The influence of the regional basic diet from northeast Brazil on health and nutritional conditions of mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni

Protein nutritionalstatus indicators were studied in weanling albino Swiss mice infected with S. mansoni andfed the Regional Basic Diet (RBD)from Northeast Brazil, a multideficient diet of low-protein content. Each mouse was infected percutaneously with 80 cercariae. The experiment lasted 63 days. The growth curve, food consumption, protein intake, weight gain, Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) and Net Protein Ratio (NPR) were the parameters investigated. RBD-fed mice showed a marked weight loss, a lower food and protein intake, a slower body weight gain and lower rates of food protein utilization when compared to casein-fed animals. Differences between infected and non-infected mice were not consistent. The present results suggest that the effects of RBD-induced malnutrition on health and nutritional conditions of the mice are more severe than those of Manson's schistosomiasis, in the initial phase of the disease.

Spontaneous regional heading of extensive skin lesions in diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis (DCL)

The authors report a case of diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis, with longstanding evolution and presenting with diffuse infiltrated lesions rich in amastigotes in the absence of mucosal involvement. In situ characterization with monoclonal antibodies revealed Leishmania amazonensis. Large regional lesions have presented spontaneous healing without specific therapy. Considering that DCL presents with a defect in the cellular immune response, thisfact demonstrate that this patient may develop a regional cellular immune response enough to destroy the parasites and to produce clearing of some lesions.

Contribuci��n al conocimiento de los reservorios del Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas,1909) en la Provincia de Corrientes, Argentina

Con el prop��sito de identificar a reservorios del Trypanosoma cruzi se investigaron 60 mam��feros en los Departamentos Capital y San Luis del Palmar. Se examinaron: primates, roedores, marsupiales, carn��voros y edentados; 40 viv��an en cautiverio y 20 fueron capturados mediante trampas en una comunidad rural forestal. Los mam��feros fueron analizados por xenodiagn��stico, emple��ndose ninfas de 3o o 4o estad��o de Triatoma infestans ayunadas durante 2 semanas. Las heces de los triatominos fueron observadas al microscopio (400x) a los 30, 60 y 90 d��as post-alimentaci��n. En 2 Saimiri sciureus y en 1 Cebus apella se constat�� infecci��n por tripanosomas cruziformes. Se concluye que la parasitemia detectada fue baja. La presencia de Didelphis albiventris, reservorio potencial del Trypanosoma cruzi , en una zona de transmisi��n activa del par��sito representa un factor de riesgo, por lo que son necesarias futuras investigaciones epidemiol��gicas para determinar la real diagnosis de esta parasitosis en la provincia de Corrientes, Argentina.

Preval��ncia de tripanossom��ase americana, s��filis, toxoplasmose, rub��ola, hepatite B, hepatite C e da infec����o pelo v��rus da imunodefici��ncia humana, avaliada por interm��dio de testes sorol��gicos, em gestantes atendidas no per��odo de 1996 a 1998 no Hospital Universit��rio Regional Norte do Paran�� (Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Paran��, Brasil)

Com o objetivo de determinar a soropreval��ncia de tripanossom��ase americana, s��filis, toxoplasmose, rub��ola, hepatite B, hepatite C e infec����o pelo v��rus da imunodefici��ncia humana em gestantes atendidas no Hospital Universit��rio Regional Norte do Paran��, da Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Paran��, foi realizado estudo retrospectivo dos resultados dos testes sorol��gicos efetuados no per��odo de junho de 1996 a junho de 1998. As taxas de positividade encontradas foram: 0,9% para tripanossom��ase americana, 1,6% para s��filis, 67% (IgG) e 1,8% (IgM) para toxoplasmose, 89% (IgG) e 1,2% (IgM) para rub��ola, 0,8% para hepatite B (AgHBs), 0,8% para hepatite C e 0,6% para infec����o pelo v��rus da imunodefici��ncia humana. Observou-se associa����o entre o aumento da soropreval��ncia de tripanossom��ase americana com a idade das gestantes (p = 0,006). Os resultados reafirmam a import��ncia da realiza����o destes testes sorol��gicos no atendimento pr��-natal, com a finalidade de realizar o diagn��stico e, eventualmente, adotar medidas para prevenir a transmiss��o cong��nita ou perinatal dessas doen��as.

