Old Methods, New Insights: Reviewing Concepts on the Ecology of Trypanosomatids and Bodo sp. by Improving Conventional Diagnostic Tools.

Mixed infections by different Trypanosoma species or genotypes are a common and puzzling phenomenon. Therefore, it is critical to refine the diagnostic techniques and to understand to what extent these methods detect trypanosomes. We aimed to develop an accessible strategy to enhance the sensitivity of the hemoculture, as well as to understand the limitations of the hemoculture and the blood clot as a source of parasitic DNA. We investigated trypanosomatid infections in 472 bats by molecular characterization (18S rDNA gene) of the DNA obtained from the blood clot and, innovatively, from three hemoculture sample types: the amplified flagellates ("isolate"), the pellet of the culture harvested in its very initial growth stage ("first aliquot"), and the pellet of non-grown cultures with failure of amplification ("sediment"). We compared (a) the characterization of the flagellates obtained by first aliquots and isolates; and (b) the performance of the hemoculture and blood clot for trypanosomatid detection. We observed: (i) a putative new species of Bodo in Artibeus lituratus; (ii) the potential of Trypanosoma cruzi selection in the hemoculture; (iii) that the first aliquots and sediments overcome the selective pressure of the hemoculture; and (iv) that the blood clot technique performs better than the hemoculture. However, combining these methods enhances the detection of single and mixed infections.

Trypanosomatid Richness Among Rats, Opossums, and Dogs in the Caatinga Biome, Northeast Brazil, a Former Endemic Area of Chagas Disease.

Parasites are important components of the immense n-dimensional trophic network that connects all living beings because they, among others, forge biodiversity and deeply influence ecological evolution and host behavior. In this sense, the influence of Trypanosomatidae remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine trypanosomatid infection and richness in rats, opossums, and dogs in the semiarid Caatinga biome. We submitted DNA samples from trypanosomatids obtained through axenic cultures of the blood of these mammals to mini exon multiplex-PCR, Sanger, and next-generation sequencing targeting the 18S rDNA gene. Phylogenetic analyses were performed to identify genetic diversity in the Trypanosomatidae family. Shannon, Simpson, equability, and beta-diversity indices were calculated per location and per mammalian host. Dogs were surveyed for trypanosomatid infection through hemocultures and serological assays. The examined mammal species of this area of the Caatinga biome exhibited an enormous trypanosomatid species/genotypes richness. Ten denoised Operational Taxonomic Units (ZOTUs), including three species (Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma rangeli and Crithidia mellificae) and one Trypanosoma sp. five genotypes/lineages (T. cruzi DTU TcI, TcII, and TcIV; T. rangeli A and B) and four DTU TcI haplotypes (ZOTU1, ZOTU2, ZOTU5, and ZOTU10 merged), as well as 13 Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs), including five species (T. cruzi, T. rangeli, C. mellificae, Trypanosoma dionisii, and Trypanosoma lainsoni), five genotypes/lineages (same as the ZOTUs) and six DTU TcI haplotypes (ASV, ASV1, ASV2, ASV3, ASV5 and ASV13), were identified in single and mixed infections. We observed that trypanosomatids present a broad host spectrum given that species related to a single host are found in other mammals from different taxa. Concomitant infections between trypanosomatids and new host-parasite relationships have been reported, and this immense diversity in mammals raised questions, such as how this can influence the course of the infection in these animals and its transmissibility. Dogs demonstrated a high infection rate by T. cruzi as observed by positive serological results (92% in 2005 and 76% in 2007). The absence of positive parasitological tests confirmed their poor infectivity potential but their importance as sentinel hosts of T. cruzi transmission.

Trypanosoma Species in Small Nonflying Mammals in an Area With a Single Previous Chagas Disease Case.

