Envenomation by neotropical Opisthoglyphous colubrid Thamnodynastes cf. pallidus Linné, 1758 (Serpentes:Colubridae) in Venezuela

This is a case report of a "non-venomous" snake bite in a herpetologist observed at the Sciences Faculty of the Universidad de los Andes (Mérida, Venezuela). The patient was bitten on the middle finger of the left hand, and shows signs of pronounced local manifestations of envenomation such as bleeding from the tooth imprint, swelling and warmth. He was treated with local care, analgesics, and steroids. He was dismissed from the hospital and observed at home during five days with marked improvement of envenomation. The snake was brought to the medical consult and identified as a Thamnodynastes cf. pallidus specimen. This report represents the first T. pallidus accident described in a human.

Subcutaneoous phaeohyphomycosis by Exophiala jeanselmei in a cardiac transplant recipient

We report a case of phaeohyphomycosis caused by Exophiala jeanselmei in a cardiac transplant recipient maintained on immunosuppressive therapy with mycophenolate mofetil tacrolimus and prednisone. The lesion began after trauma on the right leg that evolved to multiple lesions with nodules and ulcers. Diagnosis was performed by histological examination and culture of pus from skin lesions. Treatment consisted of itraconazole (200 mg/day) for three months with no improvement and subsequently with amphotericin B (0.5 mg/Kg per day to a total of 3.8 g intravenously). After four months of treatment, the lesions showed marked improvement with reduction in the swelling and healing of sinuses and residual scaring.

Visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil: revisiting paradigms of epidemiology and control

In the last 20 years, despite the known underestimation of cases, Brazil registered a marked increase in the incidence of visceral leishmaniasis. The main goal of this review is to reflect on some aspects of this zoonosis in Brazil and also to encourage the discussion in order to find more viable, effective and affordable strategies to be implemented by the Brazilian Leishmaniasis Control Program. The current situation of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil might be seen as a paradox: the most important aspects of the disease are known, but so far the control of this disease has not yet been achieved. The current control strategies have not been able to prevent the geographical expansion, and even a rise in the incidence and lethality of visceral leishmaniasis. There is a need not only for a better definition of priority areas, but also for the implementation of a fieldwork monitoring system to the disease surveillance that could permit a further evaluation of the control program in areas where visceral leishmaniasis is endemic.

Role of iron in the nitric oxide-mediated fungicidal mechanism of IFN-gamma-activated murine macrophages against Paracoccidioides brasiliensis conidia

Iron is an essential growth element of virtually all microorganisms and its restriction is one of the mechanisms used by macrophages to control microbial multiplication. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, the agent of paracoccidioidomycosis, an important systemic mycosis in Latin America, is inhibited in its conidia-to-yeast conversion in the absence of iron. We studied the participation of iron in the nitric oxide (NO)-mediated fungicidal mechanism against conidia. Peritoneal murine macrophages activated with 50U/mL of IFN-gamma or treated with 35 µM Deferoxamine (DEX) and infected with P. brasiliensis conidia, were co-cultured and incubated for 96 h in the presence of different concentrations of holotransferrin (HOLO) and FeS0(4). The supernatants were withdrawn in order to assess NO2 production by the Griess method. The monolayers were fixed, stained and observed microscopically. The percentage of the conidia-to-yeast transition was estimated by counting 200 intracellular propagules. IFN-gamma-activated or DEX-treated Mthetas presented marked inhibition of the conidia-to-yeast conversion (19 and 56%, respectively) in comparison with non-activated or untreated Mthetas (80%). IFN-gamma-activated macrophages produced high NO levels in comparison with the controls. Additionally, when the activated or treated-macrophages were supplemented with iron donors (HOLO or FeSO4), the inhibitory action was reversed, although NO production remained intact. These results suggest that the NO-mediated fungicidal mechanism exerted by IFN-gamma-activated macrophages against P. brasiliensis conidia, is dependent of an iron interaction.

