Effect of interferon-alpha on experimental septal fibrosis of the liver - study with a new model

Interferon-alpha is used in antiviral therapy in humans, mainly for viral hepatitis B and C. An anti-fibrotic effect of interferon has been postulated even in the absence of anti-viral response, which suggests that interferon directly inhibits fibrogenesis. Rats infected with the helminth Capillaria hepatica regularly develop diffuse septal fibrosis of the liver, which terminates in cirrhosis 40 days after inoculation. The aim of this study was to test the anti-fibrotic effect of interferon in this experimental model. Evaluation of fibrosis was made by three separate methods: semi-quantitative histology, computerized morphometry and hydroxyproline measurements. Treatment with interferon-alpha proved to inhibit the development of fibrosis in this model, especially when doses of 500,000 and 800,000 IU were used for 60 days. Besides confirming the anti-fibrotic potential of interferon-alpha on a non-viral new experimental model of hepatic fibrosis, a clear-cut dose-dependent effect was observed.

Seroprevalence of viral hepatitis in riverine communities from the Western Region of the Brazilian Amazon Basin

The western region of the Brazilian Amazon Basin has long been shown to be a highly endemic area for hepatitis B and hepatitis D viruses. Data concerning the prevalence of hepatitis C and E viruses in this region are still scarce. In this study we investigated the presence of hepatitis A, B, C, D and E viruses infection in communities that live along the Purus and Acre rivers in the states of Acre and Amazonas within the Amazon Basin. A total of 349 blood samples were collected and tested for hepatitis A-E serological markers (antibodies and/or antigens) using commercial enzyme linked immunosorbent assays. Anti-HCV positive sera were further assayed by an immunoblot. HBsAg positive sera were subtyped by immunodifusion. The overall prevalence for hepatitis A, B, C, and E were 93.7%, 66.1%, 1.7%, and 4%, respectively. A very high prevalence of delta hepatitis (66.6%) was found among HBsAg positive subjects. Hepatitis A, B and D viruses were shown to be largely disseminated in this population, while hepatitis C and E viruses infection presented low prevalence rates in this region. The analysis of risk factors for HBV infection demonstrated that transmission was closely associated with sexual activity.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi (microsporidia) in faecal samples from domestic animals from Galicia, Spain

In this survey we examined 87 domestic animal stool samples in order to detect the possible presence of microsporidia in animals in close contact with humans in Galicia (NW, Spain). The detection of Enterocytozoon bieneusi spores was confirmed in faecal samples from two dogs and one goat by polymerase chain reaction. None of the positive samples for microsporidia in the staining method were amplified with species-specific primers for Encephalitozoon intestinalis, E. hellem and E. cuniculi. Four rabbits faecal samples reacted with anti-E. cuniculi serum. Our results could indicate the importance of domestic animals as zoonotic reservoirs of microsporidial human infections.

Anti-human immunodeficiency virus-1 antibody titers in injection drug users compared to sexually infected individuals

Sera from infected injection drug users (IDU) have shown to have antibodies against synthetic human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) envelope peptides more frequently. In this study, reactivity of 48 IDU plasma were compared to 60 plasmas obtained from sexually infected individuals (S). The overall reactivity of plasma from IDU compared to S was higher, and the reactivity titers were much higher for IDU plasma than S. IDU plasma also showed a broader antibody response. The higher reactivity titers were observed mainly for the gp41 immunodominant epitope and V3 peptides corresponding to the consensus sequences of HIV-1 subtypes/variants prevalent in Brazil (B, F, C) indicating the specificity in the higher immune response of IDU.

Study of virulence factors in coagulase-negative staphylococci isolated from newborns

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) have been identified as the etiological agent in various infections and are currently the microorganisms most frequently isolated in nosocomial infections. However, little is known about the virulence factors produced by CNS that contribute to the pathogenesis of infections caused by these microorganisms. The study of CNS isolated from infectious processes of newborns hospitalized in the Neonatal Unit of the Hospital of the Botucatu Medical School, Unesp, indicated Staphylococcus epidermidis as the most frequently isolated species (77.8%), which was also associated with clinically significant situations. The analysis of virulence factors revealed the production of slime in 20 (17.1%) of all CNS samples isolated and the synthesis of a broad spectrum of enzymes and toxins, including hemolysins (19.6%), lipase (17.1%), lecithinase (3.4%), DNAse (15.4%), thermonuclease (7.7%), and enterotoxin A, B or C (37.6%). Taking into consideration that the etiological importance of CNS has often been neglected, the present investigation confirmed that these microorganisms should not be ignored or classified as mere contaminants.