Trypanosomatids are hemoflagellate parasites that even though they have been increasingly studied, many aspects of their biology and taxonomy remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the Trypanosoma sp. transmission cycle in nonflying small mammals in an area where a case of acute Chagas disease occurred in Mangaratiba municipality, Rio de Janeiro state. Three expeditions were conducted in the area: the first in 2012, soon after the human case, and two others in 2015. Sylvatic mammals were captured and submitted to blood collection for trypanosomatid parasitological and serological exams. Dogs from the surrounding areas where the sylvatic mammals were captured were also tested for T. cruzi infection. DNA samples were extracted from blood clots and positive hemocultures, submitted to polymerase chain reaction targeting SSU rDNA and gGAPDH genes, sequenced and phylogenetic analysed. Twenty-one wild mammals were captured in 2012, mainly rodents, and 17 mammals, mainly marsupials, were captured in the two expeditions conducted in 2015. Only four rodents demonstrated borderline serological T. cruzi test (IFAT), two in 2012 and two in 2015. Trypanosoma janseni was the main Trypanosoma species identified, and isolates were obtained solely from Didelphis aurita. In addition to biological differences, molecular differences are suggestive of genetic diversity in this flagellate species. Trypanosoma sp. DID was identified in blood clots from D. aurita in single and mixed infections with T. janseni. Concerning dogs, 12 presented mostly borderline serological titers for T. cruzi and no positive hemoculture. In blood clots from 11 dogs, T. cruzi DNA was detected and characterized as TcI (n = 9) or TcII (n = 2). Infections by Trypanosoma rangeli lineage E (n = 2) and, for the first time, Trypanosoma caninum, Trypanosoma dionisii, and Crithidia mellificae (n = 1 each) were also detected in dogs. We concluded that despite the low mammalian species richness and degraded environment, a high Trypanosoma species richness species was being transmitted with the predominance of T. janseni and not T. cruzi, as would be expected in a locality of an acute case of Chagas disease.

Trypanosomatid Richness in Wild and Synanthropic Small Mammals from a Biological Station in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Trypanosomatids are diverse and can infect several host species, including small mammals (rodents and marsupials). Between 2012 and 2014, 91 small mammals were surveyed for trypanosomatid infection in the Estação Biológica FIOCRUZ Mata Atlântica (EFMA), an Atlantic Forest area in Rio de Janeiro that presents different levels of conserved and degraded areas. Blood, skin, liver, and spleen samples were submitted to parasitological, serological, and molecular assays to detect the infection and determine the taxonomic status of their parasites. Sixty-eight individuals (74.7%; n = 91) were infected by trypanosomatids, including fourteen mixed infected by different trypanosomatid parasites. These hosts were infected by: T. cruzi DTU TcI (n = 12), T. cruzi DTU TcIV (n = 2), T. janseni (n = 15), T. dionisii (n = 1), and T. rangeli A (n = 1) detected in blood or tissue cultures, in addition to T. cruzi DTU TcI (n = 9) and Leishmania sp. (n = 1) only by the molecular diagnosis. Serological diagnosis was positive in 38 (71.6%) individuals for T. cruzi, the same amount for Leishmania spp., and 23 (43.3%) individuals were mixed infected. These data indicate a remarkable richness of trypanosomatid species/genotypes infecting small mammals, even in a disturbed area with low mammal species diversity-as is the case of the EFMA-reinforcing the generalist aspect of these parasites.

Trypanosoma rangeli Genetic, Mammalian Hosts, and Geographical Diversity from Five Brazilian Biomes.

Trypanosoma rangeli is a generalist hemoflagellate that infects mammals and is transmitted by triatomines around Latin America. Due to its high genetic diversity, it can be classified into two to five lineages. In Brazil, its distribution outside the Amazon region is virtually unknown, and knowledge on the ecology of its lineages and on host species diversity requires further investigation. Here, we analyzed 57 T. rangeli samples obtained from hemocultures and blood clots of 1392 mammals captured in different Brazilian biomes. The samples were subjected to small subunit (SSU) rDNA amplification and sequencing to confirm T. rangeli infection. Phylogenetic inferences and haplotype networks were reconstructed to classify T. rangeli lineages and to infer the genetic diversity of the samples. The results obtained in our study highlighted both the mammalian host range and distribution of T. rangeli in Brazil: infection was observed in five new species (Procyon cancrivorous, Priodontes maximum, Alouatta belzebul, Sapajus libidinosus, and Trinomys dimidiatus), and transmission was observed in the Caatinga biome. The coati (Nasua nasua) and capuchin monkey (S. libidinosus) are the key hosts of T. rangeli. We identified all four T. rangeli lineages previously reported in Brazil (A, B, D, and E) and possibly two new genotypes.

