RCAAP Repository

The aim of this work was to investigate mixed systems of triblock copolymer type E62P39E62 (commercially denoted F87) and E137S18E137 (prepared by oxyanionic polymerization) as novel vehicles for solubilisation and controlled delivery of aromatics drugs The desirable gelation characteristics of solutions of the EmPnEm copolymers with the greater solubilising capacities of solutions of the EmSnEm were investigatedo using an inverted tube test method and by oscillatory rheometry. The structure of the gels was obtained by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and polarized-light microscopy (PLM).The hydrodynamic radius (rh) of the micelle was obtained by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The solubilisation capacity (scp) for the separate copolymers and for mixtures of the two in the range 50/50 to 90/10 wt % E137S18E137/E62P39E62was evaluated by UV-Vis. The fluid/gel boundaries for the copolymers alone and its mixtures were determined by the tube inversion method and confirmed by rheometry. SAXS and PLM for mixture 1 (50/50 wt % E137S18E137/E62P39E62 and for E137S18E137 and E62P39E62 alone) all have shown similar body-centred cubic (bcc) structures with similar lattice dimensions as confirmed by rheology. DLS indicated micelle formation determined by E62P39E62 copolymer. The scp measured for the separate copolymers and its mixtures revealed promise results for application of binary mixtures of copolymer as systems for drug release involving in situ gelation

The use of mushrooms as nutritional and medicinal through the milenar culture in oriental has arrived progressively in the Occident, take by the necessity of the population to search of a more healthy nutrition. Further more, the scientific community has revealed through publications, important findings in relation to the nutritional values and the therapeutic activities of mushrooms. As a contribution for a better knowledge of the properties of this fungus, studies are being tackled with Agaricus blazei Murill cultivated in Brazil in two distinct regions: Piedade, in the state of São Paulo and Guaramiranga, in the state of Ceará. In the first stage, the studies were devoted to the cultivated mushrooms in Ceará (Cog-Ce). The results of the spectroscopy analysis (FTIR and NMR) demonstrated that the purified polysaccharides and fractions (F1 and F4) showed characteristics of the presence of carbohydrates and proteins. After the fractionation was completed, through successive precipitations in ethanol, it was observed by the FTIR spectrum, a reduction of the carbohydrate content and an increase in the protein content. Molecular absorption of the samples indicated the absence of free protein in the purificated polysaccharides and its fractions, which point to the existence of the effective link between carbohydrate and protein, characteristics of the proteoglucans. The analyses revealed the presence of glucans of configuration b(1®6) and a(1®4), with the first having the most representative content. The glucose monosaccharides were predominant between the sugars present and the mineral phosphorus element was the major constituent between the elements analysed. The study of the purified polysaccharides and the isolated fractions of the Agaricus blazei Murill, cultivated in São Paulo (Cog-SP) were carried out in a second stage of the research. The isolated purified polysaccharides, after analyses of the constituents, were characterized and its properties in solutions were investigated, taking into consideration physical-chemical parameters and rheological properties. Furthermore, biological assays were also carried out for evaluation in the case of therapeutic activities. The analyses by 1H and 13C NMR made evident the presence of b glucans (1®6) and a(1®4), which the glucana b(1®6) was predominant. The presence of glucans a(1®4) were greater in relation to the presented content by Cog- Ce. The glucose monosaccharides and the mineral phosphorus element were also predominants in Cog-SP, in relation to the sugars and the minerals present respectively. The greater protein content and the smallest carbohydrate content were found for the purified polysaccharides of Cog-SP when compared to the Cog-Ce. Glucans b(1®6) were isolated through the specific purification procedure with the use of Timol. FTIR and 1H, 13C NMR and the bidimensional COSY and HMQC, confirmed the purity of the material in the b(1®6) configuration, with indication of the link to protein group. The study of purified polysaccharides in solutions showed compounds with high molecular weight. The confirmation of random coils was strongly suggested by light scattering, which was, probably, due to the presence of protein and mineral elements. Low viscosities were observed in the polysaccharides when compared to those of the glucans traditionally used in foods. Rheological measurements demonstrated a Newtonian behavior of the materials. Physical-chemical parameters, such as surface tension and critical micelle concentration (cmc), as well as others, demonstrated similar characteristics to those found for polymers with tensoactive properties. Due to these characteristics, the purified polysaccharides were tested in relation to the solubilizing capacity using the poorly water soluble drug griseofulvin as a model solubilizate. The preliminary test suggest that these polysaccharides, in the gluco-protein form, in solution, are potentially useful to act as a solubilizer for aromatic drugs. The biological test carried out with the purified polysaccharides and/or proteoglucans, demonstrated that they present anti-tumoral activities in vitro, through inhibition of the replication of poliovirus and anti-tumoral in vivo against the Sarcoma 180.

