Frequency of Leishmania spp. infection among HIV-infected patients living in an urban area in Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: There is little information about the frequency of Leishmania infection in asymptomatic people living with HIV (PLWH) and about the performance of laboratory diagnostic methods in coinfected patients in Latin America. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the frequency of Leishmania spp. infection in HIV-infected patients living in an urban area in Brazil. METHODS: To detect Leishmania infection, diagnostic tests were performed to detect anti-Leishmania antibodies (ELISA using Leptomonas seymouri antigens; ELISA using rK39 antigens; ELISA using rK28 antigens; indirect fluorescent-antibody test (IFAT); direct agglutination test (DAT)) and Leishmania DNA (polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with the target genes kDNA and ITS-1). RESULTS: The frequency of at least one positive test was 15%. For ELISA using Leptomonas antigens and IFAT, there was an association between CD4+ T lymphocyte counts and test positivity, with a higher positivity of these tests in more immunosuppressed patients (CD4+ T cell count < 200/mm3). CONCLUSIONS: According to our data, there was a high prevalence of Leishmania spp. infections in this population living with HIV. Although there is the possibility of cross-reaction, some tests that are considered highly specific for the diagnosis of Leishmania infection were positive. There was also an association between the positivity of some tests studied and lower values of CD4+ T lymphocytes.

Protective effects of the exopolysaccharide Lasiodiplodan against DNA damage and inflammation induced by doxorubicin in rats: Cytogenetic and gene expression assays.

The lasiodiplodan (LS) is a ß-(1→6)-d-glucan produced by the fungus Lasiodiplodia theobromae and some of the biological activities of LS were reported as hypoglycemic, anticoagulant, anti-proliferative and anticancer action; however, its effects on DNA instability and modulation of gene expression are still unclear. Aims of study were investigate the genotoxic effects of lasiodiplodan, and its protective activity against DNA damage induced by doxorubicin (DXR) and its impact on the expression of genes associated with DNA damage and inflammatory response pathways. Therefore, Wistar rats were treated (15 days) orally with LS (5.0; 10 and 20mg/kg bw) alone and in combination with DXR (15mg/kg bw; administrated intraperitoneally on 14th day) as well as their respective controls: distilled water and DXR. Monitoring of DNA damage was assessed by comet and micronucleus (MN) assays and gene expression was evaluated by PCR-Arrays. Treatments with LS alone did not induce disturbances on DNA; when LS was given in combination with DXR, comet and MN formations were reduced to those found in the respective controls. Moreover, LS was able to reduce the disturbances on gene expressions induced by DXR treatment, since the animals that receive LS associated with DXR showed no alteration in the expression of genes related to DNA damage response. Also, DXR induced several up- and down-regulation of several genes associated to inflammatory process, while the animals that received LS+DXR had their gene expression patterns similar to those found in the control group. In conclusion, our results showed that LS did not induce disturbances on DNA stability and significantly reduce the DNA damage and inflammation caused by DXR exposure. In addition, we give further information concerning the molecular mechanisms associated to LS protective effects which seems to be a promising nutraceutical with chemopreventive potential.

Hypoxia acclimation and subsequent reoxygenation partially prevent Mn-induced damage in silver catfish.

