Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli modulates the virulence and pathogenicity of Entamoeba dispar.

Amoebiasis is a disease caused by Entamoeba histolytica, affecting the large intestine of humans and occasionally leading to extra-intestinal lesions. Entamoeba dispar is another amoeba species considered commensal, although it has been identified in patients presenting with dysenteric and nondysenteric colitis, as well as amoebic liver abscess. Amoebic virulence factors are essential for the invasion and development of lesions. There is evidence showing that the association of enterobacteria with trophozoites contributes to increased gene expression of amoebic virulence factors. Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli is an important bacterium causing diarrhea, with high incidence rates in the world population, allowing it to interact with Entamoeba sp. in the same host. In this context, this study aims to evaluate the influence of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli on ACFN and ADO Entamoeba dispar strains by quantifying the gene expression of virulence factors, including galactose/N-acetyl-D-galactosamine-binding lectin, cysteine proteinase 2, and amoebapores A and C. Additionally, the study assesses the progression and morphological aspect of amoebic liver abscess and the profile of inflammatory cells. Our results demonstrated that the interaction between EPEC and ACFN Entamoeba dispar strains was able to increase the gene expression of virulence factors, as well as the lesion area and the activity of the inflammatory infiltrate. However, the association with the ADO strain did not influence the gene expression of virulence factors. Together, our findings indicate that the interaction between EPEC, ACFN, and ADO Entamoeba dispar strains resulted in differences in vitro and in vivo gene expression of Gal/GalNAc-binding lectin and CP2, in enzymatic activities of MPO, NAG, and EPO, and consequently, in the ability to cause lesions.

Detection of IgG Anti-Giardia duodenalis Antibodies in Sera by Indirect Immunofluorescence and Western Blotting Assays.

INTRODUCTION: Serological assays are alternative laboratory tools for the diagnosis of parasitic infections. The aim of this work was to evaluate the performance of the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and Western blotting (WB) for the detection of IgG anti-Giardia antibodies in human sera. METHODOLOGY: Sera from individuals infected with Giardia duodenalis, other parasites or non-parasitized were selected for serological assays. Ninety-seven sera were tested by IFAT at 1:20 and 1:40 dilutions and of these, 40 samples were also analyzed by WB. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of the IFAT was 97% and 46.9% at 1:20 sera dilution, and 39.4% and 59.4% at 1:40 sera dilution. The low molecular weight polypeptides fractions of 25 kDa, 27-31 kDa and 45-55 kDa were the most frequently identified by the sera of individuals infected with G. duodenalis, along with low cross-reactivity, presenting an individual sensitivity of 42.8%, 50.0% and 57.1%, and specificity of 83.3%, 83.3% and 91.7%, respectively. The highest overall sensitivity of WB (85.7%) was based on the immunoreactivity of sera with at least one of those proteins. The concordance between the detection of G. duodenalis in feces by microscopy and the WB results was considered substantial (Kappa = 0.61). CONCLUSION: Constant exposure to Giardia infection throughout a lifetime can maintain high levels of specific antibodies in serum, even without active infection. Moreover, proteins found in intestinal amoebas may hinder the serological diagnosis of giardiasis in endemic areas due to cross-reactivity, which can be partially solved using Giardia low molecular weight proteins.

Estado nutricional e segurança alimentar de famílias em vulnerabilidade social no município de Contagem, Minas Gerais, 2014 / Nutritional status and food security of socially vulnerable families in the municipality of Contagem, Minas Gerais, 2014

Este é um estudo transversal avaliando estado nutricional e insegurança alimentar em uma comunidade vulnerável de Contagem, região metropolitana de Belo Horizonte. Um total de 273 indivíduos de 67 famílias foram avaliados. Para a avaliação antropométrica, determinou-se o peso, a estatura, o índice de massa corporal, a circunferência da cintura e a razão cintura-estatura. A insegurança alimentar foi analisada por meio da Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar. As concentrações de colesterol total, triglicerídeos, glicose e albumina sérica também foram determinadas. Das 67 famílias avaliadas, 51% (n = 34) apresentaram insegurança alimentar, sendo 79,4% leve, 17,7% moderada e 2,9% grave. Em crianças e adolescentes, sobrepeso e obesidade foram diagnosticados em 9,3% (n = 4) e 19,5% (n=16), respectivamente. Entre os adultos, 34,1% (n = 42) foram classificados com sobrepeso, 27,6% (n = 34) com obesidade grau I e 59,3% (n = 73) apresentaram risco aumentado de doenças cardiovasculares. Nos idosos, o excesso de peso foi diagnosticado em 44,0% (n = 11) e 80,0% (n = 20) apresentaram risco aumentado para doenças cardiovasculares. Hiperglicemia, hipercolesterolemia e hipertrigliceridemia foram diagnosticadas em 17, 45 e 72% da população, respectivamente. Houve correlação positiva entre os parâmetros antropométricos e bioquímicos, com exceção da albumina e glicose, que apresentaram correlação negativa em crianças e adultos. Nosso estudo confirma o impacto da vulnerabilidade social na ocorrência de elevadas proporções de insegurança alimentar, ocasionando alta prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade e risco aumentado para desordens cardiovasculares. Além disso, nossos achados endossam o uso de concentrações séricas de albumina como indicador de alterações no metabolismo da glicose.