Revalorization of spent coffee residues by a direct agronomic approach

Spent coffee grounds (SCG) represent a high-volume food waste worldwide, and several reuse approaches have been attempted. Herein, a greenhouse field experiment was carried out by cultivating Batavia lettuce with 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 30% (v/v) espresso SCG directly composted in the soil. Healthy vegetables were obtained for all treatments, without yield loss for up to 10% SCG. A progressive increment of green color intensity with increasing SCG content was observed, corroborated by the increase of their photosynthetic pigments (chlorophylls and carotenoids). Furthermore, total ascorbic acid and tocopherols showed statistical significant increases (p < 0.001) between control and all tested groups. Marked variations of nutritionally relevant minerals, particularly potassium, phosphorous and sodium were also revealed at higher percentage treatments (20% and 30%). This approach constitutes a clean, direct, simple and cost-effective measure to produce value-added vegetables, while reducing food waste disposal.

Impact of multi-metals (Cd, Pb and Zn) exposure on the physiology of the yeast Pichia kudriavzevii

Metal contamination of the environment is frequently associated to the presence of two or more metals. This work aimed to study the impact of a mixture of metals (Cd, Pb and Zn) on the physiology of the non-conventional yeast Pichia kudriavzevii. The incubation of yeast cells with 5 mg/l Cd, 10 mg/l Pb and 5 mg/l Zn, for 6 h, induced a loss of metabolic activity (assessed by FUN-1 staining) and proliferation capacity (evaluated by a clonogenic assay), with a small loss of membrane integrity (measured by trypan blue exclusion assay). The staining of yeast cells with calcofluor white revealed that no modification of chitin deposition pattern occurred during the exposure to metal mixture. Extending for 24 h, the exposure of yeast cells to metal mixture provoked a loss of membrane integrity, which was accompanied by the leakage of intracellular components. A marked loss of the metabolic activity and the loss of proliferation capacity were also observed. The analysis of the impact of a single metal has shown that, under the conditions studied, Pb was the metal responsible for the toxic effect observed in the metal mixture. Intracellular accumulation of Pb seems to be correlated with the metals' toxic effects observed.

Sirolimus-Induced Drug Fever in a Renal Transplant Patient: a Case Report

Herein we have described the case of a male renal transplant recipient who developed drug fever apparently related to sirolimus. He had been stable under an immunosuppressive regimen of tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil, but developed acute cellular rejection at 5 years after transplantation due to noncompliance. Renal biopsy showed marked interstitial fibrosis, and immunosuppression was switched from mycophenolate to sirolimus, maintaining low tacrolimus levels. One month later he was admitted to our hospital for investigation of intermittently high fever, fatigue, myalgias, and diarrhea. Physical examination was unremarkable and drug levels were not increased. Lactic dehydrogenase and C-reactive protein were increased. The blood cell count and chest radiographic findings were normal. After extensive cultures, he was started on broad-spectrum antibiotics. Inflammatory markers and fever worsened, but diarrhea resolved. All serologic and imaging tests excluded infection, immune-mediated diseases, and malignancy. After 12 days antibiotics were stopped as no clinical improvement was achieved. Drug fever was suspected; sirolimus was replaced by mycophenolate mofetil. Fever and other symptoms disappeared after 24 hours; inflammatory markers normalized in a few days. After 1 month the patient was in good health with stable renal function. Although infrequent, the recognition of drug fever as a potential side effect of sirolimus may avoid unnecessary invasive diagnostic procedures. Nevertheless, exclusion of other common causes of fever is essential.

