RESUMO
The dopamine content in cerebral structures has been related to neuronal excitability and several approaches have been used to study this phenomenon during seizure vulnerability period. In the present work, we describe the effects of dopamine depletion after the administration of 6-hidroxidopamine (6-OHDA) into the substantia nigra pars compacta of male rats submitted to the pilocarpine model of epilepsy. Susceptibility to pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE), as well as spontaneous and recurrent seizures (SRSs) frequency during the chronic period of the model were determined. Since the hippocampus is one of main structures in the development of this experimental model of epilepsy, the dopamine levels in this region were also determined after drug administration. In the first experiment, 62% (15/24) of 6-OHDA pre-treated rats and 45% (11/24) of those receiving ascorbic acid as control solution progressed to motor limbic seizures evolving to SE, after the administration of pilocarpine. Severeness of seizures during the model´s the acute period, was significantly higher in epileptic experimental rats (56.52%), than in controls (4.16%). In the second experiment, the frequency of seizures in the model's chronic phase did not significantly change between groups. Our data show that dopamine may play an important role on seizure severity in the pilo's model acute period, which seems to be due to dopamine inhibitory action on motor expression of seizure.
O conteúdo de dopamina nas estruturas cerebrais tem sido relacionado à excitabilidade neuronal e várias abordagens têm sido utilizadas para estudar este fenômeno durante o período de vulnerabilidade às crises. No presente trabalho, descrevemos os efeitos da depleção de dopamina após a administração de 6-hidroxidopamina (6-OHDA) na região pars compacta da substância negra de ratos submetidos ao modelo de epilepsia com pilocarpina. A susceptibilidade ao estado de mal epiléptico induzido pela pilocarpina, bem como a frequência de crises espontâneas e recorrentes durante o período crônico do modelo foi determinada. Sendo o hipocampo uma das principais estruturas afetadas no desenvolvimento desse modelo experimental de epilepsia, os níveis de dopamina nessa região foram determinados após a administração da droga. No primeiro experimento, 62% (15/24) dos ratos pré-tratados com 6-OHDA e 45% (11/24) daqueles que receberam ácido ascórbico como solução controle evoluíram para crises límbicas motoras e para o estado de mal epiléptico, após a administração de pilocarpina. A gravidade das crises durante o período agudo do modelo foi significativamente maior nos ratos epilépticos experimentais (56,52%) do que nos ratos controle (4,16%). No segundo experimento, não houve diferença significante entre os grupos quanto à frequência de crises na fase crônica do modelo. Nossos dados mostraram que a dopamina pode desempenhar um papel importante na gravidade das crises na fase aguda da pilo, o que parece ser exercido por sua ação inibitória da dopamina sobre a expressão motora das crises.
Assuntos
Ratos , Substância Negra , Dopamina , Ratos Wistar , EpilepsiaRESUMO
The dopamine content in cerebral structures has been related to neuronal excitability and several approaches have been used to study this phenomenon during seizure vulnerability period. In the present work, we describe the effects of dopamine depletion after the administration of 6-hidroxidopamine (6-OHDA) into the substantia nigra pars compacta of male rats submitted to the pilocarpine model of epilepsy. Susceptibility to pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE), as well as spontaneous and recurrent seizures (SRSs) frequency during the chronic period of the model were determined. Since the hippocampus is one of main structures in the development of this experimental model of epilepsy, the dopamine levels in this region were also determined after drug administration. In the first experiment, 62% (15/24) of 6-OHDA pre-treated rats and 45% (11/24) of those receiving ascorbic acid as control solution progressed to motor limbic seizures evolving to SE, after the administration of pilocarpine. Severeness of seizures during the model´s the acute period, was significantly higher in epileptic experimental rats (56.52%), than in controls (4.16%). In the second experiment, the frequency of seizures in the model's chronic phase did not significantly change between groups. Our data show that dopamine may play an important role on seizure severity in the pilo's model acute period, which seems to be due to dopamine inhibitory action on motor expression of seizure.
Assuntos
Epilepsia , Estado Epiléptico , Animais , Dopamina/efeitos adversos , Epilepsia/induzido quimicamente , Masculino , Agonistas Muscarínicos/efeitos adversos , Oxidopamina/efeitos adversos , Pilocarpina/toxicidade , Ratos , Ratos Wistar , Convulsões/induzido quimicamente , Convulsões/metabolismo , Estado Epiléptico/induzido quimicamenteRESUMO
Avaliaram-se o desempenho produtivo e o rendimento de cortes comercias da carcaça de animais castrados ou não castrados terminados em confinamento e abatidos em idade jovem ou superjovem, alimentados com uma dieta contendo 11,2% de proteína bruta e 3,07Mcal de energia digestível/kg de matéria seca, composta de 50% de volumoso e 50% de concentrado. A idade no início do confinamento dos animais superjovens e jovens foi de nove e 22 meses, respectivamente. Maior PF foi observado para os animais jovens não castrados. O GMD foi 31% superior em favor dos novilhos jovens em relação aos superjovens. O CMS foi 27% superior para os novilhos jovens sobre os superjovens, e os novilhos não castrados consumiram 9% mais kg de matéria seca quando comparados aos castrados. A diferença de peso da meia carcaça entre animais não castrados e castrados foi de 43% para os jovens e de 18% para os superjovens. Maior percentual do corte serrote foi observado nos novilhos jovens castrados. Novilhos jovens apresentaram maior ganho de peso médio diário, bem como novilhos jovens não castrados apresentaram maior peso final. Animais não castrados apresentaram maiores pesos de meia carcaça fria, percentual de dianteiro e porção comestível do dianteiro em relação aos castrados.(AU)
The productive performance and yield of commercial cuts of the carcass of non-castrate or castrated males feedlot finished and slaughtered at a young age or young steers, fed a diet containing 11.2% crude protein and 3.07 Mcal of digestible energy / kg of dry matter, composed of 50% roughage and 50% concentrate were evaluated. The initial age at the beginning of confinement of young steers and steers were 9 and 22 months, respectively. Greater FW was observed for young non-castrate. The ADG was 31% higher for the steers in relation to young steers. The DMI was 27% higher for steers than young steers and non-castrated consumed 9% more dry matter kg compared to the castrated. The half-carcass weight difference between non-castrated and castrated animals was 43% for steers and 18% for young steers. Higher percentage hacksaw cut was observed in castrated steers. Steers showed higher average daily weight gain, as well as non-castrate steers showed higher final weight. Non-castrate animals have higher half cold carcass weights, front percentage, and of edible portion of the front in relation to castrated.(AU)
Assuntos
Animais , Bovinos , Aumento de Peso , Ração Animal , Castração/veterinária , Criação de Animais DomésticosRESUMO
Avaliaram-se o desempenho produtivo e o rendimento de cortes comercias da carcaça de animais castrados ou não castrados terminados em confinamento e abatidos em idade jovem ou superjovem, alimentados com uma dieta contendo 11,2% de proteína bruta e 3,07Mcal de energia digestível/kg de matéria seca, composta de 50% de volumoso e 50% de concentrado. A idade no início do confinamento dos animais superjovens e jovens foi de nove e 22 meses, respectivamente. Maior PF foi observado para os animais jovens não castrados. O GMD foi 31% superior em favor dos novilhos jovens em relação aos superjovens. O CMS foi 27% superior para os novilhos jovens sobre os superjovens, e os novilhos não castrados consumiram 9% mais kg de matéria seca quando comparados aos castrados. A diferença de peso da meia carcaça entre animais não castrados e castrados foi de 43% para os jovens e de 18% para os superjovens. Maior percentual do corte serrote foi observado nos novilhos jovens castrados. Novilhos jovens apresentaram maior ganho de peso médio diário, bem como novilhos jovens não castrados apresentaram maior peso final. Animais não castrados apresentaram maiores pesos de meia carcaça fria, percentual de dianteiro e porção comestível do dianteiro em relação aos castrados.(AU)