Re-mapping the molecular features of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 Brazilian sequences using a bioinformatics unit established in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, to give support to the viral epidemiology studies

The analysis of genetic data for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is essential to improve treatment and public health strategies as well as to select strains for vaccine programs. However, the analysis of large quantities of genetic data requires collaborative efforts in bioinformatics, computer biology, molecular biology, evolution, and medical science. The objective of this study was to review and improve the molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 and HTLV-1 viruses isolated in Brazil using bioinformatic tools available in the Laboratório Avan��ado de Sáude Pública (Lasp) bioinformatics unit. The analysis of HIV-1 isolates confirmed a heterogeneous distribution of the viral genotypes circulating in the country. The Brazilian HIV-1 epidemic is characterized by the presence of multiple subtypes (B, F1, C) and B/F1 recombinant virus while, on the other hand, most of the HTLV-1 sequences were classified as Transcontinental subgroup of the Cosmopolitan subtype. Despite the high variation among HIV-1 subtypes, protein glycosylation and phosphorylation domains were conserved in the pol, gag, and env genes of the Brazilian HIV-1 strains suggesting constraints in the HIV-1 evolution process. As expected, the functional protein sites were highly conservative in the HTLV-1 env gene sequences. Furthermore, the presence of these functional sites in HIV-1 and HTLV-1 strains could help in the development of vaccines that pre-empt the viral escape process.

Molecular characterization of the NSP4 gene of human group A rotavirus samples from the West Central region of Brazil

Nonstructural protein 4 (NSP4), encoded by group A rotavirus genome segment 10, is a multifunctional protein and the first recognized virus-encoded enterotoxin. The NSP4 gene has been sequenced, and five distinct genetic groups have been described: genotypes A-E. NSP4 genotypes A, B, and C have been detected in humans. In this study, the NSP4-encoding gene of human rotavirus strains of different G and P genotypes collected from children between 1987 and 2003 in three cities of West Central region of Brazil was characterized. NSP4 gene of 153 rotavirus-positive fecal samples was amplified by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and then sequenced. For phylogenetic analysis, NSP4 nucleotide sequences of these samples were compared to nucleotide sequences of reference strains available in GenBank. Two distinct NSP4 genotypes could be identified: 141 (92.2%) sequences clustered with NSP4 genotype B, and 12 sequences (7.8%) clustered with NSP4 genotype A. These results reinforce that further investigations are needed to assess the validity of NSP4 as a suitable target for epidemiologic surveillance of rotavirus infections and vaccine development.

Molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 clades in Southern Brazil

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) clades B and C account for more than 60% of the HIV-1 infections worldwide. In this paper, we describe the profiles of patients infected with subtypes of HIV-1 from the state of Paraná, Southern Brazil, and correlate them with demographic and epidemiological findings. A retrospective analysis of HIV cases reported from 1999-2007 was also performed. Data from 293 patients were reviewed and 245 were older than 13 (58% female). The distribution of clades was as follows: B 140 (57%), C 67 (23%), F 24 (10%) and mosaic or unique recombinant forms (URFs) 24 (10%). Of the 48 patients younger than 13 years of age (62.5% male), vertical transmission occurred in 46 and the distribution of clades was as follows: B 14 (29%), C 24 (50%), F 7 (15%) and URFs 6 (13%). There was no significant difference in mortality between HIV-1 subtypes. In both groups, patients infected with clade C tended to have higher rates of injection drug use exposure risk.

Um estudo sobre os aspectos que contribuem para a adoção do canal on-line para compra de livros, CDs e DVDs

O objetivo neste estudo foi identificar os fatores relevantes na adoção do canal on-line para a realiza��ão de compras, tendo como principais refer��ncias os modelos Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), de Venkatesh et al. (2003), de Heijden, Verhagen e Creemers (2003) e de Bramall, Schoefer e McKechnie (2004). Além da revisão da literatura dos assuntos pertinentes, foi realizada uma pesquisa de campo descritiva, de natureza quantitativa com uma amostra de 172 pessoas residentes na cidade de S��o Paulo, pertencentes ��s classes socioecon��micas A, B e C (critério Brasil), compradores de livros, CDs ou DVDs no canal off-line. Os dados coletados foram analisados com o uso de técnicas estatísticas nos contextos uni, bi e multivariado. Aplicou-se a técnica de modelagem de equa��ões estruturais (MEE ou Structural Equation Modeling - SEM) para serem identificadas relações de depend��ncia entre construtos e a contribui��ão de cada um deles na estimação das intenções de ado��ão da compra pela Internet. Entre os principais resultados encontrados, a atitude em relação ao uso da tecnologia, a confian��a e a expectativa de desempenho figuraram como os aspectos mais relevantes para uma poss��vel ado��ão do canal on-line.

