RESUMO
The aim of this study is to evaluate some inflammatory parameter changes in septic shock patients and their possible correlation with clinical outcome, in particular when continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) treatment is required. Considering the objective difficulty in enrolling this kind of patient, a preliminary study was initiated on seventeen septic shock patients admitted to a medical and surgical ICU. The mRNA expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-1, TLR-2, TLR-4, TLR-5, TLR-9, TNFα, IL-8 and IL-1ß was assessed, the plasmatic concentrations of IL-18, IL-2, IL-10 and TNFα were measured on the day of sepsis diagnosis and after 72 h. In those patients who developed acute renal failure unresponsive to medical treatment and who underwent CVVH treatment the same parameters were measured every 24 h during CVVH and after completion of the treatment. On sepsis diagnosis, gene expression of TLRs was up-regulated compared to the housekeeping gene in all the patients. After 72 h, in 35% of the patients a down-regulation of these genes was found compared to day 1, but it was not associated with a reduction of cytokine serum levels or improved clinical signs, better outcome or reduced mortality. After high volume hemofiltration treatment, cytokine serum levels and TLR expression were not significantly modified. In conclusion, considering the not numerous number of cases, from our preliminary study, we cannot certainly correlate TLR over-expression in septic shock patients with severity or outcome scores.
Assuntos
Choque Séptico/imunologia , Receptores Toll-Like/sangue , Injúria Renal Aguda/imunologia , Injúria Renal Aguda/terapia , Adolescente , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Citocinas/sangue , Feminino , Regulação da Expressão Gênica , Hemofiltração , Humanos , Mediadores da Inflamação/sangue , Unidades de Terapia Intensiva , Itália , Cinética , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , RNA Mensageiro/sangue , Índice de Gravidade de Doença , Choque Séptico/diagnóstico , Choque Séptico/genética , Choque Séptico/terapia , Receptores Toll-Like/genética , Adulto JovemRESUMO
The effect of Acanthamoeba on human platelets and erythrocytes has not been fully elucidated. This paper reports that cell-free supernatants prepared from A. castellanii can activate human platelets, causing both a significant increase in the cytosolic free-calcium concentration and platelet aggregation. In addition, we demonstrated that platelet activation depends on the activity of ADP constitutively secreted into the medium by trophozoites. This study also showed that A. castellanii can affect human red blood cells, causing hemolysis, and provided evidence that hemolysis occurs in both contact-dependent and contact-independent ways; there are differences in kinetics, hemolytic activity, and calcium dependency between the contact-dependent and contact-independent mechanisms. Partial characterization of contact-independent hemolysis indicated that ADP does not affect the plasma membrane permeability of erythrocytes and that heat treatment of amoebic cell-free supernatant abolishes its hemolytic activity. These findings suggest that some heat-labile molecules released by A. castellanii trophozoites are involved in this phenomenon. Finally, our data suggest that human platelets and erythrocytes may be potential cell targets during Acanthamoeba infection.
Assuntos
Acanthamoeba castellanii/fisiologia , Plaquetas/parasitologia , Eritrócitos/parasitologia , Animais , Cálcio/metabolismo , Sistema Livre de Células , Células Cultivadas , Humanos , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
The most important postharvest pathogen for table grape is Botrytis cinerea (gray mold), which cause a rapid deterioration of fruit. An effective control of the disease during storage is difficult and remains an unsolved problem since no pesticide treatments are allowed by European legislation. GRAS compounds, employed with no restriction as preservatives in Europe and North America, are possible candidates to fulfil this gap. The aim of this work is to study the efficacy of Acetic Acid (AAC), used as postharvest treatment to control Botrytis cinerea on "Regina" and "Taloppo" table grapes, by Laboratory and storage tests. The activity of this compound was first assessed with laboratory tests, treating at different concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20, 50, 75 and 100 microl/L) of AAC vapors, for 15 minutes, single berries inoculated with B. cinerea. After treatments fruit was incubated at 20 degrees C for one week. The in vivo experiment took place by using the most promising AAC concentrations (50, 75 and 100 microl/L) followed by eight weeks of storage at 5 degrees C and 95% of relative humidity (RH) and four days at 20 degrees C and 85% RH (simulated shelf-life conditions). At the end of the in vivo experiment decay, weight loss and visual assessment were evaluated. Almost all treatments, after eight weeks of storage, reduced the incidence of gray mould. The best results were achieved by using 50 ppm of AAC, gaining a reduction of decay, compared to untreated "Taloppo" and "Regina" grapes of 61.0% and 41.4%, respectively. Following the simulated shelf-life period differences between treated and untreated (control) became no significant for "Taloppo" grape, while the lowest decay percentage was reached with 50 microl/L of AAC for "Regina" grape (52% of reduction if compared to control). Regarding fruit weight loss all treatments did not affect significantly this parameter that ranged between 8.2% and 11.5% after eight weeks of storage and 13.5% and 18.2% after shelf-life. At the end of storage the highest visual score was attributed to fruit treated with 50 microl/L of AAC evidencing a clear better keeping quality. During this period slight treatment damages were observed on berries following application of AAC at 75 and 100 microl/L. The reported results obtained with these experiments showed that Acetic Acid could be a promising compound to be used as alternative to SO2 in keeping grapes quality and controlling decay during storage.
