O Núcleo genuíno lateral dorsal do tálamo do sagüi (callithrix jacchus): Pprojeção retiniana, caracterização citoarquitetônica e neuroquimica da principal estação visual primária.

The thalamus plays an important role in the sensorial processing information, in this particular case, the visual information. Several neuronal groups have been characterized as conductors and processors of important sensorial information to the cerebral cortex. The lateral geniculate complex is one to them, and appears as a group very studied once it is responsible, in almost all totality, for the processing of visual information. Among the nuclei that constitute the lateral geniculate complex we highlight the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the thalamus (DLG), the main thalamic relay for the visual information. This nucleus is located rostral and lateral to medial geniculate nucleus and ventral to thalamic pulvinar nucleus in most of the mammals. In the primates humans and non-humans, it presents as a laminate structure, arranged in layers, when observed in coronal sections. The objective of this work was to do a mapping of the retinal projections and a citoarchictetonic and neurochemical characterization of DLG in the marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), a New World primate. The retinal projections were traced by anterograde transport of subunit b of cholera toxin (CTb), the citoarchicteture was described by Nissl method, and to neurochemical characterization immunohistochemicals technical were used to examine the main neurotransmitters and neuroatives substances present in this neural center. In DGL of marmoset thalamus, in coronal sections labeled by Nissl method, was possible to visualize the division of this nucleus in four layers divided in two portions: magnocellular and parvocellular. The retinal projections were present being visualized fibers and terminals immunorreactives to CTb (IR-CTb) in the DLG ipsilateral and contralateral. And through the immunohistochemicals techniques was observed that DLG contain cells, fibers and/or terminals immunoreactives against neuronal nuclear protein, subunits of AMPA 15 glutamate receptors (GluR1, GluR2/3, GluR4), choline acetyltransferase, serotonin, glutamic acid decarboxylase, binding calcium proteins (calbindin, parvalbumin and calretinin), vasopressin, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, and an astrocyte protein, glial fibrillary acidic protein.

Análise citoarquitetônica dos componentes do sistema de temporização circadiana do sagui (Calithrix jacchus), comparada com a inervação das suas principais aferências

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the anterior hypothalamus, together with the intergeniculate leaflet (IGL) of the thalamus are considered the central components of the circadian timing system (CTS) of mammals. This system is responsible for the generation and regulation of circadian rhythms by establishing a temporal organization of physiological processes and behaviors. The neuronal specific nuclear protein (NeuN) has been widely used as a neuronal marker in several studies. Since glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is a component of intermediate filaments found in the cytoplasm of astrocytes and is commonly used as a specific marker for these cells. This study aims to identify, in the marmoset, the NeuN immunoreactive neurons and glial cells immunoreactive to GFAP, as well as map the major route of photic synchronization of the STC, retinohypothalamic tract (RHT), and identify the indirect pathway to the SCN and pregeniculate nucleus (PGN) - structure homologous to IGL rodents, using immunohistochemical and cytoarchitectonic techniques. Observed in SCN the presence of neurons immunoreactive to NeuN and terminals immunoreactive subunit b of cholera toxin (CTb), neuropeptide Y (NPY) and serotonin (5- HT). In the PGN noted the presence of the NeuN and NPY immunoreactive neurons and the immunoreactive terminals CTb and 5-HT. Astrocytes are present throughout the extent of the SCN and the PGN this New World primate

Retinal projections and neurochemical characterization of the pregeniculate nucleus of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Evidence of reciprocal connections between the dorsal raphe nucleus and the retina in the monkey Cebus apella

Possible connections between the retina and the raphe nuclei were investigated in the monkey Cebus apella by intraocular injection of cholera toxin B subunit (CTb). CTb-positive fibers were seen in the lateral region of the dorsal raphe nucleus (DR) on the side contralateral to the injection, and a few labeled perikarya were observed in the lateral portion of the DR on the ipsilateral side. Our findings suggest that direct and reciprocal connections between the retina and DR may exist in Cebus apella. These connections might be part of an important pathway through which the light/dark cycle influences the Activity and/or functional status of raphe neurons, with potential effects on a broad set of neural and behavioral circuits. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ballast water: a review of the impact on the world public health

Since the nineteenth century ships have been using ballast water (BW) for safety, stability, propulsion and maneuverability, as well as to redress loss of fuel weight and water consumption, and to maintain structural stress at acceptable levels. Ballast water has been spreading many non-native species around the globe, but little is known about the extent and potential significance of ship-mediated transfer of microorganisms. The global movements of ballast water by ships create a long-distance dispersal mechanism for human pathogens that may be important in the worldwide distribution of microorganisms, as well as for the epidemiology of waterborne diseases. Only a few studies have been carried out on this subject, most of them involving ballast water containing crustacean larvae and phytoplankton. Specialized microbiological studies on these waters are necessary to avoid a repeat of what happened in 1991, when epidemic cholera was reported in Peru and rapidly spread through Latin America and Mexico. In July of 1992, Vibrio cholerae was found in the USA and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that it came from ballast water of ships whose last port of call was in South America. In Brazil, just a few studies about the subject have been performed. An exploratory study by the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency (Agencia Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitaria - ANVISA) found in ballast water different microorganisms, such as fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Clostridium perfringens, coliphages, Vibrio cholerae O1 and Vibrio cholerae non-O1. Until now, Brazil has been focusing only on organisms transported to its territory from other countries by ballast water, to avoid their establishment and dissemination in Brazilian areas. Studies that can assess the probability that water ballast carries pathogenic microorganisms are extremely important, as is the examination of ships that arrive in the country. Treatment of the human infections caused by BW exists but none is completely safe and efficient.

