Co-infection Trypanosoma cruzi/HIV: systematic review (1980 - 2010)

INTRODUCTION: The co-infection Trypanosoma cruzi/HIV has been described as a clinical event of great relevance. The objective of this study wasto describe clinical and epidemiological aspects published in literature. METHODS: It is a systematic review of a descriptive nature from the databases Medline, Lilacs, SciELO, Scopus, from 1980 to 2010. RESULTS: There were 83 articles (2.8 articles/year) with a total of 291 cases. The co-infection was described in 1980 and this situation has become the defining AIDS clinical event in Brazil. This is the country with the highest number of publication (51.8%) followed by Argentina (27.7%). The majority of cases are amongst adult men (65.3%) native or from endemic regions with serological diagnosis in the chronic stage (97.9%) and indeterminate form (50.8%). Both diseases follow the normal course, but in 41% the reactivation of the Chagas disease occurs. The most severe form is the meningoencephalitis, with 100% of mortality without specific and early treatment of the T. cruzi. The medication of choice was the benznidazole on doses and duration normally used for the acute phase. The high parasitemia detected by direct or indirect quantitative methods indicated reactivation and its elevation is the most important predictive factor. The lower survival rate was related to the reactivation of the Chagas disease and the natural complications of both diseases. The role of the antiretroviral treatment on the co-infection cannot yet be defined by the knowledge currently existent. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the relevance of this clinical event there are still gaps to be filled.

Cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis co-infection in dogs from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: evaluation by specific PCR and RFLP-PCR assays

Introduction During a diagnostic evaluation of canine visceral leishmaniasis (VL), two of seventeen dogs were found to be co-infected by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi. Methods Specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism-PCR (RFLP-PCR) assays were performed. Results PCR assays for Leishmania subgenus identification followed by RFLP-PCR analysis in biopsies from cutaneous lesions and the spleen confirmed the presence of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi in those fragments. Conclusions This report reinforces the importance of using serological and molecular techniques in the epidemiological surveillance of canine populations in endemic areas in which both diseases are known to co-exist. In such cases, a reassessment of the control measures is required.

Molecular characterization of Torque teno virus and SEN virus co-infection with HIV in patients from Southern Iran

Introduction Torque teno virus (TTV) and SEN virus are circular single-stranded DNA viruses that cause blood-borne infections. The SEN virus (SEN-V) was originally detected in the serum of an injection drug user infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Recently TTV was discovered as a potential causative agent of non-A-E hepatitis. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of the SEN-V-D/H and TTV in HIV patients and healthy blood donors in Iran. Methods One hundred and fifty HIV patients with a mean age of 50.46 ± 18.46 years and 150 healthy blood donors with a mean age of 48.16 ± 13.73 years were included in this study. TTV and SEN-V were detected by the PCR and were quantitatively assayed by competitive PCR (nested and semi-nested PCR). Restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) were used to determine the heterogeneity of TTV. Results TTV and SEN-V were detected 96 (64%) and 84 (56%) of 150 HIV patients respectively. These rates were 34% (n=51) and 37.33% (n=56) in healthy blood donors (significant, p<0.05). PCR detected SEN-V/TTV DNA from 32 of the healthy blood donors (21.33%), while 65 (43.33%) of HIV patients were positive for SEN-V/TTV DNA. Of 150 HIV patients, 32.66% and 23.33% were positive for SEN-V-H and SEN-V-D, respectively and 18.66% (n=28) were co-infected with SEN-V-D/H. Conclusions The prevalence of SEN-VD/H and TTV is higher in HIV patients than in healthy blood donors in Southern Iran. Our results suggest that TTV and SEN-V might play a role in the development of liver disease in patients with immunodeficiency diseases.

Leishmania, Babesia and Ehrlichia in urban pet dogs: co-infection or cross-reaction in serological methods?