Preval��ncia de infec����o chag��sica em doadores de sangue do Hemocentro Regional de Iguatu, CE

Esse estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a preval��ncia de infec����o pelo Trypanosoma cruzi em doadores de sangue do Hemocentro regional de Iguatu, CE, 1996-1997, usando os testes Ensaio Imunoenzim��tico (ELISA ) e Hemaglutina����o Passiva Reversa (HPR). Dos 3.232 doadores analisados 61 (1,9%) foram soropositivos para a infec����o chag��sica, onde o maior n��mero de soropositividade foi encontrado no grupo de 41-50 anos, no entanto, o maior n��mero de doadores que procuram o branco de sangue encontra-se na faixa et��ria de 18-30 anos. Do total de doadores analisados 2.991 (92,5%) foram do sexo masculino e destes 57 (1,9%) foram soropositivos. Com rela����o a proced��ncia dos doadores observamos que 1.825 (56,5%) foram procedentes da ��rea rural. Os resultados mostram que o ELISA detectou 49 doadores com a infec����o e por HPR apenas 38, mostrando portanto que a utiliza����o de dois ou mais testes em bancos de sangue poder�� prevenir a transmiss��o da doen��a de Chagas associada �� transfus��o.

Infec����o natural de Triatoma vitticeps (Stal, 1859) por flagelados morfologicamente semelhantes a Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas, 1909) no Estado do Esp��rito Santo

Esp��cimes adultos de Triatoma vitticeps s��o capturados freq��entemente por moradores em ��reas rurais do Estado do Esp��rito Santo, Brasil. Com o objetivo de determinar o ��ndice de infec����o natural desta esp��cie, examinamos os dejetos de 116 esp��cimes silvestres, capturados em 27 munic��pios do estado, ap��s repasto sangu��neo em ave e deje����o espont��nea. Destes, 100 (86,2%) estavam infectados por flagelados morfologicamente semelhantes a Trypanosoma cruzi. Detectamos ��ndices de infec����o natural de Tritoma vitticeps superiores ao de estudos anteriores. A baixa incid��ncia da doen��a de Chagas no estado se deve provavelmente a deje����o tardia deste vetor visto que trabalhos sobre especificidade alimentar demonstraram presen��a marcante de Tritoma vitticeps no intradomicilio e contato freq��ente com o homem. O elevado ��ndice de infec����o natural observado refor��a a necessidade de se manter a vigil��ncia entomol��gica sobre este triatom��neo.

Epidemiological profile of hepatitis C in blood donors at the Uberaba Regional Blood Center

The aim of the present study was to outline the serological profile of hepatitis C among blood donors seen at the Uberaba Regional Blood Center, Hemominas Foundation, over the last 14 years. The frequency of hepatitis C was compared between first-time and repeat donors and the epidemiological characteristics of those with positive and indeterminate ELISA anti-HCV (third and fourth generation) were analyzed based on the donor histories kept in the archives of the Uberaba Regional Blood Center. The serological ineligibility rate was 0.3%, with higher prevalence in the group of first-time donors. We did not find any significant differences regarding age, skin color, marital status or place of residence between eligible and ineligible donors; however, the frequency of positive serology was higher among men. The lower (0.3%) rate of ineligibility due to hepatitis C that was observed at the Uberaba Regional Blood Center, in relation to most Brazilian blood centers, is probably due to the large number of repeat donors (83.3%). This reinforces the importance of achieving donor commitment for increasing transfusion safety.

Vertical transmission of HIV-1 in the western region of the State of S��o Paulo

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of vertical HIV-1 transmission in the western region of the State of S��o Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: The study analyzed the medical records of HIV-1-infected mothers and infant pairs living in the municipalities of S��o Paulo Regional Health Departments DRS II (Ara��atuba) and DRS XI (Presidente Prudente). From March 2001 to March 2006, blood samples were collected and referred to the Molecular Biology Unit of the Adolfo Lutz Institute (ALI), Presidente Prudente. HIV-1-RNA viral load was determined by bDNA assay. RESULTS: The number of births (109/217, 50.2%) and vertical HIV-1 transmissions (6/109, 5.5%) that occurred in DRS II was similar to births (108/217, 49.8%) and vertical transmissions (7/108, 6.5%) in DRS XI (p > 0.05). Although 80% (4/5) of the infected children were male in DRS II, while in DRS XI, 75% (6/8) were female, no differences between sex regarding infected and noninfected children in the regions of Ara��atuba and Presidente Prudente were verified. The overall vertical HIV-1 transmission rate was 6%. No consistent reduction in the prevalence of vertical HIV-1 transmission occurred over the years. About 20% of mothers did not know the HIV-1 status of their newborns eight months after delivery. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, MTCT prevalence rates were about 70% higher than those previously determined in the State of S��o Paulo, with noreduction throughout the period.Furthermore, a significant number of mothers did not know the HIV-status of their newborns eight months after delivery.

