Influence of exogenous opioids on the acute inflammatory response in the perioperative period of oncological surgery: a clinical study

BACKGROUND

Recently, opioids have been related to trigger changes in cytokine release and tumor angiogenesis processes, influencing tumor growth, metastasis, and recurrence.

METHODS

This is a prospective randomized clinical study to test whether if exogenous opioids used in the anesthesia during cancer surgery can affect the systemic inflammatory and immunological patterns. Patients were randomly allocated to the OP (opioid...inclusive) or OF (opioid-free) anesthesia group. A total of 45 patients were selected, being carriers of prostate, stomach, pancreas, bile ducts, breast, colon, lung, uterus, kidneys, or retroperitoneum tumors. Plasma levels of IL-4, IL-12, IL-17A, and TNF-.., and their oxidative stress profile before and after surgery were evaluated in both groups. In vitro tests were performed by using healthy donor blood incubated with each isolated drug used in patients... anesthesia for 1...hour, the same cytokines were measured in plasma.

RESULTS

There was a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation in both groups. Patients from OF group had a significant consumption of IL-12 in the perioperative period. The other cytokines evaluated did not vary. It was also observed a significant correlation between IL-12 and TNF-.. levels in the OF-post group. Except for atracurium, all tested drugs led to a reduction in IL-12 levels.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that there is a reduction of IL-12 in the OF-post patients, suggesting acute consumption and that this seems to be a general mechanism of anesthetic drugs, as demonstrated in vitro. Also, these findings bring us to reflect if IL-12 changes may influence the disease progression and recurrence.

Occupational exposure to pesticides dysregulates systemic Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines and correlates with poor clinical outcomes in breast cancer patients

Pesticides are compounds known to cause immunetoxicity in exposed individuals, which have a potential to substantially modify the prognosis of pathologies dependent on an efficient immune response, such as breast cancer. In this context, we examined the circulating cytokine profile of Th1/Th2/Th17 patterns in women occupationally exposed to pesticides and their correlation with worse prognostic outcomes. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 187 rural working women with breast cancer, occupationally exposed or not to pesticides, to quantify the levels of cytokines IL-1β, IL-12, IL-4, IL-17-A, and TNF -α. Data on the disease profile and clinical outcomes were collected through medical follow-up. IL-12 was reduced in exposed women with tumors larger than 2 cm and in those with lymph node metastases. Significantly reduced levels of IL-17A were observed in exposed patients with Luminal B subtype tumors, with high ki67 proliferation rates, high histological grade, and positive for the progesterone receptor. Reduced IL-4 was also seen in exposed women with lymph node invasion. Our data show that occupational exposure to pesticides induces significant changes in the levels of cytokines necessary for tumor control and correlates with poor prognosis clinical outcomes in breast cancer.

The Expression of CTLA-4 in Breast Tumors and Tumor-Infiltrating Leukocytes Affects Patients' Systemic Inflammatory Status and Varies According to Their Molecular Subtypes

Recent evidence has pointed out that the cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) expression is a poor prognosis factor. However, the implications of CTLA-4 expression on circulating inflammatory mediators are unclear for breast cancer. Tumor biopsies and blood samples were collected from 117 breast cancer patients. Oxidative stress parameters were evaluated in plasma samples by measuring the lipoperoxidation profile and nitric oxide metabolites (NOx). Interleukins 12 (IL-12) and 4 (IL-4) were assessed by ELISA. CTLA-4 expression was determined by immunofluorescence assessed by its labeling in tumor-infiltrating leukocytes (TILs) or breast tumors. Correlations between CTLA-4 expression in breast tumors with TCD4/TCD8 infiltrating lymphocyte and inflammation-related genes were performed using data from TIMER 2.0/TCGA databases (n = 2160). CTLA-4 expression in TILs significantly correlated to triple-negative breast tumors. Patients carrying CTLA-4-positive tumors exhibited lower plasmatic NOx levels, and those expressing CTLA-4 in TILs had reduced levels of IL-12 in plasma. No changes in either IL-4 or lipid peroxidation profiles were detected concerning any CTLA4 status. Compared to the Luminal A ones, oxidative stress parameters and cytokines were observed in patients bearing triple-negative tumors. CTLA-4 expression in all breast cancer subtypes positively correlated to TCD4/TCD8 lymphocyte infiltrates, as well as to the pro-inflammatory genes IL12A, IL4, NFKB1, NFKB2, NOS1, NOS2, and NOS3. CTLA-4 expression in both tumor and TILs can affect the systemic inflammatory status of breast cancer patients, especially antitumor molecules such as IL-12 and NOx that correlate to more aggressive disease.

