High genetic diversity of hepatitis E virus in swine in São Paulo State, Brazil / Diversidade genética do vírus da hepatite E em suínos no estado de São Paulo, Brasil

A hepatite E é uma zoonose emergente que afeta diversas espécies de mamíferos, inclusive o ser humano. É ocasionada por um vírus da espécie Orthohepevirus A que possui diversos genótipos e subgenótipos. No Brasil é descrito o genótipo HEV-3, cujo principal reservatório é o porco doméstico. Testes moleculares e sorológicos demonstram o HEV-3 em diferentes estados, tanto em animais quanto em humanos. No estado de São Paulo, existem diversos estudos sobre a epidemiologia da hepatite E em humanos, mas faltam informações sobre o HEV-3 em suínos. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a ocorrência de HEV por meio da técnica de RT-PCR e posterior sequenciamento em um banco de amostras de fezes de suínos colhidas entre 2008 e 2009, na região metropolitana de Campinas. Das 89 amostras analisadas, foi possível detectar o HEV-3 em sete e, pela reconstrução filogenética, foram encontrados os subgenótipos HEV-3b, HEV-3h, e HEV-3j. Uma amostra disponível no GenBank, proveniente de São Paulo, que ainda não havia sido subgenotipada, foi agrupada ao HEV-3i. Os subgenótipos HEV-3j e HEV-3i ainda não tinham sido relatados no país. O estudo demonstra uma grande diversidade genética do HEV no estado de São Paulo e reforça o caráter zoonótico da HEV-3.(AU)

Leptospirose: análise bibliográfica, inquérito sorológico e vacinação canina / Leptospirosis: bibliographic analysis, serological survey and canine vaccination

A partir de inquéritos sorológicos de leptospirose realizados em diversas localidades do Brasil, o presente trabalho realizou uma pesquisa bibliográfica, elencando os principais sorovares de leptospirose reagentes, complementando com um inquérito sorológico realizado a partir de dados de um laboratório veterinário particular localizado na Zona Oeste da cidade de São Paulo. Com os resultados, uma análise crítica foi realizada à luz das principais vacinas disponíveis no mercado, destacando os sorovares presentes com os sorovares mais frequentes nas análises bibliográficas e do inquérito sorológico realizado. Ademais, a importância de a vacinação canina contribuir para a diminuição do agente infeccioso no meio ambiente, a existência de sorovares frequentes não contidos nas vacinas pesquisadas e disponíveis no mercado abre margem para se avaliar a real necessidade de elaboração de outras vacinas.(AU)

Based on serological surveys of leptospirosis performed in several localities in Brazil, the present work performed a bibliographic research, listing the most frequent reacting leptospirosis serovars, complementing with a serological survey based on data from a private laboratory located in the West Zone of São Paulo. With the results, a critical analysis was performed based on the main vaccines available on the market, highlighting the serovars present with the most frequent serovars in the bibliographic analysis and the serological survey performed. In addition to the importance of canine vaccination contributing to the reduction of the infectious agent in the environment, the existence of the most frequent serovars not contained in the researched and commercially available vaccines opens up the scope for assessing the real need to develop other vaccines.(AU)

LEPTOSPIROSE: ANÁLISE BIBLIOGRÁFICA, INQUÉRITO SOROLÓGICO E VACINAÇÃO CANINA

A partir de inquéritos sorológicos de leptospirose realizados em diversas localidades do Brasil, o presente trabalho realizou uma pesquisa bibliográfica, elencando os principais sorovares de leptospirose reagentes, complementando com um inquérito sorológico realizado a partir de dados de um laboratório veterinário particular localizado na Zona Oeste da cidade de São Paulo. Com os resultados, uma análise crítica foi realizada à luz das principais vacinas disponíveis no mercado, destacando os sorovares presentes com os sorovares mais frequentes nas análises bibliográficas e do inquérito sorológico realizado. Ademais, a importância de a vacinação canina contribuir para a diminuição do agente infeccioso no meio ambiente, a existência de sorovares frequentes não contidos nas vacinas pesquisadas e disponíveis no mercado abre margem para se avaliar a real necessidade de elaboração de outras vacinas.

