[Recurring genital bleeding in an extreme premature infant]. / Sangrado genital recurrente en una lactante prematura extrema.

Mini-puberty refers to the transient activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis during the first months of life. This activation in preterm infants could be more exaggerated and prolonged. Ob jective: To present a case of exaggerated mini-puberty in an extremely preterm infant, with recurrent genital bleeding. Clinical Case: A 25-week preterm newborn presented at 5 months old with breast buds, areolar pigmentation, and estrogenic effects on the vaginal mucosa, with recurrent genital blee ding in three consecutive months. Her laboratory evaluation showed elevated values of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol (E2). An exaggerated mini-puber ty due to extreme prematurity was suspected, therefore a conservative approach was taken. During follow-up, the patient showed partial regression of breast buds and cessation of genital bleeding, and decreasing levels of gonadotropin and estradiol. Conclusion: Mini-puberty in preterm newborns can present exaggeratedly, simulating precocious puberty and even presenting, exceptionally, recurrent genital bleeding. Considering the increasing survival of extremely premature infants, it is important to know the spectrum of clinical and laboratory manifestations of this phenomenon, in order to carry out adequate management.

Covid-19 management by farmers and policymakers in Burkina Faso, Colombia and France: Lessons for climate action.

CONTEXT: During crises, adaptation or recovery measures or plans at local or national scales may not necessarily address longer-term or structural problems such as climate change mitigation. OBJECTIVE: This article describes farmers and policymakers' responses to mitigate the adverse effects of Covid-19 on the agricultural sector. We then assess the responses' possible effects on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. METHODS: The study is based on surveys conducted with farmers, traders, and extension staff in Burkina Faso, Colombia, and France, and literature. We used the Cool Farm Tool calculator to assess GHG emissions associated with fertilizer production, crop production and produce transportation to international markets for the three main cash crops in the three countries. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: We identified contrasting responses by the agricultural sector mostly driven by changes in the consumption patterns at local or international levels. We also identified contrasting state responses to mitigate Covid-19. These responses at farm and policy scales led to similar trends in decreasing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions across the studied countries. However, none of the studied countries linked Covid-19 response measures to long-term climate change mitigation actions. Therefore, an opportunity to sustain Covid-19 induced short-term decreases in GHG emissions was overlooked. SIGNIFICANCE: Analyzing the impacts that Covid-19 had on agricultural systems and the decision taken by policymakers to handle its direct and indirect effects can help society draw lessons on how to improve climate action.

Increased phagocytosis and growth inhibition of Encephalitozoon cuniculi by LPS-activated J774A.1 murine macrophages.

Encephalitozoon cuniculi is an obligate macrophage parasite of vertebrates that commonly infects rodents, monkeys, dogs, birds, and humans. In the present study, we aimed to assess the phagocytosis and intracellular survival of E. cuniculi spores using untreated and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated J774A.1 murine macrophages and assess the macrophage viability. The experimental groups comprised untreated spores, spores killed by heat treatment at 90 °C, and spores killed by treatment with 10% formalin. LPS-activated macrophages significantly increased the phagocytosis of spores and reduced their intracellular growth after 24 and 48 h (P < 0.01); however, after 72 h, we observed an increase in spore replication but no detectable microbicidal activity. These results indicate that LPS activation enhanced E. cuniculi phagocytosis between 24 and 48 h of treatment, but the effect was lost after 72 h, enabling parasitic growth. This study contributes to the understanding of the phagocytosis and survival of E. cuniculi in murine macrophages.

Alterations of antitumor and metabolic responses in L5178Y-R lymphoma-bearing mice after only 30-minute daily chronic stress exposure.

