Unlocking the molecular realm: advanced approaches for identifying clinically and environmentally relevant bacteria

Rapid, effective, and specific identification of clinical and environmental bacterial pathogens is of major importance for their control. Traditionally, bacteria have been identified by phenotypic methods based on morphological, biochemical, and metabolic properties. While these methods are very useful in clinical practice, they have limitations including a poor ability to differentiate within and between species and time-consuming workflows. Newly developed molecular methods can greatly improve the accuracy of taxonomic characterization, identifying specific strains of medical or environmental importance. However, due to high costs and the need for trained professionals, these methods are not yet routine in diagnostic laboratories. Thus, disseminating knowledge on advances in molecular identification techniques is pivotal to make these methodologies accessible. The objective of this work was to review and discuss current molecular techniques for bacteria identification aiming to track and monitor microbial agents in clinical and environmental samples.

Composição nutricional e valores energéticos determinados com frangos de corte de coprodutos do processamento do etanol de milho / Nutritional composition and energy values determined with broilers of co-products from the processing of corn ethanol

It was determined by the total collection of excreta method, with broilers from 22 to 32 days of age, the coefficients of apparent metabolism of dry matter, crude protein and crude energy and apparent metabolizable energy corrected for zero nitrogen balance (AMEn) of the ethanol co-products of corn: acid oil and dried distillery grains with soluble (DDGS). The DDGS and corn acid oil presented nutritional metabolization coefficients ranging from 43 to 83% and AMEn equal 2393.5 and 7859.2kcal/kg respectively, and may be food alternatives to soybean meal and soybean oil.(AU)

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of phonophoresis in animal models: a randomized experimental study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of ultrasound (US)-mediated phonophoresis alone or in association with diclofenac diethylammonium (DCF) administered topically in animal models of inflammation. A pre-clinical, prospective, and randomized experimental study of quantitative and qualitative nature was carried out. Phonophoresis was performed using a therapeutic ultrasound apparatus in two distinct models of acute inflammation. Edema was induced by an intraplantar injection of carrageenan and measured by plethysmography. The Hargreaves test was used to evaluate the antinociceptive activity and investigate the action of phonophoresis on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production. A histological analysis with hematoxylin-eosin was used to evaluate tissue repair, and the expression of COX-2 was determined by immunohistochemical analysis. At the peak of inflammatory activity (3 h), treatment with US, US+DCF, and DCF significantly reduced edema formation compared to the control group. Treatment with US+DCF was more effective than treatment with US alone at both analyzed times. In the analysis of the antinociceptive activity, the treatments significantly increased the latency time in response to the thermal stimulus. Histopathological analysis revealed a reduction of the inflammatory infiltrates and immunohistochemistry demonstrated that the association was effective in reducing COX-2 expression compared to the control group. The association of DCF with US produced anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects in rat models of inflammation, which may be associated with inhibition of COX-2 and TNF-α production.

Estresse oxidativo em cães com doença periodontal: comparação dos biomarcadores plasmáticos e salivares / Oxidative stress in dogs with periodontal disease: comparison of plasmatic and salivary biomarkers

A doença periodontal (DP) é a enfermidade inflamatória mais comum da cavidade oral dos cães. A quantificação de biomarcadores do plasma e da saliva tem sido utilizada para avaliar o estresse oxidativo sistêmico (EOS) e local (EOL) da DP humana. Na DP canina, os mecanismos do estresse oxidativo não estão bem caracterizados e estabelecidos. O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar a hipótese de que o EOS ocorre na DP canina e de que a saliva pode ser utilizada para avaliar o EOL. Analisou-se, também, a hipótese de que a ativação do metabolismo oxidativo dos neutrófilos contribui para EOS na DP dos cães. Para tal, foram selecionados 20 cães adultos portadores de DP, agrupados de acordo com o grau de lesão: gengivite (n=6), periodontites leve (n=8) e avançada (n=6). O grupo controle foi composto pelos mesmos 20 cães, 30 dias após o tratamento periodontal. Para avaliar o metabolismo oxidativo dos neutrófilos circulantes foi quantificada a produção de superóxido pelo teste de redução do tetrazólio nitroazul (NBT). As concentrações de oxidante total (TOC) e de espécies reativas ao ácido tiobartbitúrico (TBARS) no plasma foram quantificadas para avaliar o EOS. Para a avaliação do estresse oxidativo local, foi quantificado o TOC salivar e a concentração dos principais antioxidantes da saliva (albumina, ácido úrico e bilirrubina total). O EOS na DP foi confirmado pelo aumento da produção de superóxido dos neutrófilos circulantes, TOC e TBARS plasmático. Foi possível quantificar todos os biomarcadores na saliva de cães, porém nenhum foi capaz de expressar o EOL da DP canina. Esta é uma das primeiras evidências de que o EOS ocorre em cães com DP e que a ativação do metabolismo oxidativo dos neutrófilos pode contribuir para desequilíbrio entre antioxidantes e oxidantes. Este estudo ressalta a importância da higiene bucal dos cães para a prevenção da DP e de lesões degenerativas crônicas de diversos tecidos causadas pelo EOS.(AU)

