Detection of IgG in cerebrospinal fluid for diagnosis of neurocysticercosis: evaluation of saline and SDS extracts from Taenia solium and Taenia crassiceps metacestodes by ELISA and immunoblot assay

We compared saline (S) and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) extracts from Taenia solium (homologous species - HO) and Taenia crassiceps (heterologous species - HE) metacestodes in order to detect Ige by ELISA and immunoblot assay (IBA) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for the diagnosis of human neurocysticercosis (NC). CSF samples were obtained from 93 patients. of these, 40 had NC, five had a diagnosis of probable NC, nine had central nervous system schistosomiasis or strongyloidiasis and 39 had other neurological alterations. Samples were analysed by ELISA and the results were compared with IBA in all samples with confirmed and probable NC diagnosis, in all samples with other central nervous system parasitic infection, and in 10 of those with another neurological alterations. ELISA sensitivity was 100%, 85%, 95% and 87.5% for the S-HO, S-HE, SDS-HO and SDS-HE extracts, respectively, and ELISA specificity was 100% for S-HO, S-HE, SDS-HO extracts and 97.9% for SDS-HE antigen. Immunodominant peptides detected by IBA were, by decreasing percentage of recognition: 64-68 and 45 kDa for S-HO; 108-114, 92-95, 64-68, 83 and 88 kDa for S-HE; 64-68, 108-114, 77 and 86 kDa for SDS-HO; and 108-114, 88 and 92-95 kDa for SDS-HE. Overall the homologous antigenic extracts showed higher sensitivity than the heterologous extracts in the diagnosis of NC in CSF samples. The heterologous extracts contained most of the immunodominant peptides presented in the homologous extracts, which are recognized by Ige antibodies in CSF samples.

Detecção imunoistoquímica de receptores de estrógeno e progesterona no endométrio de vacas Nelore (Bos taurus indicus) durante o anestro pós-parto

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

Exercício físico, receptores β-adrenérgicos e resposta vascular

O exercício aeróbio promove efeitos benéficos na prevenção e tratamento de doenças como hipertensão arterial, aterosclerose, insuficiência venosa e doença arterial periférica. Os receptores β-adrenérgicos estão presentes em várias células. No sistema cardiovascular, promovem inotropismo e cronotropismo positivo cardíaco e relaxamento vascular. Embora os efeitos do exercício tenham sido investigados em receptores cardíacos, estudos focados nos vasos são escassos e controversos. Esta revisão abordará os efeitos do exercício físico sobre os receptores β-adrenérgicos vasculares em modelos animais e humanos e os mecanismos celulares envolvidos na resposta relaxante. em geral, os estudos mostram resultantes conflitantes, onde observam diminuição, aumento ou nenhum efeito do exercício físico sobre a resposta relaxante. Assim, os efeitos do exercício na sensibilidade β-adrenérgica vascular merecem maior atenção, e os resultados mostram que a área de fisiopatologia vascular é um campo aberto para a descoberta de novos compostos e avanços na prática clínica.

Fator de crescimento fibroblástico básico e seus receptores em relação à atividade proliferativa na placenta bubalina em diferentes fases da gestação

Estudou-se a distribuição espaço-temporal do fator de crescimento fibroblástico básico (bFGF), do receptor 1 do fator de crescimento fibroblástico (FGFR1) e do receptor 2 do fator de crescimento fibroblástico (FGFR2) na placenta bubalina, correlacionando-a à proliferação celular. Para a detecção do bFGF, FGFR1, FGFR2 e antígeno Ki-67, colheram-se 12 placentas de búfalas nos terços inicial, médio e final da gestação, em abatedouros, e realizaram-se testes de imunoistoquímica. Detectou-se e avaliou-se a expressão do bFGF, do FGFR1, do FGFR2 e do antígeno Ki-67 ao longo da gestação. No compartimento fetal da placenta, observaram-se correlações positivas entre a expressão do bFGF e Ki-67, entre FGFR1 e Ki-67 e entre FGFR2 com Ki-67 (r=0,313, 0,358 e 0,384, respectivamente). No epitélio e estroma maternos observaram-se altas correlações entre FGFR1 e Ki-67 (r=0,739 e r=0,511, respectivamente). Os resultados sugerem envolvimento do bFGF, FGFR1 e FGFR2 na proliferação do trofoblasto enquanto no compartimento materno da placenta bubalina apenas o FGFR1 atuaria como modulador dessa atividade.

