Identification and complete sequencing of novel human transcripts through the use of mouse orthologs and testis cDNA sequences

The correct identification of all human genes, and their derived transcripts, has not yet been achieved, and it remains one of the major aims of the worldwide genomics community. Computational programs suggest the existence of 30,000 to 40,000 human genes. However, definitive gene identification can only be achieved by experimental approaches. We used two distinct methodologies, one based on the alignment of mouse orthologous sequences to the human genome, and another based on the construction of a high-quality human testis cDNA library, in an attempt to identify new human transcripts within the human genome sequence. We generated 47 complete human transcript sequences, comprising 27 unannotated and 20 annotated sequences. Eight of these transcripts are variants of previously known genes. These transcripts were characterized according to size, number of exons, and chromosomal localization, and a search for protein domains was undertaken based on their putative open reading frames. In silico expression analysis suggests that some of these transcripts are expressed at low levels and in a restricted set of tissues.

Trypanosoma cruzi defined antigens in the serological evaluation of an outbreak of acute Chagas disease in Brazil (Catolé do Rocha, Paraíba)

Immunoglobbulin G and M humoral response to recombinant protein B13 and glycoconjugate LPPG Trypanosoma cruzi defined antigens was evaluated by ELISA in 18 patients in the acute phase of Chagas disease, who were contaminated on the same occasion. LPPG showed 100 por cento positivity detecting both IgM and IgG antibodies, while positivity of 55-65 por cento was observed for B13. An epimastigote alkaline extract (EPI) also showed high sensitivity for acute IgM (100 por cento) and IgG (90 por cento) antibodies. However LPPG had better discriminatory reactivity since with EPI two patients showed negative IgG and several other sera presented OD values for IgG and IgM antibodies very close to the cutoff. Thus, it is suggested that detection of Igm antibodies by LPPG may be used for diagnosis of the acute phase of Chagas disease. An intense decline of IgG and IgM antibodies to three antigens was observed in response to anti-T. cruzi chemoterapy in all acute phase patients. After treatment, six (30 por cento) individuals maintained IgG positivity to EPI, LPPG, and B13 with lower reactivity than that measured at the acute phase. For comparison, serology of a group of 22 patients in the chronic phase of Chagas disease and also submitted to chemotherapy was determined. Positive IgM antibodies to EPI, LPPG abd B13 were detected in only 5-9 por cento cases. In all chronic-phase patients IgG antibodies highly reactive to the three antigens were present and no significant decrease resulted after benznidazole administration. These observations reinforce previous reports that treatment in the acute phase may reduce or eliminate the parasite.

Prevalência de Campylobacter jejuni e E. coli em fezes normais e diarréicas de cäes em Säo Paulo / Prevalence of Campylobacter jejuni and E. coli in normal and diarrheic feces of dogs in Säo Paulo

Um total de 100 amostras fecais de cäes foram pesquisadas, obtendo-se o isolamento de Campylobacter em 8 das 27 amostras diarréicas (29,6%) e 6 das 73 normais (8,2%). Filhotes demonstraram maior prevalência do que adultos