Computational deconvolution of DNA methylation data from mixed DNA samples.

In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the different computational tools that have been published for the deconvolution of bulk DNA methylation (DNAm) data. Here, deconvolution refers to the estimation of cell-type proportions that constitute a mixed sample. The paper reviews and compares 25 deconvolution methods (supervised, unsupervised or hybrid) developed between 2012 and 2023 and compares the strengths and limitations of each approach. Moreover, in this study, we describe the impact of the platform used for the generation of methylation data (including microarrays and sequencing), the applied data pre-processing steps and the used reference dataset on the deconvolution performance. Next to reference-based methods, we also examine methods that require only partial reference datasets or require no reference set at all. In this review, we provide guidelines for the use of specific methods dependent on the DNA methylation data type and data availability.

Effects of a low-protein, high-carbohydrate diet administered after weaning and the reversal of that diet in adult rats.

To evaluate the effects in adults rats submitted of a low-protein, high-carbohydrate (LPHC; 6% protein, 74% carbohydrate) diet and reversion (R) to a balanced diet introduced after weaning. Research methods & procedures: Male rats weigting approximately 100g (30 to 32 d old) were treated with control (C; 17% protein, 63% carbohydrate) or LPHC diets for 120 days. The reverse group (R) was treated with the LPHC diet for 15 days, and changed to C diet for another 105 days. Results: The LPHC group showed an increase in serum fasting triglycerides (TAG). Serum adiponectin was increased only in the LPHC group. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity was decreased in the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and cardiac muscles. The adiponectin receptor 1 content is the same among groups in the cardiac muscle, but it is lower in the EDL muscle in the LPHC group. In animals from the R group, these parameters are the same as the LPHC group. Thus, the LPHC diet administered for a long period, it promotes an increase in TAG. It is possible that there is adiponectin resistance in the EDL muscle, due to the lower LPL activity. The reversal of the LPHC diet did not normalize these parameters.

Effect of Sewerage on the Contamination of Soil with Pathogenic Leptospira in Urban Slums.

Leptospirosis is an environmentally transmitted zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp. that affects poor communities worldwide. In urban slums, leptospirosis is associated with deficient sanitary infrastructure. Yet, the role of sewerage in the reduction of the environmental contamination with pathogenic Leptospira has not been explored. Here, we conducted a survey of the pathogen in soils surrounding open and closed sewer sections in six urban slums in Brazil. We found that soils surrounding conventionally closed sewers (governmental interventions) were 3 times less likely to contain pathogenic Leptospira (inverse OR 3.44, 95% CI = 1.66-8.33; p < 0.001) and contained a 6 times lower load of the pathogen (0.82 log10 units difference, p < 0.01) when compared to their open counterparts. However, no differences were observed in community-closed sewers (poor-quality closings performed by the slum dwellers). Human fecal markers (BacHum) were positively associated with pathogenic Leptospira even in closed sewers, and rat presence was not predictive of the presence of the pathogen in soils, suggesting that site-specific rodent control may not be sufficient to reduce the environmental contamination with Leptospira. Overall, our results indicate that sewerage expansion to urban slums may help reduce the environmental contamination with the pathogen and therefore reduce the risk of human leptospirosis.

Angiostrongylus cantonensis in urban populations of terrestrial gastropods and rats in an impoverished region of Brazil.

The nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis is the most common cause of neuroangiostrongyliasis (manifested as eosinophilic meningitis) in humans. Gastropod molluscs are used as intermediate hosts and rats of various species are definitive hosts of this parasite. In this study, we identified several environmental factors associated with the presence and abundance of terrestrial gastropods in an impoverished urban region in Brazil. We also found that body condition, age and presence of co-infection with other parasite species in urban Rattus norvegicus, as well as environmental factors were associated with the probability and intensity of A. cantonensis infection. The study area was also found to have a moderate prevalence of the nematode in rodents (33% of 168 individuals). Eight species of molluscs (577 individuals) were identified, four of which were positive for A. cantonensis. Our study indicates that the environmental conditions of poor urban areas (presence of running and standing water, sewage, humidity and accumulated rain and accumulation of construction materials) influenced both the distribution and abundance of terrestrial gastropods, as well as infected rats, contributing to the maintenance of the A. cantonensis transmission cycle in the area. Besides neuroangiostrongyliasis, the presence of these hosts may also contribute to susceptibility to other zoonoses.

Hybrid technologies for remediation of highly Pb contaminated soil: sewage sludge application and phytoremediation.

