Could the acute Strongyloides venezuelensis infection cause non-reversible host morphological changes? / A infecção aguda por Strongyloides venezuelensis pode causar alterações morfológicas irreversíveis no hospedeiro? / ¿Puede la infección aguda por Strongyloides venezuelensis provocar cambios morfológicos irreversibles en el huésped?

Although research has investigated the host-parasite relationship in Strongyloides venezuelensis infection in the scope of its immunological implications, the morphological consequences of this response for the host organism are yet to be explored. Our objective was to perform an organ morphometric analysis in Wistar rats infected with the intestinal parasite Strongyloides venezuelensis compared with infected rats treated with ivermectin. Twenty-six animals composed three groups: control (non-infected), infected (infected with 2,000 Strongyloides venezuelensis larvae), and infected treated (infected with 2,000 Strongyloides venezuelensis larvae and treated with ivermectin). All rodents were killed 21 days after infection and morphometric analysis of different organs was performed. The results showed significantly higher body and fecal weight in the infected-treated group. The weight of the small intestine increased considerably in the infected group and decreased in the infected-treated group. Pancreas, right kidney, and heart volume increased in the infected group compared with the control group. Despite treatment, the volumes of the stomach, brain, and left kidney increased in both the infected groups compared with the control group indicating the possibility of non-reversible host morphological adaptations. S. venezuelensis infection can augment both, volume and weight of organs ­ not necessarily related to the Strongyloides expulsion process ­ even if the acute infection had been in remission. A potential explanation for these host adaptations, including the occurrence of organ plasticity, are briefly discussed. The following steps encompass a histological analysis to verify the occurrence of hypertrophy/hyperplasia and observe if such morphological alterations remain after infection.

Embora pesquisas tenham investigado a relação parasita-hospedeiro na infecção por Strongyloides venezuelensis no âmbito de suas implicações imunológicas, as consequências morfológicas dessa resposta para o organismo hospedeiro ainda precisam ser exploradas. Nosso objetivo foi realizar uma análise morfométrica de órgãos em ratos Wistar infectados com o parasito intestinal Strongyloides venezuelensis em comparação com ratos infectados tratados com ivermectina. Vinte e seis animais compuseram três grupos: controle (não infectados), infectados (infectados com 2.000 larvas de Strongyloides venezuelensis) e tratados infectados (infectados com 2.000 larvas de Strongyloides venezuelensis e tratados com ivermectina). Todos os roedores foram sacrificados 21 dias após a infecção e a análise morfométrica de diferentes órgãos foi realizada. Os resultados mostraram peso corporal e fecal significativamente maior no grupo tratado infectado. O peso do intestino delgado aumentou consideravelmente no grupo infectado e diminuiu no grupo infectado tratado. O volume do pâncreas, rim direito e coração aumentou no grupo infectado em comparação com o grupo controle. Apesar do tratamento, os volumes do estômago, cérebro e rim esquerdo aumentaram em ambos os grupos infectados em comparação com o grupo controle, indicando a possibilidade de adaptações morfológicas não reversíveis do hospedeiro. A infecção por S. venezuelensis pode aumentar tanto o volume quanto o peso dos órgãos ­ não necessariamente relacionado ao processo de expulsão de Strongyloides ­ mesmo que a infecção aguda estivesse em remissão. Uma possível explicação para essas adaptações do hospedeiro, incluindo a ocorrência de plasticidade de órgãos, é brevemente discutida. As etapas a seguir compreendem uma análise histológica para verificar a ocorrência de hipertrofia/hiperplasia e observar se tais alterações morfológicas permanecem após a infecção.

Aunque se ha investigado la relación parásito-hospedador en la infección por Strongyloides venezuelensis en el contexto de sus implicaciones inmunológicas, aún no se han explorado las consecuencias morfológicas de esta respuesta para el organismo hospedador. Nuestro objetivo fue realizar un análisis morfométrico de los órganos de ratas Wistar infectadas con el parásito intestinal Strongyloides venezuelensis en comparación con ratas infectadas tratadas con ivermectina. Veintiséis animales se distribuyeron en tres grupos: control (no infectados), infectados (infectados con 2000 larvas de Strongyloides venezuelensis) e infectados tratados (infectados con 2000 larvas de Strongyloides venezuelensis y tratados con ivermectina). Todos los roedores fueron sacrificados 21 días después de la infección y se realizaron análisis morfométricos de diferentes órganos. Los resultados mostraron pesos corporales y fecales significativamente superiores en el grupo infectado-tratado. El peso del intestino delgado aumentó considerablemente en el grupo derecho y el corazón aumentó en el grupo infectado en comparación con el grupo de control. A pesar del tratamiento, los volúmenes del estómago, el cerebro y el riñón izquierdo aumentaron en ambos grupos infectados en comparación con el grupo de control, lo que indica la posibilidad de adaptaciones morfológicas no reversibles del hospedador. La infección por S. venezuelensis puede aumentar tanto el volumen como el peso de los órganos, que no están necesariamente relacionados con el proceso de expulsión de Strongyloides, incluso si la infección aguda estaba en remisión. Se debate brevemente una posible explicación de estas adaptaciones del hospedador, incluida la ocurrencia de plasticidad de los órganos. Los pasos siguientes comprenden un análisis histológico para verificar la aparición de hipertrofia o hiperplasia y observar si estas alteraciones morfológicas persisten tras la infección.

