Long-term urban land use data in Maputo, Mozambique: A comprehensive dataset covering five decades (1964-2001).

Rapid urban change and expansion pose significant challenges in the Global South, and Maputo, Mozambique, is no exception to this phenomenon. Among the multifaceted dimensions of urban transformations, land use stands out as a key factor in urban planning. The implications on environmental aspects, availability of land for public services, and overall quality of life make understanding these issues crucial. This paper aims to address the afore mentioned challenges through a two-fold approach. Firstly, it provides open and free access to urban land use maps of Maputo city spanning five decades in a Geographic Information System (GIS) format, enabling the comprehensive study of the city's transformation over time. Secondly, it presents a detailed and comparable classification and nomenclature of urban land use, ensuring consistency and comparability in research and planning endeavors. The land use maps were created using image interpretation techniques, incorporating remote sensing data such as aerial photographs and high-resolution satellite images, as well as fieldwork and ancillary data. By combining these diverse sources, a comprehensive and accurate representation of Maputo's urban land use shapes was achieved. This study contributes to the understanding of urban dynamics and their impacts on various aspects of city life in Maputo. The open access data and detailed classification presented here serve as valuable resources for researchers, planners, and policymakers, facilitating informed decision-making, sustainable development, and effective urban management in Maputo and beyond.

Children on chronic hemodialysis before the first year of age in Brazil: A 3-year survival analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The limited data on survival rates of small children undergoing hemodialysis preclude comparison with other countries. The goal of this study was to determine the mortality rate and its risk factors in children starting hemodialysis during their first year of life. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study, based on data from a reference dialysis center in São Paulo city. Data from 47 (8 females) children who underwent chronic hemodialysis before the first year of age were analyzed. Survival was characterized using Kaplan-Meier methods and log-rank tests, followed by a multivariable Cox regression model. RESULTS: The survival rates were 93%, 75%, and 64% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Only cardiovascular comorbidity was significantly associated with the mortality outcome (HR = 5.7, 95% CI = 1.7-19.6, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: The survival rate among children who started hemodialysis in their first year of life was reasonable, similar to international standards.

Insights about the structure of farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS) and the activity of bisphosphonates on the proliferation and ultrastructure of Leishmania and Giardia.

BACKGROUND: The enzyme farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS) is positioned in the intersection of different sterol biosynthesis pathways such as those producing isoprenoids, dolichols and ergosterol. FPPS is ubiquitous in eukaryotes and is inhibited by nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (N-BP). N-BP activity and the mechanisms of cell death as well as damage to the ultrastructure due to N-BP has not yet been investigated in Leishmania infantum and Giardia. Thus, we evaluated the effect of N-BP on cell viability and ultrastructure and then performed structural modelling and phylogenetic analysis on the FPPS enzymes of Leishmania and Giardia. METHODS: We performed multiple sequence alignment with MAFFT, phylogenetic analysis with MEGA7, and 3D structural modelling for FPPS with Modeller 9.18 and on I-Tasser server. We performed concentration curves with N-BP in Leishmania promastigotes and Giardia trophozoites to estimate the IC50via the MTS/PMS viability method. The ultrastructure was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy, and the mechanism of cell death by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate risedronate had stronger anti-proliferative activity in Leishmania compared to other N-BPs with an IC50 of 13.8 µM, followed by ibandronate and alendronate with IC50 values of 85.1 µM and 112.2 µM, respectively. The effect of N-BPs was much lower on trophozoites of Giardia than Leishmania (IC50 of 311 µM for risedronate). Giardia treated with N-BP displayed concentric membranes around the nucleus and nuclear pyknosis. Leishmania had mitochondrial swelling, myelin figures, double membranes, and plasma membrane blebbing. The same population labelled with annexin-V and 7-AAD had a loss of membrane potential (TMRE), indicative of apoptosis. Multiple sequence alignments and structural alignments of FPPS proteins showed that Giardia and Leishmania FPPS display low amino acid identity but possess the conserved aspartate-rich motifs. CONCLUSIONS: Giardia and Leishmania FPPS enzymes are phylogenetically distant but display conserved protein signatures. The N-BPs effect on FPPS was more pronounced in Leishmania than Giardia. This might be due to general differences in metabolism and differences in the FPPS catalytic site.