Leptospirose: análise bibliográfica, inquérito sorológico e vacinação canina / Leptospirosis: bibliographic analysis, serological survey and canine vaccination

A partir de inquéritos sorológicos de leptospirose realizados em diversas localidades do Brasil, o presente trabalho realizou uma pesquisa bibliográfica, elencando os principais sorovares de leptospirose reagentes, complementando com um inquérito sorológico realizado a partir de dados de um laboratório veterinário particular localizado na Zona Oeste da cidade de São Paulo. Com os resultados, uma análise crítica foi realizada à luz das principais vacinas disponíveis no mercado, destacando os sorovares presentes com os sorovares mais frequentes nas análises bibliográficas e do inquérito sorológico realizado. Ademais, a importância de a vacinação canina contribuir para a diminuição do agente infeccioso no meio ambiente, a existência de sorovares frequentes não contidos nas vacinas pesquisadas e disponíveis no mercado abre margem para se avaliar a real necessidade de elaboração de outras vacinas.

Based on serological surveys of leptospirosis performed in several localities in Brazil, the present work performed a bibliographic research, listing the most frequent reacting leptospirosis serovars, complementing with a serological survey based on data from a private laboratory located in the West Zone of São Paulo. With the results, a critical analysis was performed based on the main vaccines available on the market, highlighting the serovars present with the most frequent serovars in the bibliographic analysis and the serological survey performed. In addition to the importance of canine vaccination contributing to the reduction of the infectious agent in the environment, the existence of the most frequent serovars not contained in the researched and commercially available vaccines opens up the scope for assessing the real need to develop other vaccines.

Liver Transplantation in Hepatitis C-Infected Patients: Experience From a South American Transplant Center.

BACKGROUND: Around 2.4% of the world's population is infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), and it is the most common cause of liver transplantation (LT) in the world. Latin America (LA), with nearly 9% of the world population, has had a continuous increase in the number of LTs per year. Yet, due to the lack of mandatory data collection and a well-developed health-care system, access to transplantation is limited in most LA countries. We report the first LA experience of HCV-infected LT patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study by reviewing the medical histories of all HCV-infected LT patients between 1996 and 2016 who acquired HCV before their LT, at the Fundación Valle del Lilí, Cali, Colombia. RESULTS: Between January 1996 and December 2015, a total of 770 LTs were performed, of which 75 had a cirrhotic liver due to HCV infection. With a median follow-up time of 24.4 months (interquartile range [IQR] 4.7-61.2 months), patient survival was 44.9% and 66.9% for the time periods 1996-2006 and 2007-2015, respectively. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was present in 30.6% of the patients, and overall postoperative complications had an incidence of 80%. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of LT in HCV-infected patients in Colombia and in LA. Our results are comparable to those of other transplant centers worldwide with regard to postoperative complications and patient survival. Patients with LT in the 1996-2006 time frame had higher morbidity and mortality. Studies including larger numbers of patients are needed to determine the reason for this finding.

Changes in energetic metabolism of Biomphalaria glabrata (Mollusca, Planorbidae) in response to exogenous calcium / Alterações no metabolismo energético de Biomphalaria glabrata em resposta ao cálcio exógeno

Calcium is considered an essential element for the metabolism of aquatic snail Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818), intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni Sambon, 1907 in Brazil, and represents a limiting factor to its distribution and adaptation to the environment. This study investigated the effect of different concentrations of exogenous CaCO3 on the energetic metabolism of B. glabrata for better understanding the physiological interference of chemical elements dissolved in the environment with the physiology of this species. Sixty-day-old snails were distributed into six groups, five exposed to different concentrations of CaCO3 (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 mg/L) and a control group. The exposure to CaCO3 was assessed over time, with analysis of 15 snails of each group in the following intervals: 1, 14, 21 or 30 days for hemolymph extraction. Concentrations of calcium and glucose in the hemolymph were determined by commercial kits, and organic acids were extracted using an ion exchange column and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Concentration of calcium in the hemolymph showed no significant difference (p>0.05) from the control group and between the concentrations tested...(AU)

