Trypanosoma cruzi modulates lipid metabolism and highjacks phospholipids from the midgut of Rhodnius prolixus.

Chagas disease is potentially life-threatening and caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. The parasite cannot synthesize some lipids and depends on the uptake of these lipids from its vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. To achieve this, T. cruzi may need to modify the physiology of the insect host for its own benefit. In this study, we investigated the interaction of T. cruzi (Y strain) with its insect vector Rhodnius prolixus and how it manipulates the vector lipid metabolism. We observed a physiological change in lipid flux in of infected insects. In the fat body of infected insects, triacylglycerol levels decreased by 80.6% and lipid storage droplet-1(LSD-1) mRNA levels were lower, when compared to controls. Lipid sequestration by infected midguts led to increased levels of 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation and activation in the fat body, inhibiting the synthesis of fatty acids and stimulating their oxidation. This led to reduced lipid levels in the fat body of infected insets, despite the fact that T. cruzi does not colonize this tissue. There was a 3-fold increase, in lipid uptake and synthesis in the midgut of infected insects. Finally, our results suggest that the parasite modifies the lipid flux and metabolism of its vector R. prolixus through the increase in lipid delivery from the fat body to midgut that are then scavenge by T cruzi.

The Southern Ocean Exchange: porous boundaries between humpback whale breeding populations in southern polar waters.

Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are a cosmopolitan species and perform long annual migrations between low-latitude breeding areas and high-latitude feeding areas. Their breeding populations appear to be spatially and genetically segregated due to long-term, maternally inherited fidelity to natal breeding areas. In the Southern Hemisphere, some humpback whale breeding populations mix in Southern Ocean waters in summer, but very little movement between Pacific and Atlantic waters has been identified to date, suggesting these waters constituted an oceanic boundary between genetically distinct populations. Here, we present new evidence of summer co-occurrence in the West Antarctic Peninsula feeding area of two recovering humpback whale breeding populations from the Atlantic (Brazil) and Pacific (Central and South America). As humpback whale populations recover, observations like this point to the need to revise our perceptions of boundaries between stocks, particularly on high latitude feeding grounds. We suggest that this "Southern Ocean Exchange" may become more frequent as populations recover from commercial whaling and climate change modifies environmental dynamics and humpback whale prey availability.

Vulnerability of Phyllocycla Species (Odonata: Gomphidae) to Current and Planned Anthropic Activities by the Brazilian Government.

Although most species distribution modeling (SDMs) are constructed at the species level, an appreciation of evolutionary processes has led to modeling above this level. In view of the difficulty in estimating the impacts of human actions on rare or deficient data species, we proposed a new approach to vulnerability assessment based on concepts already well established in the literature (ecological niche, niche conservatism, and extinction thresholds). We used distribution modeling to predict where species of the genus Phyllocycla (Calvert 1948) are most vulnerable to local extinctions and how the implementation of planned anthropic activities by the Brazilian government may modify the potential distribution of the genus in Brazil. We chose that genus because its conservation status is little known, especially due to the data gap about its geographical distribution. We proposed modeling the whole genus and used the niche conservatism theory to justify our methods. The anthropic activities considered in our analysis were agriculture and livestock, rural settlements, energy production installations, transportation, oil extraction, mining, and urbanization. We found that only 55.3% of the original potential distribution of Phyllocycla in Brazil remains available. The area compromised by anthropic activities comprises mainly the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest biomes, with less impact on the Amazon. However, with the implementation of activities planned by the Brazilian government, it is possible that an additional 13.6% of this area will be unavailable to species of Phyllocycla, especially in the Amazon, where interest in mining and the implementation of new hydroelectric production have increased.

