A construção da figura da INANNA/IŠTAR na Mesopotâmia: IV-II milénios a.C.

A divindade sumero-acádica Inanna/Ištar afirma-se como uma das mais importantes figuras divinas do universo religioso mesopotâmico, tendo sido alvo de um trabalho constante por parte da historiografia moderna. O seu lugar de destaque é confirmado pela sua constante presença como protagonista nas composições mitopoéticas, assim como pela transversalidade do seu culto, atestado desde a segunda metade do IV milénio a.C. O seu carácter sincrético conheceu um primeiro e vinculativo momento, quando a deusa suméria Inanna se fundiu com a deusa semita Ištar. A partilha da mesma identidade astral, Vénus, permitiu que as características das duas divindades se misturassem, definindo o quadro comportamental arquetípico que encontramos na literatura, nos cultos e na iconografia, tanto em termos diacrónicos como sincrónicos. O presente trabalho tem como grande objectivo reavaliar o processo construtivo desta divindade, tentando descortinar os contributos de uma e outra matriz, cujo encontro se deu ainda durante o IV milénio a.C. Produto divino de uma civilização híbrida, Inanna/Ištar desenvolveu a sua múltipla personalidade, ao mesmo tempo que a Mesopotâmia procurava acomodar as tradições sumérias e semitas, numa articulação do binómio múltiplo/uno ímpar. O exame cruzado dos dados onde a deusa figura, desde os primórdios do seu culto, até aos primeiros séculos do II milénio a.C., época em que a literatura mesopotâmica conheceu a sua fase de ouro, permite-nos evidenciar a sua esfera de acção globalizante, que encontra o seu fio condutor nas relações de poder. Por outro lado, torna-se possível descortinar as suas origens, assim como sincretismos e dissociações divinas, prévias ao advento político de Sargão, que cristalizou a simbiose civilizacional e, como tal, religiosa, da Mesopotâmia, ao efectivar a primeira unificação do território compreendido entre os rios Tigre e Eufrates. Com esta tese pretendemos ainda conciliar expressões religiosas de tempos diferentes, centradas na figura de Inanna/Ištar, contrariando a tendência tradicional de confinar o comportamento e pensamento religiosos do homem mesopotâmico, numa moldura cronológica, definida por balizas políticas. A nossa intenção prende-se, sobretudo, com a identificação do grau de transformações que a identidade da deusa terá sofrido, a partir do entendimento que a mesma encontra a sua origem e, simultaneamente, reflecte-se na mentalidade dos mesopotâmios, cujo norte se encontra numa lógica de mudança em continuidade. Seguindo linhas historiográficas recentes, a nossa proposta afigura-se como um novo olhar sobre o desenvolvimento de uma das divindades mesopotâmicas mais marcante, cujos ecos ressoaram pelos quatro quadrantes da Antiguidade do Médio Oriente.

Toll-like receptor 3 gene polymorphisms are not associated with the risk of hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infection

INTRODUCTION: The present study investigated the prevalence of two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) gene in patients infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). METHODS: Samples collected from HCV (n = 74) and HBV (n = 35) carriers were subjected to quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) to detect the presence of the SNPs rs5743305 and rs3775291 in TLR3 and to measure the following biomarkers: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), and prothrombin time (PT). A healthy control group was investigated and consisted of 299 HCV- and HBV-seronegative individuals. RESULTS: No significant differences in allele, genotype and haplotype frequencies were observed between the investigated groups, and no association was observed between the polymorphisms and histopathological results. Nevertheless, genotypes TA/AA (rs5743305) and GG (rs3775291) appear to be associated with higher levels of ALT (p<0.01), AST (p<0.05) and PT (p<0.05). In addition, genotypes TT (rs5743305; p<0.05) and GG (rs3775291; p<0.05) were associated with higher GGT levels. CONCLUSIONS: This genetic analysis revealed the absence of an association between the polymorphisms investigated and susceptibility to HBV and HCV infection; however, these polymorphisms might be associated with a greater degree of biliary damage during the course of HCV infection.

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.