Análise da ionosfera usando dados de receptores GPS durante um período de alta atividade solar e comparação com dados de Digissondas

Cada vez mais é crescente o uso do GPS (Global Positioning System ) em estudos da atmosfera terrestre. Neste artigo, a atmosfera superior da Terra, denominada ionosfera, foi estudada durante um período de alta atividade solar (ano de 2001) usando dados de receptores GPS de dupla freqüência localizados na região brasileira, pertencentes à RBMC (Rede Brasileira de Monitoramento Contínuo). A partir dos dados GPS foram calculados os valores de TEC (Total Electron Content - Conteúdo Total de Elétrons) da ionosfera. Adicionalmente foram incluídos no estudo dados de freqüência crítica da camada F2 advinda de Digissondas localizadas em São Luís/MA (3ºS; 44ºW) e Cachoeira Paulista/SP (22ºS; 45ºW), para fins de comparação. de uma forma geral, os resultados mostraram maiores valores de TEC durante os meses próximos aos equinócios e menores durante os meses de inverno. Quanto à variação diária do TEC, os menores valores foram verificados por volta das 4-6 HL (Hora Local) e os maiores durante o período da tarde, com valores um pouco maiores para São Luís. O segundo pico da anomalia equatorial foi verificado em Cachoeira Paulista nos meses próximos aos equinócios e verão. Na maioria dos meses, uma alta correlação linear foi verificada quando realizada a comparação entre os valores de freqüência crítica da camada F2 e os de TEC, principalmente para São Luís.

Detection of IgG antibodies to Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in dogs examined in a veterinary hospital from Brazil

A total of 163 dogs with neuromuscular, respiratory and/or gastrointestinal disorders, was admitted at the Veterinary Hospital, Federal University of Uberlandia, Brazil, and submitted to serology for Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. Assays for T gondii included indirect haemagglutination (IHA), indirect fluorescent antibody (IFAT-Tg), immunoenzymatic (ELISA), and immunoblotting (IB-Tg). Assays for N, caninum included IFAT-Nc and immunoprecipitation (IP-Nc). Based on concordant results by three serological tests (IHA, IFAT-Tg and ELISA) for T gondii, and divergent results further confirmed by IB-Tg for reactivity to TgSAG1, the 163 sera were divided into two groups: 59 (36%) Tg-seropositive samples and 104 (64%) Tg-seronegative samples. Antibodies to Neospora were detected in 11 (6.7%) out of 163 analyzed dog sera, with 5 (3.1 %) samples reactive to both parasites (Tg+/Nc+), and 6 (3.7%) reactive only to Neospora (Tg-/Nc+). Antibodies only to T: gondii were found in 54 (33%) samples. Among the 11 Neospora-positive sera analyzed by IB-Tg, the five sera Tg+/Nc+ showed strong reactivity to Toxoplasma antigens, especially to TgSAG1 (p30). No reactivity was observed to TgSAG1 in the six samples Tg-/Nc+. By TP-Nc, two highly immunodominant antigens (29 and 35 kDa proteins) were recognized by all 11 IFAT-Nc positive sera. Our results suggest that the infection by N, caninum can be concomitantly present in dogs from this area, although less common, and therefore should be considered in the differential clinical diagnosis with T. gondii in dogs presenting neuromuscular, respiratory and/or gastrointestinal disorders. (C) 2001 Elsevier B.V. B.V. All rights reserved.

Temporal IgG subclasses response in dogs following vaccination against Leishmania with Leishmune (R)

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

IgG subclass profile of serum antibodies to Leishmania chagasi in naturally infected and vaccinated dogs

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

Considerações sobre o câncer localmente avançado de mama (CLAM) acrescidas de identificação dos receptores de estrogênios usando anticorpos monoclonais.

The effects of therapy in locally advanced breast cancer submitted to combined conventional telecobalt therapy plus chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide and 5-fluorouracil were studied in 49 patients. Associated to radical mastectomy in operable cases. Local tumor control was achieved in 86.7%. There were no local recurrences in those submitted to surgery but they reached 21.7% in inoperable patients who received only radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The median follow-up time for dead patients was 29.5 months and for living patients 79.3 months. The index of complete responses was 24.5% and the median disease free interval was 22.9 months. The overall survival rate, between three and five years, was 32.7%. Estrogen receptors were identified by using immunohistochemical assay ER-ICA and monoclonal antibody H222-SP gamma, Abbott. There were no differences in the complete response index, disease free interval and survival rates, among ER-positive and ER-negative patients, explained by the far advanced stage of the disease. ER-positivity was significantly correlated with histological features of the tumors: cell differentiation, presence of elastosis, absence of lymphocytic infiltration and absence of tumor necrosis.