Safety attributes in primary care: understanding the needs of patients, health professionals, and managers.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were (1) to identify attributes for patient safety at a primary healthcare level and (2) to analyze conceptions of patients, professionals, and managers about how these attributes are being addressed. STUDY DESIGN: This was a qualitative study. METHODS: Participants were recruited from three primary care settings in Brazil. A total of 37 subjects (four physicians, three nurses, three dentists, three managers, five community assistants, and 19 patients) participated on interviews about their perceptions of safety attributes at the primary care settings involved in the study. Some of these participants attended a focus group meeting. A thematic categorical analysis was carried out to interpret the interviews. RESULTS: The main attributes for patient safety were valued by the participants. However, barriers such as discontinuity of care, interruptions during consultations, breakdowns in the communication, and ineffective teamwork were reported as frequent sources of patient safety issues. Reports of patients left unattended for excessive time because of the lack of accurate information and disruptions that took up to 35 min show that there is still a long way to go for primary care to be safe and effective in the study settings. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary that the strategies meet the patient safety needs more effectively and efficiently. Further research is needed to understand the complex nature of the problems that affect patient safety in these settings so that appropriate decisions can be made.

Use of alcohol and drugs in the view of people living with HIV/AIDS: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the meaning of the experiences of patients infected by HIV using antiretroviral therapy, regarding the use of alcohol and drugs. STUDY DESIGN: A qualitative phenomenological study. METHOD: A total of 25 patients receiving antiretroviral treatment participated in the investigation, of which 14 were male and 11 were females, who expressed their feelings and perceptions through participation in focus groups and the interpretation of costumes. The empirical material was transcribed in full and later organized and analyzed using the phenomenological method. RESULTS: Based on this amusing experience we realized that participants were unaware of the effects of the use of alcohol and drugs in the AIDS progression. Since they have kept with their smoking and alcoholism habits to be accepted in a social group and consequently prevent prejudice. We believe that our health education strategy was adequate to improve antiretroviral therapy, since it helped in subject comprehension and patients self-care body expression. CONCLUSION: This phenomenological study made it possible to understand the experience of patients living with HIV regarding the use of alcohol and drugs, and contributes to the planning and implementation of intervention programs based on a participative model of care, with a view to prioritizing the holistic aspects involved in the treatment of people living with HIV/AIDS.

Bromine soil/sediment enrichment in tidal salt marshes as a potential indicator of climate changes driven by solar activity: New insights from W coast Portuguese estuaries.

This paper aims at providing insight about bromine (Br) cycle in four Portuguese estuaries: Minho, Lima (in the NW coast) and Sado, Mira (in the SW coast). The focus is on their tidal marsh environments, quite distinct with regard to key biophysicochemical attributes. Regardless of the primary bromide (Br-) common natural source, i.e., seawater, the NW marshes present relatively higher surface soil/sediment Br concentrations than the ones from SW coast. This happens in close connection with organic matter (OM) content, and is controlled by their main climatic contexts. Yet, the anthropogenic impact on Br concentrations cannot be discarded. Regarding [Br] spatial patterns across the marshes, the results show a general increase from tidal flat toward high marsh. Maxima [Br] occur in the upper driftline zone, at transition from highest low marsh to high marsh, recognized as a privileged setting for OM accumulation. Based on the discovery of OM ubiquitous bromination in marine and transitional environments, it is assumed that this Br occurs mainly as organobromine. Analysis of two dated sediment cores indicates that, despite having the same age (AD ~1300), the Caminha salt marsh (Minho estuary) evidences higher Br enrichment than the Casa Branca salt marsh (Mira estuary). This is related to a greater Br storage ability, which is linked to OM build-up and rate dynamics under different climate scenarios. Both cores evidence a fairly similar temporal Br enrichment pattern, and may be interpreted in light of the sun-climate coupling. Thereby, most of the well-known Grand Solar Minima during the Little Ice Age appear to have left an imprint on these marshes, supported by higher [Br] in soils/sediments. Besides climate changes driven by solar activity and impacting marsh Br biogeodynamics, those Br enrichment peaks might also reflect inputs of enhanced volcanic activity covarying with Grand Solar Minima.

Bromine enrichment in marsh sediments as a marker of environmental changes driven by Grand Solar Minima and anthropogenic activity (Caminha, NW of Portugal).