The absence of the human platelet antigen polymorphism effect on fibrosis progression in human immunodeficiency virus-1/hepatitis C virus coinfected patients

AbstractINTRODUCTION:Hepatic fibrosis progression in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infections has been associated with viral and host factors, including genetic polymorphisms. Human platelet antigen polymorphisms are associated with the rapid development of fibrosis in HCV-monoinfected patients. This study aimed to determine whether such an association exists in human immunodeficiency virus-1/hepatitis C virus-coinfected patients.METHODS:Genomic deoxyribonucleic acid from 36 human immunodeficiency virus-1/hepatitis C virus-coinfected patients was genotyped to determine the presence of human platelet antigens-1, -3, or -5 polymorphisms. Fibrosis progression was evaluated using the Metavir scoring system, and the patients were assigned to two groups, namely, G1 that comprised patients with F1, portal fibrosis without septa, or F2, few septa (n = 23) and G2 that comprised patients with F3, numerous septa, or F4, cirrhosis (n = 13). Fisher's exact test was utilized to determine possible associations between the human platelet antigen polymorphisms and fibrosis progression.RESULTS:There were no deviations from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in the human platelet antigen systems evaluated. Statistically significant differences were not observed between G1 and G2 with respect to the distributions of the allelic and genotypic frequencies of the human platelet antigen systems.CONCLUSION:The greater stimulation of hepatic stellate cells by the human immunodeficiency virus and, consequently, the increased expression of transforming growth factor beta can offset the effect of human platelet antigen polymorphism on the progression of fibrosis in patients coinfected with the human immunodeficiency virus-1 and the hepatitis C virus.

Hepatitis B and C in a Brazilian deaf community

ABSTRACTINTRODUCTION:Although deaf people are exposed to hepatitis B and C risk factors, epidemiological studies regarding these diseases in deaf people are lacking.METHODS:After watching an explanatory digital versatile disc (DVD) in Brazilian Sign Language, 88 deaf people were interviewed and tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs), hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc), and hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV).RESULTS:The prevalence of hepatitis B markers was 8%; they were associated with incarceration and being born outside the State of São Paulo. No cases of hepatitis C were identified.CONCLUSIONS:Participants showed a substantial lack of knowledge regarding viral hepatitis, indicating a need for public policies that consider linguistic and cultural profiles.

Incidence of hepatitis C in Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis C is a public health problem of global dimensions, affecting approximately 200 million people worldwide. The main objective of this study was to estimate the incidence rate of hepatitis C in Brazil during the period between 2001 and 2012. METHODS: An epidemiological, temporal, and descriptive study was performed using data from the Information System for Reportable Diseases. RESULTS: Between 2001 and 2012, a total of 151,056 hepatitis C cases were recorded, accounting for 30.3% of all hepatitis notifications in Brazil. The average gross coefficient for the analysis period was 6.7 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The regions with the highest rates were the Southeast region (8.7 new cases/100,000 inhabitants) and the South (13.9 new cases/100,000 inhabitants). There was a predominance of men with respect to the incidence rate (8.0 new cases/100,000 inhabitants) compared to women (5.5 new cases/100,000 inhabitants). Injection drug use was the most common source of infection, and members of the white race, residents of urban areas, and those aged 60 to 64 years had the highest incidences. CONCLUSIONS: Over the last 10 years, the incidence of hepatitis C in Brazil has increased, mainly in the South and Southeast. The adoption of fast, accurate diagnostic methods, together with epidemiological awareness, can facilitate early intervention measures for adequate control of the disease.

Epidemiological study of hepatitis B and C in a municipality with rural characteristics: Cássia dos Coqueiros, State of São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B and C viral infections remain an important cause of global morbidity and mortality. Studies have been conducted in population groups of large cities, leaving gaps in the knowledge regarding the situation in small municipalities. We aimed to measure the prevalence of hepatitis B and C markers and presence of infection-associated factors. METHODS: All inhabitants of Cássia dos Coqueiros aged ≥18 years who agreed to participate in the research were included. We collected blood as well as information via a questionnaire between March 2011 and December 2013. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Among the 1,001 participants, 41 (4.1%) participants had a serological profile of hepatitis B viral exposure, and only one (0.1%) participant was considered a virus carrier. The frequency of isolated antibody to hepatitis B virus surface antigen (anti-HBs) markers was 17.8% for the overall population. In the multivariate analysis, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was associated with age, birth outside the State of São Paulo, history of hepatitis, ≥2 sexual partners in the last 6 months, and tattoos. Four (0.4%) participants had a serological profile of hepatitis C viral exposure. However, after confirmation using viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) evaluation, only one (0.1%) individual remained positive. CONCLUSIONS: The positivity rates for hepatitis B and C were low, despite greater sexual freedom and the recent emergence of illicit drugs, as observed by the health personnel working in Cássia dos Coqueiros.