The productive performance and yield of commercial cuts of the carcass of non-castrate or castrated males feedlot finished and slaughtered at a young age or young steers, fed a diet containing 11.2% crude protein and 3.07 Mcal of digestible energy / kg of dry matter, composed of 50% roughage and 50% concentrate were evaluated. The initial age at the beginning of confinement of young steers and steers were 9 and 22 months, respectively. Greater FW was observed for young non-castrate. The ADG was 31% higher for the steers in relation to young steers. The DMI was 27% higher for steers than young steers and non-castrated consumed 9% more dry matter kg compared to the castrated. The half-carcass weight difference between non-castrated and castrated animals was 43% for steers and 18% for young steers. Higher percentage hacksaw cut was observed in castrated steers. Steers showed higher average daily weight gain, as well as non-castrate steers showed higher final weight. Non-castrate animals have higher half cold carcass weights, front percentage, and of edible portion of the front in relation to castrated.(AU)
Assuntos
Animais , Bovinos , Ração Animal , Castração/veterinária , Aumento de Peso , Criação de Animais DomésticosRESUMO
Secondary pest outbreak is a counterintuitive ecological backlash of pesticide use in agriculture that takes place with the increase in abundance of a non-targeted pest species after pesticide application against a targeted pest species. Although the phenomenon was well recognized, its alternative causes are seldom considered. Outbreaks of the southern red mite Oligonychus ilicis are frequently reported in Brazilian coffee farms after the application of pyrethroid insecticides against the coffee leaf miner Leucoptera coffeella. Selectivity favoring the red mite against its main predatory mites is generally assumed as the outbreak cause, but this theory has never been tested. Here, we assessed the toxicity (and thus the selectivity) of deltamethrin against both mite species: the southern red mite and its phytoseid predator Amblyseius herbicolus. Additionally, behavioral avoidance and deltamethrin-induced hormesis were also tested as potential causes of red mite outbreak using free-choice behavioral walking bioassays with the predatory mite and life-table experiments with both mite species, respectively. Lethal toxicity bioassays indicated that the predatory mite was slightly more susceptible than its prey (1.5×), but in more robust demographic bioassays, the predator was three times more tolerant to deltamethrin than its prey, indicating that predator susceptibility to deltamethrin is not a cause of the reported outbreaks. The predator did not exhibit behavioral avoidance to deltamethrin; however insecticide-induced hormesis in the red mite led to its high population increase under low doses, which was not observed for the predatory mite. Therefore, deltamethrin-induced hormesis is a likely cause of the reported red mite outbreaks.
Assuntos
Comportamento Animal/efeitos dos fármacos , Inseticidas/toxicidade , Nitrilas/toxicidade , Piretrinas/toxicidade , Tetranychidae/efeitos dos fármacos , Animais , Brasil , Hormese , Lepidópteros/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
Metabonomics based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) can reveal the profile of endogenous metabolites of low molecular weight in biofluids related to disease. The profile is identified a 'metabolic fingerprint' like from the pathological process, why this metabonomics has been used as a diagnostic method. The aim of the present study was to apply metabonomics to identify patients infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) through an analysis of ¹H NMR spectra of urine samples associated with multivariate statistical methods. A pilot study was carried out for the diagnostic test evaluation, involving two groups: (i) 34 patients positive for anti-HCV and HCV-RNA and negative for anti-HBc (disease group); and (ii) 32 individuals positive for anti-HBc and negative for HBsAg and anti-HCV. The urine samples were analyzed through ¹H NMR, applying principal component analysis and discriminant analysis for classification. The metabonomics model was capable of identifying 32 of the 34 patients in the disease group as positive and 31 of the 32 individuals in the control group as negative, demonstrating 94% sensitivity and specificity of 97% as well as positive and negative predictive values of 97% and 94%, respectively, and 95% accuracy (P < 0.001). In conclusion, the metabonomics model based on ¹H NMR spectra of urine samples in this preliminary study discriminated patients with HCV infection with high sensitivity and specificity, thereby demonstrating this model to be a potential tool for use in medical practice in the near future.