AIM: In stress research, reducing times of stress induction may contribute to improving the well-being of experimental animals, especially in cancer models, already under physiological distress. To support this idea, we evaluated the effects of a short-timed stress protocol on endocrine, metabolic and immune indicators in mice bearing the L5178Y-R lymphoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 30-minute daily stress protocol was applied for 28 days to healthy and lymphoma-bearing BALB/c mice; body weight, plasma levels of corticosterone, norepinephrine, Th1/Th2 cytokines, insulin, and leptin, were measured. RESULTS: We found a 12% significant decrease in body weight in non-tumor bearing mice under stress (p < 0.007). The disruption of weight evolution was accompanied by a stress induced 85% decrease in plasmatic leptin (p < 0.01) and total reduction of insulin. Tumor burden alone was associated to an increase in more than two-fold of plasmatic levels of norepinephrine (p < 0.008). Neither stress nor tumor or their combination, resulted in an elevation of systemic IL-6. IFN-γ levels were 20 times higher in lymphoma-bearing animals when compared with non-tumor bearing mice (p < 0.01); however, under stress, this response was reduced by half, indicating a suppressing effect of chronic stress on the antitumor immune response. CONCLUSION: A short-timed stress induction is enough to cause significant alterations in the metabolism and immunity of healthy and tumor-bearing mice, supporting the use of short-timed protocols as an efficient way to induce chronic stress that also considers concerns regarding the well-being of experimental animals in biomedical research.

Sugars and char formation on subcritical water hydrolysis of sugarcane straw.

Subcritical water has potential as an environmentally friendly solvent for applications including hydrolysis, liquefaction, extraction, and carbonization. Here, we report hydrolysis of sugarcane straw, an abundant byproduct of sugar production, in a semi-continuous reactor at reaction temperatures ranging from 190 to 260°C and at operating pressures of 9 and 16MPa. The target hydrolysis products were total reducing sugars. The main products of sugarcane straw hydrolysis were glucose, xylose, arabinose, and galactose in addition to 5- hydroxymethylfurfural and furfural as minor byproducts. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis provided additional information on the surface and bulk composition of the residual biomass. Char was present on samples treated at temperatures equal to and greater than 190°C. Samples treated at 260°C contained approximately 20wt% char, yet retained substantial hemicellulose and cellulose content. Hydrolysis temperature of 200°C provided the greatest TRS yield while minimizing char formation.

Organogenesis and foetal haemodynamics during the normal gestation of healthy black-rumped agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha, Wagler, 1831) bred in captivity.

The objective of this study was to define the patterns of organogenesis and foetal haemodynamics during the normal gestation of healthy agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) kept in captivity. Thirty pregnant agoutis that ranged in size from small to medium and weighed between 2.5 and 3 kg underwent B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography for the biometric evaluation of the foetal organs. The foetal aortic blood flow proved to be predominantly systolic, and the measured flow velocity was 78.89 ± 2.95 cm/s, with a maximum pressure gradient of 2.12 ± 0.27 mmHg. The liver was characterized by its large volume, occupying the entire cranial aspect of the abdominal cavity, and it was associated cranially with the diaphragm and caudally with the stomach. The flow velocity in the portal vein was estimated to equal 12.17 ± 2.37 cm/s, with a resistivity index of 0.82 ± 0.05. The gallbladder was centrally located and protruded cranially towards the diaphragm. The spleen was visualized as an elongated structure with tapered cranial and caudal extremities, and the foetal kidneys were visualized bilaterally in the retroperitoneal region, with the right kidney positioned slightly more cranially than the left. The morphological characterization and hemodynamic analysis of the foetal organs of black-rumped agoutis via B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography allow determination of the vascular network and of reference values for the blood flow required for perfusing the anatomical elements essential for maintaining the viability of foetuses at different gestational ages.

Detection of emerging rotavirus G12P[8] in Sonora, México.

Rotavirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in children up to five years of age worldwide. The aim of the present study was to analyze the genotypes of rotavirus strains isolated from children with gastroenteritis, after the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine in México. Rotavirus was detected in 14/100 (14%) fecal samples from children with gastroenteritis, using a commercial test kit. The viral genome was purified from these samples and used as a template in RT-PCR amplification of the VP4 and VP7 genes, followed by gene cloning and sequencing. Among the rotavirus strains, 4/14 (28.5%) were characterized as G12P[8], 2/14 (14.3%), as G12P (not typed), and 3/14 (21.42%) as G (not typed) P[8]. Phylogenetic analysis of the VP7 gene showed that G12 genotypes clustered in lineage III. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that VP4 genotype P[8] sequences clustered in lineage V, whereas other P[8] sequences previously reported in Mexico (2005-2008) clustered in different lineages. Rotavirus genotype G12 is currently recognized as a globally emerging rotavirus. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this emerging rotavirus strain G12P[8] in México. Ongoing surveillance is recommended to monitor the distribution of rotavirus genotypes and to continually reassess the suitability of currently available rotavirus vaccines.

Rendimiento de la citología por punción aspirativa transbronquial para el diagnóstico del compromiso mediastínico en el cáncer pulmonar / Utility of cytology by transbronchial needle aspiration for diagnosing mediastinal nodal involvement in lung cancer staging

Introduction: Mediastinal nodal involvement is essential in lung cancer staging. This can be performed with transbronchial needle aspiration using a flexible bronchoscope. We present the experience of the Instituto Nacional del Tórax. Material and Methods: Retrospective study. The procedure was performed in patients with mediastinal nodes greater than 1 cm on computed tomography of the chest. Results: In 132 bronchoscopies, 136 transbronchial needle aspirations for cytological studies were performed, 98 (72 percent) in subcarinal nodes and 38 (28 percent) in other locations. In 64 (47.1 percent) samples, lung cancer was diagnosed. In 100 (73,5 percent) cases the final diagnosis was lung cancer with mediastinal involvement. In this series transbronchial needle aspiration had a sensitivity of 64 percent for lung cancer diagnosis. There were no complications. Conclusions: Transbronchial needle aspiration cytology is safe and useful for the diagnosis and staging of the mediastinum in lung cancer patients.

Introducción: Identificar el compromiso de los ganglios mediastínicos es fundamental en la etapificación del cáncer pulmonar. Esto puede hacerse con muestras citológicas obtenidas mediante punción aspirativa transbronquial. Presentamos la experiencia del Instituto Nacional del Tórax. Material y Método: Estudio retrospectivo. Se realizó el procedimiento en pacientes con ganglios mediastínicos mayores de 1 cm en la tomografía computada de tórax. Resultados: En 132 fibrobroncoscopías se realizaron 136 citologías por punción aspirativa transbronquial, 98 (72 por ciento) en ganglios subcarinales y 38 (28 por ciento) en otras estaciones. En 64 (47,1 por ciento) muestras, se diagnosticó cáncer pulmonar. En 103 (76 por ciento) casos el diagnóstico final fue cáncer pulmonar. En esta serie la citología por punción aspirativa transbronquial tuvo una sensibilidad de 64 por ciento para diagnóstico de cáncer pulmonar. No se registraron complicaciones. Conclusiones: La citología por punción aspirativa transbronquial es una técnica segura y útil para la etapificación del mediastino en el cáncer pulmonar en nuestra experiencia.

Differential responses of macrophages from bovines naturally resistant or susceptible to Mycobacterium bovis after classical and alternative activation.