Technical-functional and surface properties of white common bean proteins (Phaseolus vulgaris L.): Effect of pH, protein concentration, and guar gum presence.

Legumes are abundant sources of proteins, and white common bean proteins play an important role in air-water interface properties. This study aims to investigate the technical-functional properties of white common bean protein isolate (BPI) as a function of pH, protein concentration, and guar gum (GG) presence. BPI physicochemical properties were analyzed in terms of solubility, zeta potential, and mean particle diameter at pH ranging from 2 to 9, in addition to water-holding capacity (WHC), oil-holding capacity (OHC), and thermogravimetric analysis. Protein dispersions were evaluated in terms of dynamic, interfacial, and foam-forming properties. BPI showed higher solubility (>80 %) at pH 2 and above 7. Zeta potential and mean diameter ranged from 15.43 to -34.08 mV and from 129.55 to 139.90 nm, respectively. BPI exhibited WHC and OHC of 1.37 and 4.97 g/g, respectively. Thermograms indicated decomposition temperature (295.81 °C) and mass loss (64.73 %). Flow curves indicated pseudoplastic behavior, with higher η100 values observed in treatments containing guar gum. The behavior was predominantly viscous (tg δ > 1) at lower frequencies, at all pH levels, shifting to predominantly elastic at higher frequencies. Equilibrium surface tension (γeq) ranged from 43.87 to 41.95 mN.m-1 and did not decrease with increasing protein concentration under all pH conditions. All treatments exhibited ϕ < 15°, indicating predominantly elastic surface films. Foaming properties were influenced by higher protein concentration and guar gum addition, and the potential formation of protein-polysaccharide complexes favored the kinetic stability of the system.

A new copper(II) complex containing long-chain aliphatic hydrazide and 1,10-phenanthroline upregulates ADP hydrolysis in triple-negative breast cancer cells.

Copper can be opportunely complexed to modulate oncogenic pathways, being a promising strategy for cancer treatment. Herein, three new copper(II) complexes containing long-chain aliphatic hydrazides and 1,10-phenanthroline (1,10-phen), namely, [Cu(octh)(1,10-phen)(H2O)](NO3)21, [Cu(dech)(1,10-phen)(H2O)](NO3)22 and [Cu(dodh)(1,10-phen)(H2O)](NO3)2.H2O 3 (where octh = octanoic hydrazide, dech = decanoic hydrazide, dodh = dodecanoic hydrazide) were successfully prepared and characterized by several physical-chemical methods. Furthermore, X-ray structural analysis of complex 2 indicated that the geometry around the copper(II) ion is distorted square-pyramidal, in which hydrazide and 1,10-phenanthroline act as bidentate ligands. A water molecule in the apical position completes the coordination sphere of the metal ion. All new copper(II) complexes were cytotoxic to breast cancer cell lines (MCF7, MDA-MB-453, MDA-MB-231, and MDA-MB-157) and selective when compared to the non tumor lineage MCF-10A. In particular, complex 2 showed half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ranging between 2.7 and 13.4 µM in MDA-MB231 cells after 24 and 48 h of treatment, respectively. Furthermore, this complex proved to be more selective for tumor cell lines when compared to doxorubicin and docetaxel. Complex 2 inhibited the clonogenicity of MDA-MB231 cells, increasing adenosine diphosphate (ADP) hydrolysis and upregulating ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 1 (ENTPD1) transcriptional levels. In this sense, we suggest that the inhibitory effect on cell proliferation may be related to the modulation of adenosine monophosphate (AMP) levels. Thus, a novel copper(II) complex with increased cytotoxic effects and selectivity against breast cancer cells was obtained, contributing to medicinal chemistry efforts toward the development of new chemotherapeutic agents.

