Physical training attenuates systemic cytokine response and tissue damage triggered by apical periodontitis

Apical periodontitis (AP) is a condition characterized by inflammatory and infectious components in the tooth canal. AP affects periradicular tissues and has systemic repercussions. Physical exercise is a structured activity that requires cardiorespiratory function, and can modulate the inflammatory profile in pathological conditions. As a result, this study aimed to determine the effects of aerobic physical training (PT) on the alveolar bone with and without AP, and its systemic inflammatory repercussions. AP was induced in the mandibular first molars, and PT was performed on a treadmill for five consecutive days over four weeks, with progressive increases in speed and activity time. Blood samples were collected to determine serum cytokine levels using immunoassays, and alveolar bone samples were collected for histopathological evaluation, lesion volume and microarchitecture assessment using computed microtomography. Animals with AP had increased pro-inflammatory cytokines levels compared to those without AP; however, these levels were attenuated or restored by PT. Compared to the AP group, the AP + PT group had a smaller lesion volume and greater preservation of the bone trabeculae in the remaining alveolar bone surrounding the lesion. In overall, PT minimized the severity of AP proving to be a valid strategy for individuals undergoing endodontic treatment.

Chemical and pharmacological aspects of neutralization of heparins from different animal sources by protamine

Essentials Bovine (HBI) and porcine (HPI) heparins differ in structure and anticoagulant activity. Protamine-neutralization was evaluated on a variety of physical-chemical methods. HBI requires more protamine than HPI to fully neutralize its anticoagulant activity. Protamine preferentially removes higher-sulfated chains of HBI while HPI is evenly precipitated.

SUMMARY

Background Protamine neutralization is an essential step for the safe use and inactivation of the unfractionated heparin (UFH) that is widely employed in surgical and non-surgical procedures involving extracorporeal circulation. Objective To compare protamine neutralization of different pharmaceutical-grade UFHs prepared from porcine or bovine intestine (HPI and HBI, respectively). HBI has approximately half the anticoagulant potency of HPI, mostly as consequence of its fraction enriched with N-sulfated α-glucosamine disaccharides. Methods Protamine neutralization of HPI and HBI was evaluated with in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo assays. We also performed in-depth assessments of the complexation of protamine with these distinct UFHs by using nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopy. Results HPI and HBI interact similarly with protamine on a mass/mass basis; however, HBI requires more protamine than HPI to have its anticoagulant activity fully neutralized, because of its lower potency, which entails the use of higher doses. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectra revealed that HPI precipitates homogeneously with protamine. On the other hand, the low-sulfated fraction of HBI, enriched with N-sulfated α-glucosamine, precipitates at higher concentrations of protamine than the fraction more like HPI, with a preponderance of N,6-disulfated α-glucosamine disaccharides. Finally, mass spectroscopy spectra showed that some of the different peptide components of protamine interact preferentially with the heparins, irrespective of their animal origin. Conclusion Our results have important medical implications, indicating that protamine neutralization of HBI, determined exclusively by point-of-care coagulation assessments, must fail because of its lower-sulfated fraction with reduced anticoagulant activity that could remain in the circulation after the neutralization procedure.

Angiogenic activity of Synadenium umbellatum Pax latex

Synadenium umbellatum Pax, popularly known as 'cola-nota', is a medicinal plant that grows in tropical regions. Latex of this plant is used to treat various diseases such as diabetes mellitus, Hansen s disease, tripanosomiases, leukemia and several malignant tumors. In the present study, the angiogenic activity of S. umbellatum latex was evaluated using the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Results showed significant increase of the vascular net (p < 0.05) compared to the negative control (H2O). The histological analysis was in accordance with the results obtained. In conclusion, our data indicate that S. umbellatum latex, under the conditions of this research, presented angiogenic effect.

Leishmania infantum-induced primary and challenge infections in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta): a primate model for visceral leishmaniasis

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) was experimentally induced in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) by intravenously inoculating 2 x 10(7)amastigotes/kg of body weight of Leishmania infantum. The macaques developed a systemic disease showing characteristic features of human VL such as fever, diarrhoea, body weight loss, anaemia, hypergammaglobulinaemia and transient lymphocytosis, as well as lymph node, liver and/or spleen enlargement. Nine weeks after infection, one primate showed pronounced weight loss, became moribund and was euthanized. The necropsy findings included granulomas composed of parasite-containing macrophages, lymphocytes and plasma cells in the liver, spleen and lymph nodes. The remaining macaques had a sustained course of infection but developed a mild-to-moderate illness that subsequently showed evidence of self-cure. Of note, pathological findings included a typical cell-mediated immunity-induced granulomatous reaction that had an effect on the control of parasite replication. All infected monkeys responded with increased production of anti-Leishmania-specific IgG antibodies. Despite the fact that clinical resistance to L. infantum was not consistently associated with a parasite-specific cell-mediated immune response, drug-cured macaques from the primary infection acquired immunity to homologous re-infection. These findings point to the feasibility of using the L. infantum macaque model for pre-clinical evaluation of novel chemotherapeutics or vaccine candidates for human VL.

