Malária no município de Humaitá, estado do Amazonas: XVII resposta imune em doentes com infecção pelo Plasmodium falciparum em relação aos gametócitos

In August 1983 the Authors studied 36 patients with Plasmodium falciparum malaria and 14 normal individuals born in Humaita region who had never had malaria, had no spleen enlargement and had negative parasitemia as well as passive hemagglutination. Medical histories were obtained and complete physical examination were performed in all of them just as blood tests, parasite density and lymphocyte typing. The lymphocytes were separated and then frozen in liquid nitrogen for later typing by rosette formation. The patients were divided in two groups according to the presence (13 patients) or abscence (23 patients) of gametocytes before treatment. Severe malaria was predominant in the group without gametocytes. The results showed a decrease in the T-cell numbers in Plasmodium falciparum acute malaria patients both with or without gametocytes before the treatment, while B-cell numbers were normal only in the patients with gametocytes. These observations as like as those previously reported by the Authors, permit to associate the presence of gametocytes in peripheral blood and normal number of B-cells in patients with mild Plasmodium falciparum malaria.Em agosto de 1983, os Autores, estudaram 36 doentes com infecção causada pelo Plasmodium falciparum e 14 indivíduos normais, nascidos na região de Humaitá, que nunca tiveram malária, sem esplenomegalia, com exame parasitológico de sangue e hemaglutinação passiva negativas. Todos eles foram submetidos à observação clínica completa, exame hematológico, exame parasitológico de sangue e tipagem de linfócitos. Os linfócitos foram isolados e congelados em nitrogênio líquido, para posterior tipagem pela formação de rosetas. Os doentes foram classificados em dois grupos de acordo com a presença (13 doentes), ou ausência (23 doentes) de gametócitos antes do tratamento. Houve predomínio de formas graves no grupo de doentes sem gametócitos. Os resultados mostraram diminuição do número de linfócitos T em ambos os grupos de doentes, com ou sem gametócitos antes do tratamento, enquanto que o número de linfócitos B foi normal apenas no grupo de doentes com gametócitos. Essas observações, assim como as que foram relatadas pelos Autores anteriormente, permitem associar a presença de gametócitos circulantes com o número normal de células B em doentes com formas leves de malária causada pelo Plasmodium falciparum

Naturally-acquired humoral immune responses against the N- and C-termini of the Plasmodium vivax MSP1 protein in endemic regions of Brazil and Papua New Guinea using a multiplex assay

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Progress towards the development of a malaria vaccine against <it>Plasmodium vivax</it>, the most widely distributed human malaria parasite, will require a better understanding of the immune responses that confer clinical protection to patients in regions where malaria is endemic.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Glutathione <it>S</it>-transferase (GST) and GST-fusion proteins representing the N- terminus of the merozoite surface protein 1 of <it>P. vivax</it>, PvMSP1-N, and the C-terminus, PvMSP1-C, were covalently coupled to BioPlex carboxylated beads. Recombinant proteins and coupled beads were used, respectively, in ELISA and Bioplex assays using immune sera of <it>P. vivax </it>patients from Brazil and PNG to determine IgG and subclass responses. Concordances between the two methods in the seropositivity responses were evaluated using the Kappa statistic and the Spearman's rank correlation.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The results using this methodology were compared with the classical microtitre enzyme-linked immnosorbent assay (ELISA), showing that the assay was sensitive, reproducible and had good concordance with ELISA; yet, further research into different statistical analyses seems desirable before claiming conclusive results exclusively based on multiplex assays. As expected, results demonstrated that PvMSP1 was immunogenic in natural infections of patients from different endemic regions of Brazil and Papua New Guinea (PNG), and that age correlated only with antibodies against the C-terminus part of the molecule. Furthermore, the IgG subclass profiles were different in these endemic regions having IgG3 predominantly recognizing PvMSP1 in Brazil and IgG1 predominantly recognizing PvMSP1 in PNG.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This study validates the use of the multiplex assay to measure naturally-acquired IgG antibodies against the merozoite surface protein 1 of <it>P. vivax</it>.</p

Antifungal activity of Chamomilla recutita L. and Foeniculum vulgare Mill. aqueous extracts in cottage cheese

