RESUMO
HIV-1 infection is a global epidemic whose treatment is limited majorly by viral resistance and adverse effects. Natural products from algae have been studied for many years, including antiviral, being an alternative to anti-HIV drug design. Since the isolation of natural products can be a hurdle, molecular modeling is an important tool to study these compounds. Herein, structure-activity relationship, molecular docking, and molecular dynamic studies were performed to direct the studies of ten marine natural products with anti-HIV activity. In the structure-activity relationship, descriptors were identified associating the anti-HIV activity of five diterpenes with possible action on the reverse transcriptase allosteric site. These diterpenes were evaluated by molecular docking, and it was identified that only dolabelladienetriol interacted in the allosteric site. Molecular dynamics suggested that the dolabelladienetriol might interfere with the viral RNA binding to HIV-1 RT by inducing a conformational change of the enzyme. Also, in silico ADMET simulations predicts that the dolabelladienetriol present a high potential to be successfully developed as a drug. Thus, applying in silico approaches was possible to suggest potential anti-HIV compounds derived from marine natural products.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Assuntos
Fármacos Anti-HIV , Produtos Biológicos , Diterpenos , Fármacos Anti-HIV/química , Fármacos Anti-HIV/farmacologia , Produtos Biológicos/farmacologia , Diterpenos/farmacologia , Simulação de Acoplamento Molecular , Simulação de Dinâmica Molecular , Relação Quantitativa Estrutura-Atividade , Relação Estrutura-AtividadeRESUMO
Lucina pectinata is an important economic resource in the Brazilian coast. This study reports parasitism caused by a Digenea in this species. The specimens (n = 470) were collected in December 2012 in a mangrove swamp of the Cachoeira River estuary, Bahia, Brazil. They were measured along the anterior-posterior axis (length), and after macroscopic analysis for parasites and diseases cuts of 5 mm were fixated in Carnoys solution and processed by routine histology technique wherein sessions of 7 m were stained with Harris hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). The tissues were examined using an optical microscope. The mean length of L. pectinata was 4.0 ± 0.53 cm. Microscopic analysis showed sporocysts containing both germ balls as cercariae of an unidentified Digenea (Platyhelminthes), these in various stages of development. The prevalence was 1.48% (7/470). In a parasitized specimen was macroscopic evidence of tissue densification of gills. The sporocysts were observed in mantle, gills, digestive gland and gonads, with evident alteration/destruction of tissues, including parasitic castration. There were no other parasites found, which is probably related to inaccessibility and chemical conditions in which lives L. pectinata, i.e., between 10 and 20 cm in mangrove sediment.(AU)
Lucina pectinata é um importante recurso econômico na costa brasileira. Este estudo relata parasitismo causado por um Digenea nesta espécie. Os exemplares (n = 470) foram coletados em dezembro de 2012 em um manguezal do estuário do Rio Cachoeira, Ilhéus, Bahia. Estes foram medidos quanto ao eixo ântero-posterior (comprimento) e após análise macroscópica quanto a parasitos e enfermidades, cortes transversais de 5 mm foram fixados em solução de Carnoy e processados por técnica rotineira de histologia, sendo que sessões de 7 m foram coradas com hematoxilina de Harris e eosina (HE). Os tecidos foram examinados em microscopia de luz. A média de comprimento de L. pectinata foi de 4,0 ± 0,53 cm. A análise microscópica evidenciou esporocistos de um Digenea (Platyhelminthes) não identificado, contendo massas germinativas e cercárias, estas em vários estágios de desenvolvimento. A prevalência foi de 1,48% (7/470). Um dos exemplares parasitado apresentou adensamento dos tecidos nas brânquias. Os esporocistos foram observados no manto, brânquias, glândula digestiva e gônadas, causando evidente alteração/destruição de tecidos, inclusive castração parasitária. Não foram observados outros parasitos, o que está provavelmente associado à inacessibilidade e condições químicas em que vive este hospedeiro, isto é, entre 10 e 20 cm no sedimento do manguezal.(AU)
