BACKGROUND A positive Trypanosoma cruzi polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is associated with a worse prognosis in patients with chronic Chagas disease (CD). OBJECTIVES To study the association of clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic characteristics and biomarker blood levels with positive T. cruzi PCR in chronic CD. METHODS This is a single-centre observational cross-sectional study. Positive T. cruzi PCR association with clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic characteristics, and biomarker blood levels were studied by logistic regression analysis. p values < 0.05 were considered significant. FINDINGS Among 333 patients with chronic CD (56.4% men; 62 ± 10 years), T. cruzi PCR was positive in 41.1%. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression showed an independent association between positive T. cruzi PCR and diabetes mellitus {odds ratio (OR) 0.53 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.30-0.93]; p = 0.03}, right bundle branch block [OR 1.78 (95% CI 1.09-2.89); p = 0.02], and history of trypanocidal treatment [OR 0.13 (95% CI 0.04-0.38); p = 0.0002]. Among patients with a history of trypanocidal treatment (n = 39), only four (10%) patients had a positive T. cruzi PCR. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Among several studied parameters, only diabetes mellitus, right bundle branch block, and history of trypanocidal treatment showed an independent association with positive T. cruzi PCR. History of trypanocidal treatment was a strong protective factor against a positive T. cruzi PCR.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial do óleo essencial dos genótipos LGRA-106 e LGRA-108 de Lippia gracilis no controle de traça-das-crucíferas (Plutella xylostella). As concentrações letais (CLs) foram estimadas por duas vias de ação (residual e pulverização), com uso dos óleos em concentrações de 0,5 a 3,0% v v−1, diluídos em Tween 80 (1,5%). Para determinar o efeito da CL média (CL50) no desenvolvimento de P. xylostella, dois compostos dos genótipos de L. gracilis, timol e carvacrol, foram pulverizados nos insetos. A repelência da CL50 foi avaliada por ação residual, em bioensaio com chance de escolha. O genótipo LGRA-106 apresentou maior toxicidade via ação residual (CL50 = 8,82 mg mL−1), bem como maior índice de repelência. Já o LGRA-108 foi mais tóxico via pulverização (CL50 = 9,64 mg mL−1). O desenvolvimento e a viabilidade larval foram reduzidos em cerca de 50% com o LGRA-106 ou o timol e, em até 70%, com o LGRA-108 ou o carvacrol, que causaram mortalidade de 1,70 a 1,97 dias após a pulverização. Os óleos dos genótipos LGRA-106 e LGRA-108 de L. gracilis possuem atividade inseticida no controle de P. xylostella.

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the potential of the essential oils of the LGRA-106 and LGR A-108 Lip pia g racili s genot y pes for the control of diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella). The lethal concentrations (LCs) were estimated by two routes of action (residual and spraying), using oil concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 3.0% v v−1, diluted in Tween 80 (1.5%). To determine the effect of the LC to 50% (LC50) on the development of P. xylostella, two compounds of the L. gracilis genotypes, thymol, and carvacrol, were sprayed on the insects. The repellency of the LC50 was evaluated by residual action, in a free-choice behavioral bioassay. The LGRA-106 genotype showed a greater toxicity via residual action (LC50 = 8.82 mg mL−1), as well as a higher repellency index. LGRA-108 was more toxic via spraying (LC50= 9.64 mg mL−1). Larval development and viability were reduced in approximately 50% with LGRA-106 or thymol and up to 70% with LGRA-108 or carvacrol, which caused mortality from 1.70 to 1.97 days after spraying. The oils of the LGRA-106 and LGRA-108 genotypes of L. gracilis have insecticidal activity in the control of P. xylostella.