Introduction: The use of natural substances with fungicide, insecticide and herbicide properties is the focus of intensive research in order to develop sustainable foodstuff. Objectives: To assess the inhibition effect of Chamomilla recutita and Foeniculum vulgare aqueous extracts, against yeasts and fungi directly in cottage cheese along storage at 4ºC (t0, after 7 days (t7) and after 14 (t14) days). Methodology: Cottage cheese was incorporated with aqueous extracts of C. recutita and F. vulgare. Yeasts and molds were grown in Dichloran Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol medium (Agar-DRBC). The antifungal activity was evaluated by the microdilution method in plate. Results: After observation of the cottage cheese cultures in specific medium at t0, it can be stated that it was not verified any growth neither in control nor in the samples incorporated with the plant extracts. However, at t7 and t14 it was observed growth of yeasts and fungi in control, while the samples with C. recutita and F. vulgare revealed no growth of yeasts in Agar-DRBC. Thus, we note that both C. recutita and F. vulgare inhibited the growth of yeasts and fungi directly in the cottage cheese. Fungal colonies present in curd control were identified and verified as being the yeast Candida krusei and filamentous fungus Cladospoirium herbarum. C. recutita and F. vulgare showed antifungal activity against C. krusei (MIC = 50 mg/ml and 25 mg/ml, respectively) and C. herbarum (MIC = 100 mg/ml in both cases). Conclusion: The two tested plant extracts were able to inhibit the growth of the mentioned yeast and fungi, being able to increase the shelf life of the cottage cheese.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Through-space hopping transport in an iodine-doped perylene-based metal-organic framework

Electrically conductive metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged in the past few years as promising materials towards applications in (opto)electronics, electrocatalysis and energy storage, among others. One of the most common strategies for the design of conductive MOFs is based on the use of electroactive organic ligands and their partial oxidation/reduction to increase the number of charge carriers. Although perylene salts were reported as the first molecular conductors, they have been scarcely explored as building blocks for the construction of conductive MOFs. Herein we report the electrical conductivity enhancement of a microporous perylene-based MOF upon partial ligand oxidation by using two-probe single-crystal devices. The origin of the conductivity enhancement is rationalised by means of spectroscopic studies and quantum-chemical calculations, supporting a through-space hopping transport along the herringbone perylene packing. This study opens the way for the design of conductive MOFs based on perylene building blocks.This work was developed within the scope of the project CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, Grants UIDB/50011/2020 and UIDP/50011/2020, financed by national funds through the FCT/MEC and when appropriate co-financed by FEDER under the PT2020 Partnership Agreement. We thank FCT for funding the project PTDC/QUI-ELT/2593/2021. We acknowledge Spanish government (PID2020-119748GA-I00, funded by MICIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033, and the Maria de Maeztu CEX2019-000919-M grant) and Generalitat Valenciana (GV/2021/027, GVPROMETEO2020-077). G. V. is grateful to FCT for a PhD grant (2020.08520.BD). A. P. is grateful to FCT for a PhD grant (2020.06159.BD). FCT is also acknowledged by M. I. for a Junior Researcher Position (CEECIND/00546/2018). We thank Celeste Azevedo for TGA and Raman measurements. We thank Prof. Luís Carlos and Prof. Carlos Brites (Phantom-G) for the use and assistance with spectrofluorimeter and quantum yield equipment. We thank Prof. Nikolai Sobolev for EPR measurements

Search for microorganisms in antiseptic, disinfectant and detergent dispensers of a local health care unit from Northeast Portugal