Assuntos
Animais , Bivalves/parasitologia , Platelmintos , Pesqueiros , BrasilRESUMO
Abstract Lucina pectinata is an important economic resource in the Brazilian coast. This study reports parasitism caused by a Digenea in this species. The specimens (n = 470) were collected in December 2012 in a mangrove swamp of the Cachoeira River estuary, Bahia, Brazil. They were measured along the anterior-posterior axis (length), and after macroscopic analysis for parasites and diseases cuts of 5 mm were fixated in Carnoy's solution and processed by routine histology technique wherein sessions of 7 μm were stained with Harris hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). The tissues were examined using an optical microscope. The mean length of L. pectinata was 4.0 ± 0.53 cm. Microscopic analysis showed sporocysts containing both germ balls as cercariae of an unidentified Digenea (Platyhelminthes), these in various stages of development. The prevalence was 1.48% (7/470). In a parasitized specimen was macroscopic evidence of tissue densification of gills. The sporocysts were observed in mantle, gills, digestive gland and gonads, with evident alteration/destruction of tissues, including parasitic castration. There were no other parasites found, which is probably related to inaccessibility and chemical conditions in which lives L. pectinata, i.e., between 10 and 20 cm in mangrove sediment.
Resumo Lucina pectinata é um importante recurso econômico na costa brasileira. Este estudo relata parasitismo causado por um Digenea nesta espécie. Os exemplares (n = 470) foram coletados em dezembro de 2012 em um manguezal do estuário do Rio Cachoeira, Ilhéus, Bahia. Estes foram medidos quanto ao eixo ântero-posterior (comprimento) e após análise macroscópica quanto a parasitos e enfermidades, cortes transversais de 5 mm foram fixados em solução de Carnoy e processados por técnica rotineira de histologia, sendo que sessões de 7 μm foram coradas com hematoxilina de Harris e eosina (HE). Os tecidos foram examinados em microscopia de luz. A média de comprimento de L. pectinata foi de 4,0 ± 0,53 cm. A análise microscópica evidenciou esporocistos de um Digenea (Platyhelminthes) não identificado, contendo massas germinativas e cercárias, estas em vários estágios de desenvolvimento. A prevalência foi de 1,48% (7/470). Um dos exemplares parasitado apresentou adensamento dos tecidos nas brânquias. Os esporocistos foram observados no manto, brânquias, glândula digestiva e gônadas, causando evidente alteração/destruição de tecidos, inclusive castração parasitária. Não foram observados outros parasitos, o que está provavelmente associado à inacessibilidade e condições químicas em que vive este hospedeiro, isto é, entre 10 e 20 cm no sedimento do manguezal.
Assuntos
Animais , Trematódeos/patogenicidade , Bivalves/parasitologia , Brasil , Estuários , Rios , Interações Hospedeiro-ParasitaRESUMO
The aim of this study was to jointly show the results of three independent ecotoxicological studies performed to investigate pollutants in three Brazilian tropical reservoirs undergoing accelerated eutrophication. In order to accomplish this goal, the full toxicity identification and evaluation procedure (TIE approach) was performed, at Pampulha (Minas Gerais State) and Salto Grande and Barra Bonita reservoirs (São Paulo State). Acute and chronic toxicity tests were performed using the cladocerans Daphnia similis and Ceriodaphnia dubia (exotic) and Daphnia laevis and Ceriodaphnia silvestrii (native) as test organisms. Results from TIE procedure stage I indicated the existence of nonpolar organic and filterable compounds in the water from Pampulha, probably cyanotoxins, and oxidants as part of the toxic agents. TIE results for sediments identified ammonia (Pampulha and Salto Grande), organic compounds (Pampulha), metals (Pampulha, Barra Bonita, and Salto Grande), and acidity (Salto Grande) as responsible for toxicity. Whole-sediment remediation experiments for Pampulha reservoir confirmed, through reproduction decrease, ammonia and organic compounds as contaminants. Such pollutants represent threats to aquatic biota and must be prevented. Higher temperatures as predicted from global climate change will severely affect tropical shallow reservoirs, accelerating eutrophication, the release of contaminants from sediments, and increasing toxicity.