Assuntos
Ácido Acético/farmacologia , Botrytis/efeitos dos fármacos , Conservantes de Alimentos/farmacologia , Fungicidas Industriais/farmacologia , Vitis/microbiologia , Botrytis/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Qualidade de Produtos para o Consumidor , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Manipulação de Alimentos/métodos , Microbiologia de Alimentos , Conservação de Alimentos/métodos , Umidade , Temperatura , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
Surface proteins of mucosal microbial pathogens play multiple and essential roles in initiating and sustaining the colonization of the heavily defended mucosa. The protist Trichomonas vaginalis is one of the most common human sexually transmitted pathogens that colonize the urogenital mucosa. However, little is known about its surface proteins. The recently completed draft genome sequence of T. vaginalis provides an invaluable resource to guide molecular and cellular characterization of surface proteins and to investigate their role in pathogenicity. Here, we review the existing data on T. vaginalis surface proteins and summarize some of the main findings from the recent in silico characterization of its candidate surface proteins.
Assuntos
Genoma de Protozoário , Proteínas de Membrana/genética , Proteínas de Protozoários/genética , Trichomonas vaginalis/genética , Sequência de Aminoácidos , Animais , Dados de Sequência Molecular , Proteoma/genética , Alinhamento de Sequência , Trichomonas vaginalis/metabolismoRESUMO
The trade of fresh fig fruit is restricted by its high perishability and numerous attempts have been done to extend the postharvest life. The main difficulties can be found in the fast ripening and the easiness of pathogen spread. Although the ripening can be slowed by low storage temperatures (close to 0 degrees C) the control of pathogens remains still unsolved since no pesticide treatments are allowed. Generally Recognized As Save Compounds (G.R.A.S.) are possible candidates to fulfil this void. Sodium carbonate (SC) solutions (0.5, 1, 2 and 3%) and acetic acid (AAC) vapours (25, 50 and 100 ppm) have been used as postharvest treatments to control Botrytis cinerea on black (Craxiou de Porcu) and white (Rampelina) fig varieties. Fruit was subsequently stored at 2 or 8 degrees C and 90% relative humidity for two weeks. At the end of the experiment decay, weight loss, pH, acidity, total soluble solids and visual assessment were performed. SC treatment at 1% reduced significantly the decay while, lower and higher concentrations did not. Between the two studied varieties the lowest decay percentage (9.8%) was found for the Craxiou de Porcu. Using AAC a good efficacy was achieved only with 100 ppm, this treatment decrease to 2.4% the incidence of decay irrespective to storage temperature. Lower concentrations were lesser effective and the efficacy was strictly dependent on the storage temperature, being higher at 2 degrees C. No treatment damages were observed following SC or AAC applications. Regarding fruit weight loss all treatments did not affect this parameter that was 10.1% and 16.9% at 2 and 8 degrees C, respectively. Chemical analyses performed at the end of the storage period did not evidenced differences among the treatments and slight ones if compared to initial values. Visual score of the fruit at the end of storage evidenced a better keeping quality for Craxiou de Porcu especially when stored at 2 degrees C. Both G.R.A.S. compounds are promising, but in the reported experiments AAC was the most effective.