Study of the safety, immunogenicity and efficacy of attenuated and killed Leishmania (Leishmania) major vaccines in a rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) model of the human disease

We have compared the efficacy of two Leishmania (Leishmania) major vaccines, one genetically attenuated (DHFR-TS deficient organisms), the other inactivated [autoclaved promastigotes (ALM) with bacillus Calmete-Guérin (BCG)], in protecting rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) against infection with virulent L. (L.) major. Positive antigen-specific recall proliferative response was observed in vaccinees (79% in attenuated parasite-vaccinated monkeys, versus 75% in ALM-plus-BCG-vaccinated animals), although none of these animals exhibited either augmented in vitro gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) production or positive delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response to the leishmanin skin test prior to the challenge. Following challenge, there were significant differences in blastogenic responses (p < 0.05) between attenuated-vaccinated monkeys and naïve controls. In both vaccinated groups very low levels of antibody were found before challenge, which increased after infective challenge. Protective immunity did not follow vaccination, in that monkeys exhibited skin lesion at the site of challenge in all the groups. The most striking result was the lack of pathogenicity of the attenuated parasite, which persisted in infected animals for up to three months, but were incapable of causing disease under the conditions employed. We concluded that both vaccine protocols used in this study are safe in primates, but require further improvement for vaccine application.

A sulphated fucan from the Laminaria abyssalis inhibits the human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1-induced syncytium formation in HeLa cells

This work evaluated the effect of a sulphated fucan extracted from the Laminaria abyssalis marine algae on the human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-induced syncytium formation. The experiments were carried out in HeLa cells cocultured with a HTLV-1-infected T cell line (C91/PL cells) in the presence of the sulphated polysaccharide at concentration below that corresponding to the ED50. The sulphated fucan inhibited almost 100% of the syncytium formation at concentration of 100 microg/mI and was still active (>95%) at a concentration of 25 microg/ml. It was also observed that the best inhibition occurred when the compound was added in the first 2 h of the cell-to-cell contact. This is the first report showing that a purified sulphated polysaccharide, extracted from marine algae, is able to inhibit the cell-to-cell contact essential for the spreading of the HTLV-1.

Leishmania (Leishmania) major-infected rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) develop varying levels of resistance against homologous re-infections

Seven rhesus macaques were infected intradermally with 10(7) promastigotes of Leishmania (Leishmania) major. All monkeys developed a localized, ulcerative, self-healing nodular skin lesion at the site of inoculation of the parasite. Non-specific chronic inflammation and/or tuberculoid-type granulomatous reaction were the main histopathological manifestations of the disease. Serum Leishmania-specific antibodies (IgG and IgG1) were detected by ELISA in all infected animals; immunoblot analyses indicated that numerous antigens were recognized. A very high degree of variability was observed in the parasite-specific cell-mediated immune responses [as detected by measuring delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction, in vitro lymphocyte proliferation, and gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) production] for individuals over time post challenge. From all the recovered monkeys (which showed resolution of the lesions after 11 weeks of infection), 57.2% (4/7) and 28.6% (2/7) animals remained susceptible to secondary and tertiary infections, respectively, but the disease severity was altered (i.e. lesion size was smaller and healed faster than in the primary infection). The remaining monkeys exhibited complete resistance (i.e. no lesion) to each rechallenge. Despite the inability to consistently detect correlates of cell-mediated immunity to Leishmania or correlation between resistance to challenge and DTH, lymphocyte transformation or IFN-gamma production, partial or complete acquired resistance was conferred by experimental infection. This primate model should be useful for measuring vaccine effectiveness against the human disease.

