After interviewing natives and migrants from the Amazon region of Brazil about plants traditionally used for treatment of malaria fever and/or liver disorders, we selected and identified 41 different ...species, including the native Bidens (Asteraceae). We have undertaken an antimalarial study of Bidens pilosa and other species of Bidens from abroad. The crude ethanol extracts (whole plant, leaves and roots) and the chloroform and butanol fractions from B. pilosa at concentrations of 50 μg/ml caused up to 90% inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum growth in vitro. In vivo the fractions caused partial reduction of Plasmodium berghei parasitemia in mice. The ethanol extracts from nine different Bidens species collected outside Brazil were tested, and seven inhibited parasite growth in vitro by 65–91%. As B. pilosa appears to be a promising antimalarial agent, we further characterized the substances responsible for such activity. HPLC analysis using a photo diode-array detector showed phenyl acetylene and flavonoids in the ethanol extract from the leaves and roots. The chloroform fractions from the roots, which caused 86% inhibition of parasite growth in vitro, contained a major component identified as 1-phenyl-1,3-diyn-5-en-7-ol-acetate. The association of antimalarial activity and the presence of acetylene compounds is discussed. In summary, all species of Bidens which had aliphatic acetylenes (6–14 each) were also very active, whereas extracts of B. parviflora and of B. bitternata with none or the three acetylenes, respectively as reported in literature, were inactive or had a borderline activity in vitro.
Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease endemic in five continents. It is a severe disease that may lead to death, and its early detection is important to avoid severe damage to affected individuals. ...Molecular methods to detect Leishmania are considered alternatives to overcome the limitations presented by conventional methods. The aim of this study was to develop multiplex PCR systems able to detect small amounts of target DNA of Leishmania infantum and Leishmania braziliensis, and the gene coding for glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PD) in mammals, enabling quality evaluation of the sample simultaneously with detection of the specific target. The systems created for G3PD recognition were combined with detection systems for L. infantum and L. braziliensis to compose multiplex PCR systems for visceral (mVL) and cutaneous (mACL) leishmaniasis diagnosis. The multiplex PCR systems developed were assessed in blood samples from five different species of mammal reservoirs involved in the disease cycle in Brazil, and 96 and 52 human samples from patients with suspected visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL), respectively. Three G3PD detection systems were created (G3PD1, G3PD2 and G3PD3) with different product sizes, G3PD2 was chosen for the formation of multiplex PCR systems. The two multiplex PCR systems (mVL and mACL) were reproducible in all species evaluated. Results of test samples (sensitivity, specificity and efficiency) suggest its use in routine diagnosis, research activities in medicine and veterinary medicine. Additionally, the systems designed to detect the G3PD gene are capable of combining with other targets used for molecular diagnosis of infectious diseases. Concerning leishmaniasis, the multiplex PCR systems can be used in epidemiological studies for the detection of new and classic reservoirs, which may contribute to the reliability of results and development of actions to control the disease.
Summary We investigated an outbreak caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) related to breast implant surgery in the city of Campinas, Brazil, by means of a retrospective cohort and molecular ...epidemiological study. A total of 492 records of individuals having breast surgery in 12 hospitals were evaluated. Twelve isolates were analysed using four different molecular typing methods. There were 14 confirmed cases, 14 possible cases and one probable case. One probable, nine possible and 12 confirmed cases were included in a cohort study; all occurred in eight of the hospitals and the confirmed cases in five. Univariate analysis showed that patients who had had breast reconstruction surgery in hospitals A and B were more likely to have NTM infections. No risk factor was independently associated with NTM infection in the multivariate model. The isolates obtained from patients at each hospital showed different molecular patterns, excluding isolates from hospital C that repeatedly showed the same genotype for approximately one year. In conclusion, this outbreak was caused by polyclonal strains at different institutions, and in one hospital a unique genotype caused most cases. No specific risk factors were found.
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► CeO2 improved the CH4 conversion, CO and H2 selectivity and the resistance to deactivation of the catalysts. ► CeO2 effect is attributed to the higher oxygen exchange capacity of ...the support. ► Over Pd/CeO2/Al2O3 catalysts, the reaction follows a direct mechanism. ► Over Ni/CeO2/Al2O3 POM occurs in two distinct steps: combustion followed by reforming.