Epidemiology of the viral hepatitis B and C in female prisoners of Metropolitan Regional Prison Complex in the State of Goi��s, Central Brazil

INTRODUCTION: Little information regarding hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among Brazilian female prisoners exists. This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors associated with HBV and HCV infections and identified viral genotypes among female prisoners in Goiás, Central Brazil. METHODS: Women incarcerated in the largest prison in the State of Goiás were invited to participate in the study. All female prisoners were interviewed and tested for the detection of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibodies against HBsAg (anti-HBs), against hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), and antibody against HCV (anti-HCV) by ELISA. HBsAg and anti-HCV positive samples were tested for HBV DNA and HCV RNA and genotyped, respectively. RESULTS: Participants (n=148; 98.6%) completed the study with an overall HBV prevalence of 18.9%. Age >30 years, a low education level, sex with a sexually transmitted diseases carrier, and a male sexual partner serving in the same penitentiary were associated with HBV infections. Only 24% of the women were anti-HBs positive suggesting previous HBV vaccination. Nine female prisoners (6.1%) were anti-HCV positive. Age >40 years, injecting drug use and length of incarceration were statistically associated with anti-HCV antibodies. Five samples were HCV RNA positive and classified as genotypes 1 (subtypes 1a; n=3 and 1b; n=1) and 3 (subtype 3a; n=1). The HBsAg-reactive sample was HBV DNA positive and genotype A. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the necessity of public policies to control hepatitis B and C infections and emphasize the importance of hepatitis B vaccination in prison environments.

Risk factors associated with hantavirosis fatality: a regional analysis from a case-control study in Brazil

Introduction: In Brazil, hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) has a high lethality rate that varies by region. This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with fatal hantavirosis. Methods: This study was a case-control study that included all laboratory confirmed cases of hantavirosis. The cases were stratified by the different Brazilian regions using data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System. “Cases” were patients who progressed to death, whereas “controls” were patients who were cured. The odds ratio (OR) and the adjusted OR were calculated. Results: Overall, 158 cases and 281 controls were included in this study. In the Midwest region, the cases were 60% less likely to present with flank pain, and the time between the beginning of symptoms and death was shorter than the time between the beginning of symptoms and a cure. In the Southeast region, the cases were 60% less likely to present with thrombocytopenia or reside in rural areas compared to those who progressed to a cure. Additionally, the cases sought medical assistance, notification and investigation more quickly than the controls. In the Southern region, the cases that died were 70% less likely to be male compared to the controls. Conclusions: HCPS manifests with nonspecific symptoms, and there are few published studies related to the condition, so determining a patient's therapeutic strategy is difficult. This study presents findings from different Brazilian regions and highlights the need for further investigations to improve comprehension about regional risk factors associated with hantavirosis and to reduce morbimortality.

Opportunistic infections among individuals with HIV-1/AIDS in the highly active antiretroviral therapy era at a Quaternary Level Care Teaching Hospital

INTRODUCTION : In this study, clinical-laboratory and epidemiological characteristics are described for a group of 700 individuals with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)/AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) in the ART (antiretroviral therapy) era at a teaching hospital that provides a quaternary level of care, with an emphasis on opportunistic infections (OIs), co-infections and immune profile. METHODS : A retrospective cross-sectional study of AIDS cases was conducted from 1998 to 2008 by reviewing medical records from the Base Hospital/FUNFARME (Fundação Faculdade Regional de Medicina), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. RESULTS: The individuals were 14 to 75 years of age, and 458 were males. Heterosexuals accounted for 31.1% of all patients. Eighty-three percent were on ART, and 33.8% of those presented difficulties with treatment adherence. OIs were analyzed from medical records, and Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia was the most prevalent, regardless of the LTCD4+ (TCD4+ Lymphocytes) levels. Individuals whose viral loads were ≥10,000 showed a 90% greater chance of neurotoxoplasmosis. For P. jiroveci pneumonia, neurotoxoplasmosis, esophageal candidiasis, pulmonary tuberculosis and neurocryptococcosis, the chances of infection were higher among patients with LTCD4+ levels below 200 cells/mm3. HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV/hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infections were significantly associated with death. CONCLUSIONS : OIs remain frequent in the ART era even in populations where the access to medical care is considered satisfactory.

