Parasite Detection in Visceral Leishmaniasis Samples by Dye-Based qPCR Using New Gene Targets of Leishmania infantum and Crithidia.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected disease considered a serious public health problem, especially in endemic countries. Several studies have discovered monoxenous trypanosomatids (Leptomonas and Crithidia) in patients with VL. In different situations of leishmaniasis, investigations have examined cases of co-infection between Leishmania spp. and Crithidia spp. These coinfections have been observed in a wide range of vertebrate hosts, indicating that they are not rare. Diagnostic techniques require improvements and more robust tools to accurately detect the causative agent of VL. This study aimed to develop a real-time quantitative dye-based PCR (qPCR) assay capable of distinguishing Leishmania infantum from Crithidia-related species and to estimate the parasite load in samples of VL from humans and animals. The primer LinJ31_2420 targets an exclusive phosphatase of L. infantum; the primer Catalase_LVH60-12060_1F targets the catalase gene of Crithidia. Therefore, primers were designed to detect L. infantum and Crithidia sp. LVH60A (a novel trypanosomatid isolated from VL patients in Brazil), in samples related to VL. These primers were considered species-specific, based on sequence analysis using genome data retrieved from the TriTryp database and the genome assembling of Crithidia sp. LVH60A strain, in addition to experimental and clinical data presented herein. This novel qPCR assay was highly accurate in identifying and quantifying L. infantum and Crithidia sp. LVH60A in samples obtained experimentally (in vitro and in vivo) or collected from hosts (humans, dogs, cats, and vectors). Importantly, the screening of 62 cultured isolates from VL patients using these primers surprisingly revealed that 51 parasite cultures were PCR+ for Crithidia sp. In addition, qPCR assays identified the co-infection of L. infantum with Crithidia sp. LVH60A in two new VL cases in Brazil, confirming the suspicion of co-infection in a previously reported case of fatal VL. We believe that the species-specific genes targeted in this study can be helpful for the molecular diagnosis of VL, as well as for elucidating suspected co-infections with monoxenous-like trypanosomatids, which is a neglected fact of a neglected disease.

Type-I Interferon Signaling Protects against Chlamydia trachomatis Infection in the Female Lower Genital Tract.

We have previously shown that Chlamydia trachomatis is significantly inhibited during the early stage of infection in the female mouse lower genital tract and the anti-C. trachomatis innate immunity is compromised in the absence of cGAS-STING signaling. Since type-I interferon is a major downstream response of the cGAS-STING signaling, we evaluated the effect of type-I interferon signaling on C. trachomatis infection in the female genital tract in the current study. The infectious yields of chlamydial organisms recovered from vaginal swabs along the infection course were carefully compared between mice with or without deficiency in type-I interferon receptor (IFNαR1) following intravaginal inoculation with 3 different doses of C. trachomatis. It was found that IFNαR1-deficient mice significantly increased the yields of live chlamydial organisms on days 3 and 5, providing the 1st experimental evidence for a protective role of type-I interferon signaling in preventing C. trachomatis infection in mouse female genital tract. Further comparison of live C. trachomatis recovered from different genital tract tissues between wild type and IFNαR1-deficient mice revealed that the type-I interferon-dependent anti-C. trachomatis immunity was restricted to mouse lower genital tract. This conclusion was validated when C. trachomatis was inoculated transcervically. Thus, we have demonstrated an essential role of type-I interferon signaling in innate immunity against C. trachomatis infection in the mouse lower genital tract, providing a platform for further revealing the molecular and cellular basis of type-I interferon-mediated immunity against sexually transmitted infection with C. trachomatis.

Dataset of dual RNA-seq mapping in visceral leishmaniasis: Inquiry on parasite transcripts in human blood transcriptome upon Leishmania infantum infection.

