Hematological and biochemical profile of captive brown-throated sloths Bradypus variegatus, Schinz 1825, feeding on ambay pumpwood Cecropia pachystachya Trécul 1847 / [Perfil hematológico e bioquímico da preguiça-de-garganta-marrom Bradypus variegatus, Schinz 1825, em cativeiro alimentando-se de embaúba Cecropia pachystachya Trécul 1847]

The aim of this study was to establish reference parameters for the hematological and biochemical levels of five healthy captive sloths of the speciesBradypus variegatus(brown-throated sloth) feeding onCecropia pachystachya(Ambay pumpwood), alternating with a period of free diet in the Dois Irmãos State Park (DISP) Recife, Pernambuco - Brazil.(AU)

O objetivo da presente pesquisa foi estabelecer parâmetros de referência para níveis hematológicos e bioquímicos, de cinco preguiças sadias, da espécie Bradypus variegatus (preguiça-de-garganta-marrom), em cativeiro, alimentando-se de Cecropia pachystachya (embaúba) em períodos alternados com dieta livre, no Parque Estadual de Dois Irmãos (PEDI) Recife, Pernambuco-Brasil.(AU)

Chondroitin sulfate from fish waste exhibits strong intracellular antioxidant potential.

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a type of glycosaminoglycan described as an antioxidant molecule that has been found in animal species such as fish. Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) represents an eco-friendly source of this compound, since its economical processing generates usable waste, reducing the negative environmental impact. This waste was used for CS extraction, purification, characterization by enzymatic degradation, and evaluation of its antioxidant effect. CS obtained from tilapia presented sulfation mainly at carbon 4 of galactosamine, and it was not cytotoxic at concentrations up to 200 µg/mL. Furthermore, 100 µg/mL of CS from tilapia reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species to 47% of the total intracellular reactive oxygen species level. The ability of CS to chelate metal ions in vitro also suggested an ability to react with other pathways that generate oxidative radicals, such as the Haber-Weiss reaction, acting intracellularly in more than one way. Although the role of CS from tilapia remains unclear, the pharmacological effects described herein indicate that CS is a potential molecule for further study of the relationship between the structures and functions of chondroitin sulfates as antioxidants.

Chondroitin sulfate from fish waste exhibits strong intracellular antioxidant potential

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a type of glycosaminoglycan described as an antioxidant molecule that has been found in animal species such as fish. Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) represents an eco-friendly source of this compound, since its economical processing generates usable waste, reducing the negative environmental impact. This waste was used for CS extraction, purification, characterization by enzymatic degradation, and evaluation of its antioxidant effect. CS obtained from tilapia presented sulfation mainly at carbon 4 of galactosamine, and it was not cytotoxic at concentrations up to 200 µg/mL. Furthermore, 100 µg/mL of CS from tilapia reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species to 47% of the total intracellular reactive oxygen species level. The ability of CS to chelate metal ions in vitro also suggested an ability to react with other pathways that generate oxidative radicals, such as the Haber-Weiss reaction, acting intracellularly in more than one way. Although the role of CS from tilapia remains unclear, the pharmacological effects described herein indicate that CS is a potential molecule for further study of the relationship between the structures and functions of chondroitin sulfates as antioxidants.

Descrição anatômica da artéria carótida externa e seus ramos na preguiça-comum / Anatomical description of external carotid artery and its branches in sloth

Bradypus variegatus, espécie pertencente à família Bradypodidae e à superordem Xenarthra, pode ser considerada modelo biológico de caráter multidisciplinar. Assim, realizou-se um trabalho de descrição anatômica da artéria carótida externa (ACE) e dos seus ramos no bicho-preguiça B. variegatus. Utilizaram-se 10 animais adultos, sendo todos fêmeas, que foram submetidos à dissecação, constatando-se que a artéria (a.) carótida comum se bifurca, em externa e interna, no nível do primeiro anel traqueal. A ACE, então, segue estendendo-se até a maxila, onde emite ramos para a região temporal e para o polo posterior do olho. Em todos os animais estudados, foram observados sete ramos principais da ACE, que, segundo a sua origem e localização, foram denominados como a. auricular, a. lingual, a. facial, a. alveolar, a. inferior, a. temporal, a. maxilar e a. oftálmica. Os ramos maxilar e oftálmico correspondem aos terminais e os demais são ramos colaterais. Em 50% dos animais analisados, foi verificada a presença de anastomoses arteriais e 40% deles apresentaram o acréscimo de um ramo aos principais. Desses, 30% demonstraram a presença de um ramo traqueal e 10% de um ramo sublingual, sendo esses ramos colaterais.(AU)

