Estudos em busca de um inseto modelo para o xenodiagnóstico em hospedeiros com doença de Chagas: 4 - O reflexo da cepa do parasito na resposta de diferentes espécies vetoras à infecção crônica com diferentes isolados do Trypanosoma cruzi

Previous studies (1982,1987) have emphasized the superiority of sylvatic vector species over domestic species as xenodiagnostic agents in testing hosts with acute or chronic infections by T. cruzi "Y" stock. The present study, which is unique in that it contains data on both infectivity rates produced by the same stock in 11 different vector species and also the reaction of the same vector species to seven different parasite stocks, establishes the general validity of linking efficiency of xenodiagnosis to the biotope of its agent. For example, infectivity rates produced by "São Felipe" stock varied from 82.5% to 98.3% in sylvatic vectors but decreased to 42.5% to 71.3% in domestic species. "Colombiana" stock produced in the same sylvatic vectors infectivity rates ranging from 12.5% to 45%. These shrank to 5%-22.5% in domestic bugs. The functional role of the biotope in the vector-parasite interaction has not been eluddated. But since this phenomenon has been observed to be stable and easy to reproduce, it leads us to believe that the results obtained are valid. Data presented also provide increasing evidence that the infectivity rates exhibited by bugs from xenodiagnosis in chronic hosts, are parasite stock specific. For example, infectivity rates produced by "Berenice", "Y", "FL" and "CL" varied in R. neglectus from 26.3% to 75%; in P. megistus from 56.3% to 83.8%; in T. sordida from 28.8% to 58.8% in T. pseudomaculata from 41.3% to 66.3% and in T. rubrovaria from 48.8% to 85%. Data from xenodiagnosis in the same hosts, carrying acute infections by the same parasite stocks, gave the five sylvatic vectors a positive rating of approximately 100%, thus suggesting that the heavy loads of parasites circulating in the acute hosts obscured the characteristic interspecific differences for the parasite stock. Nonetheless these latter were revealed in the same hosts with chronic infections stimulated by very low numbers of the same parasite stocks. Certain observations here described lead us to speculate as to the possibility of further results from other parasite stocks, allowing the association of the infectivity rates produced in bugs by different parasite stocks with the isoenzymic patterns revealed by these stocks.Estudos anteriores (1982,1987) enfatizaram a superioridade das espécies vetoras silvestres às domiciliadas, como agentes do xenodiagnóstico nas infecções agudas e crônicas pelo isolado Y do T.cruzi. Os dados atuais estabeleceram a generalidade deste fenômeno. Por exemplo, a proporção de positivos nas infecções por 'São Felipe" variou de 82,5% a 98,3% nos vetores silvestres, caindo para 42,5% a 71,3% em espécies domiciliadas. Ficou claro o envolvimento do isolado do T.cruzi na resposta do vetor à infecção crônica por T.cruzi. Por exemplo, os índices de infectividade produzidos por "Berenice", "Y", "FL" e "CL" variaram de 56,3% a 83,3% em P.megistus e de 28,3% a 58,8% em T.sordida. Sendo a resposta das mesmas espécies vetoras às infecções agudas pelos mesmos isolados altamente uniformes, aproximando-se a 100%, sugere-se que a grande carga parasitária nas infecções agudas oculta as diferenças interespecíficas existentes entre os isolados do T.cruzi. A análise dos dados obtidos levou a especular que resultados adicionais de mais isolados permitiriam associar os índices de infectividade, produzidos por diferentes isolados do T.cruzi, aos perfis isoenzimáticos revelados por esses

Estudos em busca de um inseto modelo experimental para xenodiagnóstico em hospedeiros com doença de Chagas: 3 - A interação entre a espécie vetora e a cepa do parasito na reação do vetor à infecção com Trypanosoma cruzi