O linfoma de Hodgkin (LH) é uma doença linfoproliferativa maligna caracterizada morfologicamente pela presença da célula de Reed-Sternberg imersa em um substrato celular inflamatório. A célula RS é essencial para o diagnóstico histopatológico do LH, porém não é patognomônica. A etiologia dessa doença ainda é controversa, sendo provavelmente derivada de linfócitos B. A imunohistoquímica tem valor no diagnóstico do LH e na distinção de outras desordens linfoproliferativas com células RS símile. Neste trabalho, tem-se como objetivo analisar os fatores envolvidos na refratariedade do linfoma de Hodgkin clássico (LHc) ao tratamento poliquimioterápico inicial com o esquema ABVD (Doxrubicina, Bleomicina, Vinblastina e Dacarbazina) em relação aos marcadores imunológicos CD 15 e CD 20, a dados epidemiológicos dos pacientes e a exames complementares. Também se tem como objetivo descrever a distribuição dos casos de acordo com as variáveis de sexo, idade, subtipo histológico, estádio clínico da doença ao diagnóstico e presença de sintomas B; classificar os pacientes quanto à presença dos marcadores imunológicos CD 15, CD 20 e CD 30, além de descrever a porcentagem de pacientes com infiltração da medula óssea pelo linfoma, a porcentagem de pacientes refratários ao tratamento inicial com o esquema ABVD e a porcentagem de recidiva do LHc. Este trabalho consiste em uma análise estatística retrospectiva e prospectiva dos pacientes com LHc com diagnóstico histopatológico firmado entre janeiro de 2000 e dezembro de 2004. A análise foi retrospectiva de janeiro de 2000 a dezembro de 2003, e prospectiva de janeiro de 2004 a dezembro de 2005, quando se parou o acompanhamento. Foram relacionados todos os 143 pacientes com diagnóstico histopatológico de LHc que iniciaram acompanhamento no Hospital Universitário Walter Cantídio ou no Instituto do Câncer do Ceará, entre janeiro de 2000 e dezembro de 2004. Quarenta e seis pacientes foram excluídos da pesquisa. Um total de 97 pacientes permaneceu na pesquisa, sendo que destes 51 (52,6%) eram do sexo feminino e 46 pacientes (47,4%) eram do sexo masculino. A idade dos pacientes, ao diagnóstico, variou de cinco anos a 76 anos, com mediana de 24 anos. Verificou-se apenas um pico de incidência, o qual ocorreu entre 10 e 39 anos, com 78 pacientes (80,4%). Quanto ao subtipo histológico, 65 pacientes (67,0%) eram portadores de LHc subtipo esclerose nodular, 21 pacientes (21,6%) apresentaram o subtipo celularidade mista, cinco pacientes (5,2%) apresentaram o subtipo rico em linfócitos, quatro pacientes (4,1%) apresentaram o subtipo depleção linfocítica e dois pacientes (2,1%) apresentaram o subtipo interfolicular. Sete pacientes (7,2%) apresentavam-se, ao diagnóstico, em estádio clínico I da classificação de Cotswolds, 43 pacientes (44,3%) apresentavam-se em estádio clínico II, 23 pacientes (23,7%) em estádio clínico III e 24 pacientes (24,8%) em estádio clínico IV. Sintomas B estavam presentes em 63 pacientes (64,9%) e ausentes em 34 pacientes (35,1%). Onze pacientes (11,3%) apresentaram infiltração da medula óssea, ao diagnóstico. A prevalência do marcador CD 15 foi de 81,4% (79 pacientes), do CD 20 foi de 38,1% (37 pacientes) e do CD 30 foi de 100,0% (97 pacientes). Vinte e seis pacientes (26,8%) foram refratários ao tratamento inicial com o esquema ABVD. Em seis (8,5%) dos 71 pacientes que atingiram remissão completa, ocorreu recidiva do linfoma. Treze pacientes (13,4%) foram a óbito durante o período de acompanhamento. O tempo de acompanhamento dos pacientes variou de um dia a 68 meses, com tempo médio de acompanhamento igual a 32,5 meses. O tempo livre de doença variou de zero a 60 meses, com mediana de 17,5 meses. A análise do prognóstico do LHc quanto a refratariedade ao tratamento inicial com o esquema poliquimioterápico ABVD foi realizada avaliando o sexo do paciente, a idade do paciente (<50 anos x ≥50 anos), a classificação histológica do linfoma, a positividade do marcador imunológico CD 15 e do CD 20, o estádio clínico da doença (graus I e II x graus III e IV), a presença de sintomas B, o hematócrito (<42% x ≥42% em homens e <37% x ≥37% em mulheres), a hemoglobina (<13 mg/dL x ≥13 mg/dL em homens e <12 mg/dL x ≥12 mg/dL em mulheres), o tempo livre de doença, a leucometria, a linfometria, a plaquetometria, o valor do VHS, o valor da glicemia sérica de jejum, o valor da fosfatase alcalina sérica, o valor do LDH sérico e a presença de biópsia de medula óssea infiltrada pelo linfoma. Na análise bivariada a presença do CD 20 positivo, a presença de sintomas B e a elevação do valor da desidrogenase lática apresentaram relação de pior prognóstico no que se refere a refratariedade, com p<0,05. Em uma análise multivariada tipo regressão logística envolvendo todas as variáveis que apresentaram p<0,2 na análise bivariada, a presença do marcador CD 20 positivo aumentou a chance de refratariedade em 3,60 vezes e a presença de sintomas B aumentou a chance de refratariedade em 5,41 vezes, refletindo um pior prognóstico no que se refere a refratariedade do LHc ao tratamento inicial com o esquema ABVD.