Bradypus variegatus is a species belonging to the family Bradypodidae and superorder Xenarthra, which should be considered as a multidisciplinary biological model. Thus, an anatomical description of the external carotid artery (ACE) and its branches in sloth B. variegatus was studied. Ten adult animals, all of them female, were submitted to dissection, and it was observed that the common carotid artery (a.) bifurcates in external and internal at the level of the first tracheal ring. Then, ACE extends through the maxilla where it launches branches to the temporal region and posterior eye side. For all sampled animals, seven principal branches of ACE were observed, and according to their origin and location were denominated as auricular, lingual, facial, bottom alveolar, temporal, maxillary and ophthalmic arteries. The maxillary and ophthalmic branches correspond to the terminals and the other branches are collateral. Presence of arterial anastomoses was observed in 50% of the sampled animals and 40% of them had increase of a branch on the principal. In these, 30% had presence of one tracheal branch and 10% of a sublingual branch, considering these branches as collateral.(AU)

A distinct tymovirus infecting Cassia hoffmannseggii in Brazil.

Leaves of Cassia hoffmannseggii, a wild fabaceous species found in the Atlantic Forest, with a severe mosaic symptom were collected in Pernambuco State, Brazil. By transmission electron microscopy, two types of virus particles were found: the first was recognized as particles of a potyvirus, which was later identified as Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus; and the second was isometric and present in high concentration. The observation of vesicles at the periphery of chloroplasts suggested a tymovirus infection, which was confirmed by subsequent assays. A serological assay against several tymovirus antisera resulted in positive reaction of this tymo-like virus with an antiserum of Passion fruit yellow mosaic virus. By means of RT-PCR and using degenerated primers for the conserved region of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene of tymoviruses, a specific DNA fragment was amplified and sequenced. Based on this sequence, a specific forward primer was synthesized and successfully used to amplify the 3' terminal genome region, containing the partial RdRp gene and the complete coat protein (CP) sequences. The CP was 188 amino acids (aa) long, and the highest CP aa identity was observed with Kennedya yellow mosaic virus (61 %). Based on the current ICTV demarcation criterion, this isolate was considered as a distinct tymovirus and tentatively named as Cassia yellow mosaic-associated virus.

Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV) is widespread in passionfruit in Brazil and causes passionfruit woodiness disease.

Leaf samples of yellow passionfruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa) displaying fruit woodiness symptoms were collected in seven Brazilian states and the Federal District. Viral infection was confirmed by host range and ELISA, and fourteen viral isolates were obtained. All isolates were capable of infecting several leguminous host species, although differences in symptom severity were noticeable. Woodiness symptoms were reproduced in yellow passionfruit, and mosaic symptoms were induced in common bean. All isolates infected cowpea, reported as a non-host of passion fruit woodiness virus (PWV). Indirect ELISA demonstrated that all isolates were serologically related to each other and also to cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV). The complete sequence of the capsid protein was determined for all isolates. Comparison of these sequences with those of other potyviruses indicated the highest identity with CABMV isolates (85 to 94%). Identity with PWV isolates ranged from 54 to 70%. Phylogenetic analysis grouped all of the Brazilian isolates in a monophyletic cluster with the CABMV isolates, clearly distinct from the PWV isolates. Furthermore, this analysis demonstrated that a group of previously characterized isolates from Brazil that had been designated as PWV should be reclassified as CABMV. Together, these results provide unequivocal evidence that, in Brazil, passionfruit woodiness disease is primarily caused by CABMV. The presence of PWV in Brazil has yet to be confirmed.

RT-PCR Detection of Seedborne Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus in Peanut.