Crithidia mellificae infection in different mammalian species in Brazil.

Crithidia mellificae, a monoxenous trypanosomatid considered restricted to insects, was recently reported to infect a bat. Herein, C. mellificae has been demonstrated to have a wider range of vertebrate hosts and distribution in Brazilian biomes than once thought. Parasites isolated from haemocultures were characterized using V7V8 SSU rDNA and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase genes. Coatis (Nasua nasua) in the Cerrado; marmosets (Callithrix sp.) and bats (Carollia perspicillata, Myotis lavali, M. izecksohni, Artibeus lituratus) in the Atlantic Forest; crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) and ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) in the Pantanal biomes were infected by trypanosomatids that displayed choanomastigote forms in haemoculture in Giemsa-stained slide smears. Molecular characterization and phylogenetic inference confirmed the infection of C. mellificae in these animals. Moreover, slight differences in C. mellificae sequences were observed. Crithidia mellificae growth curves were counted at 27°C, 36°C and 37°C, and the morphotypes were able to grow and survive for up to 16 days. Serological titers for C. mellificae were observed in nonhuman primates, demonstrating that this parasite is able to induce a humoral immune response in an infected mammal. These results showed that host specificity in trypanosomatids is complex and far from understood.

Bioactive stability of microalgal protein hydrolysates under food processing and storage conditions.

The stability of antioxidant protein hydrolysates from Spirulina sp. LEB 18 was evaluated under food processing conditions and after in vitro digestion. Protein hydrolysates with degrees of hydrolysis of 50.6% and 60% were obtained after 90 and 120 min of reaction, respectively, with Protemax 580 L. The results indicated that the antioxidant activity of protein hydrolysates was maintained following application of heat treatment (- 18 °C, 63 °C, and 100 °C). Moreover, the ability of protein hydrolysates to inhibit the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical was increased by nearly 25% upon exposure to acidified media (pH 4 and pH 6). In general terms, the protein hydrolysates were bioavailable after digestion with pepsin and pancreatin. This study supports the incorporation of bioactive peptides from microalgae into functional foods by demonstrating the maintenance of their biological activities in the face of food processing conditions and gastrointestinal digestion.

Isolation and characterization of trypanosomatids, including Crithidia mellificae, in bats from the Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

We studied infection by Trypanosomatidae in bats captured in two areas with different degradation levels in the Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro state: Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu (REGUA) and Estação Fiocruz Mata Atlântica (EFMA). Furthermore, we evaluated whether the diversity of trypanosomatids changes according to bat diversity and the different levels of preservation in the region. The results showed no influence of the level of preservation on bat species richness (15 and 14 species, respectively), with similar chiropterofauna and higher abundance of two common fruit-eating bat species in the tropics: Carollia perspicillata and Artibeus lituratus. Of the 181 bat specimens analyzed by LIT/Schneider hemoculture, we detected 24 infected individuals (13%), including one positive Sturnira lilium individual that was also positive by fresh blood examination. Molecular characterization using nested PCR targeting the 18 SSU rRNA-encoding gene fragment showed similar trypanosomatid infection rates in bats from the two areas: 15% in REGUA and 11% in EFMA (p = 0.46). Trypanosoma dionisii was the most frequently detected parasite (54%), followed by T. cruzi DTUs TcI and TcIV and Trypanosoma sp., in Neotropical phyllostomid bats (RNMO63 and RNMO56); mixed infections by T. dionisii/T. cruzi TcIII and T. dionisii/T. cruzi TcI were also observed. The T. cruzi DTUs TcI and TcIV are the genotypes currently involved in cases of acute Chagas disease in Brazil, and T. dionisii was recently found in the heart tissue of an infected child. Surprisingly, we also describe for the first time Crithidia mellificae, a putative monoxenous parasite from insects, infecting a vertebrate host in the Americas. Bats from the Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro state harbor a great diversity of trypanosomatids, maintaining trypanosomatid diversity in this sylvatic environment.