Occult HBV infection status among chronic hepatitis C and hemodialysis patients in Northeastern Egypt: regional and national overview

INTRODUCTION: Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) is considered to be one of the major risks for patients suffering from end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on regular hemodialysis (HD) and patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This study compared the prevalence of OBI among these two high-risk groups in the Suez Canal region, Northeastern Egypt, to obtain a better national overview of the magnitude of OBI in this region. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from 165 HD patients and 210 chronic HCV-infected patients. Anti-HCV antibody, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), total hepatitis B core (anti-HBc) antibody, and hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). HCV RNA was detected using a quantitative real-time RT-PCR assay, and HBV was detected using a nested PCR. RESULTS: All patients were negative for HBsAg. A total of 49.1% and 25.2% of the patients in the HD and HCV groups, respectively, were anti-HBc-positive. In addition, more anti-HBs-positive patients were detected in the HD group compared to the HCV group (52.1% and 11.4%, respectively). Three cases were positive for HBV DNA in the HD group, while eighteen positive cases were detected in the HCV group. Both study groups showed significant differences in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level as well as anti-HBc, anti-HBs and HBV-DNA positivity. CONCLUSIONS: OBI was more prevalent among chronic HCV patients than HD patients in the Suez Canal region, Egypt, with rates of 8.5% and 1.8%, respectively. However, more precise assessment of this infection requires regular patient follow-up using HBV DNA detection methods.

Vis��es do Imp��rio : a 1ª EXposi����o Colonial de 1934 e alguns dos seus ��lbuns

A Primeira Exposi����o Colonial Portuguesa realizada no Porto em 1934 foi a consequ��ncia vis��vel do impulso que Salazar quis dar �� ��pol��tica colonial�� portuguesa e a uma orienta����o imperial em que colonizar e civilizar as popula����es ind��genas eram as palavras de ordem. Como corol��rio da exposi����o foram produzidos, entre outros, dois importantes ��lbuns, hoje documentos de ineg��vel interesse hist��rico, n��o s�� enquanto discurso de propaganda do regime do Estado Novo, mas tamb��m enquanto narrativas visuais ou ���vis��es do Imp��rio���. S��o eles, o ��lbum Fotogr��fico da autoria do fot��grafo Domingos Alv��o e o ��lbum Comemorativo, com reprodu����es de pinturas e desenhos do pintor Eduardo Malta. Neste trabalho pretendemos reflectir sobre essas ���vis��es do Imp��rio���, pois elas expressam uma visualidade e um imagin��rio que se traduz em pr��ticas sociais, em valores e em rela����es de domina����o que definem uma pol��tica do olhar, onde o corpo se torna um espa��o de inscri����o, bem como de categoriza����o racial e cultural. Em suma, �� atrav��s dessas imagens que vemos as rela����es de poder e as formas de domina����o sobre o outro, que impregnaram a exposi����o.

Phase morphology and crystallinity of poly(vinylidene fluoride)/poly(ethylene oxide) piezoelectric blend membranes

Polymer blends based on poly(vinylidene fluoride), PVDF and poly(ethylene oxide), PEO, with varying compositions have been prepared by solvent casting, the polymer blend films being obtained from solutions in dimethyl formamide at 70��C. Under these conditions PVDF crystallizes from solution while PEO remains in the molten state. Then, PEO crystallizes from the melt confined by PVDF crystalls during cooling to room temperature. PVDF crystallized from DMF solutions adopt predominantly the electroactive ��-phase (85%). Nevertheless when PEO is introduced in the polymer blend the ��-phase content decreases slightly to 70%. The piezoelectric coefficient (d33) in pristine PVDF is -5 pC/N and decreases with increasing PEO content in the PVDF/PEO blends. Blend morphology, observed by electron and atomic force microscopy, shows the confinement of PEO between the already formed PVDF crystals. On the other hand the sample contraction when PEO is extracted from the blend with water (which is not a solvent for PVDF) allows proving the co-continuity of both phases in the blend. PEO crystallization kinetics have been characterized by DSC both in isothermal and cooling scans experiments showing important differences in crystalline fraction and crystallization rate with sample composition.

Antifungal action of three (Z)-5-amino-N'-aryl-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-carbohydrazonamides

[Excerpt] The incidence of fungal infections has greatly increased in patients under sustained immunosuppression with considerable risk associated. Difficulties regarding prompt diagnosis and the limited therapeutic options dictate high mortality rates. Available antifungals display substantial toxicity, a predictable consequence of the cellular structure of the organisms involved, reduced spectrum of activity, and drug interactions. Our group had previously identified three (Z)-5-amino-N'-aryl-1-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-carbohydrazonamides 1 [aryl= phenyl (1a), 4-fluorophenyl (1b), 3fluorophenyl (1c)] as potent antifungal agents.1 (...)