Diagnosis of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis by Flow Cytometry Serology using the rMELEISH Multiepitope Antigen Coupled in a Functional Bead.

BACKGROUND: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a zoonotic disease, with dogs being the main reservoir of the Leishmania infantum parasite. OBJECTIVE: To develop a new flow cytometry test to diagnosis canine VL (CVL) diagnosis. METHODS: The current study addresses a new flow cytometry test using beads coupled to the multiepitope antigen rMELEISH. RESULTS: In the study set of samples a sensitivity (87.1%) and specificity (89.9%) was observed. Considering the dogs' clinical status, 20/20 (100.0%) of the symptomatic sera tested positive, while 19/22 (86.4%) of the oligosymptomatic and 16/20 (80.0%) of asymptomatic were positive. In the non-infected control, all samples (0/30) tested as negative. In the cross-reaction control, the test was more efficient in dogs infected with L. braziliensis (2/10) and Trypanosoma cruzi (0/10), than those with Babesia canis (4/10) and Ehrlichia canis (4/10). Dogs immunized with different vaccines (Leishmune, Leish-Tec®, or LBSap) did not present serological reactivity. CONCLUSION: The flow cytometry serology through coupling the antigen rMELEISH in functional beads showed high accuracy in diagnosing CVL.

rMELEISH: A Novel Recombinant Multiepitope-Based Protein Applied to the Serodiagnosis of Both Canine and Human Visceral Leishmaniasis.

BACKGROUND: visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a critical public health problem in over ninety countries. The control measures adopted in Brazil have been insufficient when it comes to preventing the spread of this overlooked disease. In this context, a precise diagnosis of VL in dogs and humans could help to reduce the number of cases of this disease. Distinct studies for the diagnosis of VL have used single recombinant proteins in serological assays; however, the results have been variable, mainly in relation to the sensitivity of the antigens. In this context, the development of multiepitope-based proteins could be relevant to solving such problem. METHODS: a chimeric protein (rMELEISH) was constructed based on amino acid sequences from kinesin 39 (k39), alpha-tubulin, and heat-shock proteins HSP70 and HSP 83.1, and tested in enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) for the detection of L. infantum infection using canine (n = 140) and human (n = 145) sera samples. RESULTS: in the trials, rMELEISH was able to discriminate between VL cases and cross-reactive diseases and healthy samples, with sensitivity and specificity values of 100%, as compared to the use of a soluble Leishmania antigenic extract (SLA). CONCLUSIONS: the preliminary data suggest that rMELEISH has the potential to be tested in future studies against a larger serological panel and in field conditions for the diagnosis of canine and human VL.

Could the acute strongyloides venezuelensis infection cause non-reversible host morphological changes? / A infecção aguda por strongyloides venezuelensis pode causar alterações morfológicas irreversíveis no hospedeiro? / ¿Puede la infección aguda por las strongyloides venezuelensis causar cambios morfológicos irreversibles en el hostal?

Although research has investigated the host-parasite relationship in Strongyloides venezuelensis infection in the scope of its immunological implications, the morphological consequences of this response for the host organism are yet to be explored. Our objective was to perform an organ morphometric analysis in Wistar rats infected with the intestinal parasite Strongyloides venezuelensis compared with infected rats treated with ivermectin. Twenty-six animals composed three groups: control (non-infected), infected (infected with 2,000 Strongyloides venezuelensis larvae), and infected treated (infected with 2,000 Strongyloides venezuelensis larvae and treated with ivermectin). All rodents were killed 21 days after infection and morphometric analysis of different organs was performed. The results showed significantly higher body and fecal weight in the infected-treated group. The weight of the small intestine increased considerably in the infected group and decreased in the infected-treated group. Pancreas, right kidney, and heart volume increased in the infected group compared with the control group. Despite treatment, the volumes of the stomach, brain, and left kidney increased in both the infected groups compared with the control group indicating the possibility of non- reversible host morphological adaptations. S. venezuelensis infection can augment both, volume and weight of organs ­ not necessarily related to the Strongyloides expulsion process ­ even if the acute infection had been in remission. A potential explanation for these host adaptations, including the occurrence of organ plasticity, are briefly discussed. The following steps encompass a histological analysis to verify the occurrence of hypertrophy/hyperplasia and observe if such morphological alterations remain after infection.

