Caracterização físico-química e sensorial de kefir tradicional e derivados / Physicolchemical and sensorial characteristic of traditional kefir and derivatives

Avaliaram-se diferentes populações de grãos de kefir tradicional e de seus derivados, o kefir, o kefir leban e o soro de kefir, quanto às características físico-químicas e sensoriais, quando inoculados em diferentes concentrações de leite padronizado, levando-se em consideração as variáveis tempo/temperatura de incubação, maturação e filtração. A manipulação da população de grãos de kefir foi eficaz na obtenção de produtos com características físico-químicas semelhantes. O volume de leite utilizado na incubação influenciou significativamente as características dos derivados. A avaliação sensorial de antepastos elaborados a partir de kefir leban, condimentados, apresentou boa aceitabilidade.

It was evaluated different traditional kefir grain populations and their derivatives, kefir, kefir leban and kefir whey, regarding physicochemical and sensorial characteristics when inoculated into different standardized milk concentrations, with incubation time/temperature, maturation and filtration variables. The manipulation of the population of kefir grains was effective in obtaining products with similar physicochemical characteristics and the volume of milk used in the incubation significantly influenced the characteristics of derivatives. The sensory evaluation of kefir leban food formulations such as spiced hors d'oeuvre, showed good acceptability.

Atividade antibacteriana in vitro de inflorescências de Achyrocline satureioides (Lam.) DC. - Asteraceae ("macela", "marcela") sobre agentes bacterianos de interesse em alimentos / In vitro antibacterial activity of inflorescences of Achyroclines satureioides (Lam.) DC. - Asteraceae ("macela", "marcela") on bacterial agents of interest in food

Através de Testes de diluição em sistema de tubos múltiplos determinou-se in vitro, atividade antibacteriana em inflorescências de Achyrocline satureioides (Lam.) DC. - Asteraceae ("macela", "marcela"), expressa como Intensidade de Atividade de Inibição Bacteriana (IINIB/bacteriostasia) e Intensidade de Atividade de Inativação Bacteriana (IINAB/bactericidia), a partir de formas de extração etanólica (hidroalcoolaturas) e hídrica (decoctos), sobre inóculos padronizados de Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 19433), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Escherichia coli (ATCC 11229) e Salmonella enteritidis (ATCC 11076). E. faecalis apresentou a maior sensibilidade, seguido por Staphylococcus aureus, enquanto S. enteritidis e E. coli apresentaram-se mais resistentes. Dentre as formas de extração, a hidroalcoolatura apresentou capacidade de inibição e/ou inativação intensa e seletiva frente aos quatro inóculos bacterianos. Os decoctos mostraram-se completamente ineficazes frente às bactérias Gram-negativas, enquanto que as Gram-positivas apresentaram somente bacteriostasia/inibição.

Dilution test in multiple tube system was used to determine the in vitro antibacterial activity in inflorescences of Achyrocline satureioides (Lam.) DC. - Asteraceae ("macela", "marcela"), expressed as intensity of bacterial inhibition activity (IINIB/bacteriostasis) and intensity of bacterial inactivation activity (IINAB/bactericidie), from ethanol (hydroalcoholic) and water (decoction) extraction forms on standardized inocula of Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 19433), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Escherichia coli (ATCC 11229) and Salmonella enteritidis (ATCC 11076). E. faecalis had the highest sensitivity, followed by S. aureus, while S. enteritidis and E. coli were more resistant. Of the extraction forms, the hydroalcoholic one showed intense and selective inhibition and/or inactivation capacity against four bacterial inocula. Decoctions were completely ineffective against the Gram-negative bacteria, whereas Gram-positive bacteria showed only bacteriostasis/inhibition.