This study investigated if hypoxia acclimation modifies the hematological and oxidative profiles in tissues of Mn-exposed silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen), and if such modifications persist upon subsequent reoxygenation. Silver catfish acclimated to hypoxia (~3mgL-1) for 10days and subsequently exposed to Mn (~8.1mgL-1) for additional 10days exhibited lower Mn accumulation in plasma, liver and kidney, even after reoxygenation, as compared to normoxia-acclimated fish. Hypoxia acclimation increased per se red blood cells count and hematocrit, suggesting adaptations under hypoxia, while the reoxygenation process was also related to increased hematocrit and hemoglobin per se. Fish exposed to Mn under normoxia for 20days showed decreased red blood cells count and hematocrit, while reoxygenation subsequent to hypoxia increased red blood cells count. Hypoxia acclimation also prevented Mn-induced oxidative damage, observed by increased reactive species generation and higher protein carbonyl levels in both liver and kidney under normoxia. Mn-exposed fish under hypoxia and after reoxygenation showed decreased plasma transaminases in relation to the normoxia group. Moreover, acclimation to hypoxia increased reduced glutathione levels, catalase activity and Na+/K+-ATPase activity in liver and kidney during Mn exposure, remaining increased even after reoxygenation. These findings show that previous acclimation to hypoxia generates physiological adjustments, which drive coordinated responses that ameliorate the antioxidant status even after reoxygenation. Such responses represent a physiological regulation of this teleost fish against oxygen restriction and/or Mn toxicity in order to preserve the stability of a particular tissue or system.

Oxidative stress parameters in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) juveniles infected with Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and maintained at different levels of water pH.

The aim of this study was to determine oxidative stress parameters in the liver, gill and muscle of silver catfish juveniles infected with Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and maintained at pH 5.0 or 7.0 for three days. Juveniles were infected by adding one I. multifiliis-infected juvenile and water containing theronts to tanks. After the appearance of white spots on the skin, infected juveniles exposed to pH 5.0 and 7.0 showed significantly higher thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels in the liver and gills compared to uninfected juveniles. Liver of infected juveniles exposed to pH 7.0 showed higher catalase (CAT) and lower glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities, but those maintained at pH 5.0 showed significantly higher GST activity than uninfected juveniles. The gills of infected juveniles showed significantly higher CAT (day two) and GST activity at both pH 5.0 and 7.0 compared to uninfected juveniles. Muscle of infected juveniles showed significantly lower CAT and GST activity and TBARS levels (at day three) when maintained at both pH 5.0 and 7.0 compared to uninfected juveniles. In conclusion, I. multifiliis infection induces liver and gill damage via lipid peroxidation products in silver catfish, but higher antioxidant enzyme activity could indicate a greater degree of protection against this parasite.

Análise dos componentes da síndrome metabólica antes e após a suplementação dietética com farinha da casca do maracujá, em pacientes diabéticos / Analysis of components of metabolic syndrome before and after dietary supplementation with flour passion fruit peel in diabetic patients

A Síndrome Metabólica (SM) é caracterizada pela reunião de vários fatores de risco para doenças cardiovasculares (DCV): obesidade central (OC), hipertrigliceridemia, hipercolesterolemia e hipertensão arterial. Tendo conhecimento de que, além da terapia medicamentosa atual, o uso de fibras dietéticas tem demonstrado ser uma alternativa na redução dos fatores de riscos para as DCV. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar o efeito da farinha da casca do maracujá amarelo (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa Deg.) rica em fibra solúvel nos componentes da SM. Foi realizado ensaio clínico de fase II com 43 voluntários com idade entre 57 e 73 anos, de ambos os gêneros. Durante 60 dias, os participantes diariamente fizeram uso de 30 g do produto estudado e em todos eles foras determinados antes e após a suplementação com a farinha: glicose, hemoglobina glicada, frações lipídicas, além da antropometria e pressão arterial. Após a suplementação, existiu uma diferença significante (p,0,05) nos valores de OC, pressão arterial, glicose, hemoglobina glicada e triglicerídeos. Em relação ao colesterol total e LDL-c, não foram observadasa alterações estatisticamente significantes, enquanto o HDL-c apresentou aumento em suas concentrações de maneira significativa. Os resultados mostraram que a suplementação utilizada exerceu efeito positivo na maioria dos componentes da SM, sugerindo seu uso como terapia complementar dos tratamentos convencionais.