["Routine" Laboratory Test Requests in Family Medicine: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on Clinical Practice in Portugal]. / Requisição de Análises de "Rotina" em Medicina Geral e Familiar: Um Estudo Observacional Transversal Analítico Baseado na Prática em Portugal.

INTRODUCTION: In Portugal, patients still believe they should perform a periodic check-up. The present study was designed to study the prescription pattern of "routine" laboratory tests in the Family practice in Portugal. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study in the Portuguese primary healthcare setting. We surveyed physicians on their "routine" laboratory test request pattern and the reasons for requesting or not requesting laboratory tests. The questions were based on the panel of the most prescribed tests in the of Central Lisbon health centre group. RESULTS: Most of the inquired doctors said they requested "routine" laboratory tests (51.4%). There is a significant difference in the request of "routine" laboratory tests performed by trainees or specialists (p = 0.013). The most requested laboratory tests in adults are total cholesterol (92.2%) and blood glucose while the most requested laboratory tests in children are blood glucose, total cholesterol and full blood count. Many doctors (79.4%) that request "routine" laboratory tests do so to perform screening and the doctors that do not request routine" laboratory tests do so mainly (80.8%) because there's lack of scientific evidence. DISCUSSION: We found differences in the prescription pattern of Family Physicians in Portugal, namely regarding the request of "routine" laboratory tests by doctors from different regions, degrees of specialization and age. We found that there is an association between prescribing "routine" laboratory tests and their request for screening. These physicians aparently want to track different types of pathology, even though patients have no symptoms or risks that could justify it. Most doctors, who do not prescribe "routine" laboratory tests, do not agree with screening for asymptomatic individuals, which is consistent with the evidence. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that there is an excessive request of laboratory tests which can lead to overdiagnosis and overtreatment that requires global Social Marketing strategies to change the prevailing culture.

Introdução: Em Portugal os utentes têm a convicção de que devem realizar análises laboratoriais mesmo na ausência de fatores de risco, nomeadamente história familiar. Estas são designadas análises de "rotina". O presente estudo pretendeu analisar o padrão de requisição de análises de "rotina" em Medicina Geral e Familiar em Portugal.Material e Métodos: Desenvolvemos um estudo observacional transversal analítico que teve como população alvo os médicos pertencentes aos cuidados de saúde primários em Portugal. Os médicos foram questionados quanto ao seu padrão de requisição e sobre quais os motivos da requisição ou não de análises de "rotina". As questões tiveram por base as análises clínicas mais prescritas pelos médicos do Agrupamento de Centros de Saúde Lisboa Central.Resultados: A maioria dos médicos afirmou prescrever análises de "rotina" (51,4%). Verificou-se uma relação estatisticamente significativa entre ser especialista e a requisição de análises de "rotina" (p = 0,013). As análises clínicas mais prescritas na idade adulta foram a determinação de colesterol total (92,2%) e de glicemia. Na idade pediátrica foram a determinação de glicemia, de colesterol total e o hemograma. A maioria dos médicos (79,4%) que prescreve análises de "rotina" fá-lo como forma de rastreio e os não prescritores não realizam análises maioritariamente (80,8%) porque não se encontra de acordo com a evidência científica.Discussão: No nosso estudo observámos diferenças na prática de Medicina Geral e Familiar em Portugal, nomeadamente no que diz respeito à requisição de análises de "rotina" por médicos de diferentes regiões, graus de especialização e idade. Verificámos que existe uma associação entre prescrever análises de rotina e o pedido das mesmas para realização de rastreio o que parece demonstrar que os médicos que referem prescrever análises de "rotina" têm a intenção, com as mesmas, de rastrear diversos tipos de patologia, embora os doentes não apresentem sintomatologia ou riscos que o justifiquem. A maior parte dos médicos que não prescreve análises de "rotina", não concordam com o rastreio de indivíduos assintomáticos o que está de acordo com a evidência.Conclusão: Os nossos resultados sugerem que existe um pedido excessivo de análises de "rotina" que pode levar a sobrediagnóstico e sobretratamento sendo para isso necessária a criação de estratégias globais de marketing social para mudar a cultura vigente.