Sodium and chloride requirements of growing broiler chickens (twenty-one to forty-two days of age) fed corn-soybean diets

Two trials were conducted to determine Na+ and Cl- nutritional requirements and dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) and its effects on acid-base balance, litter moisture, and incidence of tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) in broiler chickens during the growing period. Cobb broilers were distributed in a completely randomized design (30 pens) with six treatments, five replicates, and 50 birds per experimental unit at 21 d of age. Treatments used in both trials were a basal diet with 0.10% Na+ (Trial 1) or Cl- (Trial 2) supplemented to result in diets with Na+ or Cl- levels of 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, and 0.35%. In the first trial, the results indicated an optimum Na+ requirement of 0.15%. The Na+ levels, obtained with supplemental NaHCO3, did not affect blood gas parameters and TD incidence. Litter moisture increased linearly with Na+ levels. In the second trial, the Cl- requirement was estimated at 0.23%. Increasing Cl- levels, provided by NaCl with NaHCO3 to balance Na+, caused a linear effect (P < or = 0.01) on blood gas parameters, with an estimated equilibrium at 0.19% dietary Cl-. No effect (P > or = 0.05) of Cl- levels on litter moisture was observed. The hypertrophic area of growth plate in the proximal tibiotarsus increased with Cl- levels (P < or = 0.001). A nonlinear model describes this response. The best dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) was between 250 to 261 mEq/kg in Trial 1 and 249 to 257 mEq/kg in Trial 2. We concluded that the Na+ requirement was 0.15%, and the Cl- requirement was 0.23% for maximum performance of growing chickens between 21 and 42 d of age, and the best DEB was between 249 and 261 mEq/kg.

[Recurrent pericardial effusion --a case of cardiac angiosarcoma]

A case of angiosarcoma of the right atrium in a 59-year-old woman is reported, presenting as a recurrent hematic pericardial effusion. The usefulness of echocardiography in making the diagnosis is emphasized. The tumor was already disseminated at the time of the diagnosis. The patient was on palliative therapy, dying a few months later. The histological examination was done at autopsy. This case highlights the difficulty in diagnosis and the various modalities available for an accurate diagnosis of a rare clinical entity. It has a rapid and aggressive course with a very poor prognosis.

Structure and anticoagulant activity of sulfated galactans. Isolation of a unique sulfated galactan from the red algae Botryocladia occidentalis and comparison of its anticoagulant action with that of sulfated galactans from invertebrates

We have characterized the structure of a sulfated d-galactan from the red algae Botryocladia occidentalis. The following repeating structure (-4-alpha-d-Galp-1-->3-beta-d-Galp-1-->) was found for this polysaccharide, but with a variable sulfation pattern. Clearly one-third of the total alpha-units are 2,3-di-O-sulfated and another one-third are 2-O-sulfated. The algal sulfated d-galactan has a potent anticoagulant activity (similar potency as unfractionated heparin) due to enhanced inhibition of thrombin and factor Xa by antithrombin and/or heparin cofactor II. We also extended the experiments to several sulfated polysaccharides from marine invertebrates with simple structures, composed of a single repeating structure. A 2-O- or 3-O-sulfated l-galactan (as well as a 2-O-sulfated l-fucan) has a weak anticoagulant action when compared with the potent action of the algal sulfated d-galactan. Possibly, the addition of two sulfate esters to a single alpha-galactose residue has an "amplifying effect" on the anticoagulant action, which cannot be totally ascribed to the increased charge density of the polymer. These results indicate that the wide diversity of polysaccharides from marine alga and invertebrates is a useful tool to elucidate structure/anticoagulant activity relationships.

[Iatrogenic vascular injuries]

Iatrogenic vascular injuries include an extremely broad group of lesions with multiple etiology and polymorphic manifestations. We present a series of 44 patients with iatrogenic vascular lesions that result from arterial and venous catheterizations and surgical interventions. The arterial catheterization for coronariography and arteriography and orthopaedic surgery were the agents that most frequently caused vascular injury. Arterial and venous reconstructive surgery were the predominant treatment procedures. In our series, morbidity and mortality were 4.6% and 2.3%, respectively.

Searching for alternatives to heparin: sulfated fucans from marine invertebrates

We describe a variety of sulfated polysaccharides with regular and well-defined structures which are useful tools for elucidating structure/biological function relationship. Several of these compounds have anticoagulant and antithrombotic activities. The most studied and promising polysaccharide is a fucosylated chondroitin sulfate, composed of a chondroitin sulfate-like backbone, substituted at position 3 of the beta-D-glucuronic acid with heavily sulfated fucose side chains. The anticoagulant activity of this polysaccharide is mediated by both antithrombin and heparin cofactor II; it has antithrombotic activity when targeted at the intrinsic coagulation pathway.