Electro-Optical/Infrared sensor turret integration on an aircraft - structural im-pact on LOCKHEED MARTIN C-130H and design methodology

The growing need to patrol and survey large maritime and terrestrial areas increased the need to integrate external sensors on aircraft in order to accomplish those patrols at increasingly higher altitudes, longer range and not depending upon vehicle type. The main focus of this work is to elaborate a practical, simple, effective and efficient methodology for the aircraft modification procedure resulting from the integration of an Elec-tro-Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR) turret through a support structure. The importance of the devel-opment of a good methodology relies on the correct management of project variables as time, available resources and project complexity. The key is to deliver a proper tool for a project de-sign team that will be used to create a solution that fulfils all technical, non-technical and certi-fication requirements present in this field of transportation. The created methodology is inde-pendent of two main inputs: sensor model and aircraft model definition, and therefore it is in-tended to deliver the results for different projects besides the one that was presented in this work as a case study. This particular case study presents the development of a structure support for FLIR STAR SAPHIRE III turret integration on the front lower fuselage bulkhead (radome) of the LOCKHEED MARTIN C-130 H. Development of the case study focuses on the study of local structural analysis through the use of Finite Element Method (FEM). Development of this Dissertation resulted in a cooperation between Faculty of Science and Technology - Universidade Nova de Lisboa and the company OGMA - Indústria Aeronáutica de Portugal

Estudo de implementação da NP EN ISO 22000:2005 na Cooperativa de Olivicultores de Fátima, C. R.L.

O conceito de “Segurança Alimentar” faz sentido no momento em que o ser humano tem consciência de que o que ingere deve ser inócuo para a sua saúde e bem-estar. Para dar resposta a esta preocupação global, a indústria alimentar teve necessidade de adotar diretrizes orientadoras para a produção de alimentos seguros. Em consequência disso, surgiram as normas para os Sistemas de Gestão da Segurança Alimentar (SGSA) e a sua implementação é hoje em dia um elemento fundamental para a competitividade da empresa e dos produtos que comercializa. O trabalho desenvolvido na presente dissertação visa o estudo da implementação de um Sistema de Gestão da Segurança Alimentar com base no referencial de certificação NP EN ISO 22000:2005, na Cooperativa de Olivicultores de Fátima C. R. L.. A implementação de um sistema de gestão e a sua posterior certificação, é uma mais-valia para uma empresa. Ao obter a certificação, obtêm-se reconhecimento e satisfação dos clientes e outras partes interessadas, melhoria da imagem e prestigio, acesso a novos mercados, redução de custos de funcionamento através da melhoria do desempenho operacional e uma nova cultura com a sensibilização e motivação dos colaboradores, orientada para a melhoria continua e para a satisfação dos clientes e outras partes interessadas. Tendo por base os Códigos de Boas-práticas e HACCP existentes, fez-se a revisão e atualização de todo o sistema. Reapreciou-se o processo de fabrico e reavaliaram-se os pontos críticos. Reviram-se os Programas Pré-requisitos e melhorou-se o sistema HACCP. Os SGSA têm uma elevada relevância nas organizações associadas ao sector alimentar também nas indústrias produtoras de azeite, uma vez que estas devem implementar metodologias capazes de assegurar que os perigos para a saúde dos consumidores são eliminados ou reduzidos a níveis aceitáveis. Os principais perigos na indústria do azeite numa fase inicial são a presença de microrganismos patogénicos e parasitas da azeitona (Ex.: Bactrocera oleae) que se podem desenvolver devido ao excessivo tempo de espera até à operação ou por temperaturas inadequadas, podendo este perigo ser resolvido através do controlo na receção, de fornecedores, e do tempo de operação; boas práticas de fabrico e formação do pessoal. A presença de folhas, terra, pedras e metais diversos é outro dos perigos mais frequentes que são contornados através do controlo na receção; inspeção visual; avaliação dos fornecedores, limpeza e lavagem das azeitonas. Ao longo da produção e embalamento os principais perigos são os resíduos de produtos de higienização, incorporação de partículas estranhas ou restos de sujidade e a contaminação química por resíduos de massas e óleos de lubrificação, perigos estes que são colmatados através de boas práticas de fabrico; plano de higiene e de manutenção dos equipamentos e do uso de lubrificantes homologados para a indústria alimentar.

C cells in the thyroid of pinealectomized rats

PURPOSE: To study quantitatively C cells in the thyroids of non-isogenic rats to determine the possible effects of pinealectomy on the number of these cells, and consequently on the synthesis and secretion of calcitonin. METHODS: Twenty male rats of an outbred strain (200-300 g) were used in the present study. One group of 10 animals was pinealectomized 50 days prior to sacrifice. Thyroid tissue was stained for calcitonin (Dako Corporation) at a 1:1500 dilution. The number of C cells observed was expressed as number of cells/cm². Data were analyzed statistically by Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: The number of C cells in pinealectomized and normal animals ranged from 489 to 2084 per cm² and 227 to 1584 per cm², respectively, a difference that was statistically significant (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results showed consistent differences in the number of C cells after pinealectomy when compared to controls. We believe that pinealectomy increases the number of C cells in the rat thyroid.