Diferentes condimentos vegetais: avaliação sensorial e de atividade antibacteriana em preparação alimentar com frango cozido / Different spice plants: sensorial evaluation and antibacterial activity in chicken broth

A partir da atividade antibacteriana in vitro, predeterminada em doze plantas com indicativo etnográfico condimentar, testou-se este atributo in loco no modelo caldo com frango cozido. Primeiramente, procedeu-se ao treinamento de 10 avaliadores, segundo a legislação vigente quanto ao Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido, oportunizando conhecimentos prévios sobre as plantas salsa (Petroselinum sativum), manjerona branca (Origanum X aplii), manjerona preta (Origanum majorana), manjericão (Ocimum basilicum), sálvia (Salvia officinalis), tomilho (Thymus vulgaris), anis verde (Ocimum selloi), alfavaca (Ocimum gratissimum), alho nirá (Allium tuberosum), alho poró (Allium porrum), cúrcuma (Curcuma longa) e pimenta dedo-de-moça (Capsicum baccatum). Realizou-se, através da adição individualizada desses condimentos ao caldo com frango cozido, um Teste de Aceitação tipo escala hedônica, selecionando, dentre os doze condimentos, quatro deles que se destacaram sensorialmente, a pimenta dedo-de-moça, o alho nirá, o alho poró e o tomilho. Foi feito, então, um Teste de Aceitação de concentrações denominadas pequena, média e grande destes quatro condimentos, para determinação da intensidade sensorialmente melhor aceita. As quantidades eleitas (0,5 g de pimenta dedo-de-moça, 15 g de alho nirá, 15 g de alho poró e 5 g de tomilho) foram acrescidas ao caldo com frango cozido, sendo estes desafiados frente a Escherichia coli (ATCC 11229) em concentração final de 10 UFC mL-1, limite tolerado pela legislação, tendo como grupo-controle o caldo com frango cozido sem condimentos. O crescimento bacteriano foi aferido a cada duas horas após a inoculação, até completar 24 horas de confronto, utilizando-se meio seletivo para coliformes termo-resistentes e incubação constante a 25ºC em DBO, sendo atribuídos valores arbitrários às variações logarítmicas de crescimento. Comparados ao controle, todos os tratamentos condimentados apresentaram, individualmente, atividade antibacteriana significativa, mesmo que sem significância quando comparados entre si. Contudo, em relação ao tempo de início da atividade antibacteriana, destacou-se a pimenta dedo-de-moça, enquanto que, em relação ao prolongamento dessa ação no tempo, destacou-se o alho nirá. As 12 plantas condimentares em estudo tiveram atestada a sensorialidade, sendo que as quatro plantas com destaque tiveram a atividade anti-coliforme termo-resistente comprovada in loco. Diferentes condimentos vegetais foram capazes de fornecer qualificação sensorial e sanitária em caldo com frango cozido, em condições domésticas de manuseio.

Based on the in vitro antibacterial activity predetermined for 12 spice plants with ethnographic indicator, this feature was tested in loco in the model cooked chicken broth. First, ten evaluators were trained, according to the current legislation for Free and Informed Consent, providing previous knowledge about the plants parsley (Petroselinum sativum), marjoram (Origanum X aplii and Origanum majorana), basil (Ocimum basilicum), common sage (Salvia officinalis), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), anis-like spice (Ocimum selloi), african basilicum (Ocimum gratissimum), nirá garlic (Allium tuberosum), leek (Allium porrum), turmeric (Curcuma longa) and "dedo-de-moça" chili (Capsicum baccatum). Those spices were individually added to the chicken broth to perform a Hedonic Scale-like Acceptance Test, selecting four of the twelve spices that had higher sensory acceptance, "dedo-de-moça" chili, nirá garlic, leek and thyme. A new Acceptance Test was then performed using low, medium and high concentrations of those four spices to establish the most acceptable sensory intensities. The elected quantities (0.5 g "dedo-de-moça" chili, 15 g nirá garlic, 15 g leek and 5 g thyme) were added to the chicken broth, then challenged with Escherichia coli (ATCC 11229) at a final 10 concentration of CFU/mL, the tolerated limit according to legislation. The control group was chicken broth without spices. The bacterial growth was measured at every two hours after the inoculation until 24 hours of confront were completed, using a selective medium for thermo-resistant coliforms, under constant incubation at 25ºC in DBO. Arbitrary values were assigned to the logarithmic growth variations. Compared to the control group, all the spiced treatments individually presented significant antibacterial activity, although the latter was not significant when treatments were compared with each other. However, as regards the antibacterial activity starting time, "dedo-de-moça" chili had the best results, whereas nirá garlic had the best results as regard the extension of this activity time. The 12 studied spice plants had their sensorial characteristics attested, and the four plants that had the best results had proved in loco anti-thermo-resistant coliform activity. Different spice plants were capable of providing sensory and sanitary qualification in chicken broth, under domestic conditions of manipulation.