Assuntos
Eutrofização , Água Doce/análise , Sedimentos Geológicos/química , Animais , Brasil , Cladocera/efeitos dos fármacos , Daphnia/efeitos dos fármacos , Ecotoxicologia , Clima Tropical , Poluentes Químicos da Água/análise , Poluentes Químicos da Água/toxicidadeRESUMO
Lucina pectinata is an important economic resource in the Brazilian coast. This study reports parasitism caused by a Digenea in this species. The specimens (n = 470) were collected in December 2012 in a mangrove swamp of the Cachoeira River estuary, Bahia, Brazil. They were measured along the anterior-posterior axis (length), and after macroscopic analysis for parasites and diseases cuts of 5 mm were fixated in Carnoy's solution and processed by routine histology technique wherein sessions of 7 µm were stained with Harris hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). The tissues were examined using an optical microscope. The mean length of L. pectinata was 4.0 ± 0.53 cm. Microscopic analysis showed sporocysts containing both germ balls as cercariae of an unidentified Digenea (Platyhelminthes), these in various stages of development. The prevalence was 1.48% (7/470). In a parasitized specimen was macroscopic evidence of tissue densification of gills. The sporocysts were observed in mantle, gills, digestive gland and gonads, with evident alteration/destruction of tissues, including parasitic castration. There were no other parasites found, which is probably related to inaccessibility and chemical conditions in which lives L. pectinata, i.e., between 10 and 20 cm in mangrove sediment.
Assuntos
Bivalves/parasitologia , Trematódeos/patogenicidade , Animais , Brasil , Estuários , Interações Hospedeiro-Parasita , RiosRESUMO
Abstract Lucina pectinata is an important economic resource in the Brazilian coast. This study reports parasitism caused by a Digenea in this species. The specimens (n = 470) were collected in December 2012 in a mangrove swamp of the Cachoeira River estuary, Bahia, Brazil. They were measured along the anterior-posterior axis (length), and after macroscopic analysis for parasites and diseases cuts of 5 mm were fixated in Carnoys solution and processed by routine histology technique wherein sessions of 7 m were stained with Harris hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). The tissues were examined using an optical microscope. The mean length of L. pectinata was 4.0 ± 0.53 cm. Microscopic analysis showed sporocysts containing both germ balls as cercariae of an unidentified Digenea (Platyhelminthes), these in various stages of development. The prevalence was 1.48% (7/470). In a parasitized specimen was macroscopic evidence of tissue densification of gills. The sporocysts were observed in mantle, gills, digestive gland and gonads, with evident alteration/destruction of tissues, including parasitic castration. There were no other parasites found, which is probably related to inaccessibility and chemical conditions in which lives L. pectinata, i.e., between 10 and 20 cm in mangrove sediment.
Resumo Lucina pectinata é um importante recurso econômico na costa brasileira. Este estudo relata parasitismo causado por um Digenea nesta espécie. Os exemplares (n = 470) foram coletados em dezembro de 2012 em um manguezal do estuário do Rio Cachoeira, Ilhéus, Bahia. Estes foram medidos quanto ao eixo ântero-posterior (comprimento) e após análise macroscópica quanto a parasitos e enfermidades, cortes transversais de 5 mm foram fixados em solução de Carnoy e processados por técnica rotineira de histologia, sendo que sessões de 7 m foram coradas com hematoxilina de Harris e eosina (HE). Os tecidos foram examinados em microscopia de luz. A média de comprimento de L. pectinata foi de 4,0 ± 0,53 cm. A análise microscópica evidenciou esporocistos de um Digenea (Platyhelminthes) não identificado, contendo massas germinativas e cercárias, estas em vários estágios de desenvolvimento. A prevalência foi de 1,48% (7/470). Um dos exemplares parasitado apresentou adensamento dos tecidos nas brânquias. Os esporocistos foram observados no manto, brânquias, glândula digestiva e gônadas, causando evidente alteração/destruição de tecidos, inclusive castração parasitária. Não foram observados outros parasitos, o que está provavelmente associado à inacessibilidade e condições químicas em que vive este hospedeiro, isto é, entre 10 e 20 cm no sedimento do manguezal.