It is known that macrophages from naturally resistant animals possess a strong immune response against bovine tuberculosis to control mycobacterial infections. In the present study, the macrophage phagocytic activity, intracellular bacterial survival, and cytokine gene expression induced by classical and alternative activators against Mycobacterium bovis in naturally resistant or susceptible bovines, were evaluated. Animals were classified as naturally resistant or susceptible based on the capacity of their macrophages to allow M. bovis (BCG) growth. Peripheral blood macrophages from naturally resistant and susceptible animals were activated by classical and alternative stimuli and challenged with either non-pathogenic M. bovis BCG strain or pathogenic 9926 strain. Naturally resistant animals showed the highest phagocytosis index and microbial control after classical and alternative stimuli, being this response higher against the strain 9926 than the non-virulent strain. In addition, the response of macrophages activated by the classical pathway was higher than that under the alternative activation against both types of strains. Furthermore, classical pathway-activated macrophages derived from naturally resistant animals expressed higher levels of the pro-inflammatory markers iNOS, IL-1ß, TNF-α, MIP-1 and MIP-3, and the anti-inflammatory markers ARGII and TGF-b, particularly to BCG. The results of this study showed that macrophages from naturally resistant animals produced stronger pro-inflammatory responses than those from susceptible ones to signals provided by classical pathway activators. Its role in innate immunity against M. bovis is yet to be determined.

Long-chain alkanes and ent-labdane-type diterpenes from Gymnosperma glutinosum with cytotoxic activity against the murine lymphoma L5178Y-R.

The antitumor potential of Gymnosperma glutinosum was previously reported using the in vitro and in vivo L5178Y-R lymphoma murine model. The present study was carried out to isolate and identify the cytotoxic compounds present in the Gymnosperma glutinosum leaf hexane extract. Gymnosperma glutinosum was collected in the semi-arid region of Escobedo, State of Nuevo León, México, but it is commonly found in northeastern Mexico; it is traditionally used as a treatment for diarrhea, ulcers and rheumatism. G. glutinosum leaves were extracted with hexane and further fractioned and subfractioned over silica gel by gradient elution with hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol. The cytotoxicity of fractions and subfractions was assessed in vitro against L5178Y-R lymphoma cells. Structure elucidation of the active compounds was determined by spectroscopic methods. Fractions and subfractions showed significant (p < 0.05) and concentration-dependent 20% to 56% cytotoxicity against L5178Y-R cells at concentrations ranging from 7.8 µg/mL to 500 µg/mL. The bioassay-guided fractionation of the hexane extract resulted in the isolation and identification of the alkane hentriacontane and the diterpene ent-labd-7-en-13S,14R,15-triol as the metabolites responsible for the activity.

Estado epiléptico refractario en la unidad de cuidados intensivos: revisión de la literatura y diagrama de flujo de manejo en el Instituto Neurólogico de Antioquia: [revisión] / Refractory status epilepticus in Instituto Neurológico de Antioquia: intensive care unit a management algorithm: [review]

El estado epiléptico (EE) es una emergencia médica y se asocia a una alta morbimortalidad. En la unidad de cuidadosintensivos (UCI), existen dos grupos de pacientes con EE: pacientes con múltiples episodios de convulsionesque no responden al manejo inicial y aquellos admitidos por otras razones, quienes desarrollan fenómenos ictalessubclínicos en el curso de su estancia en la UCI. El EE no convulsivo (EENC) representa entre el 25-50% delos EE; pero en el paciente crítico esta entidad puede tener una mayor incidencia. Se estima que 10 a 40% de lospacientes con EE evolucionan a un estado epiléptico refractario (EER).El EER se define como la falta de respuesta a un medicamento antiepiléptico de primera línea y a uno o dos medicamentos de segunda línea. Para el manejo del EER, se requiere de múltiples fármacos antiepilépticos (FAE),sedantes en dosis elevadas y a veces del uso de soporte ventilatorio y soporte vasopresor. El manejo del EER estábasado en reportes de casos o experiencia de centros especializados, se recomienda la eliminación de la actividadictal electrográfica con la inducción, por medio de sedación, de un patrón estallido-supresión; siendo una segunda alternativa, un manejo menos agresivo, sin sedación usando altas dosis de antiepilépticos, en una forma escalonada.El propósito de esta revisión es presentar las recomendaciones para el enfoque y manejo del EER en el paciente crítico basadas en la literatura actual y en la experiencia de la UCI del Instituto Neurológico de Antioquia(INDEA).