O cálcio é considerado um elemento essencial no metabolismo do molusco aquático Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818), principal hospedeiro intermediário de Schistosoma mansoni Sambon, 1907 no Brasil e, tem sido descrito como um fator limitante na distribuição e adaptação desse molusco no ambiente. O presente trabalho avaliou o efeito de diferentes concentrações de carbonato de cálcio (CaCO3) exógeno ao metabolismo energético de B. glabrata, a fim de subsidiar uma melhor compreensão da interferência de elementos químicos dissolvidos no meio aquático na fisiologia destes moluscos. Foram utilizados moluscos com sessenta dias de vida, distribuídos em seis grupos, cinco expostos a diferentes concentrações de CaCO3 (20, 40, 60, 80 e 100mg/L) e um controle. A exposição ao CaCO3 foi avaliada em função do tempo, sendo retirados 15 moluscos de cada grupo nos seguintes intervalos: 1, 14, 21 ou 30 dias para extração da hemolinfa. As concentrações de cálcio e glicose na hemolinfa foram determinadas usando-se kits comercial e os ácidos orgânicos foram extraídos por meio da coluna de troca iônica e analisados através cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência. Os resultados demonstraram que a concentração de cálcio na hemolinfa não apresentou diferença significativa (p>0,05) em relação ao controle e nas concentrações testadas...(AU)

Changes in energetic metabolism of Biomphalaria glabrata (Mollusca, Planorbidae) in response to exogenous calcium / Alterações no metabolismo energético de Biomphalaria glabrata em resposta ao cálcio exógeno

Abstract Calcium is considered an essential element for the metabolism of aquatic snail Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818), intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni Sambon, 1907 in Brazil, and represents a limiting factor to its distribution and adaptation to the environment. This study investigated the effect of different concentrations of exogenous CaCO3 on the energetic metabolism of B. glabrata for better understanding the physiological interference of chemical elements dissolved in the environment with the physiology of this species. Sixty-day-old snails were distributed into six groups, five exposed to different concentrations of CaCO3 (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 mg/L) and a control group. The exposure to CaCO3 was assessed over time, with analysis of 15 snails of each group in the following intervals: 1, 14, 21 or 30 days for hemolymph extraction. Concentrations of calcium and glucose in the hemolymph were determined by commercial kits, and organic acids were extracted using an ion exchange column and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Concentration of calcium in the hemolymph showed no significant difference (p>0.05) from the control group and between the concentrations tested. Concentration of glucose decreased (p<0.05) in the treatments of exposure to 20 and 40 mg/L and increased when exposed to 80 and 100 mg/L CaCO3 compared to control and to other concentrations tested over 30 days. The organic acids pyruvate, oxaloacetate, citrate, succinate, fumarate, beta-hydroxybutyrate and lactate presented increased concentrations, while propionate and acetoacetate, decreased concentrations, when exposed to CaCO3 compared to control. Considering the influence of different periods of exposure to CaCO3, on the 14th day, there were stronger alterations in the metabolism of B. glabrata. In conclusion, exposure to CaCO3 reduced the concentration of glucose, which is metabolized into pyruvate, the final product of glycolysis, and also influenced the energetic metabolism pathways, indicating an aerobic or partially anaerobic functioning.

Resumo O cálcio é considerado um elemento essencial no metabolismo do molusco aquático Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818), principal hospedeiro intermediário de Schistosoma mansoni Sambon, 1907 no Brasil e, tem sido descrito como um fator limitante na distribuição e adaptação desse molusco no ambiente. O presente trabalho avaliou o efeito de diferentes concentrações de carbonato de cálcio (CaCO3) exógeno ao metabolismo energético de B. glabrata, a fim de subsidiar uma melhor compreensão da interferência de elementos químicos dissolvidos no meio aquático na fisiologia destes moluscos. Foram utilizados moluscos com sessenta dias de vida, distribuídos em seis grupos, cinco expostos a diferentes concentrações de CaCO3 (20, 40, 60, 80 e 100mg/L) e um controle. A exposição ao CaCO3 foi avaliada em função do tempo, sendo retirados 15 moluscos de cada grupo nos seguintes intervalos: 1, 14, 21 ou 30 dias para extração da hemolinfa. As concentrações de cálcio e glicose na hemolinfa foram determinadas usando-se kits comercial e os ácidos orgânicos foram extraídos por meio da coluna de troca iônica e analisados através cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência. Os resultados demonstraram que a concentração de cálcio na hemolinfa não apresentou diferença significativa (p>0,05) em relação ao controle e nas concentrações testadas. A concentração de glicose diminuiu (p<0,05) nas exposições a 20 mg e 40 mg/L e aumentou nas exposições a 80 mg e 100 mg/L de CaCO3 em relação ao controle e demais concentrações testadas ao longo de 30 dias. Os ácidos orgânicos piruvato, oxaloaceato, citrato, succinato, fumarato, β-hidroxibutirato e lactato tiveram suas concentrações aumentadas, enqunato, propionato e acetoacetato tiveram suas concentrações diminuídas na exposição ao CaCO3 comparada ao controle. Quanto a influência dos diferentes períodos de exposição ao CaCO3, aos 14 dias, as alterações no metabolismo de B. glabrata foram mais expressivas. Conclui-se que as exposições ao CaCO3 influenciaram na redução de glicose, sendo esta metabolizada a piruvato, produto final da glicólise e alteraram as vias de metabolismo energético, indicando um funcionamento aeróbio ou parcialmente anaeróbio.