Brief research report pesticide occupational exposure leads to significant inflammatory changes in normal mammary breast tissue

Studies have documented the high occurrence of several tumors, including female breast cancer, in populations occupationally exposed to pesticides worldwide. It is believed that in addition to direct DNA damage, other molecular alterations that indicate genomic instability are associated, such as epigenetic modifications and the production of inflammation mediators. The present study characterized the profile of inflammatory changes in the breast tissue of women without cancer occupationally exposed to pesticides. In samples of normal breast tissue collected during biopsy and evaluated as negative for cancer by a pathologist, oxidative stress levels were assessed as inflammatory markers through measurements of lipoperoxides and total antioxidant capacity of the sample (TRAP) by high-sensitivity chemiluminescence, as well as levels of nitric oxide (NOx) metabolites. The levels of inflammation-modulating transcription factors PPAR-γ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma) and NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B) were also quantified, in addition to the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 12 (IL-12). The levels of lipoperoxides, TRAP, and NOx were significantly lower in the exposed group. On the other hand, PPAR-γ levels were increased in the breast tissue of exposed women, with no variation in NF-κB. There was also a rise of TNF-α in exposed women samples without significant variations in IL-12 levels. These findings suggest an inflammatory signature of the breast tissue associated with pesticide exposure, which may trigger mechanisms related to mutations and breast carcinogenesis.

Excess body weight significantly affects systemic and tumor inflammatory status and correlates to poor prognosis parameters in patients with breast cancer

Introduction

Obesity is a pro-inflammatory disease critical for developing breast cancer (BC), which impacts the profiles of systemic inflammatory mediators and determinants of different disease clinical outcomes remains little explored.

Methods

A total of 195 patients diagnosed with breast cancer were included. Aiming to exclude chemotherapy interference on circulating mediators, samples were collected at diagnosis, out of the treatment period. Patients were classified as normal weight (BMI up to 24.9 kg/m2) or overweight (BMI ≥25.0 kg/m2). Serum levels of IL-4, IL-12, hydroperoxides, and nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) were measured. Also, tumor expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), TGF-β1, CD4⁺, and CD8⁺ lymphocytes were evaluated.

Results

IL-4 levels were significantly increased in the overweight BC group (p = 0.0329), including patients with luminal B subtype (p = 0.0443), presence of lymph node metastases (p = 0.0115) and age of diagnosis below 50 years, (p = 0.0488). IL-12 levels were significantly increased in overweight BC patients with lymph node metastases (p = 0.0115). Hydroperoxides were increased in overweight BC patients (p = 0.0437), including those with tumors smaller than 2 cm (p = 0.05). NOx levels were also increased in overweight BC patients, including those with luminal B disorders (p = 0.0443), high-grade tumors (p = 0.0351) and lymph node metastases (p = 0.0155). The expression of iNOS (p < 0.001) and TCD4+ lymphocytes (p = 0.0378) was significantly investigated in tumor biopsies from overweight BC women.

Conclusions

These data provide a picture of the influence of excess body weight on inflammatory mediators' systemic and tumoral profiles, especially in patients displaying poor outcome BC.

Monitoring residues of pesticides in food in Brazil: A multiscale analysis of the main contaminants, dietary cancer risk estimative and mechanisms associated

Introduction

Pesticides pose a risk for cancer development and progression. People are continuously exposed to such substances by several routes, including daily intake of contaminated food and water, especially in countries that are highly pesticide consumers and have very permissive legislation about pesticide contamination as Brazil. This work investigated the relationship among pesticides, food contamination, and dietary cancer risk.

Methods

Analyzed two social reports from the Brazilian Government: the Program for Analysis of Residues of Pesticides in Food (PARA) and The National Program for Control of Waste and Contaminants (PNCRC).