INTRODUCTION: The present study was designed to assess the occurrence of co-infection or cross-reaction in the serological techniques used for detecting the anti-Leishmania spp., -Babesia canis vogeli and -Ehrlichia canis antibodies in urban dogs from an area endemic to these parasites. METHODS: The serum samples from dogs were tested for the Babesia canis vogeli strain Belo Horizonte antigen and Ehrlichia canis strain São Paulo by immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and by anti-Leishmania immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody detection to assess Leishmania infection. We used the following four commercial kits for canine visceral leishmaniasis: ELISA, IFAT, Dual Path Platform (DPP) (Bio Manguinhos(r)/FIOCRUZ/MS) and a rK39 RDT (Kalazar Detect Canine Rapid Test; Inbios). RESULTS : Of 96 serum samples submitted to serological assays, 4 (4.2%) were positive for Leishmania as determined by ELISA; 12 (12.5%), by IFAT; 14 (14.6%) by rK39 RDT; and 20 (20.8%), by DPP. Antibodies against Ehrlichia and Babesia were detected in 23/96 (23.9%) and 30/96 (31.2%) samples, respectively. No significant association was identified between the results of tests for detecting Babesia or Ehrlichia and those for detecting Leishmania (p-value>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, we demonstrated co-infection with Ehrlichia or Babesia and Leishmania in dogs from Minas Gerais (Brazil); we also found that the serological tests that were used did not cross-react.

Estudo de viabilidade da valorização de resíduos da cultura do arroz por co-pirólise e co-gasificação para a produção de energia renovável

Anualmente, milhares de toneladas de resíduos agrícolas são gerados no mundo, sendo a cultura do arroz uma das que mais contribui para a sua produção, especialmente com casca e palha de arroz, além dos plásticos gerados nas etapas de colheita, transporte e transformação do produto. Tradicionalmente estes resíduos são descartados ou aproveitados através de vias pouco eficientes, com consequências negativas para o ambiente. Múltiplas tecnologias têm sido estudadas e desenvolvidas para assim transformar estes resíduos em produtos de interesse: (i) gasificação, (ii) combustão e (iii) pirólise. Na presente dissertação foi avaliada a viabilidade da construção duma central de valorização de resíduos da cultura de arroz, em Portugal, através das tecnologias de co-gasificação e co-pirólise. Considerou-se que o gás de síntese, gerado na co-gasificação, é utilizado para produzir energia elétrica, e que o bio-óleo, gerado na co-pirólise, é utilizado para produzir energia elétrica ou para ser vendido a uma refinaria. A avaliação foi realizada com base no capital total de investimento, nos custos de operação e na renda gerada pela venda (i) de energia elétrica ou (ii) do bio-óleo. Com os indicadores económicos analisados, conclui-se que em Portugal nenhuma das duas tecnologias é viável, principalmente devido (i) às reduzidas quantidades de resíduos originados pela cultura de arroz neste país e (ii) aos elevados custos de transporte da matéria-prima. Caso fosse feito o aproveitamento da quantidade total de plásticos provenientes do fluxo agrícola português (4 782 t.ano-1), a construção duma central de co-pirólise seria rentável, obtendo-se uma taxa interna de rentabilidade de 69% para a venda de energia elétrica e 23,5% para venda de bio-óleo.

An atypical Toxoplasma gondii genotype in a rural Brazilian dog co-infected with Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis

Toxoplasmosis and leishmaniasis are two worldwide zoonoses caused by the protozoan parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania spp., respectively. This report describes the clinical and laboratorial findings of a co-infection with both parasites in a 4-year-old female dog suspected of ehrlichiosis that presented anemia, thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia, hyperglobulinemia, tachyzoite-like structures to the lung imprints, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results positive for T. gondii (kidney, lung, and liver) and Leishmania spp. Co-infection with Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania braziliensis was confirmed by sequencing; restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR) confirmed an atypical T. gondii genotype circulating in dogs that has been reported to cause human congenital toxoplasmosis.