Changes in energetic metabolism of Biomphalaria glabrata (Mollusca, Planorbidae) in response to exogenous calcium.

Calcium is considered an essential element for the metabolism of aquatic snail Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818), intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni Sambon, 1907 in Brazil, and represents a limiting factor to its distribution and adaptation to the environment. This study investigated the effect of different concentrations of exogenous CaCO3 on the energetic metabolism of B. glabrata for better understanding the physiological interference of chemical elements dissolved in the environment with the physiology of this species. Sixty-day-old snails were distributed into six groups, five exposed to different concentrations of CaCO3 (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 mg/L) and a control group. The exposure to CaCO3 was assessed over time, with analysis of 15 snails of each group in the following intervals: 1, 14, 21 or 30 days for hemolymph extraction. Concentrations of calcium and glucose in the hemolymph were determined by commercial kits, and organic acids were extracted using an ion exchange column and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Concentration of calcium in the hemolymph showed no significant difference (p>0.05) from the control group and between the concentrations tested. Concentration of glucose decreased (p<0.05) in the treatments of exposure to 20 and 40 mg/L and increased when exposed to 80 and 100 mg/L CaCO3 compared to control and to other concentrations tested over 30 days. The organic acids pyruvate, oxaloacetate, citrate, succinate, fumarate, beta-hydroxybutyrate and lactate presented increased concentrations, while propionate and acetoacetate, decreased concentrations, when exposed to CaCO3 compared to control. Considering the influence of different periods of exposure to CaCO3, on the 14th day, there were stronger alterations in the metabolism of B. glabrata. In conclusion, exposure to CaCO3 reduced the concentration of glucose, which is metabolized into pyruvate, the final product of glycolysis, and also influenced the energetic metabolism pathways, indicating an aerobic or partially anaerobic functioning.

Desempenho de leitões desmamados alimentados com dietas contendo plasma spray dried / Performance of weaned piglets fed diets containing spray dried plasma

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do plasma spray dried (PSD) sobre o desempenho e incidência de diarreia em leitões desmamados precocemente. Foram utilizados 56 leitões, homogêneos quanto à linhagem, com aproximadamente 3,87±0,65kg de peso vivo e idade aproximada de 14 dias. Foram testados quatro níveis de inclusão de PSD em dietas de leitões em dois períodos consecutivos, 14 a 28 dias de idade (período 1), e 29 a 42 dias de idade (período 2). Os níveis de PSD utilizados foram de 0%, 2%, 4% e 6% para o período 1 e de 0%, 1%, 2% e 3% para o período 2. No período 3 (42 aos 56 dias de idade) todos os leitões foram alimentados com dieta isenta de PSD. O desempenho dos leitões foi avaliado através de pesagens quinzenais e no último dia do ensaio, quando a idade do lote foi igual a 56 dias. As variáveis analisadas foram o consumo diário de ração, ganho diário de peso e conversão alimentar. Não houve diferença estatística (P<0,05) entre os tratamentos para as variáveis estudadas de consumo alimentar, ganho de peso e conversão alimentar. A utilização do PSD na dieta não influenciou o desempenho de leitões desmamados precocemente...(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of spray dried plasma (SDP) on the performance and incidence of diarrhea in early weaned piglets. Fifty-six piglets from the same lineage, with an approximate live weight of 3.87 ± 0.65 kg and approximate age of 14 days, were used. Four levels of inclusion of SDP in the piglet diets were tested during two consecutive periods, 14 to 28 days of age (period 1) and 29 to 42 days of age (period 2). The levels of SDP used were 0%, 2%, 4% and 6% for period 1 and 0%, 1%, 2% and 3% for period 2. During period 3 (42 to 56 days of age), all piglets received a diet without SDP. For performance evaluation, the piglets were weighed fortnightly and on the last day of the trial when the age of the batch was 56 days. Daily feed intake, average daily weight gain, and feed conversion were analyzed. No significant difference (P<0.05) in feed intake, weight gain or feed conversion was observed between treatments. The inclusion of SDP in the diet did not influence the performance of early weaned piglets...(AU)