The reaction of nine vector species of Chagas' disease to infection by seven different Trypanosoma cruzi strains; Berenice, Y, FL, CL, S. Felipe, Colombiana and Gávea, are examined and compared. On the basis of the insects' ability to establish and maintain the infection, vector species could be divided into two distinct groups which differ in their reaction to an acute infection by T. cruzi. While the proportion of positive bugs was found to be low in Triatoma infestans and Triatoma dimidiata it was high, ranging from 96.9% to 100% in the group of wild (Rhodnius neglectus, Triatoma rubrovaria)and essentially sylvatic vectors in process of adaptation to human dwellings, maintained under control following successful insecticidal elimination of Triatoma infestans (Panstrongylus megistus, Triatoma sordida and Triatoma pseudomaculata). An intermediate position is held by Triatoma brasiliensis and Rhodnius prolixus. This latter has been found to interchange between domestic and sylvatic environments. The most important finding is the strikingly good reaction between each species of the sylvatic bugs and practically all T. cruzi strains herein studied, thus indicating that the factors responsible for the excellent reaction of P.megistus to infection by Y strain, as previously reported also come into operation in the reaction of the same vector species to acute infections by five of the remaining T.cruzi strains. Comparison or data reported by other investigators with those herein described form the basis of the discussion of Dipetalogaster maximus as regards its superiority as a xenodiagnostic agent.É examinada e comparada a reação de nove espécies vetoras da doença de Chagas à infecção, por sete diferentes cepas do T.cruzi (Berenice, Y, FL, CL, São Felipe, Colombiana e Gávea). Com base na habilidade em estabelecer e manter a infecção, as espécies vetoras podem ser divididas em dois grupos distintos, que diferem em suas reações à infecção aguda por T.cruzi. Enquanto a proporção de insetos positivos foi baixa em domiciliados (Triatoma infestans e Triatoma dimidiata), foi alta nos considerados completamente selvagens (Rhodnius neglectus e Triatoma rubrovaria), ao serem iniciadas suas colonizações no laboratório, no início da década de 70, e nos essencialmente silvestres (Panstrongylus megistus, Triatoma sordida e Triatoma pseudomaculata). Admite-se que devido à exploração agropecuária e graças às campanhas de controle, os dois últimos grupos encontram mais freqüentemente condições que lhes permitem maior convivência com o homem e animais domésticos. As proporções de positivos nas cinco últimas espécies acima citadas, cada qual infectada com uma das sete cepas do T.cruzi, quando somadas (34 "Overalls") variam de 90% a 100%, com exceção de 65,6% encontrada em P.megistus infectado com a cepa Gávea. A posição intermediária está sendo ocupada por Triatoma brasiliensis e Rhodniusprolixus, o último alternando entre biótipo natural e artificial. Achado relevante foi a uniformidade de reações dos vetores silvestres às infecções com, praticamente, todas as cepas do T.cruzi, sugerindo que o fator ou fatores responsáveis pela reação do P.megistus à infecção pela cepa Y também operam nas reações desta espécie com as restantes cepas, embora, várias destas tenham sido bioquimicamente diferentes entre si. A comparação dos dados aqui apresentados com os relatados por outros investigadores, forma a base da discussão sobre a superioridade de uso do D.maximus como agente no xenodiagnóstico

In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Lyophilized Bovine Bone Biocompatibility

INTRODUCTION: The use of bone grafts in orthopedic, maxillofacial and dental surgery has been growing. Nevertheless, both fresh autografts and frozen allografts have limitations, and therefore, alternative synthetic or natural biomaterials, such as processed and lyophilized bovine bone graft have been developed. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility of lyophilized bovine bone manufactured in a semi-industrial scale, according to a modifical protocol developed by the authors. METHODS: Samples of bovine cancellous bone were processed according to a protocol developed by Kakiuchi et al., and modified to process samples of bovine cancellous bone. The following trials were performed: in vitro cytotoxicity, in vivo acute systemic toxicity, in vivo oral irritation potential, in vitro pyrogenic reaction, and bioburden. RESULTS: The in vitro evaluation of lyophilized bovine cancellous bone revealed an absence of cytotoxicity in 100% of the samples. Regarding in vivo evaluation of acute systemic toxicity, neither macroscopic abnormalities nor deaths were noted in the animals. Pyrogenicity was not greater than 0.125 UE/ml in any of the samples. The bioburden revealed negative results for microbial growth before sterilization. Regarding the oral irritation potential, in vivo evaluation at 24 and 72 hours showed that the animals had no edema or erythema on the oral mucosa. CONCLUSION: The protocol changes established by the authors to prepare lyophilized bovine cancellous bone at a semi-industrial scale is reproducible and yielded a product with excellent biocompatibility