"O banquete nupcial” num mosaico hispano-romano do séc. II d. C.

Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, Fundação Millennium bcp, Direcção Geral do Livro e das Bibliotecas/MC

Critical analysis of old and new vaccines against N. meningitidis serogroup C, considering the meningococcal disease epidemiology in Brazil

Worldwide, the impact of meningococcal disease is substantial, and the potential for the introduction and spread of more virulent strains of N. meningitidis or strains with increased resistance to current antibiotics causes concern, making prevention essential. OBJECTIVES: Review the indications for meningococcal disease vaccines, considering the epidemiological status in Brazil. METHODS: A critical literature review on this issue using the Medline and Lilacs databases. RESULTS: In Brazil, MenB and MenC were the most important serogroups identified in the 1990s. Polysaccharide vaccines available against those serogroups can offer only limited protection for infants, the group at highest risk for meningococcal disease. Additionally, polysaccharide vaccines may induce a hypo-responsive state to MenC. New meningococcal C conjugate vaccines could partially solve these problems, but it is unlikely that in the next few years a vaccine against MenB that can promote good protection against multiple strains of MenB responsible for endemic and epidemic diseases will become available. CONCLUSIONS: In order to make the best decision about recommendations on immunization practices, better quality surveillance data are required. In Brazil, MenC was responsible for about 2,000 cases per year during the last 10 years. New conjugate vaccines against MenC are very effective and immunogenic, and they should be recommended, especially for children less than 5 years old. Polysaccharide vaccines should be indicated only in epidemic situations and for high-risk groups. Until new vaccines against MenC and MenB are available for routine immunization programs, the most important measure for controlling meningococcal disease is early diagnosis of these infections in order to treat patients and to offer chemoprophylaxis to contacts.

C-cells in colloid goiter

PURPOSE: The aim of this investigation was to quantitatively evaluate C-cells in colloid goiters, analyzing 36 thyroids that were obtained through thyroidectomy from 24 patients with goiter and 12 normal glands from adult patients without thyroid disease, which were used as the control group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: On average, 6 different thyroid areas were sampled and labeled by immunohistochemistry with a monoclonal anticalcitonin antibody, utilizing the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex. C-cells were counted in fields measuring 1 square centimeter, and the mean number of cells per field was then calculated. Data were statistically analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: In the colloid goiter group, the number of C-cells ranged from 0 to 23 per field, while in normal controls they ranged from 20 to 148 per field. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate a significant decrease of C-cell number in the colloid goiter group compared with control group, indicating that the hyperplastic process is restricted to follicular cells, to the detriment of C-cells, which probably cease to receive trophic stimuli.

Recensão: C. Cosmen Alonso; M. V. Herráez Ortega; M. P. Gómez-Calcerrada, (coord.), El intercambio artístico entre los reinos hispanos y las cortes europeas en la baja edad media

Recensão de: C. Cosmen Alonso; M. V. Herráez Ortega; M. P. Gómez-Calcerrada, (coord.). 2009. El intercambio artístico entre los reinos hispanos y las cortes europeas en la baja edad media. León: Universidad de León

Observations on flower visitors to Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K. and Couratari tenuicarpa A.C. Sm. (Lecythidaceae)

Bees visiting flowers of Bertholletia excelsa. (Brazil Nut tree) and Couratari tenuicarpa were collected, their behavior described and the pollen found clinging to their dorsal thorax and stored on their legs was identified. Female bees of Xylocopa frontalis(Olivier) and males of Eulaema mocsaryi (Friese) are apparently effective pollinators of Couratari in igapó near Manaus. Female bees of Euplusia seabrai Moure in litt., Epicharis umbraculata (Fabricius), Epicharis rustica (Olivier) and Eulaema nigrita(Lepeletier), as well as male bees of Eulaema cingulata(Fabricius) and Eulaema nigrita are apparently effective pollinators of adult Brazil Nut trees in the Aleixo plantation near Manaus. Only large bees capable of uncurling the floral androecium can effectively pollinate Couratari or Bertholletia.Pollen analysis indicated that all bees captured carried pollen of the host tree in question and had been foraging on flowers of plant species common in secondary growth. Secondary growth near the Aleixo plantation supports a bee guild which appeared to effectively pollinate almost every flower on the Brazil Nut tree studied. Proximity to primary forest (and to those Euglossine bee species which occur only in primary forest) therefore does not appear to be necessary for pollination of Brazil Nut trees.In the Aleixo plantation chronic low fruit set is probably due to some factor other than pollination. Since natural occurrences of Brazil Nut trees to the north and south of Manaus are associated with a higher soil fertility, low production at the Aleixo plantation may be due to deficiencies of the soil.