RESUMO
Abstract Lucina pectinata is an important economic resource in the Brazilian coast. This study reports parasitism caused by a Digenea in this species. The specimens (n = 470) were collected in December 2012 in a mangrove swamp of the Cachoeira River estuary, Bahia, Brazil. They were measured along the anterior-posterior axis (length), and after macroscopic analysis for parasites and diseases cuts of 5 mm were fixated in Carnoys solution and processed by routine histology technique wherein sessions of 7 m were stained with Harris hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). The tissues were examined using an optical microscope. The mean length of L. pectinata was 4.0 ± 0.53 cm. Microscopic analysis showed sporocysts containing both germ balls as cercariae of an unidentified Digenea (Platyhelminthes), these in various stages of development. The prevalence was 1.48% (7/470). In a parasitized specimen was macroscopic evidence of tissue densification of gills. The sporocysts were observed in mantle, gills, digestive gland and gonads, with evident alteration/destruction of tissues, including parasitic castration. There were no other parasites found, which is probably related to inaccessibility and chemical conditions in which lives L. pectinata, i.e., between 10 and 20 cm in mangrove sediment.
Resumo Lucina pectinata é um importante recurso econômico na costa brasileira. Este estudo relata parasitismo causado por um Digenea nesta espécie. Os exemplares (n = 470) foram coletados em dezembro de 2012 em um manguezal do estuário do Rio Cachoeira, Ilhéus, Bahia. Estes foram medidos quanto ao eixo ântero-posterior (comprimento) e após análise macroscópica quanto a parasitos e enfermidades, cortes transversais de 5 mm foram fixados em solução de Carnoy e processados por técnica rotineira de histologia, sendo que sessões de 7 m foram coradas com hematoxilina de Harris e eosina (HE). Os tecidos foram examinados em microscopia de luz. A média de comprimento de L. pectinata foi de 4,0 ± 0,53 cm. A análise microscópica evidenciou esporocistos de um Digenea (Platyhelminthes) não identificado, contendo massas germinativas e cercárias, estas em vários estágios de desenvolvimento. A prevalência foi de 1,48% (7/470). Um dos exemplares parasitado apresentou adensamento dos tecidos nas brânquias. Os esporocistos foram observados no manto, brânquias, glândula digestiva e gônadas, causando evidente alteração/destruição de tecidos, inclusive castração parasitária. Não foram observados outros parasitos, o que está provavelmente associado à inacessibilidade e condições químicas em que vive este hospedeiro, isto é, entre 10 e 20 cm no sedimento do manguezal.