OBJECTIVE: Neonatal sepsis is currently the most frequent infection and an important cause of death among the newborns admitted at NICU. In order to evaluate the extension of this problem in a tertiary care University Hospital of Northeastern Brazil, a retrospective cohort survey was carried out on all inborn and admitted infants at the Assis Chateaubriand NICU from October 1997 to April 1998. METHOD: the survey design was a retrospective cohort carried out on all inborn infants admitted at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit during seven consecutive months; 422 newborns were enrolled in the study and each one was followed up from birth to discharge from NCIU or death at the NICU. To compare the levels of the risk factors, two groups were formed: one by the all subjects who developed the outcome and another by all those who did not to. Each member of the cohort was investigated for 34 potential predictors variables concerning mothers factors, neonates factors and hospital procedures. In case of presence of sepsis, the variables were measured just up to the outcome. Standard National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance (NNIS-CDC) definitions of sepsis were used. Chi Square and Fischer’s exact tests were applied for comparison of frequencies; relative risk (RR) with their respective confidence interval of 95% (CI95%) was calculated. Subsequently, a multivariate analysis was done using logistic regression of most significant factors (OR). The level of statistical significance considered was p=0,05. RESULTS: The cohort sepsis incidence was 40,4 for each hundred of newborn admitted at NICU. The bacterias more prevalent of the confirmed cases were the gram-negative bacilli. Most sepsis episodes appeared in the first six days of life (67%). The time of NICU hospitalization of the sick newborn was 4,3 times longer compared to that non-sick newborn. Five factors were selected as independent predictors for neonatal sepsis: central venous catheter (OR=8,7, CI95%=2,31 to 32,69, p=0,001), birth weight of 1000-1499g (OR=4,8, CI95%=2,39 to 9,97, p=0,000), blood transfusions (OR=3,6, CI95%=1,81 to 7,45, p=0,003), singular gestation (OR=2,3, CI95%=1,04 to 5,44, p=0,04) and birth weight of 1500<2500g (OR=2,3, CI95%=1,34 to 4,04, p=0,002). Global mortality reached 25,59% of the cohort. Mortality associated to sepsis was 41,31% with Relative Risk for death = 2,8. CONCLUSION: neonatal sepsis incidence and mortality rates found are higher than in developed countries rates. Birth weight under 2500g, singular gestation, central venous catheter and blood transfusions proved be independent predictors related to neonatal sepsis. This study may contribute for the future strategies for reduction of neonatal sepsis rates and its sequels in our hospital.

Introduction: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a neoplasm characterized by clonal proliferation of lymphocytes of mature appearance. Clinically and prognostic heterogeneous. Rai and Binet established clinical prognostic systems that classify LLC in low, intermediate and high risk. Soon, the biological markers of prognosis that increased the predictive power of the LLC. Objective: To characterize the clinical and biological markers of pognóstico of patients with CLL the outpatient department of a university hospital (HUWC) / Center for Hematology and Hemotherapy Ceará / HEMOCE). Methodology: This is a retrospective, cross-sectional and observational 43 patients LLC, recruited so randomisation, from August 2007 to June 2009. We collected patient data from medical records, interview and three samples with 5.0 ml of peripheral venous blood in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) for blood, for automated methodology CellDyn ® equipment, model 3500, measurement of ß2-microglobulin (ß2 - M) serum by automated quantitative test on the device MINI-VIDAS (BioMérieux ®) and immunophenotyping on flow cytometry Beckman Coulter ® EPICS XL-MCL (Coulter). Then collect the puncture of bone marrow aspirate and bone marrow examination for 4 to 5 ml in 2 ml of heparin for cytogenetic evaluation by Banda - G. Data analysis was performed using the statistical programs Biostat 4.0 and GraphPad Prism (version 5.00), the Phi coefficient test and the test coefficient Contingency C. The Fisher and chi-square test with significance level α = 5%. Kaplan-Meier survival function and log rank test. The results were generated using the free software R, version 2.7. Results: The patients (74.42%) were aged over 60 years, 58.14% 41.86% men and women, the majority (32.56%) worked in agriculture; brown (74.42%), coming the capital (53.49%), family history of unknown LLC (46.51%), symptomatic at diagnosis (53.49%), with comorbidity (arterial hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus) (51.16%), stage 0 ( 34.89%), I and II (51.16%), III and IV (13.95%) Rai, A (44.19%), B (44.19%) and C (11.62%) of Binet, lymphocyte doubling time (SRT) absent (81.40%), bone marrow biopsy with non-diffuse pattern (57.14%), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) normal (83.72%), valued at diagnosis. The tests obtained during the course of the patients showed an immunophenotypic profile of classic B-CLL with expression of CD5 +, CD19 +, CD23 + surface immunoglobulin and low-expression, most with Zap-70 negative (77.50%); expression CD38 negative (73.81%), beta-2 microglobulin increased (55.81%), normal karyotype (44.4%) and genetic alterations in 11, 11% by classical cytogenetics. Survival curves of patients with Zap-70 negative and CD38 showed longer survival free of treatment. Conclusion: The patients studied were elderly, to encourage improve with late diagnosis due to the socioeconomic context, LLC indolent presented by classical staging criteria (Rai, Binet, TDL, standard bone marrow histology, LDH) and biological (the expression of Zap -70 and CD38), except for beta-2 microglobulin, but without statistical significance. Those with Zap-70 and CD38 negative had higher survival free of treatment. Male patients showed progress and prognosis similar to female. The prevalent treatment was associated with chlorambucil prednisone and did not lead patients to clinical remission or hematologic. The prognostic markers of the correlation tended to identify patients within the subgroups of risk.

Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by parasites of the genus Schistosoma, killing hundreds of thousands of people each year worldwide.. The Schistosoma has several species of clinical interest. In our country the cause of Schistosomiasis is the S. mansoni and the main reservoir host and the parasite is starting with the man that the eggs are removed in feces. The snails are the intermediate host. The main species of snails host of Schistosoma mansoni in Brazil are: Biomphalaria glabrata, Biomphalaria tenagophila and Biomphalaria straminea. The third kind in the predominant in Ceará. The disease has presence in over 74 countries (virtually all underdeveloped). Around state 500 to 600 million people are at risk of being affected and more than 200 million are infected every year, and this is mainly due to lack of sanitation and health education. To the best prevention of this disease is to be made the diagnosis and treatment of the population to avoid targeting comes in contact with water containing snails (ponds, lakes, rivers etc). It is a disease that can develop into serious complications, possibly leading to death according to extensive fibrosis caused by the presence in liver parenchyma of the Schistosoma mansoni eggs, forming granulomas. So the main objective of this study was to develop a strategy to increase effectiveness in identifying patients positive for Schistosomiasis in areas of low endemic in the state of Ceara, using a protocol combining a technique in which antibodies (IgG - ELISA) with examinations of sequential stool. This work was followed by steps, in which the first of the 287 patients who underwent the method of Kato-Katz, 11 (3.8%) showed positive results for S. mansoni. On the other helminths are: Trichuris trichiura 25 (8.7%), A. lumbricoides 19 (6.6%) and Hookworms 15 (5.2%). For the tests, ELISA, 97 (33.8%) were positive. All patients who had eggs in the feces were positive in the serologic test. In this group are included the 11 that were positive in feces analysis (Figure 1). From patients with Elisa positive and negative Kato-Katz, only 56 handed the three samples of stool for a second analysis Of these, 14 (25%) were positive for Schistosoma mansoni. Of the 42 patients who remained negative, 22 responded in the questionnaire that had never schistosomiasis but never received treatment for the disease. Our present study was to not only determine the prevalence of the disease in the municipality, and to identify the largest possible number of infected individuals, the serological method was applied in order to accommodate the population living in those areas of risk of transmission or at risk of infection, mainly by domestic and leisure activities. In view of our results, we believe, in agreement with other authors, that using the ELISA technique combined with repeated analysis of at least 5 simples of feces, it becomes easier to diagnose patients positive for schistosomiasis, thus improving the hypothesis that probably in the near future, being able to combine parasitological and sorological in the programme for the control of schistosomiasis, an important factor for detection of new carriers of the disease.

Worldwide, the number of individuals whose age is over 60 years will grow exponentially. Is provided an increase of 694 million in the number of older people in 2025. Ageing is a complex process that negatively impacts the development of the immune system and its ability to function. Immunosenescence is a multifactorial condition leading to many pathologically significant health problems in the aged population, it is becoming recognized that the immune system declines with age, a term known as immunosenescence, which leads to a higher incidence of infections, neoplasia and autoimmune diseases. This study attempts to describe the immunological profile of a population of healthy elderly. Thirty five elderly patients aged 60 years were subjected to a study and the same numbers of young volunteers aged between twenty and thirty eight were examinated like control group. Were investigated sixteen laboratorial exams to define the main changes in immunosenescence. The results showed changes in both innate immunity and adaptive immunity in the elderly body. The changes found in innate immunity were: increase the number of neutrophils in venous blood, increasing the concentration of C4 complement component, and increased levels of interleukin-6. Changes in adaptative immunity were: reduction in the number of lymphocytes (WBC) and lymphocyte subsets CD2 +, CD3 + and CD8 + (immunophenotyping) and increased concentration of immunoglobulin IgA and decreased IgM concentration. In cloncusion, this work was important to define the normal parameters of the immune system of a healthy elderly and improve our understanding of this system. Thus, it also constitutes a necessary step to identify how best to treat the underlying causes of immunosenescence and its consequence.

Cytokine genetic polymorphisms studies are helpful to determine diverse genetic profiles, to correlate populations, and to promote the knowledge of ethnic influence on the genetic susceptibility to diseases. The aim of the present study was to correlate TNF-α -308, TGF-β, codon 10 and codon 25, IL-10 -1082, -819, -592, IL-6 -174, and IFN-γ +874 polymorphisms with the susceptibility and the protection to M. tuberculosis and M. leprae infection. The study included 194 patients, 65 of them with leprosy and 129 with tuberculosis, and 168 healthy volunteers. The local Ethical Committee approved the study and all of the participants consented. To DNA purification and amplification 3-5 mL of peripheral blood was collected. An Easy-DNA (Invitrogen) kit was used to purification. Cytokines SNPs TNF-α (-308G>A), TGF-β codon 10 and 25, IL-10 (-1082G>A, -819C>T, -592C>A), IL-6 (-174G>C) and IFN-γ (+874T>A) were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific primers (SSP-PCR) (One-Lambda). Statistical analysis was proceeded using GraphPad prism 5, and p values were determined by the Fisher test, with significance when p<0.05. Frequencies of TNFα genotypes were not different among patients and controls. However, IL-10 genotypes analyses showed a reduction on the frequency of the GCC/GCC in patients (7.1% vs 17.9%, p=0.006). This reduction was also observed with the IL-6 GC (22.1% vs 32.8%, p=0.04) and IFNγ TA (36.6% vs 51.6%, p=0.01) genotypes. In contrast, the frequencies of the IL-6 GG (72.1% vs 57.0%, p=0.008) and the IFNγ AA (54.0% vs 41.4%, p=0.03) genotypes were increased in patients. Furthermore, there was a trend to an increase in the frequency of the TGFβ CC/GC genotype (7.5% vs 0.8%, p=0.06). In conclusion, IL-10 (GCC/GCC), IL-6 (GC) and IFN-γ (TA) genotypes conferred protection against, while TGF-β (CC/GC), IL-6 (GG) and IFN-γ (AA) genotypes determined susceptibility to mycobacteria infection. On the other hand, T allele in codon 10 and G allele in codon 25 of the TGF-β gene, determined protection against tuberculosis. In contrast, the IL-6 -174G conferred susceptibility to mycobacteria infection.