Modelo de red sostenible para educación mediada por TIC en zonas aisladas de la Provincia de Salta

Con el propósito de contribuir a una educación inclusiva, que no deje de lado a las personas que habitan en zonas remotas, esta propuesta plantea el diseño e implementación de un modelo de red de comunicación que permita el acceso a contenidos educativos digitales a docentes y alumnos de escuelas rurales aisladas de la provincia de Salta. La innovación de esta propuesta recae en el uso de tecnologías de bajo consumo energético, que permiten el aprovechamiento de las energías renovables existentes en la zona de despliegue. En el desarrollo del artículo se definen los componentes de hardware y software de la red y los procedimientos de configuración para desplegar la red “en sitio”. El modelo de red fue utilizado para desarrollar tres experiencias educativas mediadas por TIC en escuelas aisladas, obteniendo resultados ampliamente satisfactorios desde el punto de vista educativo/social.Red de Universidades con Carreras en Informátic

MODELOS DE AFILAMENTO PARA Pinus taeda L. BASEADOS EM PONTOS DE MUDANÇA DE FORMA

This work was planned to describe the change point of stem taper (pmf), the number of geometric change points, adjust and compare mathematical models to predict diameters along of stem of Pinus taeda L. The data sampled were measured on trees growing in stands implanted with spacement of 2,50 x 2,50m, thinned at 9 and 14 years and final cut at 30 years old, from Klabin S.A., Telêmaco Borba, Paraná state, Brazil. Fourty trees between the average and dominant trees were cut and measured with Smalian method  at the positions 0,10m; 0,30m; 0,80m; 1,30m; and from them at each 1m to the top. At crown part the measured point were moved among knot. After that, at each measured point, slices to stem analysis were cut. If considered the age, a group of 649 trees between 8 to 30 years old resulted of the analysis. From this group, 50 trees were selected at random of each pmf class to modeling. The trees were grouped in pmf  by the number of change point of stem shape defined by the second derivative of the polynomial 5th. Degree 5th grad Polinon adjusted for each tree. The statistics of adjustment and precision, residuals graphics, bias (v), average difference (md), and difference of standard deviation (dpd) showed as better model the polynomial 5th. degree to predict the diameter at relative height of stem, and alternatively the Garay model and the Max-Burkhart with two segments or modify to one segment according to the number of  pmf calculated by the derivative.Este trabalho foi concebido com os objetivos de determinar matematicamente os pontos de mudança da forma do fuste (pmf), o número de mudanças na forma geométrica, ajustar e comparar modelos matemáticos para estimar os diâmetros ao longo do fuste de Pinus taeda L. Os dados foram amostrados em árvores que cresceram em povoamento implantado em espaçamento de 2,50 x 2,50 m  e manejado com dois desbastes, aos 9 e 14 anos, e corte final aos 30 anos pertencentes à Klabin S.A., em Telêmaco Borba, estado do Paraná. Quarenta árvores das classes médias e dominantes foram abatidas e cubadas pelo Método de Smalian, nas posições fixas de 0,10 m; 0,30 m; 0,80 m; 1,30 m; e após em comprimentos de 1 em 1 m, até a altura total. Na parte relativa à copa, os pontos de medição foram deslocados para os entrenós e a seguir foram retiradas fatias para análise de tronco, resultando, quando considerada a idade, em conjunto de dados relativos a 649 árvores com idades entre 8 a 30 anos, das quais foram selecionadas aleatoriamente, 50 árvores em cada classe de pmf para modelagem. As árvores foram agrupadas segundo os pmf de acordo com as quantidades de pontos definidos pela segunda derivada do polinômio do 5° ajustado para cada árvore. Com base nas estatísticas de ajuste e precisão na análise gráfica dos resíduos, nas estatísticas viés (v), média das diferenças (md) e desvio padrão das diferenças (dpd) foi selecionado o Polinômio de quinto grau para estimar os diâmetros em alturas relativas do tronco e, alternativamente, o modelo de Garay, seguido do modelo de Max e Burkhart com dois ou modificado para um segmento conforme o número de pmf definidos na derivad

Primer consenso colombiano sobre Chagas congénito y orientación clínica a mujeres en edad fértil con diagnóstico de Chagas