RESUMO Introdução: O treinamento em circuito é um modelo de treinamento resistido que permite uma variada combinação de sobrecarga e, por isso, requer mais informações para que se compreenda a demanda glicolítica anaeróbia durante sua execução. Objetivo: O objetivo foi comparar dois protocolos de treinamento com pesos, com (Tconv) e sem (Tcirc) pausa entre as execuções, quanto à resposta do lactato sanguíneo ([la]). Métodos: Onze homens (21,0 ± 2,3 anos; 76,7 ± 5,4 kg, 179,5 ± 7,0 cm) foram submetidos ao teste de repetição máxima. O Tcirc e o Tconv foram prescritos a 60%1RM, 12 repetições, sendo três passagens com pausa de 300 s para Tcirc e três séries de cada exercício com 180 s de pausa para o Tconv. Os exercícios que compuseram ambos os protocolos de treinamento foram: supino reto, cadeira extensora unilateral, peck-deck, mesa flexora, pulley alto, leg press 45º, remada horizontal e panturrilha no hack. O teste de ANOVA (Bonferroni post hoc) comparou o [la] no 1º, 3º e 5º minuto após as passagens no Tcirc e após cada série no Tconv. O teste t independente comparou as médias do pico de lactato entre Tcirc e Tconv. Em todas as análises adotou-se p ≤ 0,05. Resultados: Foram observadas diferenças para o [la] entre a 1ª (10,6 ± 1,0 mmol/l) e a 2ª passagem (13,5 ± 1,8 mmol/l, P = 0,01) e entre a 1ª e a 3ª passagem (15,0 ± 2,5 mmol/l, P < 0,01) no Tcirc. Durante Tconv, os maiores valores médios de [la] foram observadas nos exercícios pulley alto (11,2 ± 2,2 mmol/l) e leg press 45º (11,9 ± 2,6 mmol/l). Houve diferença (P < 0,01) ao comparar o pico de [la] após Tconv (12,8 ± 2,2 mmol/l) e Tcirc (15,9 ± 2,0 mmol/l). Conclusão: O Tcirc demanda maior resposta glicolítica, enfatizando sua efetividade no aumento da capacidade anaeróbia muscular. Além disso, a execução não intermitente do Tcirc pode explicar sua maior demanda glicolítica, uma vez que Tconv e Tcirc foram proporcionalmente delineados, quanto ao volume e carga do protocolo. Nível de Evidência I; Estudos diagnósticos-Investigação de um exame para diagnóstico.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Circuit training is a model of resistance exercise that allows a varied combination of overload and therefore, requires more information to understand the anaerobic glycolytic demand during its execution. Objective: The objective was to compare two weight training protocols with (Tconv) and without (Tcirc) pause between performances, regarding the blood lactate ([la]) response. Methods: Eleven men (21.0±2.3 years old, 76.7±5.4 kg, 179.5±7.0 cm) underwent to one-maximum repetition test (1RM). Tconv and Tcirc were prescribed at 60%1RM, 12 repetitions, three laps with 300 s rest for Tcirc and three series of exercise with 180 s rest for Tconv. The exercises that comprised both training protocols were bench press, unilateral leg extension, shoulder press, double leg curl, high pulley, leg press 45º, seated row and hack-squat. The ANOVA (Bonferroni post-hoc) test compared [la] at the 1st, 3rd e 5th minute after the Tcirc laps and after each Tconv series. The independent t-test compared the means of the lactate peak between Tcirc and Tconv. In all analyzes the level of significance was set at P≤0.05. Results: Differences were observed for the [la] between the 1st (10.6±1.0 mmol/l) and 2nd lap (13.5±1.8 mmol/l, P=0.01), and between 1st and 3rd lap (15.0±2.5 mmol/L, P<0.01) in the Tcirc. During Tconv, the highest mean peak values of [la] were observed in high pulley (11.2±2.2 mmol/l) and leg-press 45º (11.9±2.6 mmol/l) exercises. There was a difference (P<0.01) when comparing the [la] between after Tconv (12.8±2.2 mmol/l) and Tcirc (15.9±2.0 mmol/l). Conclusion: Tcirc demands greater glycolytic response, emphasizing its effectiveness to increasing anaerobic muscle capacity. Furthermore, the non-intermittent execution of Tcirc can explain its greater glycolytic demand, since Tconv and Tcirc were proportionally designed regarding the volume and load protocol. Level of Evidence I; Diagnostic studies - Investigating a Diagnostic Test.

