% confidence interval. The results showed a high level of accuracy and demonstrated that the fully automated, non-radiometric MB/BacT system is indicated for routine use in susceptibility testing in public health laboratories.