Phytoremediation techniques and stabilization of heavy metals with municipal sewage sludge (SW) in soils are usually studied separately. We aimed to verify the potential of the combined use of phytoextraction method and metal stabilization with SW in the recovery of soil with high Pb content (total = 28,650 mg kg-1 and exchangeable = 1,120 mg kg-1) and to verify the effect of the association of these two techniques on the Pb fractions in the soil (stabilization). We have tested five doses of SW (0; 13.4; 26.7; 53.4; 106.8 Mg ha-1) and three cultivation conditions (uncultivated, black oats and forage turnip). The SW application in soil with a high Pb content favored the nutrition and growth of the plants (shoots and roots) and promoted an increase in the Pb absorption, a desirable combination in phytoextraction. The SW application and the cultivation of plants had a positive effect on the stabilization of Pb in the soil. It was verified decrease of the exchangeable fraction and increase precipitated and adsorbed by inner-sphere at the edges of the kaolinite and gibbsite. The combined use of SW and phytoremediation is very promising and should be tested on soils with moderate levels of heavy metals. Novelty statement: We believe that the study presents a more comprehensive methodology to assess and to recover soils highly contaminated with heavy metals. Conditions of the high toxicity of heavy metals in the soil compromise the growth of plants and limit the effectiveness of phytoremediation. We aimed to verify the potential of the combined use of phytoextraction and stabilization with sewage sludge in the recovery of soil with a high Pb content and to verify the effect of the association of these two techniques on the Pb fractions in the soil (stabilization). Often, the simple evaluation of the reduction in total Pb contents with phytoremediation is not sufficient to describe the magnitude of soil decontamination. The ideal is also to determine the different forms of Pb (such as: soluble; exchangeable; precipitate; complexed in organic matter; inner-sphere adsorption in Fe and Mn oxides; inner-sphere adsorption in gibbsite and kaolinite; residue) in soil before and after the recovery techniques to access the possible migration to more stable environmental Pb fractions.

High-fat diet and streptozotocin in the induction of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a new proposal.

Our objective was to establish a diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) model in rats using a high-fat diet and streptozotocin (HF-STZ). Male Wistar rats (240-250g) were divided into a control group (commercial feed), and HF-STZ group, (66.5%-commercial feed, 13.5%-lard, and 20%-sugar). STZ (40mg/kg i.p.) or vehicle was administered on the 13th day. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed (2.5mg of glucose/kg v.o.) on both groups. After 39 days of treatment, blood and tissue samples were collected for analyses. The weight gain after STZ administration was lower in the HF-STZ group than in the control group with reductions in muscle mass and adipose tissue. The HF-STZ group showed hyperglycemia after STZ administration (glucose on day 39: HF-STZ: 499 ± 60; control: 134 ± 9mg/dL). Serum glucagon was 23% lower, and insulin levels were unaltered. The HOMA index was 4-times higher in the HF-STZ. The HF-STZ group showed increased post-prandial (330%) and fasting (125%) triglycerides, and while glycogen content in the liver and muscles decreased (70-80%). The area under the curve (OGTT) was 282% higher in the HF-STZ group. The combination of high-fat diet with STZ (i.p) generated rats with hyperglycemia associated with hypertriglyceridemia and introduced many other alterations present in human DM2.

A low-protein, high carbohydrate diet induces increase in serum adiponectin and preserves glucose homeostasis in rats.

The aim of this study was investigate the effects of a low-protein, high-carbohydrate (LPHC) diet introduced to rats soon after weaning. The animals were distributed in the following groups: LPHC45: fed an LPHC diet (6%-protein, 74%-carbohydrate) for 45 days; C45: fed a control (C) diet (17%-protein, 63%-carbohydrate) for 45 days; R (Reverse): fed with LPHC for 15 days followed by C diet for 30 days. The LPHC45 group showed alterations in the energetic balance with an increase in brown adipose tissue, and in glucose tolerance, and lower final body weight, muscle mass and total protein in blood when compared with C45 group. The HOMA-IR index was similar between LPHC45 and C45 groups, but this parameter was lower in LPHC45 compared with R groups. Serum adiponectin was higher in LPHC45 group than C45 and R groups. The R group presented higher fed insulin than C45 and LPHC45 and higher T4 compared with C45 group. Total cholesterol in R group was higher when compared with LPHC45 group. Thus, the data show that the change of the diet LPHC for a balanced diet led to different metabolic evolution and suggest that the different response can be due to different levels of adiponectin.