Status Epilepticus (SE) is a medical emergency, due to significant morbidity and mortality. In the Intensive Care Unit(ICU) there are two groups of patients with SE: patients with multiple episodes of seizures that are non-responsive toinitial management and there are individuals admitted for other reasons who developed non convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) subclinical ictal episodes in their ICU permanence.It is estimated NCSE represents between 25-50% of the SE, but in the critically-ill patient this entity could have a greater incidence. 10 to 40% of all patients with SE evolve to a refractory status epilepticus (RSE).Refractory status epilepticus (RSE) is defined as the absence of response to a first-line antiepileptic drug (benzodiazepines) and to one or two second-line drugs. Control of RSE demands the use of multiple anticonvulsant drugs (AED), high-dosesedatives, and sometimes vasopressive or mechanical ventilatory support.RSE management is based on case reports and experience from referral centers. It is recommended that the elimination of electrographic ictal activity is conducted through sedation, reaching a pharmacological burst-suppression pattern; a less aggressive alternative is suggested, without sedation, using antiepileptic medication in high-doses, in a step-up approach,guided by the improvement observed through cVEEG monitoring. The purpose of this study is to present recommendations for management of RSE in critically ill patients based on current literature and experience in the ICU of the Neurological Institute of Antioquia (INDEA).

Methylene blue used as a bridge to liver transplantation postoperative recovery: a case report.

Hepatopulmonary syndrome is defined as a triad of liver disease, arterial hypoxemia, and intrapulmonary vascular dilatation. The clinical hallmark of this disorder is the impairment of pulmonary gas exchange, not necessarily correlated with the severity of the underlying liver disease. Liver transplantation (OLT) is the only definitive treatment for this syndrome. However, patients with preoperative partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO(2)) under 50 mm Hg are exposed to an unacceptably high postoperative mortality and morbidity. Herein we have described a case of a 15-year-old female patient who underwent OLT and was treated with methylene blue in the early postoperative period to improve hypoxemia. We suggest that the use of methylene blue after liver transplantation can decrease postoperative complications and mortality rates in these patients.

Antitumor properties of Gymnosperma glutinosum leaf extracts.

The present study was undertaken to validate the antitumor potential of Gymnosperma glutinosum from regional people's account, using the in vitro and in vivo L5178Y-R lymphoma murine model. Non-polar G. glutinosum crude extracts were tested on L5178Y-R cells. We found significant (p < 0.05) cytotoxic activity (up to 40%) of the hexane extract, which was further fractioned; fraction 1 (F1) was then observed to produce up to 51% apoptosis-mediated L5178Y-R cytotoxicity in vitro at concentrations lower than 0.98 microg/ml, and possess significant in vivo antitumor activity. This study may support further evaluation of active F1 in clinical trials.

Detection of genes encoding antimicrobial peptides in Mexican strains of Trichoplusia ni (Hübner) exposed to Bacillus thuringiensis.

The systemic immune response of Trichoplusia ni after Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) exposure was evaluated by comparing the expression of genes encoding antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in Bt-susceptible and -resistant T. ni strains that were either exposed or not to XenTari (Bt-XT). AMP genes were detected by RT-PCR using primers for attacin, gloverin, lebocin, lysozyme, and peptidoglycan recognition peptide (PGRP). In general, AMP genes were detected more frequently in Mexican field strains previously exposed to Bt (SALX and GTOX) than in a Mexican laboratory strain (NL), but expression was similar to the AMP expression in USA laboratory strains (US and USX). Among the AMPs, transcripts for lebocin were the least detected (11.7%) and those for lysozyme were the most detected (84.8%) in all samples. Lebocin was detected only in 2nd instar and pupa. All untreated controls expressed attacin. Attacin and gloverin were not detected in any midgut sample, and their highest detection was in pupa. Lysozyme was rarely detected in 2nd instar larvae from any strain or treatment but was detected in almost all midgut and hemolymph samples. Overall, AMPs were found more in T. ni strains previously exposed to Bt-XT, especially lebocin and globerin (1.8-fold increase) and PGRP (3.8-fold increase). The data suggest that the expression of AMPs in T. ni correlates to previous Bt exposure.

