The immunology and inflammatory responses of human melanocytes in infectious diseases.

Melanin is a canonical and major defense molecule in invertebrates but its role in mammalian immunity remains unexplored. In contrast, several recent studies have highlighted the emerging innate immune activities of human melanin-producing cells which can sense and respond to bacterial and viral infections. Indeed, the skin is a major portal of entry for pathogens such as arboviruses (Chikungunya, Dengue) and bacteria (mycobacterium leprae, Leptospira spirochetes). Melanocytes of the epidermis could contribute to the phagocytosis of these invading pathogens and to present antigens to competent immune cells. Melanocytes are known to produce key cytokines such as IL-1ß, IL6 and TNF-α as well as chemokines. These molecules will subsequently alert macrophages, neutrophils, fibroblasts and keratinocytes through unique crosstalk mechanisms. The infection and the inflammatory responses will control melanocyte's immune and metabolic functions and could contribute to skin manifestations (rash, hyper or de-pigmentation, epidermolysis and psoriasis-like lesions). This review will address the potential role of melanocytes in immunity, inflammation and infection of the skin in health and diseases.

Reaching maturity - 25 years of the TDR.

In its first 25 years of existence, TDR has become a key player in the development of new tools for the control of tropical diseases and the training of researchers from disease-endemic countries. In order to maintain its leading position, cope with new health challenges and profit from new avenues opened by science and technology breakthroughs, a new strategic vision is now being implemented. It aims at a closer interaction with health systems and disease control programmes, capacity strengthening based on selected research initiatives and full exploitation of scientific and technological advances in the biomedical, social and information sciences, as discussed here by Carlos Morel.

[Community participation and control of endemic diseases in Brazil: problems and possibilities]. / Problemas e possibilidades de participação comunitária no controle das grandes endemias no Brasil.

Community participation (CP) is considered one of the most important elements for the control of endemic diseases in poor countries, particularly for prevention and epidemiological surveillance. Mainly affecting the poorest segments of the population, endemic diseases are costly and require specific government action aimed at efficient, egalitarian, universal health system, where CP acts in a guardian, monitoring capacity and entails other specific tasks. Despite its rationality, CP has not been encouraged in countries like Brazil, due to the highly centralized nature of political power and activity. Several examples and situations of CP in Brazilian endemic diseases are described and discussed in the article. CP for endemic disease control should be seen as an ongoing social process, a profound social exercise, and a great challenge for the country as a whole and the new Unified Health System now being implemented in Brazil.

Anais do 1§ Congresso Brasileiro de Epidemiologia. Epidemiologia e desigualdade social: os desafios do final do século / Annals of the 1st Brazilian Congress of Epidemiology. Epidemiology and social inequality: the challanges by the end of century

A descentralizaçäo possibilitada pela implantaçäo do SUS aos estados e municípios permitiu a reuniäo de poder, recursos e conhecimentos técnicos. Esta açäo viabilizou a definiçäo de prioridades com a finalidade de atender às demandas näo identificadas pelos indivíduos através de programas de controle de doenças. Uma avaliaçäo dos programas de controle da doença de Chagas, febre amarela, dengue, hanseníase e poliomielite é apresentada (AMSB)