Desempenho de leitões desmamados alimentados com dietas contendo plasma spray dried / Performance of weaned piglets fed diets containing spray dried plasma

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do plasma spray dried (PSD) sobre o desempenho e incidência de diarreia em leitões desmamados precocemente. Foram utilizados 56 leitões, homogêneos quanto à linhagem, com aproximadamente 3,87±0,65kg de peso vivo e idade aproximada de 14 dias. Foram testados quatro níveis de inclusão de PSD em dietas de leitões em dois períodos consecutivos, 14 a 28 dias de idade (período 1), e 29 a 42 dias de idade (período 2). Os níveis de PSD utilizados foram de 0%, 2%, 4% e 6% para o período 1 e de 0%, 1%, 2% e 3% para o período 2. No período 3 (42 aos 56 dias de idade) todos os leitões foram alimentados com dieta isenta de PSD. O desempenho dos leitões foi avaliado através de pesagens quinzenais e no último dia do ensaio, quando a idade do lote foi igual a 56 dias. As variáveis analisadas foram o consumo diário de ração, ganho diário de peso e conversão alimentar. Não houve diferença estatística (P<0,05) entre os tratamentos para as variáveis estudadas de consumo alimentar, ganho de peso e conversão alimentar. A utilização do PSD na dieta não influenciou o desempenho de leitões desmamados precocemente...

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of spray dried plasma (SDP) on the performance and incidence of diarrhea in early weaned piglets. Fifty-six piglets from the same lineage, with an approximate live weight of 3.87 ± 0.65 kg and approximate age of 14 days, were used. Four levels of inclusion of SDP in the piglet diets were tested during two consecutive periods, 14 to 28 days of age (period 1) and 29 to 42 days of age (period 2). The levels of SDP used were 0%, 2%, 4% and 6% for period 1 and 0%, 1%, 2% and 3% for period 2. During period 3 (42 to 56 days of age), all piglets received a diet without SDP. For performance evaluation, the piglets were weighed fortnightly and on the last day of the trial when the age of the batch was 56 days. Daily feed intake, average daily weight gain, and feed conversion were analyzed. No significant difference (P<0.05) in feed intake, weight gain or feed conversion was observed between treatments. The inclusion of SDP in the diet did not influence the performance of early weaned piglets...

Prevalence of allergic diseases and/or allergic sensitisation in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of atopic diseases in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) has been reported as lower. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of allergic diseases and allergic sensitisation in Brazilian children and adolescents with DM1. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 96 patients with DM1 (aged 4-18 years, 45 boys) followed for at least one year were evaluated for allergic disease through a detailed allergological anamnesis and skin prick tests (SPT) to inhalant allergens (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, D. farinae, Blomia tropicalis, Blattella germanica, Periplaneta americana, dog epithelium, cat epithelium, mix fungi), foods (cow's milk, egg-white, yolk, soy, wheat, corn), and positive (histamine 1 mg/ml) and negative (saline) controls. Wheals with a mean diameter of induration equal to or greater than 3mm identified a positive SPT. RESULTS: The prevalence values of rhinitis, asthma and atopic eczema (isolated or associated) were 68.0%, 59.1% and 44.4%, respectively. 20.6% of the patients had no allergic disease. 46.8% of the patients had been diagnosed with DM1 for at least four years and there was no relationship between the period of DM1 and the presence of allergic disease, nor of the gender. 48.0% patients were sensitised with predominance of D. pteronyssinus, B. topicalis and D. farinae. The frequency of positive SPT was significantly higher among patients with history of allergic disease (OR=6.98, 95%CI: 2.60-18.74, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of allergic diseases and sensitisation in patients with DM1 was higher than usually expected and deserves further investigation to identify possible causes for these findings and to evaluate their importance and influence on the metabolic control.

