Protein recovery, separation and purification: selection of optimal techniques using an expert system

The paper discusses the utilization of new techniques ot select processes for protein recovery, separation and purification. It describesa rational approach that uses fundamental databases of proteins molecules to simplify the complex problem of choosing high resolution separation methods for multi component mixtures. It examines the role of modern computer techniques to help solving these questions.

Immune response to the mumps component of the MMR vaccine in the routine of immunisation services in the Brazilian National Immunisation Program

A non-controlled longitudinal study was conducted to evaluate the combined vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) immunogenicity in 150 children vaccinated in the routine of three health units in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2008-2009, without other vaccines administered during the period from 30 days before to 30 days after vaccination. A previous study conducted in Brazil in 2007, in 1,769 children ranging from 12-15 months of age vaccinated against yellow fever and MMR simultaneously or at intervals of 30 days or more between doses, had shown low seroconversion for mumps regardless of the interval between administration of the two vaccines. The current study showed 89.5% (95% confidence interval: 83.3; 94.0) seroconversion rate for mumps. All children seroconverted for measles and rubella. After revaccination, high antibody titres and seroconversion rates were achieved against mumps. The results of this study and others suggest that two MMR doses confer optimal immunoresponses for all three antigens and the possible need for additional doses should be studied taking into account not only serological, but also epidemiological data, as there is no serological correlate of protection for mumps.

Effect of hyperoxia on the intestinal IgA secretory component in neonatal rats and on intestinal epithelial cells in vitro

Oxygen therapy is essential for the treatment of some neonatal critical care conditions but its extrapulmonary effects have not been adequately investigated. We therefore studied the effects of various oxygen concentrations on intestinal epithelial cell function. In order to assess the effects of hyperoxia on the intestinal immunological barrier, we studied two physiological changes in neonatal rats exposed to hyperoxia: the change in intestinal IgA secretory component (SC, an important component of SIgA) and changes in intestinal epithelial cells. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to detect changes in the intestinal tissue SC of neonatal rats. To detect intestinal epithelial cell growth, cells were counted, and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and Giemsa staining were used to assess cell survival. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine SC expression. The expression of intestinal SC in neonatal rats under hyperoxic conditions was notably increased compared with rats inhaling room air (P < 0.01). In vitro, 40% O2 was beneficial for cell growth. However, 60% O2 and 90% O2 induced rapid cell death. Also, 40% O2 induced expression of SC by intestinal epithelial cells, whereas 60% O2did not; however, 90% O2 limited the ability of intestinal epithelial cells to express SC. In vivo and in vitro, moderate hyperoxia brought about increases in intestinal SC. This would be expected to bring about an increase in intestinal SIgA. High levels of SC and SIgA would serve to benefit hyperoxia-exposed individuals by helping to maintain optimal conditions in the intestinal tract.

Chemical, morphological, rheological and thermal properties of Solanum lycocarpum phosphorylated starches

The increasing need for starches with specific characteristics makes it important to study unconventional starches and their modifications in order to meet consumer demands. The aim of this work was to study physicochemical characteristics of native starch and phosphate starch of S. lycocarpum. Native starch was phosphated with sodium tripolyphosphate (5-11%) added with stirring. Chemical composition, morphology, density, binding ability to cold water, swelling power and solubility index, turbidity and syneresis, rheological and calorimetric properties were determined. Phosphorus was not detected in the native sample, but the phosphating process produced modified starches with phosphorus contents of 0.015, 0.092 and 0.397%, with the capacity of absorbing more water, either cold or hot. Rheological data showed the strong influence of phosphorus content on viscosity of phosphate starch, with lower pasting temperature and peak viscosity higher than those of native starch. Enthalpy was negatively correlated with the phosphorus content, requiring 9.7; 8.5; 8.1 and 6.4 kJ g-1 of energy for the transition from the amorphous to the crystalline state for the starch granules with phosphorus contents of 0; 0.015; 0.092 and 0.397%, respectively. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis showed that starches with 0.015 and 0.092% phosphorus have similar characteristics and are different from the others. Our results show that the characteristics of phosphate modified S. lycocarpum starch have optimal conditions to meet the demands of raw materials, which require greater consistency in stickiness, combined with low rates of retrogradation and syneresis.

An optimal level of technology reliance on foreign partners in a global sourcing partnership: components procurement, technology management and market performance

Existing studies on global sourcing strategy have implicitly adopted a cJosed-systems perspective in which sourcing activities are managed within a multinational company across national boundaries. Produd and process innovations and components procurement that are jointly managed by a consortium of cooperating firms have not been examined. In this paper, we empiricallyexamine the issues concerning sourcing partnerships in an open-systems perspective. Findings suggest that even in a sourcing partnership arrangement with a foreign supplier, the principal firm's ability to procure and control the supply of major components has a positive bearing on its market performance.

