Nouvelle méthodologie de synthèse de dérivés carbamates : réarrangement de Curtius catalysé par le cuivre

Mémoire numérisé par la Direction des bibliothèques de l'Université de Montréal.

Nouvelle méthodologie de synthèse de dérivés carbamates : réarrangement de Curtius catalysé par le cuivre

Mémoire numérisé par la Direction des bibliothèques de l'Université de Montréal.

CIL 3.566 – Dedication for Q. Minucius Rufus

Squeeze, photograph and notes by A.E. Gordon

CIL 3.314203, 23 – Dedication of M. Minucius Rufus

Squeeze, photograph and notes by A.E. Gordon

CIL 11.1828 – Dedication for Quintus Fabius Maximus

Photograph and translation

CIL 3.6072 – Dedication to M. Calpurnius Rufus

Photographs

CIL 3.7238 – Inscribed statue base for Q. Pompeius Rufus

Photograph and notes by A.E. Gordon

Annales ecclesiastici / auctore Caesare Baronio Sorano... Tomus quintus

Editio nouissima

Determination of total and inorganic mercury in whole blood by cold vapor inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (CV ICP-MS) with alkaline sample preparation

A simple method with a fast sample preparation procedure for total and inorganic mercury determinations in blood samples is proposed based on flow injection cold vapor inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (FI-CVICP-MS). Aliquots of whole blood (500 mL) are diluted 1 + 1 v/v with 10.0% v/v tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) solution, incubated for 3 h at room temperature and then further diluted 1 + 4 v/v with 2.0% v/v HCl. The inorganic Hg was released by online addition of L-cysteine and then reduced to elemental Hg by SnCl(2). On the other hand, total mercury was determined by on-line addition of KMnO(4) and then reduced to elemental Hg by NaBH(4). Samples were calibrated against matrix-matching. The method detection limit was found to be 0.80 mu g L(-1) and 0.08 mu g L(-1) for inorganic and total mercury, respectively. Sample throughput is 20 samples h(-1). The method accuracy is traceable to Standard Reference Material (SRM) 966 Toxic Metals in Bovine Blood from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). For additional validation purposes, human whole blood samples were analyzed by the proposed method and by an established CV AAS method, with no statistical difference between the two techniques at 95% confidence level on applying the t-test.

Auto-antibodies do not influence development of atherosclerotic plaques in rheumatoid arthritis

Background: Many questions remain unanswered about premature atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Besides inflammation, some studies have suggested the role of autoantibodies on its pathogenesis. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of antibodies against phospholipids, beta2-glycoproteinl (beta2-gpl), lipoprotein lipase, and heat shock proteins (Hsp) in RA patients and to evaluate their possible association with subclinical carotid atherosclerosis. Methods: Seventy-one RA patients and 53 age- and sex-matched controls were selected to perform anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) (IgG and IgM), anti-beta2-gpl (IgG, IgM, and IgA), anti-lipoprotein lipase (anti-LPL), anti-Hsp 60, and anti-Hsp 65 by ELISA tests. Intima-medial thickness (IMT) of common carotid and presence of plaques were assessed by high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography. Exclusion criteria were smoking, diabetes, and arterial hypertension. Lipoproteins, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and fibrinogen levels, as well as health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) and disease activity score (DAS) 28 were also evaluated. Results: Age (48.93 +/- 12.31 vs. 45.37 +/- 9.37 years; p = 0.20) and body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.69) were similar in RA and controls, as well as female gender (p = 0.56). The mean IMT was similar between RA and controls (0. 721 +/- 0.16 vs. 0.667 +/- 0.14 turn, p = 0.07) but the frequency of plaques was higher in RA (14.1% vs. 1.9%; p = 0.02). In RA patients, IMT measurements did not differ according to the presence or absence of these antibodies: IgG aCL (0.62 +/- 0.64 vs. 0.72 +/- 0.17 mm, p = 0.24), IgM aCL (0.65 +/- 0.79 vs. 0.73 +/- 0.17 mm, p = 0.33), anti-Hsp 60 (0.78 +/- 0.20 vs. 0.71 +/- 0.16 mm, p = 0.27), anti-Hsp 65 (0.73 +/- 0.16 vs. 0.72 +/- 0.17 mm, p = 0.77), IgG anti-beta2-gpl (0.73 +/- 0.16 vs. 0.71 +/- 0.17 mm, p = 0.72), and anti-CCP (0.71 +/- 0.16 vs. 0.76 +/- 0.20 mm, p = 0.36). In addition, IMT did not correlate with antibodies titers: IgG aCL (r = -0.09, p = 0.47), IgM aCL (r = - 0.15, p = 0.21), anti-Hsp 60 (r = 0.10, p = 0.42), anti-Hsp 65 (r = 0.05, p = 0.69), IgG anti-beta2-gpl (r = - 0.07, p = 0.57), IgM anti-beta2-gpl (r = - 0.05, p = 0.69), IgA anti-beta2-gpl (r = 0.03, p = 0.79), and anti-CCP (r = - 0.07, p = 0.57). RA patients with plaques had a significantly higher age compared to those without plaques (p = 0.001), as well as higher mean IMT (p < 0.001), total cholesterol (p = 0.001), and LDL (p = 0.003). Conclusions: In RA a clear association between all autoantibodies studied herein and increased IMT or presence of plaques was not observed. The great prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis in RA was related to age, total and LDL cholesterol, as identified in normal population. (c) 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Autoantibodies as predictors of biological therapy for early rheumatoid arthritis