Caracterização morfológica, fisiológica e infectividade em planta de estirpes de Frankia isoladas de nódulos de Casuarina / Morphological, physiological and plant infectivity characterization of Frankia strains isolated from Casuarinas nodules

Frankia são microrganismos capazes de fixar N2 quando em simbiose com espécies arbóreas, denominadas plantas actinorrízicas. Este estudo foi conduzido para caracterizar morfologicamente, fisiologicamente e avaliar a nodulação de quatro estirpes referência de Frankia (HFPCcI3, JCT287, KB5 e F59) e 12 estirpes(IPRF) isoladas de nódulos de Casuarina. Todas as estirpes (Referência e IPRF) foram Gram-positivas e 50% foram “acid-fast”. As estirpes de Frankia alcalinizaram o meio de cultura, exceto IPRF006, IPRF008e IPRF010. As colônias das estirpes F59, IPRF002, IPRF004, IPRF005 e IPRF011, produziram melanina. Entre as estirpes referência, apenas a JCT287 cresceu no meio de cultura com pH 5,5, enquanto no meio com pH 6,0 as duas, JCT287 e KB5, apresentaram crescimento. A análise de regressão mostrou uma relação linear (Y = 67,56+ 3,88X e R2=0,5862, p<0,05) e coeficiente de correlação de Pearson (r=0,766,p<0,05) entre número de esporos e hifas (120 a 480 UFC mL-1) e proteína total (18 a 145 µg mL-1). Foi observado que a estirpe F59 apresentou uma maior proporção de proteína total (50%) do que a JCT287(7,0%) e, que as estirpes IPRF mostraram valores entre 17,5 e 29,3%. Todas as estirpes produziram compostos indólicos com valores variando de 5,9 a 98,8 µM.(AU)

Frankia are soil microorganisms that form symbiosis with roots of tree species called actinorhizal plants and are capable of fixing atmospheric N2. This study was carried out to characterize morphologically, physiologically and to assess the nodulation of four Frankia reference strains (HFPCcI3, JCT287, KB5and F59) and 12 (IPRF) isolated from root nodules of Casuarina plants. All strains (Reference and IPRF)were characterized as Gram-positive and 50% as acid-fast. The Frankia strains produced alkali in the culture medium, except the IPRF006, IPRF008 and IPRF010. The colonies of strains F59, IPRF002, IPRF004,IPRF005, and IPRF011 produced melanin. Among reference strains, only JCT287 grew in culture mediawith pH 5.5, while with pH 6.0 both strains JCT287 and KB5 presented growth. The regression analysis showed a linear relationship (Y = 67.56+ 3.88X and R2=0.5862, p<0.05) and Pearsons correlation coefficient(r=0.766, p<0.05) between number of spores and hyphae (120 to 480 UFC mL-1) and total protein (18 to 145µg mL-1). It was observed that the strains F59 had a higher proportion of total protein 50.0% than JCT287with 7.0% and that the IPRF strains showed values between 17.5 and 29.3%. All strains presented ability to produce indolic compounds in growth media with values ranging from 5.9 to 98.8 µM.