Risk for falls among community-dwelling older people: systematic literature review. / Risco de quedas em idosos residentes na comunidade: revisão sistemática da literatura.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the risk factors for falls of the community-dwelling elderly in order to update the Taxonomy II of NANDA International. METHOD: A systematic literature review based on research using the following platforms: EBSCOHost®, CINAHL and MEDLINE, from December 2010 to December 2014. The descriptors used were (Fall* OR Accidental Fall) AND (Community Dwelling OR Community Health Services OR Primary health care) AND (Risk OR Risk Assessment OR Fall Risk Factors) AND (Fall* OR Accidental Fall) AND (Community Dwelling OR older) AND Nurs* AND Fall Risk Factors. RESULTS: The sample comprised 62 studies and 50 risk factors have been identified. Of these risk factors, only 38 are already listed in the classification. CONCLUSIONS: Two new categories of risk factors are proposed: psychological and socio-economical. New fall risk factors for the community-dwelling elderly have been identified, which can contribute to the updating of this nursing diagnosis of the Taxonomy II of NANDA International.

Instrumentos para evaluación del riesgo de caídas en los ancianos residentes en la comunidad / Instrumentos de avaliação do risco de quedas em idosos residentes na comunidade / Assessment tools of risk for falls in elderly dwelling in the community

Las caídas y el riesgo de caer aumentan con la edad y con el grado de fragilidad asociado al envejecimiento, siendo este el motivo por el cual el riesgo de caídas es un fenómeno de interés para los enfermeros. En Portugal, la Dirección General de Salud recomienda la realización de pruebas de evaluación de la movilidad, la capacidad física y funcional. Objetivo: Identificar los instrumentos utilizados para evaluar el riesgo de caída en el anciano residente en la comunidad. Método: Revisión sistemática de la literatura, cumpliendo las recomendaciones del Joanna Briggs Institute a través de la utilización del método PICo y de las recomendaciones PRISMA. El método PICo ayudó a definir los criterios de inclusión: Muestra (P) - los ancianos; Área de Interés (I) - instrumentos y pruebas que permiten evaluar el riesgo de caídas, y Contexto (Co) - vivir en la comunidad. La consulta bibliográfica fue realizada a través de las bases de datos: EBSCOHost®, CINAHL Complete y MEDLINE Complete, y utilizando los términos; fall, community dwelling, fall risk factors y tools escale. Resultados: Fueron seleccionados 24 estudios, en los que se identificaron seis escalas que evaluaban el riesgo de caídas, tres el miedo de caer y siete que evaluaban factores de riesgo predictivos del riesgo de caída, en ancianos que residen en la comunidad. Conclusiones: Los resultados destacan el número de instrumentos disponibles y la importancia de la utilización práctica por parte de los enfermeros de instrumentos válidos, fidedignos y sensibles, de modo de obtener diagnósticos precisos (AU)