Introduction: Health care associated infections (HCAI) are among the main causes of mortality worldwide, and of the increase of internment time and related costs. Many HCAI acquired in hospitals result from improper disinfection practices of medical devices and surfaces of the hospital environment, as also insufficient asepsis of health professional’s skin [1,2]. Objectives: The main objectives of the present work were to verify the presence of microorganisms in antiseptic, disinfectant and detergent dispensers from different services of Bragança’s Local Health Care Unit, and to determine their resistance profiles. Materials and Methods: 151 Samples were collected from antiseptic (alcoholic solution, povidone-iodine and chlorhexidine), disinfectant (70% alcohol) and detergent (dermatological soap) dispensers, and futher plated in Columbia CNA + 5% sheep blood and MacConkey agar. The identification and the bacterial antibiogram were performed using Vitek 2. Results and Discussion: Among the 151 samples plated, 25 exhibited contamination, corresponding to a contamination percentage of 17%. The most frequently identified and isolated microorganisms were Staphylococcus hominis, Sphingomonas paucimobilis and Staphylococcus epidermidis with a percentage of 20%, 20% and 16%, respectively. Micrococcus luteus/lylae, Rhizobium radiobacter, Staphylococcus capitis, Pseudomonas luteola, Staphylococcus warneri, Staphylococcus vitulinus, Kocuria kristinae and other gram-positive bacillus were identified with less prevalence. The dermatological soap was the product with the highest contamination percentage and it was in the Medicine services that more contaminated products were found, while Surgery services showed the lowest contamination. Some of the isolated bacteria showed important resistance profiles, such as Staphylococcus hominis and Staphylococcus epidermidis, namely to betalactams (oxacillin and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid) and quinolones (levofloxacin). Conclusion: Although the main isolated microorganisms belong to a group of commensal bacteria that do not cause problems to a person with a normal immunity system, these are responsible for HCAI. Therefore, it is essential to develop protocols for handling and packaging all the solutions in order to decrease the contamination level and, consequently, the HCAI

Through-space hopping transport in an iodine-doped perylene-based metal–organic framework

Electrically conductive metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged in the past few years as promising materials towards applications in (opto)electronics, electrocatalysis and energy storage, among others. One of the most common strategies for the design of conductive MOFs is based on the use of electroactive organic ligands and their partial oxidation/reduction to increase the number of charge carriers. Although perylene salts were reported as the first molecular conductors, they have been scarcely explored as building blocks for the construction of conductive MOFs. Herein we report the electrical conductivity enhancement of a microporous perylene-based MOF upon partial ligand oxidation by using two-probe single-crystal devices. The origin of the conductivity enhancement is rationalised by means of spectroscopic studies and quantum-chemical calculations, supporting a through-space hopping transport along the herringbone perylene packing. This study opens the way for the design of conductive MOFs based on perylene building blocks.publishe

An integrated Pan-European perspective on coastal Lagoons management through a mosaic-DPSIR approach

© The Author(s), 2016. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License. The definitive version was published in Scientific Reports 6 (2016): 19400, doi:10.1038/srep19400.A decision support framework for the management of lagoon ecosystems was tested using four European Lagoons: Ria de Aveiro (Portugal), Mar Menor (Spain), Tyligulskyi Liman (Ukraine) and Vistula Lagoon (Poland/Russia). Our aim was to formulate integrated management recommendations for European lagoons. To achieve this we followed a DPSIR (Drivers-Pressures-State Change-Impacts-Responses) approach, with focus on integrating aspects of human wellbeing, welfare and ecosystem sustainability. The most important drivers in each lagoon were identified, based on information gathered from the lagoons’ stakeholders, complemented by scientific knowledge on each lagoon as seen from a land-sea perspective. The DPSIR cycles for each driver were combined into a mosaic-DPSIR conceptual model to examine the interdependency between the multiple and interacting uses of the lagoon. This framework emphasizes the common links, but also the specificities of responses to drivers and the ecosystem services provided. The information collected was used to formulate recommendations for the sustainable management of lagoons within a Pan-European context. Several common management recommendations were proposed, but specificities were also identified. The study synthesizes the present conditions for the management of lagoons, thus analysing and examining the activities that might be developed in different scenarios, scenarios which facilitate ecosystem protection without compromising future generations.This study was supported by the European Commission, under the 7th Framework Programme, through the collaborative research project LAGOONS (contract n° 283157); by European funds through COMPETE and by Portuguese funds through the national Foundation for Science and Technology – FCT (PEst-C/MAR/LA0017/2013). The post-Doc grant SFRH/BPD/41117/2007 (M Dolbeth) and the PhD grant SFRH/BD/79170/2011 (LP Sousa) supported by FCT are also acknowledged

