Antiviral action of hydromethanolic extract of geopropolis from scaptotrigona postica against antiherpes simplex virus (HSV-1)

The studies on chemical composition and biological activity of propolis had focused mainly on species Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae). There are few studies about the uncommon propolis collected by stingless bees of the Meliponini tribe known as geopropolis. The geopropolis from Scaptotrigona postica was collected in the region of Barra do Corda, Maranhão state, Brazil. The chemical analysis of hydromethanolic extract of this geopropolis (HMG) was carried out through HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS and the main constituents found were pyrrolizidine alkaloids and C-glycosyl flavones. The presence of alkaloids in extracts of propolis is detected for the first time in this sample. The antiviral activity of HMG was evaluated through viral DNA quantification experiments and electron microscopy experiments. Quantification of viral DNA from herpes virus showed reduction of about 98% in all conditions and concentration tested of the HMG extract. The results obtained were corroborated by transmission electron microscopy, in which the images did not show particle or viral replication complex. The antiviral activity of C-glycosyl flavones was reported for a variety of viruses, being observed at different points in the viral replication. This work is the first report about the antiviral activity of geopropolis from Scaptotrigona postica, in vitro, against antiherpes simplex virus (HSV).

Identification of serologic markers for school-aged children with congenital rubella syndrone

BACKGROUND: Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) case identification is challenging in older children since laboratory markers of congenital rubella virus (RUBV) infection do not persist beyond age 12 months. METHODS: We enrolled children with CRS born between 1998 and 2003 and compared their immune responses to RUBV with those of their mothers and a group of similarly aged children without CRS. Demographic data and sera were collected. Sera were tested for anti-RUBV immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgG avidity, and IgG response to the 3 viral structural proteins (E1, E2, and C), reflected by immunoblot fluorescent signals. RESULTS: We enrolled 32 children with CRS, 31 mothers, and 62 children without CRS. The immunoblot signal strength to C and the ratio of the C signal to the RUBV-specific IgG concentration were higher (P < .029 for both) and the ratio of the E1 signal to the RUBV-specific IgG concentration lower (P = .001) in children with CRS, compared with their mothers. Compared with children without CRS, children with CRS had more RUBV-specific IgG (P < .001), a stronger C signal (P < .001), and a stronger E2 signal (P ≤ .001). Two classification rules for children with versus children without CRS gave 100% specificity with >65% sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: This study was the first to establish classification rules for identifying CRS in school-aged children, using laboratory biomarkers. These biomarkers should allow improved burden of disease estimates and monitoring of CRS control programs. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Infectious Diseases Society of America 2014. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US.

Use of monoclonal antibodies against human T cells for clinical diagnosis by immunohistochemical procedures

Monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) were produced against human T cell membrane antigens. Sixteen Mabs were studied and six were selected for immunohistochemical assays on parffin-embedded tonsil section. Two Mabs (2D7 and 1E2) specifically recognized T-lymphocyte areas in sections of pathological tissues originating from lymphoproliferative diseases, and reacted with proteins of approximately 80 KDa. Most of the Mabs produced thus far are only suitable for immunohistochemical assays on frozen section. Only a few Mabs recognize lymphoid markers on paraffin-embedded sections, a procedure which permits a more extensive and practical application of Mabs in clinical diagnosis. These antibodies should be baluable in diagnosing. T. cell-related diseases and their large scale production should reduce laboratory costs because all reahgents currently avaliable are imported

Jejunostomias - vantagens da dieta a base do leitelho. / Jejunostomies - advantage of diet based on milk

O nosso trabalho estudou 39 pacientes portadores de afeccoes cirurgicas do aparelho digestivo alto. Em 37 desses pacientes foi realizada jejunostomia durante o ato cirurgico e, nos outros dois ela foi realizada no pos-operatorio, para o tratamento de fistulas digestivas altas. Este procedimento foi realizado quando nao foi possivel o uso de outras vias de administracao de nutrientes, tais como a via oral ou a gastrostomia. A dieta empregada a base de leitelho Eledon recebe, ainda, a adicao dos seguintes nutrientes: Caseinato, Dextrose, ovo, sal e agua fervida. O uso do metodo nao provocou nenhum obito, tendo sido registradas as seguintes intercorrencias: 4 casos de diarreia e 5 casos de distensao no inicio da nossa experiencia, quando era administrada a dieta atraves de seringas. Estas intercorrencias foram abolidas prontamente, quando entao se passou a aquecer levemente a dieta e a admisnistra-la por gotejamento gravitacional continuo. Nao se observou saida espontanea da sonda nem formacao de fistula jejunal, apos a sua retirada. A metodologia empregada trouxe as seguintes vantagens: a) Realimentacao precoce dos pacientes submetidos a intervencao cirurgica do aparelho digestivo alto, b) Emprego de dieta de alto valor calorico