Relatório de Estágio de Qualificação Profissional (Educação Pré-Escolar)

Relatório EPE - Relatório de Estágio em Educação Pré-Escolar: Para aprender a ensinar é necessário passar por diversas etapas, assim sendo, o presente relatório é o culminar de um primeiro momento de estágio, do primeiro contacto com a profissão com todas as dinâmicas e especificidades de que dela fazem parte. Pretendendo-se ser um educador reflexivo e investigador, em que o desejo de saber o porquê daquilo que observa, o leva a descobrir novas coisas e a refletir sempre sobre elas, é fulcral que se conheçam alguns pressupostos teóricos que sirvam de suporte à prática a realizar. Desta forma, é feita uma contextualização teórica em que se aborda o papel do Educador de Infância, agente tão importante na educação das crianças, uma vez que educa os cidadãos de amanhã. Ao mesmo tempo, são ainda abordados alguns tópicos pertinentes relativamente à educação de infância, como a organização do ambiente educativo, a intencionalidade educativa, assim como modelos e perspetivas teóricas que fundamentam toda a prática desenvolvida. Com a realização deste relatório, inicia-se a construção do profissional reflexivo e investigador. Neste sentido, reflete-se acerca de toda ação pedagógica desenvolvida, assim como dos aspetos que se devem melhorar no futuro e que objetivos anteriormente definidos foram já alcançados. Na certeza de que o período de prática pedagógica referenciada foi o primeiro de muitos momentos de autodescoberta e realização pessoal, espera-se que o mesmo seja capaz de transparecer toda a experiência e enriquecimento para quem o lê. Relatório EPE - Relatório de Estágio em Educação Pré-Escolar:In order to learn how to teach, one needs to follow several stages, and on that path, the present report is the final step of a first stage in the trainee program, one that marked the first contact with the teaching profession and with all its dynamics and specifics. The aim is to be a reflexive educator and researcher, one that desires to understand the reason and motive of its object, one that is led to the discovery of new things and to a reflection on them. On that line, it is important to know some theoretical concepts to support the practice. With that goal in mind, this paper is a theoretical contextualization relating to the role of the infant teacher, a very important one, as it concerns the education of future citizens. At the same time, some relevant topics are addressed in what concerns the work of the infant teacher, such as the arrangement of the educational environment, the educational intentionality, and also theoretical models and perspectives, fundamental to the developed work. With this report begins the construction of the reflexive professional and researcher. In doing so, it is a reflection on several issues, namely, on all the pedagogical actions developed throughout the stage, on the features to improve in the future, and what previously defined goals were already achieved. Without a doubt, this stage of educational action is the first of several moments of self-discovery and personal achievement. Hopefully, this report will be able to reflect all the experience and to be an enriching experience to the reader.

High prevalence of dna from non-H. pylori helicobacters in the gastric mucosa of venezuelan pet dogs and its histological alterations

Non-H. pylori helicobacters (NHPH) have been demonstrated as gastric spiral-shaped bacteria in specimens obtained from dogs; however, their roles in the pathogenesis of upper gastrointestinal disease have not yet been clearly established. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of NHPH DNA in the gastric mucosa of dogs and its association with histopathology. Helicobacter was detected through histopathological techniques, PCR, and FISH analysis from fundic biopsies of twenty dogs with or without signs of gastrointestinal disease. PCR and FISH were based on partial 16S rRNA gene sequences. Nineteen dogs showed mild to marked gastritis in the fundus, and only one dog had a healthy gastric mucosa. NHPH DNA was detected in 18 dogs with gastritis and one with normal gastric mucosa. However, there was no significant correlation between the presence of NHPH DNA and the degree of gastritis. These results show a high prevalence of NHPH DNA in the gastric mucosa of dogs from Venezuela. Further studies are necessary to determine a possible association between a specific NHPH species and the degree of gastritis.

Abdominal angiostrongyliasis with involvement of liver histopathologically confirmed: a case report

Human abdominal angiostrongyliasis is a zoonotic disease caused by ingestion of the L3 larvae of Angiostrongylus costaricensis. The human infection gives rise to a pathological condition characterized by acute abdominal pain, secondary to an inflammatory granulomatous reaction, marked eosinophilia and eosinophilic vasculitis. Most commonly this disease is limited to intestinal location, primary ileocecal, affecting the mesenteric arterial branches and intestinal walls. We present one of the few cases reported around the world with simultaneous involvement of the intestines and liver, including proved presence of nematodes inside the hepatic arteriole.