Periodontal disease (PD) is the most common inflammatory disease of the oral cavity of dogs. Quantitation of plasma and salivary biomarkers have been used to assess the systemic oxidative stress (SOS) and local (LOS) of human PD. In canine PD, oxidative stress mechanisms are not well characterized and established. Our objective was to investigate the hypothesis that SOS occurs in dog PD and saliva can be used to evaluate the LOS. We also investigated the hypothesis that the activation of neutrophil oxidative metabolism contributes to SOS in dog SD. For this purpose, 20 adult dogs were selected PD patients, grouped according to the degree of injury: gingivitis (n=6), light periodontitis (n=8) and advanced periodontitis (n=6). The control group was composed of the same 20 dogs, 30 days after periodontal treatment. To assess oxidative metabolism of circulating neutrophils superoxide production was measured by test nitroblue tetrazolium reduction (NBT). The total oxidant concentrations (TOC) and reactive species to tiobartbitúrico acid (TBARS) in plasma were quantified to evaluate SOS. For the evaluation of local oxidative stress were quantified salivary TOC and concentration of the main antioxidant in saliva (albumin, uric acid, and total bilirubin). EOS in dogs with PD was confirmed by increased superoxide production of circulating neutrophils, TOC, and plasma TBARS. It was possible to quantify all the biomarkers in the saliva of dogs, but none was able to express the LOS canine PD. This is the first evidence that SOS occurs in dogs with PD and that activation of the oxidative metabolism of neutrophils may contribute to an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants. This study highlights the importance of oral hygiene of dogs to prevent PD and chronic degenerative lesions of various tissues caused by SOS.(AU)

Parâmetros nutricionais e estabilidade aeróbia de silagens de cereais de inverno submetidas a diferentes regimes de corte no estádio vegetativo / Cutting system in vegetative stage alters nutritional parameters and aerobic stability of Winter cereals silage

O uso de regimes de corte em estádio vegetativo para os cereais de inverno é interessante quando se busca intensificar a produção de alimento volumoso para ruminantes. No entanto, é necessário se averiguar o impacto desse manejo sobre as características das silagens resultantes. Dessa forma, o objetivo do experimento foi avaliar o valor nutricional e a estabilidade aeróbia de silagens de cereais de inverno, submetidas a regimes de corte no estádio vegetativo, prévio ao corte para ensilagem. Os cereais utilizados foram trigo (Triticum aestivum cv. BRS Gralha Azul), cevada (Hordeum vulgare cv. BRS Brau), aveia-branca (Avena sativa cv. URS Guará), aveia- preta (Avena strigosa cv. Embrapa 139) e triticale (X Triticosecale cv. IPR 11), associados a três regimes de corte: sem cortes prévios (silagem exclusiva); um corte; e com dois cortes em estádio vegetativo e subsequente produção de silagem. Na avaliação nutricional, a cevada apresentou valores baixos de FDA (311,7 e 375,3g kg de MS-1) e altos de NDT (569,2 e 533,4g kg de MS-1) para os sistemas com um e dois cortes, respectivamente. Na avaliação da estabilidade aeróbia, os materiais foram bastante estáveis após a abertura dos silos, com exceção da aveia-branca e da aveia-preta, no regime sem cortes. As silagens de triticale e de cevada apresentaram as maiores estabilidades nutricionais com o aumento no número de cortes.(AU)