Embora pesquisas tenham investigado a relação parasita-hospedeiro na infecção por Strongyloides venezuelensis no âmbito de suas implicações imunológicas, as consequências morfológicas dessa resposta para o organismo hospedeiro ainda precisam ser exploradas. Nosso objetivo foi realizar uma análise morfométrica de órgãos em ratos Wistar infectados com o parasito intestinal Strongyloides venezuelensis em comparação com ratos infectados tratados com ivermectina. Vinte e seis animais compuseram três grupos: controle (não infectados), infectados (infectados com 2.000 larvas de Strongyloides venezuelensis) e tratados infectados (infectados com 2.000 larvas de Strongyloides venezuelensis e tratados com ivermectina). Todos os roedores foram sacrificados 21 dias após a infecção e a análise morfométrica de diferentes órgãos foi realizada. Os resultados mostraram peso corporal e fecal significativamente maior no grupo tratado infectado. O peso do intestino delgado aumentou consideravelmente no grupo infectado e diminuiu no grupo infectado tratado. O volume do pâncreas, rim direito e coração aumentou no grupo infectado em comparação com o grupo controle. Apesar do tratamento, os volumes do estômago, cérebro e rim esquerdo aumentaram em ambos os grupos infectados em comparação com o grupo controle, indicando a possibilidade de adaptações morfológicas não reversíveis do hospedeiro. A infecção por S. venezuelensis pode aumentar tanto o volume quanto o peso dos órgãos ­ não necessariamente relacionado ao processo de expulsão de Strongyloides ­ mesmo que a infecção aguda estivesse em remissão. Uma possível explicação para essas adaptações do hospedeiro, incluindo a ocorrência de plasticidade de órgãos, é brevemente discutida. As etapas a seguir compreendem uma análise histológica para verificar a ocorrência de hipertrofia/hiperplasia e observar se tais alterações morfológicas permanecem após a infecção.

Aunque la investigación ha investigado la relación parásito-huésped en la infección con Strongyloides venezuelensis dentro del alcance de sus implicaciones inmunológicas, aún deben explorarse las consecuencias morfológicas de esta respuesta para el organismo huésped. Nuestro objetivo fue realizar un análisis morfométrico de órganos en ratas Wistar infectadas con el parásito intestinal Strongyloides venezuelensis en comparación con ratas infectadas tratadas con ivermectina. Veintiséis animales conformaron tres grupos: control (no infectado), infectados (infectados con 2.000 larvas de Strongyloides venezuelensis) y tratados infectados (infectados con 2.000 larvas de Strongyloides venezuelensis y tratados con ivermectina). Todos los roedores fueron sacrificados 21 días después de la infección y se realizó un análisis morfométrico de diferentes órganos. Los resultados mostraron un peso corporal y fecal significativamente mayor en el grupo tratado infectado. El peso del intestino delgado aumentó considerablemente en el grupo infectado y disminuyó en el grupo tratado. El volumen de páncreas, riñón derecho y corazón aumentó en el grupo infectado en comparación con el grupo control. A pesar del tratamiento, los volúmenes de estómago izquierdo, cerebro y riñón aumentaron en ambos grupos infectados en comparación con el grupo control, lo que indica la posibilidad de adaptaciones morfológicas irreversibles del huésped. La infección con S. venezuelensis puede aumentar tanto el volumen como el peso de los órganos -no necesariamente relacionados con el proceso de expulsión de Strongyloides-, incluso si la infección aguda estaba en remisión. Se discute brevemente una posible explicación de estas adaptaciones del huésped, incluida la aparición de plasticidad de los órganos. Los siguientes pasos incluyen un análisis histológico para comprobar la hipertrofia/hiperplasia y para ver si estos cambios morfológicos permanecen después de la infección.

Copper(II) Complex Containing 4-Fluorophenoxyacetic Acid Hydrazide and 1,10-Phenanthroline: A Prostate Cancer Cell-Selective and Low-Toxic Copper(II) Compound.

Prostate Cancer (PCa) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men worldwide. The treatment of advanced cases is based on chemotherapy, which lacks specificity and efficacy, due to severe side effects and resistance to the traditional drugs. Copper complexes have shown antitumoral efficacy and low toxicity, being considered a promising class of metal-based drugs for the treatment of malignant neoplasms. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the cellular effects of a copper(II) complex with 4-fluorophenoxyacetic acid hydrazide and 1,10-phenanthroline (1) on PCa cell lines, as well as the mutagenic/recombinogenic and anticarcinogenic potential of 1 in Drosophila melanogaster. PNT-2 (non-tumorigenic), LNCaP (hormone-responsive PCa) and PC-3 (androgen-independent PCa) cells were cultured, and cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay. The expression levels of the proliferation markers Ki-67 and Cyclin D1 were analyzed by flow cytometry. Furthermore, the Somatic Mutation and Recombination Test (SMART) and the Epithelial Tumor Test (ETT) were performed. Complex 1 was selective to LNCaP cells, significantly reducing Ki-67 and Cyclin D1 expression levels. Sub-toxic concentrations of complex 1 were defined by the toxicity test in D. melanogaster, and no mutagenic/recombinogenic/carcinogenic effects were observed. Anticarcinogenic potential was observed in D. melanogaster, suggesting modulating activity of the complex 1 against Doxorubicin, a drug used as control by its carcinogenic properties. Therefore, complex 1 is a possible starting point for the development of new antitumor agents for the treatment of PCa.