Structure and anticoagulant activity of sulfated fucans. Comparison between the regular, repetitive, and linear fucans from echinoderms with the more heterogeneous and branched polymers from brown algae

Sulfated fucans are among the most widely studied of all the sulfated polysaccharides of non-mammalian origin that exhibit biological activities in mammalian systems. Examples of these polysaccharides extracted from echinoderms have simple structures, composed of oligosaccharide repeating units within which the residues differ by specific patterns of sulfation among different species. In contrast the algal fucans may have some regular repeating structure but are clearly more heterogeneous when compared with the echinoderm fucans. The structures of the sulfated fucans from brown algae also vary from species to species. We compared the anticoagulant activity of the regular and repetitive fucans from echinoderms with that of the more heterogeneous fucans from three species of brown algae. Our results indicate that different structural features determine not only the anticoagulant potency of the sulfated fucans but also the mechanism by which they exert this activity. Thus, the branched fucans from brown algae are direct inhibitors of thrombin, whereas the linear fucans from echinoderms require the presence of antithrombin or heparin cofactor II for inhibition of thrombin, as reported for mammalian glycosaminoglycans. The linear sulfated fucans from echinoderms have an anticoagulant action resembling that of mammalian dermatan sulfate and a modest action through antithrombin. A single difference of one sulfate ester per tetrasaccharide repeating unit modifies the anticoagulant activity of the polysaccharide markedly. Possibly the spatial arrangements of sulfate esters in the repeating tetrasaccharide unit of the echinoderm fucan mimics the site in dermatan sulfate with high affinity for heparin cofactor II.

Phage-mediated transfer of tetracycline resistance in Staphylococcus aureus isolated from cattle in Brazil

Tetracycline-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from cattle in Brazil, were used as prospective donors for the transfer of resistance to laboratory strains, using mixed-culture and filter-mating protocols. Three lysogenic donors transferred tetracycline resistance in both mixed culture and during filter mating. In contrast, when a non-lysogenic strain was used as prospective donor, transfer was not detected using either mating protocol. In order to evaluate the involvement of phage, successful transfer experiments were repeated with the addition of sodium citrate, which sequestered calcium ions. Mixed-culture and filter-mating protocols did not result in the transfer of resistance. These results support the notion that transfer of the resistance determinant under both sets of conditions described here involve the same bacteriophage-mediated mechanism. Although transfer of tetracycline resistance was detected, without any attempt to create specialized transduction agents or to extract phages, the co-transfer of additional resistance markers indicated that it could not be conventional transduction.

[Disinfection of medical and surgical equipment: efficacy of chemical disinfectants and water and soap]

In this experimental study we compared the previous descontamination efficacy of the medical surgical materials by the use of chemical disinfectants and the mechanical cleaning with water and soap, as well as verified the organic material interference in these procedures. To carry out this study, we used surgical pincers under contamination with: Staphylococcus aureus ATCC-6538, Salmonella cholerae suis ATCC-10708, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC-15442 in presence and absence of organic matter (fetal bovine serum). The following treatments: glutaraldehyde 2%, sodium hypochlorite 1%, hydrogen peroxide 6%, alcohol 70% and the mechanical cleaning with water and soap were compared with eight repetitions in a total of 480 observations. In the described conditions, the disinfectants had a good efficacy in the previous descontamination of the medical surgical materials and a less inactivation by the organic material. The mechanical cleaning with water and soap showed a reduction of the microrganism to safe levels, considered adequate for previous descontamination.

Structure and anticoagulant activity of a fucosylated chondroitin sulfate from echinoderm. Sulfated fucose branches on the polysaccharide account for its high anticoagulant action

A polysaccharide isolated from the body wall of the sea cucumber Ludwigothurea grisea has a backbone like that of mammalian chondroitin sulfate: [4-beta-D-GlcA-1-->3-beta-D-GalNAc-1]n but substituted at the 3-position of the beta--glucuronic acid residues with sulfated alpha--fucopyranosyl branches (Vieira, R. P., Mulloy, B., and Mourão, P. A. S. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 13530-13536). Mild acid hydrolysis removes the sulfated alpha--fucose branches, and cleaved residues have been characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy; the most abundant species is fucose 4-O-monosulfate, but 2,4- and 3, 4-di-O-sulfated residues are also present. Degradation of the remaining polysaccharide with chondroitin ABC lyase shows that the sulfated alpha-L-fucose residues released by mild acid hydrolysis are concentrated toward the non-reducing end of the polysaccharide chains; enzyme-resistant polysaccharide material includes the reducing terminal and carries acid-resistant -fucose substitution. The sulfated alpha-L-fucose branches confer anticoagulant activity on the polysaccharide. The specific activity of fucosylated chondroitin sulfate in the activated partial thromboplastin time assay is greater than that of a linear homopolymeric alpha-L-fucan with about the same level of sulfation; this activity is lost on defucosylation or desulfation but not on carboxyl-reduction of the polymer. Assays with purified reagents show that the fucosylated chondroitin sulfate can potentiate the thrombin inhibition activity of both antithrombin and heparin cofactor II.