Introduction: The association between serological markers with the need of biological therapy for early rheumatoid arthritis (ERA) is not known, with few available data addressing this question. Objectives: To prospectively evaluate a cohort of patients with ERA (less than 12 months of symptoms) in order to determine the possible association between serological markers (rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP), and citrullinated anti-vimentin (anti-Sa) with parameters of therapeutic outcome (this later defined by the need of introducing biological therapy). Patients and methods: Forty patients with early RA were evaluated at the time of diagnosis and have been followed for 3 years, in use of standardized therapeutic treatment. Demographic and clinical data were recorded, as well as serology tests (ELISA) for RF (IgM, IgG and IgA), anti-CCP (CCP2, CCP3 and CCP3.1) and anti-Sa in the initial evaluation and at 3, 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months of follow-up. As outcomes of the RA development, the need or not for biological therapy during the follow-up period were considered. Comparisons were made through the Student t test, mixed-effects regression analysis and analysis of variance (significance level of 5%). Results: The mean age was 45 (+/- 12) years; a female predominance was observed (90%). At the time of diagnosis, RF was observed in 50% of cases (RF IgA - 42%, RF IgG - 30% and RF IgM - 50%), anti-CCP in 50% (no difference between CCP2, CCP3 and CCP3. 1) and anti-Sa in 10%. After 3 years, no change in the RF prevalence neither in the anti-CCP was observed, but the anti-Sa increased to 17.5% (p = 0.001). Biological therapy was necessary in 22.5% of patients. The mean RF IgA and anti-CCP 2 levels during the 3 years were higher among patients who needed biological therapy (p <0.05 for both). Conclusion: Higher titles of RF and anti-CCP over time were associated with the need for biological therapy.

Bat rabies in the north-northwestern regions of the state of São Paulo, Brazil: 1997-2002

OBJECTIVE: Reports on bat rabies in Brazil are sporadic and isolated. This study aimed at describing the detection of rabies virus in bats in the state of São Paulo. METHODS: A total of 7,393 bats from 235 municipalities of the north and northwestern areas of the state of São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil, were assessed according to their morphological and morphometric characteristics from 1997 to 2002. Fluorescent antibody test and mice inoculation were used for viral identification. RESULTS: Of all samples examined, 1.3% was rabies virus positive, ranging from 0.2% in 1997 to 1.6% in 2001. There were found 98 bats infected, 87 in the urban area. Fluorescent antibody test was detected in 77 positive samples, whereas 92 produced rabies signs in mice; incubation period ranging from 4 to 23 days. In 43 cities at least one rabid bat was observed. The highest proportion (33.7%) of rabies virus was found in Artibeus lituratus. Eptesicus and Myotis were the most frequent positive species (24.5%) of the Vespertilionidae family. The species Molossus molossus and Molossus rufus showed 14.3% positive bats. There were no differences in the distribution of positive rabies between females (33; 48.5%) and males (35; 51.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Rabies-infected bats were found in environments that pose a risk to both human and domestic animal population and there is a need for actions aiming at the control of these species and public education.

Vírus da raiva em quirópteros naturalmente infectados no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil

OBJETIVO: Identificar as espécies de morcegos envolvidas na manutenção do ciclo da raiva, verificar a distribuição do vírus da raiva em tecidos e órgãos de morcegos e os períodos de mortalidade dos camundongos inoculados. MÉTODOS: A positividade para o vírus da raiva foi avaliada por imunofluorescência direta em morcegos de municípios do Estado de São Paulo, de abril de 2002 a novembro de 2003. A distribuição do vírus nos morcegos foi avaliada pela inoculação de camundongos e infecção de células N2A, com suspensões a 20% preparadas a partir de fragmentos de diversos órgãos e tecidos, além de cérebro e glândula salivar. A mortalidade dos camundongos foi observada diariamente, após inoculação intracerebral. RESULTADOS: Dos 4.393 morcegos pesquisados, 1,9% foram positivos para o vírus da raiva, pertencentes a dez gêneros, com predomínio de insetívoros. A média do período máximo de mortalidade dos camundongos pós-inoculação a partir de cérebros e glândulas salivares de morcegos hematófagos foi de 15,33±2,08 dias e 11,33±2,30 dias; insetívoros, 16,45±4,48 dias e 18,91±6,12 dias; e frugívoros, 12,60±2,13 dias e 15,67±4,82 dias, respectivamente. CONCLUSÕES: As espécies infectadas com o vírus da raiva foram: Artibeus lituratus, Artibeus sp., Myotis nigricans, Myotis sp., Eptesicus sp., Lasiurus ega, Lasiurus cinereus, Nyctinomops laticaudatus, Tadarida brasiliensis, Histiotus velatus, Molossus rufus, Eumops sp. e Desmodus rotundus. A pesquisa de vírus em diferentes tecidos e órgãos mostrou-se que os mais apropriados para o isolamento foram cérebro e glândulas salivares.