This dataset is related to the article "Insight Into the Long Noncoding RNA and mRNA Coexpression Profile in the Human Blood Transcriptome Upon Leishmania infantum Infection" by S.R. Maruyama, C.A. Fuzo, A.E.R. Oliveira, L.A. Rogerio, N.T. Takamiya, G. Pessenda, E.V. de Melo, A.M. da Silva, A.R. Jesus, V. Carregaro, H.I. Nakaya, R.P. Almeida and J.S. da Silva. Frontiers in Immunology, 2022. Through the reuse of raw sequencing data, we generated original dataset by performing a dual RNA-seq mapping procedure to survey the parasite transcripts found in RNA-seq samples from blood of visceral leishmaniasis patients. Diseased patients with active infection displayed the highest number of reads mapped to L. infantum genome. Even after six months later of the treatment, when the patients were considered cured, parasite reads were still detected. Parasite reads were also detected in asymptomatic individuals. The original dual RNA-seq alignment read count data provided here can be further explored to evaluate either host or parasite transcripts.

Current Scenario of Exogenously Induced RNAi for Lepidopteran Agricultural Pest Control: From dsRNA Design to Topical Application.

Invasive insects cost the global economy around USD 70 billion per year. Moreover, increasing agricultural insect pests raise concerns about global food security constraining and infestation rising after climate changes. Current agricultural pest management largely relies on plant breeding-with or without transgenes-and chemical pesticides. Both approaches face serious technological obsolescence in the field due to plant resistance breakdown or development of insecticide resistance. The need for new modes of action (MoA) for managing crop health is growing each year, driven by market demands to reduce economic losses and by consumer demand for phytosanitary measures. The disabling of pest genes through sequence-specific expression silencing is a promising tool in the development of environmentally-friendly and safe biopesticides. The specificity conferred by long dsRNA-base solutions helps minimize effects on off-target genes in the insect pest genome and the target gene in non-target organisms (NTOs). In this review, we summarize the status of gene silencing by RNA interference (RNAi) for agricultural control. More specifically, we focus on the engineering, development and application of gene silencing to control Lepidoptera through non-transforming dsRNA technologies. Despite some delivery and stability drawbacks of topical applications, we reviewed works showing convincing proof-of-concept results that point to innovative solutions. Considerations about the regulation of the ongoing research on dsRNA-based pesticides to produce commercialized products for exogenous application are discussed. Academic and industry initiatives have revealed a worthy effort to control Lepidoptera pests with this new mode of action, which provides more sustainable and reliable technologies for field management. New data on the genomics of this taxon may contribute to a future customized target gene portfolio. As a case study, we illustrate how dsRNA and associated methodologies could be applied to control an important lepidopteran coffee pest.

Effects of maternal sleep position on fetal and maternal heart rate patterns using overnight home fetal ECG recordings.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of maternal position on maternal and fetal heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) in healthy late gestation pregnancies using non-invasive techniques during overnight studies. METHODS: In an observational study of women between 34 and 36 weeks of pregnancy conducted from September 1, 2013, to March 31, 2014, at Columbia University Medical Center, New York, US, maternal and fetal ECG recordings and position monitoring were undertaken through the night in the woman's own home. These data were used for time domain analyses of fetal and maternal heart rate and HRV. RESULTS: Forty-two women were recruited to the study which showed that maternal position affected maternal heart rate (MHR), with left side sleeping associated with lower heart rate (left vs right P=0.017, left vs supine P=0.027) and higher overall HRV (left vs right P=0.032). MHR showed significant overnight changes (P=0.032). No significant positional or overnight effects were observed in fetal heart rate patterns. CONCLUSION: This study uniquely incorporated analyses on maternal and fetal physiology and extended the knowledge of effects of maternal overnight sleep position on MHR in the natural sleep environment.