IgG, IgM and IgA antibody response for the diagnosis and follow-up of paracoccidioidomycosis: Comparison of counterimmunoelectrophoresis and complement fixation

IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies to GP43 (glycoprotein fraction of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis) were measured by ELISA in 63 samples from 23 patients with paracoccidioidomycosis before and twice after chemotherapy was started. Antibodies against P. brasiliensis were detected by indirect immunofluorescence (IF) (IgG, IgM and IgA isotypes), counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE) and complement fixation. Two control groups composed of 19 healthy individuals and 12 patients with other diseases (six with histoplasmosis, three with tuberculosis and three with other mycoses). The highest efficiency percentages were found with IgG and IgA- ELISA (100%), IgG-IF (96.2%), CIE (94.4%) and the lowest with CF (75.9%). Highest positive and negative predictive values (100%) were observed for IgG and IgA ELISA. IgG and IgM-ELISA antibodies are more often found in patients with acute than chronic disease (P = 0.01). Four to six months after treatment follow-up showed decreased levels of IgG and IgM-ELISA for acute cases and decreased titres of CIE for chronic cases in relation to pretreatment levels. This study suggests that IgG-ELISA anti-GP43 represents a good marker to monitor clinical response to therapy.

Conseqüências de uma tempestade geomagnética no posicionamento relativo com receptores GPS de simples freqüência

The error associated with the ionosphere depends on Total Electron Content (TEC) of the ionosphere. The geomagnetic field exerts strong influence in the TEC variation, because it controls the movement of the electrons. After solar events the magnetic lines of force can be compressed, characterizing the geomagnetic storm. The aim of this paper is to present to geodesic community the effects of a geomagnetic storm in the relative positioning. The processing of the data was accomplished with an interval of two hours, with a 430 km baseline. The analyze of the obtained results have been carried out from the discrepancies between the true coordinates and corresponding ones obtained in the processing of the baseline. The used data in this paper include the period of 30/03/2001 up to 02/04/2001. In March 31 a strong geomagnetic storm happened. One day after, that it corresponds to main phase of the storm, the values of the discrepancies decreased significantly. For instance, in 01:00-03:00 UT period, the value of the planimetric discrepancy reached 20 m in the storm day. However, in the main phase of the storm, the planimetric discrepancy decreased to 0.1 m.

Espectro de agentes etiológicos associados a surtos de doenças transmitidas por alimentos em núcleos receptores turísticos de três regiões geográficas do Estado de São Paulo

Foodborne and waterborne diseases are spread by the consumption of food or water contaminated with bacteria and/or their toxins, viruses, parasites or chemicals. The aim of the research reported here was to establish the spectrum of etiologic agents of foodborne outbreaks at 15 tourist resorts in three geographic regions of the State of Sao Paulo (Brazil). The study was based on the cases reported to the Epidemic Surveillance Center (CVE) of the Public Health Authority of the State of São Paulo (SES), from 2002 to 2005. The tourist centers were chosen at random in three regions of the state (Capital, Interior and Coast) and offered the following attractions: events, agribusiness, cultural history, shopping, town center, gastronomy, health and leisure, sun and sea. Among the bacteria, the results showed that Salmonella spp. were most frequently associated with outbreaks, followed by Shigella spp., enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, Bacillus cereus and Campylobacter spp. Viruses (Rotavirus and Hepatitis A) played a part in many of the cases, while the frequency of parasites and worm infestations was low in the foodborne disease outbreaks at these resorts. The mixed foods (rice, beans, liver, potatoes, barbecue, juice), fish and poultry were the three commonest vehicles implicated in the outbreaks.

La distribución del ingreso en Colombia: antecedentes estadísticos y características socioeconómicas de los receptores

Incluye Bibliografía

CD63 e CD123 expressão, autoanticorpos IgG e acurácia do teste do soro autólogo em pacientes com urticária crônica

Introduction: The autologous serum skin test (ASST) may suggest an autoimmune etiology in chronic urticaria (CU). A new laboratory technique called basophil activation test (BAT) has been currently employed for its diagnosis. Objective: To analyze ASST in relation to BAT as well as to evaluate interleukin 3 (IL3) receptors (CD123) and non-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) autoantibodies bound to basophils in patients with chronic urticaria. Methods: We studied 33 adults with CU and mean age of 42.5 + 14 years. After stimulation by serum from patients with CU, CD63 expression on basophils from one atopic donor was analyzed by flow cytometry. Furthermore, we investigated CD123 and IgG autoantibody expressions. Results: The odds ratio (OR) between ASST and BAT was 1.00 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.22 to 4.5). The ASST for autoimmune CU diagnosis showed an accuracy of 54.5%, sensitivity of 66%, specificity of 33%, positive predictive value of 63%, and negative predictive value of 36%. There was no statistical difference between the studied groups as to mean non-specific IgG and CD123 expressions (for a p < 0.05). Discussion: This study demonstrated that ASST has low accuracy in the diagnosis of autoimmune CU. Concerning other analyzed aspects, there was no statistical difference between positive ASST and negative ASST. Conclusions: Due to insufficient studies in this area and the relevance of this issue, further investigation is required.