The use of cutting regimes in vegetative stage for winter cereals is interesting when it seeks to intensify the forage production for ruminants. However, it is necessary to ascertain the impact of this management on the characteristics of the resulting silage. Thus, the aim of the experiment was to evaluate the nutritional quality and aerobic stability of winter cereal silages submitted to cutting regimes in vegetative stage, before ensiling. The materials used were: wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. BRS Gralha Azul); barley (Hordeum vulgare cv. BRS Brau); white oat (Avena sativa cv. URS Guará); black oat (Avena strigosa cv. Embrapa 139) and triticale (X Triticosecale cv IPR 11); associated with three management strategies: without previous cuts (Only silage), one cut and two cuts in vegetative and posterior silage making. Barley owned low values of ADF (311.7 and 375.3g kg de DM-1) and high TDN (569.2 and 533.4g kg de DM-1) for one and two-cut system, respectively. For aerobic stability, materials were quite stable after opening the silos, with the exception of black and white oat in management without cuts. Triticale and barley silage had the highest nutritional stability with the increase in the number of cuts.(AU)

Evaluation of an rK39-based immunochromatographic test for the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis in human saliva

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a tropical neglected disease endemic in 98 countries and affects more than 58 000 individuals per year. Several serological tests are available for VL diagnosis, including an immunochromatographic (IC) test with the rK39 antigen and finger prick-collected blood, a rapid and low-invasive test. Here, we investigate the possibility to use saliva as a non-invasive source of biological material for the rK39 IC test. Blood samples from 84 patients with suspected VL were screened by the rK39 IC test, and 29 were confirmed as being infected by a positive rK39 IC test and the presence of amastigotes on smears slides or parasite DNA (detected using PCR-RFLP) from bone marrow aspirate. The rK39 IC test using saliva samples was positive for 17 of the 29 confirmed VL cases (58.6%). The amount of Leishmania-specific IgG or total IgG, as evaluated by an immunoenzymatic assay, was higher in the saliva of patients who had rK39 IC test positivity using saliva, whereas the amount of Leishmania-specific IgA or total IgA was similar to the healthy donors. These results suggest that saliva is not an appropriated material for diagnosing VL with this test.

Role of the extracellular matrix in variations of invasive pathways in lung cancers

Among the most common features of highly invasive tumors, such as lung adenocarcinomas (AD) and squamous cell carcinomas (SqCC), is the massive degradation of the extracellular matrix. The remarkable qualitative and quantitative modifications of hyaluronidases (HAases), hyaluronan synthases (HAS), E-cadherin adhesion molecules, and the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) may favor invasion, cellular motility, and proliferation. We examined HAase proteins (Hyal), HAS, E-cadherin, and TGF-β profiles in lung AD subtypes and SqCC obtained from smokers and non-smokers. Fifty-six patients, median age 64 years, who underwent lobectomy for AD (N = 31) and SqCC (N = 25) were included in the study. HAS-1, -2 and -3, and Hyal-1 and -3 were significantly more expressed by tumor cells than normal and stroma cells (P < 0.01). When stratified according to histologic types, HAS-3 and Hyal-1 immunoreactivity was significantly increased in tumor cells of AD (P = 0.01) and stroma of SqCC (P = 0.002), respectively. Tobacco history in patients with AD was significantly associated with increased HAS-3 immunoreactivity in tumor cells (P < 0.01). Stroma cells of SqCC from non-smokers presented a significant association with HAS-3 (P < 0.01). Hyal, HAS, E-cadherin, and TGF-β modulate a different tumor-induced invasive pathway in lung AD subgroups and SqCC. HAases in resected AD and SqCC were strongly related to the prognosis. Therefore, our findings suggest that strategies aimed at preventing high HAS-3 and Hyal-1 synthesis, or local responses to low TGF-β and E-cadherin, may have a greater impact in lung cancer prognosis.

Structure and composition of bacterial and fungal community in soil under soybean monoculture in the Brazilian cerrado

Soybean is the most important oilseed cultivated in the world and Brazil is the second major producer. Expansion of soybean cultivation has direct and indirect impacts on natural habitats of high conservation value, such as the Brazilian savannas (Cerrado). In addition to deforestation, land conversion includes the use of fertilizers and pesticides and can lead to changes in the soil microbial communities. This study evaluated the soil bacterial and fungal communities and the microbial biomass C in a native Cerrado and in a similar no-tillage soybean monoculture area using PCR-DGGE and sequencing of bands. Compared to the native area, microbial biomass C was lower in the soybean area and cluster analysis indicated that the structure of soil microbial communities differed. 16S and 18S rDNA dendrograms analysis did not show differences between row and inter-row samples, but microbial biomass C values were higher in inter-rows during soybean fructification and harvest. The study pointed to different responses and alterations in bacterial and fungal communities due to soil cover changes (fallow x growth period) and crop development. These changes might be related to differences in the pattern of root exudates affecting the soil microbial community. Among the bands chosen for sequencing there was a predominance of actinobacteria, y-proteobacteria and ascomycetous divisions. Even under no-tillage management methods, the soil microbial community was affected due to changes in the soil cover and crop development, hence warning of the impacts caused by changes in land use.