As quedas e o risco de quedas aumentam com a idade e com o nível de fragilidade associada ao envelhecimento, daí o risco de quedas ser um fenómeno de interesse para os enfermeiros. Em Portugal, a Direção Geral de Saúde recomenda testes de avaliação da mobilidade, aptidão física e funcional. Objetivo: Identificar os testes e instrumentos utilizados para avaliar o risco de queda no idoso que resida na comunidade. Método: Revisão sistemática da literatura, que utiliza as recomendações do Joanna Briggs Institute na estratégia PICo e nas recomendações PRISMA.A estratégia PICo definiu os critérios de inclusão: População (P) - os idosos; Área de Interesse (I) - instrumentos e testes que permitem avaliar o risco de quedas, e Contexto (Co) - viver na comunidade. A pesquisa eletrónica foi feita nas bases de dados EBSCOHost® CINAHL Complete e MEDLINE Complete, utilizando os termos fall*, community dwelling, fall risk factors, tools e scale. Resultados: Foram selecionados 24 estudos, nos quais se identificou seis escalas que avaliam o risco de queda, três relativas ao medo de cair e sete testes que avaliam um fator de risco que pode ser preditivo do risco de queda em idosos que residem em comunidade. Conclusões: Os resultados enfatizam o número de instrumentos disponíveis e a importância dos enfermeiros utilizarem na sua prática clínica instrumentos válidos, fiáveis e sensíveis de modo a obterem diagnósticos acurados (AU)

Falls and risk of falls increase with age and with the level of frailty associated with aging, hence the risk of falls is a phenomenon of interest to nurses. In Portugal, the Directorate-General of Health recommends evaluation tests for mobility, physical and functional fitness. Objective: Identify the tests and the assessment tools used to assess the fall risk in the elderly who dwell in the community. Method: Systematic Literature Review that was based on the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute on PICo strategy and based on PRISMA. The PICo strategy defined the inclusion criteria: Population (P) - the elderly; Interest Area / Intervention (I) - instruments and tests for assessing the risk of falls and; and Context (Co) -live in the community. The electronic search was conducted in EBSCOHost® CINAHL Complete and MEDLINE Complete, using the search terms fall*, community dwelling, fall risk factors, tools and scale. Results: A sample of 24 studies was selected. Six scales for the assessment of the risk of fall were identified, three scales for the assessment fear of fall and seven tests for the assessment of risk factors that may be predictive of the risk of falls in the elderly living in the community. Conclusions: The results highlight that there are several tools and tests and the importance of using valid, reliable and sensitive instruments by nurses in their clinical practice in order to obtain accurate diagnoses (AU)

Risco de quedas em idosos residentes na comunidade: revisão sistemática da literatura / Riesgo de caídas de los ancianos residentes en la comunidad: revisión sistemática de la literatura / Risk for falls among community-dwelling older people: systematic literature review

RESUMO Objetivo Identificar fatores de risco de queda em idosos residentes na comunidade para atualização da taxonomia II da NANDA Internacional. Método Revisão sistemática da literatura, com pesquisa na plataforma EBSCOHost®, na CINAHL e MEDLINE, no período de dezembro de 2010 a dezembro de 2014. Utilizaram-se os descritores (Fall* OR Accidental Fall) AND (Community Dwelling OR Community Health Services OR Primary health care) AND (Risk OR Risk Assessment OR Fall Risk Factors) AND (Fall* OR Accidental Fall) AND (Community Dwelling OR older) AND Nurs* AND Fall Risk Factors. Resultados Obteve-se uma amostra de 62 estudos e um total de 50 fatores de risco, dos quais, apenas 38 estão presentes na classificação. Conclusões São propostas duas novas categorias de fatores: os psicológicos e socioeconômicos. Foram identificados novos fatores de risco de queda dos idosos residentes na comunidade, o que contribui para a atualização deste diagnóstico na taxonomia II da NANDA Internacional.

RESUMEN Objetivo Identificar los factores de riesgo de caídas en los ancianos residentes en la comunidad. Método Revisión sistemática de la literatura. La búsqueda fue realizada en plataforma EBSCOHost®, en CINAHL y MEDLINE, entre diciembre de 2010 y diciembre de 2014. Los descriptores utilizados fueron (Fall* OR Accidental Fall) AND (Community Dwelling OR Community Health Services OR Primary health care) AND (Risk OR Risk Assessment OR Fall Risk Factors) AND (Fall* OR Accidental Fall) AND (Community Dwelling OR older) AND (Nurs*) AND (Fall Risk Factors). Resultados Fueron seleccionados 62 artículos en los cuales se identificaron 50 factores de riesgo, de los que apenas 38 están presentes en la NANDA Internacional. Conclusiones Se proponen dos nuevas categorías de factores: los psicológicos y los socioeconómicos. Se identificaron nuevos factores de riesgo de caídas en los ancianos residentes en la comunidad, lo que contribuyó para la actualización de la taxonomía II NANDA Internacional.