The Brazilian strain of Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV) is a severe pathogen in peanut and a significant problem when distributing germ plasm to other countries. The virus is seedborne at approximately 0.15% in peanut, depending upon the cultivar, and its detection in seed lots would strengthen quarantine programs. Utilizing 3' sequence data (GenBank Accession #AF241233), primers were designed from the coat protein region and evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Use of the forward primer 5'-CGCTCAAACCCATTGTAGAA-3' and reverse primer 5'-TATTGCTTCCCTTGCTCTTTC-3' yielded a 221-bp product. Extracts of thick seed slices and a sample size of 12 to 25 seed showed no significant advantage of RT-PCR over enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in tests of large seed lots. However, RT-PCR detected more virus in seed than in the number of infected seedlings normally arising in germination tests. Also, RT-PCR was extremely sensitive and detected 1 infected leaf among 99 healthy leaves. In contrast, ELISA detected only one infected leaf among nine healthy leaves.

Occurrence of Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus in Peanut in Brazil.

Surveys of peanut crops in northeastern Brazil since 1995 showed the occurrence of a hitherto unreported virus disease. Characteristic leaf symptoms were ring spots and blotches. The virus was seed transmitted in peanut (1/610) and cowpea (47/796). Local and systemic symptoms were observed in cowpea (cv. TVu 3433) known to be susceptible to most Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV) isolates. The virus was transmitted by aphids Toxoptera citricidus and Aphis gossypii. Using degenerate primers, the 3' terminal region of the viral genome was cloned and sequenced. Sequence analyses of the coat protein and the 3' untranslated region indicated that the potyvirus was most closely related to CABMV isolates from South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the United States. On the basis of genome analysis, the virus was identified as CABMV. The natural occurrence of CABMV on peanut has so far not been reported. The significance of this finding especially for germ plasm exchange is discussed.

Humoral immunity patterns based on antibody reactivity to rotavirus antigens in Brazilian children under 5 years of age.

The age distribution of antibody to simian rotavirus (SA-11) was studied in serum specimens obtained from 399 children aged to 5 years and living in the city of Recife (PE), located in the north eastern region of Brazil. Sera were examined for group-specific rotavirus antibody using a blocking enzyme immunoassay (bELISA) and a hemagglutination inhibition antibody (HIA) test, and for anti-VP2, anti-VP4, anti-VP6, and anti-VP7 antibodies using an immunoblotting assay (IBA). Antibody prevalence was similar in all bELISA and HIA assays, showing a steep rise in the 6-to 17-month-old age groups. The results indicate early acquisition of antibody to rotavirus. The majority of children aged 2 to 4 years had bELISA (50% to 60%) and HIA (70% to 81%) antibodies. There was an association in prevalence data obtained by HIA and bELISA with immunoblotting (IBA), revealing four serologic profiles. Children with profiles I and II (60%) respectively had HAI and ELISA antibody or HAI antibody alone and all had immunoprotective antibodies to VP4 and/or VP7. These children were regarded as "immune," resembling convalescent patients with a rotavirus infection. Children with profile III (4%) had no HIA antibody and only non-protective anti-VP6 and/or VP7 antibody, and were considered to be "partially immune." Children with profile IV (36%) had no detectable antibody and were classified as "nonimmune." These children should be considered to be susceptible to rotavirus infection, with the risk of developing clinically severe diarrhea.

Human T cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) antibodies in healthy populations and renal transplanted patients in the north-east of Brazil.

The seroprevalence of human T cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection was investigated in Brazilians (570): native inhabitants (298) and descendants from Japanese (272) living in Recife and its neighborhoods--North-east of Brazil. Furthermore, polytransfused renal transplanted patients (54) were also examined for the serological status to this virus. The seropositivity to HTLV-1, screened by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), was low: 1.34% for the local population and 0.73% for the descendants from Japanese. However, the seropositivity for the renal transplanted patients was found to be 11.1%. This higher value suggests that this retrovirus infection seems to be of importance in this clinical condition.

Cytomegalovirus, human herpesvirus 6 and human T cell leukemia virus infection in renal transplanted patients in the northeast of Brazil.

The seroprevalence of antibodies against cytomegalovirus (CMV), human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and human T cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), determined by ELISA and by fluorescence in 54 renal transplanted patients, was 96.2%, 88.8% and 11.1%, respectively. These values are relatively high when compared with the results obtained for healthy individuals of the same age groups from Recife, Northeastern Brazil. Active CMV infection was detected by the presence of IgM antibodies and/or virus isolation in 13 (24%) patients. Kidney rejection and renal dysfunction were observed in 11 of these 13 patients, whereas 3 of 6 HTLV-1 antibody-positive individuals presented these complications. All HTLV-1 positive patients were also positive to IgG CMV and HHV-6 antibodies. The importance of the three viruses in this clinical condition is suggested by the high seropositivity rates compared with the healthy population. The group may also represent a potential source of HTLV-1 infection in this non-endemic area.