Ni/Al2O3, Pd/Al2O3, Ni/CeO2/Al2O3 and Pd/CeO2/Al2O3 catalysts were synthesized in order to investigate the influence of the active phase on the partial oxidation of methane (POM) and the effect of CeO2 on the catalytic properties of these systems. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, XRF, BET, XPS, H2-TPR and catalytic activity was evaluated by TPSR experiments and catalytic activity tests over 24h on stream. The results indicated that over Ni catalysts the reaction occurs in two distinct steps: the total combustion of CH4 followed by reforming with H2O and CO2. Over Pd catalysts, the reaction follows a direct mechanism, with simultaneous formation of H2, CO, CO2 and H2O. Regarding CeO2 effect, the results indicated it improved the CH4 conversion, CO and H2 selectivity and catalytic activity and the resistance to deactivation.
Heterotopic and orthotopic ovarian tissue autotransplantation techniques, currently used in humans, will become promising alternative methods for fertility preservation in domestic and wild animals. ...Thus, this study describes for the first time the efficiency of a heterotopic ovarian tissue autotransplantation technique in a large livestock species (i.e., horses) after ovarian fragments were exposed or not to a cooling process (4°C/24 h) and/or VEGF before grafting. Ovarian fragments were collected in vivo via an ultrasound-guided biopsy pick-up method and surgically autografted in a subcutaneous site in both sides of the neck in each mare. The blood flow perfusion at the transplantation site was monitored at days 2, 4, 6, and 7 post-grafting using color-Doppler ultrasonography. Ovarian grafts were recovered 7 days post-transplantation and subjected to histological analyses. The exposure of the ovarian fragments to VEGF before grafting was not beneficial to the quality of the tissue; however, the cooling process of the fragments reduced the acute hyperemia post-grafting. Cooled grafts compared with non-cooled grafts contained similar values for normal and developing preantral follicles, vessel density, and stromal cell apoptosis; lower collagen type III fibers and follicular density; and higher stromal cell density, AgNOR, and collagen type I fibers. In conclusion, VEGF exposure before autotransplantation did not improve the quality of grafted tissues. However, cooling ovarian tissue for at least 24 h before grafting can be beneficial because satisfactory rates of follicle survival and development, stromal cell survival and proliferation, as well as vessel density, were obtained.
This work presents the synthesis, solid state characterization (infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis (TGA/DTA), powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction) and photoluminescence studies of a new ...europium metal-organic framework (MOF), Eu2(Btec)1,5(H2O)n (Btec4−=1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylate anion). Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the material has a three-dimensional network, with two crystallographically independent Eu(III) ions adopting different coordination geometries. This structure presents one of the Btec4− anions acting as a μ8-bridging linker, with the carboxylate groups in distinct connection to Eu(III) ions, culminating into an unknown coordination mode for the linker. The results of thermogravimetric analyses indicate that the MOF has high thermal stability, with this characteristic being of great interest for the application of these compounds in several fields such as catalysis and photonics. The luminescent properties showed that the Eu(III) ions are a local-spectroscopic probe, with the compound presenting a red emission when excited in the UV spectral region with absolute emission quantum yield values of 0.48 ± 0.05. The thermal dependence on the intensity of the transitions originating from the 7F1 level, especially the 7F1 → 5D1 transition, was studied. These results opens the possibility to test this MOF Eu2(Btec)1.5(H2O)n in the field of molecular thermometry.
A new metal-organic framework (MOF), Eu2(Btec)1,5(H2O)n(Btec4−=1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylate anion) were synthesized and fully characterized. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals two crystallographically independent Eu(III) ions with different coordination geometries, culminating into an unknown coordination mode for the Btec4- ligand. The thermal dependence on the intensity of the transitions originating from the 7F1 level opens the possibility to test this MOF in the field of molecular thermometry. Display omitted
•A new EuMOF were synthesized and fully characterized.•X-ray diffraction reveals two Eu(III) ions with different coordination geometries.•A new coordination mode for the Btec4- ligand was observed.•TGA analyses indicate that the MOF has high thermal stability.•These EuMOF is a potencial candiate to act in molecular thermometry.