Identification of primary drug resistance to rifampin in Mycobacterium leprae strains from leprosy patients in Amazonas State, Brazil.

The aim of this study was to identify polymorphisms in the folp1, gyrA, and rpoB genes in leprosy patients treated in Amazonas State, Brazil. Among 197 slit-skin smear samples from untreated or relapsed patients, we found three cases of primary resistance to rifampin and one confirmed case of multidrug resistance.

High glucose uptake in growing rats adapted to a low-protein, high-carbohydrate diet determines low fasting glycemia even with high hepatic gluconeogenesis.

The our objective was to investigate the adaptations induced by a low-protein, high-carbohydrate (LPHC) diet in growing rats, which by comparison with the rats fed a control (C) diet at displayed lower fasting glycemia and similar fasting insulinemia, despite impairment in insulin signaling in adipose tissues. In the insulin tolerance test the LPHC rats showed higher rates of glucose disappearance (30%) and higher tolerance to overload of glucose than C rats. The glucose uptake by the soleus muscle, evaluated in vivo by administration of 2-deoxy-[(14)C]glucose, increased by 81%. The phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase content and the incorporation of [1-(14)C]pyruvate into glucose was also higher in the slices of liver from the LPHC rats than in those from C rats. The LPHC rats showed increases in l-lactate as well as in other gluconeogenic precursors in the blood. These rats also had a higher hepatic production of glucose, evaluated by in situ perfusion. The data obtained indicate that the main substrates for gluconeogenesis in the LPHC rats are l-lactate and glycerol. Thus, we concluded that the fasting glycemia in the LPHC animals was maintained mainly by increases in the hepatic gluconeogenesis from glycerol and l-lactate, compensating, at least in part, for the higher glucose uptake by the tissues.

Diagnosis of pediatric central nervous system tumors using methylation profiling of cfDNA from cerebrospinal fluid.

Pediatric central nervous system tumors remain challenging to diagnose. Imaging approaches do not provide sufficient detail to discriminate between different tumor types, while the histopathological examination of tumor tissue shows high inter-observer variability. Recent studies have demonstrated the accurate classification of central nervous system tumors based on the DNA methylation profile of a tumor biopsy. However, a brain biopsy holds significant risk of bleeding and damaging the surrounding tissues. Liquid biopsy approaches analyzing circulating tumor DNA show high potential as an alternative and less invasive tool to study the DNA methylation pattern of tumors. Here, we explore the potential of classifying pediatric brain tumors based on methylation profiling of the circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). For this proof-of-concept study, we collected cerebrospinal fluid samples from 19 pediatric brain cancer patients via a ventricular drain placed for reasons of increased intracranial pressure. Analyses on the cfDNA showed high variability of cfDNA quantities across patients ranging from levels below the limit of quantification to 40 ng cfDNA per milliliter of CSF. Classification based on methylation profiling of cfDNA from CSF was correct for 7 out of 20 samples in our cohort. Accurate results were mostly observed in samples of high quality, more specifically those with limited high molecular weight DNA contamination. Interestingly, we show that centrifugation of the CSF prior to processing increases the fraction of fragmented cfDNA to high molecular weight DNA. In addition, classification was mostly correct for samples with high tumoral cfDNA fraction as estimated by computational deconvolution (> 40%). In summary, analysis of cfDNA in the CSF shows potential as a tool for diagnosing pediatric nervous system tumors especially in patients with high levels of tumoral cfDNA in the CSF. Further optimization of the collection procedure, experimental workflow and bioinformatic approach is required to also allow classification for patients with low tumoral fractions in the CSF.

Antileishmania and immunomodulatory potential of cashew nut shell liquid and cardanol.

Conventional treatments for leishmaniasis have caused serious adverse effects, poor tolerance, development of resistant strains. Natural products have been investigated as potential therapeutic alternatives. The cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) is a natural source of phenolic compounds with several biological activities, where cardanol (CN) is considered one of the most important and promising compounds. This study aimed to evaluate antileishmanial, cytotoxic and immunomodulatory activities of CNSL and CN. Both showed antileishmanial potential, with IC50 for CNSL and CN against Leishmania infantum: 148.12 and 56.74 µg/mL; against Leishmania braziliensis: 85.71 and 64.28 µg/mL; against Leishmania major: 153.56 and 122.31 µg/mL, respectively. The mean cytotoxic concentrations (CC50) of CNSL and CN were 37.51 and 31.44 µg/mL, respectively. CNSL and CN significantly reduced the percentage of infected macrophages, with a selectivity index (SI) >20 for CN. CNSL and cardanol caused an increase in phagocytic capacity and lysosomal volume. Survival rates of Zophobas morio larvae at doses of 3; 30 and 300 mg/kg were: 85%, 75% and 60% in contact with CNSL and 85%, 60% and 40% in contact with CN, respectively. There was a significant difference between the survival curves of larvae when treated with CN, demonstrating a significant acute toxicity for this substance. Additional investigations are needed to evaluate these substances in the in vivo experimental infection model.

