Characterization of Torquetenovirus in amniotic fluid at the time of in utero fetal surgery: correlation with early premature delivery and respiratory distress.

Torquetenovirus (TTV) is a commensal virus present in many healthy individuals. Although considered to be non-pathogenic, its presence and titer have been shown to be indicative of altered immune status in individuals with chronic infections or following allogeneic transplantations. We evaluated if TTV was present in amniotic fluid (AF) at the time of in utero surgery to correct a fetal neurological defect, and whether its detection was predictive of adverse post-surgical parameters. AF was collected from 27 women by needle aspiration prior to a uterine incision. TTV titer in the AF was measured by isolation of viral DNA followed by gene amplification and analysis. The TTV genomes were further characterized and sequenced by metagenomics. Pregnancy outcome parameters were subsequently obtained by chart review. Three of the AFs (11.1%) were positive for TTV at 3.36, 4.16, and 4.19 log10 copies/mL. Analysis of their genomes revealed DNA sequences similar to previously identified TTV isolates. Mean gestational age at delivery was >2 weeks earlier (32.5 vs. 34.6 weeks) and the prevalence of respiratory distress was greater (100% vs. 20.8%) in the TTV-positive pregnancies. TTV detection in AF prior to intrauterine surgery may indicate elevated post-surgical risk for earlier delivery and newborn respiratory distress.

The Torque Teno Virus Titer in Saliva Reflects the Level of Circulating CD4+ T Lymphocytes and HIV in Individuals Undergoing Antiretroviral Maintenance Therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Torque teno virus (TTV) is a non-pathogenic virus present in body fluids. Its titer in the circulation increases in association with immune suppression, such as in HIV-infected individuals. We evaluated if the TTV titer in saliva from HIV-positive individuals undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART) was related to the circulating CD4+ T lymphocyte concentration and the HIV titer. METHODS: Saliva was collected from 276 asymptomatic individuals undergoing ART, and an additional 48 individuals positive for AIDS-associated Kaposi's Sarcoma (AIDS-KS). The salivary TTV titer was measured by gene amplification analysis. The circulating CD4+ T lymphocyte and HIV levels were obtained by chart review. RESULTS: TTV was detectable in saliva from 80% of the asymptomatic subjects and 87% of those with AIDS-KS. In the asymptomatic group the median log10 TTV titer/ml was 3.3 in 200 males vs. 2.4 in 76 females (p < 0.0001). TTV titer/ml was 3.7 when HIV was acquired by intravenous drug usage, 3.2 when by sexual acquisition and 2.4 when blood transfusion acquired. The salivary TTV titer was inversely correlated with the circulating CD4+ T lymphocyte level (p < 0.0001) and positively correlated with the circulating HIV concentration (p = 0.0005). The median salivary TTV titer and circulating HIV titer were higher, and the CD4+ count was lower, in individuals positive for AIDS-KS than in the asymptomatic subjects (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The TTV titer in saliva is a potential biomarker for monitoring immune status in individuals undergoing ART.

Herpesviruses oral shedding and viremia in renal transplant recipients: A longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: The objective was to assess the oral shedding and viremia of human herpesviruses in renal transplant recipients. METHODS: This is a cohort study in which the participants were examined in three different periods: the first within 24 hours before renal transplantation and the second and third ones 15-20 and 45-60 days after the transplantation. Mouthwash and blood samples were collected in each period and then submitted to screening for the presence of eight types of human herpesviruses by using multiplex PCR. RESULTS: HSV-1 and EBV were more frequent in the saliva after renal transplantation, 15- to 20-day period after the transplant. EBV was found in the saliva of 26 (35.6%) patients before renal transplantation and in 56.2% and 46.6% of them, in the 15- to 20-day and 45- to 60-day periods after the transplant, respectively. High detection rates (75.3%-78.1%) were found for HHV-7 despite the lack of significant variations between the study periods. There was no concordance between herpesviruses oral shedding and viremia. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the pattern of excretion of HSV-1 and EBV in saliva is changed immediately after renal transplantation, increasing in the 15- to 20-day period after the transplant surgery. No concordance between herpesviruses oral shedding and viremia was observed.

A incorporaçäo da dimensäo ambiental no plano de longo prazo do setor elétrico: aspectos estratégicos / The incorporation of an environmental dimension in the long-term plan of the eletric sector: strategic aspects

Revisäo do plano de longo prazo do setor elétrico e a incorporaçäo da questäo estratégica do meio ambiente nas políticas públicas desse setor. Análise crítica do Plano 2010. Introduçäo de aspectos estratégicos da questäo ambiental no plano de longo prazo do setor.