Assuntos
Anodontia/genética , Ectodisplasinas/genética , Doenças Genéticas Ligadas ao Cromossomo X/genética , Mutação , Anodontia/metabolismo , Brasil , Criança , Simulação por Computador , Análise Mutacional de DNA , Ectodisplasinas/química , Ectodisplasinas/metabolismo , Feminino , Doenças Genéticas Ligadas ao Cromossomo X/metabolismo , Humanos , Masculino , Modelos Moleculares , Linhagem , Conformação Proteica , Sequenciamento do ExomaAssuntos
Cladocera/anatomia & histologia , Cladocera/classificação , Animais , Brasil , Feminino , Água Doce , MasculinoAssuntos
Animais , Masculino , Feminino , Cladocera/anatomia & histologia , Cladocera/classificação , Brasil , Água DoceRESUMO
The Brazilian Water Resources Policy (Law 9433/1997) establishes participatory and decentralized management, involving civil society, water users and governmental bodies, with the basin committees as the basis of this process. Fifteen years after its implementation, it is possible to perceive accomplishments, but, at the same time, there are some difficulties in regards to the operation of the basin committees in the country. Considering the North Paraíba River Basin - which is completely included in the State of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil, and presents great social and economic importance for the state - this article analyzes the process of formation, installation and functioning of its Basin Committee (CBH-PB), focusing on its composition, the reasons for the mobilization and demobilization of its members, the intra-relations between segments, and the inter-relations between the CBH-PB and other entities of the State Water Management System (the Water Executive Agency and the State Water Resources Council). The level of decentralization and the quality of participatory management (as it is being performed at the CBH-PB) are discussed and guidelines are suggested in order to allow greater effectiveness to the committee.
Assuntos
Conservação dos Recursos Naturais/métodos , Brasil , Conservação dos Recursos Naturais/legislação & jurisprudência , Órgãos Governamentais , Formulação de Políticas , RiosRESUMO
The purpose of this study was to test the hypotheses that in obese children: 1) hypocaloric diet (D) improves both heart rate recovery at 1 min (Δ HRR1) cfter an exercise test, and cardiac autonomic nervous system activity (CANSA) in obese children; 2) Diet and exercise training (DET) combined leads to greater improvement in both Δ HRR1 after an exercise test and in CANSA, than D alone. Moreover, we examined the relationships among Δ HRR1, CANSA, cardiorespiratory fitness and anthropometric variables (AV) in obese children submitted to D and to DET. 33 obese children (10 ± 0.2 years; body mass index (BMI) >95 (th) percentile) were divided into 2 groups: D (n=15; BMI=31 ± 1 kg/m²)) and DET (n=18; 29 ± 1 kg/m²). All children performed a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test on a treadmill. The Δ HRR1 or LF/HF ratio (P>0.05). In contrast, the DET group showed increased peak VO2 ( P=0.01) and improved Δ HRR1 (Δ HRR1=37.3 ± 2.6; P=0.01) and LF/HF ratio ( P=0.001). The DET group demonstrated significant relationships among Δ HRR1, peak VO2 and CANSA (P<0.05). In conclusion, DET, in contrast to D, promoted improved ÄΔ HRR1 and CANSA in obese children, suggesting a positive influence of increased levels of cardiorespiratory fitness by exercise training on cardiac autonomic activity.
Assuntos
Terapia por Exercício/métodos , Frequência Cardíaca/fisiologia , Obesidade/terapia , Consumo de Oxigênio/fisiologia , Antropometria , Sistema Nervoso Autônomo/fisiologia , Pesos e Medidas Corporais , Criança , Teste de Esforço , Humanos , Obesidade/dietoterapia , Aptidão Física/fisiologiaRESUMO
The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that in obese children: 1) Ventilatory efficiency (VentE) is decreased during graded exercise; and 2) Weight loss through diet alone (D) improves VentE, and 3) diet associated with exercise training (DET) leads to greater improvement in VentE than by D. Thirty-eight obese children (10+/-0.2 years; BMI >95th percentile) were randomly divided into two study groups: D (n=17; BMI=30+/-1 kg/m (2)) and DET (n=21; 28+/-1 kg/m (2)). Ten lean children were included in a control group (10+/-0.3 years; 17+/-0.5 kg/m (2)). All children performed maximal treadmill testing with respiratory gas analysis (breath-by-breath) to determine the ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT) and peak oxygen consumption (VO (2) peak). VentE was determined by the VE/VCO (2) method at VAT. Obese children showed lower VO (2) peak and lower VentE than controls (p<0.05). After interventions, all obese children reduced body weight (p<0.05). D group did not improve in terms of VO (2) peak or VentE (p>0.05). In contrast, the DET group showed increased VO (2) peak (p=0.01) and improved VentE (DeltaVE/VCO (2)=-6.1+/-0.9; p=0.01). VentE is decreased in obese children, where weight loss by means of DET, but not D alone, improves VentE and cardiorespiratory fitness during graded exercise.
