TcruziDB, an Integrated Database, and the WWW Information Server for the Trypanosoma cruzi Genome Project

Data analysis, presentation and distribution is of utmost importance to a genome project. A public domain software, ACeDB, has been chosen as the common basis for parasite genome databases, and a first release of TcruziDB, the Trypanosoma cruzi genome database, is available by ftp from ftp://iris.dbbm.fiocruz.br/pub/genomedb/TcruziDB as well as versions of the software for different operating systems (ftp://iris.dbbm.fiocruz.br/pub/unixsoft/). Moreover, data originated from the project are available from the WWW server at http://www.dbbm.fiocruz.br. It contains biological and parasitological data on CL Brener, its karyotype, all available T. cruzi sequences from Genbank, data on the EST-sequencing project and on available libraries, a T. cruzi codon table and a listing of activities and participating groups in the genome project, as well as meeting reports. T. cruzi discussion lists (tcruzi-l@iris.dbbm.fiocruz.br and tcgenics@iris.dbbm.fiocruz.br) are being maintained for communication and to promote collaboration in the genome project

The Office International des Epizooties ad hoc Group on Non Tsetse Animal Trypanosomoses: Its Origin, Scope and Perspectives

A summary of the goals and activities of the ad hoc group on Non Tsetse Transmitted Animal Trypanosomosis belonging to the Office International des Epizooties is presented.

Dynamics of the 2006/2007 dengue outbreak in Brazil

We analyzed dengue incidence in the period between October 2006-July 2007 of 146 cities around the country were Larval Index Rapid Assay (LIRA) surveillance was carried out in October 2006. Of these, we chosen 61 cities that had 500 or more cases reported during this period. We calculated the incidence coefficient, the force of infection (») and the basic reproduction number (R0) of dengue in those 61 cities and correlated those variables with the LIRA. We concluded that » and R0 are more associated with the number of cases than LIRA. In addition, the average R0 for the 2006/2007 dengue season was almost as high as that calculated for the 2001/2002 season, the worst in Brazilian history.

Chikungunya virus outbreak in Kerala, India, 2007: a seroprevalence study

India was affected by a major outbreak of chikungunya fever caused by Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) during 2006-2007. Kerala was the worst affected state during 2007 with a contribution of 55.8% suspected cases in the country. However, except for clinically reported case records, no systematic information is available on infection status of CHIKV in the region. Hence, we carried out a post-epidemic survey to estimate seroprevalence status [immunoglobulin G (IgG)] in the community using commercially available indirect immunofluorescence test. This methodology had been reported to be highly specific and sensitive for CHIKV infection. The study area selected was the worst affected mid-highlands region of Kerala which harbour vast area of rubber plantations. The study evidenced 68% of the population to be seropositive for CHIKV IgG. Males were found more affected than females (χ2 = 9.86; p = 0.002). Among males, prevalence was significantly higher in the age classes 21-30 (χ2 = 5.46; p = 0.019) and 31-40 (χ2 = 5.84; p = 0.016) years. This may be due to high occupational risk of the male population engaged in plantation activities exposed to infective bites of Aedes albopictus. The current study provides an insight into the magnitude of CHIKV outbreak in Kerala.

Perfil de estudos em Administração que utilizaram triangulação metodológica: uma análise dos anais do EnANPAD de 2007 a 2011

Neste artigo são apresentados os resultados de uma pesquisa quantitativa, exploratória e descritiva, na qual se analisaram os dados contidos em 4.544 artigos publicados em cinco anais do Encontro da Associação Nacional de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa em Administração (EnANPAD), envolvendo o conceito de triangulação metodológica. Considerando os potenciais benefícios da triangulação para as pesquisas em Ciências Sociais, mais especificamente para a Administração, em contraposição às dificuldades ainda existentes para a condução de pesquisas dessa natureza, bem como a existência de resistências a esse método, no presente trabalho visou-se demonstrar a incidência de trabalhos que utilizaram a triangulação como opção metodológica dentre os artigos que foram publicados nos anais do EnANPAD nos anos de 2007 a 2011 e, como objetivo principal, analisar o perfil metodológico deles. Considera-se que tal perfil possa indicar a forma com que a triangulação tem sido trabalhada no âmbito da Administração, bem como possíveis caminhos para a superação das dificuldades referentes à condução de uma pesquisa que demanda a combinação de métodos de diferentes naturezas. Como principais resultados, tem-se a baixa incidência do uso da triangulação, a significativa formação de parceria entre pesquisadores para sua condução e a significativa combinação de métodos tradicionais de coleta e análise de dados.