O artigo esclarece os motivos que têm levado os bancos brasileiros a manterem mais capital do que o mínimo exigido pelo regulador e investiga se um aumento na razão de capital reduz a exposição aos riscos dos bancos. As conclusões indicam que o maior nível de capital aumenta a exposição aos riscos nos bancos brasileiros, reforçando as conclusões de Koehn e Santomero (1980) e Kim e Santomero (1988), e mostra que o parachoque de capital regulatório é a principal variável que explica o excesso de capital. Verifica-se, assim, que o alto nível de capitalização desses bancos não implica, necessariamente, que o sistema financeiro estará mais robusto para enfrentar crises financeiras.

The polyomavirus type BK has been associated to the nephropathy in the patients transplanted renal with an incidence varying among 3 - 4% and in 60% of the cases could take to the loss of the graft. Several studies have been demonstrating the importance of the discovery of the decoy cells in these patients' urine as first selection for the viral replication making it diagnose differential between the sharp cellular rejection and the nephropathy for the BK virus. In this context, the present study aimed at to detect the presence of BKV through the observation of the decoy cells in the urine of the transplanted renal, correlating this discovery with the serum urea levels and creatinine and the histopathology features through the renal biopsy. For so much, the 50 transplanted patients' urine renal (28 men and 22 women) assisted at two hospitals of Fortaleza (Academical Hospital Walter Cantídio and General Hospital of Fortaleza) they were analyzed as for the presence of decoy cells detected through the urinary cytology by the coloration of Papanicolau. Were the cytology analyzed and done classify in negative and positive (≥ 1 decoy cell). Result: Of the 50 cytology analyzed urinary 28 patients they were male and 22 female, alive donor's receivers (n = 43) or cadaverous (n = 7) with assertiveness for decoy cells of 24% (12 patient). Creatinine levels and increased urea, separately, they were not useful to suspect of the nephropathy for BKV or rejection of the transplant (p > 0,05). The correlation of the altered levels of urea and creatinine, with the presence or absence of the decoy cells, was significant for the statistics (p < 0,05). The biopsy revealed nephropathy for BKV in five (20%) of the patients with cells decoy in the urine and the more frequent histological discoveries were fibrose and infiltrated inflammatory mononuclear. The most employed immune suppression in the patients in study was the outline 1 (50%) (ciclosporina / azatioprina / zenapx), following for outlines 2 (16%) (MMF/FK 506/zanapax) 1 outline 3 (16%) (ciclosporina / prednizona / azatioprina). Conclusion: The assertiveness for decoy cells in this study (24%) it is coincident with the literature (8 -26%) suggesting active infection. The presence of the decoy cells in the urine was useful to define the patients' groups with possible nephropathy for BKV of those with nephropathy for rejection, because the negativity for decoy cells in the urine moves away in 100% of the cases the nephropathy for BKV, and his/her presence serves as guide to move forward in the nephropathy investigation for BKV. The biopsy confirmed in 5 of the 12 cases with decoy cells positive in the urine (20%) the nephropathy for the polyomavirus and one of them vein to lose the graft. The immunosuppressive outline used by the patients in study and the nephropathy presence for BKV was not it that more it links in the literature. Also the patients with nephropathy for BKV that used less associated outlines this condition had worse evolution. These last results indicate the need of new studies with larger number of patients, time of larger attendance and study of the stumps turn.

The evaluation of the expression of bax, bcl-2 and p27 proteins at invasive squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity was done using the immunohistochemistry technique to know about apoptotic profile of these neoplasms. The epidemiological factors and the clinical behavior of the patients were detected, too. Statistical parameters different from odds ratio was employed for future comparisons. Forty-eight patients from Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil was analyzed and with this analysis was possible to know the prognostic factors: sex of patients, instruction grade, familiar gains, tobacco consumption (form of consumption, duration of consumption, period of forsaking and quantity consumed), alcohol consumption (nature of drinking, duration of consumption, period of forsaking, quantity consumed, periodicity). In a posterior moment, with the histopathological report from the surgical specimen was possible to know about localization of neoplasm, size of neoplasm, histological grade, nodes involvement and invasiveness. Pieces of the neoplasm were achieved from surgical specimen and glass slides were done to analyze the invasiveness by hematoxilin-eosin coloration. After the immunohistochemistry reaction by streptoavidin biotin technique was done to evaluate the expression of proteins above. The glass slides with positive reaction were submitted under a counting and, at least, one thousand cells were counted. The results from counting were submitted under the LI(Labelling Index) and HS(H Score) methods. The evaluation of the results was made using descriptive methods and the statistical tests were qui-square and Fisher’s exact test with 10% significance. The results showed the mean age was 57 years old, more males than females, analphabets and one minimum wage the mean familiar gain. The main form of tobacco consumption was industrialized cigarette with 20 years of consumption. The swallow of distillers drinking was bigger than fermentation ones with 20 years of drinking at mean. The floor of the mouth was the anatomic site with more number of cases and the mean size of neoplasm was 1.4 inches. The preponderant pathological staging detected was pT2 and the preponderant histological grade was moderately differentiated. Among the cross tabs realized, there were statistical correlation between size of tumors and age (P=0.084; α=10%), between size of tumors and nodes involvement (P=0,085; α=10%), between sex of patients and nodes involvement (P=0.03; α=10%). The results from immunohistochemical reactions were more positive to bax (77.1% of positive cases), P27(45.9% of positive cases) and bcl-2 (16.6% of positive cases). The mean of LI showed bax at first position (67.766); second bcl-2 (10.804) and P27(7.989). The cross tabs among HS showed statistical positive correlation between bax and P27 (0.245 at Pearson’s correlation). The statistical parameters were: mean and its standard error, median, mode, standard deviation, kurtosis and its standard error, minimum, maximum and percentiles. The conclusions showed apoptosis propensity at oral squamous cell carcinoma