A sediment core collected in Caminha tidal marsh, NW Portugal, was used to assess bromine (Br) signal over the last ca. 1,700 years. The Br temporal variability reflects its close relationship with soil/sediment organic matter (OM) and also alterations in Br biogeochemical recycling in marsh environment. The highest Br enrichment in sediments was found during the Maunder Solar Minimum, a major solar event characterized by lower irradiance (TSI) and temperature, increased cloudiness and albedo. The obtained results suggest that those climate-induced changes weakened the natural mechanisms that promote Br biochemical transformations, driven by both living plants metabolism and plant litter degradation, with the ensuing generation of volatile methyl bromide (CH3Br). It seems that the prevailing climate conditions during the Maunder favoured the retention of more Br in marsh ecosystem, ultimately decreasing the biogenic Br emissions to the atmosphere. During the 20th century, the Br pattern in sediments appears to mirror likewise anthropogenic sources. The significant correlation (p<0.05) between Br/OM ratios and Pb contents in sediments after 1934 suggests a common source. This is most probably related with the rise, massive consumption and prohibition of leaded gasoline, where ethylene dibromide was added as lead scavenger to antiknock mixtures. More regionally, the concerted use of flame retardants on forest fire management, covering the 1980s through mid-1990s in the north of Portugal and Galicia, could be responsible for the observed increase of sediment Br (relatively to Pb) pool of this tidal marsh. Although man-made brominated compounds are being phased-out since the inception of the 1992 Montreal Protocol, the Caminha tidal marsh sedimentary record showed that Br levels only started to decline after 2002.

Triagem fitoquímica e atividade antioxidante de Costus spicatus (Jacq. ) S. w / Phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity of Costus spicatus (Jacq. ) Sw

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o perfil fitoquímico e a atividade antioxidante comparando-se os resultados obtidos entre diferentes órgãos da Costus spicatus. Foram utilizados caules, folhas e flores da Costus spicatus, colhidos na Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, no município de Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ. Os diferentes órgãos foram avaliados quanto ao perfil fitoquímico e atividade antioxidante nas frações hexânica, acetato de etila e butanólica. Os resultados obtidos comprovaram a presença de Triterpenos e Esteróides (Lieberman-Burchard), Flavonóides (Shinoda), Saponinas (Índice de espuma), Alcalóides (Drangendorff) e Taninos (Cloreto Férrico). Foi demonstrada a atividade antioxidante potencial. Concluiu-se que a Costus spicatus apresentou todas as classes de metabólitos pesquisadas, dentre as quais, algumas possuem atividade biológica já conhecida, fazendo-se necessária a realização de estudos quantitativos e pesquisas que demonstrem seus efeitos farmacológicos, contribuindo para o desenvolvimento de novos fármacos.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the phytochemical profile and the antioxidant activity comparing the results between different organs of Costus spicatus. We used the stems, leaves and flowers of Costus spicatus harvested at the State University of Norte Fluminense "Darcy Ribeiro" in the city of Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The different organs were evaluated for antioxidant activity and phytochemical profile in the hexane, ethyl acetate and butanol fractions. The results obtained proved the presence of triterpenes and steroids (Liebermann-Burchard), flavonoids (Shinoda), saponins (foaming index), alkaloids (Dragendorff) and tannins (ferric chloride). We demonstrated the potential antioxidant activity. We concluded that Costus spicatus presented all classes of metabolites studied, among which some already have their biological activity known by the literature, being necessary the performance of quantitative and research studies that demonstrate their pharmacological effects, thus contributing to the development of new drugs.

Characterisation of Late Bronze Age large size shield nails by EDXRF, micro-EDXRF and X-ray digital radiography.

In the present study six exceptional large size metallic nails, a dagger and a sickle from the Late Bronze Age archaeological site of Figueiredo das Donas (Central Portugal) have been analysed by EDXRF, micro-EDXRF and X-ray digital radiography for the study of material composition and technology of fabrication. The combination of these analytical and examination techniques showed that all artefacts are made of bronze with As, Sb and Pb impurities, and that the nails were most likely manufactured using the casting-on technique. These results reinforce the use of binary bronze by Late Bronze Age in the region, and the incorporation of new fabrication technologies that resulted from ancient spheres of interaction.