Assuntos
Hepatite C/diagnóstico , Espectroscopia de Ressonância Magnética/métodos , Metabolômica/métodos , Urina/química , Adulto , Feminino , Hepacivirus/genética , Hepacivirus/imunologia , Hepacivirus/fisiologia , Anticorpos Anti-Hepatite B/sangue , Antígenos de Superfície da Hepatite B/sangue , Hepatite C/imunologia , Hepatite C/virologia , Anticorpos Anti-Hepatite C/sangue , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Valor Preditivo dos Testes , RNA Viral/sangue , Sensibilidade e EspecificidadeRESUMO
RESUMO Objetivando otimizar o processo de produção de mudas de qualidade, via cultura de tecidos, realizou-se avaliação de várias concentrações de cloro ativo para a desinfestação de lâminas foliares de 14 espécies de aráceas ornamentais. Lâminas foliares foram excisadas das plantas-mãe, lavadas em água corrente/5'e em água destilada/3x. Na câmara de fluxo laminar, as folhas foram mergulhadas em álcool 70%/30'', lavadas em água destilada estéril/3x e imersas em soluções de hipoclorito de sódio comercial (0,0%, 0,5%, 1,0%, 1,5% e 2,0% de cloro ativo)/20'. Os explantes (1cm2) foram colocados em tubos de ensaio com meio MS, com a face adaxial em contato com o meio. A unidade experimental foi composta por 5 tubos/repetição. O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado, com 4 repetições/tratamento. Os explantes foram incubados em câmara de crescimento/escuro/25 ± 2° C/14 dias e avaliados quanto à contaminação. Os resultados obtidos mostraram diferenças significativas entre as espécies de aráceas quanto a resposta às diferentes concentrações de hipoclorito de sódio, justificando assim a otimização de protocolo individual para cada uma delas. Recomenda-se, no entanto, que seja sempre utilizada uma solução de NaOCl com a menor concentração possível de cloro ativo, a fim de evitar danos ao tecido do explante.
ABSTRACT The objective for this study was to determine the most efficient chlorine concentration in order to protect explants in tissue culture from contamination. Leaf blade explants of 1 cm2 were used. The leaves were washed with tap water for 5 minutes and then washed 3 times with distilled water. The explants were placed in a laminar air flow chamber followed by immersion in 70% alcohol for 30 minutes and then washed 3 times with sterile distilled water, followed by 20 minutes immersion in a sodium hypochloride comercial solutions with active chlorine concentrations of: 0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0%. Still inside the laminar air flow chamber, the explants were placed in test tubes (containing MS medium) with the adaxial face in contact with the medium. The experimental design was completely randomized with 5 replications of 5 test tubes per plot, each containing one innoculated explant. The explants in the test tubes were kept in the dark in a growth chamber at 25 ± 2º C during a 14-day period, then evaluated for contamination. There were observed significant differences between species of araceas with regard to their responsiveness to the different concentrations of sodium hypochloride, which supports the difference in concentration to be used specifically for each one. It is advisable to always use a NaOCl solution having the lowest effective concentration of active chlorine to avoid damage to the explants.
RESUMO
Propor avaliacao quantitativa das assimetrias posturais e verificar a confiabilidade intra e interexaminadores e a repetibilidade do metodo. Metodos: participaram 21 voluntarios (24+-1,9 anos) que tiveram fotografados a face e o corpo todo nos planos frontal anterior, posterior e sagital. Os angulos estudados form tracados nas fotos digitais, a partir de marcadores fixos a pele em varios pontos anatomicos, que sao referencias frequentes na avaliacao postural tradicional. A analise da confiabilidade foi efetuada a partir das medidas angulares de uma mesma foto, obtidas por um unico examinador em duas ocasioes (intra-examinadores) intervaladas por um mes e de uma so medida realizada por um terceiro examinador (interexaminadores). Arepetibilidade do metodo foi analisada pelas medidas angulares tomadas por um examinador em 2 fotos diferentes do mesmo sujeito, realizadas com intervalos de uma semana. O coeficiente de correlacao intraclasse (ICC) foi aplicado com nivel de significancia de 5 por cento. Resultados: O metodo proposto apresenta significativa confiabilidade intra e interexaminadores para a maioria dos angulos estudados. No entanto, a cifose toracica apresentou niveis nao aceitaveis de confiabilidade para a analise inter (ICC=0,603) e intra-examinador (ICC=0,031). Na repetibilidade do metodo, a maioria dos angulos estudados apresentou baixo nivel de confiabildade, exceto pelos angulos de inclinacao do pe direito (ICC=0,863) e triangulos de Talles (esquerdo ICC=0,922 e direito = 0,867). Conclusao: nessas condicoes experimentais a maioria dos valores angulares obtidos pelo metodo proposto apresentou confiabilidade intra e interexaminadores. No entanto, sua repetibilidade e baixa, sugerindo que o metodo e pouco indicado para o acompanhamento de mudancas posturais
Assuntos
Face , Fotogrametria , PosturaRESUMO
We examined the genetic variability in the pig-human tapeworm, Taenia solium, by sequencing the genes for cytochrome oxidase I, internal transcribed spacer 1, and a diagnostic antigen, Ts14, from individual cysts isolated from Peru, Colombia, Mexico, India, China, and the Philippines. For these genes, the rate of nucleotide variation was minimal. Isolates from these countries can be distinguished based on one to eight nucleotide differences in the 396 nucleotide cytochrome oxidase I (COI) sequence. However, all of the 15 isolates from within Peru had identical COI sequences. The Ts14 sequences from India and China were identical and differed from the Peru sequence by three nucleotides in 333. These data indicate that there is minimal genetic variability within the species T. solium. Minimal variability was also seen in the ITS1 sequence, but this variation was observed within the individual. Twenty-two cloned sequences from six isolates sorted into 13 unique sequences. The variability observed within the sequences from individual cysts was as great as the variability between the isolates.
Assuntos
Antígenos de Helmintos/genética , DNA de Helmintos/genética , DNA Espaçador Ribossômico/genética , Complexo IV da Cadeia de Transporte de Elétrons/genética , Doenças dos Suínos/parasitologia , Taenia/genética , Teníase/veterinária , Animais , Sequência de Bases , China , Colômbia , DNA de Helmintos/isolamento & purificação , Variação Genética , Humanos , Índia , México , Dados de Sequência Molecular , Peru , Filipinas , Filogenia , Homologia de Sequência do Ácido Nucleico , Suínos , Taenia/classificação , Teníase/parasitologiaRESUMO
Isoprenylation is an essential protein modification in eukaryotic cells. Herein, we report that in Plasmodium falciparum, a number of proteins were labeled upon incubation of intraerythrocytic forms with either [(3)H]farnesyl pyrophosphate or [(3)H]geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate. By thin-layer chromatography, we showed that attached isoprenoids are partially modified to dolichol and other, uncharacterized, residues, confirming active isoprenoid metabolism in this parasite. Incubation of blood-stage P. falciparum treated with the isoprenylation inhibitor limonene significantly decreased the parasites' progression from the ring stage to the trophozoite stage and at 1.22 mM, 50% of the parasites died after the first cycle. Using Ras- and Rap-specific monoclonal antibodies, putative Rap and Ras proteins of P. falciparum were immunoprecipitated. Upon treatment with 0.5 mM limonene, isoprenylation of these proteins was significantly decreased, possibly explaining the observed arrest of parasite development.
Assuntos
Antimaláricos/farmacologia , Hemiterpenos , Pentanos , Plasmodium falciparum/efeitos dos fármacos , Prenilação de Proteína/efeitos dos fármacos , Proteínas de Protozoários/metabolismo , Terpenos/farmacologia , Animais , Butadienos/metabolismo , Cromatografia em Camada Fina , Cicloexenos , Humanos , Limoneno , Testes de Sensibilidade Parasitária , Fosforilação , Plasmodium falciparum/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Plasmodium falciparum/metabolismo , Testes de Precipitina , Trítio , Proteínas ras/metabolismoRESUMO
The genetic immunization of rodents with a plasmid coding for a Plasmodium chabaudi merozoite surface protein 1 (C terminus)-hepatitis B virus surface fusion protein (pPcMSP1(19)-HBs) provided protection of mice against subsequent lethal challenge with P. chabaudi chabaudi PC1-infected red blood cells. The percentage of survivor mice was higher in DNA-immunized mice than in animals immunized with a recombinant rPcMSP1(19)- glutathione S-transferase fusion protein administered in Freund adjuvant. In all mice immunized with the pPcMSP1(19)-HBs, a Th1-specific response, including the production of anti-MSP1(19)-specific immunoglobulins predominantly of the immunoglobulin G2a subtype and reacting almost exclusively against discontinuous epitopes, was elicited. The coinjection of Th1-type cytokine-expressing plasmids (gamma interferon, interleukin-2, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor) mostly abolished protection and boosting of MSP1(19)-specific antibodies. The inclusion of a lymph node-targeting signal did not significantly increase protection. These data provide further evidence that MSP1(19)-HBs DNA constructs might be useful as components of a genetic vaccine against the asexual blood stages of Plasmodium.