Exposiç��es ocupacionais por fluidos corpóreos entre trabalhadores da sa��de e sua ades��o à quimioprofilaxia

Os objetivos do estudo foram investigar as características do acidente e do acidentado e avaliar a ades��o à quimioprofilaxia e aos exames de controle e seguimento após o acidente ocupacional com risco de contaminação pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana e v��rus das hepatites B e C. Este é um estudo epidemiol��gico descritivo cujos dados foram coletados nas notificaç��es realizadas em uma regi��o administrativa da Secretaria de Estado da Sa��de de S��o Paulo, Brasil, nos anos de 2000 e de 2001. Observou-se 7,3% de recusa à quimioprofilaxia contra o vírus da imunodeficiência humana por meio de anti-retroviral, e 40,6% dos trabalhadores que a aceitaram n��o completaram o tratamento no tempo previsto de quatro semanas. Em raz��o desse diagn��stico, evidencia-se a necessidade de que as institui��ões envolvidas estabeleçam estrat��gias que possibilitem um aumento da adesão dos trabalhadores da saúde a esses cuidados.

Clinical treatment adherence of health care workers and students exposed to potentially infectious biological material

OBJECTIVE To assess adherence to clinical appointments by health care workers (HCW) and students who suffered accidents with potentially infectious biological material. METHOD A retrospective cross-sectional study that assessed clinical records of accidents involving biological material between 2005 and 2010 in a specialized unit. RESULTS A total of 461 individuals exposed to biological material were treated, of which 389 (84.4%) were HCWs and 72 (15.6%) students. Of the 461 exposed individuals, 307 (66.6%) attended a follow-up appointment. Individuals who had suffered an accident with a known source patient were 29 times more likely to show up to their scheduled follow-up appointments (OR: 29.98; CI95%: 16.09-55.83). CONCLUSION The predictor in both univariate and multivariate analyses for adherence to clinical follow-up appointment was having a known source patient with nonreactive serology for the human immunodeficiency virus and/or hepatitis B and C.

A review of evolution of oviposition guilds in the Bruchidae (Coleoptera)

Three guilds of bruchid beetles oviposit on seeds at different times and in different ways, i. e., in these guilds some species only oviposit on fruits while on the plant (Guild A), other species only oviposit on seeds exposed in fruits while still on the plant (Guild B) and some only oviposit on seeds once they are exposed on the substrate (Guild C). It has been established that one plant species may be oviposited upon by all three guilds, some only by two guilds and some by only one guild. Before and after the inception of this concept many papers have been published that seem to establish that early oviposition behavior of bruchids was probably onto fruits where they burrowed through the fruit wall and fed on seeds (Guild A). Then, as evolution of the fruits developed for dispersal of seeds and possible escape from bruchid predation, bruchids developed to feed in seeds in various other ways (Guilds B and C). Our data show that about 78% of extant bruchids oviposit on fruits, and the other 22% with behavior of Guilds B and C. A review of these papers and new data on oviposition guilds and bruchid evolution are presented and discussed here.

Improvement of a test-chamber for behavioral studies on adult females of Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) (Diptera, Culicidae)

A test-chamber (K&L-Chamber) made of cardboard and acrylic plastic, and consisting in four sections (A, B, C and D) was developed by Klowden & Lea (1978) for Aedes aegypti host-seeking behavior studies. Later, Foster & Lutes (1985) also used an identical chamber to successfully evaluate the efficacy of electronic repellers. It was described here a modified K&L-Chamber for behavioral studies of Ae. aegypti adults. The chamber was made in polystyrene, consisting of three sections (A, B and C) and using a human hand and a fluorescent lamp as stimulus to attract the mosquitoes. The suitability of the present test-chamber was validated assaying 80 replicates and releasing 10 Ae. aegypti females in each replicate. The females were released in the section A and allowed to fly to the section C. A mean of 96.0% (s.e. 0.213) Ae. aegypti females successfully reached section C. The present test-chamber is cheaper and easier to handle and as efficient as K&L-Chamber, when compared to Foster & Lutes (1978) that noticed 93.8% of Ae. aegypti reaching the trap section.