Estudo de carbonizados resultantes da gasificação e co-pirólise de resíduos da produção e processamento de arroz. Remoção de Cr3+ presente em meio líquido

A presente dissertação apresenta o estudo de dois carbonizados, provenientes da gasificação (CG) e co-pirólise (CP) de resíduos da cultura e processamento de arroz, no processo de remoção de Cr3+ presente em meio líquido. Os materiais de partida – casca de arroz (CA) e polietileno (PE) – utilizados nos ensaios de gasificação e co-pirólise, e os carbonizados resultantes destes processos térmicos, foram caracterizados através de ensaios físicos, químicos e ecotoxicológicos. O elemento químico com maior concentração, em todos os materiais, foi o Si. Nenhum dos eluatos revelou ecotoxicidade. No estudo de remoção de Cr3+ com os dois carbonizados avaliaram-se os efeitos dos seguintes parâmetros: pH inicial da solução, massa de adsorvente, tempo de contacto e concentração inicial de Cr3+. O carbonizado que teve o melhor desempenho na remoção de Cr3+ foi o CG, com remoções de cerca de 100%, devido ao aumento de pH, que provocou a precipitação do Cr. A capacidade de adsorção deste carbonizado variou entre 12 e 26 mg Cr3+.mg-1 CG, para uma concentração inicial aproximada de Cr3+ de 50 mg.L-1, pH inicial de 5, tempo de contacto de 24 horas e razões L/S entre 800 e 1000 mL. g-1. Foram aplicados os modelos cinéticos de pseudo-primeira ordem e pseudo-segunda ordem, e as isotérmicas de Langmuir, Freundlich e Sips. Observou-se um melhor ajustamento da cinética de pseudo-segunda ordem para CG. No CP verificou-se que ambos os modelos cinéticos se ajustavam aos dados experimentais. No CG observou-se que as isotérmicas de Freundlich e Sips apresentaram os melhores ajustamentos. Foi realizado um estudo dos mecanismos de adsorção para o CG e verificou-se que a troca iónica foi o fenómeno predominante. A avaliação ecotoxicológica das soluções contendo Cr, antes e após o ensaio de adsorção, indicou que o CG promoveu uma redução acentuada da ecotoxicidade das soluções até um nível não detetável.

Complexos Organometálicos: caracterização preliminar de compostos de vanádio e de moléculas libertadoras de CO como potenciais fármacos

Vários complexos metálicos têm sido explorados visando uma melhoria de atuais tratamentos das mais variadas doenças. Os compostos de vanádio apresentam uma capacidade de mimetizar a ação da insulina, insurgindo-se assim como uma aposta no tratamento da doença Diabetes mellitus. O monóxido de carbono (CO), outrora visto como apenas um agente tóxico, atualmente é explorado pelas suas capacidades anti-inflamatórias, tendo-se desenvolvido moléculas libertadoras de CO, os CORMs, de modo a tirar partido dos seus efeitos biológicos. Com vista a determinar a formação de aductos entre os complexos organometálicos de vanádio e diferentes proteínas e caracterizar o tipo de interação estabelecida recorreu-se à Cristalografia de raios-X. A estrutura cristalográfica do aducto VOIV(picolinato)2–tripsina bovina foi obtida a 1,09 Å de resolução, mostrando o complexo VOIV(pic)2 no centro ativo da enzima, coordenado à cadeia lateral da serina catalítica (Ser195), numa geometria octaédrica. Ensaios cinéticos preliminares realizados com o complexo VO(pic)2 foram efetuados para determinar potenciais efeitos inibitórios na atividade das enzimas lisozima da clara do ovo (HEWL) e tripsina. O potencial terapêutico dos CORMs associado à Nanotecnologia foi explorado para o [Ru(CO)3Cl(glicinato)] (CORM-3), visando desenvolver nanopartículas de ouro (AuNPs) funcionalizadas com o composto e diferentes proteínas. A toxicidade celular direta do CORM-3, bem como alguns potenciais efeitos biológicos de CORM-3–albumina de soro humano (BSA) e CORM-3–HEWL foram também avaliados, recorrendo a ensaios de viabilidade celular , riscados celulares, e RT-qPCR em várias linhas celulares tumorais e linha primária de fibroblastos humanos. Foi possível iniciar o desenvolvimento de nanosistemas de AuNPs@PEG@BSA e AuNPs@PEG@HEWL, seguindo-se futuramente a conjugação com o CORM-3. Não foi possível determinar o efeito anti-inflamatório do CORM-3 e seus conjugados através da análise dos genes de resposta por RT-qPCR em tempo real, no entanto determinou-se que o composto CORM-3 não possui toxicidade em linhas celulares tumorais, e que aparenta fomentar a regeneração celular em fibroblastos e células tumorais NINA, sendo este efeito potenciado aquando conjugação com BSA.