Association of loss of heterozygosity with cytogenetic abnormalities in acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome

Deletions on chromosomes 5 and 7 are frequently seen in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It is assumed that these deletions indicate loss of tumor suppressor genes on these chromosomes and until these tumor suppressor genes are identified, the functional consequences of these deletions and the molecular basis of these myeloid disorders cannot be completely understood. We evaluated loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in 44 patients (18 MDS and 26 AML, diagnosed according to WHO classification criteria) at diagnosis, using a four-microsatellite marker panel: an intragenic marker on the 7th intron of gene IRF-1 of the 5q31.1 region and three markers located inside the 7q31.1 region and correlated the LOH with karyotype abnormalities. The microsatellites chosen corresponded to chromosome regions frequently deleted in MDS/AML. The samples with Q (peak area) less than or equal to 0.50 were indicative of LOH. The percent of informative samples (i.e., heterozygous) for the intragenic microsatellite in gene IRF-1 and in loci D7S486, D7S515 and D7S522 were 66.6, 73.7, 75.5, and 48.8 percent, respectively. Cytogenetic abnormalities by G-banding were found in 36 percent (16/44) of the patients (2 of 18 MDS and 14 of 26 AML patients). We found a significantly positive association of the occurrence of LOH with abnormal karyotype (P < 0.05; chi-square test) and there were cases with LOH but the karyotype was normal (by G-banding). These data indicate that LOH in different microsatellite markers is possibly an event previous to chromosomal abnormalities in these myeloid neoplasias.

Imunodiagnóstico da cisticercose em suíno experimentalmente infectado com ovos de Taenia solium, utilizando antígeno de escólex de Cysticercus cellulosae / Immunodiagnosis of cysticercosis in swine experimentally infected with Taenia solium eggs, using antigen of Cysticercus cellulosae scolex

Colheu-se sangue de sete suínos infectados com ovos de Taenia solium, semanalmente, durante 140 dias, para realizar ELISA no soro, utilizando antígeno de escólex (Es-Tso) de C. cellulosae. Em todos os animais, após o 21º dia pós-infecção, houve incremento significativo de anticorpos IgG, que assim se mantiveram até o final do experimento. A sensibilidade do ELISA variou entre 87,5 e 100 por cento. A necropsia, foram identificados 238 cisticercos. Seis suínos apresentaram pelo menos um cisto no coração, língua ou masseter. Não se observou correlação entre concentração de anticorpos e número de cisticercos identificados.

Blood samples from seven swines infected with eggs of Taenia solium, were collected weekly during a period of 140 days. The ELISA was carried out in serum, using antigen from Cysticercus cellulosae scolex (Es-Tso). The antibody levels for all animals significantly increased and maintained constant from the 21th day post-infection to the end of the experiment. The sensitivity of the ELISA test averaged between 87.5 percent and 100 percent. At the necropsy, 238 cysticerci were identified. Six swines presented at least one cysticercus in one of the organs: heart, tongue or masseter. No correlation between concentration of antibodies and number of identified cysticerci at necropsy, was observed.

Efeito da temperatura e do tempo de armazenamento sobre a contagem de células somáticas no leite / Effects of temperature and storage on somatic cell counts in milk

Avaliou-se o efeito da temperatura e do tempo de armazenamento sobre a contagem de células somáticas(CCS). Amostras de leite de 21 vacas, coletadas e armazenadas às temperaturas de 5, 27, 32 e 36°e e analisadas no 1°, 3°, 5°e 7° dia após coleta, foram classificadas em três grupos (células/ml): baixa (236.000 + ou - H64.000), média (624.000+ ou - 356.000) e alta CCS (1.320.000+ ou - 945.000). O delineamento experimental foi o de parcelas subdivididas. As médias da CCS foram iguais (P>0,05) para amostras mantidas à temperatura de 5°C e analisadas entre o primeiro e o sétimo dias após a coleta e para aquelas mantidas às temperaturas 5, 27, 32 e 36°e e analisadas no primeiro dia. Médias diferentes (P<0,05) da CCS foram observadas para amostras mantidas a 27, 32 e 36°e a partir do 5°, 5° e 3° dias, respectivamente. Foram observados decréscimos de 57,6%, 58,5% e 27,9% nos valores iniciais da CCS nas amostras classificadas como baixa, média e alta, respectivamente. Os resultados mostram a necessidade de se encaminhar as amostras de leite para CCS sob refrigeração e de ser feita análise até sete dias após a coleta.