Genomic distribution of P elements in Drosophila willistoni and a search for their relationship with chromosomal inversions

According to the recent-invasion hypothesis, Drosophila melanogaster may have acquired its P elements in a fairly recent process of horizontal transmission between species. Drosophila willistoni has been identified as the potential donor species in that transfer process. A most remarkable feature of D. willistoni is its extensive chromosomal polymorphism due to inversions-the adaptiveness of which has been the subject of many classical studies on evolutionary genetics. In this article, we further extend the study of P elements in D. willistoni, focusing on the possible role they may play in the generation of chromosomal inversions. Our results may be summarized as follows. P-homologous sequences were detected in South American populations of D. willistoni. In two of them, a recently collected wild population and an old laboratory stock, the P insertion sites were located in the polytene chromosomes. Several hybridization sites were mapped in all major chromosome arms of the natural population, which was also chromosomally polymorphic; in the laboratory population, nearly devoid of inversions, hybridization sites were found to be confined to the chromocenter. In the wild population, 10 of the 24 P hybridized sites coincided with several inversions break points and another five sites located themselves very close to those points. The results are discussed within the context of evolutionary hypotheses.

[Hospital infections in teaching hospitals: analysis of their control]

The purpose of this study is to identify methodologies of vigilance and hospital infection control, to analyse nurse's actuation in the context of hospital infection control and to associate nurse's actuation on the control of hospital infection and the execution of nursing process. It is an analytic-descriptive study developed at 81 Commissions of Hospital Infection Control (CCIH) at School Hospitals from 21 Brazilian states through a questionnaire. The variables studied were: characteristics and functioning of CCIH; criteria to diagnose hospital infection; methods of data collection; types of epidemiological vigilance, prevention and control measures and nurse's participation. The analysis of data was qualitative and quantitative. The results showed that in the collection of data prevailed general vigilance (66.6%) and the association of passive and active methods (48.4%); 67 CCIH mentioned measures of prevention and control, related to urinary tract (54 CCIH) and to respiratory tract (21 CCIH). The antimicrobian control distinguishing the lack of resonance between the CCIH and the units personnel brings to the conclusion that the problems of hospital infection control are, in their essence, of philosophical, educational or administrative character. Authors evidenced the importance of the implementation of methodologies to facilitate the control of hospital infection, indicating that the adoption of nursing process, as an instrument, can result in benefits to CCIH and to patients.

[Communicable diseases and isolation: a nursing student's perceptions]

The Communicable Diseases have been associated to stigma and segregation for a long time. This investigation was carried out in order to detect the undergraduation students' perception concerning communicable diseases and isolation, as well as their expectation in working at isolation units. A questionnaire was elaborated and then validated by 3 referees. We attested that some of these students have stereotyped and negative conotations concerning the bearer of such diseases and isolation. Just a few of them mentioned that they would choose this specific unit as the workplace. It is important for us, professors, to know their previous knowledgement about the concepts of communicable diseases and isolation, so that we can reinforce the positive features and work with the negative ones during the courses. It can contribute to prepare these students to give an effective nursing care without fears and stigmas.

Antimicrobial drug resistance in Staphylococcus aureus isolated from cattle in Brazil

Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus obtained from apparently healthy cattle in the State of Paraiba, Brazil were characterized in relation to resistance to 21 antimicrobial agents. Among the 46 isolates obtained, resistance to penicillin was most frequent, followed by resistance to cadmium, streptomycin, arsenate, tetracycline, mercury, erythromycin and kanamycin/neomycin. All isolates were susceptible to fusidic acid, ethidium bromide, cetrimide, chloramphenicol, benzalkonium chloride, doxycycline, gentamicin, methicillin, minocycline, novobiocin, rifamycin, tylosin and vancomycin. Only six isolates were susceptible to all the drugs tested. With respect to the antibiotics, multi-resistant isolates were uncommon. These results are probably a consequence of the peculiarities of local drug usage pressures. In relation to metal ions, resistance to mercury was rare while resistance to arsenate was relatively frequent, which contrasts with the situation for human Staph. aureus strains. After treatment with ethidium bromide, elimination of resistance to penicillin, tetracycline, streptomycin, erythromycin and cadmium was observed, which was consistent with the genetic determinants being plasmid-borne.