Effect of pectinolitic enzymes on the physical properties of caja-manga (Spondias cytherea Sonn.) pulp

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Haemagglutination induced by Bordetella pertussis filamentous haemagglutinin adhesin (FHA) is inhibited by antibodies produced against FHA(430-873) fragment expressed in Lactobacillus casei

Filamentous haemagglutinin adhesin (FHA) is an important virulence factor from Bordetella pertussis related to the adhesion and spread of the bacteria through the respiratory tract. Three distinct domains have been characterized in mature FHA, and among them, the FHA(442-863) fragment was suggested to be responsible for the heparin-binding activity. In this study, we cloned the gene encoding the HEP fragment (FHA(430-873)) in a Lactobacillus casei-inducible expression vector based on the lactose operon. The recombinant bacteria, transformed with the resulting construct (L. casei-HEP), were able to express the heterologous protein depending on the sugar added to the culture. Subcutaneous inoculation of L. casei-HEP in Balb/C mice, using the cholera toxin B subunit as adjuvant, induced systemic anti-HEP antibodies that were able to inhibit in vitro erythrocyte haemagglutination induced by FHA. This is the first example of a B. pertussis antigen produced in lactic acid bacteria and opens new perspectives for alternative vaccine strategies against whooping cough.

Type 2 heat-labile enterotoxin (LT-II)-producing Escherichia coli isolated from ostriches with diarrhea

The culture supernatant of Escherichia coli, isolated from ostriches with diarrhea in Brazil, caused elongation in Vero cell, rounding in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and a cytoplasmic vacuolation in ostrich embryo fibroblasts (OEF), but it was not cytotoxic for chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEF). These effects were not neutralized by antiserum to cholera toxin. Polymerase chain reaction assays showed that the ostrich E.coli contained the gene encoding (eltII-A), but not those for type 1 heat-labile enterotoxin (eltA), heat-stable enterotoxins (estA, estB), verocytotoxins (stx-I, stx-II), or cytotoxic necrotizing factors (cnf 1, cnf 2). All isolates belonged to serotype O15:H8. The enteropathogenic relevance of LT-II in ostrich diarrhea remains undetermined. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Structural and Phylogenetic Studies with MjTX-I Reveal a Multi-Oligomeric Toxin - a Novel Feature in Lys49-PLA2s Protein Class

The mortality caused by snakebites is more damaging than many tropical diseases, such as dengue haemorrhagic fever, cholera, leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis and Chagas disease. For this reason, snakebite envenoming adversely affects health services of tropical and subtropical countries and is recognized as a neglected disease by the World Health Organization. One of the main components of snake venoms is the Lys49-phospholipases A2, which is catalytically inactive but possesses other toxic and pharmacological activities. Preliminary studies with MjTX-I from Bothrops moojeni snake venom revealed intriguing new structural and functional characteristics compared to other bothropic Lys49-PLA2s. We present in this article a comprehensive study with MjTX-I using several techniques, including crystallography, small angle X-ray scattering, analytical size-exclusion chromatography, dynamic light scattering, myographic studies, bioinformatics and molecular phylogenetic analyses.Based in all these experiments we demonstrated that MjTX-I is probably a unique Lys49-PLA2, which may adopt different oligomeric forms depending on the physical-chemical environment. Furthermore, we showed that its myotoxic activity is dramatically low compared to other Lys49-PLA2s, probably due to the novel oligomeric conformations and important mutations in the C-terminal region of the protein. The phylogenetic analysis also showed that this toxin is clearly distinct from other bothropic Lys49-PLA2s, in conformity with the peculiar oligomeric characteristics of MjTX-I and possible emergence of new functionalities inresponse to environmental changes and adaptation to new preys. © 2013 Salvador et al.

Epidemiologia de doenças infecciosas: cólera e doença do caranguejo letárgico

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

As doenças infectocontagiosas em cidades de médio porte: uma abordagem qualitativa da Aids em Piracicaba/SP

Pós-graduação em Geografia - IGCE

Adenosine A1 receptor-mediated inhibition of in vitro prolactin secretion from the rat anterior pituitary