Spatial analysis of Chikungunya fever incidence and the associated socioeconomic, demographic, and vector infestation factors in municipalities of Pernambuco, Brazil, 2015-2021.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the spatial patterns of chikungunya fever (CHIKF) and the associated socioeconomic, demographic, and vector infestation factors in the 1st Health Region of Pernambuco (1st HRP). METHODS: This ecological study used a spatial analysis of Mean Incidence Rates (MIR) of probable cases of CHIKF reported among residents of the 19 municipalities of the 1st HRP, in 2015-2021. The univariate and bivariate global Moran indexes (I) were estimated. From the significant associations (p<0.05), clusters were identified using the local Moran index and maps. RESULTS: A predominance of the largest CHIKF rates was identified in the east. However, there was a heterogeneous distribution of rates across municipalities, which may have contributed to the absence of spatial autocorrelation of CHIKF (I=0.03; p=0.294) in univariate I. The bivariate I revealed a positive spatial correlation between CHIKF and the Municipal Human Development Index (MHDI) (I=0.245; p=0.038), but with a cluster of cities with low incidences and low MHDI in the west. There was no spatial correlation between CHIKF and the other variables analyzed: population density, Gini index, social vulnerability index, and building infestation index for Aedes aegypti. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that only the MHDI influenced the occurrence of CHIKF in the 1st HRP, so that municipalities in the west demonstrated spatial dependence between lower values of MHDI and MIR. However, this spatial correlation may have occurred due to possible underreporting in the area. These findings can assist in the (re)orientation of resources for surveillance and health care services.

A soyabean diet does not modify the activity of brown adipose tissue but alters the rate of lipolysis in the retroperitoneal white adipose tissue of male rats recovering from early-life malnutrition.

Nutritional recovery with a soyabean diet decreases body and fat weights when compared with a casein diet. We investigated whether the reduced adiposity observed in rats recovering from early-life malnutrition with a soyabean diet results from alterations in lipid metabolism in white adipose tissue (WAT) and/or brown adipose tissue (BAT). Male rats from mothers fed either 17 or 6 % protein during pregnancy and lactation were maintained on 17 % casein (CC and LC groups), 17 % soyabean (CS and LS groups) or 6 % casein (LL group) diets over 60 d. The rats maintained on a soyabean diet had similar relative food intakes, but lower body and retroperitoneal WAT weights and a reduced lipid content in the retroperitoneal WAT. The insulin levels were lower in the recovered rats and were elevated in those fed a soyabean diet. Serum T3 concentration and uncoupling protein 1 content in the BAT were decreased in the recovered rats. The thermogenic capacity of the BAT was not affected by the soyabean diet. The lipogenesis rate in the retroperitoneal WAT was similar in all of the groups except for the LL group, which had exacerbated lipogenesis. The enhancement of the lipolysis rate by isoproterenol was decreased in white adipocytes from the soyabean-recovered rats and was elevated in adipocytes from the soyabean-control rats. Thus, in animals maintained on a soyabean diet, the proportions of fat deposits are determined by the lipolysis rate, which differs depending on the previous nutritional status.

Isopropyl Gallate, a Gallic Acid Derivative: In Silico and In Vitro Investigation of Its Effects on Leishmania major.