ABSTRACT Objective To identify the risk factors for falls of the community-dwelling elderly in order to update the Taxonomy II of NANDA International. Method A systematic literature review based on research using the following platforms: EBSCOHost®, CINAHL and MEDLINE, from December 2010 to December 2014. The descriptors used were (Fall* OR Accidental Fall) AND (Community Dwelling OR Community Health Services OR Primary health care) AND (Risk OR Risk Assessment OR Fall Risk Factors) AND (Fall* OR Accidental Fall) AND (Community Dwelling OR older) AND Nurs* AND Fall Risk Factors. Results The sample comprised 62 studies and 50 risk factors have been identified. Of these risk factors, only 38 are already listed in the classification. Conclusions Two new categories of risk factors are proposed: psychological and socio-economical. New fall risk factors for the community-dwelling elderly have been identified, which can contribute to the updating of this nursing diagnosis of the Taxonomy II of NANDA International.

Identification and functional characterization of a novel arginine/ornithine transporter, a member of a cationic amino acid transporter subfamily in the Trypanosoma cruzi genome.

BACKGROUND: Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease, is auxotrophic for arginine. It obtains this amino acid from the host through transporters expressed on the plasma membrane and on the membranes of intracellular compartments. A few cationic amino acid transporters have been characterized at the molecular level, such as the novel intracellular arginine/ornithine transporter, TcCAT1.1, a member of the TcCAT subfamily that is composed of four almost identical open reading frames in the T. cruzi genome. METHODS: The functional characterization of the TcCAT1.1 isoform was performed in two heterologous expression systems. TcCAT subfamily expression was evaluated by real-time PCR in polysomal RNA fractions, and the cellular localization of TcCAT1.1 fused to EGFP was performed by confocal and immunoelectron microscopy. RESULTS: In the S. cerevisiae expression system, TcCAT1.1 showed high affinity for arginine (K m = 0.085 ± 0.04 mM) and low affinity for ornithine (K m = 1.7 ± 0.2 mM). Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing TcCAT1.1 showed a 7-fold increase in arginine uptake when they were pre-loaded with arginine, indicating that transport is enhanced by substrates on the trans side of the membrane (trans-stimulation). Oocytes that were pre-loaded with [(3)H]-arginine displayed a 16-fold higher efflux of [(3)H]-arginine compared with that of the control. Analysis of polysomal RNA fractions demonstrated that the expression of members of the arginine transporter TcCAT subfamily is upregulated under nutritional stress and that this upregulation precedes metacyclogenesis. To investigate the cellular localization of the transporter, EGFP was fused to TcCAT1.1, and fluorescence microscopy and immunocytochemistry revealed the intracellular labeling of vesicles in the anterior region, in a network of tubules and vesicles. CONCLUSIONS: TcCAT1.1 is a novel arginine/ornithine transporter, an exchanger expressed in intracellular compartments that is physiologically involved in arginine homeostasis throughout the T. cruzi life cycle. The properties and estimated kinetic parameters of TcCAT1.1 can be extended to other members of the TcCAT subfamily.

In vivo imaging of mice infected with bioluminescent Trypanosoma cruzi unveils novel sites of infection.

BACKGROUND: The development of techniques that allow the imaging of animals infected with parasites expressing luciferase opens up new possibilities for following the fate of parasites in infected mammals. METHODS: D-luciferin potassium salt stock solution was prepared in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at 15 mg/ml. To produce bioluminescence, infected and control mice received an intraperitoneal injection of luciferin stock solution (150 mg/kg). All mice were immediately anesthetized with 2% isofluorane, and after 10 minutes were imaged. Ex vivo evaluation of infected tissues and organs was evaluated in a 24-well plate in 150 µg/ml D-luciferin diluted in PBS. Images were captured using the IVIS Lumina image system (Xenogen). Dissected organs were also evaluated by microscopy of hematoxylin-eosin stained sections. RESULTS: Here we describe the results obtained using a genetically modified Dm28c strain of T. cruzi expressing the firefly luciferase to keep track of infection by bioluminescence imaging. Progression of infection was observed in vivo in BALB/c mice at various intervals after infection with transgenic Dm28c-luc. The bioluminescent signal was immediately observed at the site of T. cruzi inoculation, and one day post infection (dpi) it was disseminated in the peritoneal cavity. A similar pattern in the cavity was observed on 7 dpi, but the bioluminescence was more intense in the terminal region of the large intestine, rectum, and gonads. On 14 and 21 dpi, bioluminescent parasites were also observed in the heart, snout, paws, hind limbs, and forelimbs. From 28 dpi to 180 dpi in chronically infected mice, bioluminescence declined in regions of the body but was concentrated in the gonad region. Ex vivo evaluation of dissected organs and tissues by bioluminescent imaging confirmed the in vivo bioluminescent foci. Histopathological analysis of dissected organs demonstrated parasite nests at the rectum and snout, in muscle fibers of mice infected with Dm28c-WT and with Dm28c-luc, corroborating the bioluminescent imaging. CONCLUSION: Bioluminescence imaging is accurate for tracking parasites in vivo, and this methodology is important to gain a better understanding of the infection, tissue inflammation, and parasite biology regarding host cell interaction, proliferation, and parasite clearance to subpatent levels.

Growth of children with end-stage renal disease undergoing daily hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this report is to describe the effect of daily hemodialysis on the growth of children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). METHODS: We performed a prospective, observational study on 24 children with ESRD undergoing daily hemodialysis (DHD). The control group comprised 26 children on concurrent conventional hemodialysis (CHD), and the follow-up for both groups was 9.3 ± 3.0 months. No patient received growth hormone (GH) therapy. RESULTS: At the onset of the study, the height-for-age Z-score was -2.12 ± 1.54 in the CHD group and -2.84 ± 2.27 in the DHD group (p = 0.313). Assuming an increase of 0.5 standard deviation scores (SDS) of the height-for-age parameter as an improvement of growth, there were 33 % of patients in the DHD group and 8 % in the CHD group (p = 0.035). The cumulative probability of gain in height for age at 12 months was 40 % in the DHD group versus 15 % in the CHD group (p = 0.047). Also, 98 % of patients in the DHD group had an adequate total caloric intake, whereas 38 % in the CHD group reached this goal (p < 0.001). No patient left the study due to intensification of the dialysis modality. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that the DHD favored a 0.5 SDS height gain in a third of patients without GH treatment. Dialysis intensification was not a cause for treatment dropouts, and DHD should be considered as a treatment for selected cases, especially small children.

Effect of thiazolidine LPSF SF29 on the growth and morphology of Trypanosoma cruzi.

Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, is an endemic illness in Latin America. Efforts have been made by several groups to develop new effective and safe anti-T. cruzi drugs. In the present work, we show that thiazolidine LPSF SF29 inhibited growth of the epimastigote and amastigote forms and caused lysis in the trypomastigote form of T. cruzi, leading to death of the protozoan. Mitochondrial dysfunction was also observed. The thiazolidine induced ultrastructural alterations such as detachment of the flagellar membrane, intense mitochondrial swelling, formation of myelin-like figures and the appearance of autophagosomes. Taken together, these results suggest that this new thiazolidine is active against T. cruzi and constitutes a promising drug for the therapy of Chagas disease.

Bioluminescent imaging of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in Rhodnius prolixus.