Trypanosoma sp. diversity in Amazonian bats (Chiroptera; Mammalia) from Acre State, Brazil.

Bats are ancient hosts of Trypanosoma species and their flying ability, longevity and adaptability to distinct environments indicate that they are efficient dispersers of parasites. Bats from Acre state (Amazon Biome) were collected in four expeditions conducted in an urban forest (Parque Zoobotânico) and one relatively more preserved area (Seringal Cahoeira) in Rio Branco and Xapuri municipalities. Trypanosoma sp. infection was detected by hemoculture and fresh blood examination. Isolated parasite species were identified by the similarity of the obtained DNA sequence from 18S rDNA polymerase chain reaction and reference strains. Overall, 367 bats from 23 genera and 32 species were examined. Chiropterofauna composition was specific to each municipality, although Artibeus sp. and Carollia sp. prevailed throughout. Trypanosoma sp. infection was detected in 85 bats (23·2%). The most widely distributed and prevalent genotypes were (in order) Trypanosoma cruzi TcI, T. cruzi marinkellei, Trypanosoma dionisii, T. cruzi TcIV and Trypanosoma rangeli. At least one still-undescribed Trypanosoma species was also detected in this study. The detection of T. cruzi TcI and TcIV (the ones associated with Chagas disease in Amazon biome) demonstrates the putative importance of these mammal hosts in the epidemiology of the disease in the Acre State.

High Trypanosoma spp. diversity is maintained by bats and triatomines in Espírito Santo state, Brazil.

The aim of this study was to reevaluate the ecology of an area in the Atlantic Forest, southeast Brazil, where Chagas disease (CD) has been found to occur. In a previous study, immediately after the occurrence of a CD case, we did not observe any sylvatic small mammals or dogs with Trypanosoma cruzi cruzi infections, but Triatoma vitticeps presented high T. c. cruzi infection rates. In this study, we investigated bats together with non-volant mammals, dogs, and triatomines to explore other possible T. c. cruzi reservoirs/hosts in the area. Seventy-three non-volant mammals and 186 bats were captured at three sites within the Guarapari municipality, Espírito Santo state. Rio da Prata and Amarelos sites exhibited greater richness in terms of non-volant mammals and bats species, respectively. The marsupial Metachirus nudicaudatus, the rodent Trinomys paratus, and the bats Artibeus lituratus and Carollia perspicillata were the most frequently captured species. As determined by positive hemocultures, only two non-volant mammals were found to be infected by Trypanosoma species: Monodelphis americana, which was infected by T. cascavelli, T. dionisii and Trypanosoma sp., and Callithrix geoffroyi, which was infected by T. minasense. Bats presented T. c. cruzi TcI and TcIII/V, T. c. marinkellei, T. dionisii, T. rangeli B and D, and Trypanosoma sp. infections. Seven dogs were infected with T. cruzi based only on serological exams. The triatomines T. vitticeps and Panstrongylus geniculatus were found to be infected by trypanosomes via microscopy. According to molecular characterization, T. vitticeps specimens were infected with T. c. cruzi TcI, TcII, TcIII/V, and TcIV, T. c. marinkellei and T. dionisii. We observed high trypanosome diversity in a small and fragmented region of the Atlantic Forest. This diversity was primarily maintained by bats and T. vitticeps. Our findings show that the host specificity of the Trypanosoma genus should be thoroughly reviewed. In addition, our data show that CD cases can occur without an enzootic cycle near residential areas.

Development of Bioactive Nanopeptide of Microalgal Origin.

The objective of this work was to produce nanoparticles containing bioactive peptides obtained by the enzymatic hydrolysis reaction of microalgal biomass. The hydrolysates were purified by vacuum filtration with membranes of different sizes and by vertical column membranes. After each step, an antioxidant activity test was conducted. The nanoparticles were developed by nanoatomization, with the size and morphology of the particles analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The microalgae hydrolysates showed high antioxidant activity compared to non-hydrolyzed biomass. The nanoatomization of bioactive peptides caused no significant reduction in antioxidant activity, with maximum reductions of 15.0 and 17.4% by DPPH assay and 2.5 and 3.8% determined by reducing power assay for Spirulina LEB 18 and Chlorella pyrenoidosa, respectively, with no reduction in the ABTS values. Nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 14­18 nm and 72­108 were obtained for the Spirulina and Chlorella hydrolysates, respectively.