miRNApath: a database of miRNAs, target genes and metabolic pathways.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate target gene expression and hence play important roles in metabolic pathways. Recent studies have evidenced the interrelation of miRNAs with cell proliferation, differentiation, development, and diseases. Since they are involved in gene regulation, they are intrinsically related to metabolic pathways. This leads to questions that are particularly interesting for investigating medical and laboratorial applications. We developed an miRNApath online database that uses miRNA target genes to link miRNAs to metabolic pathways. Currently, databases about miRNA target genes (DIANA miRGen), genomic maps (miRNAMap) and sequences (miRBase) do not provide such correlations. Additionally, miRNApath offers five search services and a download area. For each search, there is a specific type of input, which can be a list of target genes, miRNAs, or metabolic pathways, which results in different views, depending upon the input data, concerning relationships between the target genes, miRNAs and metabolic pathways. There are also internal links that lead to a deeper analysis and cross-links to other databases with more detailed information. miRNApath is being continually updated and is available at http://lgmb.fmrp.usp.br/mirnapath.

Repeated-batch xylitol bioproduction using yeast cells entrapped in polyvinyl alcohol-hydrogel.

Xylose-to-xylitol conversion was investigated in a bench-scale bioreactor using Candida guilliermondii cells entrapped within polyvinyl alcohol-hydrogel beads in a system operated in repeated-batch mode with cell recycling. Yeast-viable cells were immobilized in the support using the freezing-thawing method. Bioconversion assays were performed in a stirred tank reactor operated at 400-rpm agitation speed, 30 degrees C temperature, and 1.04-vvm air flow rate. The system was explored during six successive cycles, and a small decrease in the conversion performance in the fifth cycle was observed, but the biocatalytic activity of the microorganism was recovered in the sixth cycle after washing the particles. During the process, the hydrogel beads maintained their shape and size without appreciable deterioration. Xylitol production, yield factor, and volumetric productivity increased with progressive recycling of cells and achieved their maximum values (P(F) = 39.7 g l(-1); Y(P/S) = 0.77 g g(-1); Q(P) = 0.53 g l(-1) h(-1), respectively) after the third cell recycling, probably because of cells' adaptation to the medium.

miRNApath: a database of miRNAs, target genes and metabolic pathways

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate target gene expression and hence play important roles in metabolic pathways. Recent studies have evidenced the interrelation of miRNAs with cell proliferation, differentiation, development, and diseases. Since they are involved in gene regulation, they are intrinsically related to metabolic pathways. This leads to questions that are particularly interesting for investigating medical and laboratorial applications. We developed an miRNApath online database that uses miRNA target genes to link miRNAs to metabolic pathways. Currently, databases about miRNA target genes (DIANA miRGen), genomic maps (miRNAMap) and sequences (miRBase) do not provide such correlations. Additionally, miRNApath offers five search services and a download area. For each search, there is a specific type of input, which can be a list of target genes, miRNAs, or metabolic pathways, which results in different views, depending upon the input data, concerning relationships between the target genes, miRNAs and metabolic pathways. There are also internal links that lead to a deeper analysis and cross-links to other databases with more detailed information. miRNApath is being continually updated and is available at http://lgmb.fmrp.usp.br/mirnapath.

Potassium and sodium intake and excretion in calcium stone forming patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine mean potassium (K) intake and its correlation with urinary calcium (uCa) and citrate excretion, as well as uCa, sodium (Na), and K levels of calcium stone forming patients. We determined the K-rich foods most commonly consumed by these patients. DESIGN: Case-control. SETTING: University-affiliated outpatient renal Lithiasis Unit. PATIENTS AND CONTROLS: One hundred hypercalciuric calcium stone forming patients (CSF, 54 men/46 women), 37 with associated hypocitraturia, were sequentially enrolled in the study that was performed before the initiation of any care for their renal stones. The control group consisted of 100 age-matched healthy subjects (HS, 47 men/53 women) who were laboratory employees with no history of renal stones. INTERVENTION: The analyses consisted of a 3-day dietary record to determine the mean K and calcium (Ca) intakes, and a 24-hour urine sample with measurements of K, Ca, Na, and citrate. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: K and Na intake determined by dietary record. RESULTS: uCa and Na levels and the Na/K ratio were significantly higher for CSF versus HS (238 +/- 118 v 148 +/- 74 mg/24 hours, 238 +/- 100 v 181 +/- 68 mEq/24 hours, 6.6 +/- 3.5 v 5.1 +/- 2.3, respectively, P < .05). The mean citrate excretion was lower in CSF than in HS patients (410 +/- 265 v 530 +/- 240 mg/24 hours). Mean uCa did not differ between groups. CSF patients showed a higher sodium chloride intake compared with HS (14 +/- 4 vs 8 +/- 3 g/day). The mean Ca intake of CSF and HS were 559 +/- 327 and 457 +/- 363 mg/day, respectively. The mean K intake of CSF and HS were 58 +/- 17 and 51 +/- 27 mEq/day. A positive correlation was observed between uCa and urinary sodium (r = .40 and r = .65, P < .05), urinary potassium and urinary citrate (r = .25 and r = .53, P < .05), uCa and Na/K (r = .33 and r = .56, P < .05) respectively for CSF and HS. The following were the K-rich foods consumed at least once a day by these groups: beans (by 70% of CSF and 75% of HS), tomatoes (by 42% of CSF and 50% of HS), oranges (by 30% of CSF and 55% of HS), and bananas (by 42% of CSF and 23% of HS). CONCLUSION: Despite the consumption of K-rich foods at least once a day, the mean K intake by CSF patients was 58 mEq/day. This intake can still be considered to be low, although it meets recommended daily dietary allowance requirements. Therefore, we describe herein a population of CSF with high-Na intake and normal- to low-K intake, which may contribute to stone formation.

Successful reversal of pulmonary hypertension in Eisenmenger complex.

We present a case of a 19-year old female with systemic pulmonary artery (PA) pressure due to a congenital ventricular septal defect (VSD) and atrial septal defect (ASD). She was pink at rest and cyanotic on exercise. Lung biopsy revealed grade IV pulmonary vascular changes. As a preliminary step PA was banded to increase right-to-left shunt and decrease aortic (Ao) saturation with consequent decrease in PA saturation. After one year, when she was no longer cyanotic, even on exercise, lung biopsy revealed total regression of pulmonary vascular changes. As a definitive procedure VSD and ASD were closed and PA was debanded. Cardiac catheterization one week postoperatively showed PA pressure to be 50% of systemic pressure. We postulate that reversal of pulmonary vascular changes were due to lowered PA saturation. We further believe that lower PA pressure could have contributed to this regression of pulmonary vascular changes. We performed the same procedure in six more patients with similar positive clinical response. This new concept brings renewed hope to many children who otherwise are candidates for heart lung transplantation.

Partial left ventriculectomy to improve left ventricular function in end-stage heart disease.

We present a case of a 34-year-old male with dilated cardiomyopathy in whom we performed a new surgical procedure; i.e., ventricular volume reduction to improve function. This initial human experience was preceded by a series of ten sheep in which we demonstrated that by enlarging the left ventricle (LV), the ejection fraction was reduced, and by restoring normal diameter, the LV function returned to normal.

The use of a mixture of somatic and culture filtrate antigens in the evaluation of the immune response to Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.

Three Paracoccidioides brasiliensis antigens, namely a culture filtrate preparation, a somatic antigen and a mixture of equal parts of the two, were tested by two serological techniques against sera from patients with paracoccidioidomycosis, and in an in vivo delayed hypersensitivity model in mice. The antigen mixture was more sensitive than the two individual antigens for the evaluation of the humoral and cellular immune response to P. brasiliensis, both in man and in experimental animals.

Induçäo da anestesia pelo método quantitativo: estudo comparativo com enflurano, halotano e esoflurano / Quantitative anesthesia induction: a comparative study with enflurane, halothane and isoflurane

Neste estudo clínico o enflurano, isoflurano e o halotano foram usados como agentes de induçäo através do método quantitativo de anestesia. Participaram do estudo 60 pacientes adultos, de ambos os sexos (20 em cada grupo), estado físico I ou II (ASA), sem doença cardiopulmmonar, e escalados para diferentes tipos de cirurgia. Diazepam foi usado como medicaçäo pré-anestésica em todos os casos, por via oral, na dose de 0,2 a 0,4 mg.Kg-1. As pressöes arteriais sistólica e diastólica, a freqüência cardíaca, bem como o relaxamento muscular foram os parâmetros básicos de avaliaçäo da facilidade ou näo da intubaçäo orotraqueal. Ao mesmo tempo foram medidos os volumes gastos de anestésicos, bem como o fluxo de oxigênio administrado por um período mínimo de 3 min, pequena dose de tiopental sódico, seguida de dose paralisante de relaxante muscular, precediam o fechamento do sistema de inalaçäo; após a dose inicial (priming), duas outras doses foram injetadas no ramo expiratório do sistema de inalaçäo nos minutos 1 e 4. A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 36,7 ñ 10,8 anos no grupo do enflurano, 41,5 ñ 9,9 anos no grupo do isoflurano, 41,5 ñ 9,9 anos no grupo do isoflurano e 40,6 ñ 10,6 anos no grupo do halotano. A dose média de diazepam foi de 0,22 ñ 0,09mg.Kg-1 no grupo do enflurano, 0,25 ñ 0,10 mg.Kg-1 no grupo do isoflurano e 0,23 ñ 0,07 mg.Kg-1 no grupo do halotano. A dose média de tiopental sódico para a hipnose dos pacientes foi de 1,35 ñ 0,15 mg.Kg-1 no grupo do enflurano, 1,4 ñ 0,11 mg.Kg-1 no grupo do halotano. O brometo de pancurônio foi usado nas quantidades de 0,086 ñ 0,005 mg. Kg-1 0,079 ñ 0,007 mg.Kg-1 e 0,08 ñ 0,006 mg.Kg-1 respectivamente nos grupos do enflurano, isoflurano e halotano. O fluxo médio de oxigênio empregado foi cerca de 260,0 ñ 38,3 ml.min-1 no grupo do isoflurano e 250,0 ñ 53,8 ml.min-1 no grupo do halotano...

Induçäo da anestesia com enflurano pelo método quantitativo / Anesthesia induction with enflurane by quantitative method

Apresenta-se um estudo clínico com o enflurano como agente de induçäo de anestesia através do método quantitativo. Para a realizaçäo do estudo foram empregados 21 pacientes de ambos os sexos e sem doença cardiorrespiratória, escalados para diferentes tipos de cirurgia. A medicaçäo pré-anestésica constou apenas de benzodiazepínicos por via oral. As variaçöes das pressöes arteriais sistólica e diastólica o grau de relaxamento muscular serviram como parâmetros básicos para classificar a intubaçäo orotraqueal em excelente, boa ou má. Pequena dose de tiopental sódico precedia o fechamento do sistema de inalaçäo e apenas 3 doses de enflurano foram empregadas em cada caso e injetadas no ramo expiratório do sistema aos tempos 0, 1 e 4 min. A média de idade foi de 37,7 + ou - 11,5 anos; o peso médio de 57,2 + ou - 11,3 kg. A dose média de tiopental foi de 1,3 + ou - 0,13 mg.kg-1; a dose média do brometo de pancurônio foi de 0,083 + ou - 0,008 mg.kg-1. O volume médio de enflurano foi da ordem de 3,69 + ou - 0,64 ml. As condiçöes da intubaçäo orotraqueal foram consideradas excelentes em 16 pacientes e boas em apenas cinco. A amnésia foi completa em todos os doentes, os quais näo se oporiam a receber a mesma técnica de anestesia. Concluiu-se que o enflurano é um bom agente de induçäo pelo método quantitativo e que a simplicidade da técnica unida à rapidez com que o profundidade anestésica é obtida poderäo proporcionar uma induçäo suave para os pacientes