Estudo químico-biológico dos óleos essenciais de Hyptis martiusii, Lippia sidoides e Syzigium aromaticum frente às larvas do Aedes aegypti / Chemical-biological study of the essential oils of Hyptis martiusii, Lippia sidóides and Syzigium aromaticum against larvae of Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus

O interesse pelos bioensaios frente à larvas de Aedes aegypti e Culex quinquefasciatus deve-se ao fato de que estas espécies estão distribuídas por todo o território nacional, sendo portanto uma atividade realizada por inúmeros pesquisadores do Brasil. Os óleos essenciais de Syzigium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & Perry, Lippia sidoides Cham.,e Hyptis martiusii Benth.,foram testados no combate ao transmissor da dengue e da filariose. As larvas de terceiro estádio foram expostas em triplicatas a diferentes concentrações (1000, 500, 250, 100, 50, 25 e 10 ppm). As análises foram observadas após dez minutos do início do tratamento, e mostraram resultados bastante significativos, com potencialidade de mortalidade de até 100 por cento das larvas testadas, indicando acentuados efeitos tóxicos de alguns constituintes voláteis presentes nos óleos. Para os óleos de S. aromaticum, L. sidoides e H. martiusii foram constatadas, frente à Aedes aegypti, valores respectivos de CL50 de 21,4; 19,5 e 18,5 ppm e frente ao Culex quinquefasciatus, 14,5; 16,6 e 27,5 ppm, respectivamente.

The interest for a biological assay against larvae of Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus is due to the fact that these species are distributed by the whole national territory, being therefore an activity carried out by countless researchers of Brazil. The essential oils of Syzigium aromaticum, Hyptis martiusii and Lippia sidoides were tested in the combat of the transmitter of the dengue and of the filariosis, using larvae of third stadium were exposed in triplicate to different concentrations (1000, 500, 250, 100, 50, 25 and 10 ppm). The larvicidal activity was observed after ten minutes of the beginning of the treatment, in the end showed very significant results, with mortality potentials of up to 100 percent of the tested larvae, indicating accentuated toxical effects in some representatives of the volatile compounds present in the oils. For the oils of S. aromaticum, L. sidoides and H. martiusii DL50 of 1,0; 1,0 and 8,0 ppm, respectively, were observed.

Plasmablastic multiple myeloma is associated with increased vascular endothelial growth factor immunoexpression

The biologic basis of the negative prognosis of plasmablastic myeloma is not fully understood. To determine whether histologically aggressive multiple myeloma (MM) is associated with a more angiogenic marrow environment, bone marrow samples from 50 recently diagnosed MM patients were evaluated. Twelve percent (6/50) of patients presented plasmablastic MM, and this feature correlated with moderate/strong intensity of vascular endothelial growth factor staining of plasma cells (P = 0.036). Although plasmablastic MM was not associated with increasing of microvessel density, this new evidence of increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor on plasmablasts suggests that the adverse prognosis conferred by plasmablastic disease may be due, at least in part, to secretion of this angiogenic cytokine, also suggesting that the subset of MM patients with plasmablastic features may derive particular benefit from antiangiogenic therapies.