Caracterização morfológica, fisiológica e infectividade em planta de estirpes de Frankia isoladas de nódulos de Casuarina / Morphological, physiological and plant infectivity characterization of Frankia strains isolated from Casuarina’s nodules

Frankia são microrganismos capazes de fixar N2 quando em simbiose com espécies arbóreas, denominadas plantas actinorrízicas. Este estudo foi conduzido para caracterizar morfologicamente, fisiologicamente e avaliar a nodulação de quatro estirpes referência de Frankia (HFPCcI3, JCT287, KB5 e F59) e 12 estirpes(IPRF) isoladas de nódulos de Casuarina. Todas as estirpes (Referência e IPRF) foram Gram-positivas e 50% foram “acid-fast”. As estirpes de Frankia alcalinizaram o meio de cultura, exceto IPRF006, IPRF008e IPRF010. As colônias das estirpes F59, IPRF002, IPRF004, IPRF005 e IPRF011, produziram melanina. Entre as estirpes referência, apenas a JCT287 cresceu no meio de cultura com pH 5,5, enquanto no meio com pH 6,0 as duas, JCT287 e KB5, apresentaram crescimento. A análise de regressão mostrou uma relação linear (Y = 67,56+ 3,88X e R2=0,5862, p<0,05) e coeficiente de correlação de Pearson (r=0,766,p<0,05) entre número de esporos e hifas (120 a 480 UFC mL-1) e proteína total (18 a 145 µg mL-1). Foi observado que a estirpe F59 apresentou uma maior proporção de proteína total (50%) do que a JCT287(7,0%) e, que as estirpes IPRF mostraram valores entre 17,5 e 29,3%. Todas as estirpes produziram compostos indólicos com valores variando de 5,9 a 98,8 µM.

Frankia are soil microorganisms that form symbiosis with roots of tree species called actinorhizal plants and are capable of fixing atmospheric N2. This study was carried out to characterize morphologically, physiologically and to assess the nodulation of four Frankia reference strains (HFPCcI3, JCT287, KB5and F59) and 12 (IPRF) isolated from root nodules of Casuarina plants. All strains (Reference and IPRF)were characterized as Gram-positive and 50% as acid-fast. The Frankia strains produced alkali in the culture medium, except the IPRF006, IPRF008 and IPRF010. The colonies of strains F59, IPRF002, IPRF004,IPRF005, and IPRF011 produced melanin. Among reference strains, only JCT287 grew in culture mediawith pH 5.5, while with pH 6.0 both strains JCT287 and KB5 presented growth. The regression analysis showed a linear relationship (Y = 67.56+ 3.88X and R2=0.5862, p<0.05) and Pearson’s correlation coefficient(r=0.766, p<0.05) between number of spores and hyphae (120 to 480 UFC mL-1) and total protein (18 to 145µg mL-1). It was observed that the strains F59 had a higher proportion of total protein 50.0% than JCT287with 7.0% and that the IPRF strains showed values between 17.5 and 29.3%. All strains presented ability to produce indolic compounds in growth media with values ranging from 5.9 to 98.8 µM.

Risk factors and prevalence of HIV infection in people seeking health care in an STI clinic in Brazil.

Comprehensive care for people seeking assistance in sexually transmitted infections (STI) clinics provides access to a group of patients in need of HIV prevention interventions and represents appropriate locations for the implementation of these activities. The goal of this study was to determine the risk factors for HIV infection. A profile of patients seeking care in an STI clinic in Vitória, Brazil; including the motives for this, the risk factors and the prevalence for HIV was carried out. Patients were systematically interviewed regarding demographic information, motivation for seeking assistance, risk exposures, and clinical data. Blood samples were collected to test HIV infection in 562 people enrolled in the study. Prevalence of HIV infection was 6.8 per cent (95 per cent CI 4.7-8.9). Prevention and STI symptoms were the main reasons for seeking care. Variables found to be independently associated with HIV infection were: age (> = 30 years) [OR = 3.24 (95 per cent CI 1.40-7.52)]; seeking medical assistance [OR = 3.88 (95 per cent CI 6.22-40.95)]; and illicit drug use [OR = 14.58 (95 per cent CI 6.11-34.72)]. These results found high prevalence of HIV infection in this population and reinforce the need for ongoing STI prevention activities to further decrease HIV and other STI.