[Control of hemotherapy and transfusional Chagas disease: 1988 and 1990]

An inquiry with the objective of bringing the study of the hemotherapy situation in the state of S. Paulo, up-to-date was undertaken in 1990 and compared with that carried out in 1988. In 1990 research was undertaken in 62 counties, 48 of which performed blood transfusions through 104 services, with hemocenter participation in 13.5% of these latter. In 1988 the respective figures were 57, 40, 71 and 8.5%. The number of donors and transfusions and prevalence of serological positivity for Chagas' disease were, respectively: 105,170; 79,544 and 1.24%, while in 1988 the corresponding numbers were: 51,614; 49,211 and 1.52%. Evaluating the serological selection it was found that the following percentages of the services performed serological tests: for Chagas' disease (94.2%), syphilis (94.2%), hepatitis (94.2%), HIV (92.3%) and malaria (20.2%) while in 1988 only 69.0%; 70.4%; 67.6%, 63.4% and 16.9%, respectively, of the services utilized these same tests. In respect of the serological trial specific for Chagas' disease the results were: complement fixation-4.9%; latex-4.0%; indirect immunofluoresce-80%; direct hemaglutination-24.0%, indirect hemaglutination-69.0% and ELISA-59.0% of all services. In the preceding inquiry only 14.3% of the services performed the ELISA test, and complement fixation was utilized in 28.6%. The results show that the services are utilizing ever more sensitive techniques in the serological routine. Further it was observed that in 1988, 77.6% of all the services studied used only one technique for the diagnosis of Chagas' disease while in 1990 92.9% utilized two or more different techniques. It is concluded that the quality of the hemotherapy undertaken in the state of S. Paulo has improved significantly.

Translocation of CD3D gene in an acute myeloid leukemia (M5) with t(11;17)(q23;21)

Cytogenetic studies in patients with acute leukemia showed structural abnormalities on chromosome 11 at band q23 in five cases. Four of these had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) associated with t(4;11)(q21;q23) and one case had acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia (ANLL) (M5) associated with t(11;17)(q23;q21). We examined the CD3D and c-ets-1 genes in the t(11;17)(q23;q21) patient to ascertain any association between them and the chromosome change. In situ hybridization results showed that unlike in other studied cases with rearrangements of 11q23, the CD3D gene in the t(11;17)(q23;21) is transposed to the der(17) chromosome, providing evidence for a different breakpoint in the 11q23 region.

[Research, conferences and articles on hospital infection: the aspects addressed by nurses]

The purpose of this paper is to study investigations that were developed by nurses and deal with Hospital Infection, in order to understand which features of this subject have been more emphasized. A retrospective survey was made, of the papers published in Brazilian Nursing Congresses and in Brazilian Periodicals of Nursing, from 1980 th 1987.

Comparison of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, indirect immunofluorescence assay, and virus isolation for detection of respiratory viruses in nasopharyngeal secretions

Nasopharyngeal secretions obtained from 94 children with acute respiratory illness were examined for the presence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus, and influenza virus type A by virus culturing (virus isolation technique [VIT]), immunofluorescence assay (IFA), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Similar results were obtained in at least two tests for RSV, influenza virus type A, and adenovirus in 92 (97.9%), 88 (93.6%), and 88 (93.6%) cases, respectively. Both rapid virus detection methods showed good specificity for the diagnosis of these virus infections (greater than or equal to 90.7%) and were more sensitive than was VIT for RSV detection. In a more accurate statistical analysis, the indexes of agreement between VIT and ELISA were substantial for RSV (kappa = 0.69; zeta = 5.5; P less than 0.0001), influenza virus type A (kappa = 0.67; zeta = 5.3; P less than 0.0001), and adenovirus (kappa = 0.71; zeta = 6.0; P less than 0.0001), while it was almost perfect for RSV when ELISA was compared with IFA (kappa = 0.88; zeta = 5.7; P less than 0.0001). Although the observed agreement was good in the comparison of these two tests for these three viruses (89%0, the indexes of agreement were moderate in the comparison of IFA and VIT for RSV (K = 0.55; Z = 2.0; P < 0.05), influenza virus type A (K = 0.42; Z = 9.7; P < 0.0001), and adenovirus (K = 0.41; Z = 6.5; P < 0.0001) and of ELISA and IFA for influenza virus type A (K = 0.55; Z = 7.0; P < 0.0001) and adenovirus (K = 0.59; Z = 6.8; P < 0.0001). All of the statistical evaluations demonstrated better agreement between ELISA and VIT for influenza virus type A and adenovirus.

Seroepidemiologic survey for antibodies to human retroviruses in human and non-human primates in Brazil

The prevalence of antibodies to HTLV-I and HIV-I in Brazil was determined by testing sera from: (a) 119 members of an isolated Amazonian community of African origin; (b) 100 voluntary blood donors in Rio de Janeiro; (c) 215 patients treated at the Hematology Service, National Cancer Institute, Rio de Janeiro, and (d) 44 Cebus apella New World monkeys, wild-caught in Amazonia. Anti-HTLV-I was detected in 1 (0.84%) of 119 Amazonians, in 8 (3.72%) of the 215 patients and in none of the blood donors or monkeys. The high prevalence found in patients included 4 (5.79%) of 69 with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, 2 (5.88%) of 34 with Hodgkin lymphoma, 1 (16.66%) of 6 patients with diagnosis of anemia and 1 (20%) of 5 with HIV-I infection. Anti-HIV-I was found in 7 (14.89%) of 47 patients and in none of the other groups. The high incidence of HTLV-I infection in the patient group suggests that this retrovirus is endemic in parts of Brazil.