Association of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes With Self-Reported Measures of Sleep Duration and Timing in Women Who Are Nulliparous.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship of self-reported sleep during pregnancy with adverse pregnancy outcomes. A secondary objective was to describe the concordance between self-reported and objectively assessed sleep during pregnancy. METHODS: In this prospective cohort, women completed a survey of sleep patterns at 6 to 13 weeks' gestation (visit 1) and again at 22 to 29 weeks' gestation (visit 3). Additionally, at 16 to 21 weeks (visit 2), a subgroup completed a week-long sleep diary coincident with an actigraphy recording. Weekly averages of self-reported sleep duration and sleep midpoint were calculated. A priori, sleep duration < 7 hours was defined as "short," and sleep midpoint after 5:00 AM was defined as "late." The relationship of these sleep abnormalities with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was determined. RESULTS: Of the 10,038 women enrolled, sleep survey data were available for 7,524 women at visit 1 and 7,668 women at visit 3. A total of 752 women also provided ≥ 5 days of sleep diary data coincident with actigraphy at visit 2. We did not observe any consistent relationship between self-reported short sleep and HDP or GDM. There was an association between self-reported late sleep midpoint and GDM (visit 1 adjusted odds ratio 1.67, 95% confidence interval 1.17, 2.38; visit 2 adjusted odds ratio 1.73, 95% confidence interval 1.23, 2.43). At visit 2, 77.1% of participants had concordance between their diary and actigraphy for short sleep duration, whereas 94.3% were concordant for sleep midpoint. CONCLUSIONS: Self-reported sleep midpoint, which is more accurate than self-reported sleep duration, is associated with the risk of GDM. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov, Title: Pregnancy as a Window to Future Cardiovascular Health: Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes as Predictors of Increased Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease, Identifier: NCT02231398, URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02231398.

A survey of the knowledge, attitudes and practices on Zika virus in new York City.

BACKGROUND: Over 900 travel-associated Zika virus cases have been identified in New York City (NYC), New York. A survey was administered in NYC adapted from the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey on Zika virus developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). METHODS: A standardized, self-administered, anonymous questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample in Manhattan and the Bronx from June 30th, 2016 to October 21st, 2016. Responses were grouped into six domains based on the content and structure of the questions and were summarized using descriptive statistics or converted into a continuous knowledge score and assessed for associations with pregnancy status and travel history using linear regression. RESULTS: There were 224 respondents with a mean age of 33 (SD ± 11.6) with 77% (170/224) female and 24% (51/224) pregnant. The majority (98% (213/217)) were unable to identify all of the symptoms associated with acute Zika virus infection and all modes of transmission (97% (213/219)). Most participants (85% (187/219)) identified mosquitoes as a mode of transmission. 95% (116/122) reported an association between Zika virus and microcephaly. The most concerning aspect of Zika virus in 46% (91/200) was the risk of disabilities to babies, and risk of sexual transmission (25% (49/200)). When asked what precautions pregnant persons should to reduce the risk of transmission when traveling to a Zika endemic region, only 27% (50/185) identified using condoms during intercourse or refraining from intercourse while pregnant. Knowledge of Zika transmission is significantly positively associated with pregnancy status, but not with travel history. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate an overall poor understanding of Zika virus symptoms and possible complications, transmission modes, and current recommended prevention guidelines. Pregnancy is positively associated with Knowledge of Zika Transmission, but not other knowledge scores. Reported travel history to Zika endemic regions is not significantly associated with Zika knowledge. There is a need for implementing future public health interventions that particularly focus on protection against Zika transmission, that Zika is sexually transmitted, and risks that the Guillain-Barré Syndrome poses a risk to adults.

BILATERAL DIFFUSE UVEAL MELANOCYTIC PROLIFERATION ASSOCIATED WITH RENAL CANCER: THE IMPORTANCE OF INDOCYANINE GREEN ANGIOGRAPHY AND EARLY DIAGNOSIS.