Conceito e classificação de lesão por pressão: atualização do National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel / Concepto y clasificación de lesión por presión: actualización del national pressure ulcer advisory panel / Concept and rating of pressure injury: update of the national pressure ulcer advisory panel

Apresentar na língua portuguesa a terminologia, conceito e descrição dos estágios da lesão por pressão estabelecidos pelo National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel em 2016. Método: estudo descritivo, reflexivo do tipo ensaio teórico. Para nortear este estudo foi utilizado como matriz o resultado do consenso realizado pelo órgão americano em 2016. Resultado: o termo úlcera por pressão passou a ser denominado lesão por pressão, o conceito e a descrição dos estágios da lesão foram alterados. São apresentados detalhamentos das lesões classificadas em Estágio 1: Pele íntegra com eritema não branqueável; Estágio 2: Perda de espessura parcial da pele com exposição da derme; Estágio 3: Perda total da espessura da pele; Estágio 4: Perda total da espessura da pele e perda tissular; Lesão por Pressão não Estadiável: Perda da pele em sua espessura total e perda tissular não visível; e Lesão por Pressão Tissular Profunda: descoloração vermelho escura, marrom ou púrpura, persistente e que não embranquece. Descreve ainda as definições adicionais: Lesão por Pressão relacionada a Dispositivos Médicos e Lesão por Pressão em Membrana Mucosa. Conclusão: o National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel ampliou o conceito e acrescentou novas apresentações da lesão por pressão, informações que podem descrever melhor o comportamento de tais lesões...

To present in Portuguese the terminology, concept and description of the stages of pressure injury as classified by NPUAP in 2016. Method: a descriptive study and theoretical, reflexive analysis. As a guide, this study relied on the results of the consensus established by NPUAP in 2016. Result: the expression pressure ulcer was altered to pressure injury, the concept and the description of the stages of injury were changed as well.The details of injuries are presented as follows Stage 1 Non-blanchable erythema of intact skin; Stage 2 Partial-thickness skin loss with exposed dermis; Stage 3: Full thickness skin loss: Stage 4: Full-thickness skin and tissue loss; Unstageable Pressure Injury: Obscured full-thickness skin and tissue loss; and Deep Tissue Pressure Injury: Persistent non-blanchable deep red, maroon or purple discoloration. It also describes the additional settings: Medical Device Related Pressure Injury and Mucosal Membrane Pressure Injury. Conclusion: the NPUAP broadened the concept and added new dimensions of pressure injury. This information can provide a better understanding of the nature of such injuriesien...

Presentar en portugués la terminologia, concepto y descripción de losestadios de las lesiones por presión clasificadas por NPUAP en 2016. Método: unestudio descriptivo y reflexivo de tipo ensayo teórico. Como guia, este estudio basó en los resultados de lo consenso establecido por la NPUAP en 2016. Resultado: la expresión úlcera de presión fue alterada para lesión de presión, lo concepto y la descripción de los estadios de la lesión también fue cambiada. Los detalles de la lesiones son así presentados: Estadio 1 Eritema no blanqueable de piel intacta; Estadio 2 Pérdida de piel de espesor parcial com dermis expuesta; Estadio 3 Pérdida de piel en todo su espesor; Estadio 4 Pérdida de piel en todo su espesor e del tejido; Lesión de Presión Inestadiables: oculta la pérdida de todo el espesor de la piel y del tejido; y Lesión de Presión Tisular Profunda: de color rojo oscura persistente y no blanqueable, decoloración marrón o púrpura . También describe definiciones adicionales: Lesión de Presión relacionada con Dispositivos Médicos y Lesión de Presión en Membrana Mucosa. Conclusión: la NPUAP ha avanzado el concepto y añadido nuevas dimensiones de lesión de presión. Esas informaciones pueden traer una mejor comprensión de la naturaleza de tales lesiones...