Association between sleep quality and quality of life in nursing professionals working rotating shifts

OBJECTIVE To analyze the association between sleep quality and quality of life of nursing professionals according to their work schedules.METHODS A prospective, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted between January and December 2010, with 264 nursing professionals, drawn from 989 subjects at Botucatu General Hospital and stratified by professional category. The Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index and the WHOQOL-bref were administered to evaluate sleep quality and quality of life, respectively. Self-reported demographic data were collected with a standard form. Continuous variables were reported as means and standard deviations, and categorical variables were expressed as proportions. Associations were evaluated using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. The association of night-shift work and gender with sleep disturbance was evaluated by logistic regression analysis using a model adjusted for age and considering sleep disturbance the dependent variable. The level of significance was p < 0.05.RESULTS Night-shift work was associated with severe worsening of at least one component of sleep quality in the model adjusted for age (OR = 1.91; 95%CI 1.04;3.50; p = 0.036). Female gender was associated with sleep disturbance (OR = 3.40; 95%CI 1.37;8.40; p = 0.008). Quality of life and quality of sleep were closely correlated (R = -0.56; p < 0.001).CONCLUSIONS Characteristics of the nursing profession affect sleep quality and quality of life, and these two variables are associated.

Trypanosoma cruzi: expression of antigenic component 5 among 35 laboratory clones obtained from 18 different isozymic variants

Two monoclonal antibodies anti-component 5 of Trypanosoma cruzi (I-35/115 and II-190/30) were tested in IFA and ELISA respectively against 35 T. cruzi laboratory clones. Among the 35 clones tested, 18 different isozyme patterns were detected. All clones were recognized by both monoclonal antibodies except one clone which did not react with II-190/30. These results support the universal expression of specific component 5 within the taxon T. cruzi.

Exposure to acellular blood products and risk of HIV infection in hemophiliacs from Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Results of a HIV prevalence study conducted in hemophiliacs from Belo Horizonte, Brazil are presented. History of exposure to acellular blood components was determined for the five year period prior to entry in the study, which occurred during 1986 and 1987. Patients with coagulations disorders (hemophilia A = 132, hemophilia B = 16 and coagulation disorders other than hemophilia = 16) were transfused with liquid cryoprecipitate, locally produced, lyophilized cryoprecipitate, imported from São Paulo (Brazil) and factor VIII and IX, imported from Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Europe, and United States. Thirty six (22%) tested HIV seropositive. The univariate and multivariate analysis (logistic model) demonstrated that the risk of HIV infection during the study period was associated with the total units of acellular blood components transfused. In addition, the proportional contribution of the individual components to the total acellular units transfused, namely a increase in factor VIII/IX and lyophilized cryoprecipitate proportions, were found to be associated with HIV seropositivity. This analysis suggest that not only the total amount of units was an important determinant of HIV infection, but that the risk was also associated with the specific component of blood transfused

CHARACTERIZATION OF MOLLUSCICIDAL COMPONENT OF Moringa oleifera LEAF AND Momordica charantia FRUITS AND THEIR MODES OF ACTION IN SNAIL Lymnaea acuminata

SUMMARY The molluscicidal activity of the leaf powder of Moringa oleifera and lyophilized fruit powder of Momordica charantia against the snail Lymnaea acuminata was time and concentration dependent. M. oleifera leaf powder (96 h LC50: 197.59 ppm) was more toxic than M. charantia lyophilized fruit powder (96 h LC50: 318.29 ppm). The ethanolic extracts of M. oleifera leaf powder and Momordica charantia lyophilized fruit powder were more toxic than other organic solvent extracts. The 96 h LC50 of the column purified fraction of M. oleifera leaf powder was 22.52 ppm, while that of M. charantia lyophilized fruit powder was 6.21 ppm. Column, thin layer and high performance liquid chromatography analysis show that the active molluscicidal components in M. oleifera leaf powder and lyophilized fruit of M. charantia are benzylamine (96 h LC50: 2.3 ppm) and momordicine (96 h LC50: 1.2 ppm), respectively. Benzylamine and momordicine significantly inhibited, in vivo and in vitro, the acetylcholinesterase (AChE), acid and alkaline phosphatase (ACP/ALP) activities in the nervous tissues of L. acuminata. Inhibition of AChE, ACP and ALP activity in the nervous tissues of L. acuminata by benzylamine and momordicine may be responsible for the molluscicidal activity of M. oleifera and M. charantia fruits, respectively.