PURPOSE: To report a case of bilateral diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferation associated with renal carcinoma and to illustrate the importance of ancillary examinations to early diagnosis and treatment. DESIGN: Clinical case report. METHODS: A 56-year-old man reported a 3-day history of visual impairment and scotoma in the right eye. An ophthalmoscopic examination, visual field test, fundus autofluorescence, fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, optical coherence tomography, and systemic evaluation were performed. RESULTS: Fundus examination showed multiple nevus-like uveal pigmented lesions bilaterally. Optical coherence tomography showed a subfoveal serous retinal detachment and focal loss of the retinal pigment epithelium with adjacent areas of retinal pigment epithelial thickening in the right eye, explaining the scotoma on the visual field examination. Indocyanine green angiography showed multiple round areas of hypofluorescence corresponding to the nevus-like pigmented tumors seen on funduscopy, and retinal pigment epithelium damage corresponding to hypoautofluorescence on fundus autofluorescence imaging and window defects points seen on fluorescein angiography bilaterally. After bilateral diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferation diagnosis, a systemic workup showed clear cell carcinoma in the left kidney. Owing to the tumoral size, chemotherapy was administered. CONCLUSION: Renal carcinoma associated with bilateral diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferation is rare, and the patterns observed in the ancillary examinations, including indocyanine green angiography, are useful for early-stage diagnosis and immediate referral for systemic investigation and treatment.

A Multicenter Investigation of Factors Influencing Women's Participation in Clinical Trials.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors that influence women's participation in clinical research. METHODS: We administered a survey in outpatient and inpatient populations of Obstetrics and Gynecology facilities of six institutions located in four states. The survey included questions regarding any of the participant's past experiences in clinical research and the factors that would influence their participation in clinical research. Analyses included descriptive statistics and a Principal Component Analysis. RESULTS: The analysis included 3,773 respondents; 2,477 (68.1%) were pregnant. The majority of participants were Caucasian (1,453, 40.2%), followed by Hispanic (933, 25.8%), African American/black (744, 20.6%), other minorities (270, 7.5%), and multiracial (212, 5.9%). Ten potential motivating factors and 10 potential barriers were assessed. The greatest motivating factor was "how well research is explained" (mean = 2.87) while "risk of unknown side effects" was the greatest barrier (mean = 3.07) for women's participation in clinical trials. Among six helpful resources assessed, "material in my own language" was scored as the highest (mean = 2.8) in facilitating women's decision to participate. For "risk to the fetus/future fertility" as a barrier, pregnant women's score (mean = 3.25) was significantly higher than nonpregnant women's score (mean = 2.37). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the risk of unknown side effects discourages women in general, and the risk to the fetus/future fertility discourages pregnant women the most from participating in clinical trials. However, explaining a study well and providing written material in the patients' own language may increase their willingness to participate.

Class III Obese Women's Preferences and Concerns for Cesarean Skin Incision: A Multicenter Survey.

Objective This study aims to assess class III obese women's preferences and concerns regarding cesarean delivery (CD) skin incisions. Study Design Through the National Perinatal Research Consortium (NPRC), women with body mass index ≥ 40 kg/m2 at the time of enrollment completed an anonymous survey in English or Spanish. We evaluated seven domains of preferences and concerns about the cesarean skin incision. Results We surveyed 546 women at five NPRC sites. Median age (interquartile range) was 29 (25, 35) years; 364 (66%) were parous and 161 (30%) had a prior CD. Women self-identified race/ethnicity as White (31%), non-Hispanic Black (31%), Hispanic (31%), other (6%), and not reported (1%). A total of 542 women (99%) rated both delivering the baby in the best possible condition and decreasing incision opening/infection risk as important. Women were less likely to rate other domains as important (all p < 0.001), including: having least pain possible, n = 521 (95%); decreasing the risk of complications in the next pregnancy, n = 490 (90%); decreasing interference with breastfeeding, n = 474 (87%); decreasing operative time, n = 388 (71%); and having the least visible incision, n = 369 (68%). Conclusion Women with class III obesity prioritize immediate maternal and fetal safety regarding CD skin incision over other concerns including cosmetic outcome.