This is a cross-sectional study evaluating nutritional status and food insecurity in a vulnerable community in Contagem, in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte. A total of 273 individuals from 67 families were evaluated. For the anthropometric assessment, weight, height, body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio were determined. Food insecurity was analyzed using the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and serum albumin concentrations were also determined. Of the 67 families evaluated, 51% (n = 34) had food insecurity, of which 79.4% were mild, 17.7% were moderate, and 2.9% were severe. In children and adolescents, overweight and obesity were diagnosed in 9.3% (n = 4) and 19.5% (n = 16), respectively. Among adults, 34.1% (n = 42) were classified as overweight, 27.6% (n = 34) had grade I obesity, and 59.3% (n = 73) had an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In the elderly, overweight was diagnosed in 44.0% (n = 11), and 80.0% (n = 20) had an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. Hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia were diagnosed in 17, 45, and 72% of the population, respectively. There was a positive correlation between anthropometric and biochemical parameters, with the exception of albumin and glucose, which showed a negative correlation in children and adults. Our study confirms the impact of social vulnerability on the occurrence of high proportions of food insecurity, leading to a high prevalence of overweight and obesity and an increased risk for cardiovascular disorders. Furthermore, our findings support the use of serum albumin concentrations as an indicator of changes in glucose metabolism.

Evaluation of Toxicity and Oxidative Stress of 2-Acetylpyridine-N(4)-orthochlorophenyl Thiosemicarbazone.

Thiosemicarbazones are well known for their broad spectrum of action, including antitumoral and antiparasitic activities. Thiosemicarbazones work as chelating binders, reacting with metal ions. The objective of this work was to investigate the in silico, in vitro, and in vivo toxicity and oxidative stress of 2-acetylpyridine-N(4)-orthochlorophenyl thiosemicarbazone (TSC01). The in silico prediction showed good absorption by biological membranes and no theoretical toxicity. Also, the compound did not show cytotoxicity against Hep-G2 and HT-29 cells. In the acute nonclinical toxicological test, the animals treated with TSC01 showed behavioral changes of stimulus of the central nervous system (CNS) at 300 mg/kg. One hour after administration, a dose of 2000 mg/kg caused depressive signs. All changes disappeared after 24 h, with no deaths, which suggest an estimated LD50 of 5000 mg/kg and GSH 5. The group treated with 2000 mg/kg had an increase of water consumption and weight gain in the second week. The biochemical parameters presented no toxicity relevance, and the analysis of oxidative stress in the liver found an increase of lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide. However, histopathological analysis showed organ integrity was maintained without any changes. In conclusion, the results show the low toxicological potential of thiosemicarbazone derivative, indicating future safe use.

South American Entamoeba dispar strains produce amoebic liver abscesses with different pathogenicities and evolutionary kinetics.

Amoebiasis is a protozoan disease caused by Entamoeba histolytica, and presents a geographic distribution of worldwide amplitude, high incidence, sometimes accompanied by severe clinical manifestations such as amoebic colitis and Amoebic Liver Abscess (ALA), remaining as a public health problem in developing countries. Entamoeba dispar is another species of amoeba that infects approximately 12% of the world's population, and it has previously been classified as noninvasive. However, E. dispar has already been isolated from patients with symptomatic non-dysenteric colitis, as well as its DNA sequences were detected and genotyped in samples from patients with dysenteric colitis, and patients with ALA, suggesting that this species could also be involved in the development of lesions in the large intestine and liver of human beings. In this context, this study aims to evaluate the ability of isolated strains of Entamoeba dispar in South America to cause liver damage, and to better characterize histopathological findings in 3, 8, 12 and 16 days after infection (DAI). Firstly, we assessed whether trophozoites from MCR, ACFN, ICS, ADO and VEJ E. dispar strains, and EGG Entamoeba histolytica strain differed in their in vitro phagocytosis ability, being related to greater ability to phagocyte with greater virulence. Then, we investigate and characterize histopathological changes present in the liver of mice induced by different strains of E. dispar. Our results demonstrated that trophozoites from E. dispar strains are capable of phagocyting human erythrocytes, but in lower amounts than Entamoeba histolytica. In addition, we described and characterized the lesions in different periods after infection by different E. dispar strains, and identified ACFN as the most pathogenic strain, followed by MCR. The large areas of necrosis produced by the ACFN strain as the eighth DAI, which also show high parasitism, led to 100% mortality. On the other hand, the ICS, ADO and VEJ strains did not produce mortality, and this was correlated with the presence of well-developed chronic granulomatous inflammation, necrosis absorption throughout the infection, and regeneration of the liver parenchyma. The greater pathogenicity of the ACFN strain strongly suggests that this strain could be producing higher levels of virulence factors. As the experimental infection, the heterogeneity of biological behavior of different Entamoeba dispar strains could be involved in the development of undiagnosed human clinical conditions.