La transmisión congénita de la enfermedad de Chagas ha sido poco estudiada en Colombia y existen pocos procedimientos rutinarios en el sistema de salud para el manejo de esta enfermedad. Por ello se desarrolló un consenso de expertos dirigido a generar recomendaciones de diagnóstico y tratamiento de Chagas congénito y orientación a mujeres en edad fértil. Con ese propósito se realizó una búsqueda extensiva de la literatura, empleando una combinación de términos Mes (Chagas, Chagas congénito, prevención, control, diagnóstico, tratamiento y embarazo) para reflejar el estado del arte en cada tema de interés. Después de ello, se leyeron los resúmenes y aquellos seleccionados para análisis del texto completo. La literatura relevante se sintetizo, clasifico y organizo en tablas y se presentó al panel de expertos, el cual estaba constituido por 30 profesionales en diferentes áreas. Mediante la metodología Delphi se realizaron 2 rondas de cuestionarios virtuales y una reunión presencial en los cuales se evaluaron los niveles de acuerdo entre los participantes. Los puntos con falta de consenso durante las 2 rondas virtuales se expusieron durante las mesas de discusión en la ronda presencial. La evidencia utilizada se adaptó a las particularidades nacionales según el caso y se aprobó el contenido del documento final. Se propone que estas recomendaciones sean usadas por profesionales de la salud en Colombia.Congenital transmission of Chagas disease has not been extensively studied in Colombia, and there are no standardized processes in the health system regarding the specific diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of this disease. To generate recommendations on congenital Chagas disease and Chagas in women of childbearing age in Colombia, a consensus of experts was developed. An extensive literature search through the Medline database was carried out using the MeSH terms: «Chagas disease/congenital», «prevention and control», «diagnosis», «therapeutics» and «pregnancy». Appropriate abstracts were selected and the full texts were analyzed. The relevant information was synthesized, classified, and organized into tables and figures and was presented to a panel of experts, which was composed of 30 professionals from various fields. Based on the Delphi methodology, three rounds of consultation were conducted. The first and second rounds were based on electronic questionnaires that measured the level of consensus of each question among the participants. The third round was based on a face-to-face discussion focusing on those questions without consensus in the previous consultations. The evidence was adapted to national circumstances on a case-by-case basis, and the content the final document was approved. These recommendations are proposed for use in routine medical practice by health professionals in Colombia

TAPER MODELS FOR Pinus taeda L. BASED ON FORM CHANGE POINTS

Este trabalho foi concebido com os objetivos de determinar matematicamente os pontos de mudan\ue7a da forma do fuste (pmf), o n\ufamero de mudan\ue7as na forma geom\ue9trica, ajustar e comparar modelos matem\ue1ticos para estimar os di\ue2metros ao longo do fuste de Pinus taeda L. Os dados foram amostrados em \ue1rvores que cresceram em povoamento implantado em espa\ue7amento de 2,50 x 2,50 m e manejado com dois desbastes, aos 9 e 14 anos, e corte final aos 30 anos pertencentes \ue0 Klabin S.A., em Tel\ueamaco Borba, estado do Paran\ue1. Quarenta \ue1rvores das classes m\ue9dias e dominantes foram abatidas e cubadas pelo M\ue9todo de Smalian, nas posi\ue7\uf5es fixas de 0,10 m; 0,30 m; 0,80 m; 1,30 m; e ap\uf3s em comprimentos de 1 em 1 m, at\ue9 a altura total. Na parte relativa \ue0 copa, os pontos de medi\ue7\ue3o foram deslocados para os entren\uf3s e a seguir foram retiradas fatias para an\ue1lise de tronco, resultando, quando considerada a idade, em conjunto de dados relativos a 649 \ue1rvores com idades entre 8 a 30 anos, das quais foram selecionadas aleatoriamente, 50 \ue1rvores em cada classe de pmf para modelagem. As \ue1rvores foram agrupadas segundo os pmf de acordo com as quantidades de pontos definidos pela segunda derivada do polin\uf4mio do 5\ub0 ajustado para cada \ue1rvore. Com base nas estat\uedsticas de ajuste e precis\ue3o na an\ue1lise gr\ue1fica dos res\uedduos, nas estat\uedsticas vi\ue9s (v), m\ue9dia das diferen\ue7as (md) e desvio padr\ue3o das diferen\ue7as (dpd) foi selecionado o Polin\uf4mio de quinto grau para estimar os di\ue2metros em alturas relativas do tronco e, alternativamente, o modelo de Garay, seguido do modelo de Max e Burkhart com dois ou modificado para um segmento conforme o n\ufamero de pmf definidos na derivada.This work was planned to describe the change point of stem taper (pmf), the number of geometric change points, adjust and compare mathematical models to predict diameters along of stem of Pinus taeda L. The data sampled were measured on trees growing in stands implanted with spacement of 2,50 x 2,50m, thinned at 9 and 14 years and final cut at 30 years old, from Klabin S.A., Tel\ueamaco Borba, Paran\ue1 state, Brazil. Fourty trees between the average and dominant trees were cut and measured with Smalian method at the positions 0,10m; 0,30m; 0,80m; 1,30m; and from them at each 1m to the top. At crown part the measured point were moved among knot. After that, at each measured point, slices to stem analysis were cut. If considered the age, a group of 649 trees between 8 to 30 years old resulted of the analysis. From this group, 50 trees were selected at random of each pmf class to modeling. The trees were grouped in pmf by the number of change point of stem shape defined by the second derivative of the polynomial 5th. Degree 5th grad Polinon adjusted for each tree. The statistics of adjustment and precision, residuals graphics, bias (v), average difference (md), and difference of standard deviation (dpd) showed as better model the polynomial 5th. degree to predict the diameter at relative height of stem, and alternatively the Garay model and the Max-Burkhart with two segments or modify to one segment according to the number of pmf calculated by the derivative