Expression of TNF-α and IL-6 cytokines in the choroid and sclera of hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the expression of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in the sclera and choroid of hypercholesterolemic rabbits. METHOD: Twenty-one New Zealand male albino rabbits were divided into two groups: NG and HG. The NG group was fed a standard rabbit diet and the HG group was fed a cholesterol-enriched diet (1%). The serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose levels were determined at the beginning of the experiment and on the day of euthanasia. Euthanasia of animals in the NG and HG groups was performed at the end of the 4th and 8th week, respectively. The eyes were analyzed immunohistochemically using TNF-α and IL-6 antibodies. RESULTS: At the time of euthanasia, the HG group showed a significant increase in total cholesterol and triglyceride when compared with the NG group (p<0.001). When compared with the NG group, there was a significant increase in the expression of TNF-α (p<0.001) and IL-6 (p=0.002) in the choroid and sclera of animals in the HG group. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the hypercholesterolemic diet induces expression of TNF-α and IL-6 in the choroid and sclera of rabbits.

Aumento da imunorreatividade da molécula de adesão intercelular-1 na esclera e coroide em modelo experimental de hipercolesterolemia / Increased intercellular adhesion molecule-1 immunoreactivity in the sclera-choroid complex in hypercholesterolemia experimental model

Objetivo: O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar a expressão da molécula de adesão intercelular-1 (ICAM-1) na esclera e coroide de coelhos hipercolesterolêmicos. Métodos: Coelhos New Zealand foram organizados em dois grupos: GN (grupo dieta normal), composto por 8 coelhos (8 olhos), recebeu ração padrão para coelhos, durante 4 semanas; GH (grupo hipercolesterolêmico), composto por 13 coelhos (13 olhos), recebeu dieta rica em colesterol a 1% por 8 semanas. Foi realizada a dosagem sérica de colesterol total, triglicerídeos, HDL colesterol, glicemia de jejum no início do experimento e no momento da eutanásia. Ao final da 4ª semana para o GN e 8ª semana para o GH foi realizada a eutanásia dos animais. Os olhos foram corados com hematoxilina-eosina e submetidos à análise histológica, histomorfométrica e imunohistoquímica com o anticorpo ICAM-1. Resultados: Observou-se significativo aumento do colesterol total e triglicerídeos do GH em relação ao GN (p<0,001). A avaliação histológica com hematoxilina eosina revelou grande quantidade de macrófagos no complexo esclero-coroidal do GH. No GH constatou-se significativo aumento da espessura da esclera e coroide em relação ao GN (p<0,001). Houve significativo aumento da expressão da ICAM-1 na esclera e coroide dos animais do GH em relação ao GN (p<0,001). Conclusão: Este estudo demonstra que a dieta hipercolesterolêmica induz ao aumento da expressão da ICAM-1 na esclera e coroide de coelhos. .

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of the intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) in the sclera and choroid of hypercholesterolemic rabbits Methods: New Zealand rabbits were divided into two groups: the normal diet group (NG), with 8 rabbits (8 eyes), was fed a standard rabbit diet for 4 weeks; the hypercholesterolemic group (HG), with 13 rabbits (13 eyes), was fed a 1% cholesterol- enriched diet for 8 weeks. Total serum cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol and fasting blood glucose exams were performed at the start of the experiment and at the euthanasia time. HG and NG animals were euthanized after 8th week and 4th week, respectively. Their eyes were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and underwent histological, histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analyses with ICAM-1 antibody. Results: The diet has induced a significant increase in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in HG when compared with NG (p<0.001). The histological analysis with hematoxylin-eosin revealed a large number of macrophages in the HG sclera-choroid complex. Moreover, a significant increase in the HG sclera and choroid thickness was observed in relation to NG (p<0.001). There was a significant increase in the ICAM-1 expression in HG sclera and choroid in relation to NG Conclusion: This study has revealed that the hypercholesterolemic diet induces an increase in the ICAM-1 expression in the rabbits’ sclera and choroid. .