Isopropyl gallate (IPG) is a polyphenol obtained from alterations in the gallic acid molecule via acid catalysis with previously reported leishmanicidal and trypanocidal activities. The present study aims to evaluate in silico binding activity towards some targets for antileishmanial chemotherapy against Leishmania major species, and ADMET parameters for IPG, as well as in vitro antileishmanial and cytotoxic effects. Molecular docking was performed using AutoDockVina and BIOVIA Discovery Studio software, whereas in silico analysis used SwissADME, PreADMET and admetSAR software. In vitro antileishmanial activity on promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania major, cytotoxicity and macrophages activation were assessed. IPG exhibited affinity for pteridine reductase (PTR1; -8.2 kcal/mol) and oligopeptidase B (OPB; -8.0 kcal/mol) enzymes. ADMET assays demonstrated good lipophilicity, oral bioavailability, and skin permeability, as well as non-mutagenic, non-carcinogenic properties and low risk of cardiac toxicity for IPG. Moreover, IPG inhibited the in vitro growth of promastigotes (IC50 = 90.813 µM), presented significant activity against amastigotes (IC50 = 13.45 µM), promoted low cytotoxicity in macrophages (CC50 = 1260 µM), and increased phagocytic capacity. These results suggest IPG is more selectively toxic to the parasite than to mammalian cells. IPG demonstrated acceptable in silico pharmacokinetics parameters, and reduced infection and infectivity in parasitized macrophages, possibly involving macrophage activation pathways and inhibition of leishmania enzymes.

A low-protein, high-carbohydrate diet increases the adipose lipid content without increasing the glycerol-3-phosphate or fatty acid content in growing rats.

The amount of triacylglycerol (TAG) that accumulates in adipose tissue depends on 2 opposing processes: lipogenesis and lipolysis. We have previously shown that the weight and lipid content of epididymal (EPI) adipose tissue increases in growing rats fed a low-protein, high-carbohydrate (LPHC) diet for 15 days. The aim of this work was to study the pathways involved in lipogenesis and lipolysis, which ultimately regulate lipid accumulation in the tissue. De novo fatty acid synthesis was evaluated in vivo and was similar for rats fed an LPHC diet or a control diet; however, the LPHC-fed rats had decreased lipoprotein lipase activity in the EPI adipose tissue, which suggests that there was a decreased uptake of fatty acids from the circulating lipoproteins. The LPHC diet did not affect synthesis of glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P) via glycolysis or glyceroneogenesis. Glycerokinase activity - i.e., the phosphorylation of glycerol from the hydrolysis of endogenous TAG to form G3P - was also not affected in LPHC-fed rats. In contrast, adipocytes from LPHC animals had a reduced lipolytic response when stimulated by norepinephrine, even though the basal adipocyte lipolytic rate was similar for both of the groups. Thus, the results suggest that the reduction of lipolytic activity stimulated by norepinephrine seems essential for the TAG increase observed in the EPI adipose tissue of LPHC animals, probably by impairment of the process of activation of lipolysis by norepinephrine.

The antioxidant system in the soleus muscle of growing rats is stimulated by the administration of a low-protein/high-carbohydrate diet.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by xanthine oxidase (XO), the enzymatic antioxidant system and oxidative damage in soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles of growing rats fed a low-protein, high-carbohydrate (LPHC; 6% protein, 74% carbohydrate) diet for 15 days. The LPHC diet increased the total antioxidant capacity by 45% and the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase and catalase in the soleus muscles. There was an increase in the carbonylated proteins with no increase thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), although the XO activity had increased 20%. In EDL muscles, the LPHC diet increased XO activity by 66% and the TBARS levels by 80%, and only GPx had its activity increased. These results suggest that the enzymatic antioxidant system of the soleus muscle has a better response to the increase of ROS production stimulated by LPHC diet.

Antidiabetic activity of Vatairea macrocarpa extract in rats.

In the present paper the anti-diabetic effects of stem-bark extract (ethanol 70%) of Vatairea macrocarpa, a traditional diabetes mellitus treatment widely used in Brazil, are reported. The extract was administered orally at a dose of 250 or 500 mg/kg, for 22 days, to normal and streptozotocin-diabetic rats. In extract treated (500 mg/kg) diabetic rats serum and urinary glucose, urinary urea, food and fluid intake were decreased, while body weight gain was increased, all of which indicate an improvement in diabetic state (p<0.05). No effects of the extract were observed in non-diabetic rats. In extract treated (500 mg/kg) diabetic group HOMA-R (homeostasis model for assessment of insulin resistance) was lower at the end of 22 days, as compared to diabetic non treated control group. Insulin was the reference substance used in the experiments. In an oral glucose tolerance test, the time to reach maximal glycemia was greater in diabetic 500 mg/kg treated group than in control group. These anti-diabetic effects could be related to an improved insulin resistance, although a possible effect on pancreatic B-cell function cannot be excluded. Thus, our data of sub-chronic experiments suggest that long-term use of V. macrocarpa stem-bark extract may be helpful in treating diabetic conditions.