Assuntos
Antígenos de Superfície da Hepatite B/genética , Vacinas Antimaláricas , Malária/prevenção & controle , Proteína 1 de Superfície de Merozoito/genética , Plasmodium chabaudi/imunologia , Vacinas de DNA , Animais , Citocinas/genética , Citocinas/imunologia , Epitopos/imunologia , Feminino , Glutationa Transferase/genética , Glutationa Transferase/metabolismo , Antígenos de Superfície da Hepatite B/imunologia , Vacinas Antimaláricas/imunologia , Proteína 1 de Superfície de Merozoito/imunologia , Proteína 1 de Superfície de Merozoito/metabolismo , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB C , Plasmídeos/genética , Proteínas Recombinantes de Fusão/genética , Proteínas Recombinantes de Fusão/imunologiaRESUMO
We have purified and characterized a novel high molecular mass glycoprotein of P. chabaudi chabaudi (Pc550gp) that is transported to the erythrocyte membrane during the intraerythrocytic cycle. Immuno fluorescence assays with polyclonal monospecific antibodies against Pc550gp show that the protein to be localized in the periphery of young trophozoite stages i.e., on the plasma membrane or parasitophorous vacuole membrane. However, in late trophozoites and schizonts the antigen is distributed in both parasite and host cell membranes. These results were confirmed by immunoblotting of isolated parasites and infected host cell membranes at different stages of parasite development. Moreover, alkali extraction of purified infected erythrocyte membranes at mature stages of parasite development does not solubilize Pc550gp, suggesting that it is an integral membrane protein. In addition proteinase K digestion of intact infected host cells induced the disappearance of Pc550gp. Further indicating its transmembrane nature and that it presents extracellular domains susceptible to proteolysis. Brefeldin A or low temperature (15 degrees C) treatment did not affect the translocation of Pc550gp from the parasite compartments to the erythrocyte membrane, indicating that the secretion of Pc550gp does not follow the classical transport pathway described in most eukaryotic cells.
Assuntos
Membrana Celular/metabolismo , Glicoproteínas/metabolismo , Plasmodium chabaudi/metabolismo , Proteínas de Protozoários/metabolismo , Animais , Transporte Biológico , Brefeldina A/farmacologia , Carbonatos , Eritrócitos/metabolismo , Eritrócitos/parasitologia , Feminino , Glicosilação , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB C , Peso Molecular , Peptídeos/metabolismo , Inibidores da Síntese de Proteínas/farmacologia , TemperaturaAssuntos
Antígenos de Protozoários/metabolismo , Glicoproteínas/metabolismo , Malária/parasitologia , Plasmodium chabaudi/metabolismo , Proteínas de Protozoários/metabolismo , Animais , Anticorpos Monoclonais/imunologia , Antígenos de Protozoários/biossíntese , Antígenos de Protozoários/imunologia , Eritrócitos/parasitologia , Técnica Indireta de Fluorescência para Anticorpo , Glicoproteínas/biossíntese , Glicoproteínas/imunologia , Proteína 1 de Superfície de Merozoito/imunologia , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB C , Peso Molecular , Plasmodium chabaudi/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Plasmodium chabaudi/imunologia , Proteínas de Protozoários/biossíntese , Proteínas de Protozoários/imunologia , SolubilidadeRESUMO
We examined the periodicity and intravascular distribution of Wuchereria bancrofti microfilariae (mf) and determined the effect of these parasite properties on the accuracy of blood filming and filtration methods for diagnosis of bancroftian filariasis in the endemic area of Recife, Brazil. Microfilariae in both venous and capillary blood exhibited a nocturnal periodicity pattern with a relatively high amplitude. Overall, capillary blood contained approximately 1.25 times the number of mf present at the same time in the same volume of venous blood. However, the ratio of mf present in capillary and venous blood varied over a 24-hour period, so that the fewest mf were present in the capillary bed of the skin at the time when biting activity of the local Culex vector is the lowest. Twenty or 60 microliters blood films did not reliably detect carriers with fewer than 100 or 60 mf/ml venous blood, respectively, and were thus inadequate for the identification of low density mf carriers. In contrast, all carriers with > 1 mf/20 or 60 microliters blood smear at night could be identified during daytime hours by filtration of 1 micromilligram venous blood.