Expression of TNF-α and IL-6 cytokines in the choroid and sclera of hypercholesterolemic rabbits / Expressão das citocinas TNF-α and IL-6 na coroide e esclera de coelhos hipercolesterolêmicos

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the expression of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in the sclera and choroid of hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Method: Twenty-one New Zealand male albino rabbits were divided into two groups: NG and HG. The NG group was fed a standard rabbit diet and the HG group was fed a cholesterol-enriched diet (1%). The serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose levels were determined at the beginning of the experiment and on the day of euthanasia. Euthanasia of animals in the NG and HG groups was performed at the end of the 4th and 8th week, respectively. The eyes were analyzed immunohistochemically using TNF-α and IL-6 antibodies. Results: At the time of euthanasia, the HG group showed a significant increase in total cholesterol and triglyceride when compared with the NG group (p<0.001). When compared with the NG group, there was a significant increase in the expression of TNF-α (p<0.001) and IL-6 (p=0.002) in the choroid and sclera of animals in the HG group. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the hypercholesterolemic diet induces expression of TNF-α and IL-6 in the choroid and sclera of rabbits. .

Objetivo: Avaliar a expressão das citocinas inflamatórias TNF-α e IL-6 na esclera e coroide de coelhos hipercolesterolêmicos. Método: Coelhos New Zealand foram organizados em dois grupos: GN recebeu ração padrão para coelhos; GH recebeu dieta rica em colesterol a 1%. Foi realizada a dosagem sérica de colesterol total, triglicerídeos, HDL colesterol, glicemia de jejum no início do experimento e no momento da eutanásia. Ao final da 4ª semana para o GN e 8ª semana para o GH foi realizada a eutanásia dos animais. Os olhos foram submetidos à análise imuno-histoquímica com os anticorpos TNF-α e IL-6. Resultados: O GH manifestou significativo aumento do colesterol total e triglicerídeos em relação ao GN (p<0,001). Houve significativo aumento da expressão da TNF-α (p<0,001) e da IL-6 (p=0,002) na coroide e esclera dos animais do GH em relação ao GN. Conclusão: Este estudo demonstra que a dieta hipercolesterolêmica induz ao aumento da expressão das citocinas TNF-α e IL-6 na coroide e esclera de coelhos. .

Effect of candesartan on the expression of sclera-choroidal intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in hypercholesterolemic models.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of blocking the angiotensin II AT-1 receptor by the systemic administration of candesartan on the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in the sclera and choroid of hypercholesterolemic rabbits. METHODS: New Zealand rabbits were divided into 3 groups, as follows: GI, which was fed a rabbit standard diet; GII, which was fed a hypercholesterolemic diet; and GIII, which received hypercholesterolemic diet plus candesartan. Samples of the rabbits' sclera and choroid were then studied by hematoxylin-eosin staining and histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analyses for intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression. RESULTS: Histological analysis of hematoxylin- and eosin-stained sclera and choroid revealed that macrophages were rarely present in GI, and GII had significantly increased macrophage numbers compared to GIII. Moreover, in GII, the sclera and choroid morphometry showed a significant increase in thickness in comparison to GI and GIII. GIII presented a significant increase in thickness in relation to GI. Sclera and choroid immunohistochemical analysis for intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression revealed a significant increase in immunoreactivity in GII in relation to GI and GIII. GIII showed a significant increase in immunoreactivity in relation to GI. CONCLUSION: Candesartan reduced the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and consequently macrophage accumulation in the sclera and choroid of hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

Effect of candesartan on the expression of sclera-choroidal intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in hypercholesterolemic models

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of blocking the angiotensin II AT-1 receptor by the systemic administration of candesartan on the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in the sclera and choroid of hypercholesterolemic rabbits. METHODS: New Zealand rabbits were divided into 3 groups, as follows: GI, which was fed a rabbit standard diet; GII, which was fed a hypercholesterolemic diet; and GIII, which received hypercholesterolemic diet plus candesartan. Samples of the rabbits' sclera and choroid were then studied by hematoxylin-eosin staining and histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analyses for intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression. RESULTS: Histological analysis of hematoxylin- and eosin-stained sclera and choroid revealed that macrophages were rarely present in GI, and GII had significantly increased macrophage numbers compared to GIII. Moreover, in GII, the sclera and choroid morphometry showed a significant increase in thickness in comparison to GI and GIII. GIII presented a significant increase in thickness in relation to GI. Sclera and choroid immunohistochemical analysis for intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression revealed a significant increase in immunoreactivity in GII in relation to GI and GIII. GIII showed a significant increase in immunoreactivity in relation to GI. CONCLUSION: Candesartan reduced the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and consequently macrophage accumulation in the sclera and choroid of hypercholesterolemic rabbits. .

Algumas reflexões sobre a psicanálise em nosso tempo / Some reflections on psychoanalysis in our time

O presente artigo reflete sobre o avanço de discursos sobre a produção de novos sintomas e levanta a questão de que eles incorporam ao universo conceitual da psicanálise noções relacionadas à perspectiva que privilegia a descrição de sintomas em detrimento da etiologia, consoante o DSM IV. Para o exame desse problema, retoma alguns dos nexos entre sintoma e diagnóstico, presentes nessas vertentes, além das relações entre sintoma e estrutura. Conclui advertindo: anexar à psicanálise noções não legitimadas por sua clínica pode contribuir para seu descaminho(AU)

This paper reflects the progress of speeches on the production of new symptoms and raises the question that they incorporate the conceptual universe of psychoanalysis, notions related to the perspective that privileges the description of symptoms in detriment of the etiology, according to the DSM IV. Retakes, some links between diagnostic and symptom, present in those strands, and also the relationship between symptom and structure. It concludes by warning: attaching to psychoanalysis, illegitimate notions by their clinic can contribute to their evasion(AU)

Effect of olmesartan on leukocyte recruitment in choroid-sclera complex in hypercholesterolemia model.

PURPOSE: Demonstrate that the blockade of angiotensin II AT-1 receptors, through the systemic administration of olmesartan, can reduce the MCP-1 expression and the resulting macrophage accumulation in the choroid and sclera of hypercholesterolemic rabbits. METHODS: Thirty-two New Zealand rabbits were divided into 3 groups: group I (GI) was fed a standard rabbit diet; group II (GII) was fed a hypercholesterolemic diet; and group III (GIII) was fed a hypercholesterolemic diet plus olmesartan. Serum levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, and blood glucose were determined in fasting rabbits at the beginning of the experiment and on the day of euthanasia. The choroid and sclera were submitted to morphometric analysis as well as immunohistochemical analysis with MCP-1 and RAM-11 (macrophage marker) antibodies. RESULTS: No abnormality was detected in GI. Group II and III had significant increases in choroid-sclera complex thicknesses when compared with group I (P<0.001). GII showed a significant increase in immunoreactivity for MCP-1 in relation to GI (P=0.001) and GIII (P=0.004). GII showed a significant increase in immunoreactivity for RAM-11 of the choroid-sclera complex in relation to GI (P<0.001) and GIII (P=0.034). A significant increase in immunoreactivity for RAM-11 was observed in GIII in relation to GI (P=0.008). CONCLUSION: Olmesartan reduced the MCP-1 expression and the resultant macrophage accumulation in the choroid-sclera complex of hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

Nos contornos do Eu: um estudo sobre a religiosidade nas neuroses e psicoses

Tem-se, nesta dissertação, o propósito de discutir se há, do ponto de vista da estruturação do Eu nos sujeitos, elementos pelos quais se possa discernir o que respalda a maneira como os neuróticos e psicóticos demarcam um posicionamento distinto frente às experiências de religiosidade, estabelecendo relacionamentos diferentes com a divindade. Para tanto, metodologicamente, empreende-se um estudo bibliográfico fundamentado na obra de Freud e no primeiro ensino de Lacan em suas produções referentes à religião, constituição do Eu, neurose e psicose, além da discussão de dois casos clínicos freudianos: Schreber e o Homem dos Ratos. Sendo assim, realizam-se articulações entre a religião e o complexo paterno em psicanálise, abordando os elementos traumáticos presentes na origem das religiões monoteístas e a maneira pela qual eles se atualizam nos sujeitos, além de estabelecerem-se aproximações entre as formações religiosas, as produções delirantes e a fantasia. Efetua-se um recorte sobre o modo de estruturação do Eu, nas neuroses e nas psicoses, salientando o conceito de narcisismo para o estabelecimento das dimensões imaginárias e simbólicas que participam desse processo, bem como para as modificações teóricas subsequentes. Por fim, faz-se uma investigação sobre o modo pelo qual o Eu se constitui nas neuroses e psicoses, os mecanismos peculiares a cada uma destas estruturas e a presença do discurso religioso, assim como das figuras divinas, através da análise dos casos clínicos. Dentre os principais achados da pesquisa destaca-se: (AU)

[Increase of choroidal and scleral MCP-1 expression in hypercholesterolemia experimental model]. / Aumento da expressão do MCP-1 coroidal e escleral em modelo experimental de hipercolesterolemia.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to experientially demonstrate that a cholesterol-enriched diet induces an increase in the MCP-1 expression in the choroid and sclera. METHOD: New Zealand rabbits were divided into two groups: GN (normal diet group) of 8 rabbits (8 eyes) was fed a standard rabbit diet for 4 weeks; GH (hypercholesterolemic group) of 13 rabbits (13 eyes) was fed a 1% cholesterol enriched diet for 8 weeks. Total serum cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol and fasting blood glucose exams were performed at the start of the experiment and at the euthanasia time. After GH 8th week and GN 4th week animals were euthanized and their eyes underwent immunohistochemical analysis with the anti-MCP-1 antibody. RESULTS: The diet has induced a significant increase in GH total cholesterol and triglyceride levels when compared with NG (p<0.001). There was a significant increase in the MCP-1 expression in GH choroid and sclera in relation to GN (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: This study has revealed that the hypercholesterolemic diet in rabbits induces an increase in the MCP-1 expression in the choroid and sclera.

Aumento da expressão do MCP-1 coroidal e escleral em modelo experimental de hipercolesterolemia / Increase of choroidal and scleral MCP-1 expression in hypercholesterolemia experimental model

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste trabalho é demonstrar experimentalmente que a dieta rica em colesterol provoca aumento da expressão da MCP-1 na coroide e esclera. MÉTODO: Coelhos New Zealand foram organizados em dois grupos: GN (grupo dieta normal), composto por 8 coelhos (8 olhos), recebeu ração padrão para coelhos, durante 4 semanas; GH (grupo hipercolesterolêmico), composto por 13 coelhos (13 olhos), recebeu dieta rica em colesterol a 1% por 8 semanas. Foi realizada a dosagem sérica de colesterol total, triglicerídeos, HDL colesterol, glicemia de jejum no início do experimento e no momento da eutanásia. Ao final da 8ª semana para o GH e 4ª semana para o GN foi realizada a eutanásia dos animais e os olhos foram submetidos à análise imuno-histoquímica com o anticorpo anti-MCP-1. RESULTADOS: A dieta provocou significativo aumento do colesterol total e triglicerídeos do GH em relação ao GN (p<0,001). Houve significativo aumento da expressão da MCP-1 na coroide e esclera dos animais do GH em relação ao GN (p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo demonstrou que a dieta hipercolesterolêmica em coelhos induz ao aumento da expressão do MCP-1 na coroide e esclera.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to experientially demonstrate that a cholesterol-enriched diet induces an increase in the MCP-1 expression in the choroid and sclera. METHOD: New Zealand rabbits were divided into two groups: GN (normal diet group) of 8 rabbits (8 eyes) was fed a standard rabbit diet for 4 weeks; GH (hypercholesterolemic group) of 13 rabbits (13 eyes) was fed a 1% cholesterol enriched diet for 8 weeks. Total serum cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol and fasting blood glucose exams were performed at the start of the experiment and at the euthanasia time. After GH 8th week and GN 4th week animals were euthanized and their eyes underwent immunohistochemical analysis with the anti-MCP-1 antibody. RESULTS: The diet has induced a significant increase in GH total cholesterol and triglyceride levels when compared with NG (p<0.001). There was a significant increase in the MCP-1 expression in GH choroid and sclera in relation to GN (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: This study has revealed that the hypercholesterolemic diet in rabbits induces an increase in the MCP-1 expression in the choroid and sclera.