Since the description of the first cases of AIDS, a high prevalence of diarrhea due to parasitic diseases in HIV-infected individuals has been reported. Before the onset of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the prevalence of enteric parasites in HIV/AIDS patients was high in Brazil; after its introduction, this picture seems to have been modified. The aim of this work was to determine and compare the prevalences of intestinal parasites in HIV/AIDS patients who had been admitted at two public hospitals of Fortaleza-CE, Brazil, in the periods before (from January, 1990 to March, 1995) and after (September. 2005 to January, 2007) the introduction of HAART, to see if this form of anti-retroviral treatment contributed to a significant reduction of parasitic diseases in HIV/AIDS patients. Two groups of HIV/AIDS patients of both the sex, of ages 18 years and above were recruited: GROUP I (before-HAART era) with 482 patients and GROUP II (after-HAART era) with 100 patients. Each patient provided a single fresh stool sample for detection of intestinal parasites. The samples were analyzed by the methods of direct microscopy of the stool-smears in saline and Lugol’s iodine, the Lutz’s method, the Baermann-Moraes’ technique and the modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining. About 8 to 10 smears from each fecal sample were analyzed by light microscopy. Intestinal parasites were prevalent in 63,9% of the patients in GROUP I, as follows: hookworms–13,7%, Ascaris lumbricoides–15,6%, Strongyloides stercoralis–30,1%, Trichuris trichiura–13,1%, Cryptosporidium sp.–8,1%, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar–3,3%, Giardia duodenalis–7,9%, Isospora belli–4,8%, and the non-pathogenic species Chilomastix mesnilii-0,6%, Entamoeba coli-17%, Endolimax nana-7,3% and Iodamoeba butschilii-7,1%. In the GROUP II, the general prevalence of intestinal parasites was 24%, and consisted of the following: hookworms–2%, A. lumbricoides–2%, S. stercoralis–11%, T. trichiura, Hymenolepis nana, E. histolytica/dispar, G. duodenalis e I. belli – each specie in 1% of the samples, and the non-pathogenic protozoa Entamoeba coli–8%, Endolimax nana–3% and Iodamoeba butschilii–3%. The coccidian Cryptosporidium sp. was not detected in this group. There was a significant reduction in the prevalence of enteric parasites after onset of HAART, in comparison with the before-HAART period (p<0.0001). The prevalences of the species S. stercoralis, A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura, hookworms, Cryptosporidium sp. and G. duodenalis were significantly reduced between the before-HAART and after-HAART periods (p<0.05). These findings reveal that a significant improvement resulted in the condition of HIV/AIDS patients, with respect to the occurrence of some important enteric parasites, in the after-HAART era, which may have resulted from the introduction the highly active antiretroviral therapy alone, or from the combined influence of HAART, other medicines, better clinical practices and better awareness of the patients to take care of themselves. This work possibly suggests that periodic evaluations of stools for enteric parasites may be of some importance for the assessment of the general health conditions of HIV/AIDS patients under treatment, particularly in those with low CD4+ cell counts.

