Morphological studies in a model for dengue-2 virus infection in mice

One of the main difficulties in studying dengue virus infection in humans and in developing a vaccine is the absence of a suitable animal model which develops the full spectrum of dengue fever, dengue haemorrhagic fever, and dengue shock syndrome. It is our proposal to present morphological aspects of an animal model which shows many similarities with the dengue infection in humans. BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally infected with non-neuroadapted dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV-2). Histopathological and morphometrical analyses of liver tissue revealed focal alterations along the infection, reaching wide-ranging portal and centrolobular veins congestion and sinusoidal cell death. Additional ultrastructural observations demonstrated multifocal endothelial injury, platelet recruitment, and alterated hepatocytes. Dengue virus antigen was detected in hepatocytes and in the capillar endothelium of the central lobular vein area. Liver function tests showed high levels of aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase enzyme activity. Lung tissue showed interstitial pneumonia and mononuclear cells, interseptal oedema, hyperplasia, and hypertrophy of the bronchiolar epithelial cells. DENV-2 led to a transient inflammatory process, but caused focal alterations of the blood-exchange barrier. Viremia was observed from 2nd to 11th day p.i. by isolation of DENV-2 in C6/36 mosquito cell line inoculated with the supernatant of macerated liver, lung, kidney, and cerebellum tissues of the infected mice.

Histopathological and ultrastructural aspects of mice lungs experimentally infected with dengue virus serotype 2

Histological and ultrastructural alterations in lung tissue of BALB/c mice infected with dengue virus serotype 2 (non-neuroadapted), by intraperitoneal and intravenous routes were analyzed. Lung tissues were processed following the standard techniques for photonic and electron transmission microscopies. Histopathological and ultrastructural studies showed interstitial pneumonia, characterized by the presence of mononuclear cells. In the mouse model, the dengue virus serotype 2 seems to led to a transient inflammatory process without extensive damage to the interalveolar septa, but caused focal alterations of the blood-exchange barrier. Endothelial cells of blood capillaries exhibited phyllopodia suggesting activation by presence of dengue virus. Morphometrical analysis of mast cells showed an expressive increase of the number of these cells in peribronchiolar spaces and adjacent areas to the interalveolar septa. Alveolar macrophages showed particles dengue virus-like inside rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex, suggesting viral replication. The tissue alterations observed in our experimental model were similar to the observed in human cases of dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever. Our results show that BALB/c mice are permissive host for dengue virus serotype 2 replication and therefore provides an useful model to study of morphological aspects of dengue virus infection.

The genetic diversity of Plasmodium vivax: a review

The genetic diversity of Plasmodium vivax has been investigated in several malaria-endemic areas, including the Brazilian Amazon region, where this is currently the most prevalent species causing malaria in humans. This review summarizes current views on the use of molecular markers to examine P. vivax populations, with a focus on studies performed in Brazilian research laboratories. We emphasize the importance of phylogenetic studies on this parasite and discuss the perspectives created by our increasing understanding of genetic diversity and population structure of this parasite for the development of new control strategies, including vaccines, and more effective drugs for the treatment of P. vivax malaria.

Reproductive activity alterations on the Biomphalaria glabrata exposed to Euphorbia splendens var. hislopii latex

The reproductive activity of Biomphalaria glabrata exposed to Euphorbia splendens var. hislopii latex was evaluated. Parameters related to fecundity and fertility were observed. The snails were exposed to the LD50 (1 mg/l) of crude latex. At the first week post exposure (p.e.), the egg laying was reduced. After the fourth week p.e., an increase of the number of eggs/snail occurred. The results showed a marked reduction in the hatching of the snails, revealing an interference of latex exposure with the reproductive process of B. glabrata of E. splendens var. hislopii. The LD50 of the latex may be used as an alternative method to control the size of the populations of B. glabrata in field.

Carbohydrate metabolism alterations in Biomphalaria glabrata infected with Schistosoma mansoni and exposed to Euphorbia splendens var. hislopii latex

This paper evaluates the alterations in the glycogen content of tissues (digestive gland and cephalopedal mass) and glucose in the haemolymph of Biomphalaria glabrata BH strain infected with Schistosoma mansoni BH strain and exposed to the latex of Euphorbia splendens var. hislopii. A reduction in the glycogen deposits was observed in infected snails exposed and not exposed to latex. However, the exposure to latex caused a greater depletion of the glycogen levels in both sites analysed, especially from the third week onward. The utilisation of latex as a molluscicide to control the population of infected B. glabrata selectively is proposed.

HIV-1 RNA detection in the amniotic fluid of HIV-infected pregnant women

This study is aimed at evaluating the potential to detect human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in amniotic fluid (AF) collected at delivery from 40 HIV-positive pregnant women. Thirty patients had a plasma viral load (VL) below 1,000 copies/mL at delivery. VL was positive in three AF samples. No significant association was found between the HIV-1 RNA in AF and the maternal plasma samples. There was no HIV vertical transmission detected.

Aggregative adherent strains of Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum enter and survive within HEp-2 epithelial cells

Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum is a well-known human pathogen that mainly causes respiratory disease and is associated with high mortality in compromised hosts. Little is known about the virulence factors and pathogenesis of C. pseudodiphtheriticum. In this study, cultured human epithelial (HEp-2) cells were used to analyse the adherence pattern, internalisation and intracellular survival of the ATCC 10700 type strain and two additional clinical isolates. These microorganisms exhibited an aggregative adherence-like pattern to HEp-2 cells characterised by clumps of bacteria with a "stacked-brick" appearance. The differences in the ability of these microorganisms to invade and survive within HEp-2 cells and replicate in the extracellular environment up to 24 h post infection were evaluated. The fluorescent actin staining test demonstrated that actin polymerisation is involved in the internalisation of the C. pseudodiphtheriticum strains. The depolymerisation of microfilaments by cytochalasin E significantly reduced the internalisation of C. pseudodiphtheriticum by HEp-2 cells. Bacterial internalisation and cytoskeletal rearrangement seemed to be partially triggered by the activation of tyrosine kinase activity. Although C. pseudodiphtheriticum strains did not demonstrate an ability to replicate intracellularly, HEp-2 cells were unable to fully clear the pathogen within 24 h. These characteristics may explain how some C. pseudodiphtheriticum strains cause severe infection in human patients.

A rapid diagnostic test for schistosomiasis mansoni

This article presents an improvement to the Kato-Katz (KK) method, making it faster and more efficient for the visualisation of fertile eggs in stool samples. This modified KK method uses sodium acetate formalin as a fixative and reveals the intensity of infection in less than 1 h, reducing the diagnostic time without increasing the cost. This modified method may contribute to future epidemiological studies in both hospitals and the field due to its rapid and precise diagnostic, which allow for immediate treatment.

BAY 41-2272 activates host defence against local and disseminated Candida albicans infections

In our previous study, we have found that 5-cyclopropyl-2-[1-(2-fluoro-benzyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine-3-yl]-pyrimidin-4-ylamine (BAY 41-2272), a guanylate cyclase agonist, activates human monocytes and the THP-1 cell line to produce the superoxide anion, increasing in vitro microbicidal activity, suggesting that this drug can be used to modulate immune functioning in primary immunodeficiency patients. In the present work, we investigated the potential of the in vivo administration of BAY 41-2272 for the treatment of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus infections introduced via intraperitoneal and subcutaneous inoculation. We found that intraperitoneal treatment with BAY 41-2272 markedly increased macrophage-dependent cell influx to the peritoneum in addition to macrophage functions, such as spreading, zymosan particle phagocytosis and nitric oxide and phorbol myristate acetate-stimulated hydrogen peroxide production. Treatment with BAY 41-2272 was highly effective in reducing the death rate due to intraperitoneal inoculation of C. albicans, but not S. aureus. However, we found that in vitro stimulation of peritoneal macrophages with BAY 41-2272 markedly increased microbicidal activities against both pathogens. Our results show that the prevention of death by the treatment of C. albicans-infected mice with BAY 41-2272 might occur primarily by the modulation of the host immune response through macrophage activation.

Tele-education and competencies assessment to Brazilian's auxiliary nurse

This paper presents Brazilian's experience with the organization of methods and strategies for the assessment of competencies for technical level of nursing workers. The evaluative process proposed includes the creation of a learning-oriented and distance-based virtual assessment environment. The proposed methodology for professional competencies assessment adopted a critical-emancipatory perspective. A tele-education environment was deployed, involving software development - a virtual man - and an assessment cybertutor. Learning modules for the cybertutor were developed and videos of clinical simulations, structured around assessment in cognitive, behavioral, and simulation areas. The evaluation modules considered aspects of competencies in know-know, know-how and know-act professional ethics. Also the variability of practices of nursing - hospitals and primary health care units - was considered. This instrument showed as an important strategy for the optimization of assessment procedures that are widely used across Brazil and it is a powerful tool for incorporation into the continuing professional education.