Spatial distribution of disseminated histoplasmosis and AIDS co-infection in an endemic area of Northeastern Brazil

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The spatial distribution of disseminated histoplasmosis (DH) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) co-infection in adult residents of Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil was evaluated. METHODS: Socio-demographic data for the DH/AIDS cases were obtained from a reference hospital, and socio-environmental indicators were obtained from an official Brazilian institute. Kernel analysis and local indicators of spatial autocorrelation (LISA) cluster maps were used to estimate the case density within the city. RESULTS: DH/AIDS cases were concentrated in the Northwestern and Southwestern peripheral areas of the city, related with low human development indices, but different from AIDS cases distribution. CONCLUSION: Risk factors other than AIDS infection must affect histoplasmosis development in this area.

Evaluation of human T-lymphotropic virus prevalence/co-infection rates for a four-year period in a non-metropolitan blood center in Southeast Brazil

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Human T-lymphotropic virus types 1/2 (HTLV-1/2) are distributed worldwide and are endemic in specific regions. METHODS: Serological evaluation of the HTLV-1/2 prevalence and co-infection rate [human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), Chagas disease, and syphilis)] for 2011-2014 was performed with volunteer blood donors from the western part of São Paulo State. RESULTS: Serrana and Araçatuba had higher HTLV seroprevalence rates (0.1%); while Franca, Olimpia, and Bebedouro had lower seroprevalences (0.04%). Co-infection (HBV and syphilis) was present in 12.3% of HTLV-infected blood donors. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide data for the prevalence of HTLV in Brazil and demonstrate the importance of regional and global hemovigilance.

Historic and potential technology transition paths of grid battery storage: Co-evolution of energy grid, electric mobility and batteries

Scarcity of fuels, changes in environmental policy and in society increased the interest in generating electric energy from renewable energy sources (RES) for a sustainable energy supply in the future. The main problem of RES as solar and wind energy, which represent a main pillar of this transition, is that they cannot supply constant power output. This results inter alia in an increased demand of backup technologies as batteries to assure electricity system safety. The diffusion of energy storage technologies is highly dependent on the energy system and transport transition pathways which might lead to a replacement or reconfiguration of embedded socio-technical practices and regimes (by creating new standards or dominant designs, changing regulations, infrastructure and user patterns). The success of this technology is dependent on hardly predictable future technical advances, actor preferences, development of competing technologies and designs, diverging interests of actors, future cost efficiencies, environmental performance, the evolution of market demand and design and evolution of our society.

Santini ice creams: Co-Owning a tradition

The case studies the potential partnership between a small family business, rich in tradition, that sells ice cream in the Lisbon area and a recognized Portuguese family who runs a multinational business. The aim of this study is to address students to analyze the evolution of the small company by using the Agency and Resource-Based Theories and to outline a potentially successful co-ownership structure if the agreement were to take place. The particularity of the case regards considering and identifying the main Family Business issues to keep in mind when dealing with these types of firms.