Gene dosage evidence for the regional assignment of GPT (glutamate-pyruvate transaminase; E.C. 2.6.1.2) locus to 8q24.2----8qter

The results of a study on the expression of GPT (glutamate-pyruvate transaminase; E.C. 2.6.1.2) in a child with a partial trisomy of chromosomes 8 and 14 are presented. A gene dosage effect supporting the regional assignment of the GPT locus to 8q24.2----8qter is demonstrated.

Isolation and antigenic characterization of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Brazil

A retrovirus infecting a Brazilian AIDS patient was isolated and characterized in terms of its reactivity with sera from individuals infected with human immunodeficiency viruses 1 and 2 (HIV-1 and HIV-2). The Western blot analysis revealed that the Brazilian isolate is very similar to the well characterized HIV-1 strain. The serum of the patient from whom the virus was isolated did not react with the 140 kDa envelope glycoprotein specific for HIV-2.

Dot enzyme immunoassay. A simple, cheap and stable test for antibody to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

A dot enzyme immunoassay for antibody to HIV has been developed and tested with a panel of positive and negative sera. It has proved to be of equal or greater sensitivity compared with a commercial ELISA kit, is simple and quick to perform, requires neither sophisticated equipment nor highly trained technical staff. The reagents are stable enough for postal distribution in tropical countries and, other than for the antigen, the costs are low, making it an appropriate test for use in the developing world when funds for expensive commercial kits are not available.

A complex balanced chromosomal rearrangement in repeated abortions

A double balanced reciprocal translocation involving four chromosomes, t(1;19;6;14) (1p11; 19p11; 6q25; 14q21), was found in the phenotypically normal husband in a couple referred because of repeated abortions. Reciprocal translocations, t(6;14), had been transmitted by his mother, his father being apparently homozygous for a translocation comprising pairs 1 and 19--t(1;19)(1;19). The genetic consequences of this complex chromosomal rearrangement are analyzed.

Serologic studies on the behaviour of influenza virus type A in persons of Greater São Paulo during 1976, 1978 and 1979

Sera of persons of different age groups collected in 1976, 1978 and 1979 were tested for the presence of HI antibodies against various strains of the H3N2 and H1N1 subtypes of influenza virus. The occurrence of infection by H3N2 subtype was recorded during the 1976-1978 period but in 1979, circulation of this subtype of virus was limited. The prevalence of antibody against A/São Paulo/1/78 (H1N1) was significantly higher than that of antibody to A/USSB/90/77 (HIND in 1978. However in 1979 the predominant strain was A/USSR/90/77 (HIND. Persons under 20 years of age were the most affected by H1N1 subtype. Antibodies to H1N1 subtype were detected in sera of individuals older than 20 years in 1976, before the re-emergence of this strain. Serological results indicate that infections by H3N2 subtype in 1978 occurred in 65.4% of young children (0-4 year group). About 47.0% of children from the 0-4 year group had antibodies to H1N1 subtype in 1979. Antibodies to swine influenza virus were detected in 60% of 60+ year old people.

Influenza in the United Kingdom 1982-85

Influenza surveillance in the UK between the years 1982 and 1985 has demonstrated the regular winter appearance of influenza A virus of both H1N1 and H3N2 subtypes and influenza B. Their antigenic diversity is described and correlated with the national statistics for morbidity and mortality for influenza. One unexpected finding has been that despite the wide circulation of influenza viruses there has been a continuation of winters without significant increases in influenza deaths or morbidity. A previous report of influenza surveillance (Pereira & Chakraverty, 1982) noted an already unusual series of three consecutive winters with this pattern. This report records a further 4 years bringing a total of seven successive winters without evidence of epidemics of severe disease associated with influenza viruses, as indicated by the national UK statistics.

Comparative studies of H3N2 influenza virus strains isolated in May-June, 1982, and in the subsequent epidemic in February, 1983: antigenic and genome analysis

Comparative studies have been undertaken on the H3N2 influenza virus strains isolated in Leningrad in May-June, 1982 and those isolated in the subsequent winter epidemic in February, 1983. Analysis of the isolates with ferret antisera against standard influenza viruses of the H3N2 subtype and with monoclonal antibodies against A/Bangkok/1/79 virus revealed a considerable but similar degree of heterogeneity in the HA antigenic specificity of the strains isolated in the spring-summer, 1982, as in the winter, 1983, periods and also a close resemblance between the antigenic specificities of the strains of these two epidemics. However comparative genome analysis of the strains using cRNA:vRNA hybridization technique revealed that in terms of the gene homology, the influenza virus strains which circulated in the spring-summer period of 1982 resembled the strains responsible for the previous rather than subsequent epidemic.