Studies on anti-component 5 antibodies in animals infected with Trypanosoma cruzi

A competitive antibody enzyme immunoassay, using a monoclonal antibody against the species-specific Trypanosoma crnzi antigen 5, was used to investigate the presence of anti-component 5 antibodies in sera of opossums, dogs, rabbits and rats infected with this parasite. The sera from 51 Venezuelan patients with Chagas’disease were also tested. About 90% of the infected subjects showed significant levels of anti-component 5 antibodies. Nevertheless, these antibodies were not detected in the sera of dogs, rats and opossums infected with T. cruzl Some sera from infected rabbits presented significant results but close to the limit ofpositivity ofthe test. These findings suggest that the immune response in animals naturally or experimentally infected with T. cruzi is different from that observed in human Chagas’disease.

Avaliação dos testes rápidos Optimal-IT® e ICT P.f./P.v.® para o diagnóstico da malária, na Atenção Básica de Saúde, no município de Manaus, Amazonas

O diagnóstico da malária é realizado rotineiramente pelo exame da gota espessa, entretanto, esta técnica requer o treinamento de microscopistas e pode consumir muito tempo. Foi realizado um estudo de concordância de dois testes rápidos (Optimal-IT® e ICT P.f./P.v.®) com a gota espessa, na atenção básica de saúde, em Manaus.

A comparative analysis of primary stenting and optimal balloon coronary angioplasty in acute myocardial infarction. Six month results from the STENT PAMI trial

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcome of balloon PTCA with final coronary stenosis diameter (SD) <=30%, with elective coronary stenting. METHODS: We performed a comparative analysis of the 6 month outcomes in patients treated with primary stenting and those who obtained an optimal balloon PTCA result treated during the first 12 hours of AMI onset included in the STENT PAMI randomized trial. RESULTS: The results were analysed into 3 groups: primary stenting (441 patients, SD=22±6%), optimal PTCA (245 patients), and nonoptimal PTCA (182 patients, SD= 37±5%). At the end of the 6 months primary stent group presented with the lowest restenosis(23 vs. 31 vs. 45%, p=0.001, respectively). Ischemia-driven target vessel revascularization rate (TVR) (7 vs. 15.5 vs. 19%, p=0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: At the 6 month follow-up, primary stenting offered the lowest restenosis and ischemia-driven TVR rates. Compared to optimal balloon PTCA. Nonoptimal primary balloon PTCA pts (SD=31-50%), had the worst late angiographic outcomes and should be treated more actively with coronary stent implantation.

Diversity and population characteristics of terrestrial isopods (Crustacea, Oniscidea) across three forest environments in southern Brazil

Terrestrial isopods are important and dominant component of meso and macrodecomposer soil communities. The present study investigates the diversity and species composition of terrestrial isopods on three forests on the Serra Geral of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The area has two natural formations (Primary Woodland and Secondary Woodland) and one plantation of introduced Pinus. The pitfall traps operated from March 2001 to May 2002, with two summer periods and one winter. There were 14 sampling dates overall. Of the five species found: Alboscia silveirensis Araujo, 1999, Atlantoscia floridana (van Name, 1940), Benthana araucariana Araujo & Lopes, 2003 (Philoscidae), Balloniscus glaber Araujo & Zardo, 1995 (Balloniscidae) and Styloniscus otakensis (Chilton, 1901) (Styloniscidae); only A. floridana is abundant on all environments and B. glaber is nearly exclusive for the native forests. The obtained data made it possible to infer about population characteristics of this species. The Similarity Analysis showed a quantitative difference among the Secondary forest and Pinus plantation, but not a qualitative one. The operational sex ratio (OSR) analysis for A. floridana does not reveal significant differences in male and female proportions among environments. The reproductive period identified in the present study for A. floridana was from spring to autumn in the primary forest and Pinus plantation and during all year for the secondary forest. The OSR analysis for B. glaber reveals no significant differences in abundance between males and females for secondary forest, but the primary forest was a significant difference. The reproductive period for B. glaber extended from summer to autumn (for primary and secondary forest). This is the first record for Brazil of an established terrestrial isopod population in a Pinus sp. plantation area, evidenced by the presence of young, adults and ovigerous females, balanced sex ratio, expected fecundity and reproduction pattern, as compared to populations from native vegetation areas.

A recombinant hybrid protein as antigen for an anti-blood stage malaria vaccine: a study on the conservation of a protective component

Recently we have shown that two hybrid proteins expressed in Escherichia coli confer protective immunity to Aotus monkeys against an experimental Plasmodium falciparum infection (Knapp et al., 1992). Both hybrid proteins carry a sequence containing amino acids 631 to 764 of the serine stretch protein SERP (Knapp et al., 1989b). We have studied the diversity of this SERP region in field isolates of P. falciparum. Genomic DNA was extracted from the blood of six donors from different endemic areas of Brazil and West Africa. The SERP region encoding amino acids 630 to 781 was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced. Only conserved amino acid substitutions in maximally two positions of the analyzed SERP fragment could be detected which supports the suitability of this SERP region as a component of anti-blood stage malaria vaccine.