Analyzing weight evolution in mice infected by Trypanosoma cruzi

Concerning the specificities of a longitudinal study, the trajectories of a subject's mean responses not always present a linear behavior, which calls for tools that take into account the non-linearity of individual trajectories and that describe them towards associating possible random effects with each individual. Generalized additive mixed models (GAMMs) have come to solve this problem, since, in this class of models, it is possible to assign specific random effects to individuals, in addition to rewriting the linear term by summing unknown smooth functions, not parametrically specified, then using the P-splines smoothing technique. Thus, this article aims to introduce this methodology applied to a dataset referring to an experiment involving 57 Swiss mice infected by Trypanosoma cruzi, which had their weights monitored for 12 weeks. The analyses showed significant differences in the weight trajectory of the individuals by treatment group; besides, the assumptions required to validate the model were met. Therefore, it is possible to conclude that this methodology is satisfactory in modeling data of longitudinal sort, because, with this approach, in addition to the possibility of including fixed and random effects, these models allow adding complex correlation structures to residuals.

South-South Cooperation: Brazilian experiences in South America and Africa / Cooperação Sul-Sul: experiências brasileiras na América do Sul e na África

Over recent years Brazil has played an increasingly active role internationally, the result of its model of integration and its foreign policy directives. The health sector is a valuable and strategic area for Brazilian technical cooperation to achieve various objectives, including its development goals. This article describes the main directives of Brazilian foreign policy, conceptually defining and characterizing South-South Cooperation, illustrated through an analysis of two Brazilian technical cooperation initiatives in healthcare: one in South America, the other in Africa. The study concludes that, irrespective of the interests and power asymmetries existing in South-South Cooperation, the objectives of this cooperation were achieved through the technical work.

Nos últimos anos, o Brasil foi ativo no âmbito internacional, tanto por seu modelo de inserção como pelas diretrizes de política externa. O setor saúde é uma ferramenta valiosa e estratégica utilizada pela cooperação técnica brasileira para lograr seus objetivos de desenvolvimento. Este artigo descreve as principais diretrizes de política externa brasileira, conceitua e caracteriza a Cooperação Sul-Sul, ilustrada mediante análise de duas iniciativas de cooperação técnica em saúde do Brasil: na América do Sul e na África. O estudo conclui que, independentemente dos interesses e das assimetrias de poder que existem na Cooperação Sul-Sul, os objetivos dessa cooperação foram alcançados por meio do trabalho técnico.

Detection of Gnathostoma spinigerum Antibodies in Sera of Non-Traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients in Thailand

Gnathostoma spinigerum can cause subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The detection of specific antibodies in serum against G. spinigerum antigen is helpful for diagnosis of neurognathostomiasis. There is limited data on the frequency of G. spinigerum infection in non-traumatic SAH. A series of patients diagnosed as non-traumatic SAH at the Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University, Thailand between January 2011 and January 2013 were studied. CT or MR imaging of the brain was used for diagnosis of SAH. Patients were categorized as aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (A-SAH) or non-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (NA-SAH) according to the results of cerebral angiograms. The presence of specific antibodies in serum against 21- or 24-kDa G. spinigerum antigen was determined using the immunoblot technique. The detection rate of antibodies was compared between the 2 groups. Of the 118 non-traumatic SAH patients for whom cerebral angiogram and immunoblot data were available, 80 (67.8%) patients had A-SAH, whereas 38 (32.2%) had NA-SAH. Overall, 23.7% were positive for specific antibodies against 21- and/or 24-kDa G. spinigerum antigen. No significant differences were found in the positive rate of specific antibodies against G. spinigerum in both groups (P-value=0.350).

Cultivo de células estromales de rata. Influencia del suero fetal bovino / Stromal rat cell culture. Influence of fetal calf serum

Las células madre estromales humanas y de roedores cultivadas pueden ser inducidas a diferenciarse en neuronas, enfatizando su utilidad potencial en la terapia celular neurorrestaurativa. Los sistemas de cultivo para la expansión de estas células describen el uso de diferentes proporciones de suero fetal, lo que motivó a estudiar qué concentración de suero fetal bovino era capaz de garantizar un adecuado rendimiento celular. Las células de la médula ósea de rata se cultivaron en medio a-MEM suplementado con 10 y 20 por cientode suero fetal bovino y se subcultivaron hasta 3 veces. La viabilidad celular de los cultivos primarios y los subcultivos estuvo por encima del 98 por ciento en ambos experimentos. Los cultivos primarios demoraron 17,4 días en confluir y los subcultivos 7,7 días. La concentración de suero fetal al 20 por ciento no aumentó significativamente la velocidad de multiplicación celular; no obstante, se obtuvo un mayor número de células estromales. El sistema de expansión in vitro podría utilizarse en estudios futuros para la expansión de las células estromales humanas, lo que sienta mejores bases para su aplicación clínica