Death switch for gene therapy: application to erythropoietin transgene expression

The effectiveness of the caspase-9-based artificial "death switch" as a safety measure for gene therapy based on the erythropoietin (Epo) hormone was tested in vitro and in vivo using the chemical inducer of dimerization, AP20187. Plasmids encoding the dimeric murine Epo, the tetracycline-controlled transactivator and inducible caspase 9 (ptet-mEpoD, ptet-tTAk and pSH1/Sn-E-Fv’-Fvls-casp9-E, respectively) were used in this study. AP20187 induced apoptosis of iCasp9-modified C2C12 myoblasts. In vivo, two groups of male C57BI/6 mice, 8-12 weeks old, were injected intramuscularly with 5 µg/50 g ptet-mEpoD and 0.5 µg/50 g ptet-tTAk. There were 20 animals in group 1 and 36 animals in group 2. Animals from group 2 were also injected with the 6 µg/50 g iCasp9 plasmid. Seventy percent of the animals showed an increase in hematocrit of more than 65 percent for more than 15 weeks. AP20187 administration significantly reduced hematocrit and plasma Epo levels in 30 percent of the animals belonging to group 2. TUNEL-positive cells were detected in the muscle of at least 50 percent of the animals treated with AP20187. Doxycycline administration was efficient in controlling Epo secretion in both groups. We conclude that inducible caspase 9 did not interfere with gene transfer, gene expression or tetracycline control and may be used as a safety mechanism for gene therapy. However, more studies are necessary to improve the efficacy of this technique, for example, the use of lentivirus vector.

Atividade antibacteriana in vitro de pimentas e pimentões (Capsicum sp. ) sobre quatro bactérias toxinfectivas alimentares / In vitro antibacterial activity of hot and sweet peppers (Capsicum sp. ) on four food toxinfective bacteria

Determinou-se in vitro a Intensidade de Atividade de Inibição Bacteriana (IINIB) e a Intensidade de Atividade de Inativação Bacteriana (IINAB), através de Testes de Diluição em Sistema de Tubos Múltiplos, de extratos de oito pimentas do gênero Capsicum, etnograficamente acessadas na região metropolitana de Porto Alegre/RS/BR, frente a inóculos bacterianos padronizados (American Type Culture Collection - ATCC), respectivamente Staphylococcus aureus (25923), Enterococcus faecalis (19433), Salmonella enteritidis (13076) e Escherichia coli (11229), em doses-desafio = 10(7) UFC mL-1. Quatro destas plantas, pimenta calabresa ("pool" Capsicum sp), pimenta-de-jardim (C.annuum), pimenta dedo-de-moça (C. baccatum) e pimenta malagueta (C. frutescens), apresentaram atividades de inibição e inativação seletivas, em ordem decrescente, para salmonela, coliforme fecal, enterococo e estafilococo. As demais, pimenta cambuci (C. baccatum) e os pimentões (C. annuum) amarelo, verde e vermelho, apresentaram nenhuma atividade. Discute-se a validade da ferramenta etnográfica na prospecção de fatores de proteção anti-bacteriana em plantas, bem como a influência da inibição/inativação na preditividade do diagnóstico bacteriológico.