Assuntos
Terapia por Exercício/métodos , Obesidade/terapia , Redução de Peso , Limiar Anaeróbio , Dióxido de Carbono/metabolismo , Criança , Teste de Esforço , Humanos , Obesidade/fisiopatologia , Consumo de Oxigênio , Troca Gasosa PulmonarRESUMO
Leaf-cutter ant species (Atta spp.) are key pests of cultivated crops in the Neotropics, and recent studies have demonstrated that workers of Atta spp., particularly of Atta sexdens rubropilosa, exhibit aggressive behavior among nestmates when in contact with the sesquiterpene beta-eudesmol, found in leaves of Eucalyptus maculata. However, the underlying mechanism sparking this behavior pattern has yet to be investigated. This work aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which this substance elicits aggression in workers of A. sexdens rubropilosa. The results, thus obtained, showed that beta-eudesmol is able to modify the chemical composition of the workers cuticle, impairing nestmate recognition, triggering alarm behavior and leading to nestmate aggression.
Assuntos
Comunicação Animal , Formigas/efeitos dos fármacos , Sesquiterpenos de Eudesmano/farmacologia , Agressão/efeitos dos fármacos , Animais , Formigas/metabolismo , Formigas/fisiologia , Feromônios/metabolismo , Feromônios/fisiologia , Sesquiterpenos de Eudesmano/metabolismo , Estimulação QuímicaRESUMO
To study the relationship between the sympathetic nerve activity and hemodynamic alterations in obesity, we simultaneously measured muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), blood pressure, and forearm blood flow (FBF) in obese and lean individuals. Fifteen normotensive obese women (BMI = 32.5 +/- 0.5 kg/m2) and 11 age-matched normotensive lean women (BMI = 22.7 +/- 1.0 kg/m2) were studied. MSNA was evaluated directly from the peroneal nerve by microneurography, FBF was measured by venous occlusion plethysmography, and blood pressure was measured noninvasively by an autonomic blood pressure cuff. MSNA was significantly increased in obese women when compared with lean control women. Forearm vascular resistance and blood pressure were significantly higher in obese women than in lean women. FBF was significantly lower in obese women. BMI was directly and significantly correlated with MSNA, blood pressure, and forearm vascular resistance levels, but inversely and significantly correlated with FBF levels. Obesity increases sympathetic nerve activity and muscle vascular resistance, and reduces muscle blood flow. These alterations, taken together, may explain the higher blood pressure levels in obese women when compared with lean age-matched women.