Assuntos
Coleta de Amostras Sanguíneas/métodos , Culex , Filariose/sangue , Filariose/parasitologia , Insetos Vetores , Periodicidade , Wuchereria bancrofti , Animais , Brasil , Capilares , Culex/fisiologia , Comportamento Alimentar , Filariose/transmissão , Humanos , Insetos Vetores/fisiologia , Microfilárias/fisiologia , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , Sensibilidade e Especificidade , Fatores de Tempo , VeiasRESUMO
To determine the effectiveness of single oral dosages of ivermectin ranging between 20 and 200 micrograms/kg and to make detailed observations of both the kinetics of parasite killing and the adverse reactions induced by treatment, the present double-blind study on ivermectin treatment of lymphatic filariasis caused by Wuchereria bancrofti was undertaken with 43 microfilaremic patients in Recife, Brazil. Follow-up at one year indicated equivalent efficacy for the 20-, 100-, and 200-micrograms/kg drug dosages in reducing microfilaremia to geometric means of 13-25% of pretreatment levels. Adverse clinical reactions (predominantly fever, headache, weakness, and myalgia) occurred to some degree in almost all patients but generally lasted only 24-48 hr and were easily managed symptomatically. Adverse reactions were significantly milder in those receiving the lowest (20 micrograms/kg) ivermectin dose, and they were significantly correlated with individuals' pretreatment microfilaremia levels in all groups. Posttreatment eosinophilia was a regular feature of the response to treatment, with the magnitude and kinetics also proportional to pretreatment microfilarial levels. Transient pulmonary function abnormalities (16 of 42, 38%), liver enzyme elevations (10 of 43, 23%), and hematuria (9 of 42, 22%) developed posttreatment, but all cleared without significant complications. The results indicate that W. bancrofti from Brazil is similar to strains of the parasites studied elsewhere in susceptibility to ivermectin, that the drug's systemic adverse reactions are essentially those resulting from parasite clearance, and that the intensity of these reactions can be significantly reduced by using the low (20 micrograms/kg) dose of ivermectin. This detailed dose-finding study provides information necessary for developing optimal regimens to treat bancroftian filariasis with ivermectin either alone or in combination with other medications.
Assuntos
Filariose Linfática/tratamento farmacológico , Ivermectina/uso terapêutico , Militares , Wuchereria bancrofti/efeitos dos fármacos , Adulto , Animais , Brasil , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Método Duplo-Cego , Filariose Linfática/sangue , Filariose Linfática/parasitologia , Eosinofilia/induzido quimicamente , Febre/induzido quimicamente , Seguimentos , Hematúria/induzido quimicamente , Humanos , Ivermectina/administração & dosagem , Ivermectina/efeitos adversos , Ivermectina/farmacologia , Cinética , Fígado/efeitos dos fármacos , Fígado/fisiopatologia , Pulmão/efeitos dos fármacos , Pulmão/fisiopatologia , Masculino , Microfilárias/efeitos dos fármacos , Pessoa de Meia-IdadeRESUMO
The same polypeptide chain (58 amino acids, 6 cysteines) is used to build up two ferredoxins in Desulfovibrio gigas a sulfate reducing organism. Ferredoxin II (FdII) contains a single [Fe3S4] core and ferredoxin I (FdI) mainly a [Fe4S4] core. The [Fe3S4] core can readily be interconverted into a [Fe4S4] complex (J.J.G. Moura, I. Moura, T.A. Kent, J.D. Lipscomb, B.H. Huynh, J. LeGall, A.V. Xavier, and E. Munck, J. Biol. Chem. 257, 6259 (1982)). This interconversion process suggested that the [Fe3S4] core could be used as a synthetic precursor for the formation of heterometal clusters. Co, Zn, Cd, and Ni derivatives were produced (I. Moura, J.J.G. Moura, E. Munck, V. Papaephthymiou, and J. LeGall, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 108, 349 (1986), K. Sureurs, E. Munck, I. Moura, J.J.G. Moura, and J. LeGall, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 109, 3805 (1986), and A.L. Macedo, I. Moura, J.J.G. Moura, K. Surerus, and E. Munck, unpublished results). The redox properties of a series of heterometal clusters (MFe3S4] are assessed using direct electrochemistry (square wave voltammetry--SWV) promoted by Mg(II) at a glassy carbon electrode (derivatives: Cd (-495 mV), Fe (-420 mV), Ni (-360 mV), and Co (-245 mV) vs normal hydrogen electrode (NHE)). In parallel, the electrochemical behavior (cyclic voltammetry--CV, differential pulse voltammetry--DPV and SWV) of FdI and FdII were investigated as well as the cluster interconversion process. In addition to the +1/0 (3Fe cluster) and +2/+1 (4Fe cluster) redox transitions, a very negative redox step, at -690 mV, was detected for the 3Fe core, reminiscent of a postulated further 2e- reduction step, as proposed for D. africanus ferredoxin III by F.A. Armstrong, S.J. George, R. Cammack, E.C. Hatchikian, and A.J. Thomson, Biochem. J. 264, 265 (1989). The electrochemical redox potential values are compared with those determined by independent methods (namely by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and visible spectroscopy).