Nanoencapsulation of the Bioactive Compounds of Spirulina with a Microalgal Biopolymer Coating.

Microalgae have been studied in biotechnological processes due to the various biocompounds that can be obtained from their biomasses, including pigments, proteins, antioxidants, biopeptides, fatty acids and biopolymers. Microalgae biopolymers are biodegradable materials that present similar characteristics to traditional polymers, with the advantage of being rapidly degraded when discarded. In addition, nanoencapsulation is capable of increasing the availability of bioactive compounds by allowing the release of these biocompounds to occur slowly over time. The use of polymers in the nanoencapsulation of active ingredients can mask the undesired physicochemical properties of the compounds to be encapsulated, thereby enhancing consumer acceptability. This covering also acts as a barrier against several foreign substances that can react with bioactive compounds and reduce their activity. Studies of the development of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) nanocapsules from microbial sources are little explored; this review addresses the use of nanotechnology to obtain bioactive compounds coated with biopolymer nanocapsules, both obtained from Spirulina biomasses. These microalgae are Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) certified, which guarantees that the biomass can be used to obtain high added value biocompounds, which can be used in human and animal supplementation.

Infection with Trypanosoma cruzi TcII and TcI in free-ranging population of lion tamarins (Leontopithecus spp): an 11-year follow-up.

Here, we present a review of the dataset resulting from the 11-years follow-up of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in free-ranging populations of Leontopithecus rosalia (golden lion tamarin) and Leontopithecus chrysomelas (golden-headed lion tamarin) from distinct forest fragments in Atlantic Coastal Rainforest. Additionally, we present new data regarding T. cruzi infection of small mammals (rodents and marsupials) that live in the same areas as golden lion tamarins and characterisation at discrete typing unit (DTU) level of 77 of these isolates. DTU TcII was found to exclusively infect primates, while TcI infected Didelphis aurita and lion tamarins. The majority of T. cruzi isolates derived from L. rosalia were shown to be TcII (33 out 42) Nine T. cruzi isolates displayed a TcI profile. Golden-headed lion tamarins demonstrated to be excellent reservoirs of TcII, as 24 of 26 T. cruzi isolates exhibited the TcII profile. We concluded the following: (i) the transmission cycle of T. cruzi in a same host species and forest fragment is modified over time, (ii) the infectivity competence of the golden lion tamarin population fluctuates in waves that peak every other year and (iii) both golden and golden-headed lion tamarins are able to maintain long-lasting infections by TcII and TcI.

Infection with Trypanosoma cruzi TcII and TcI in free-ranging population of lion tamarins (Leontopithecus spp): an 11-year follow-up

Here, we present a review of the dataset resulting from the 11-years follow-up of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in free-ranging populations of Leontopithecus rosalia (golden lion tamarin) and Leontopithecus chrysomelas (golden-headed lion tamarin) from distinct forest fragments in Atlantic Coastal Rainforest. Additionally, we present new data regarding T. cruzi infection of small mammals (rodents and marsupials) that live in the same areas as golden lion tamarins and characterisation at discrete typing unit (DTU) level of 77 of these isolates. DTU TcII was found to exclusively infect primates, while TcI infected Didelphis aurita and lion tamarins. The majority of T. cruzi isolates derived from L. rosalia were shown to be TcII (33 out 42) Nine T. cruzi isolates displayed a TcI profile. Golden-headed lion tamarins demonstrated to be excellent reservoirs of TcII, as 24 of 26 T. cruzi isolates exhibited the TcII profile. We concluded the following: (i) the transmission cycle of T. cruzi in a same host species and forest fragment is modified over time, (ii) the infectivity competence of the golden lion tamarin population fluctuates in waves that peak every other year and (iii) both golden and golden-headed lion tamarins are able to maintain long-lasting infections by TcII and TcI.

[Epidemiological, clinical and of functional independence profile of an institutionalized elderly population]. / Perfil epidemiológico, clínico e de independência funcional de uma população idosa institucionalizada.

Descriptive and sectional study to describe socio-demographic, clinical and functional independence profile of 97 institutionalized elderly in two nursing homes of Itaúna-MG. A socio-demographic and clinical data and Independence Daily Living Activity of Katz instruments were used. It was found a predominance of elderly women (59%), mean age of 77, illiterate (55%), white (67%), single (63%), without children (68%) and 30% lived alone and had difficulty to perform daily living activities, which is the main reason for institutionalization. The majority of elderly people (72%) had cardiovascular disease; 80.4% used neuroleptics/ psychotropic drugs, only 2.1% did not use drugs and 23% were independent to perform daily living activities. These seniors require more skilled care, justified by addiction, diseases, risk of complications and medications used.

Perfil epidemiológico, clínico e de independência funcional de uma população idosa institucionalizada / Epidemiological, clinical and of functional independence profile of an institutionalized elderly population / Perfil epidemiológico, clínico e de independencia funcional de una población de ancianos institucionalizados

Estudo descritivo transversal com objetivo de descrever características sócio-demográficas, clínicas e o nível de independência funcional de 97 idosos institucionalizados nas duas instituições de longa permanência de Itaúna-MG. Utilizou-se instrumento com variáveis sócio-demográficas e clínicas, além da Escala de Independência em Atividade da Vida Diária de Katz. Observou-se predomínio de idosas (59%), média de idade de 77 anos, analfabetos (55%), brancos (67%), solteiros (63%), sem filhos (68%) e 30% que moravam sozinhos e tinham dificuldades para realizar atividades de vida diária, sendo este o motivo principal da institucionalização. A maioria dos idosos (72%) apresentava doenças cardiovasculares; 80,4% usavam neurolépticos/psicotrópicos; 2,1% não usavam medicamentos e 23% eram independentes para realizar atividades de vida diária. Estes idosos demandam cuidados mais qualificados, justificados pela dependência, patologias, riscos de complicações e medicamentos utilizados.

Descriptive and sectional study to describe socio-demographic, clinical and functional independence profile of 97 institutionalized elderly in two nursing homes of Itaúna-MG. A socio-demographic and clinical data and Independence Daily Living Activity of Katz instruments were used. It was found a predominance of elderly women (59%), mean age of 77, illiterate (55%), white (67%), single (63%), without children (68%) and 30% lived alone and had difficulty to perform daily living activities, which is the main reason for institutionalization. The majority of elderly people (72%) had cardiovascular disease; 80.4% used neuroleptics/ psychotropic drugs, only 2.1% did not use drugs and 23% were independent to perform daily living activities. These seniors require more skilled care, justified by addiction, diseases, risk of complications and medications used.

Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, para describir perfil socio-demográfico, clínico y de independencia funcional de 97 ancianos institucionalizados en dos residencias de ancianos de Itaúna, Minas Gerais. Fueron utilizados instrumentos con dados socio-demográficos y clínicos y de Independencia en actividades de vida diaria de Katz. Se encontró un predominio de mujeres con edad avanzada (59%), media de 77 años, analfabetos (55%), blancos (67%), solo (63%) y sin hijos (68%) y 30% tenía dificultad para realizar las actividades de vida diaria, razón principal para institucionalización. La mayoría de las personas de edad avanzada (72%) tenían enfermedad cardiovascular, 80,4% utilizan neurolépticos o drogas psicotrópicas y 2,1% no usó drogas. 23% eran independientes para realizar las actividades de vida diaria. Estos adultos mayores requieren más atención especializada, justificado por la adicción, enfermedades, riesgo de complicaciones y medicamentos utilizados.

Wide proteolytic activity survey reinforces heterogeneity among Trypanosoma cruzi TCI and TCII wild populations.

Chagas disease, caused by the flagellate protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, is characterized by considerable variation in both incidence and infection severity. This variation has been attributed to a set of complex features including the host genetic background, environmental and social factors, and the genetic heterogeneity of parasite populations. Using biochemical and molecular markers these populations can be divided into two major groups (TCI and TCII). In a previous work, our group identified cysteine and metalloprotease activities as good markers for differentiating TCI from TCII wild isolates, with a higher level of heterogeneity observed among TCII isolates. In this investigation, we applied the protease activity assay to a sample of 49 sylvatic T. cruzi isolates that had been previously assessed in terms of their Swiss mice infection patterns. Protease activity profiles were determined at pH 5.5 and 10.0 and was compared with the original host species, phylogenetic lineage, and mice infection characteristics. Substantial variability, with molecular weights ranging from 35 to 220 kDa for active proteases at pH 5.5, and of 30 to 90 kDa for active proteases at pH 10.0, was observed in gelatin substrate gels, with no phenetic separation between TCI and TCII groups or original hosts. The combinatorial expression of proteases recorded among individual isolates may account for the diverse behavior observed for parasite populations in nature.