Co-infection by Salmonella enterica subsp. Enterica serovar typhimurium and Entamoeba dispar pathogenic strains enhances colitis and the expression of amoebic virulence factors.

Amebiasis is the most severe protozoan infection affecting the human intestine, and the second leading cause of death among parasitic diseases. The mechanisms of amoebic virulence factors acquisition are poorly understood, and there are few studies showing the interaction between Entamoeba dispar and bacteria. Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar typhimurium is also a common cause of gastroenteritis in humans. Considering the high rates of amebiasis and salmonellosis, it is possible that these diseases may co-exist in the human intestine, leading to co-infection. Due to the scarcity of studies showing the influence of enteropathogenic bacteria on amoebic virulence, our research group proposed to evaluate the impact of S. typhimurium on E. dispar trophozoites. We assessed whether co-infection of S. typhimurium and E. dispar can change the progression of amoebic colitis, and the inflammatory response profile in the caecum mucosa, using a co-infection experimental model in rats. In vitro assays was used to investigate whether S. typhimurium induces changes in amoebic virulence phenotype. In the present work, we found that S. typhimurium co-infection exacerbates amoebic colitis and intestinal inflammation. The in vitro association of S. typhimurium and E. dispar trophozoites contributed to increase the expression of amoebic virulence factors. Also, we demonstrated, for the first time, the cysteine proteinase 5 expression in E. dispar MCR, VEJ and ADO strains, isolated in Brazil. Together, our results show that S. typhimurium and E. dispar co-infection worsens amoebic colitis, possibly by increasing the expression of amoebic virulence factors.

Specific IgG and IgA Antibody Reactivities in Sera of Children by Enzyme-Linked Immunoassay and Comparison With Giardia duodenalis Diagnosis in Feces.

BACKGROUND: Giardia duodenalis is conventionally diagnosed in fecal samples using parasitological methods. However, sensitivity is poor when only a single sample is analyzed, due to intermittent excretion of cysts in feces. Alternatively, the serum antibodies to G. duodenalis can be used for parasite diagnosis and epidemiological studies to determine previous exposure. We compared the rate of G. duodenalis infection between serum anti-Giardia IgG and IgA antibodies and fecal examination in Brazilian children. METHODS: Fecal and serum samples were tested from 287 children at a clinical laboratory and from 187 children at daycare centers. Fecal samples were processed using conventional parasitological methods and coproantigen detection for Giardia diagnosis. Serum samples were tested using an in-house ELISA for detection of anti-Giardia IgG and IgA. RESULTS: G. duodenalis was found in 8.2% (N=39) of the 474 children analyzed. The sensitivity and specificity of ELISA were 80.0% and 90.0% for IgG and 80.0% and 83.3% for IgA, respectively. The total positivity rate of anti-Giardia IgG and IgA in the sera was 13.9% (N=66) and 23.6% (N=112). The agreement between the positivity of specific antibodies and the detection of G. duodenalis in feces was moderate for ELISA-IgG, kappa index (95% CI)=0.543 (0.422-0.664), and mild for ELISA-IgA, kappa index (95% CI)=0.283 (0.162-0.404). Among the children infected with other enteroparasites, 11.6% (N=10) and 24.4% (N=21) showed reactivity to anti-Giardia IgG and to IgA, respectively. This cross-reactivity was more frequent in samples from children infected with Endolimax nana and Entamoeba coli. CONCLUSIONS: The higher frequency of specific antibody reactivity compared with G. duodenalis diagnosis in feces could reflect continuous exposure of children to G. duodenalis infection, resulting in long-lasting immunological memory and/or cross-reactivity with other intestinal amoebas.

Prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica and other enteral parasitic diseases in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Enteral parasitic diseases are a public health problem in nations with low economic development and in settings with poor sanitation. Amebiasis is the second most frequent form of parasitosis, with a high burden of disease. Knowledge of the prevalence of enteroparasitoses in a given region is useful for planning clinical decision-making. Thus, the aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of enteral parasitic diseases, especially amebiasis, through analysis on stool samples from public and private laboratories in a metropolitan area in southeastern Brazil. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. METHODS: We evaluated 6,289 fecal samples from one private and one public laboratory. The samples were concentrated by means of spontaneous sedimentation, and those that were positive for Entamoeba histolytica or Entamoeba dispar in optical microscopy analyses were processed to obtain deoxyribonucleic acid, with subsequent identification through the polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Among the stool samples, 942 (15.0%) had parasitic infections; 73 (1.2%) of these were helminthic infections and 847 (13.5%) were protozoan infections, caused mainly by Escherichia coli (6.0%), Endolimax nana (5.2%) and Giardia lamblia (1.2%). Infections due to Entamoeba histolytica or Entamoeba dispar occurred in 36 samples (0.6%) and the polymerase chain reaction revealed five (13.9%) as Entamoeba histolytica. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of enteral parasitic diseases is high in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte, although amebiasis may not be a problem.

Effect of probiotics on giardiasis. Where are we?

ABSTRACT Giardiasis, an intestinal infection caused by Giardia lamblia, was recently included in the 'Neglected Diseases Initiative' by the World Health Organization. Symptomatic patients can develop mild diarrhea up to a severe malabsorption syndrome, and children may show significantly impaired cognitive and physical development. Currently, nitroimidazoles are the main class of antibiotic used to treat giardiasis. Despite the efficacy of these drugs, adverse effects and reported resistance have increased, encouraging studies to identify and develop therapeutic alternatives. In this context, probiotics may represent an attractive option. Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms that, when administered in suitable amounts, confer a health benefit to the host. The use of probiotics in the treatment of parasitosis has been suggested because of its beneficial effects, such as a reduced time of gastrointestinal symptoms and parasite load in animal models and humans. Probiotics have been studied as an alternative treatment for giardiasis. In this review, we evaluated probiotic effectiveness in the treatment and prevention of this disease. Based on the studies examined herein, we conclude that probiotics have a beneficial effect on the modulation of giardiasis.

Serviço escola de psicologia e as políticas de saúde e de assistência social / Psychology university services, the health and social welfare policies / Servicio escuela de psicología y las políticas de salud y bienestar social

O presente artigo tem como objetivo discutir as práticas desenvolvidas nos Serviços Escola de Psicologia (SEP), na perspectiva da formação de psicólogos para as políticas de saúde e assistência social. Participaram desta pesquisa 57 estagiários e 24 egressos de quatro SEP no Rio Grande do Norte (RN). Foi utilizado como instrumento um questionário, aplicado com estudantes que estavam realizando estágio curricular em cada um dos SEP no ano de 2012. Esse mesmo instrumento foi enviado pelo Conselho Regional de Psicologia (CRP-17), através da plataforma Google, para os egressos concluintes em 2010 e 2011. Os resultados apontam para a predominância do modelo de atenção baseado na psicologia clínica tradicional, embora a articulação com as redes de saúde e de assistência social já possa ser timidamente visualizada. Diferentes modalidades de práticas também foram detectadas, para além das psicoterapias e avaliação psicológica. Contudo, os SEP ainda permanecem isolados, seja dos demais cursos que compõem o rol de categorias profissionais que atuam nesse âmbito, seja dos serviços de saúde e de assistência social.

The current study approaches the practices developed by Psychology Universities Services (SEP - Serviços Escola de Psicologia) and used to train psychologists in health and social welfare policy. The experiment comprised 57 interns and 24 graduates from 4 SEP in Rio Grande do Norte State (RN). Participants anonymously answered a survey distributed in loco, among the interns, and virtually, among the egresses. A questionnaire was handed to curricular internship students in each SEP in 2012, and it was sent via google platform to the 2010 and 2011graduates by the Regional Council of Psychology (CRP-17). Results indicate the prevalence of the care model based on traditional clinical Psychology, although it is possible to see its slight association with health and social assistance networks. Different types of practices were detected in addition to psychotherapy and psychological assessments. However, the SEP are still isolated, either from the other courses composing the list of professional categories that operate in this scope or from health and social assistance services.