The intensity of bacterial inhibition activity (IINIB) and the intensity of bacterial inactivation activity (IINAB) of extracts of eight peppers of the genus Capsicum, ethnographically located in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, were assessed in vitro through Dilution Tests in Multiple Tube Series against standardized bacterial inocula (American Type Culture Collection - ATCC), Staphylococcus aureus (25923), Enterococcus faecalis (19433), Salmonella enteritidis (13076), and Escherichia coli (11229), respectively, at challenge doses = 10(7) CFU mL-1. Four of these species, cayenne pepper (Capsicum sp pool), garden pepper (C. annuum), ají pepper (C. baccatum), and malagueta pepper (C. frutescens), had selective inhibition and inactivation activities, in decreasing order, to salmonella, fecal coliforms, enterococcus and staphylococcus. The remaining ones, cambuci pepper (C. baccatum) and yellow, green and red sweet peppers (C. annuum) had no activity. The validity of the ethnographic tool in the exploration of antibacterial protection factors from plants, as well as the influence of inhibition/inactivation in the bacteriological diagnosis predictability, is discussed.

Inibição e inativação in vitro de Salmonella spp. com extratos de plantas com indicativo etnográfico medicinal ou condimentar / In vitro inhibition and inactivation activity of Salmonella spp. by plant extracts with spicy or medicinal ethnographic indicative

Determinou-se in vitro a intensidade de atividade de inibição bacteriana e a intensidade de atividade de inativação bacteriana, por meio de testes de diluição e suspensão em sistema de tubos múltiplos, de diferentes extratos, aquosos ou alcoólicos/hidroalcoólicos, de 86 plantas com indicativo etnográfico medicinal ou condimentar acessadas na região metropolitana de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, frente a Salmonella spp., ou S. enteritidis ATCC nº 13076, ou S. cholera-suis ATCC nº10708, ou S. gallinarum CPVDF-SAA/RS/BR, em doses-desafio de <10(7)UFC.mL-1. Cinquenta plantas apresentaram alguma atividade seletiva antissalmonela, e 37 nenhuma atividade. Discute-se a validade da ferramenta etnográfica na prospecção de fatores de proteção antibacteriana em plantas, bem como a influência da inibição/inativação na preditividade do diagnóstico bacteriológico.

The in vitro intensity of bacterial inhibition activity of diverse extracts (aquous, alcoholic, or hydroalcoholic) from 86 plants with medicinal and spicy ethnographic indicative, from Porto Alegre City, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, were determinated in Salmonella spp. (S. enteritidis ATCC n.13076, S. cholera-suis ATCC n. 10708, or S. gallinarum CPVDF-SAA/RS/BR) in challenge dose <10(7)CFU.mL-1. Extracts of fifty plants presented some anti-Salmonella selective activity, while the other 36 extracts presented no activity. It is discussed the validity of ethnographic search instruments in the prospection of anti-bacterial protection factors in plants, as well the influence of inhibition/inactivation results in the predictivity of bacteriological diagnostic.

Atividade anti-estafilócica em extratos de plantas com indicativo medicinal ou condimentar / Anti-staphylococci activity in extracts from plants presenting medicinal and spice indicative

O gênero Staphylococcus permanece em evidência no contexto das doenças transmissíveis considerando-se os portadores humanos e animais como a sua principal fonte de infecção. Por sua vez, a pesquisa de fatores de proteção antibacteriana em recursos naturais como plantas com indicativo medicinal ou condimentar vem sendo recomendado como prioridade pelas Conferências Mundiais de Saúde. A presente revisão descreve a triagem in vitro, através de testes de diluição em sistema de tubos múltiplos, de atividade anti-estafilococo de diferentes extratos de 80 plantas com indicativo etnográfico medicinal, condimentar ou aromático, acessadas na região metropolitana de Porto Alegre, RS. Demonstrou-se atividade seletiva em 39 espécies, enquanto as demais 41 não apresentaram atividade.