Highlights • Vaccine-type pneumococcal carriage declined by >90% after PCV10 introduction. • Effectiveness of 4 PCV10 doses against carriage of vaccine serotypes was 97.3%. • No protection against ...carriage of vaccine-related serotypes (including 6A and 19A) was observed. • Colonization by non-typeable H. influenzae increased from 26.0% at baseline to 43.6% post-PCV10.
The immobilization of Aspergillus oryzae β-galactosidase was achieved by entrapment in sodium alginate and gelatin and cross-linking with glutaraldehyde. The optimal concentrations of the ...aforementioned variables in the immobilization process were determined using an orthogonal central composite design with an orthogonal axial value of 1.35313. The concentrations of alginate, gelatin and glutaraldehyde that provided the greatest enzymatic activity were 6.60%, 4.05% and 3.64% (w/v), respectively. The stability of the immobilized enzyme under the optimal conditions was evaluated through daily activity assays. After 25 uses, a 20% decrease in the enzymatic activity was observed, indicating that the immobilization process could be used to produce a stable biocatalyst. This study investigates the influence of lactose and product concentrations on kinetic reaction hydrolysis. The concentration ranges for the studied variables were 10 to 56 g/L for lactose and 0 to 11.5 g/L for glucose and galactose. Only galactose presented a competitive inhibitory effect.
Our objective was to investigate the potential risk factors associated with cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection.
From January 1999 to December 2001, 163 liver transplantations were performed in 154 ...patients. The study inclusion criteria were absence of retransplantation and survival of more than 6 months. One hundred fifteen patients met the inclusion criteria. We determined variables such as age, gender, and number of hemecomponents as well as serum IgG CMV status of donors and recipients. We recorded the immunosuppression used by each patient. CMV infection was detected by positive antigenemia.
Recipient mean age was 50 years. The etiology of cirrhosis was viral (
n = 57; 49.6%), alcoholic (
n = 20; 17.4%), virus and alcohol (
n = 15; 13.0%), cryptogenic (
n = 14; 12.2%), or other causes (
n = 9; 7.8%). CMV infection was positive in 75 patients (65.8%). There was no relation between infection and age, gender, or CMV IgG donor recipient status, or the number of hemecomponent units. The risk was 3.8-fold higher for patients receiving a three-drug compared with a two-drug regimen. When cyclosporine was used instead of tacrolimus, the risk of CMV infection was 4.3-fold higher. Logistic regression analysis revealed cyclosporine (OD=5.8) and a three-drug regimen (OD=6.7) to have stronger associations with CMV infection.
The use of cyclosporine (OD=5.8) and a three-drug regimen (OD=6.7) are risk factors for CMV infection.
OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to assess data on the consumption frequency of some food items and the places they are purchased, especially by adults and elderly subjects, and finally ...to determine their food preference using cluster and correspondence analyses as a diagnosis and prevention factor. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Town of Serranópolis do Iguaçú, State of Paraná, Brazil, city with 4,854 inhabitants of which 22% are over 50 years old. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred and ninety five randomly selected subjects (96 men and 199 women), between 51 and 91 years old. MEASUREMENTS: A socio-demographic and food frequency questionnaire was applied via home visits including questions on socioeconomic, anthopometric and health characteristics concerning the consumption frequency of 45 food items and the places they were purchased, using a five point category scale to obtain consumption data as well. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated using the Quetelet Index and compared with the World Health Organization Report Consultation on obesity. The cluster and correspondence statistical analysis were used to determine their food preference. RESULTS: From the correspondence mapping (which explained 89.1 % of the variance), it was possible to determine aspects regarding the non-consumption of instant soups, frozen vegetables, cookies, crystallized fruits, canned fruit, distilled drinks and beer. CONCLUSIONS: The dimensional representation structure demonstrated that the population of Serranópolis, who were 62 % overweight, preferred high fat content products, suggesting a reevaluation of their eating habits in the expectation of preventing non transmissible chronic diseases. The value given to farm production in Serranópolis do Iguaçú was also observed.
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