Hepatitis B and C virus markers among patients with hepatosplenic mansonic schistosomiasis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the frequency and the consequences of the co-infection of hepatitis B and C viruses in patients with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis (HSS). METHODS: B and C serologic markers, exposure to risk factors, biochemical assays, upper gastrointestinal endoscopies, and abdominal ultrasonograms were evaluated in 101 patients with HSS from 1994 to 1997. Whenever possible, PCR was tested and histopathological studies were reviewed. RESULTS: At least one HBV virus marker was found in 15.8%, and anti-HCV was detected in 12.9% of the subjects. The seropositive subjects tended to be older than the seronegative ones. A history of blood transfusion was significantly related to the presence of anti-HCV. Three (18.75%) out of 16 subjects exposed to B virus were HBsAg positive. Eleven (84.6%) out of thirteen patients who were anti-HCV positive demonstrated viral activity. Patients with ongoing viral infection presented a higher average level of liver aminotransferases, a higher frequency of cell decompensation and a higher rate of chronic hepatitis. Portal hypertension parameters were not influenced by viral exposure. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of hepatitis B and C viruses serologic markers observed in the patients with HSS was higher than the control group. The co-infection was responsible for a higher frequency of cell decompensation.

[AIDS/education and prevention: methodologic proposal for the development of educational games]. / AIDS/educação e prevenção: proposta metodológica para elaboração de jogos educativos.

The development of educational resources to mediate actions in health education and AIDS prevention has been a challenge to health's educators. Due to the undeniable importance of this kind of material in environments favourable to learning, the authors created a methodological proposal to be used in the elaboration of educative games with the purpose of mediating educational measures and the prevention of HIV/AIDS. For theoretical framework, the study relied on the ideas/premises about problem solving, adapted from Charles Manguerez's "arch method", which where put into practice in public schools and health institutions in the state of Ceara, having as study population a group of students (180), aged 13 to 19 years, from the period of 1995 to 1997. Data collection occurred during four workshops, according to a predefined scheme. The results dealing with the meaning of the game, place of action and social environment were obtained from the teenagers while they were engaged in the games and further analysed by them, resulting in the formulation of (03) educative games (memor AIDS, baralhAIDS and dominAIDS). The authors conclude that the proposal is favourable to participatory action, encouraging during its entire process the development of intellectual and creative skills, by way of mobilizing human capacities and exercising associations related to the AIDS epidemic. Due to its clarity, the authors consider the proposal scientifically acceptable as a methodological guideline for the elaboration of educative games.

Tinnitus program at Brasília University Medical School.

Over the last 6 months, all patients seen at the otologic clinic of Brasília University Medical School answered a questionnaire designed to identify and describe the symptom of tinnitus. A total of 500 patients reported and described this symptom. They underwent physical examination, laboratory tests and audiological evaluation. In their order of frequency, presbycusis, chronic otitis media, otosclerosis, acoustic trauma, Menière's disease, ototoxicity, and vestibular schwannoma were found. Tinnitus was rated as minor in 81%, moderate in 18%, and severely disabling in 1%. Those who requested treatment for tinnitus were treated medically. Central vasodilators, vestibular suppressants, calcium channel blockers, anticholinergic drugs, anticonvulsant drugs, and gingko biloba were used with variable results. Tinnitus maskers were not used, but hearing prostheses were fitted when indicated. Treatment failed in the 1% with severe disabling tinnitus, and they were entered in a double-blind, randomized protocol for intratympanic dexamethasone injection. Under topical anesthesia, 0.2 ml of a 4-mg/ml dexamethasone solution (0.8 mg per injection) or 0.2 ml of normal saline was injected just posterior to the umbo. Patients remained supine for 20 minutes with the injected ear up and received four injections at 1-week intervals. Preliminary results are reported. Tinnitus is a very frequent symptom among our otologic patients, but most of them would not mention the symptom spontaneously, probably because for 81% it was mild. Curiously, the 5% of the severely disabling type tend to exhibit no clear cause, whereas the mild and moderate cases usually have an identifiable etiology.