The genus Staphylococcus remains in evidence regarding transmissible diseases since human and animal carriers are its main infection source. Studies on antibacterial protection factors in natural resources, such as plants presenting medicinal or spice indicative, have been recommended by World Health Conferences as a priority. Dilution tests in multiple tube system were used in this review to describe the in vitro sorting of anti-staphylococci activity of different extracts from 80 plants presenting medicinal, spice or aromatic ethnographic indicatives at the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Selective activity was observed for 39 species, whereas the remaining 41 species did not show activity.

Increased expression and purification of soluble iron-regulatory protein 1 from Escherichia coli co-expressing chaperonins GroES and GroEL

Iron is an essential metal for all living organisms. However, iron homeostasis needs to be tightly controlled since iron can mediate the production of reactive oxygen species, which can damage cell components and compromise the integrity and/or cause DNA mutations, ultimately leading to cancer. In eukaryotes, iron-regulatory protein 1 (IRP1) plays a central role in the control of intracellular iron homeostasis. This occurs by interaction of IRP1 with iron-responsive element regions at 5' of ferritin mRNA and 3' of transferrin mRNA which, respectively, represses translation and increases mRNA stability. We have expressed IRP1 using the plasmid pT7-His-hIRP1, which codifies for human IRP1 attached to an NH2-terminal 6-His tag. IRP1 was expressed in Escherichia coli using the strategy of co-expressing chaperonins GroES and GroEL, in order to circumvent inclusion body formation and increase the yield of soluble protein. The protein co-expressed with these chaperonins was obtained mostly in the soluble form, which greatly increased the efficiency of protein purification. Metal affinity and FPLC ion exchange chromatography were used in order to obtain highly purified IRP1. Purified protein was biologically active, as assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and could be converted to the cytoplasmic aconitase form. These results corroborate previous studies, which suggest the use of folding catalysts as a powerful strategy to increase protein solubility when expressing heterologous proteins in E. coli.

The prima donna of epigenetics: the regulation of gene expression by DNA methylation

This review focuses on the mechanisms of DNA methylation, DNA methylation pattern formation and their involvement in gene regulation. Association of DNA methylation with imprinting, embryonic development and human diseases is discussed. Furthermore, besides considering changes in DNA methylation as mechanisms of disease, the role of epigenetics in general and DNA methylation in particular in transgenerational carcinogenesis, in memory formation and behavior establishment are brought about as mechanisms based on the cellular memory of gene expression patterns.

Detection of hepatitis C virus RNA by in situ hybridization in paraformaldehyde fixed biopsies

Fourteen hepatitis C virus (HCV) chronically infected patients were submitted to routine liver biopsy for histological evaluation. Liver samples were assayed to HCV-RNA by in situ hybridization, using digoxigenin labeled probe. HCV genotypes were found to be predominantly type 1 (71.4 percent), followed by genotype 3 (21.4 percent), and genotype 2 (7.2 percent). Alanine-aminotransferase levels were raised in 10 patients. The histopathological scores were minimal (21.4 percent), mild (57.2 percent), and moderate (21.4 percent). Viral RNA was detected in liver cells from nine patients (64.3 percent). ISH method provides localization and poor confirmation of HCV RNA in the liver tissue of HCV chronic patients.

Early effects of estrogen on the rat ventral prostate

Complex interactions between androgen and estrogen (E2) regulate prostatic development and physiology. We analyzed the early effects of a high single dose of E2 (25 mg/kg body weight) and castration (separately or combined) on the adult 90-day-old male Wistar rat ventral prostate. Androgen levels, prostate weight, and the variation in the relative and absolute volume of tissue compartments and apoptotic indices were determined for 7 days. Castration and exogenous E2 markedly reduced ventral prostate weight (about 50 percent of the control), with a significant reduction in the epithelial compartment and increased stroma. The final volume of the epithelium was identical at day 7 for all treatments (58.5 percent of the control). However, E2 had an immediate effect, causing a reduction in epithelial volume as early as day 1. An increase in smooth muscle cell volume resulted from the concentration of these cells around the regressing epithelium. The treatments resulted in differential kinetics in epithelial cell apoptosis. Castration led to a peak in apoptosis at day 3, with 5 percent of the epithelial cells presenting signs of apoptosis, whereas E2 caused an immediate increase (observed on day 1) and a sustained (up to day 7) effect. E2 administration to castrated rats significantly increased the level of apoptosis by day 3, reaching 9 percent of the epithelial cells. The divergent kinetics between treatments resulted in the same levels of epithelial regression after 7 days (about 30 percent of control). These results show that E2 has an immediate and possibly direct effect on the prostate, and anticipates epithelial cell death before reducing testosterone to levels as low as those of castrated rats. In addition, E2 and androgen deprivation apparently cause epithelial cell death by distinct and independent pathways.