Results and discussion

First, we characterized the main pesticide residues detected over the maximum limits allowed by legislation or those prohibited for use in food samples analyzed across the country. Based on this list, we estimated the dietary cancer risks for some of the selected pesticides. Finally, we searched for data about dietary cancer risks and carcinogenic mechanisms of each pesticide. We also provided a critical analysis concerning the pesticide scenario in Brazil, aiming to discuss the food contamination levels observed from a geographical, political, and public health perspective. Exposures to pesticides in Brazil violate a range of human rights when food and water for human consumption are contaminated.

Acute effects of photobiomodulation applied on the dorsal root ganglion in gout model-induced rats

Gouty arthritis is an inflammatory disease that triggers symptoms such as pain, swelling, and joint stiffness. Since its main therapy is medication, research on other forms of treatment that do not generate side effects is necessary. Given this, the objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of combined photobiomodulation (LASER and LED) applied on the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) in an experimental model of gouty arthritis. For this, 40 Wistar rats were randomized into 4 groups: simulation of the model with saline injection, without treatment (CTL; n = 10); gout simulation with photobiomodulation treatment (CTL-PBM; n = 10); gout model with the injection of monosodium urate crystals (1.25 mg) in the femorotibial joint, without treatment (GOT; n = 10); or gout model with photobiomodulation treatment (GOT-PBM; n = 10). After 7 h of gout induction, photobiomodulation was performed with a cluster of 4 diodes applied to the GRD region in animals from the CTL-PBM and GOT-PBM groups. After analysing the results, it was concluded that the therapy favored the reduction of edema and joint incapacity, as well as the increase in the nociceptive threshold and plantar grip strength. Furthermore, PBM stimulated an increase in the inflammatory response (with increased levels of IL-1β and greater recruitment of leukocytes) and greater activation of the antioxidant system. Therefore, PBM can be considered an effective therapeutic alternative to improve the functional status in this model of joint disease.

Evidence on Human Exposure to Pesticides and the Occurrence of Health Hazards in the Brazilian Population: A Systematic Review

Brazil is among the biggest pesticide consumers in the world, with its population severely exposed to tons of such substances, both because of environmental contamination and occupational use. The health consequences of pesticide exposure are well-documented, but still sparse regarding Brazilian population. This study systematically reviewed the Brazilian studies published that address the relationship between exposure to pesticides and health problems in the Brazilian population. Also, information about pesticide use in Brazil is provided. The included studies showed that exposure to pesticides has a relevant impact on the health of the Brazilian population, regardless of age and gender, and on workers in rural areas or not. Most poisoning events seem to result from the continuous use of pesticides, whether occupationally or environmentally, characterizing a public health problem. The major consequences reported in literature were damage to the central nervous system, cancer, deleterious effects on rural workers' health, intoxications, malformations, and endocrine changes. These findings point out the need to understand the impact of chronic exposure to pesticides on severely exposed people and highlight the importance of creating public policies to protect them and avoid disease occurrence.

Effect of preparation and processing conditions on UV absorbing properties of hydroxyapatite-Fe2O3 sunscreen

The development of innovative, safe and non-photocatalytic sunscreens is urgently needed, as it is essential to have sunscreen filters offering appropriate UV protection without damaging the environment and/or generating free radicals when in contact with the skin. Hydroxyapatite (Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂, HAp) when substituted with iron has UV protection properties and is not photocatalytic; HAp was used to make a sunscreen filter by treating cod fish bones in an iron-containing solution, and then calcining them at 700°C. Here we present a systematic and advanced study on this material, to obtain a sunscreen with improved UV absorbing properties. Bones were treated with three different iron salts - Fe(II) chloride, Fe(II) lactate and Fe(III) nitrate - under various pH conditions. Results showed that Fe(II) chloride in basic pH led to the most effective iron inclusion. High energy ball milling or ultrasound were investigated to increase surface area and corresponding UV absorption; high energy ball milling treatment led to the best optical properties. The optimum powders were used to formulate UV protection creams, which showed Sun Protection Factor (SPF) values significantly superior to the control cream (up to 4.1). Moreover the critical wavelength (λ_crit) was >370nm (388-389nm) and UVA/UVB ratios were very close to 1. With these properties these sunscreens can be classified as broad UV protectors. Results also showed that combining these powders with other sunscreens (i.e. titanium dioxide), a synergic effect between the different components was also observed. This investigation showed that HAp-based sunscreens of marine origin are a valid alternative to commercial products, safe for the health of the customers and, being non-photocatalytic, do not pose a threat to the environment.