Detection of Genetic characterization of Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) in Brazilian wildlife boars

A semi-intensive wildlife boars farm presented a clinical history of high mortality in 70 - 90 days-old pigs (> 50 %). Two 90 days-old animals with weight loss and wasting were necropsied and the samples tested for PCV2 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The genetic material of PCV2 was sequenced and classified into the PCV2a genotype together with PCV2 sequences obtained from samples of Poland, Brazil, Slovenia and Greece wild boars.

Detection of genetic characterization of Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) in Brazilian wildlife boars

A semi-intensive wildlife boars farm presented a clinical history of high mortality in 70 - 90 days-old pigs (> 50 %). Two 90 days-old animals with weight loss and wasting were necropsied and the samples tested for PCV2 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The genetic material of PCV2 was sequenced and classified into the PCV2a genotype together with PCV2 sequences obtained from samples of Poland, Brazil, Slovenia and Greece wild boars.

Detection of Genetic characterization of Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) in Brazilian wildlife boars.

A semi-intensive wildlife boars farm presented a clinical history of high mortality in 70 - 90 days-old pigs (> 50 %). Two 90 days-old animals with weight loss and wasting were necropsied and the samples tested for PCV2 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The genetic material of PCV2 was sequenced and classified into the PCV2a genotype together with PCV2 sequences obtained from samples of Poland, Brazil, Slovenia and Greece wild boars.

Detection of Genetic characterization of Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) in Brazilian wildlife boars

A semi-intensive wildlife boars farm presented a clinical history of high mortality in 70 - 90 days-old pigs (> 50 %). Two 90 days-old animals with weight loss and wasting were necropsied and the samples tested for PCV2 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The genetic material of PCV2 was sequenced and classified into the PCV2a genotype together with PCV2 sequences obtained from samples of Poland, Brazil, Slovenia and Greece wild boars.

First detection of the equine herpesvirus 1 neuropathogenic variant in Brazil.

This report describes the first detection of an equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) neuropathogenic variant (G2254/D752) in Brazil from a case of fatal equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) in a mare. The results of nucleotide sequencing of the EHV-1 ORF30 gene showed that two other Brazilian EHV-1 isolates from EHM cases are representatives of the non-neuropathogenic variant (A2254/N752), suggesting that other unidentified factors are probably also involved in the neuropathogenicity of EHV-1 in horses. These findings will contribute to the epidemiological knowledge of EHV-1 infection in Brazil.

Effects of growth hormone on body proportions in Turner syndrome compared with non-treated patients and normal women.

BACKGROUND: The majority of anthropometric assessments in Turner syndrome (TS) patients has focused on height. AIM: To analyze body proportions in young adult TS patients either treated or not treated with rhGH, and to compare them with a group of age-matched healthy women. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Standing height, sitting height, weight, foot and leg lengths, arm span, head circumference, biliac and biacromial diameters were measured in 52 non-treated TS patients, 30 treated with rhGH and 133 healthy women. RESULTS: Age at the start of rhGH therapy varied from 7.8 to 15.1 yr (10.0±1.3 yr), the duration of treatment from 2.8 to 8.2 yr (3.7±1.5 yr) and the mean recombinant human GH (rhGH) dose was 0.42 mg/kg/week (from 0.32 to 0.50 mg/kg/week). Nontreated patients did not show any difference in anthropometric variables when compared with the treated ones, except for hand length (p=0.02) and height (p=0.05), which were increased in the treated group. All anthropometric variables, except head circumference, were different when comparing TS patients (either treated or not) with age-matched healthy women. CONCLUSION: Brazilian TS patients either treated or not with rhGH showed almost no differences in terms of their body proportions. This result is probably due to the late age at the start of treatment, and/or the short period of rhGH administration. Hand length was different between the groups, showing the importance of including the extremities in body proportion assessment during rhGH treatment of TS patients.

Wheat antixenosis, antibiosis, and tolerance to infestation by Delphacodes kuscheli (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), a vector of "Mal de Río Cuarto" in Argentina.