Due to government financial incentives, which boost the production of biodiesel, there has been a large scale production of this fuel. However, this growth has proved to be exaggerated, rising a worrying factor: the destination of the glycerol excess from biodiesel production. Such concern is clearly shown to prove an important fact: for every ton of biodiesel produced, 100 kg of glycerol are generated, which leads to adverse effects on the biodiesel economy. In this context, it is feared that the over-produced glycerine, which causes a high level of pollution, can be discarded irresponsibly into the environment. So, researches have been being developed, aiming to find other alternatives for the use of the extra volume of glycerol. The bioconversion of glycerol by fermentation is good option that adds significant value to the productivity of the biodiesel industry. Glycerol can be used by several microorganisms in metabolic processes, as a carbon source. Some yeasts species, such as Yarrowia lipolytica, when grown on a media with a limited source of nitrogen, are able to produce significant amounts of citric acid from glycerol. Citric acid is currently one of the most important organic acids produced by fermentation. Due to its characteristics, it has been widely used in food and beverage industry and also as an additive for detergents, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and toiletries. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate, through fermentation, bioconversion routes of residual glycerol from biodiesel production with high levels of impurities, in order to obtain citric acid. For this, two potential acid-producing yeast strains (Yarrowia lipolytica NRRL YB 323 and Yarrowia lipolytica NRRL YB 423) were initially used. Using the Methodology of Experimental Design and Response Surface Analysis, it was investigated the initial concentrations of carbon sources as well as organic (yeast extract) and inorganic (ammonium sulfate) nitrogen sources in shake flasks. The results obtained showed that the optimal initial concentration of glycerol from waste biodiesel as carbon source, within the studied range, was 20 g L-1. As to the nitrogen sources, they were proved having no remarkable influence on the acid production. It was also found that thiamine addition to the media did not promote the increase on the amount of the previously accumulated citric acid. Yarrowia lipolytica NRRL YB 423 was proved more effective on the acid production. The tests which were carried out in the fermenter aimed to evaluate the optimal concentration of dissolved oxygen in the media. It was observed that highest concentrations of dissolved oxygen in fermentation media, promotes the production of citric acid. For levels of 50% oxygen, there was a lower yield, while for 70%, citric acid production was favored. The final percentage yield for the production of citric acid obtained from 20 g L-1 of residual glycerol from the biodiesel initially added to the media was 24.80%, at the end of three days of fermentation.

Neste trabalho constata-se a evidência de uma relação não linear entre a taxa de formação bruta de capital fixo e a taxa de crescimento econômico na economia brasileira. Devido a essa não linearidade, a influência de investimentos em capital sobre o crescimento de longo prazo passa a ser limitado. Quanto aos efeitos das políticas públicas, depreende-se que por mais que se amplie a taxa de formação bruta de capital fixo o Brasil alcançaria, no máximo, o crescimento do PIB das economias de renda média baixa, ou o crescimento econômico dos países do leste asiático e do Pacífico. O trabalho também sugere ainda que o montante de recursos necessário para alcançar tal objetivo é da ordem de 786 bilhões de reais, valor bem acima do previsto no atual Programa de Aceleração do Crescimento.

No summary/description provided

Schistosomiasis is still a public health problem in Brazil. The infection is widespread in southeast and northeast. The laboratorial diagnosis of schistosome infection has been based on direct coproscopic examination and by indirect methods for detection of antigen, antibodies and specific DNA fragments that are associated with Schistosoma mansoni infection. The aim of the present study was to evaluate polymerase chain reaction (PCR) designed for detection of Schistosoma mansoni DNA in individuals from a low endemic area in Ceará state. The study was conducted in the Planalto do Cajueiro, Maranguape, Ceará, Brazil. In the laboratory performed the ELISA for detection of IgG antibodies against adult worms antigen of S. mansoni, and stool examinations (Kato-Katz, Lutz, Saline gradient and Helmintex® methods), considering the results obtained, for distribution of 56 stool samples selected among the 125 examined, in the following groups: Group I - ELISA reactive / Others parasites (+ ), Group II- ELISA reactive / Others parasites (-), Group III- ELISA non reactive / Others parasites (+), Group IV- ELISA non reactive / Others parasites (-), Group V- ELISA reactive / Coproscopic examination S. mansoni (+).The PCR was carried out according to a protocol described by Pontes et al.(2002) . Group I, 02 of 10 samples were positive in PCR; Group II, 04 of 10 samples were positive by PCR and in Group III, 01 of 07 samples were positive in PCR. Among the 10 samples of Group IV, 01 was positive in PCR and Group V, 13 of 19 samples were positive in PCR. Among the 39 individuals who showed reactivity by ELISA, 06 samples were positive in coproscopic examination and PCR was reactive in 19 samples. Comparing the results in Group V, with the Kato-Katz, this method detected 06 individuals, while PCR detected 13 individuals were positive. By comparing the PCR of Saline gradient, it is observed that the Saline gradient detected 09 individuals, while PCR detected 11. When comparing PCR to Helmintex®, we found that the Helmintex® detected 10, while PCR detected 08 samples. We conclude that PCR is an important tool to improve the sensitivity in detecting S. mansoni infection in low endemic areas. We emphasize that is very important associate the exams in order to achieve the real diagnosis of the disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory, chronic and auto-immune disease that develops in degrees of articular destruction and extra-articular changes being able to lead to functional disability. Besides clinical assessment the diagnosis is based on the determination of the rheumatoid factor being this one also positive in healthy people as well as in other infectious and auto-immune diseases. Anticyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies have been used in diagnosis of rheumaoid arthritis (RA) and seen to be superior to rheumatoid factor (RF) in early onset RA diagnosis. The target of the study is to demonstrate the presence of anticitrulline antibodies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis diagnostic comparing with laboratory, clinical parameters and with the assessment of the quality of life of these patients. The “Health Assessment Questionnaire” has been used to assess the quality of life. We performed an immunoturbidimetry test for detection of RF (Roche,Indianopolis, USA) and an ELISA for anti-CCP antibodies (Inova, San Diego, USA) in 69 patients presenting, at least, 4 of the American College of Rheumatology criteria for classification of RA and in 20 healthy controls. For statistical analysis we used thr Fisher exact test and the Spearmann test Significance was reached wuth P<0.05. RA patients were aged between 18-75 years (mean = 43.9 years), 66 (95.7%) of then were female, controls age ranged between 20-60 years.The period of RA onset varied from 4 to 384 months (mean = 74.0 and median = 48.0). RF was positive in 48 (69.6%) patients and in 1 (0,5%) control. The anti-CCP was positive in 36 (52.2%) patients and in 2 (10%) controls. A significant correlation of RF and anti-CCP tests was observed with P< 0,0001 and this study suggests that anti-CCP was not superior to RF in diagnosis of established RA.