Spatial analysis of Chikungunya fever incidence and the associated socioeconomic, demographic, and vector infestation factors in municipalities of Pernambuco, Brazil, 2015-2021 / Análise espacial da incidência da febre de Chikungunya e dos fatores socioeconômicos, demográficos e de infestação vetorial associados, em municípios de Pernambuco, Brasil, 2015-2021

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the spatial patterns of chikungunya fever (CHIKF) and the associated socioeconomic, demographic, and vector infestation factors in the 1st Health Region of Pernambuco (1st HRP). Methods: This ecological study used a spatial analysis of Mean Incidence Rates (MIR) of probable cases of CHIKF reported among residents of the 19 municipalities of the 1st HRP, in 2015-2021. The univariate and bivariate global Moran indexes (I) were estimated. From the significant associations (p<0.05), clusters were identified using the local Moran index and maps. Results: A predominance of the largest CHIKF rates was identified in the east. However, there was a heterogeneous distribution of rates across municipalities, which may have contributed to the absence of spatial autocorrelation of CHIKF (I=0.03; p=0.294) in univariate I. The bivariate I revealed a positive spatial correlation between CHIKF and the Municipal Human Development Index (MHDI) (I=0.245; p=0.038), but with a cluster of cities with low incidences and low MHDI in the west. There was no spatial correlation between CHIKF and the other variables analyzed: population density, Gini index, social vulnerability index, and building infestation index for Aedes aegypti. Conclusions: The results suggest that only the MHDI influenced the occurrence of CHIKF in the 1st HRP, so that municipalities in the west demonstrated spatial dependence between lower values of MHDI and MIR. However, this spatial correlation may have occurred due to possible underreporting in the area. These findings can assist in the (re)orientation of resources for surveillance and health care services.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar, na Iᵃ Região de Saúde de Pernambuco (Iᵃ RSP), os padrões espaciais da febre de Chikungunya (CHIKF) e os fatores socioeconômicos, demográficos e de infestação vetorial associados. Métodos: Este estudo ecológico utilizou a análise espacial das Taxas Médias de Incidência (TMI) de casos prováveis da CHIKF notificados entre os residentes dos 19 municípios da Iᵃ RSP no período de 2015-2021. Os índices de Moran global (I) univariados e bivariados foram estimados. Das associações significativas (p<0,05), clusters foram localizados por meio do Índice de Moran Local e de mapas. Resultados: Identificou-se predominância das maiores TMI da CHIKF no leste. Entretanto, houve distribuição heterogênea das taxas dos municípios, o que pode ter contribuído para a ausência de autocorrelação espacial da CHIKF (I=0,03; p=0,294) no I univariado. O I bivariado revelou correlação espacial positiva entre a CHIKF e o Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal (IDHM) (I=0,245; p=0,038), porém com um cluster de cidades com baixas incidências e baixo IDHM no oeste. Não houve correlação espacial entre a CHIKF e as demais variáveis analisadas: densidade demográfica, Índice de Gini, Índice de Vulnerabilidade Social e Índice de Infestação Predial de Aedes aegypti. Conclusões: Os resultados sugerem que somente o IDHM influenciou na ocorrência da CHIKF na Iᵃ RSP, de forma que municípios do oeste demonstraram dependência espacial entre menores valores de IDHM e TMI. No entanto, essa correlação espacial pode ter ocorrido devido às possíveis subnotificações na área. Tais achados podem auxiliar na (re)orientação de recursos dos serviços de vigilância e assistência à saúde.

Evaluation of wound healing treated with latex derived from rubber trees and Aloe Vera extract in rats.

PURPOSE:: To compare the use of latex derivative and Aloe vera extract to wound healing. METHODS:: Twenty one rats were randomly divided into three groups and each one had a wound made by incision. The treatment consisted in: derivative of latex (GL), Aloe vera extract (GA) and saline solution (GC). The wound area was measured on the 7th, 14th and 21st days and macroscopic and microscopic evaluation were done. RESULTS:: The comparison between the measurements of the wounds presented statistical difference in GC and GA from the 7th day of evaluation and GL from the 14th day. The extent of the wound was significantly smaller by the 7th day in GL. Histologically, in GL, the neovascularization was significant on the 7th, 14th and 21st days. On the 21st day the scar was large and little mature. In GA and GC, the findings were similar on the 7th, 14th and 21st days with a slight better organization of skin and collagen on the 21st in GA. CONCLUSIONS:: Statistical analysis did not allow for the definition of the best topical agent. The latex had the highest angiogenesis, but a possible foreign body granuloma. Aloe vera has revealed a healing process adequated temporally in histology.