Prevalence of antibody to human T lymphotropic virus type III by risk group and area, United Kingdom 1978-84

Antibody to human T lymphotropic virus type III (anti-HTLV-III) was sought in 2150 patients in three groups at risk with a radioimmunoassay and an immunofluorescence test. Results by the two methods were closely concordant. Anti-HTLV-III was already present in some British homosexuals in 1980 and in some British haemophiliacs in 1981, and since then its prevalence has increased. Of homosexual patients needing laboratory tests for hepatitis B virus infection in 1984, 34% of 282 in London and 5% of 955 in five centres outside London were positive for anti-HTLV-III. Of haemophiliacs sampled in 1984, 38% of 81 were anti-HTLV-III positive. Most of the seropositive haemophiliacs were regular recipients of commercial factor VIII concentrates. Few British intravenous drug abusers sampled in 1984 (2.5% of 203) were positive for anti-HTLV-III. These results show that infection with HTLV-III has rapidly become widespread among homosexuals attending sexually transmitted disease clinics and among haemophiliacs receiving pooled blood products. Thus, while many anti-HTLV-III positive individuals may remain asymptomatic, there may soon be a considerable increase in the incidence of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome and related disease in Britain.

Diagnostic assays with monoclonal antibodies for the human serum parvovirus-like virus (SPLV)

Monoclonal antibodies to the serum parvovirus-like virus (SPLV) were prepared by the hybridoma technique. They provided an antibody reagent which was used to develop solid phase antibody-capture assays for anti-SPLV IgM and IgG and for SPLV antigen. These assays were more sensitive than those based on human convalescent antibody as a reagent, and were more economical in the use of SPLV antigen. Their use enabled the serological responses to SPLV to be studied more fully and their sensitivity revealed the extent of SPLV infection. SPLV antigen was detected in four patients by both counter-immuno electrophoresis (CIE) and radioimmunoassay (RIA) and in two others by RIA alone. Parvovirus particles were seen in all six by electron microscopy. The anti-SPLV IgM response was measured in patients infected by SPLV. It was strong 5-18 days after the onset of illness, then declined and was only detectable in trace amounts after 6 months. Anti-SPLV IgG was also formed early, and persisted for at least 6 months. In a survey of 310 blood donors anti-SPLV was detected in 134 (43%) by CIE, but in 190 (61%) by IgG antibody capture RIA.

Viral etiology of acute respiratory diseases in Rio de Janeiro: first two years of a longitudinal study

A two-year study was undertaken to establish the incidence and possible viral etiology of acute respiratory diseases among the child population of a shanty town in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The results demonstrated that nearly half of all the illnesses seen were respiratory infections, 10% of them affecting the lower respiratory tract. Viruses were isolated from 20% of the throat swabs collected. Of the viruses identified, 47% were adenoviruses, 25% were enteroviruses, 9% were influenza A, 8% herpes simplex, 7% parainfluenza, 3% respiratory syncytial and 1% influenza B viruses.

Problems in the control of epidemic influenza by vaccination

Although influenza is a long established and well recognised disease with a known aetiological agent its control by vaccine has proved to be extremely difficult. This is largely the result of the unusual ability of influenza virus to change antigenically thereby avoiding neutralisation by antibody already produced by previous infection. The changes may be of a major nature, with the appearance of a new sub-type to which no one has any immunity; or of a minor nature, during the prevalence of a sub-type, but great enough to allow the virus to overcome waning immunity. Much effort has gone into the preparation of both killed and live attenuated vaccines. The killed vaccines are most widely available and are made from whole virus, disrupted virus or purified viral subunits. Live attenuated vaccines still have some disadvantages and their use is still restricted. A regular policy of immunisation of the general population has rarely been adopted for the prevention of spread of the disease, and the use of vaccine is usually directed towards protecting those people who are likely to become seriously ill or die. Influenza is particularly dangerous where there is pre-existing respiratory or cardiac disease, but the main mortality from influenza is among the elderly. Besides these target groups, vaccine can be effectively used for modifying the attack rates in close communities such as schools and military groups. In the event of pandemic influenza vaccines need to be applied to other target groups besides those above mentioned with the aim of preventing disruption of the social organisation when large numbers of the working population are ill at the same time.