Resistin Modulates the Functional Activity of Colostral Macrophages from Mothers with Obesity and Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and diabetes are major public health problems. Resistin is an adipokine that links the two diseases. There are few reports regarding colostrum cells and resistin from mothers with obesity and diabetes. Thus, this study aimed to determine the functional activity of macrophages present in the breast milk and colostrum of diabetic mothers with obesity and the effects of resistin on these cells. METHODS: The women were divided according to BMI and glycemic status into normal weight non-diabetic, obese non-diabetic, normal weight type 2 diabetic, or obese type 2 diabetic groups. ELISA determined the resistin in colostrum. The cell subsets and apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry and the functional activity of cells by fluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: The resistin levels were higher in the colostrum from diabetic mothers with obesity. The frequencies of CD14+ cells and cells expressing CD95+, independent of resistin treatment, were higher in the colostrum from diabetic mothers with obesity. The frequency of cells expressing CD14+CD95+ was higher in cells not treated with resistin in the colostrum from diabetic mothers with obesity. Apoptosis, irrespective of the presence of resistin, increased, whereas microbicidal activity decreased in cells from diabetic mothers with obesity. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that hyperglycemia associated with low-grade inflammation caused by obesity affects the percentage of cells expressing CD14+CD95+, death by apoptosis, and microbicidal indices; meanwhile, resistin restored the microbicidal activity of colostrum cells.

Preparation, cytotoxic activity and DNA interaction studies of new platinum(II) complexes with 1,10-phenanthroline and 5-alkyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2(3H)-thione derivatives.

This work describes the synthesis, characterization and in vitro anticancer activity of two platinum(II) complexes of the type [Pt(L1)2(1,10-phen)] 1 and [Pt(L2)2(1,10-phen)] 2, where L1 = 5-heptyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-(3H)-thione, L2 = 5-nonyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-(3H)-thione and 1,10-phen = 1,10-phenanthroline. As to the structure of these complexes, the X-ray structural analysis of 1 indicates that the geometry around the platinum(II) ion is distorted square-planar, where two 5-alkyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-thione derivatives coordinate a platinum(II) ion through the sulfur atom. A chelating bidentate phenanthroline molecule completes the coordination sphere. We tested these complexes in two breast cancer cell lines, namely, MCF-7 (a hormone responsive cancer cell) and MDA-MB-231 (triple negative breast cancer cell). In both cells, the most lipophilic platinum compound, complex 2, was more active than cisplatin, one of the most widely used anticancer drugs nowadays. DNA binding studies indicated that such complexes are able to bind to ct-DNA with Kb values of 104 M-1. According to data from dichroism circular and fluorescence spectroscopy, these complexes appear to bind to the DNA in a non-intercalative, probably via minor groove. Molecular docking followed by semiempirical simulations indicated that these complexes showed favorable interactions with the minor groove of the double helix of ct-DNA in an A-T rich region. Thereafter, flow cytometry analysis showed that complex 2 induced apoptosis and necrosis in MCF-7 cells.

Anatomo-comparative study of formaldehyde, alcohol, and saturated salt solution as fixatives in Wistar rat brains.

Although formaldehyde is the most widely used and largely available fixative for preserving cadavers through decomposition prevention, it promotes darkening and weight gain, in addition to being considered carcinogenic. Ethyl alcohol has been proven a potential substitute to formaldehyde due to its effectiveness in tissue penetration, thus preventing proliferation of microorganisms; however, it can only be used alone for fixation of small parts. In view of such fixatives limitations, saturated salt solution has been widely employed based on its antimicrobial effect and ability to maintain tissue similar to the original one, in addition to exerting no hazardous effects as there is no evaporation of harmful substances. This research aimed to observe anatomical brain behaviour submitted to formaldehyde, alcohol, and saturated salt solution as fixatives. Fixatives were tested in 15 adult Wistar rats' brain, submerged in 10 ml of intended solution after removal for 4 weeks. Weight of the brains fixed in saturated salt did not change over the weeks. However, the weight of formaldehyde-fixed brains increased and the weight in alcohol-fixed brains decreased; in addition, modifications in all solutions measures were also observed. Alcohol provides a peculiar dehydrating effect as formaldehyde clearly increases the length of the pieces. Thus, since the saturated salt solution showed no important adjustment over the experimental time, it proved an efficient alternative for replacing formaldehyde and alcohol as fixative solutions of anatomical study of the brain.