Cultured human and rodents stromal stem cells can be induced to differentiate into neurons, emphasizing its potential use in neurorestorative cell therapy. Cropping systems for the expansion of these cells describe the use of different ratios of fetal serum, which led to study what concentration of fetal calf serum was able to ensure an adequate cell yield. Cells from rat bone marrow were cultured in medium supplemented with a-MEM 10 and 20 percent fetal bovine serum and subcultured up to 3 times. Cell viability of primary cultures and subcultures was above 98 percent in both experiments. Primary cultures converge delayed in 17.4 days and 7.7 days subcultures. The concentration of 20 percent fetal calf serum did not significantly increase the speed of cell division, however, we obtained a greater number of stromal cells. The expansion in vitro system could be used in future studies for the expansion of human stromal cells, which feels better basis for clinical application

The improvement of mixed human serum-induced anaphylactic reaction death model in guinea pigs / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To increase the death rate of fatal anaphylaxis in guinea pigs and the detectahie level of the tryptase of mast cell in hlood serum.@*METHODS@#Seventy-four guinea pigs were randomly divided into five groups: original model group, original model control group, improved model group, improved model control group, improved model with non-anaphylaxis group. Using mixed human serum as the allergen, the way of injection, sensitization and induction were improved. ELISA was used to detect the serum mast cell tryptase and total IgE in guinea pigs of each group.@*RESULTS@#The death rate of fatal anaphylaxis in original model group was 54.2% with the different degree of hemopericardium. The severe pericardial tamponade appeared in 9 guinea pigs in original model group and original model control group. The death rate of fatal anaphylaxis in improved model group was 75% without pericardial tamponade. The concentration of the serum total IgE showed no statistically difference hetween original model group and original model control group (P > 0.05), hut the serum mast cell tryptase level was higher in the original model group than that in the original model control group (P > 0.05). The concentration of the serum total IgE and the serum mast cell tryptase level were significantly higher in improved model group than that in the improved model control group (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The death rate of the improved model significantly increases, which can provide effective animal model for the study of serum total IgE and mast cell tryptase.

Biología comparada del sistema de complemento en peces / Comparative biology of the complement system in fish / Biologia comparativa do sistema complemento em peixes

Dentro de la respuesta inmune humoral se encuentran componentes que mantienen la homeostasis de los organismos a través del control de agentes patógenos por medio de la opsonización, quimiotaxis de células fagocíticas facilitando el proceso de eliminación de lo extraño o sin su acompañamiento, en el caso de la formación de poros en la membrana celular. A un grupo de este conjunto de componentes de origen molecular proteico se denominósistema del complemento, el cual posee tres vías de activación (Clásica, Alternativa y Lectinas), funciona comoanafilatoxinas, reguladores y receptores. La presente revisión tiene como objetivo discutir acerca de los diferentes componentes del sistema del complemento en la escala animal enfocándose principalmente en peces teleósteos y mamíferos, como organismos modelos en busca de elucidar sus diferencias, homologías y respuestas.

Within the humoral immune response can be found components that maintain an organism’s homeostasis viacontrol of pathogenic agents using opsonization, chemotaxis of phagocytic cells which facilitates the processof elimination of foreign bodies, or in its absence, the formation of pores in the cellular membrane. One of these groups of components, of protein origin, is referred to as the complement system, which has 3 means of activation (Classic, Alternative, and Lectins) and functions as anaphylactic toxins, regulators and receptors. The aim of this review is to discuss the different components of the complement system in the animal kingdom, focusing principally on teleost fish and mammals, as model organisms in the search to elucidate their differences, homologies, and answers.

Dentro da resposta imune humoral encontram-se componentes que mantém a homeostase do organismo através docontrole de patógenos, por opsonização, quimiotaxia de células fagocíticas que facilita o processo de eliminaçãode corpos estranhos, ou na sua ausência, a formação de poros na membrana celular. Este conjunto de componentes moleculares de origem protéica são chamados de sistema complemento, que tem três vias de ativação (clássica, alternativa e lectinas), funciona como anafilatoxinas, reguladores e receptores. Esta revisão tem como objetivo discutir os vários componentes do sistema complemento na escala animal focando principalmente em peixes teleósteos e mamíferos como organismos modelos na busca de elucidar suas diferenças, homologias e respostas.