Assuntos
Pressão Sanguínea/fisiologia , Antebraço/irrigação sanguínea , Músculo Esquelético/inervação , Obesidade/fisiopatologia , Sistema Nervoso Simpático/fisiologia , Adulto , Feminino , Frequência Cardíaca/fisiologia , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Músculo Esquelético/irrigação sanguínea , Fluxo Sanguíneo Regional/fisiologia , Resistência Vascular/fisiologiaRESUMO
To study the relationship between the sympathetic nerve activity and hemodynamic alterations in obesity, we simultaneously measured muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), blood pressure, and forearm blood flow (FBF) in obese and lean individuals. Fifteen normotensive obese women (BMI = 32.5 + or - 0.5 kg/m²) and 11 age-matched normotensive lean women (BMI = 22.7 + or - 1.0 kg/m²) were studied. MSNA was evaluated directly from the peroneal nerve by microneurography, FBF was measured by venous occlusion plethysmography, and blood pressure was measured noninvasively by an autonomic blood pressure cuff. MSNA was significantly increased in obese women when compared with lean control women. Forearm vascular resistance and blood pressure were significantly higher in obese women than in lean women. FBF was significantly lower in obese women. BMI was directly and significantly correlated with MSNA, blood pressure, and forearm vascular resistance levels, but inversely and significantly correlated with FBF levels. Obesity increases sympathetic nerve activity and muscle vascular resistance, and reduces muscle blood flow. These alterations, taken together, may explain the higher blood pressure levels in obese women when compared with lean age-matched women
Assuntos
Humanos , Feminino , Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Pressão Sanguínea/fisiologia , Antebraço/irrigação sanguínea , Músculo Esquelético/inervação , Obesidade/fisiopatologia , Sistema Nervoso Simpático/fisiologia , Frequência Cardíaca/fisiologia , Músculo Esquelético/irrigação sanguínea , Fluxo Sanguíneo Regional/fisiologia , Resistência Vascular/fisiologiaRESUMO
UNLABELLED: Three-hundred-and-ninety-seven children aged 2-59 mo presenting to the paediatric emergency departments of five public hospitals in São Paulo, Brazil, with an acute episode of lower respiratory disease were examined. The children were classified into the following diagnostic categories: acute bronchitis, acute bronchiolitis, pneumonia, asthma, post-bronchiolitis wheezing and wheezing of uncertain aetiology. Three years after the initial study, the homes of the children diagnosed as asthmatic or as having wheezing of uncertain aetiology were visited to collect information on subsequent episodes of lower respiratory disease. This paper reports the proportional incidence of different categories of lower respiratory disease and the results of an analysis to investigate clinical features that might distinguish wheezing children between those with asthma and those with an infectious disease. The predictions made for children with wheezing of uncertain aetiology were then compared with the follow-up data. Recurrent wheezing disorders (asthma, post-bronchiolitis wheezing) were common in the study sample (47% of children). Thirty-six percent of children with an initial diagnosis of wheezing of uncertain aetiology were diagnosed as asthmatic by another doctor over the next 3 y. We were unable to identify any clinical features that were useful in identifying those children likely to be diagnosed subsequently as asthmatic. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a diagnostic category similar to that which we have called "wheezing of uncertain aetiology" might help to alert physicians early to the possibility of asthma without interfering in the management of the illness. Such a classification might also be useful in epidemiological investigations of the aetiology of lower respiratory diseases.
Assuntos
Asma/diagnóstico , Bronquite/diagnóstico , Sons Respiratórios , Asma/epidemiologia , Brasil/epidemiologia , Bronquite/epidemiologia , Pré-Escolar , Escolaridade , Serviço Hospitalar de Emergência , Feminino , Seguimentos , Humanos , Renda , Lactente , Modelos Logísticos , Masculino , PrognósticoRESUMO
The present work describes the expression of extracellular proteins in the thymus and skeletal muscle of the X-linked dystrophic MDX mouse which corresponds to an experimental model for the human disease Duchenne muscular dystrophy. MDX dystrophic mice showed marked alterations in the thymic cytoarchitecture including cortical atrophy that was paralleled by denser epithelial cell network with intense immunolabelling for cytokeratins pair 8/18 and increased vascularization assessed with monoclonal antibody anti-desmin. Consistent augmentation of intrathymic extracellular matrix components (ECM) was observed especially at weaning and by the onset of disease. Interestingly, the amount of ECM elements in the gastrocnemius muscle of MDX wild-type dystrophic mice also showed a prominent difference as compared to age-matched non-dystrophic BALB/cAn animals. A marked but uneven overdeposition of reticulin and collagen fibres (type I, type IV), laminin and fibronectin were often present in the skeletal muscle of dystrophic mice, mostly around lesioned fibres. Alterations in both organs positively correlated with the degree of dystrophy thus suggesting that similar stimuli may be enhancing ECM production in both thymus and skeletal muscle. Although the thymus gland might not be directly involved in the development of the murine X-linked muscular dystrophy, it should be considered as a further target in this disease.