Isoform expression in the multiple soluble malate dehydrogenase of Hoplias malabaricus (Erythrinidae, Characiformes)

Kinetic properties and thermal stabilities of Hoplias malabaricus liver and skeletal muscle unfractionated malate dehydrogenase (MDH, EC 1.1.1.37) and its isolated isoforms were analyzed to further study the possible sMDH-A* locus duplication evolved from a recent tandem duplication. Both A (A1 and A2) and B isoforms had similar optima pH (7.5-8.0). While Hoplias A isoform could not be characterized as thermostable, B could as thermolabile. A isoforms differed from B isoform in having higher Km values for oxaloacetate. The possibly duplicated A2 isoform showed higher substrate affinity than the A1. Hoplias duplicated A isoforms may influence the direction of carbon flow between glycolisis and gluconeogenesis

Atividade antimicrobiana de bactérias lácticas isoladas de queijo-de-minas artesanal do Serro (MG) frente a microrganismos indicadores / Antimicrobial activity of lactic acid bacteria from artisanal minas cheese against indicator microorganisms

Isolaram-se 192 cepas de bactérias lácticas de cinco amostras de queijo-de-minas artesanal, oriundos da regiäo do Serro, MG. Os resultados da prova de inibiçäo direta indicaram que 48 cepas isoladas (25 por cento) foram capazes de inibir o crescimento in vitro de microrganismos indicadores, dentre os quais Staphylococcus aureus e Listeria monocytogenes. As 48 cepas foram submetidas à prova de inibiçäo indireta. Verificou-se que 20,8 por cento (10/48) das cepas demonstraram amplo espectro antimicrobiano frente a microrganismos como: Salmonella enteritidis var. typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes e Listeria innocua. Nenhuma das cepas isoladas foi capaz de inibir Escherichia coli

Fungal infections in marrow transplant recipients under antifungal prophylaxis with fluconazole

Fungal infection is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in bone marrow transplant (BMT) recipients. The growing incidence of these infections is related to several factors including prolonged granulocytopenia, use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, conditioning regimens, and use of immunosuppression to avoid graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). In the present series, we report five cases of invasive mold infections documented among 64 BMT recipients undergoing fluconazole antifungal prophylaxis: 1) A strain of Scedosporium prolificans was isolated from a skin lesion that developed on day +72 after BMT in a chronic myeloid leukemic patient. 2) Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (Aspergillus fumigatus) was diagnosed on day +29 in a patient with a long period of hospitalization before being transplanted for severe aplastic anemia. 3) A tumoral lung lesion due to Rhizopus arrhizus (zygomycosis) was observed in a transplanted patient who presented severe chronic GvHD. 4) A tumoral lesion due to Aspergillus spp involving the 7th, 8th and 9th right ribs and local soft tissue was diagnosed in a BMT patient on day +110. 5) A patient with a history of Ph1-positive acute lymphocytic leukemia exhibited a cerebral lesion on day +477 after receiving a BMT during an episode of severe chronic GvHD. At that time, blood and spinal fluid cultures yielded Fusarium sp. Opportunistic infections due to fungi other than Candida spp are becoming a major problem among BMT patients receiving systemic antifungal prophylaxis with fluconazole

Substâncias vasoativas e a modulaçäo do sistema microvascular hepático / Vasoactive substances and the modulation of the hepatic microvascular system

Objetivo. Revisão da filogênese e ontogênese hepáticas, do sistema microvascular hepático e da modulação do tônus deste sistema vascular por diferentes substâncias vasoativas. Método. Levantamento de artigos por meio do sistema Medline e consulta a livros-texto. Resultado. Foram selecionados 52 trabalhos publicados entre 1949, dos quais retiramos as informações a respeito de filogênese e ontogênese hepáticas, sistema microvascular hepático e mecanismos de controle do tônus vascular hepático. Conclusão. O fígado possui sistema vascular altamente especializado na promoção de mecanismos de troca entre hepatócitos e sangue. Diferentes fatores atuam continuamente sobre estruturas contrácteis deste sistema vascular adequando a perfusão do tecido hepático às necessidades homeostáticas de cada momento. O fígado é órgão eminentemente mantenedor do meio interno.

Conhecimento, atitudes e práticas relacionadas à DST/AIDS: avaliaçäo de adolescentes atendidos em uma unidade de atençäo primária / Knowledge, attitudes and practice related at STD/AIDS: evaluation of adolescents in a primary attention unit

No Brasil, 32,9 por cento do total acumulado de casos de AIDS, até 30 de junho de 1995, estavam situados na faixa etária compreendida entre 20-30 anos. Provavelmente, a contaminaçäo ocorreu durante a adolescência, em funçäo do longo período de latência da doença. Objetivos. - Identificar conhecimentos e comportamentos referentes às DST/AIDS e avaliar o interesse dos adolescentes em receber informaçäo adicional. Metodologia. - Os dados foram obtidos a partir de um questionßrio desenvolvido especialmente para este estudo. O questionário foi composto por perguntas abertas sobre conhecimentos e comportamentos diante às DST/AIDS e foi aplicado em entrevistas individuais pela equipe de trabalho do Ambulatório Avançado do Morro do Pau-da-Bandeira (bairro de Vila Isabel, RJ-RJ), durante o horário de atendimento. Resultados. - Foram entrevistados 142 adolescentes do gênero feminino (84 por cento) e 27 do masculino (16 por cento). Dentre os 169 adolescentes entrevistados, 157 (92,9 por cento) já tinham ouvido falar sobre DST, portanto, as mais citadas foram: AIDS (95,5 por cento), gonorréia (51,6 por cento) e sífilis (35,7 por cento). A maioria dos adolescentes (78,7 por cento) reconheceu, pelo menos, uma forma de transmissäo de DST, e foram citadas principalmente: via sexual (97,7 por cento), via sangüínea (17,3 por cento) e uso de drogas (12,8 por cento). Dentre os 52,1 por cento de adolescentes sexualmente ativos, 50 por cento faziam alguma coisa para prevenir as DSTs e 39,8 por cento usavam o preservativo. Do total de entrevistados, 98,8 por cento já tinham ouvido falar sobre AIDS, e a doença foi mais freqüentemente associada a näo ser curável. Quanto às formas de sua transmissäo, 90,5 por cento dos adolescentes sabiam como a doença é transmitida, e as formas mais citadas foram via sexual (94,1 por cento), sangue (70,6 por cento) e seringas contaminadas (41,2 por cento). Dentre os adolescentes entrevistados, 51,1 por cento faziam algo para näo pegar a doença e 36,4 por cento afirmaram usar preservativos. Conclusöes. - As principais fontes de informaçäo para os adolescentes é a escola (54,1 por cento) e o Ambulatório Avançado (51,6 por cento). O nível de conhecimento demonstrado foi elevado, uma vez que 92,2 por cento tinham ouvido falar sobre DST, 98,8 por cento sobre AIDS, 90,5 por cento responderam que sabiam como a AIDS é transmitidas e 78,8 por cento como as DSTs säo transmitidas...

Polineuropatia nutricional entre índios Xavantes / Polyneuropathy deficiency among Xavante indians

Os autores apresentam dois casos de polineuropatia carencial (PC) entre os índios Xavantes, em que o arroz era o alimento exclusivo no caso 1 e quase exclusivo no caso 2. O arroz consumido por esses índios era o beneficiado ou despolpado. A intoxicaçao pelo cianeto da mandioca ou de outros vegetais foi afastada. Relato dos Casos. Foram observados em suas aldeias dois índios com 18 e 25 anos, com história progressiva de fraqueza, diminuiçao da força muscular e emagrecimento. Removidos ao Hospital Sao Paulo, notou-se, no exame neurológico do caso 1, atrofia da musculatura distal dos membros superiores e inferiores, déficit motor distalmente com grau zero na musculatura flexora, reflexos profundos abolidos, reflexo cutâneo plantar sem resposta bilateralmente, sensibilidade, táctil, dolorosa e palestésica diminuída distalmente nos membros inferiores. No exame neurológico do caso 2, notou-se hiporreflexia proximal nos membros superiores, areflexia nas porçoes distais dos membros superiores e inferiores, hipoestesia táctil e dolorosa nos pés, hipoacusia à direita. As eletroneuromiografias mostraram anormalidades compatíveis com polineuropatia sensitivo-motora simétrica de padrao axonal desmielinizante no caso 1 e de predomínio desmielinizante no caso 2. Os exames de líquor foram normais. Discussao. A polineuropatia foi caracterizada pela história clínica, pelos exames neurológicos, eletroneuromiográficos e líquor. O diagnóstico de PC ficou estabelecido pela história clínica e pelos exames eletroneuromiográficos sugestivos de polineuropatia periférica de causa nutricional. Esta PC nao se enquadra nas mieloneuropatias como a neuropatia atáxica tropical, a paraparesia espástica e a neuropatia de Cuba. Conclusao. A PC dos Xavantes deve-se à deficiência da tiamina (vitamina B1), sendo o beribéri seco, tendo como causa o consumo do arroz beneficiado industrialmente como alimento exclusivo ou quase exclusivo. A polineuropatia dos Xavantes é diferente da neuropatia verificada ente os índios Kreen-Akrore e a observada entre os adolescentes índios do Parque do Xingu.