Monitorização residencial da pressão arterial: atualidades e papel do enfermeiro

Trata-se de um artigo de revisão sobre o assunto monitorização residencial da pressão arterial (MRPA) com o objetivo de agregar a contribuição científica atual e apresentar a relevância desta abordagem na assistência ao paciente hipertenso em nosso meio. A técnica oferece vantagens em relação à medida casual, pois proporciona um maior número de medidas, melhor relação com lesão de órgãos-alvo, quantifica o efeito do avental branco, possui boa reprodutibilidade, boa aceitabilidade pelos pacientes, proporciona avaliação da pressão sem a influência do observador e do ambiente do consultório, diminui o número de visitas ao consultório e promove maior adesão ao tratamento. A importância da atuação do profissional enfermeiro na MRPA está ligada ao processo de educação, utilizando estratégias de ensino-aprendizagem, implementando a comunicação equipe-paciente e motivando o paciente a realizar o autocuidado.

Avaliação de desempenho: discutindo a tecnologia para o planejamento e gestão de recursos humanos em saúde

Este ensaio apresenta o produto de reflexões e análises a partir do exame de opções conceituais inerentes às metodologias de avaliação de desempenho (AD) de profissionais e sua possibilidade de aplicação na área da saúde. Estabelece uma discussão conceitual para a área, articulando e integrando conhecimentos de campos distintos - o da saúde e o da administração pública. Promove a intersecção entre a gestão do trabalho em saúde no setor público e as técnicas da administração de pessoal. Pretende gerar novas análises e estudos que possibilitem uma releitura das práticas administrativas para avaliação de desempenho utilizadas nas organizações, adaptá-las para atender às especificidades do setor saúde.

A monitorização residencial da pressão arterial e o controle de um grupo de hipertensos

Comparar a medida de consultório com a monitorização residencial da pressão arterial (MRPA), avaliar o controle da pressão e caracterizar o efeito do avental branco. Pesquisa de campo, quantitativa com 71 hipertensos. A medida da pressão em consultório foi feita pela enfermeira. A monitorização residencial da pressão arterial foi realizada durante 7 dias. O efeito do avental branco foi quantificado para diferenças entre a medida de consultório e a monitorização residencial da pressão arterial nas faixas 1 a 5, 6 a 10 e > 10 mmHg. A medida da pressão de consultório foi significativamente maior (p<0,05) do que a monitorização residencial da pressão arterial. O controle da pressão foi 9,9% na medida de consultório e 23,9% na MRPA. O efeito do avental branco > 10 mmHg para a sistólica foi 57,7% e para a diastólica, 32,4%, na faixa de 6 a 10 mmHg. A medida da pressão em casa avaliou melhor o controle dos hipertensos.

Fatores associados à infecção pelo uso do cateter central de inserção periférica em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal

Estudo epidemiológico, longitudinal e analítico, desenvolvido em um hospital de Minas Gerais, com o objetivo de analisar os fatores associados à infecção pelo uso do cateter central de inserção periférica em recém-nascidos internados em unidade de terapia intensiva. A coleta dos dados foi realizada por meio de uma ficha estruturada, preenchida pelos profissionais e verificada pelos pesquisadores. Foram estudados 291 cateteres inseridos em 233 recém-nascidos. Os fatores associados à retirada por suspeita de infecção foram: prematuridade, peso ao nascer até 1.500 gramas, cateter de poliuretano, localização não centralizada do cateter e tempo de uso superior a 30 dias. Após ajuste multivariado, permaneceram independentemente associados: peso inferior a 2.500 gramas na inserção, reparo e tempo de uso do cateter. Conclui-se que fatores relacionados à prática dos profissionais contribuíram para a retirada dos cateteres, sinalizando para a necessidade de intervenções que melhorem a segurança e a eficácia em seu uso.

A produção de dados para o Sistema de Informação do Pré-Natal em unidades básicas de saúde

Esta pesquisa objetivou analisar o processo de produção de dados para o SISPRENATAL em Unidades Básicas de Saúde de Cuiabá, MT, Brasil. Um estudo qualitativo, exploratório e descritivo foi desenvolvido em oito unidades da Coordenadoria da Atenção Básica por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas com profissionais que trabalham com o SISPRENATAL (enfermeiros, médicos, gestores e digitador) e análise documental comparativa entre os dados do sistema e os prontuários. A análise dos dados revelou inexistência de definição da participação da equipe na produção dos dados e modos diversos de preenchimento das fichas do sistema. O conhecimento dos profissionais sobre muitos aspectos das fichas foi divergente, o preenchimento das fichas foi feito de modo inadequado e foram verificadas falhas no sistema informatizado. Medidas como a capacitação dos profissionais, a revisão do sistema e de suas fichas são indispensáveis para a produção de informações fidedignas sobre a assistência pré-natal no município.