BACKGROUND: Usually the analysis of the various developmental stages of Trypanosoma cruzi in the experimentally infected vertebrate and invertebrate hosts is based on the morphological observations of tissue fragments from animals and insects. The development of techniques that allow the imaging of animals infected with parasites expressing luciferase open up possibilities to follow the fate of bioluminescent parasites in infected vectors. METHODS: D-luciferin (60 µg) was injected into the hemocoel of the whole insect before bioluminescence acquisition. In dissected insects, the whole gut was incubated with D-luciferin in PBS (300 µg/ml) for ex vivo bioluminescence acquisition in the IVIS® Imaging System, Xenogen. RESULTS: Herein, we describe the results obtained with the luciferase gene integrated into the genome of the Dm28c clone of T. cruzi, and the use of these parasites to follow, in real time, the infection of the insect vector Rhodnius prolixus, by a non- invasive method. The insects were evaluated by in vivo bioluminescent imaging on the feeding day, and on the 7 th, 14 th, 21 st and 28 th days after feeding. To corroborate the bioluminescent imaging made in vivo, and investigate the digestive tract region, the insects were dissected. The bioluminescence emitted was proportional to the number of protozoans in regions of the gut. The same digestive tracts were also macerated to count the parasites in distinct morphological stages with an optical microscope, and for bioluminescence acquisition in a microplate using the IVIS® Imaging System. A positive correlation of parasite numbers and bioluminescence in the microplate was obtained. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of bioluminescent imaging in Rhodnius prolixus infected with trypomastigotes of the Dm28c-luc stable strain, expressing firefly luciferase. In spite of the distribution limitations of the substrate (D-luciferin) in the insect body, longitudinal evaluation of infected insects by bioluminescent imaging is a valuable tool. Bioluminescent imaging of the digestive tract infected with Dm28c-luc is highly sensitive and accurate method to track the fate of the parasite in the vector, in the crop, intestine and rectum. This methodology is useful to gain a better understanding of the parasite - insect vector interactions.

Molecular and functional characterization of the first nucleobase transporter gene from African trypanosomes.

African trypanosomes are unable to synthesize purines and depend upon purine nucleoside and nucleobase transporters to salvage these compounds from their hosts. To understand the crucial role of purine salvage in the survival of these parasites, a central objective is to identify and characterize all of the purine permeases that mediate uptake of these essential nutrients. We have cloned and functionally expressed in a purine nucleobase transport deficient strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae a novel nucleobase transporter gene, TbNT8.1, from Trypanosoma brucei. The permease encoded by this gene mediates the uptake of hypoxanthine, adenine, guanine, and xanthine with Kms in the low micromolar range. The TbNT8.1 protein is a member of the equilibrative nucleoside transporter (ENT) family of permeases that occur in organisms as diverse as protozoa and mammals. TbNT8.1 is distinct from other ENT permeases that have been identified in trypanosomes in utilizing multiple purine nucleobases, rather than purine nucleosides, as substrates and is hence the first bona fide nucleobase permease identified in these parasites. Furthermore, unlike the mRNAs for other purine transporters, TbNT8.1 mRNA is significantly more abundant in insect stage procyclic forms than in mammalian stage bloodstream forms, and the TbNT8.1 permease thus may represent a major route for purine nucleobase uptake in procyclic trypanosomes.

Abscesso primário do psoas em criança: relato de caso e revisäo da literatura / Primary psoas abscess: case report and review of the literature

Abscesso primario do psoas nao e uma doenca comum. O quadro clinico em crianca muitas vezes e inespecifico, podendo levar a atraso no diagnostico. Os autores descrevem um caso de abscesso primario do psoas em menina de sete anos de idade, com acometimento secundario da articulacao do quadril. O diagnostico foi confirmado atraves de tomografia computadorizada de abdome e pelve. E apresentada uma revisao da literatura sobre as manifestacoes clinicas, patogenese, diagnostico diferencial, etiologia, abordagem diagnostica e terapeutica desta patologia