Dermatitis caused by the tropical fowl mite Ornithonyssus bursa (Berlese) (Acari: Macronyssidae): a case report in humans

Abstract: We herein report human dermatitis caused by the tropical fowl mite Ornithonyssus bursa (Berlese). The cases occurred in an apartment in a residential district of Porto Alegre City, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, where three members of the same family presented with pruritic lesions on the arms and legs. On inspecting the bathroom, several mites measuring approximately 1.0mm in length were observed coming from a nest of Rufous Hornero, Furnarius rufus (Gmelin). This is the first report of O. bursa in the urban area of Porto Alegre City, from a nest of F. rufus that bites humans.

Estudo experimental de um "Schizotrypanum" do morcego "Hemiderma perspicillatum" da Venezuela

1) - Em Guarativana, Estado de Yaracuy, Venezuela, foi determinada a infecção natural de morcegos da espécie Hemiderma perspicillatum (L) por um hemoflagelado do gênero Schizotrypanum CHAGAS. 2) - As formas sanguícolas do parasito são morfologicamente muito semelhantes às do Trypanosoma phyllostomae CARTAYA, 1910, descrito em morcegos da mesma espécie, em Cuba. Sem por ora identificarmos a este parasito o que encontramos na Venezuela, continuaremos a referir-nos a este último como amostra phyllostomae (cf. DIAS, VTDJ). 3) - Os tripanosomas da amostra phyllostomae teem em média 20µ de comprimento total, possuem volumoso blefaroplasto subterminal, núcleo elíptico quese mediano, porem mais próvimo à extremidade anterior do corpo. As seguintes médias foram obtidas da medida de 100 tripanosomas: Extremidade posterior ao meio do núcleo 7,1µ; Meio do núcleo à extremidade anteior 5,0µ; Flagelo livre 7,8µ; Comprimento total 20,0µ; Posição do núcleo (índice PN/NA) 1,4. A amostra phyllostomae mostrou-se biometricamente diferençavel de todas as demais de Schizotupanum estudadas (DIAS & FREITAS). 4) - Formas de multiplicação com a morfologia de leishmania foram encontradas em coração e estômago de morcegos infectados. Tripanosomas em via de divisão nunca foram observados no sangue. 5) - Cobaia, cão e camondongo branco são sensiveis à amostra, sofrendo algumas vezes infecções intensas e mortais. Leishmanias intracelulares e lesões foram encontradas em diversos orgãos, principalmente no coração. 6) - O morcego Phyllostomae hastatus não é sensivel à amostra, apresentando apenas um parasitismo sanguíneo escasso e transitório quando inoculado e reinoculado repetidas vezes. O Molossus obscurus tambem é aparentemente insensivel, enquanto que os Molossus rufus parece receptivel ao parasito. 7) - Após numerosas passagens por animais de laboratório, a amostra Phyllostomae foi infesctante para dois exemplares de Hemiderma perspicillatum do Brasil. Os morcegos H. perpicillatum e H. perspicillatum aztecum são aparentemente resistentes á inoculação do Schizotrypanum cruzi (tipo humano). 8) - A amostra phyllostomae evoluiu facilmente em todos os artrópodes sugadores experimentados: Rhodnius prolixus, Eutriatoma nigromaculata, E. maculata, E. sordida, Panstrongylus megistus, P. geniculatus, Triatoma infestans,Psammolestes arthuri, Cimex hemipterus e Ornithodoros moubata. A evolução processa-se analogamente à do S. chuzi, terminando com a formação de tripanosomas metacíclicos no intestino posterior. 9) - Cultivos artificiais são facilmente conseguidos em meios apropriados. 10) - A amostra phyllostomae distingue-se biológica e morfologicamente de outros hemoflagelados de morcegos (amostras hastatus e vespertilionis). Biologicamente aproxima-se muito do Schizotrydanum cruzi humano, do qual é, entretanto, diferençavel por processos biométricos (DIAS, 1940, DIAS & FREITAS).