Holocene atmospheric iodine evolution over the North Atlantic

Atmospheric iodine chemistry has a large influence on the oxidizing capacity and associated radiative impacts in the troposphere. However, information on the evolution of past atmospheric iodine levels is restricted to the industrial period while its long-term natural variability remains unknown. The current levels of iodine in the atmosphere are controlled by anthropogenic ozone deposition to the ocean surface. Here, using high-resolution geochemical measurements from coastal eastern Greenland ReCAP (REnland ice CAP project) ice core, we report the first record of atmospheric iodine variability in the North Atlantic during the Holocene (i.e., the last 11 700 years). Surprisingly, our results reveal that the highest iodine concentrations in the record were found during the Holocene Thermal Maximum (HTM; ∼ 11 500-5500 years before-present). These high iodine levels could be driven by marine primary productivity resulting in an Early Holocene "biological iodine explosion". The high and stable iodine levels during this past warm period are a useful observational constraint on projections of future changes in Arctic atmospheric composition and climate resulting from global warming

Caribbean Corals in Crisis: Record Thermal Stress, Bleaching, and Mortality in 2005

BACKGROUND The rising temperature of the world's oceans has become a major threat to coral reefs globally as the severity and frequency of mass coral bleaching and mortality events increase. In 2005, high ocean temperatures in the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean resulted in the most severe bleaching event ever recorded in the basin. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Satellite-based tools provided warnings for coral reef managers and scientists, guiding both the timing and location of researchers' field observations as anomalously warm conditions developed and spread across the greater Caribbean region from June to October 2005. Field surveys of bleaching and mortality exceeded prior efforts in detail and extent, and provided a new standard for documenting the effects of bleaching and for testing nowcast and forecast products. Collaborators from 22 countries undertook the most comprehensive documentation of basin-scale bleaching to date and found that over 80% of corals bleached and over 40% died at many sites. The most severe bleaching coincided with waters nearest a western Atlantic warm pool that was centered off the northern end of the Lesser Antilles. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Thermal stress during the 2005 event exceeded any observed from the Caribbean in the prior 20 years, and regionally-averaged temperatures were the warmest in over 150 years. Comparison of satellite data against field surveys demonstrated a significant predictive relationship between accumulated heat stress (measured using NOAA Coral Reef Watch's Degree Heating Weeks) and bleaching intensity. This severe, widespread bleaching and mortality will undoubtedly have long-term consequences for reef ecosystems and suggests a troubled future for tropical marine ecosystems under a warming climate.This work was partially supported by salaries from the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program to the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program authors. NOAA provided funding to Caribbean ReefCheck investigators to undertake surveys of bleaching and mortality. Otherwise, no funding from outside authors' institutions was necessary for the undertaking of this study. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript