Magnetic, thermal and spectral characterization of 2,4-dimethoxybenzoates of Mn(II), Co(II) and Cu(II)

2,4 - Dimethoxybenzoates of Mn(II), Co(II) and Cu(II) have been synthesized as hydrated or anyhydrous polycrystalline solids and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, magnetic studies and X-ray diffraction measurements. They possess the following colours: Mn(II) - white, Co(II) - pink and Cu(II) - blue. The carboxylate groups bind as monodentate, or a symmetrical bidentate bridging ligands and tridentate. The thermal stabilities were determined in air at 293-1173K. When heated the hydrated complexes dehydrate to from anhydous salts which are decomposed to the oxides of respective metals. The magnetic susceptibilites of the 2,4-dimethoxybenzoates were measured over the range 76-303 K and their magnetic moments were calculated. The results reveal the complexes of Mn(II), Co(II) to be high-spin complexes and that of Cu(II) to form dimer.

Comparison of some properties of 2,3 - and 3,4 - dimethoxybenzoates of Cu(II), Co(II) and Nd(III)

The physicochemical properties of 2,4-, and 3,4- dimethoxybenzoates of Cu(II), Co(II) and Nd(III) were studied and compared to observe the -OCH3 substituent positions in benzene ring on the character of complexes. The analysed compounds are crystalline hydrated or anhydrous salts with colours depending on the kind of central ions: blue for Cu(II), pink for Co(II) and violet for Nd(III) complexes. The carboxylate groups bind as monodentate, bidentate bridging or chelating and even tridentate ligands. Their thermal stabilities were studied in air at 293-1173K. When heated the hydrated complexes release the water molecules and form anhydrous compounds which are then decomposed to the oxides of respective metals. Their magnetic moment values were determined in the range of 76-303K. The results reveal the compounds of Nd(III) and Co(II) to be the high-spin and that of Cu(II) forms dimer. The various positions of -OCH3 groups in benzene ring influence some of physicochemical properties of analysed compounds.

The physico-chemical properties of 2-methoxyphenoxyacetates of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II)

The complexes of 2-methoxyhenoxyacetates of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II)with the general formula: M(C9H9O4)3·4H2O, where M(II) = Mn, Co, Ni and Cu have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, magnetic and thermogravimetric studies and also X-ray diffraction measurements. The complexes have colours typical for M(II) ions (Mn(II) - a pale pink, Co(II) - pink, Ni(II) - green, and Cu(II) - blue). The carboxylate group binds as monodentate and bidentate ligands. On heating to 1273K in air the complexes decompose in the same way. At first, they dehydrate in one step to anhydrous salts, that next decompose to the oxides of respective metals with the intermediate formation of the oxycarbonates. Their solubility in water at 293K is of the order of 10-5 mol·dm-3. The magnetic moments of analysed complexes were determined in the range of 76-303K. The results reveal them to be high-spin complexes of weak ligand fields.

Co-infection by porcine circovirus type 2 and porcine parvovirus in aborted fetuses and stillborn piglets in southern Brazil

Porcine circovirus types 1 and 2 (PCV1, PCV2) and porcine parvovirus (PPV) are widespread in pig populations around the world. Nevertheless, only PCV2 has been associated with different clinical syndromes, thus representing a major problem to the pig industry. The association of cases of swine abortions and stillborns with PCV1 and PCV2 and PPV was studied retrospectively (2005-2007). Additional pathogens were also investigated in lesioned fetuses. The studied litters included stillborn piglets and several mummified fetuses of varied sizes. Ventricular dilatation, myocardial pale areas, and mesocolic edema were the gross lesions. Escherichia coli was detected as co-infecting with PCV2 the cases in which mesocolic edema was seen. Microscopic lesions included non-suppurative myocarditis, myocardial necrosis and fibrosis, mineralization foci and intranuclear inclusion bodies in cardiomyocytes, and interstitial mononuclear pneumonia. Samples from 7 (5.78 per cent) of 121 aborted fetuses and stillborn piglets had lesions consistent with a viral cause and showed both positive anti-PCV2 immunostaining as well as PCV2-PCR. In samples from 3 (2.47 per cent) of these 7 fetuses, co-infection with PPV was confirmed by Nested-PCR. Both viruses were detected in fetuses at different stages of gestation. Viral antigens of PCV2 were detected by immunohistochemistry mainly in macrophages and myocytes. PCV1 individually was not detected in any of these affected fetuses, but it was associated with PCV2 and/or PPV in some of them. These findings indicate that PCV2 alone or in association with PPV should be kept in mind when investigating causes of infectious abortion in pigs in Brazil.

O treinamento da operação osteoplástica usando o seio frontal do cão

O acesso ao seio frontal usando a técnica do retalho osteoplástico está indicada em lesões que não podem ser abordadas pela via endonasal. O aprendizado da técnica pode ser realizado em cães, mas a delimitação do seio do cão, de forma como se faz no homem, não é facilmente realizável. OBJETIVO: Apresentar um método de localização e delimitação do seio frontal do cão que permita reproduzir a técnica osteoplástica. FORMA DE ESTUDO: Técnica cirúrgica em animal. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Em cães traçaram-se duas linhas retas, uma delas ao longo da linha média da região frontal, outra passando pela pupila, inclinada 45º em direção à linha anterior. No ponto de intersecção, mede-se um ou um centímetro e meio para frente e um centímetro para trás. A partir destas medidas desenha-se um retângulo incompleto que delineia os limites aproximados do seio frontal. RESULTADOS: O procedimento foi realizado 12 vezes com a participação de médicos residentes. O seio frontal foi aberto facilmente em todos os animais, reproduzindo a técnica osteoplástica sem erros de localização do seio. CONCLUSÃO: O método de localização e de limitação do seio frontal do cão mostrou-se útil no ensino da técnica osteoplástica de acesso por ser reproduzível de forma realística.

Co-inoculation of Rhizobium tropici and Azospirillum brasilense in common beans grown under two irrigation depths

ABSTRACT The alternative technique of co-inoculation or mixed inoculation with symbiotic and non-symbiotic bacteria has been studied in leguminous plants. However, there are few field studies with common beans and under the influence of the amount of irrigated water. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of inoculation and co-inoculation of common beans with Rhizobium tropici and Azospirillum brasilense under two irrigation depths. The experiment was carried out in the winter of 2012 and 2013, in Selvíria, state of Mato Grosso do Sul. The experimental design was composed of randomized blocks in split-plot scheme with two irrigation depths in the plots (recommended for common beans and 75% of the recommended) and five forms of nitrogen (N) supply in the split-plots (control non-inoculated with 40 kg ha- 1 of N in topdressing, 80 kg ha- 1 of N in topdressing, A. brasilense inoculation with 40 kg ha-1 of N in topdressing, R. tropici inoculation with 40 kg ha-1 of N in topdressing, and co-inoculation of A. brasilense and R. tropici with 40 kg ha- 1 of N in topdressing) with four repetitions. Co-inoculation increased nodulation in the second year of cultivation. None of the evaluated treatments increased the grain yield in relation to non-inoculated control with 40 kg ha-1 of nitrogen in topdressing, which presented average yield of 2,200 kg ha-1. The use of 75% of the recommended irrigation depth provides similar grain yield to the recommended irrigation depth in common beans cropped in winter.

Distribuição espacial da co-infecção M. tuberculosis/HIV no Estado de São Paulo, 1991-2001

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o padrão espacial de incidência de tuberculose na epidemia de Aids, a fim de verificar a influência do espaço físico na causalidade. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos os casos de Aids notificados ao Ministério da Saúde, entre 1991 e 2001, provenientes do Estado de São Paulo. Os casos foram estratificados em municípios de residência, em regiões de saúde, em categorias de transmissão de Aids, em sexos e em anos do diagnóstico. Um modelo geoestatístico gaussiano foi usado para construir um mapa temático de risco, utilizando a incidência de tuberculose em casos de Aids como variável de resposta. RESULTADOS: A análise exploratória mostrou dois padrões de incidência de Aids: um, para a capital do Estado, e outro, com risco crescente, para os outros municípios. As regiões mais populosas estão sob maiores riscos de transmissão de tuberculose, mostrando um padrão concordante com o padrão de ocupação do território, do leste para o oeste. As regiões de saúde com os maiores coeficientes de incidência de Aids (por 10 mil habitantes) foram Santos (53,5), São José do Rio Preto (43,1), Ribeirão Preto (42,4) e São Paulo (40,3). As regiões de saúde com maiores incidências de tuberculose em casos de Aids foram Santos (44,9%), Franco da Rocha (39,9%), Osasco (39,6%) e São Paulo (38,9%). CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados permitem concluir que as coordenadas geográficas estão associadas ao risco da tuberculose, mas não de Aids.