Previous studies have shown that individuals exposed to Leishmania amazonensis respond differentially with regard to interferon gamma (IFN)_ production. Individuals who have a low production of IFN_ develop a Th2 response, while those who produce high amounts of this cytokine during the early stages of infection show the Th1 response. In order to evaluate the mechanism of suppression induced by L. amazonensis, the profile and kinetics of chemokines and theirs receptors were determined, as also the cytokines in the cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy individuals, stimulated with live promastigotes of L. amazonensis. A semiquantitative analysis of mRNA expression for the chemokines and their receptor was performed by RT-PCR, and the cytokines were quantified by ELISA, at 12, 48 and 120 hours after infection. The two patterns of IFN_ response were studied. Individuals with a production higher than 145,8 pg/mL were classified as high responders (HR), and those with lower levels of production were considered as low responders (LR). Individuals in the HR group developed a mixed response, with a predominance of Th1, which was associated with the expression of relevant quantities of MIP-1_, RANTES, MCP-1, IP-10, IL-8, CCR1, CCR2 and CXCR3, within 12 and 48 hours after infection. IL-12, IL-13 and IL-10 were observed in significant quantities. In the LR group, the suppression of expression of MIP-1_, RANTES, MCP-1, I-309, CCR2, CXCR3 and CCR5 during the entire period of study, and that of IP-10 during the first 48 hours of infection, was observed. IL-10 and IL-13 were found in elevated concentrations from 12 hours of infection onwards, with a peak production at 48 hours. These results suggest that the pattern of response apparently is defined around 48 hours of infection. IL-10 and IL-13 appear to exercise a relevant role in the modulation of suppression of IFN_, induced in the LR group by L. amazonensis.

The human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is the major agent of lower respiratory tract in children under two years old. HRSV is characterized antigenically into two groups: A and B, and each group has several subgroups. Glycoprotein G is primarily responsible for the antigenic variation between and within groups of viruses. The aims of this study were to characterize the epidemic periods and the antigenic and genomic diversity of circulating HRSV in Fortaleza, Ceará - Brazil, for five consecutive epidemic periods (2004-2008). The screening of positive samples to HRSV and other viruses analyzed, as the antigenic characterization of HRSV was carried out by indirect immunofluorescence. RT-nested-PCR followed by partial sequencing of the gene G was used for genomic characterization of HRSV. The HRSV was detected in 456 of 2885 samples (15.8%). The peak of the epidemic periods of HRSV occurred from March to May related to rainfall. A total of 282 HRSV (62.8%) were characterized antigenically, with 170 HRSVA (60.3%) and 112 HRSVB (39.7%). Both groups circulated throughout the period analyzed with a predominance of HRSVA in all years of study. A total of 250 HRSV (54.8%) were submitted to RT-nested-PCR with amplification of 133 and sequencing of 86. The genomic characterization of HRSV identified subgroups GA2 and GA5 for HRSVA and subgroups GB3 and BA for HRSVB. In the years 2004, 2005 and 2007 both subgroups of HRSVA circulated. In 2008 only GA2 circulated. In 2004, 2007 and 2008 only the subgroup BA was present. In 2005 only the GB3 circulated. The HRSV A showed a higher variability in nucleotide sequences, indicating a possible positive selective pressure. There were variations in the beginning, end and duration of each epidemic period of HRSV, as well as in the occurrence of groups and subgroups.

Although several efforts from Ministry of Health have been made in order to eliminate leprosy, Brazil is still the second country with the highest number of cases in world after India and is responsible for 80% of the cases in the American continent, the Ceara state situated in the Norheastern region is considered to have high incidence rates of leprosy cases. According to Ridley and Jopling classification, the clinical forms of leprosy can be divided in lepromatous leprosy, borderline lepromatous leprosy, borderline borderline leprosy, borderline tuberculoid leprosy, and tuberculoid leprosy. This work was done with 87 patients with leprosy, being 51.72 % of the female gender and 48.3% of the male gender; from the total of patients, 77.0% had been vaccinated with BCG once in life. All the patients enrolled in the study were not treated (n=23) or in treatment (n=64). Most of the patients had suffered from leprosy for the first time and some (n=11) had suffered from leprosy recidive. The anti-PGL1 serum IgG serology has been performed in 83 patients, and the most significant differences were found comparing the tuberculoid leprosy and borderline tuberculoid leprosy groups with the borderline lepromatous leprosy group. All DNA samples (n=87) were amplified in respect to the 171 bp highly conserved sequence of the aminoacids 671-692 from the C-terminal intra-cellular domain of Toll-like 2 receptor, and they were submitted to a Single Strain Conformation Polymorphism Technique (SSCP). The eletrophoretic profile found of the samples showed two and three bands, it is essential to the sequencing, this showed heterozygosis at position C2029T, and in addition two other sections of heterozygosity at positions C2006T (found in all four sequenced samples) and 2008 (sample 82). The work showed that the heterozygosity found in the gene exon 3 of the tool-like receptor type 2, unlike the one found by Kang and Chae (2001) which may mean that the susceptibility profile from our population is distinct from those found in India and Korea.