Comparison of enzyme immunoassays detecting Helicobacter pylori specific IgG in serum and saliva with endoscopic and biopsy findings in patients with dyspepsia.

Purpose: To compare the performance of two indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) detecting Helicobacter pylori (HP)-specific IgG antibodies in serum and saliva with endoscopic observations and histologic findings of biopsies from dyspeptic patients, in an area of high HP prevalence. Materials and Methods : Sera, saliva and antral biopsies were obtained from 55 dyspeptic patients. IgG antibodies against HP were assayed in sera and saliva utilizing two indirect ELISAs. Biopsies were processed according to standard procedures in order to detect histological changes and the presence or absence of Helicobacter pylori. Laboratory data thus obtained were compared and statistically analyzed. Results: Forty-two (76.36%) biopsies were positive for HP. The organisms were detected in 4 of 16 (25%) cases with normal endoscopic findings, in all 16 cases of gastritis and in 22 of the 23 (95.6%) cases of duodenal ulcers (DU). Serum and saliva HP-specific IgG antibodies were detected in 4 normal cases with positive biopsies, in 12 and 14 cases of gastritis, respectively, and in all 22 (100%) biopsy positive cases of DU. The sensitivities of the serum and saliva tests were 90.5% and 95%, respectively, while the specificities were 84.5% and 70%, respectively. Conclusion: Due to their high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing HP-associated DU and gastritis, serum and saliva antibody testing seems to offer a valuable alternative to invasive procedures especially in areas of high HP prevalence such as ours; saliva antibody testing is simple and practical especially in children and in difficult patients who resent venipuncture.

Comparison between sensitivity of autologous skin serum test and autologous plasma skin test in patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria for detection of antibody against IgE or IgE receptor [FcepsilonRIalpha]

Intradermal injection of autologous serum and plasma elicit a cutaneous reactivity in almost 45-60% of patients with Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria [CIU]. This reactivity is associated with the presence of auto antibodies against IgE or IgE receptors. This study was carried out to compare the cutaneous reactivity of autologous serum and plasma skin tests in a series of patients with CIU for diagnosis of auto antibodies against IgE or IgE receptor. Fifty eight patients with CIU were injected intradermally with autologous serum and plasma [anticoagulated by citrate]. Histamine was used as positive control and normal saline as negative control. The study group was checked by routine laboratory tests [CBC, U/A etc], allergens with skin prick tests, and serum IgE level, and auto antibodies against thyroid as well. Duration of urticaria was another factor which was assessed. There was no significant difference between positive ASST and positive APST patients for the above mentioned tests. 77.6% of the patients were Positive for APST and 65.5% were ASST positive. Duration of urticaria was longer in patients with positive ASST and APST than ASST and APST negative patients, although the difference was not statistically significant. Autologous serum skin test [ASST] and autologous plasma skin test [APST] could be used for estimation of duration and severity of urticaria and planning for the treatment

Autologous serum therapy in chronic urticaria: old wine in a new bottle.

BACKGROUND: Chronic urticaria (CU) is one of the most challenging and frustrating therapeutic problems faced by a dermatologist. A recent demonstration of abnormal type 1 reactions to intradermal autologous serum injections in some CU patients has led to the characterization of a new subgroup of "autoimmune chronic urticaria". This has rekindled interest in the age-old practice of autologous blood injections as a theoretically sound treatment option in these patients. AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy of repeated autologous serum injections (ASIs) in patients with recalcitrant chronic urticaria. METHODS: A cohort of 62 (32 females) CU patients with a positive autologous serum skin test (ASST) (group 1) was prospectively analyzed for the efficacy of nine consecutive weekly autologous serum injections with a postintervention follow-up of 12 weeks. Another group of 13 (seven females) CU patients with negative ASST (group 2) was also treated similarly. In both groups, six separate parameters of disease severity and activity were recorded. RESULTS: Demographic and disease variables were comparable in both groups. The mean duration of disease was 1.9 +/- 0.3 years (range = 3 months to 32 years) in group 1 and 1.5 +/- 0.2 years (range = 3 months to 10 years) in group 2. In the ASST (+) group, 35.5% patients were completely asymptomatic at the end of the follow-up while an additional 24.2% were markedly improved. In the ASST (-) group, these figures were 23 and 23% respectively. The intergroup difference for complete subsidence was statistically significant (P < 0.05). In both groups, the most marked reduction was seen in pruritus and antihistamine use scores followed by the size and frequency of the wheals. CONCLUSION: Autologous serum therapy is effective in a significant proportion of ASST (+) patients with CU. A smaller but still substantial number of ASST (-) patients also benefited from this treatment.