A hydroxyapatite-Fe2O3 based material of natural origin as an active sunscreen filter

The use of sunscreens as protective barriers against skin damage and cancer, by absorbing harmful UVA and UVB rays, is becoming an increasingly important issue. Such products are usually based on TiO₂ or ZnO, although both Fe₂O₃ and hydroxyapatite (Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂, HAp) doped with metal ions have been reported as being ultraviolet (UV) absorbing materials. HAp is the main component of bone; it is, therefore, highly biocompatible. In the present work, an iron-doped HAp-based material, containing both Fe ions substituted into the HAp structure and iron oxide in hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) form, was successfully developed from waste cod fish bones. This was achieved through a simple process of treating the bones in a Fe(ii) containing solution, followed by heating at 700 °C. The material showed good absorption in the whole UV range and did not form radicals when irradiated. The sunscreen cream formulated with this material could be used as a broad sunscreen protector (λ_crit > 370 nm), showing high absorption both in the UVA and UVB ranges. Because of its absorption properties it would be classified as 5 star protection according to the Boots UVA star rating system. The cream is also photostable, and does not cause irritation or erythema formation when in contact with the human skin. These results show that a food by-product such as fish bones could be converted into a valuable product, with potential applications in health care and cosmetics. This is the first time a HAp-based sunscreen cream has been developed and validated as a proof of concept.

Effect of São Pedro do Sul thermal water on skin irritation

Many mineral waters are known for centuries for treating dermatological diseases but there is little scientific evaluation of the effects of these waters in skin. A total of 17 healthy Caucasian volunteers, including men and women, were enrolled in this study. Two skin sites were marked on each volunteer forearm and irritated with sodium lauryl sulphate at 2% (w/v) kept under occlusion for 24 h with Finn chambers. Afterwards, purified water or São Pedro do Sul (SPS) thermal water were applied to the irritated skin sites, and kept under occlusion for 48 h also with Finn chambers. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was used as a measure of the skin barrier function to evaluate the potential anti-irritant effect of the thermal water on skin. Statistically significant differences in the mean TEWL variations were observed for the skin treated with SPS thermal water and with purified water (P = 0.036). The thermal water reduced the degree to which the skin barrier was disrupted compared with purified water alone in 82.4% of the volunteers. The SPS thermal water is anti-irritant and, therefore, can be helpful to relieve skin irritation and in cosmetic formulations to improve the tolerability of the products.

Prognosis in periradicular surgery: a clinical prospective study

AIM

The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the prognosis of periradicular surgery using well-defined case selection and a rigorous surgical protocol.

METHODOLOGY

Teeth to be treated surgically demonstrated a periradicular lesion of strictly endodontic origin with or without clinical signs and symptoms of inflammation. A total of 114 teeth were treated. Following the reflection of a full mucoperiosteal tissue flap, residual soft tissues were curetted, root ends were resected with a fine high-speed diamond bur, root-end cavities were prepared ultrasonically with diamond tips, and IRM root-end fillings were placed. Cases were followed clinically and radiographically for a period ranging from 1 to 4 years.

RESULTS

The results of this study showed 91.2% success out of a total of 102 teeth available for follow-up, based on accepted parameters of evaluation. Cases were considered successful if there were no clinical signs or symptoms present and there was radiographic evidence of complete or incomplete healing (scar tissue). Factors related to case selection, parameters of healing and surgical technique are discussed in relation to the success rate identified in this prospective study.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to a strict endodontic surgical protocol and the use of contemporary techniques and materials will result in a predictably successful outcome in a wide range of teeth.

Ultrasonic root-end preparation with smooth and diamond-coated tips

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of smooth and diamond-coated ultrasonic retrotips on the external and internal surfaces of root-end preparations with the aid of a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Forty-four mesial roots of human mandibular molars were selected. The canals were cleaned, shaped and obturated using gutta-percha and sealer. The apical portions were resected at a 45 degrees-angle bevel exposing both mesial canals and the isthmus area. The roots were then divided into two groups according to the type of root-end preparation: Group A--performed with smooth retrotips (S) and Group B--performed with diamond-coated retrotips (DC). The specimens were coded and prepared for SEM evaluation. Observations of the external surface preparation showed that the S and DC retrotips produced very well-centered cavities involving both canals and isthmus area with minimal deviations and no perforative defects. When the internal surface of the root-end preparations was evaluated, it was evident that the use of S retrotips resulted in clean canal walls with little superficial debris and smear layer. Internal canal surfaces done with DC retrotips were irregular showing patent grooves, in contrast with the more uniform, regular and smoother surfaces when S retrotips were employed.