Assuntos
Botrytis/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Ficus , Manipulação de Alimentos/métodos , Conservação de Alimentos/métodos , Conservantes de Alimentos/farmacologia , Ácido Acético/farmacologia , Botrytis/efeitos dos fármacos , Carbonatos/farmacologia , Temperatura Baixa , Qualidade de Produtos para o Consumidor , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Microbiologia de Alimentos , Umidade , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
Cell cultures obtained from the germinal layer of hydatid cysts of the parasitic tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus were characterized with respect to their microtubule and microfilament systems. These were stained using monospecific antibodies against tubulin from sea urchin spermatozoa or sheep brain and against Dictyostelium discoideum actin as well as rhodamine conjugated phalloidin. The results show that the distribution of microtubules nad actin containing fibres of these cells is remarkably similar to that of mammalian cells both during interphase and mitosis. Hydatid cells, however, could not be stained with a specific antivimentin antibody. Indirect immunofluorescence with antitubulin antibodies of inhibitor treated cells shows that hydatid cell microtubules are sensitive to several antimicrotubular drugs including benzimidazole derivatives, colchicine, vinblastine, and griseofulvin.
Assuntos
Citoesqueleto/química , Equinococose/tratamento farmacológico , Actinas/química , Animais , Anticorpos/metabolismo , Antifúngicos/farmacologia , Antineoplásicos Fitogênicos/farmacologia , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Células Cultivadas , Colchicina/farmacologia , Técnica Indireta de Fluorescência para Anticorpo , Supressores da Gota/farmacologia , Griseofulvina/farmacologia , Humanos , Masculino , Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura , Microscopia de Fluorescência , Microtúbulos/efeitos dos fármacos , Microtúbulos/metabolismo , Ouriços-do-Mar , Ovinos , Espermatozoides/metabolismo , Tubulina (Proteína)/química , Vimblastina/farmacologiaRESUMO
Our knowledge concerning cytopathogenicity of Trichomonas vaginalis has been enriched in the past by numerous findings. In this paper, we review the latest advances in the field and discuss the different mechanisms and molecules responsible for the parasite's virulence.
Assuntos
Trichomonas vaginalis/patogenicidade , Actinas/química , Actinas/imunologia , Animais , Sítios de Ligação , Citoesqueleto/química , Citoesqueleto/parasitologia , Endopeptidases/análise , Eritrócitos/química , Eritrócitos/parasitologia , Células Eucarióticas/citologia , Células Eucarióticas/parasitologia , Feminino , Hemólise , Humanos , Proteínas de Protozoários/análise , Espectrina/análise , Tricomoníase/parasitologia , Vaginite por Trichomonas/parasitologia , Trichomonas vaginalis/química , Trichomonas vaginalis/citologia , VirulênciaRESUMO
We propose a new immunization method to stimulate a strong immune response against weak or diluted antigens. This technique is based on stimulation with polyclonal activators before exposure to the antigens. We also discuss the efficiency of various types of mitogen with particular regard to their capacity to produce monoclonal antibodies and serum antibodies. A specific immune response against soluble antigens is increased by pretreating mice with PPD. This preactivation permitted us to obtain monoclonal antibodies against weak antigens in a few days. No monoclonal antibodies were obtained by inoculating weak antigens or the activators by themselves.
Assuntos
Adjuvantes Imunológicos , Anticorpos Monoclonais/imunologia , Hibridomas/imunologia , Imunização/métodos , Ativação Linfocitária , Tuberculina/imunologia , Animais , Anticorpos Antibacterianos/imunologia , Arginase/imunologia , Conalbumina/imunologia , Citoesqueleto/imunologia , Esquemas de Imunização , Camundongos , Feromônios/imunologia , Receptores de Superfície Celular/imunologia , Receptores de Colágeno , Solubilidade , Trichomonas vaginalis/imunologiaRESUMO
The MHC region on 6p harbors at least one susceptibility gene for multiple sclerosis (MS). Within this region, HLA-DM loci are of interest being involved in class II antigen processing. We investigated the association of HLA-DM polymorphisms with MS. Sixty-three patients with MS and 46 healthy controls from continental Italy were typed for HLA-DM polymorphisms and HLA-DRB1 alleles. Besides, among the donors characterized for the DM polymorphisms, we considered 6 MS patients previously studied for the fine specificity of their MBP-specific T lymphocyte lines (TLL). The frequencies of allelic variants at the DMA and DMB loci were similar between MS patients and controls, even when HLA-DRB1*1501 positive and negative donors were analyzed separately. Patients with predominant responses to different MBP epitopes did not differ for their HLA-DM haplotype while patients with predominant responses to the same MBP epitope could present different HLA-DM haplotypes. HLA-DM polymorphisms do not associate with MS and may not affect specific patterns of T cell responses to MBP.
Assuntos
Antígenos HLA-D/genética , Antígenos de Histocompatibilidade Classe II , Esclerose Múltipla/genética , Esclerose Múltipla/imunologia , Proteína Básica da Mielina/imunologia , Polimorfismo Genético/imunologia , Linfócitos T/imunologia , Adulto , Alelos , Epitopos/análise , Feminino , Frequência do Gene , Teste de Histocompatibilidade , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Esclerose Múltipla/etiologiaRESUMO
Using a highly purified recombinant protein, mMOG, we demonstrated that autoimmune responses to the N-terminal domain (a.a 1-125) of the myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) induce an acute demyelinating variant of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in the Lewis rat. Immunisation with 100 micrograms of mMOG in adjuvant at the base of the tail induced mild clinical disease in 9 of 11 animals (mean clinical score 1.1). The disease was characterised histopathologically by the presence of inflammation and focal demyelinating lesions in the central nervous system (CNS). Adoptive transfer experiments suggest that this inflammatory demyelinating pathology is mediated by synergy between a weakly encephalitogenic, MOG-specific T cell response and a demyelinating, MOG-specific autoantibody response. Using in vitro selected mMOG-reactive T cell lines, the encephalitogenic T cell response to this domain of MOG was found to recognise two distinct epitopes, MOG1-20 and MOG35-55; whereas ELISA demonstrated that the immunodominant B cell epitope was located within the amino acid sequence MOG1-25. However although active immunisation with synthetic peptides corresponding to the T cell epitopes, MOG1-20 or MOG35-55, induced an inflammatory response in the CNS, this was not associated with demyelination indicating that the demyelinating antibody response recognises other, possibly conformation dependent epitopes. This study unequivocally demonstrates that MOG-specific autoimmune responses are alone sufficient to induce a demyelinating disease of the CNS and supports the proposal that MOG may play an important role in the immunopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis.
Assuntos
Encefalomielite Autoimune Experimental/etiologia , Glicoproteína Associada a Mielina/imunologia , Glicoproteína Mielina-Oligodendrócito/imunologia , Proteínas do Tecido Nervoso/imunologia , Oligodendroglia/química , Fragmentos de Peptídeos/imunologia , Sequência de Aminoácidos , Animais , Autoanticorpos/biossíntese , Encefalomielite Autoimune Experimental/patologia , Imunização , Camundongos , Dados de Sequência Molecular , Proteínas da Mielina , Ratos , Ratos Endogâmicos Lew , Linfócitos T/imunologiaRESUMO
Heat shock proteins (HSP) are the most conserved molecules known to date that may also function as immune targets during infection. Hence, theoretically there is a high chance of cross-reactive responses to epitopes shared by host and microbe HSP. If not properly regulated, these responses may contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease. To determine if immune responses to HSP could contribute to the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis, we raised T lymphocyte lines specific for the purified protein derivative of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (PPD) from patients with multiple sclerosis, patients with tuberculosis and from healthy individuals. These lines were then screened for their proliferative response to a M. tuberculosis 70-kDa heat shock protein (M.tb.HSP70). The relative frequency of the recognition of highly conserved sequences of M.tb.HSP70 compared to variable ones was also assessed by mapping experiments on those PPD specific T lymphocyte lines which also recognized the mycobacterial 70-kDa heat shock protein. In patients with multiple sclerosis, we observed a significantly higher estimated frequency of PPD-specific T lines responding to M.tb.HSP70 compared to healthy individuals and patients with tuberculosis. Furthermore, mapping experiments using recombinant proteins representing mycobacterial and human HSP70 sequences and a panel of synthetic peptides encompassing the whole sequence of Mycobacterium leprae HSP70, showed that the response to conserved epitopes of HSP70 is a frequent event in each of the three conditions studied, often leading to the cross-recognition of microbial and human sequences. These findings implicate the 70-kDa heat shock proteins as potential autoantigens in multiple sclerosis.
Assuntos
Autoimunidade , Proteínas de Choque Térmico HSP70/imunologia , Esclerose Múltipla/imunologia , Mycobacterium tuberculosis/metabolismo , Linfócitos T/imunologia , Adulto , Sequência de Aminoácidos , Formação de Anticorpos , Especificidade de Anticorpos , Epitopos , Feminino , Proteínas de Choque Térmico HSP70/genética , Proteínas de Choque Térmico HSP70/metabolismo , Humanos , Ativação Linfocitária , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Dados de Sequência Molecular , Fragmentos de Peptídeos/síntese química , Fragmentos de Peptídeos/imunologia , Proteínas Recombinantes , Tuberculina/imunologiaRESUMO
Acrocephalosyndactyly (ACS) is an inherited syndrome of premature synostosis of the cranial sutures and abnormalities in the distal segments of the limbs. Several forms of ACS have been described. ACS type III (or Saethre-Chotzen syndrome) is characterized by microcephaly, skull asymmetry, mild syndactyly, and facial abnormalities. We describe an Italian family with ACS III in which two sibs are clearly affected; the mother and the maternal grandmother show some features of the syndrome.