Autologous serum skin test in chronic idiopathic urticaria: prevalence, correlation and clinical implications.

Some cases of chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) have histamine-releasing IgG autoantibodies in their blood. This disease subgroup is called "autoimmune urticaria". To date, the autologous serum skin test (ASST) is the best in vivo clinical test for the detection of basophil histamine-releasing activity in vitro. This study aimed to find the prevalence of ASST positive cases in Thai patients with CIU, to identify factors related to the positivity of ASST and to find the clinical implications of ASST in CIU. A retrospective study was performed among 85 CIU patients who attended the Urticaria Clinic at the Department of Dermatology, Siriraj Hospital and were willing to perform ASST, from January 2002 to December 2003. Twenty-one (24.7%) patients had a positive ASST. There was no significant difference between patients with positive ASST and negative ASST as to the severity of the disease (wheal numbers, wheal size, itching scores and the extent of body involvement) as well as the duration of the disease.

Lethal anaphylactic shock model induced by human mixed serum in guinea pigs / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To establish an anaphylactic shock model induced by human mixed serum in guinea pigs.@*METHODS@#Eighteen guinea pigs were divided into two groups: sensitized and control, The sensitized group were immunized intracutaneously with human mixed serum and then induced by endocardiac injection after 3 weeks.@*RESULTS@#Symptoms of anaphylactic shock appeared in the sensitized group. The level of serum IgE were increased in the sensitized group significantly.@*CONCLUSIONS@#An animal model of anaphylactic shock wer established successfully. It provide a tool for both forensic study and anaphylactic shock therapy.

Dengue na Bahia: estudo soro-epidemiológico na população da cidade de Ipupiara / Dengue in Bahia: seroepidemiological study in the population of the city of Ipupiara

A expansão dos vírus do dengue nas Américas, provocando sucessivas epidemias desta doença reemergente, tem colocado em risco número significativo de pessoas com relação à aquisição do dengue hemorrágico. Entretanto, os estudos soro-­epidemiológicos no Brasil restringiram-se a estudar epidemias do dengue em populações de cidades de grande porte. Objetivos: avaliar, na população de cidade de pequeno porte (Ipupiara) do Estado da Bahia, as repercussões de epidemia pelo dengue ocorrida em 1987. Casuística, Material e Métodos: Estudo transversal. Coleta de material em equipes após a divisão da cidade de Ipupiara em quadras, segundo o mapa da Fundação Nacional de Saúde. As amostras de sangue foram coletadas dos indivíduos nascidos antes de janeiro de 1987 e residentes no município de Ipupiara - Bahia durante a epidemia pelo DEN-1 em 1987, após consentimento verbal e preenchimento de questionário. A pesquisa de anticorpos anti-DEN-1 e de outros 18 arbovírus, inclusive o vírus 17D da febre amarela, foi realizada pelo teste de inibição da hemaglutinação (IH). Resultados: Dos 461 indivíduos testados 153 (33,2%) foram soropositivos, para DEN-1 (6,5%), outros arbovírus (2,7%) e 24,0% apresentaram resposta de padrão heterotípico (reações cruzadas) para os arbovírus testados. A sorologia (IH) positiva para DEN-1 foi associada à idade < 40 anos, moradia em região mais central da cidade em 1995, residência na zona urbana em 1987 e história de moradia e viagens prévias para outras regiões do país. Os soropositivos para flavivírus foram associados à idade> 40 anos, história vacinal anti-amarílica, grupos raciais mais claros, moradia na zona mais central da cidade e história de viagens e moradia prévia em outras regiões do país. A história de dengue em 1987 foi estatisticamente significante nos dois grupos soropositivos (anti­DEN-1 e anti-flavivírus). Dos 461 indivíduos pesquisados 117 (25,4%) referiram vacinação para febre amarela. Conclusões: A freqüência de soropositivos para DEN-1 foi baixa (6,5%), podendo ser decorrente da menor expansão de epidemia em cidade de pequeno porte ou porque na época do estudo (1995) os anticorpos inibidores da hemaglutinação tinham títulos baixos; a freqüência de indivíduos com história vacinal para 17D foi alta (25,4%) e talvez isto explique a maior freqüência de indivíduos com resposta heterotípica para flavivírus.