Osteogenic differentiation of adipose stem cells by endothelial cells co-culture within liquified capsules

Inspired by the native co-existence of multiple cell types and from the concept of deconstructing the stem cell niche, we propose a co-encapsulation strategy within liquified capsules. The present team has already proven the application of liquified capsules as bioencapsulation systems1. Here, we intend to use the optimized system towards osteogenic differentiation. Capsules encapsulating adipose stem cells alone (MONO-capsules) or in co-culture with endothelial cells (CO-capsules) were maintained in endothelial medium with or without osteogenic differentiation factors. The suitability of the capsules for living stem and endothelial cells encapsulation was demonstrated by MTS and DNA assays. The osteogenic differentiation was assessed by quantifying the deposition of calcium and the activity of ALP up to 21 days. CO capsules had an enhanced osteogenic differentiation, even when cultured in the absence of osteogenic factors. Furthermore, osteopontin and CD31 could be detected, which respectively indicate that osteogenic differentiation had occurred and endothelial cells maintained their phenotype. An enhanced osteogenic differentiation by co-encapsulation was also confirmed by the upregulation of osteogenic markers (BMP-2, RUNX2, BSP) while the expression of angiogenic markers (VEGF, vWF, CD31) revealed the presence of endothelial cells. The proposed capsules can also act as a growth factor release system upon implantation, as showed by VEGF and BMP-2 quantification. These findings demonstrate that the co-encapsulation of stem and endothelial cells within liquified injectable capsules provides a promising strategy for bone tissue engineering.  

In vitro chondrogenic commitment of human Wharton's jelly stem cells by co-culture with human articular chondrocytes.

Wharton's jelly stem cells (WJSCs) are a potential source of transplantable stem cells in cartilage-regenerative strategies, due to their highly proliferative and multilineage differentiation capacity. We hypothesized that a non-direct co-culture system with human articular chondrocytes (hACs) could enhance the potential chondrogenic phenotype of hWJSCs during the expansion phase compared to those expanded in monoculture conditions. Primary hWJSCs were cultured in the bottom of a multiwell plate separated by a porous transwell membrane insert seeded with hACs. No statistically significant differences in hWJSCs duplication number were observed under either of the culture conditions during the expansion phase. hWJSCs under co-culture conditions show upregulations of collagen type I and II, COMP, TGFβ1 and aggrecan, as well as of the main cartilage transcription factor, SOX9, when compared to those cultured in the absence of chondrocytes. Chondrogenic differentiation of hWJSCs, previously expanded in co-culture and monoculture conditions, was evaluated for each cellular passage using the micromass culture model. Cells expanded in co-culture showed higher accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) compared to cells in monoculture, and immunohistochemistry for localization of collagen type I revealed a strong detection signal when hWJSCs were expanded under monoculture conditions. In contrast, type II collagen was detected when cells were expanded under co-culture conditions, where numerous round-shaped cell clusters were observed. Using a micromass differentiation model, hWJSCs, previously exposed to soluble factors secreted by hACs, were able to express higher levels of chondrogenic genes with deposition of cartilage extracellular matrix components, suggesting their use as an alternative cell source for treating degenerated cartilage.

Determinação dos elementos-traço (Zn, Co e Ni) em sedimentos da Plataforma Continental Amazônica sob influência da descarga do rio Amazonas

Esta pesquisa foi desenvolvida na Plataforma Continental Amazônica (PCA) no trecho compreendido entre os cabos Orange (AP) e Maguari (PA), para determinar os teores de Zn, Co e Ni nos sedimentos superficiais, identificando o papel dos sedimentos como fonte ou reserva de elementos-traço. A concentração dos elementos metálicos apresentou a seguinte associação: Zn > Ni > Co. Os sedimentos localizados na PCA podem ser considerados como sítio de ocorrência natural dos elementos metálicos, não havendo influência de fontes poluidoras na liberação destes para o sistema.