Assuntos
Acrocefalossindactilia/genética , Adolescente , Adulto , Criança , Feminino , Dedos/anormalidades , Dedos/diagnóstico por imagem , Humanos , Deficiência Intelectual/genética , Masculino , Linhagem , Fenótipo , Radiografia , Crânio/anormalidades , Crânio/diagnóstico por imagemRESUMO
Allogeneic BMT has been reported to be the only curative therapy for children with juvenile autosomal recessive osteopetrosis. We report the case of a 14-month-old child in whom bone resorption was observed after cord blood transplantation (CBT). The patient was given CBT from an unrelated newborn matched for five of six HLA antigens. At the time of transplantation, the child presented with neurological symptoms, with feeding problems and visual impairment. A successful engraftment of donor hematopoiesis was demonstrated and the child experienced grade I acute GVHD. Progressive bone clearing was achieved and a bone marrow trephine demonstrated signs of osteoclast function. Despite full engraftment and bone resorption, neurologic deterioration did not improve. This experience documents that CBT can promote the correction of juvenile osteopetrosis. The shorter time needed both to identify an unrelated donor and to perform the transplant, as well as the lower incidence of GVHD make this procedure more appealing than BMT in children lacking an HLA-compatible relative.
Assuntos
Reabsorção Óssea , Transplante de Células-Tronco Hematopoéticas , Osteopetrose/terapia , Feminino , Sangue Fetal , Teste de Histocompatibilidade , Humanos , Lactente , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
We have investigated the mechanisms used by Trichomonas vaginalis to damage cellular membranes, using human erythrocytes as target cells. Haemolysis is a contact- and temperature-dependent phenomenon, and is inhibited in 4 mM EGTA. Osmotic protection experiments using carbohydrates with different molecular diameters as protectants demonstrated that the cytolytic activity of T. vaginalis is inhibited in 75 mM stachyose. On the basis of our data, we hypothesize a cytopathic mechanism mediated by the formation of functional pores into the target membrane. Some of the Trichomonas protein involved in haemolysis have been immunologically characterized.
Assuntos
Hemólise/fisiologia , Trichomonas vaginalis/patogenicidade , Animais , Carboidratos/farmacologia , Membrana Eritrocítica/efeitos dos fármacos , Membrana Eritrocítica/parasitologia , Membrana Eritrocítica/ultraestrutura , Feminino , Hemólise/efeitos dos fármacos , Humanos , Técnicas In Vitro , Modelos Biológicos , Peso Molecular , Osmose , Proteínas de Protozoários/isolamento & purificação , Proteínas de Protozoários/metabolismo , Vaginite por Trichomonas/etiologia , Vaginite por Trichomonas/parasitologia , Trichomonas vaginalis/isolamento & purificação , Trichomonas vaginalis/fisiologiaRESUMO
A Trichomonas vaginalis cDNA library was constructed and recombinant plaques were screened using rabbit immunoglobulins specific for P65, a protozoan protein involved in pathogenicity that we identified in a previous study. A 1.38 kilobases cDNA fragment coding for the P65 protein was cloned in E. coli and then sequenced. On the basis of of the sequence obtained, six primers were synthesised and used to set up a Polymerase Chain Reaction. The presence of a specific amplicon in all 30 clinical isolates tested shows that P65 is a conserved and stable gene. The reaction is highly sensitive (as few as 5 to 10 parasites can be detected) and specific for Trichomonas vaginalis; the gene coding P65 adhesin can be therefore considered a very good molecular target for polymerase chain reaction-based diagnostic purposes.
Assuntos
DNA Complementar/química , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase , Proteínas de Protozoários/genética , Trichomonas vaginalis/isolamento & purificação , Animais , Sequência de Bases , Primers do DNA , Dados de Sequência Molecular , Trichomonas vaginalis/genética , Trichomonas vaginalis/patogenicidadeRESUMO
We studied a pili-independent adhesion mechanism to HEp-2 cells present in mucoid uropathogenic strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Our data demonstrate that bacterial adhesion to HEp-2 cell surfaces is time dependent and that the phenotypes involved are influenced by bacterial growth conditions. Sonicated bacterial extracts competitively inhibit the adherence of homologous strains to HEp-2 cells. Adhesins that are heat and trypsin sensitive are located on the surface of the bacterial outer membrane. Immunogenic 55 kDa surface protein is required for the adherence to HEp-2 cell surfaces of non-piliated mucosal uropathogenic P. aeruginosa strains.
Assuntos
Aderência Bacteriana/fisiologia , Pseudomonas aeruginosa/fisiologia , Aderência Bacteriana/efeitos dos fármacos , Aderência Bacteriana/imunologia , Proteínas de Bactérias/metabolismo , Extratos Celulares/farmacologia , Células Cultivadas , Humanos , Inibidores de Proteases/farmacologia , Ligação Proteica , Pseudomonas aeruginosa/citologia , Pseudomonas aeruginosa/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Pseudomonas aeruginosa/patogenicidade , Tripsina/farmacologia , Infecções Urinárias/microbiologiaRESUMO
Diarrheagenic E. coli comprise a diverse group of microorganisms responsible for gastrointestinal diseases in humans. On the basis of their virulence traits they are distinguished from the non-pathogenic E. coli and classified in several categories. Molecular methods represent the most reliable techniques for distinguishing pathogenic from non-pathogenic E. coli and characterising their pathogenic features. In this paper we report the development of a set of three multiplex PCR assays for the simultaneous and rapid identification of diarrheagenic E. coli belonging to ETEC, EPEC, EHEC and EIEC groups. Assay 1 utilizes primer pairs specific for genes coding for ST and LT toxins of ETEC, and for the E. coli beta-glucuronidase (uidA); assay 2 detects the presence of the eae and bfpA genes of EPEC, and assay 3 recognizes stx1 and stx2 of EHEC, and ial of EIEC. This technique has been validated on 190 E. coli isolated in Angola, Italy and Mozambique from feces of children with diarrhea. Results obtained with the set of multiplex PCR demonstrated 100% accordance with those obtained for the same isolates by PCR on single target genes. The proposed set of multiplex PCRs is the first reported assay that allows the simultaneous characterization of the four categories of diarrheagenic E. coli.
Assuntos
Diarreia/microbiologia , Infecções por Escherichia coli/microbiologia , Escherichia coli/patogenicidade , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase/métodos , Angola , Criança , Primers do DNA/química , DNA Bacteriano/química , DNA Bacteriano/isolamento & purificação , Escherichia coli/classificação , Escherichia coli/genética , Fezes/microbiologia , Humanos , Itália , Moçambique , VirulênciaRESUMO
The objective of this study is the identification of the most important risk factors of atherosclerosis and the determination of its multicentricity, the goal being an efficient primary and secondary prevention of this disease. Over the course of eight years, at the Department of Diagnosis and Surgical Physiopathology of Peripheral Vascular Diseases, 829 subjects with atherosclerosis were examined, of whom 513 males and 316 females between 18 and 85 years old, as well as to 200 healthy control subjects. The risk factors in consideration were: age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, lipoidoproteinosis, smoking, alcohol and coffee intake. From the data obtained it was revealed that smoking represents the most important risk factor for atherosclerosis (65% of the cases, 40% of the controls), followed in decreasing order by hypertension (31% of the cases, 6% of the controls), diabetes (26% of the cases, 2% of the controls), lipoidoproteinosis (15% of the cases, 6% of the controls). Furthermore 21% of the subjects drank coffee and 28% ingested alcoholic beverages, compared with, respectively 19% and 24% of the controls. In 70% of the cases the presence of atherosclerotic lesions were found in more than one vascular region. Atherosclerosis has a multifactorial etiology as there exists a correlation between the predisposition of the patient to acquire the disease and environmental factors. It is difficult to distinguish the determining effects of a single risk factor, because often many risk factors are tightly interrelated in the same individual; a nearly direct relationship clearly exists between the number and entity of the risk factors and the clinical picture of the patient examined.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Assuntos
Arteriosclerose/fisiopatologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Arteriosclerose/etiologia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Fatores de RiscoRESUMO
Tuberculosis of the breast is an uncommon disease and the correct diagnosis may be established only by histologic demonstration of granulomatous inflammatory infiltrates with central caseation. In fact, preoperative examination and mammography suggest carcinoma or sometimes bacterial abscess in most instances. Tuberculous mastitis was diagnosed in a 74-year-old woman. The case history and a review of the literature are presented. The Authors emphasize the role of excision of necrotic tissue and drainage, in combination with antimicrobial therapy, in the treatment of this pathology.