En el artículo se discute las prácticas desarrolladas en los servicios escuela de psicología (SEP) con el propósito de formar psicólogos para actuar en las políticas de salud y bienestar social. Participaron de la investigación 57 practicantes y 24 egresos de cuatro SEP en Rio Grande del Norte (RN). Se utilizó como instrumento un cuestionario junto a los estudiantes que se estaban desarrollando prácticas en cada uno de los SEP en 2012. Este instrumento fue enviado a través de la plataforma Google por el Consejo Regional de Psicología (CRP-17) para los graduados de 2010 y 2011. Los resultados apuntan para la predominancia del modelo de atención basado en la psicología clínica tradicional. Sin embargo la articulación con las redes de salud y bienestar social ya pueda ser tímidamente visualizada. Distintas modalidades de prácticas también fueron detectadas además de las psicoterapias y evaluación psicológica. Pero, los SEP aún están aislados, sea de los otros cursos que componen la lista de categorías profesionales que actúan en ese ámbito, sea de los servicios de salud y de bienestar social.

Escala de Motivação para a Leitura para Adolescentes e Jovens: Propriedades Psicométricas / Motivation to Read Scale for Teenagers and Youngsters: Psychometric Properties

RESUMO A motivação para ler, assim como a motivação para aprender, é uma variável chave para a aprendizagem. Este estudo tem como objetivo descrever os passos relativos à construção de uma Escala de Motivação em Leitura (EML) para adolescentes e jovens, apresentar dados preliminares de suas propriedades psicométricas e validade de constructo. Participaram 329 estudantes do 6° ano do Ensino Fundamental ao 3º ano do Ensino Médio. Da análise fatorial exploratória dos 83 itens da escala, emergiram seis fatores coerentes com o continuum motivacional descrito pela Teoria da Autodeterminação, com consistência interna entre 0,97 e 0,76. Esses resultados iniciais revelam propriedades psicométricas promissoras da escala para uso no contexto educativo.

ABSTRACT Motivation to read as well as to learn are important variables for learning. This study is aimed at describing the steps for constructing a reading motivation scale for teenagers and youngsters, as well as at presenting its psychometric properties and construct validity. The sample was composed of 329 students from the 6th year of elementary school to the 3rd year of high school. Exploratory factor analysis of the 83 items revealed six factors coherent with the continuum of Self Determination Theory with internal consistencies ranging from 0.97 to 0.76. These initial results evince the promising psychometric properties of the scale for its use in the educational context.

Psicologia, políticas públicas e práticas sociais: experiências em pesquisas participativas / Psychology, public policies and social practices: experiences in participatory research / Psicología, políticas públicas y prácticas sociales: experiencias en investigación participativa

As pesquisas participavas surgiram como alternativa aos modelos tradicionais de investigação. Pressupõem a participação de diversos atores, o redirecionamento do foco sobre o outro para pesquisar com o outro, objetivando criar novos campos de sentido e possibilidades de intervenção na realidade, além do compromisso de analisar as implicações do pesquisador e demais atores envolvidos no processo. Trata-se este artigo de um ensaio teórico-metodológico em torno das experiências desenvolvidas com pesquisas participativas no âmbito das políticas públicas. Primeiramente, abordamos os princípios fundantes da pesquisa participativa. Em seguida, destacamos as práticas de investigação participativa desenvolvidas no âmbito das políticas públicas. Finalizamos discutindo a instituição pesquisada e problematizando o lugar da psicologia e sua forma de produzir conhecimento no contexto das políticas de bem-estar social.

Participatory research emerged as an alternative to traditional models of doing research. It requires the participation of various actors, as well as the focus of redirection on the other, for research with others, aimed at creating new sense fields and possibilities of intervention in reality, and a commitment to examine the implications of the researcher and other actors involved in the process. This article is a theoretical and methodological essay on the experiences developed with participatory research within public policies. At first, we make an approach about the founding principles of participatory investigations. In the following section, we highlight the participatory 1 Trata-se de uma versão modificada do capítulo "Artimanhas e tessituras para uma universidade em movimento: experiências de pesquisa em saúde". In Scarparo H. B. K. (Org.). Gestão em saúde: experiências de campo e pesquisa em inserção social (p.17-39). Porto Alegre: Sulina, 2013.research practices developed within public policies. We conclude by discussing the research institution and arguing the place of psychology and the way we produce knowledge in the context of social welfare policies.