Co-ocorrência de violência física conjugal e contra filhos em serviços de saúde

OBJETIVO: Apresentar um perfil de ocorrência e co-ocorrência de violência física conjugal e contra filhos em uma população atendida em serviço de saúde, segundo diferentes características socioeconômicas e demográficas. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal sobre violência familiar e prematuridade, realizado na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, em 2000. Foram elegíveis para a análise os domicílios contendo mulheres vivendo com companheiro e nos quais coabitavam com pelo menos um filho (ou enteado) de até 18 anos (n=205). Condições socioeconômicas, demográficas e relativas aos hábitos de vida da mulher e do companheiro foram consideradas como potenciais preditores de violência. A variável de desfecho foi analisada em quatro níveis: ausência de violência física no domicílio; ocorrência de violência física no casal; contra pelo menos um filho; e coocorrência. Utilizou-se um modelo logito-multinomial para as projeções de prevalências desses matizes de violência segundo os descritores selecionados. RESULTADOS: Os fatores associados ao maior risco do desfecho foram: idade materna >25 anos; companheiro com primeiro grau incompleto, presença de >2 crianças menores de cinco anos no domicílio; e abuso de álcool e drogas ilícitas pelo companheiro. Em domicílios com todas essas características, a estimativa conjunta de prevalência projetada de violência no casal e contra filhos chegou a 90,2%, sendo de 60,6% a de coocorrência. Na ausência desses fatores, as estimativas foram consideravelmente menores (18,9% e 0,2%, respectivamente). CONCLUSÕES: Profissionais de saúde não devem somente atentar à presença de um gradiente situacional, mas também ao fato de que existe paulatinamente mais chance dos agravos violentos acontecerem como um fenômeno englobando todo o grupo familiar.

Co-infecção por HIV/HCV em hospital universitário de Recife, Brasil

OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência do vírus da hepatite C (HCV) e fatores de risco associados com a co-infecção em pessoas soropositivas para HIV. MÉTODOS: Estudo do tipo transversal, descritivo e analítico, com 343 portadores do HIV atendidos em um hospital universitário de Recife (PE), no período de março a dezembro de 2003. Os pacientes foram submetidos a um questionário padronizado sobre os fatores de risco. Nas amostras de soro foram pesquisados o anti-HCV pelo ELISA, o HCV-RNA por meio da RT-PCR e a identificação dos genótipos foi realizada no equipamento ABI377 (PE Biosystems®). As análises estatísticas utilizadas foram a univariada, a multivariada e a regressão logística múltipla. RESULTADOS: A prevalência encontrada para o HCV foi de 4,1% (14/343) pelo ELISA e de 3,2 % (11/343) quando utilizada a RT-PCR. Os genótipos mais freqüentes foram 1b (45%), 3 (33%) e 1a (22%). A faixa etária com maior proporção de co-infectados foi a de 30 a 39 anos, com predomínio do sexo masculino (64,3%). Após regressão logística múltipla, apenas a variável transfusão sangüínea permaneceu como fator de risco para o HCV (OR=4,28; IC 95%: 1,44;12,73). CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência da co-infecção HIV/HCV foi baixa, a transfusão sangüínea foi um fator de risco e o genótipo 1b do HCV foi o mais freqüente.

Pancreatic involvement in co-infection visceral leishmaniasis and HIV: histological and ultrastructural aspects

The involvement of the gastrointestinal tract in the co-infection of HIV and Leishmania is rarely reported. We report the case of an HIV-infected adult man co-infected with a disseminated form of leishmaniasis involving the liver, lymph nodes, spleen and, as a feature reported for the first time in the English literature, the pancreas. Light microscopy showed amastigote forms of Leishmania in pancreatic macrophages and immunohistochemical staining revealed antigens for Leishmania and also for HIV p24. Microscopic and ultrastructural analysis revealed severe acinar atrophy, decreased zymogen granules in the acinar cytoplasm and also nuclear abnormalities such as pyknosis, hyperchromatism and thickened chromatin. These findings might correspond to the histologic pattern of protein-energy malnutrition in the pancreas as shown in our previous study in pancreas with AIDS and no Leishmania. In this particular case, the protein-energy malnutrition may be due to cirrhosis, or, Leishmania or HIV infection or all mixed. We believe that this case represents the morphologic substratum of the protein energy malnutrition in pancreas induced by the HIV infection. Further studies are needed to elucidate these issues.

Liver histology in co-infection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Hepatitis G virus (HGV)

As little is known about liver histology in the co-infection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis G virus (HGV), HGV RNA was investigated in 46 blood donors with hepatitis C, 22 of them with liver biopsy: co-infection HCV / HGV (n = 6) and HCV isolated infection (n = 16). Besides staging and grading of inflammation at portal, peri-portal and lobular areas (Brazilian Consensus), the fibrosis progression index was also calculated. All patients had no symptoms or signs of liver disease and prevalence of HGV / HCV co-infection was 15.2%. Most patients had mild liver disease and fibrosis progression index, calculated only in patients with known duration of infection, was 0.110 for co-infection and 0.130 for isolated HCV infection, characterizing these patients as "slow fibrosers". No statistical differences could be found between the groups, although a lesser degree of inflammation was always present in co-infection. In conclusion co-infection HCV / HGV does not induce a more aggressive liver disease, supporting the hypothesis that HGV is not pathogenic.