A abordagem intercultural e plurilingue no ensino de línguas estrangeiras no ensino básico

Numa era global marcada por avanços tecnológicos e pela diversidade cultural e linguística, é necessária uma nova linha de pensamento educativo e didático que conduza à formação de falantes cada vez mais pluriculturais e plurilingues, capazes de compreender, respeitar e interagir com outros povos e culturas. O desenvolvimento de competências comunicativas em, pelo menos, dois idiomas do espaço europeu é uma das medidas promovidas pelas politicas linguísticas europeias, que visam preparar os cidadãos para um diálogo intercultural, que fomente o respeito e a abertura face a essas diferenças, e pela construção de uma identidade intercultural e plurilingue nos próprios cidadãos exercendo, assim, a sua cidadania. Este paradigma tem implicações quer na aula de Língua Estrangeira, como ferramenta que permite ao aluno a ampliar a sua visão do mundo, quer no papel do professor, que nela intervém, enquanto, responsável pela construção social e formativa dos seus aprendentes. Estrutura-se, assim, um modelo educativo que abraça todas as culturas e reportórios linguísticos presentes dentro e fora do âmbito escolar. Neste relatório de estágio, resultante da prática pedagógica centrada no ensino do Inglês e do Espanhol, teci uma reflexão crítica sobre os diferentes cenários pedagógicos construídos durante três semestres académicos, com alunos portugueses do Ensino Básico. O fio condutor de toda a prática desenvolvida centrou-se no paradigma da abordagem intercultural e, com base nessa linha de pensamento, propus-me aferir os contributos que as minhas opções metodológicas tiveram quer no processo de aprendizagem dos meus alunos, quer na sua construção pessoal e social.

Two sequential PCR amplifications for detection of Schistosoma mansoni in stool samples with low parasite load

Schistosomiasis constitutes a major public health problem, with an estimated 200 million individuals infected worldwide and 700 million people living in risk areas. In Brazil there are areas of high, medium and low endemicity. Studies have shown that in endemic areas with a low prevalence of Schistosoma infection the sensitivity of parasitological methods is clearly reduced. Consequently diagnosis is often impeded due to the presence of false-negative results. The aim of this study is to present the PCR reamplification (Re-PCR) protocol for the detection of Schistosoma mansoni in samples with low parasite load (with less than 100 eggs per gram (epg) of feces). Three methods were used for the lysis of the envelopes of the S. mansoni eggs and two techniques of DNA extraction were carried out. Extracted DNA was quantified, and the results suggested that the extraction technique, which mixed glass beads with a guanidine isothiocyanate/phenol/chloroform (GT) solution, produced good results. PCR reamplification was conducted and detection sensitivity was found to be five eggs per 500 mg of artificially marked feces. The results achieved using these methods suggest that they are potentially viable for the detection of Schistosoma infection with low parasite load.

Financiamentos das pequenas e médias empresas

Relatório de Estágio apresentado ao Instituto de Contabilidade e Administração do Porto para a obtenção do grau de Mestre em Contabilidade e Finanças, sob orientação do Mestre Carlos Lourenço Moreira de Barros

Antiretroviral activity of protease inhibitors against Toxoplasma gondii

The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has caused a marked reduction in the occurrence and severity of parasitic infections, including the toxoplasmic encephalitis (TE). These changes have been attributed to the restoration of cell-mediated immunity. This study was developed to examine the activity of six antiretroviral protease inhibitors (API) on Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites. The six API showed anti-Toxoplasma activity, with IC50 value between 1.4 and 6.6 µg/mL. Further studies at the molecular level should be performed to clarify if the use of API could be beneficial or not for AIDS patients with TE.

Variability in Galactomannan detection by platelia Aspergillus EIA™ according to the Aspergillus species

Here we investigate the extent to which different Aspergillus species release galactomannan (GM) in vitro. Marked variability was observed in GM reactivity between and within Aspergillus species, with A. terreus strains showing the highest GM indexes. The in vivo significance of these findings remains to be determined.