La investigación participativa surgió como alternativa a los modelos tradicionales de hacer investigación. Se trata de un modelo de investigación que asume la participación de otros actores en toda la investigación, es decir, no buscar sobre el otro, sino entre sí con el fin de crear nuevos campos de significado y las posibilidades de intervención en su realidad, más allá de poner en el análisis de las implicaciones de la investigadora y otras partes interesadas. Y en esto trabajo se propone un ensayo teórico-metodológico en torno a las experiencias desarrolladas en el contexto de las políticas públicas. Primero cubrimos los principios fundacionales de la investigación participativa. A continuación, resáltelas prácticas de investigación participativa que hemos desarrollado en el contexto de las políticas públicas. Terminamos la discusión mediante la colocación de la entidad objeto de la investigación crítica y cuestionar el lugar de la psicología y de su modo de producción de conocimiento en el contexto de las políticas de bienestar social.

Escala de motivação para a leitura para estudantes do Ensino Fundamental: construção e validação / Reading motivation scale for Elementary Education students: construction and validation

O objetivo deste estudo é descrever os passos relativos à construção e validação de uma escala para avaliar a motivação em leitura e apresentar a análise preliminar de suas propriedades psicométricas. Participaram 253 estudantes brasileiros de 3º ao 5º anos de escolas públicas do Ensino Fundamental. Pela análise fatorial exploratória, emergiram quatro fatores: Motivação Extrínseca Autônoma para a Leitura, Desmotivação para a Leitura, Motivação Extrínseca Controlada para a Leitura e Motivação Intrínseca para a Leitura, que explicaram 42,71% da variância total. A consistência interna da escala total, aferida pelo Alpha de Cronbach, foi de 0,83 e dos quatro fatores variaram de 0,80 a 0,87. Acredita-se que a escala apresenta evidências de validade e confiabilidade para utilização no contexto escolar.

The purpose of this study was to describe the steps of constructing and validating a reading motivation scale for elementary education students as well as to present a preliminary analysis of its psychometric properties. The sample was composed of 253 Brazilian students, from 3rd to 5th grades, of Primary Education Public Schools. The exploratory factorial analyses identified four factors: Extrinsic Autonomous Motivation for Reading, Demotivation for Reading, Extrinsic Controlled Motivation for Reading and Intrinsic Motivation for Reading which explained 42.71% of the total variance. The internal consistency of the scale, estimated by Cronbach alpha, was .83 and ranged from .80 to .87 for the four factors. The scale has evidence of validity and reliability for its use in school context.

Pesquisa qualitativa em psicologia e saúde coletiva: experimentações com o recurso fotográfico / Qualitative survey in psychology and collective health: experiments with photographic resource / Pesquisa cualitativa en psicología y salud colectiva: experimentaciones con el recurso fotográfico

A utilização de imagens é um recurso que vem sendo largamente utilizado nas pesquisas qualitativas nas ciências humanas e da saúde. Na Psicologia, as narrativas visuais têm uma função estratégica, pois ajudam a superar barreiras culturais entre pesquisador/pesquisado e produzir conhecimentos culturalmente sensíveis. Objetivou-se apresentar a estratégia de ensaio fotográfico e resultados de investigações que utilizaram narrativas visuais como instrumento metodológico junto às crianças catadoras de lixo, adolescentes em tratamento de dependência química, idosos, adolescentes surdos, profissionais de saúde, estudantes, docentes, assistentes administrativos. Observamos que a fotografia provoca discursos e se apresenta como uma fonte privilegiada de informações da realidade estudada e da visão de mundo dos participantes. A articulação imagem-discurso mostra-se potente no acesso a diferentes dimensões dos sujeitos e constitui uma estratégia de intervenção em várias problemáticas.

The use of images is a resource that is widely used in qualitative surveys in human and health sciences. In Psychology, visual narratives have a strategic function since they help overcoming cultural barriers between surveyor/subject and producing culturally sensitive knowledge. One aims at presenting the photographic essay strategy and the findings from analyses that used visual narratives as methodological instrument with waste scavenging children, adolescents under chemical addition treatment, elders, deaf adolescents, health professionals, students, professors, and administrative assistants. We note that photography stirs up discourses and it is presented as privileged source of information from the analyzed reality and of the participants' worldview. The image-discourse articulation shows itself powerful in accessing subjects' different dimensions and it is an intervention strategy in many issues.

