Microsatellite loci: determining the genetic variability of Plasmodium vivax.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the genetic diversity of Plasmodium vivax isolates from different areas in the Brazilian Amazon using 11 polymorphic microsatellites and to evaluate the correlation between microsatellite variation and repeat array length. METHODS: Microsatellites with variable repeat units and array lengths were selected using in silico search of the P. vivax genome. We designed primers and amplified the selected loci in DNA obtained from patients with P. vivax acute infections. RESULTS: Positive correlation between repeat array length and microsatellite variation was detected independently of the size of repeat unit (di, tri, or tetranucleotide). We used these markers to describe the genetic variability of P. vivax isolates from four geographic regions of the Brazilian Amazon. Substantial variability was observed among P. vivax isolates within populations, concurrent with high levels of multiple-clone infections and high linkage disequilibrium. Overall, structured populations were observed with moderate to high genetic differentiation. CONCLUSION: The markers studied are useful tools for assessing population structure of P. vivax, as demonstrated for Brazilian populations and for searching for evidence of recent selection events associated with different phenotypes, such as drug resistance.

[Autologous transplantation of the spleen--comparative and experimental study in the abdomen]. / Enxerto autólogo de baço--estudo comparativo e experimental no abdome.

Autologous spleen grafts were implanted in various abdominal sites in 32 guinea pigs (Cavea porcellus) divided in 2 groups according to the use of slided or maccerated spleens. Each guinea pig was grafted in 5 different sites: subcutaneous tissue, rectus abdominalis muscle, properitoneum, greater omentum and mesenterial root. Grafts weighted initially 50 mg and were examined after 16 weeks according to the following variables: phagocytic ability (as measured by recovery of Tc99m-labelled, heat-modified erithrocytes), weight and histological appearance. Statistical analysis showed better graft results of sliced as compared to maccerated specimens in respect to weight and histological appearance (p less than or equal to 0.01). No significant difference was found regarding phagocytic ability. Intra-abdominal sites, especially the greater omentum, were found to yield significantly better graft results than sites at the abdominal wall (p less than or equal to 0.01). No graft-associated pathological changes were observed during the study period.

Cardiomiopatia hipocalcemica. / Hypocalcemic cardiomyopathy

Os autores descrevem um caso de hipocalcemia mais ICC, em paciente adulto, com comprovacao bioquimica, eletrocardiografica e radiologica. A insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva mostrou-se refrataria a medicacao digitalica, respondendo prontamente a terapeutica com calcio e vitamina D. Chamam a atencao para a importancia da dosagem do calcio serico nas miocardiopatias de causa desconhecida