In previous studies, we demonstrated biphasic purinergic effects on prolactin (PRL) secretion stimulated by an adenosine A₂ agonist. In the present study, we investigated the role of the activation of adenosine A₁ receptors by (R)-N6-(2-phenylisopropyl)adenosine (R-PIA) at the pituitary level in in vitro PRL secretion. Hemipituitaries (one per cuvette in five replicates) from adult male rats were incubated. Administration of R-PIA (0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10 µM) induced a reduction of PRL secretion into the medium in a U-shaped dose-response curve. The maximal reduction was obtained with 0.1 µM R-PIA (mean ± SEM, 36.01 ± 5.53 ng/mg tissue weight (t.w.)) treatment compared to control (264.56 ± 15.46 ng/mg t.w.). R-PIA inhibition (0.01 µM = 141.97 ± 15.79 vs control = 244.77 ± 13.79 ng/mg t.w.) of PRL release was blocked by 1 µM cyclopentyltheophylline, a specific A₁ receptor antagonist (1 µM = 212.360 ± 26.560 ng/mg t.w.), whereas cyclopentyltheophylline alone (0.01, 0.1, 1 µM) had no effect. R-PIA (0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1 µM) produced inhibition of PRL secretion stimulated by both phospholipase C (0.5 IU/mL; 977.44 ± 76.17 ng/mg t.w.) and dibutyryl cAMP (1 mM; 415.93 ± 37.66 ng/mg t.w.) with nadir established at the dose of 0.1 µM (225.55 ± 71.42 and 201.9 ± 19.08 ng/mg t.w., respectively). Similarly, R-PIA (0.01 µM) decreased (242.00 ± 24.00 ng/mg t.w.) the PRL secretion stimulated by cholera toxin (0.5 mg/mL; 1050.00 ± 70.00 ng/mg t.w.). In contrast, R-PIA had no effect (468.00 ± 34.00 ng/mg t.w.) on PRL secretion stimulation by pertussis toxin (0.5 mg/mL; 430.00 ± 26.00 ng/mg t.w.). These results suggest that inhibition of PRL secretion after A₁ receptor activation by R-PIA is mediated by a Gi protein-dependent mechanism.

Cólera e gentes de cores ou o acesso aos socorros públicos no século XIX

A diversidade étnica no Grão-Pará, na época da cólera, está estampada nas categorias anotadas pelos profissionais de saúde, pelos viajantes e pelos publicistas que registraram as nuanças relativas à cor e à etnia de cada uma das vítimas da epidemia. Arrolados como indígenas, as vítimas caboclas, índias, e tapuias somam 205 almas; e, como negros, vítimas cafuzas, mamelucas, mulatas, pardas e pretas chegam a 646, enquanto os brancos somam 184. As gentes de cores abatidas pela epidemia constituem 82% dos mortos sepultados na Soledade. A cólera "escolhe" ou não suas vítimas? É cega em relação à condição social, à cor e à etnia dos grupos que flagela? São as perguntas que se fazem tendo como campo empírico a epidemia ocorrida no século XIX, e o acesso aos socorros públicos na Belém do Grão-Pará, trabalhando documentos depositados no Arquivo Público do Estado do Pará (APEP) e no Instituto Histórico e Geográfico do Pará (IHGP).

Autoridade médica e divulgação científica no Grão-Pará flagelado pelo cólera: século XIX

O incremento da epidemia do cólera, em 1855, no Grão-Pará, desencadeou acirrada polêmica entre os doutores da Província em torno de instruções e tratamentos a serem observados pelos enfermos. Em meio à contenda acadêmica surgiram, através da imprensa, instruções e guias médicos que auxiliaram sobremaneira no combate à epidemia. Os documentos divulgados revelam a capacidade pedagógica e persuasiva dos profissionais de saúde. No Grão-Pará, as vozes eram ouvidas através do Treze de Maio e do Diario do Gram-Pará. Já no Rio de Janeiro, capital do Império do Brasil, os contendedores utilizavam as páginas do Jornal do Commercio e do Diario do Rio de Janeiro. O trabalho apresenta a trama da divulgação científica apoiada na autoridade médica dos profissionais que atuavam no Grão-Pará flagelado pelo cólera.

Caridade e saúde pública em tempo de epidemias. Belém 1850-1890

Obrigados a enfrentar uma grave crise epidêmica desencadeada ao longo de quase toda a segunda metade do século XIX, os habitantes de Belém assistem, a partir daquele momento, a uma intensa mobilização social em prol da preservação da saúde pública, que há muito deixara de ser objeto de interesse do Governo Provincial e que agora se via ameaçada pela fúria da febre amarela, da cólera e da varíola, que vinham desordenadamente fazendo suas vítimas pela cidade. Diante disso, esta dissertação procura analisar alguns mecanismos empregados para conter o aumento dos casos das doenças na Capital da Província do Pará, destacando as estratégias sanitárias propostas pelos facultativos ligados à ciência médica, levadas a cabo, muitas vezes sem resultado, pelo poder público, mas que interferiram e modificaram significativamente as práticas de assistência aos enfermos mais necessitados, que geralmente eram socorridos em nome da caridade no Hospital da Santa Casa de Misericórdia. A falta de conhecimento sobre a etiologia das moléstias trouxe à tona ainda um acirrado conflito ideológico entre os médicos, que divergiam quanto aos possíveis fatores que motivaram as epidemias e o tipo de terapêutica a ser aplicada aos doentes, ao mesmo tempo em que o perigo da contaminação aguçou também a “compaixão” e a “caridade” de todos que se viram direta ou indiretamente ameaçados por aqueles males.