Menière's syndrome and migraine: incidence in one family.

Since 1992, we have applied a standard questionnaire to all our Meniere's syndrome patients. We ask about other family members affected by the symptoms and about the presence of the usual migraine symptom. Through this questionnaire we have identified a family that has some members affected by Meniere's syndrome alone, some others with associated migraine, and still others with migraine alone. Two members of this family started out with migraine and later in life developed Meniere's syndrome. The genetic transmission follows an autosomal dominant pattern for both Meniere's syndrome and migraine. We have interviewed and studied 19 affected persons from several generations of this family, who form the basis of this report. The possibility of a common autosomal dominant genetic determinant for Meniere's syndrome and migraine and its implications for the causation of Meniere's disease are discussed.

Papillomavirus in cervicovaginal smears of women infected with human immunodeficiency virus.

It has been described that women infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) present more frequent cytological abnormalities in cervicovaginal smears, generally related to infection by human papillomavirus (HPV). The present work is a study of cervicovaginal smears of 147 HIV-seropositive women submitted to routine gynecological examinations. The smears were stained by the Papanicolaou method. Cytopathic effects of HPV were found in 38 (25.8%) cases. Nuclear atypias of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) were evident in 36 (24.5%) of these cases: 27 (18.4%), CIN I; 6 (4.0%), CIN II and 3 (2.0%) CIN III. Also 2 (1.4%) invasive carcinomas and one (0.7%) endocervical dysplasia were found. Other agents observed were: Candida sp, 19 (12.9%) cases, Gardnerella vaginalis, 19 (12.9%), Trichomonas vaginalis, 13 (8.4%), Chlamydia trachomatis 5 (3.4%), Mobiluncus sp 2 (1.4%) and Herpes simplex virus 1 (0.7%). This study emphasizes the high frequency of HPV/CIN cervicovaginal abnormalities in HIV-seropositive in our population. It is possible that immunological factors and sexual promiscuity are involved in this phenomenon.

Empyema with malakoplakic-like lesions by Rhodococcus equi as a presentation of HIV infection.

Rhodococcus equi (Corynebacterium equi) is an aerobic actinomycetes, well described as a cause of pulmonary infection in different animals as horses, pigs and cows. This pathogen has a coccobacillar aspect and a variable acid-fast stain in tissues. Rare cases of human infection by Rhodococcus species were described, the majority by Rhodococcus equi, especially in patients with immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in advanced stages of the disease. Usually the diagnosis of infections by Rhodococcus species is performed by positive blood or bronchoalveolar lavage cultures. Here we described a case of a pleuro-pulmonary infection by Rhodococcus equi, with malakoplakic-like lesions, that was the first manifestation of AIDS, whose diagnosis was performed by pleural biopsy (acid-fast bacteria with a variable coccobacillar aspect inside macrophages) and pleural fluid culture.

Preparative isolation of the lectin jacalin by anion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography.

The lectin jacalin from Artocarpus integrifolia was purified to homogeneity in a single step by preparative anion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Selection of the optimum chromatographic parameters in gradient elution allowed a rapid procedure to be obtained for the qualitative and quantitative isolation of the most important alpha- and alpha'-jacalin components. A recovery of 27-33% was obtained from a total soluble extract using a polyacrylate-DEAE HPLC column. The identities of the two isolated polypeptides were established by N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis and from the IgA1 binding lectin activity.

Intercomparison of techniques available at INETI in the analysis of two IAEA candidate research materials.

Under contract with the IAEA, the epiphytic lichen Evernia prunastri was collected to prepare a multielement lichen reference material for quality assurance of environmental studies. An intercomparison run on trace and minor elements in this candidate research material (IAEA-336) was organized in which six analytical groups of the National Institute of Engineering and Industrial Technology (INETI) took part. INAA, PIXE, XRF, AAS, and ICP-ES were applied. The results obtained by different methods are compared, and their complementarity is discussed. As a quality control, the IAEA cabbage research material (IAEA-359) was analyzed. The results agree quite well with the estimated values given by the IAEA.