An��lise faunística de Calliphoridae (Diptera) da Reserva Biológica do Tinguá, Nova Iguaçu, Rio de Janeiro

O presente estudo investiga a fauna de califorídeos na Reserva Biol��gica do Tingu�� usando como meios os ��ndices faunísticos. Realizaram-se coletas mensais com armadilhas contendo sardinha expostas por 48 horas, nos pontos: A- borda da mata; B- 1000 metros para interior da mata; C- 500 metros para interior da mata. Objetivou-se estudar a entomofauna califorídica em ambiente florestal atrav��s de índices faunísticos. Foram coletadas 26 espécies de califor��deos ao longo do experimento. Definiram-se esp��cies Singletons, Doubletons, Uniques e Duplicates, intermediárias e comuns; calcularam-se riqueza e projeção da riqueza (estimadores Chao 1 e 2, Jackknife 1 e 2, Ace, Ice e Bootstrap); diversidade (Índice Shannon-Wiener); equidade (��ndice Pielou) e similaridade dos pontos (quociente Sorensen e porcentagem de similaridade Southwood). Os pontos A e B mostraram o mesmo n��mero de espécies de califor��deos (23), maior que C (16), diferindo apenas nas espécies raras, intermedi��rias e comuns. Em A foi registrado grande n��mero de espécies consideradas intermedi��rias. Em B o número de espécies raras, intermediárias e comuns foi similar. Em C, o n��mero de espécies raras foi menor que de intermediárias e comuns. Jackknife 2 no ponto B gerou a maior riqueza, indicando possibilidade de serem coletadas mais cinco esp��cies na reserva além das coletadas neste estudo, e em A e C mais três espécies. Ace e Bootstrap apresentaram-se seguros para estimativa de riqueza de Calliphoridae. A diversidade foi maior em B. A equidade foi semelhante nos pontos. B e C foram mais semelhantes em relação às esp��cies (dendograma): Laneela nigripes e Mesembrinella bellardiana, principais destes dois pontos aparecem agrupadas; Chrysomya albiceps, Chrysomya megacephala e Hemilucilia semidiaphana, principais esp��cies em A aparecem unidas.

Transfer��ncia de nitrogênio entre plantas interconectadas por fungos micorr��zicos arbusculares (FMAS)

Este trabalho, desenvolvido em casa de vegetaç��o da Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense (UENF), em Campos (RJ), no primeiro semestre de 1996, objetivou avaliar a import��ncia dos fungos micorr��zicos arbusculares (FMAS) no processo de transferência de N do feij��o para o milho, utilizando o is��topo 15N. Foram construídos tr��s tipos de vasos especiais, divididos em tr��s se��ões, A, B e C, com 2 dm³ de capacidade: sem barreira, com tela de nylon de 40 733;m (permitiu a passagem de hifas fúngicas, mas não a de raízes) e com tela de nylon de 1 ∝m (não permitiu a passagem de hifas e ra��zes) entre as se��ões B e C. Adicionaram-se 25 mg kg-1 de N somente na se��ão A de cada vaso, utilizando-se, como fonte (15NH4)2SO4. Duas plantas de feij��o pr��-germinadas e inoculadas com Rhizobium tropici foram plantadas com suas raízes divididas entre as seç��es A e B. Após 10 dias, efetuou-se o plantio do milho, diretamente, na seç��o C dos vasos, e a inoculaç��o micorrízica nos tratamentos com o FMA foi feita pela adiç��o de propágulos de Glomus etunicatum somente na seção C. O experimento foi coletado 35 dias ap��s o transplantio do feijão, e os resultados demonstraram que a colonização micorrízica se mostrou satisfatória, tanto no milho quanto no feijão. A presença da micorriza aumentou a produção de matéria seca, conteúdo de 15N e P da parte a��rea das plantas de milho. A transferência direta de 15N do feij��o para o milho através do micélio f��ngico foi de 16,6%; a transferência indireta envolvendo o FMA - ou seja, a absorç��o do 15N excretado pelas raízes do feij��o na solução do solo que foi absorvido e transferido através do micélio do FMA para o milho - foi de 34,1%; e a transferência indireta não envolvendo o FMA - ou seja, a absorç��o de 15N pelas raízes de milho da solução do solo sem envolvimento do FMA - foi de 49,3%.