La utilización de imágenes es un recurso que viene siendo largamente utilizado en las pesquisas cualitativas en las ciencias humanas y de la salud. En la Psicología, las narrativas visuales tienen una función estratégica, pues ayudan a superar barreras culturales entre investigador/investigado y producir conocimientos culturalmente sensibles. Se objetiva presentar la estrategia de ensayo fotográfico y resultados de investigaciones que utilizaron narrativas visuales como instrumento metodológico junto a niños recolectores de basuras, adolescentes en tratamiento de dependencia química, personas de edad, adolescentes sordos, profesionales de salud, estudiantes, docentes, asistentes administrativos. Observamos que la fotografía provoca discursos y se presenta como una fuente privilegiada de informaciones de la realidad estudiada y de la visión de mundo de los participantes. La articulación imagen-discurso se muestra potente en el acceso a diferentes dimensiones de los sujetos y constituye una estrategia de intervención en varias problemáticas.

Aprendizagem autorregulada da leitura: resultados positivos de uma intervenção psicopedagógica / Self-regulated learning in reading: positive results of a psychopedagogical intervention

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de uma intervenção psicopedagógica na compreensão leitora de alunos de quarta série de uma escola pública do Ensino Fundamental. Participaram duas turmas, com 28 estudantes cada, que foram sorteadas para compor dois grupos: Experimental e Controle. Os estudantes foram avaliados por meio de questionário Informativo, de Escala de Estratégias de Aprendizagem e de Testes Cloze, em três momentos. O Grupo Experimental participou de sete sessões de intervenção recebendo instrução em estratégias de aprendizagem gerais e específicas para a leitura, estímulos à metacognição, apoio motivacional e orientação para estudo. Os resultados mostram progressos em compreensão leitora nos dois grupos, porém os ganhos foram maiores e mais consistentes no Grupo Experimental.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a pedagogical intervention to improve the reading comprehension of fourth grade students of a public primary school. Two classes of 28 students were randomly assigned to an experimental or control group. The students were assessed during three different moments by means of an informative questionnaire, a Learning Strategies Scale and two cloze tests for reading comprehension. The intervention consisted of seven sessions which included learning strategies instruction, reading strategies instruction, meta-cognition activation, motivational support and study guidance. Results showed improvement in meta-cognition and in reading comprehension in both groups. However, gains were higher and more consistent in the experimental group.

Angiostatic activity of human plasminogen fragments is highly dependent on glycosylation.

To assess the importance of carbohydrate moieties to the anti-angiogenic activity of plasminogen fragments, we cloned the fragment corresponding to amino acids Val(79) to Thr(346) (Kint3-4) that presents the three glycosylation sites. The activity of glycosylated and unglycosylated Kint3-4 was tested in murine sponge implant model. We observed a significant decrease in the neovascularization on the sponge after treatment with Kint3-4 by histological examination and determination of the hemoglobin levels. The effects were more intense with the glycosylated than the unglycosylated protein. (99m)Technecium-labeled red blood cells confirmed the inhibition of cell infiltration in the implanted sponge. Studies using melanoma B16F1 implanted in a mouse demonstrated that treatment with glycosylated Kint3-4 (0.15 nmol/48 h) during 14 days suppresses tumor growth by 80%. The vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA levels on the tumor were reduced after treatment. Kint3-4 is a potent plasminogen fragment that has been found to inhibit tumor growth.

Diagnóstico de resistência do Mycobacterium tuberculosis à rifampicina utilizando-se da reação em cadeia da polimerase / Diagnostic of rifampicin-resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by polymerase chain reaction

A resistência do Mycobacterium tuberculosis aos tuberculostáticos tem surgido como grande ameaça à Saúde Pública. A resistência à rifampicina pode ser considerada como um marcador para a multi-resistência a fármacos e tem sido atribuída a mudanças estruturais da RNA polimerase, produto de expressão do gene rpoB. Os pacientes portadores dessas cepas têm baixa perspectiva frente ao tratamento. Os testes convencionais de sensibilidade aos fármacos realizados em cultura do Mtb requerem várias semanas para o crescimento. Por este motivo, a Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR), método de baixo custo e que pode reduzir o tempo para o diagnóstico, representa alternativa viável e promissora. Neste artigo estão descritos os métodos mais comumente empregados na detecção de mutantes resistentes à rifampicina baseados na PCR, como análise de Polimorfismo Conformacional de Fita Simples (Single-Strand Conformation Polymorphism, SSCP), PCR Heteroduplex e INNO-LIPA. Recentemente, padronizou-se a técnica de PCR em baixa estringência, usando um único iniciador (Low Stringency Single Specific Primer, LSSP), que se mostrou um método rápido e sensível na detecção de mutações no gene rpoB.

The resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to tuberculostatic drugs has emerged as a major public health threat. The resistance to rifampicin which has been attributed to structural changes in RNA polymerase can be considered as a marker for multi-drug-resistance to tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Patients bearing rifampicin-resistant strains have poor diagnosis even with treatment. Conventional culture-based drug sensibility testing can require several weeks due to the growth. In this paper we describe the most common PCR-based methods for detection of mutations that lead to rifampicin resistance, such as Single-Strand Conformation Polymorphism (SSCP), PCR Heteroduplex and INNO-LIPA. Recently, by Low Stringency using a Single Specific Primer (LSSP) assay, it was standardized a protocol that showed to be rapid and sensitive for the detection of mutations in the rpoB gene.

Pathogenicity of Entamoeba dispar under xenic and monoxenic cultivation compared to a virulent E. histolytica / Patogenicidade de Entamoeba dispar em cultivo polixênico e monoxênico comparada a uma cepa virulenta de E. histolytica

Two xenic isolates and cloned cultures of Entamoeba dispar were submitted to monoxenization using Crithidia fasciculata as the associated organism. Growth in monoxenic cultivation and ability of xenic and monoxenic trophozoites to destroy VERO cells and produce lesions in hamster livers were compared to those of a virulent E. histolytica. Parental and cloned E. dispar under monoxenic cultivation showed a remarkable lower growth than the monoxenic E. histolytica and were avirulent in both in vivo and in vitro tests. When xenically cultured, trophozoites of E. dispar showed a moderate lytic activity against VERO cells (1.5 to 41.8 percent of destruction) but caused severe hepatic lesions in hamsters as those caused by the virulent E. histolytica (29 to 100 percent in prevalence and 0.86 to 4.00 in lesion degree). Although E. dispar has not been associated with invasive disease in men, the ability of xenic trophozoites to produce prominent tissue damage in experimental conditions has indicated that some strains have a considerable pathogenic potential when in presence of bacteria.

Dois isolados de Entamoeba dispar em cultivo polixênico e culturas clonadas deles obtidas foram submetidos à monoxenização utilizando Crithidia fasciculata como organismo associado. O crescimento em cultivo monoxênico dos isolados e clones, bem como sua capacidade de destruir células VERO (efeito citopático) e de produzir lesões hepáticas em hamster foram comparados a uma cepa virulenta de E. histolytica. Os trofozoítos de E. dispar em cultivo monoxênico apresentaram um crescimento nitidamente menor que o de E. histolytica e foram avirulentos tanto no teste in vivo quanto in vitro. Entretanto, isolados e clones de E. dispar em cultivo polixênico exibiram uma atividade lítica moderada sobre as células VERO (1,5 to 41,8 por cento de destruição) e causaram lesões hepáticas em hamster (29 a 100 por cento em prevalência e 0,86 a 4,00 no grau de lesão) tão extensas quanto aquelas causadas pela E. histolytica. Embora E. dispar não seja associada à doença invasiva no homem, a ocorrência de lesões teciduais significativas, causadas por trofozoítos em condições experimentais, indica que esta espécie pode apresentar potencial patogênico considerável quando em presença de bactérias intestinais.

Desempenho no jogo, estratégias de aprendizagem e compreensão na leitura / Achievement in a game, learning strategies and reading comprehension

Considerando a escassez de instrumentos nacionais de avaliação psicoeducacional e a importância das estratégias de aprendizagem na escolarização formal, este estudo objetivou: a) analisar o potencial do jogo Bingo Melhor Estudante, adaptado para avaliar as percepções das características de um bom estudante, entre 29 alunos de 4ª série do ensino fundamental de uma escola pública; b) verificar as relações entre o desempenho dos participantes no jogo, num teste de compreensão em leitura e numa escala de estratégias de aprendizagem. Os dados foram coletados mediante o jogo, o teste de compreensão de leitura e a escala e, analisados qualitativa e quantitativamente. O jogo parece útil para a avaliação das percepções das características de um bom estudante. Correlações significativas foram encontradas entre o desempenho no jogo, na escala e no Cloze. Os dados são discutidos à luz da Psicologia Cognitiva baseada na Teoria do Processamento da Informação.

Considering the lack of national instruments of psychoeducational evaluation and the importance of learning strategies during formal education, this study had the following objectives: a) to analyze the potential of Bingo The Best Student, an adapted game, to evaluate pupils perceptions of the characteristics of a good student, among 29 fourth grade students of a public school, and b) to examine relationships between participants achievement in the game, in a Cloze test, and in a learning strategies scale. Data was collected through a game session, an administration of both a Cloze test and a learning strategy scale. Results were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. It seems that the adapted game is useful to evaluate pupils perceptions of characteristics of a good student. Significant correlations were found between participants achievement in the game, in the scale and in cloze. Data is discussed within the cognitive psychology based on information processing theory framework.