Hepatitis C in patients co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus. A review and experience of a Brazilian ambulatory

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) share the same transmission mechanisms. The prevalence of HCV in the HIV-infected population varies from region to region, throughout the world, depending on different exposure factors to both viruses. Co-infection with HIV accelerates the progression of the disease caused by HCV, appears to worsen the progression of the HIV infection and increases HCV transmission. Therefore, clinical management and treatment of HCV is a priority in medical facilities that receive HIV-infected patients. Clinical management of these patients involves specific diagnostic procedures and appropriately trained medical staff. The indication of treatment should meet specific clinical and laboratory criteria. There are a number of drugs currently available to treat hepatitis C in co-infected patients.

Toxoplasma gondii genotyping in a dog co-infected with distemper virus and ehrlichiosis rickettsia

This paper reports a toxoplasmosis, erhlichiosis and distemper co-infection in a dog with an exuberant neuropathological clinical picture. Primary involvement was discussed based on information collected in the analysis of the clinical case, such as neurological impairment, epidemiological data, poor immunoprophylactic scheme of the dog affected and the role of these diseases on immunosuppression. Canine distemper and ehrlichiosis were diagnosed based on epidemiologic data, clinical signs, hematological and cytological evaluation. Toxoplasma gondii was isolated and genetically characterized as Type I using restriction analysis (RFLP) with SAG-2 genes. Immunosuppression features of both dogs and human beings are discussed, as well as implications on animal and public health. This is the first report on toxoplasmosis, ehrlichiosis and distemper co-infection in a dog in Brazil, associated with genotyping determination of the T. gondii strain involved.

Clinical and histological characteristics of HIV and hepatitis C virus-co-infected patients in Brazil: a case series study

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important factor contributing to morbidity and mortality in patients co-infected with HIV and HCV. In addition, liver biopsy is an important tool in the clinical management of these patients. Although liver biopsy is controversial, it is recommended for all patients. Data regarding the clinical and histological characteristics of these patients are scarce not only in Brazil but in Latin America as a whole. With the goal of better understanding these characteristics and the benefit of liver biopsy indications in this disease setting, data collected from 234 patients followed from 1996 to 2004 at Casa da AIDS, São Paulo, were analyzed. The following variables were extracted from the patients' medical files at the time of liver biopsy: sex, age, hepatitis C infection risk factors, hepatitis C infection duration, ALT levels, CD4+ T cell counts, history of alcohol abuse, history of antiretroviral therapy, HCV genotype, and liver histological alterations. CONCLUSIONS: 1 - Hepatitis C virus 1 and 3 were the most frequently identified genotypes and were diagnosed in 72% and 25.5% of cases respectively; 2 - Structural liver alterations were found to be mild or absent in 48.2% (113/234) of the analyzed patients; 3 - Fifty-three patients (23%) had normal ALT levels and 4 - Significant liver architectural changes (F2-F3) were evident in 22.5% of the patients with normal ALT levels.

Confirming the presence of HTLV-1 infection and the absence of HTLV-2 in blood donors from Arequipa, Peru

Epidemiological studies conducted in Peru disclosed HTLV-1 to be prevalent in different ethnic groups, and found HTLV-2 in some Amazonian Indians and in men who have sex with men. No data concerning HTLV-1/2 infection in blood donors from Arequipa, a highlands region in southern Peru, is available. We searched for the presence of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 antibodies in 2,732 serum samples obtained from blood donors from this geographic area. HTLV-1/2-specific antibodies were detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and were confirmed by Western blot (WB). Reactive sera had their blood bags discarded from donation, and the demographic characteristics of the donors were analyzed. Thirty-five sera (1.2%) were HTLV seroreactive by ELISA, and 25 were confirmed HTLV-1-positive by WB. One serum disclosed HTLV-positivity, and the remaining nine serum samples showed indeterminate results by WB; three of which had an HTLV-1 indeterminate Gag profile. The median age of HTLV-positive individuals was 34.6 years; 27 were male and eight were female. All individuals were from southern Peru: 27 from Arequipa, five from Puno, and three from Cuzco. HTLV co-positivity with hepatitis B (five sera) and syphilis (one serum) were detected. Previous transfusion and tattooing were observed in two and one individuals, respectively. No serum was positive for HTLV/HIV co-infection. This study confirmed, for the first time, HTLV-1 infection and the absence of HTLV-2 infection in blood donors from Arequipa, Peru and suggests vertical transmission as the major route of HTLV-1 transmission and acquisition in this geographic region.