Assuntos
Desulfovibrio/química , Ferredoxinas/química , Eletroquímica , Espectroscopia de Ressonância de Spin Eletrônica , Compostos Ferrosos/química , Oxirredução , EspectrofotometriaRESUMO
To determine the frequency of renal abnormalities occurring with Bancroftian filarial infections and to assess the effects of treatment on such abnormalities, we initiated a prospective, hospital-based study of 20 microfilaremic and five amicrofilaremic patients with Wuchereria bancrofti infections. Thorough clinical evaluations and detailed renal assessments were made prior to treatment and at multiple time points for 60 days following a standard twelve-day course of treatment with diethylcarbamazine (DEC). There were two important findings. First, even prior to DEC treatment, almost half of the microfilaremic patients had hematuria and/or proteinuria. Second, treatment with DEC induced these same abnormalities in almost all of the remaining microfilaremic patients. However, this DEC-induced hematuria and/or proteinuria was transient, and the long-term response to DEC in all of the microfilaremic patients was resolution of the abnormal renal findings during the two-month followup period. In the amicrofilaremic study patients, no hematuria or proteinuria was detected before, during, or after treatment with DEC.
Assuntos
Filariose Linfática/fisiopatologia , Hematúria/etiologia , Rim/fisiopatologia , Proteinúria/etiologia , Wuchereria bancrofti , Adolescente , Adulto , Animais , Nitrogênio da Ureia Sanguínea , Creatinina/sangue , Creatinina/urina , Dietilcarbamazina/uso terapêutico , Filariose Linfática/sangue , Filariose Linfática/tratamento farmacológico , Filariose Linfática/urina , Feminino , Seguimentos , Humanos , Masculino , Microfilárias , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Militares , Estudos Prospectivos , Eosinofilia Pulmonar/sangue , Eosinofilia Pulmonar/tratamento farmacológico , Eosinofilia Pulmonar/fisiopatologia , Eosinofilia Pulmonar/urinaRESUMO
The authors analysed the indirect immunofluorescence assay, for the diagnosis of bancroftian filariasis using papain treated W. bancrofti microfilariae as antigen, widely used in Recife-Brazil. Sera from 50 patients with several clinical forms of the disease including asymptomatic carriers, tropical pulmonary eosinophilia, elephantiasis, filarial fever and chyluria were analysed. For the control group, 50 individuals were selected, living at least 5 years in endemic area, with neither previous DEC treatment nor clinical-laboratory evidences of the disease, called normals endemic. The sensitivity and specificity were analysed taking into account different cut off values. It was not possible to differentiate infected individuals from the control group. It was not even possible to establish any correlation with IMF titers among different clinical presentation of the disease. Crossed reactions with various intestinal helminths were considered, but no relationship was found.
Assuntos
Antígenos de Helmintos/análise , Filariose Linfática/diagnóstico , Wuchereria bancrofti/imunologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Assistência Ambulatorial , Animais , Brasil , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática , Feminino , Imunofluorescência , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Sensibilidade e EspecificidadeRESUMO
A cintilografia esplênica seletiva pode ser o exame de eleiçäo quando há a necessidade de se estudar especificamente o baço. Para isso, descrevemos um método simplificado para marcaçäo in vitro de hemácias com tecnécio-99m com posterior desnaturaçäo térmica. Através dessa técnica é possível obter imagem cintilográfica esplênica com um número mais reduzido de manipulaçöes, quando comparada a métodos similares