Quantitation of human immunodeficiency virus type 2 DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by using a quantitative-competitive PCR assay

A new quantitative-competitive PCR-based human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) proviral DNA assay (QC-PCR) was developed and used to determine the proviral load in HIV-2-infected individuals. Proviral load varied considerably, with means of 1,831 copies per 10(6) peripheral blood mononuclear cells for asymptomatic subjects (n = 19) and 2,587 for AIDS patients (n = 2). HIV-2 viral and proviral loads also varied significantly over time in asymptomatic patients. These data suggest that a high level of virus replication occurs throughout the asymptomatic phase of HIV-2 infection.

Effectiveness of the Canal Finder and hand instrumentation in removal of gutta-percha root fillings during root canal retreatment

The purpose of this study was to quantify the amount of remaining gutta-percha/sealer on the canal walls when the Canal Finder system, hand instrumentation and a combination of both (hybrid technique) were used to remove these materials. The amount of apically-extruded debris and the time required for removal were also recorded. Sixty extracted maxillary anterior teeth were prepared using a stepback technique and obturated with gutta-percha. Reinstrumentation of all groups was done in conjunction with a solvent, chloroform. The teeth were split longitudinally and photographed, and the total area of the root canal and the area of the debris were traced and quantified using a computerized image analysis system. The ratio of remaining obturation material to root canal surface was derived and analysed statistically. Hand instrumentation resulted in less debris remaining than did the other two techniques (P < 0.05). The differences in the amount of apically extruded debris were not significant among the techniques (P > 0.05). The hybrid technique required significantly less time for filling material removal. The Canal Finder system alone was not superior to hand instrumentation.

Amplification of full-length HIV-2 envelope genes

In contrast to HIV-1, no studies have been published on the genetic and functional analysis of the envelope gene of primary NSI isolates of HIV-2. However several studies on HIV-1 have shown that NSI strains are the most frequently transmitted strains and probably the most important strains in the pathogenesis of HIV infection. Furthermore, it has been shown that the genetic and biological characteristics of primary isolates of HIV-1 differ widely from those of T-cell-line adapted isolates. Two different polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods, nested-polymerase chain reaction and overlapp-extension amplification, were used to amplify the envelope genes from a primary non-syncytium-inducing HIV-2 isolate, HIV-2ALI, and from the T-cell line adapted syncytium-inducing isolate, HIV-2ROD. These methods could amplify the complete envelope gene from both viruses. Nested-polymerase chain reaction method was highly sensitive, enabling the amplification of one proviral copy of HIV-2ALI in 10000 peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The use of the methods described herein may help to expand our knowledge on the genetic diversity of HIV-2 as well as on the structure and function of the envelope glycoproteins of primary HIV-2 isolates.

Detection of HIV-1 DNA by polymerase chain reaction incorporation of digoxigenin-11-dUTP and hybridization to immobilized probes

We have developed a new non-isotopic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based method for the detection of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) DNA in clinical samples. In this method a two step PCR is used to amplify and label HIV-1 DNA segments by incorporation of digoxigenin-11-dUTP (dig-dUTP). Digoxigenin labelled amplified products are hybridized to membrane immobilized complementary DNA probes. Hybridization is detected non-radioactively by incubating the filters with antidigoxigenin antibody conjugated with alkaline phosphatase followed by a standard phosphatase assay. With this method the detection limit was between 1 and 10 HIV-1 DNA copies in a background of 1 microgram of human genomic DNA. Furthermore, we were able to detect HIV-1 DNA in 41 out of 41 HIV-1 antibody positive individuals while 10 out of 10 HIV-1 seronegative individuals gave consistently negative results. Our data indicate that this simple non-isotopic technique is sensitive and specific for the detection of HIV-1 DNA in clinical samples and can constitute a good alternative to other non-isotopic methods described to date.