The vulnerability of Brazilian female prisoners to HIV infection

The purpose of the present study was to determine the vulnerability of women in prison to HIV infection. The study was carried out from August to October 2000 in a São Paulo State Penitentiary, where 299 female prisoners were serving time. We interviewed and obtained a blood sample from 290 females who agreed to enter the study. Sera were tested for the presence of antibodies to HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV) and syphilis and the odds ratio (OR) was calculated for variables related to HIV positivity on the basis of a questionnaire. The overall prevalence data were: 13.9 percent for HIV (37 of 267), 22.8 percent for syphilis (66 of 290), and 16.2 percent for HCV (47 of 290). Sexual partnership variables were significantly related to HIV infection. These included HIV-positive partners (OR = 7.36, P = 0.0001), casual partners (OR = 8.96, P = 0.009), injectable drug user partners (OR = 4.7, P = 0.0001), and history of sexually transmitted disease (OR = 2.07, P = 0.05). In addition, a relationship was detected between HIV infection and drug use (OR = 2.48, P = 0.04) and injectable drug use (OR = 4.2, P = 0.002). Even women with only one partner presented a significant OR for HIV infection (OR = 2.57, P = 0.009), reflecting their vulnerability due to their trust in their partner, who did not use a condom. Although the use of injectable substances is associated with HIV infection, our results point to sexual behavior as the most important component of HIV transmission in the female prisoner population.

Colimetrias como indicadores de qualidade de pescado artesanal do Lago Guaíba, em Porto Alegre, RS / Fish colimetry as fish in Lago Guaíba, in Porto Alegre, RS

Foram avaliadas quanto a presença de coliformes totais, fecais e Escherichia coli 43 amostras de Piava Leporinus obtusidens (Valenciennes, 1847) e 43 de Pintado Pimelodus maculatus (Lacèpéde, 1803) do Lago Guaíba, P. Alegre, RS. Os níveis colimétricos totais e fecais foram determinados segundo Brasil. Ministério da Agricultura (1992), utilizando-se a técnica dos Números Mais Prováveis. A presença de E. coli foi confirmada pelo teste do Indol. A média dos coliformes fecais é significativamente maior nos Pintados quando comparado com as Piavas (p= 0,043). Em relaçäo a E. coli existe diferença significativa entre a Piava e o Pintado (p= 0,040). O Pintado é significativamente mais contaminado que a Piava. Das Piavas analisadas 4,65 por cento estavam acima dos níveis permitidos pela legislaçäo brasileira para coliformes fecais e dos Pintados, 11,62 por cento das amostras também estavam fora destes limites. Em 23,25 por cento das amostras de Piava e 44,18 por cento de Pintados foi constatada a presença de E. coli. Os valores encontrados para enumeraçäo de coliformes totais revelam a importância de um maior controle na higiene do pescado.