A Ternary Copper (II) Complex with 4-Fluorophenoxyacetic Acid Hydrazide in Combination with Antibiotics Exhibits Positive Synergistic Effect against Salmonella Typhimurium.

Salmonella spp. continues to figure prominently in world epidemiological registries as one of the leading causes of bacterial foodborne disease. We characterised 43 Brazilian lineages of Salmonella Typhimurium (ST) strains, characterized drug resistance patterns, tested copper (II) complex as control options, and proposed effective antimicrobial measures. The minimum inhibitory concentration was evaluated for seven antimicrobials, isolated and combined with the copper (II) complex [Cu(4-FH)(phen)(ClO4)2] (4-FH = 4-fluorophenoxyacetic acid hydrazide and phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), known as DRI-12, in planktonic and sessile ST. In parallel, 42 resistance genes were screened (PCR/microarray). All strains were multidrug resistant (MDR). Resistance to carbapenems and polymyxins (86 and 88%, respectively) have drawn attention to the emergence of the problem in Brazil, and resistance is observed also to CIP and CFT (42 and 67%, respectively), the drugs of choice in treatment. Resistance to beta-lactams was associated with the genes blaTEM/blaCTX-M in 39% of the strains. Lower concentrations of DRI-12 (62.7 mg/L, or 100 µM) controlled planktonic and sessile ST in relation to AMP/SUL/TET and AMP/SUL/TET/COL, respectively. The synergistic effect provided by DRI-12 was significant for COL/CFT and COL/AMP in planktonic and sessile ST, respectively, and represents promising alternatives for the control of MDR ST.

Rational Design and Evaluation of the Recombinant Multiepitope Protein for Serodiagnosis of Rubella.

BACKGROUND: Rubella is an infection caused by rubella virus (RV) and is generally regarded as a mild childhood disease. The disease continues to be of public health importance mainly because when the infection is acquired during early pregnancy, it often results in fetal abnormalities, which are classified as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). An accurate diagnosis of rubella is thus of pivotal importance for proper treatment. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to produce a recombinant multiepitope protein (rMERUB) for the diagnosis of rubella, based on conserved immunodominant epitopes of glycoprotein E1 and E2. METHODS: A synthetic gene was designed and cloned into vector pET21a with a 6xHis tag at the Cterminal for affinity purification and overexpressed in Escherichia coli cells. Biophysical analysis of rMERUB was performed by circular dichroism. Biological activity was assessed using an in-house ELISA assay. RESULTS: Expression in Escherichia coli showed a ~22 kDa protein that was purified and used to perform structural assays and an IgG ELISA. Structural analyses reveal that rMERUB has a ß leaf pattern that promotes the exposure of epitopes, thus allowing antibody recognition. Evaluation of 33 samples (22=positive; 11=negative) was performed using in-house ELISA and this was compared with a commercial kit. The sensitivity was 100% (95% CI: 85-100) and specificity 90.91% (95% CI: 62-99). Excellent agreement (Kappa index = 0.9) was obtained between ELISA assays. CONCLUSION: The careful choice of epitopes and the high epitope density, coupled with simple-step purification, pinpoints rMERUB as a promising alternative for rubella diagnosis, with potential for the development of a diagnostic kit.

Age range implications of rats over Strongyloides venezuelensis infection.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the dynamics of S. venezuelensis infection in Wistar rats of different age ranges. DESIGN: Thirty-five (n = 35, 7 per group) male Wistar rats were distributed according to age into five groups: 2, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months old (mo). The rats were infected by S. venezuelensis and eggs per gram of feces (EPG) were measured at 3, 9, 15 and 21 days post-infection (dpi). All animals were killed at 21 dpi, thymus, lungs and small intestines were removed, and relative weight calculated. The adult worms recovered from the small intestines and blood cells were counted. RESULTS: Rats in advanced age presented higher parasite oviposition at 9 dpi and posterior reduction of EPG, while young rats still showed higher oviposition at 15 dpi and 21 dpi. At 12 and 18 mo, the rats had greater number of adult worms, which with low fecundity, eosinophilia and least concentration of monocytes. The fecundity of worms was more expressive in young rats. A strong correlation was observed between age and EPG at 9 dpi (R = 0.72, p < 0.0001), at 15 (R = -0.66, p < 0.0001) and at 21 dpi (R = -0.65, p < 0.0001), as well as age and numbers of worms at 21 dpi (R = 0.74, p < 0.0001). The relative weight of the thymus, lungs and small intestines were higher in rats at 2 and 3 mo in comparison to the older groups of rats. CONCLUSIONS: Aging process interfered on host-parasite relationship and changed the dynamics of infection of S. venezuelensis in Wistar rats.

Diagnostic markers selected by immunoproteomics and phage display applied for the serodiagnosis of canine leishmaniosis.

Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is one of the most important parasitic diseases found in several countries worldwide. Dogs are considered important domestic reservoirs of the parasites, being relevant in the maintenance of transmission cycle of the disease between sandflies and humans. However, the prevalence of asymptomatic infection is considerably higher than that of apparent clinical illness in the infected animals; thus making promptly necessary to diagnose the infection in these animals, which could help to allow to the adoption of more efficient control measures against disease. Parasitological tests, which are considered as gold standard to demonstrate the infection and diagnose the disease, present problems related with their sensitivity. Also, the sample´s collect is considered invasive. As consequence, serological tests could be applied as an additional tool to detect the asymptomatic and symptomatic CanL. For this purpose, distinct recombinant antigens have been studied; however, problems in their sensitivity and/or specificity have been still registered. The present review focus in advances in the identification of new diagnostic targets applied for the CanL diagnose, represented here by recombinant single, combined or chimeric proteins, as well as by peptides that mimic epitopes (mimotopes); which were selected by means of immunoproteomics and phage display.

Electroacupuncture in rats infected with Strongyloides venezuelensis: effects on gastrointestinal transit and parasitological measurements.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at ST36 and CV12 on gastrointestinal transit and parasitological measurements during Strongyloides venezuelensis infection in rats. DESIGN: Rats were infected with S. venezuelensis and allocated to one of three groups that were infected and remained untreated (SV group, n=8), infected and treated with EA at CV12 (SV+CV12 group, n=8) or infected and treated with EA at ST36 (SV+ST36 group, n=8). EA was performed every 3 days over a 21-day period, at 4 mA intensity and 15 Hz frequency for 20 min. At 2 and 20 days post-infection (dpi), body weight, food and water intake, and faecal characteristics were monitored over a 24-hour period. Gastric emptying, caecal arrival time, small intestinal transit and eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces were calculated at 3, 9, 15 and 21 dpi. At 21 dpi, intestinal worm recovery was counted. RESULTS: EA at ST36 and CV12 slowed gastric emptying over the course of infection time. An accelerated intestinal transit was observed in the ST36 group, and after CV12 treatment the same effect was observed at 9 and 15 dpi. At 9 dpi, EPG was increased in the CV12 group. ST36 treatment decreased EPG at 9 and 15 dpi. At 21 dpi, both the ST36 and CV12 groups had increased EPG and worm numbers. No changes were observed in the other parameters analysed. CONCLUSIONS: EA at ST36 and CV12 provoked changes in gastrointestinal transit that may be beneficial to the host during S. venezuelensis infection; however, based on the number of worms and EPG at 21 dpi, the indication for EA in the treatment of strongyloidiasis needs to be carefully assessed.

Alterações clínicas e laboratoriais em um cão com anemia hemolitica imunomediada: relato de caso

A anemia hemolítica imunomediada (AHIM) é um distúrbio imunológico mais comum em cães que em gatos. Ela se caracteriza pela presença de anemia por destruição direta ou fagocitose de hemácias opsonizadas. Pode ser aguda ou crônica, regenerativa ou arregenerativa. Objetivou-se descrever as alterações clínicas e laboratoriais em um cão com AHIM. O animal apresentou anemia regenerativa, leucocitose com neutrofilia e monocitose. Alterações séricas de ALT, fosfatase alcalina, creatinina e uréia estavam presentes. Apatia, dispneia e icterícia foram visualizadas evoluindo para óbito. Nesse relato, a anemia hemolítica imunomediada induziu alterações clínicas, hematológicas e bioquímicas significativas que comprometeram a vida do cão.

Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (AHIM) is a more common immune disorder in dogs than in cats. It is characterized by the presence of anemia by direct destruction or phagocytosis of opsonized red blood cells. It can be acute or chronic, regenerative or arregenerative. The aim of this study was to describe clinical and laboratory changes in a dog with AHIM. The animal presented regenerative anemia, leukocytosis with neutrophilia and monocytosis. Serum alterations of ALT, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine and urea were present. Apathy, dyspnoea and jaundice were visualized evolving to death. In this report, immune-mediated hemolytic anemia induced significant clinical, hematological and biochemical changes that compromised the dog's life.

Alterações clínicas e laboratoriais em um cão com anemia hemolitica imunomediada: relato de caso

A anemia hemolítica imunomediada (AHIM) é um distúrbio imunológico mais comum em cães que em gatos. Ela se caracteriza pela presença de anemia por destruição direta ou fagocitose de hemácias opsonizadas. Pode ser aguda ou crônica, regenerativa ou arregenerativa. Objetivou-se descrever as alterações clínicas e laboratoriais em um cão com AHIM. O animal apresentou anemia regenerativa, leucocitose com neutrofilia e monocitose. Alterações séricas de ALT, fosfatase alcalina, creatinina e uréia estavam presentes. Apatia, dispneia e icterícia foram visualizadas evoluindo para óbito. Nesse relato, a anemia hemolítica imunomediada induziu alterações clínicas, hematológicas e bioquímicas significativas que comprometeram a vida do cão. (AU)

Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (AHIM) is a more common immune disorder in dogs than in cats. It is characterized by the presence of anemia by direct destruction or phagocytosis of opsonized red blood cells. It can be acute or chronic, regenerative or arregenerative. The aim of this study was to describe clinical and laboratory changes in a dog with AHIM. The animal presented regenerative anemia, leukocytosis with neutrophilia and monocytosis. Serum alterations of ALT, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine and urea were present. Apathy, dyspnoea and jaundice were visualized evolving to death. In this report, immune-mediated hemolytic anemia induced significant clinical, hematological and biochemical changes that compromised the dog's life. (AU)

Perfil da população canina diagnosticada com piometra atendida na unidade hospitalar veterinária da Universidade Estadual do Ceará no período de janeiro a agosto de 2012

Piometra é o processo inflamatório purulento uterino, resultante da prolongada estimulação hormonal associada à infecção bacteriana. Avaliou-se o perfil da população canina diagnosticada com piometra atendida na unidade hospitalar (UH) da Universidade Estadual do Ceará. Realizou-se um levantamento de prontuários e selecionados casos de cadelas com piometra diagnosticados cirurgicamente. Quanto à idade, cadelas adultas a idosas foram as mais acometidas, sendo a do tipo aberta mais prevalente. A maioria não fez uso de contraceptivos. Conclui-se que a piometra é uma realidade na UH, principalmente em cadelas adultas a idosas, com tipo aberta mais prevalente. O uso de contraceptivos foi mínimo.

Pyometra is the purulent uterine inflammatory process resulting from prolonged hormonal stimulation associated with bacterial infection. Evaluated the profile of the canine population diagnosed with pyometra met at the hospital (UH) of the State University of Ceará. We conducted a survey of records and selected cases of dogs with surgically diagnosed pyometra. Regarding age, adult dogs for the elderly were the most affected, with the most prevalent type open. Most did not use contraceptives. It is concluded that the reality is a pyometra UH, especially in the elderly adult dogs with more prevalent open type. Contraceptive use was minimal.

Perfil da população canina diagnosticada com piometra atendida na unidade hospitalar veterinária da Universidade Estadual do Ceará no período de janeiro a agosto de 2012

Piometra é o processo inflamatório purulento uterino, resultante da prolongada estimulação hormonal associada à infecção bacteriana. Avaliou-se o perfil da população canina diagnosticada com piometra atendida na unidade hospitalar (UH) da Universidade Estadual do Ceará. Realizou-se um levantamento de prontuários e selecionados casos de cadelas com piometra diagnosticados cirurgicamente. Quanto à idade, cadelas adultas a idosas foram as mais acometidas, sendo a do tipo aberta mais prevalente. A maioria não fez uso de contraceptivos. Conclui-se que a piometra é uma realidade na UH, principalmente em cadelas adultas a idosas, com tipo aberta mais prevalente. O uso de contraceptivos foi mínimo. (AU)

Pyometra is the purulent uterine inflammatory process resulting from prolonged hormonal stimulation associated with bacterial infection. Evaluated the profile of the canine population diagnosed with pyometra met at the hospital (UH) of the State University of Ceará. We conducted a survey of records and selected cases of dogs with surgically diagnosed pyometra. Regarding age, adult dogs for the elderly were the most affected, with the most prevalent type open. Most did not use contraceptives. It is concluded that the reality is a pyometra UH, especially in the elderly adult dogs with more prevalent open type. Contraceptive use was minimal. (AU)