Ridge augmentation following extraction of replanted central incisor

Regeneration of bone defects remains a clinically important problem in many instances. This paper reports on the use of membrane technique combined with decalcified freeze-dried bone allograft to promote bone formation after extraction of a replanted central incisor with extensive root resorption. The procedure prevented ridge reduction, both buccolingually and apicocoronally, and will facilitate prosthetic replacement of the lost tooth without esthetic problems.

Endodontic retreatment of thermafil or lateral condensation obturations in post space prepared teeth

The purpose of this study was to quantify the amount of remaining gutta-percha/sealer after retreatment of post space prepared teeth obturated with a lateral condensation technique or with Thermafil with plastic and metallic carrier. The time required for retreatment was also recorded. Forty-five extracted mandibular premolars were prepared using a step-back flared technique and obturated. The post space was prepared and a 5-mm obturation was left in the canal. Retreatment of all groups was done using a solvent technique. The teeth were split longitudinally and photographed. The total area of the canal and the area of gutta-percha/sealer were traced on white paper. Both areas were quantified using a computerized image analysis system and the ratio of remaining obturation material to root canal periphery was derived and statistically analyzed. Statistical analysis (analysis of variance, p = 0.01) showed no differences among the techniques when the average percentage of remaining gutta-percha/sealer was compared. Results revealed that the Thermafil metallic retreatment group consumed significantly more time than the others (analysis of variance, Scheffe p = 0.01). The metallic carriers were not easily removed from the canals, six metal carriers could not be retrieved during the retreatment routine.

Detection of HIV1 proviral DNA by PCR and hybridization with digoxigenin labelled probes

One of the main obstacles for the introduction of PCR method to identify HIV1 proviral DNA in routine diagnostic laboratories is the use of radiolabelled oligodeoxynucleotide probes. Nonradioactive labelled probes have several advantages over radioactive labelling: they are stable for over 1 year, they can be produced easily in large amounts and they are safe. Polymerase chain reaction is an efficient and simple method to produce vector free inserts to use as probes. In this paper we describe a procedure for labelling DNA probes with digoxigenin-11-dUTP using the polymerase chain reaction. This non-radioactive labelling system was applied to detect HIV proviral sequences, amplified in vitro by PCR, from peripheral blood mononuclear cells DNA of infected subjects. We found identical sensitivities and specificities for probes synthesized with the non-radioactive and radioactive labelling procedures. The digoxigenin-11-dUTP can be efficiently incorporated during amplification of a DNA fragment using the polymerase chain reaction. This labelling and detection method proved to be specific, sensible and simple enough to be used in routine diagnostic laboratories for the detection of HIV1 infected individuals.

[Prevalence of HIV1 and HIV2 infection in women living in an area of Lisboa City]

A seroprevalence study of HIV1 and HIV2 infection in women attending a Family Planning and an Antenatal Clinic was done in an area of the city of Lisbon where 7% of the population is of African origin. The protocol of study was of non linked type although with the possibility of collecting a second sample of blood for confirmation of results. Epidemiological, social and clinical data were collected from 1390 women and this was followed by the collection of a blood sample for the seroepidemiological study of HIV1 and HIV2. The population that was submitted to blood tests (75%) was compared to the one that missed the test and it was found that no important differences were present between the two. The criteria for HIV1 or HIV2 positive results were the presence of a positive ELISA test confirmed by an Western Blot revealing antibodies against the three proteins env, core and gag. For a test to be considered positive results by both methods had to be found in a second sample collected later. The prevalences of infection were of 0.29% for HIV1 and 0.29% for HIV2 although the prevalence of HIV2 in the population of African origin was higher (1.45%). The six seropositive cases detected included a drug addict, one prostitute, one case of African origin and two cases with multiple sexual partners. The clinical, epidemiological and immunological features of the seropositive cases are presented and the prevalence found is discussed in the context of other portuguese data.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[A complementary phage-typing scheme for "P. aeruginosa" (author's transl)]

Twenty per cent of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated in Portugal are non typable with the phage-typing Lindberg system, but most of them may be typed with the aid of a new phage-typing method. This complementary scheme of phage-typing is based on the use of 15 new phages from sewage; 39 phage-types were found among a group of the non-typable strains isolated in several hospitals in Lisbonne. The relations between the serotypes, the pyocinotypes and the new lysotypes are investigated.