Risco para úlcera por pressão em idosos institucionalizados / Risk for pressure ulcer in institutionalized elderly

A úlcera por pressão (UP), agravo importante encontrado na população idosainstitucionalizada, além de aumentar os gastos com os cuidados prestados, temrepercussões relevantes em suas vidas, como o aumento na morbidade e diminuição daqualidade de vida, podendo até levar à morte. Este estudo descritivo transversal ecorrelacional teve como objetivo analisar os fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de UPapresentados por idosos institucionalizados. Foi desenvolvido com 97 idosos, com 60 anosou mais, residentes em duas instituições de longa permanência para idosos (ILPI) de umacidade do interior de Minas Gerais. Para a coleta de dados foram utilizados instrumentospara identificação do idoso, com variáveis sócio-demográficas e condições clínicas; Escalade Braden; Escala de Katz; Avaliação Nutricional Subjetiva Global e avaliação do nívelsérico de albumina, que foram aplicados pela pesquisadora e por três enfermeiras treinadas.Os dados obtidos foram submetidos a análise descritiva e inferencial, utilizando os testes deKolmogorov-Smirnov, t de Student, qui-quadrado de Pearson, Teste Exato de Fisher e deMann Whitney. Buscou-se por associações entre incapacidade funcional, estado nutricionale risco para o desenvolvimento de UP, a fim de estabelecer a predição de risco. Para avaliaros fatores que contribuíram para a ocorrência de UP, utilizou-se o modelo de regressãologística tendo a ocorrência de UP como variável resposta. A maioria dos idosos era do sexofeminino (59%), com média de idade de 77 anos, analfabetos (55%), de cor ou raça branca(67%), solteiros (63%), sem filhos (68%) e provenientes de domicílio próprio (49%).Anteriormente, 30% moravam sozinhos e tinham dificuldades para realizar atividades devida diária (AVD), sendo este o motivo principal da institucionalização. Houve predomínio dedoenças cardiovasculares (72%), uso de neurolépticos ou psicotrópicos (80,4%) e antihipertensivos(57,7%). A hipertensão...

The ecology of the Trypanosoma cruzi transmission cycle: Dispersion of zymodeme 3 (Z3) in wild hosts from Brazilian biomes.

Two main genotypes in Trypanosoma cruzi subpopulations can be distinguished by PCR amplification of sequences from the mini-exon gene non-transcribed spacer, respectively, T. cruzi I (TCI) and T. cruzi II (TCII). This technique is also capable of distinguishing a third assemblage of subpopulations that do not fit in these genotypes and that remain known as zymodeme Z3 (Z3). The distribution pattern as well as the mammalian host range of this latter T. cruzi sublineage still remains unclear. Thus, the intention of our study was to increase the information regarding these aspects. The mini-exon analysis of T. cruzi isolates obtained from sylvatic animals in the Amazon Forest, Atlantic Rainforest, Caatinga and Pantanal showed that prevalence of the Z3 subpopulation in nature was low (15 out of 225 isolates, corresponding to 7%). A higher prevalence of Z3 was observed in the Caatinga (15%) and the Pantanal (12%). Infection by Z3 was observed in mammalian hosts included in Carnivora, Chiroptera, Didelphimorphia, Rodentia and Xernathra. The T. cruzi Z3 subpopulation was observed also in mixed infections (33%) with TCI (n=2) and TCII (n=3). These results demonstrate that T. cruzi Z3 displays a wider distribution and host range than formerly understood as it has been demonstrated to be able infect species included in five orders of mammalian host species dispersed through all forest strata of the four Brazilian biomes evaluated.