Pollen mother cells of Tradescantia clone 4430 and Tradescantia pallida var. purpurea are equally sensitive to the clastogenic effects of X-rays

The Tradescantia micronucleus test is a sensitive bioassay for mutagenesis that may be employed both under field and laboratory conditions. This test has been standardized mostly on the basis of the results obtained with clone 4430. However, this clone is not well adapted to tropical weather, frequently showing problems with growth and flowering. In addition, it is attacked by parasites and insects, a fact that limits its use in field studies aiming at the biomonitoring of air pollution. In the city of Säo Paulo, Tradescantia pallida (Rose) Hunt. var. purpurea Boom is widely distributed as an ornamental plant in gardens and along roadsides and streets, mostly because of its natural resistance and its easy propagation. In this report, we present dose-response curves indicating that the sensitivity of T. pallida and clone 4430 to X-radiation (1, 10, 25 and 50 cGy) is similar. The results confirm our previous suggestion that T. pallida represents a good alternative for in situ mutagenesis testing in tropical regions, especially biomonitoring studies in which the exposure conditions may not be fully controllable

Aggrecan structure in amphibian cartilage

The structure of the large proteoglycan present in the bullfrog epiphyseal cartilage was studied by immunochemical and biochemical methods. The isolated monomer showed a polydisperse behavior on Sepharose CL2B, with a peak at Kav = 0.14. Chondroitin sulfate chains were identified by HPLC analysis of the products formed by chondroitinase digestion and mercuric acetate treatment. These chains have approximately 38 disaccharides, a Di45:Di68 ratio of 1.6 and GalNAc4S + GalNAc4,6S are the main non-reducing terminals. Keratan sulfate was identified by the use of two monoclonal antibodies in Western blots after chondroitinase ABC treatment. A keratan sulfate-rich region (~110 kDa) was isolated by sequential treatment with chondroitinase ABC and proteases. We also employed antibodies in Western blotting experiments and showed that the full length deglycosylated core protein is about 300 kDa after SDS-PAGE. Domain-specific antibodies revealed the presence of immunoreactive sites corresponding to G1/G2 and G3 globular domains and the characterization of this large proteoglycan as aggrecan. The results indicate the high conservation of the aggrecan domain structure in this lower vertebrate

Correlation between HIV and HCV in Brazilian prisoners: evidence for parenteral transmission inside prison

Objetivo: É um fato correntemente aceito que as condiçöes de confinamento aumentam o risco de algumas infecçöes relacionadas às práticas sexuais e/ou ao uso de drogas injetáveis. Realizou-se estudo para estimar a densidade de incidência da infecçäo pelo HIV na populaçäo prisional com aplicaçäo de técnicas matemáticas. Método: Foram entrevistados em Säo Paulo, SP 631 prisioneiros da maior prisäo da América do Sul, que abrigava aproximadamente 4.900 presos na ocasiäo do estudo. Foi colhido sangue da populaçäo entrevistada, analisado o risco para a infecçäo pelo HIV e realizados testes sorológicos para HIV, HCV e sífilis. Técnicas matemáticas foram usadas para se estimar a densidade de incidência do HIV relacionada ao tempo de encarceramento. Resultados: As prevalências gerais encontradas foram: HIV - 16 por cento; HCV - 34 por cento; sífilis - 18 por cento. Os principais fatores associados à infecçäo pelo HIV foram a soropositividade ao HCV (OR=10,49) e a confissäo do uso de drogas injetáveis (OR=3,36). A análise matemática mostrou que o risco de adquirir a infecçäo pelo HIV aumenta com o tempo de detençäo, atingindo o máximo por volta de 3 anos de aprisionamento. Conclusöes: A correlaçäo entre a soroprevalência do HIV e do HCV e os resultados da análise matemática sugerem que a transmissäo do HIV nesta populaçäo se dá preferencialmente pela via parenteral e que seu risco aumenta com o tempo de encarceramento

Chronic alcoholism and adrenal glands a morphometric and histopathological study.

Baseado em trabalhos de natureza bioquimica e farmacologica, ja publicados na literatura, os autores fazem um estudo morfometrico e histopatologico de glandulas adrenais humanas obtidas de casos de alcoolismo cronico. Sinais obvios de uma hiper-estimulacao prolongada tanto da cortical quanto da medular foram observados com drastica reducao no volume da cortical, a expensa da camada fasciculada. Nao encontramos na literatura contribuicoes correlatadas de carater morfologico