"Mal de Rio Cuarto", is the most important virus disease of corn, Zea mays L., in Argentina. It is caused by the Mal de Rio Cuarto virus (family Reoviridae, genus Fijivirus. MRCV), which is a persistent virus transmitted by Delphacodes kuscheli (Fennah 1955) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae). Because corn is not a natural host of D. kuscheli, it has little protection from this pest. In contrast, wheat, Triticum aestivum L., is one of the main hosts of this vector and a reservoir of MRCV. The aim of this work was to identify genes involved in antixenosis, antibiosis, and tolerance of infestation by D. kuscheli in wheat, which might be used to reduce the population level of this vector on corn. A set of recombinant dihaploid (RDH) lines for chromosome 6A derived from the F1 cross between 'Chinese Spring' (CS) X 'Chinese Spring (Synthetic 6A)' (S6A) substitution line, was used for mapping. The S6A parental line is resistant to the MRCV vector. Antixenosis, antibiosis, and tolerance were evaluated using conventional tests in controlled environmental conditions. Most of the RDH and S6A showed higher levels of antixenosis against D. kuscheli than the parental line CS. The RDH lines showed highly significant antibiosis in terms of the duration of first, third, and fifth nymphal instars, developmental time (days), survival and fecundity. There were highly significant differences in the tolerance to D. kuscheli based on the chlorophyll content of the first and second leaves, foliar area, and aboveground fresh and dry weights. The duration of the fifth nymphal instar and the developmental period were significantly associated with Xgwm1017 marker loci, located at 48 cM on 6AL. Another quantitative trait locus accounting for the variation in chlorophyll content of the first leaf was associated with the interval between loci Xgwm459 and Xgwm334a, located in the telomeric region of the 6AS chromosome arm. The alleles with positive effects came from S6A. Antibiotic resistance of RDH could be useful for controlling the population increase of the MRCV vector on wheat, because prolonging the duration of development increases the period between two subsequent generations, so reducing the abundance of infective populations colonizing corn.

Frequency of the S65C mutation in the hemochromatosis gene in Brazil.

Development of hereditary hemochromatosis is associated with the C282Y, H63D or S65C mutations in the hemochromatosis gene. Though there is extensive knowledge about the former two, there is little information on the mechanism of action and the allelic frequency of the S65C mutation. We examined the prevalence of the S65C mutation of the hemochromatosis gene in Brazilians with clinical suspicion of hereditary hemochromatosis. Genotyping for this mutation was carried out in 633 individuals with clinical suspicion of hereditary hemochromatosis, using the polymerase chain reaction, followed by enzymatic digestion. The sample comprised 77.1% men and 22.9% women, giving a ratio of approximately 3:1; the mean age was 48.8 +/- 13.8 years. More than half (57.3%) of the individuals in the sample were 41 to 60 years old. The frequency of heterozygotes for this mutation was 0.016; no homozygous mutant patients were found. This is the first analysis of the S65C mutation in individuals suspected of having hereditary hemochromatosis in Brazil.

Congenital toxoplasmosis: evaluation of serological methods for the detection of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgM and IgA antibodies.

A study was carried out to evaluate the presence of serological markers for the immunodiagnosis of the vertical transmission of toxoplasmosis. We tested the sensitivity, specificity and predictive values (positive and negative) of different serological methods for the early diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis. In a prospective longitudinal study, 50 infants with suspected congenital toxoplasmosis were followed up in the ambulatory care centre of Congenital Infections at University Hospital in Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil, from 1 January 2004-30 September 2005. Microparticle Enzyme Immunoassay (MEIA), Enzyme-Linked Fluorescent Assay (ELFA) and Immune-Fluorescent Antibody Technique (IFAT) were used to detect specific IgM anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and a capture ELISA was used to detect specific IgA antibodies. The results showed that 28/50 infants were infected. During the neonatal period, IgM was detected in 39.3% (11/28) of those infected infants and IgA was detected in 21.4% (6/28). The sensitivity, specificity and predictive values (positive and negative) of each assay were, respectively: MEIA and ELFA: 60.9%, 100%, 100%, 55.0%; IFAT: 59.6%, 91.7%, 93.3%, 53.7%; IgA capture ELISA: 57.1%, 100%, 100%, 51.2%. The presence of specific IgM and IgA antibodies during the neonatal period was not frequent, although it was correlated with the most severe cases of congenital transmission. The results indicate that the absence of congenital disease markers (IgM and IgA) in newborns, even after confirming the absence with several techniques, does not constitute an exclusion criterion for toxoplasmosis.