Structurally Related Monoterpenes p-Cymene, Carvacrol and Thymol Isolated from Essential Oil from Leaves of Lippia sidoides Cham. (Verbenaceae) Protect Mice against Elastase-Induced Emphysema

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by irreversible airflow obstruction and inflammation. Natural products, such as monoterpenes, displayed anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities and can be used as a source of new compounds to COPD treatment. Our aim was to evaluate, in an elastase-induced pulmonary emphysema in mice, the effects of and underlying mechanisms of three related natural monoterpenes (p-cymene, carvacrol and thymol) isolated from essential oil from leaves Lippia sidoides Cham. (Verbenaceae). Methods: Mices received porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) and were treated with p-cymene, carvacrol, thymol or vehicle 30 min later and again on 7th, 14th and 28th days. Lung inflammatory profile and histological sections were evaluated. Results: In the elastase-instilled animals, the tested monoterpenes reduced alveolar enlargement, macrophages and the levels of IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-17 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and collagen fibers, MMP-9 and p-65-NF-kappa B-positive cells in lung parenchyma (p < 0.05). All treatments attenuated levels of 8-iso-PGF2 alpha but only thymol was able to reduced exhaled nitric oxide (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Monoterpenes p-cymene, carvacrol and thymol reduced lung emphysema and inflammation in mice. No significant differences among the three monoterpenes treatments were found, suggesting that the presence of hydroxyl group in the molecular structure of thymol and carvacrol do not play a central role in the anti-inflammatory effects.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Laboratorio de Investigacao Medica, Hospital das Clinicas, Faculdade de Medicina, University of Sao Paulo (LIM)Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Biol Sci, BR-09913030 Diadema, BrazilUniv Sao Paulo, Sch Med, Dept Med, BR-01246903 Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Exact Sci & Earth, BR-09913030 Diadema, BrazilFed Univ ABC, Ctr Nat Sci & Humanities, BR-09606045 Santo Andre, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Biosci, Campus Baixada Santista, BR-11015020 Santos, SP, BrazilDepartment of Biological Science, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema 09913-030, BrazilDepartment of Exact Science and Earth, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema 09913-030, BrazilDepartment of Bioscience, Federal University of São Paulo, Campus Baixada Santista, Santos 11015-020, SP, BrazilCNPq: 300546/2012-2CNPq: 304465/2012-7CNPq: 476877/2012-1CNPq: 306278/2015-4FAPESP: 2011/51739-0FAPESP: 2013/02881-4FAPESP: 2008/55359-5FAPESP: 2015/11936-2FAPESP: 2014/25689-4LIM: LIM20Web of Scienc

Genomics reveals the role of admixture in the evolution of structure among sperm whale populations within the Mediterranean Sea

In oceanic ecosystems, the nature of barriers to gene flow and the processes by which populations may become isolated are different from the terrestrial environment, and less well understood. In this study we investigate a highly mobile species (the sperm whale, Physeter macrocephalus) that is genetically differentiated between an open North Atlantic population and the populations in the Mediterranean Sea. We apply high-resolution single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis to study the nature of barriers to gene flow in this system, assessing the putative boundary into the Mediterranean (Strait of Gibraltar and Alboran Sea region), and including novel analyses on structuring among sperm whale populations within the Mediterranean basin. Our data support a recent founding of the Mediterranean population, around the time of the last glacial maximum, and show concerted historical demographic profiles in both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. In each region there is evidence for a population decline around the time of the founder event. The largest decline was seen within the Mediterranean Sea where effective population size is substantially lower (especially in the eastern basin). While differentiation is strongest at the Atlantic/Mediterranean boundary, there is also weaker but significant differentiation between the eastern and western basins of the Mediterranean Sea. We propose, however, that the mechanisms are different. While post-founding gene flow was reduced between the Mediterranean and Atlantic populations, within the Mediterranean an important factor differentiating the basins is probably a greater degree of admixture between the western basin and the North Atlantic and some level of isolation between the western and eastern Mediterranean basins. Subdivision within the Mediterranean Sea exacerbates conservation concerns and will require consideration of what distinct impacts may affect populations in the two basins