Cytomegalovirus, human herpesvirus 6 and human T cell leukemia virus infection in renal transplanted patients in the northeast of Brazil

The seroprevalence of antibodies against cytomegalovirus (CMV), human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and human T cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), determined by ELISA and by fluorescence in 54 renal transplanted patients, was 96.2 per cent , 88.8 per cent and 11.1 per cent , respectively. These values are relatively high when compared with the results obtained for healthy individuals of the same age groups from Recife, Northeastern Brazil. Active CMV infection was detected by the presence of IgM antibodies and/or virus isolation in 13 (24 per cent ) patients. Kidney rejection and renal dysfunction were observed in 11 of these 13 patients, whereas 3 of 6 HTLV-1 antibody-positive individuals presented these complications. All HTLV-1 positive patients were also positive to IgG CMV and HHV-6 antibodies. The importance of the three viruses in this clinical condition is suggested by the high seropositivity rates compared with the healthy population. The group may also represent a potential source of HTLV-1 infection in this non-endemic area

Microbiologia da diarréia aguda endêmica em crianças do Recife / Microbiology of endemic acute diarrhoea in children of Recife

Entre fevereiro e junho de 1989, investigaram-se 126 crianças diarréicas e 126 controles, pareados pela idade, para a detecçäo de bactérias, vírus e parasitos enteropatogênicos. Identificaram-se um ou mais patógenos em 81,8% dos pacientes e em 61,9% dos controles. Escherichia coli enteropatogênica(EPEC) foi o patógeno mais frequentemente identificado. EPEC mostrando aderência localizada, E.coli enteroaderente agregativa, Shigella, Rotavírus e Cryptosporidium foram associados com os casos significativamente. Por outra parte, EPEC näo aderente, E.Coli exibindo aderência difusa, E.coli enterotoxigênica (ETEC) produtora de LT, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Adenovírus, Giardia lamblia e Endamoeba histolytica näo mostraram diferenças significativas entre casos e controles. ETEC produtoras de ST,E.coli enteroinvasiva e enterohemorrágica, Aeromonas, Pleisaomonas e Vibrio foram isolados em taxas muito baixas para permitir avaliar seus papéis na doenças diarréica, no Recife

[Simultaneous occurrence of enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus on the hands, mouth and feces of asymptomatic carriers]. / Ocorrência simultânea de Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxigênicos nas mãos, boca e fezes em portadores assintomáticos.

One hundred and twelve asymptomatic individuals were analysed with regard to the simultaneous incidence of Staphylococcus aureus on their hands and in their nose, mouth and stools, in the city of S. Paulo (Brazil). A total of 40 (35.7%) individuals were detected as carriers of this microorganism. Among these carriers, 27 (67.5%) were positive in only one of the four niches studied, 8 (20.0%) in two and 5 (12.5%) in three niches. They were identified 113 Staphylococcus aureus strains, and 28 (24.8%) of these strains, isolated from 9 (22.5%) carriers, produced enterotoxin. Of these strains, 7 (25.0%) produced type A enterotoxin, 6 (21.4%) of type B, 11 (39.3%) type C and 4 (14.3%) produced both type A and C. The phage typing of the 113 Staphylococcus aureus strains revealed the predominance of the strains lysed by phages belonging to the Group I/III/NC (16.8%). The results obtained did not demonstrate the simultaneous incidence of Staphylococcus aureus strains in samples collected from mouth, hands and stools of the group studied.

Prevalence of cytomegalovirus antibodies in Brazilian and Japanese populations in the north-east of Brazil.

The serological status to cytomegalovirus (CMV) was examined for 616 Brazilians and 399 Japanese immigrants living in the North-East of Brazil. The sera were screened for IgG antibodies to CMV by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The overall prevalence of CMV antibodies was higher in the Japanese population (83.7%) than in the Brazilian population (69.8%). The seropositivity was analyzed by factors of age, sex, ethnic background, and socioeconomic status. Mother-baby contact seems to be a factor of significance in the seroepidemiology of CMV infection.