RESUMEN Introducción: El entrenamiento en circuito es un modelo de entrenamiento resistido que permite una variada combinación de sobrecarga, por eso, requiere más informaciones para que se comprenda la demanda glucolítica durante su ejecución. Objetivo: El objetivo fue comparar dos protocolos de entrenamiento con pesos, con (Tconv) y sin (Tcirc) reposo entre las ejecuciones, en cuanto a la respuesta del lactato sanguíneo ([la]). Métodos: Once hombres (21,0 ± 2,3 años, 76,7 ± 5,4 kg, 179,5 ± 7,0 cm) fueron sometidos a la prueba de repetición máxima. El Tcirc y Tconv se han prescrito a 60% 1RM, 12 repeticiones, siendo tres pasajes con pausa de 300 s para Tcirc y tres series de cada ejercicio con 180 s de pausa para el Tconv. Los ejercicios que compusieron ambos protocolos de entrenamiento fueron press de banca, extensión unilateral de piernas, aperturas en contractor de pecho, curl de piernas acostado, polea al pecho, prensa de piernas 45º, remo en polea y gemelos en maquina. La prueba de ANOVA (Bonferroni post hoc) comparó el [la] en el 1º, 3º y 5º minuto después de de los pasajes en el Tcirc y después de cada serie en el Tconv. La prueba t independiente comparó los promedios del pico de lactato entre Tcirc y Tconv. En todos los análisis se adoptó P ≤ 0,05. Resultados: Se observaron diferencias entre el 1o (10,6 ± 1,0 mmol/l) y el 2o pasaje (13,5 ± 1,8 mmol/l, P = 0,01) y entre el 1o y el 3º pasaje (15,0 ± 2,5 mmol/l, P < 0,01) en el Tcirc. Durante Tconv, los valores medios más altos de [la] fueron observados en los ejercicios de polea al pecho (11,2 ± 2,2 mmol/l) y prensa de piernas 45º (11,9 ± 2,6 mmol/l). Se observó una diferencia (P < 0,01) al comparar el pico de [la] después de Tconv (12,8 ± 2,2 mmol/l) y Tcirc (15,9 ± 2,0 mmol/l). Conclusión: El Tcirc demanda mayor respuesta glucolítica, enfatizando su efectividad en el aumento de la capacidad anaeróbica muscular. Además, la ejecución no intermitente de Tcirc puede explicar su mayor demanda glucolítica, una vez que Tconv y Tcirc fueron proporcionalmente delineados en cuanto al volumen y la carga del protocolo. Nivel de Evidencia I; Estudios de diagnósticos - Investigación de un examen para diagnóstico.

Tissue fibrosis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Current treatments for conditions such as hepatic fibrosis have been unsuccessful. The growth hormone relasing peptide 6 (GHRP6) is endowed with cardioprotective actions but its antifibrotic effect had not been anticipated. We examined the GHRP6 ability to prevent and revert liver cirrhosis after induction in Wistar rats by a subcutaneous administration of CCl4. GHRP6 effects were examined after concomitant and delayed administration to toxic respectively. The percentages of hepatic fat, fibrosis, nodularity and septae thickness were histologically and morphometrically determined. Ascitis and portal dilation were judged by ultrasound and serum biochemical profile and oxidative stress parameters determined. Mechanistic involvement of selective gene/proteins was assessed by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Microarrays showed gene expression profiles of GHRP6-treated liver samples on CapitalBio Rat Genome Oligo Array. GHRP6 concomitant intervention prevented in more than 85% parenchymal fibrotic induration (p < 0.0001) and therapeutic administration for only 15 days allowed for 37% fibrotic clearance (p = 0.0004) with more than 30% reduction of septae thickness (p = 0.0011). The 60 days GHRP6 administration scheme produced a 75% reduction of the fibrotic area with more than 60% reduction of nodularity. GHRP6 reduced oxidative damage enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Vimentin and alpha smooth muscle actin immunodetection profile indicated GHRP6 reduced the number of activated stellate cells. GHRP6 administration reduced fibrogenic factors as TGF-ß and CTGF on Kupffer cells. Differentially expressed genes in the microarray experiment indicated GHRP6 modulate the redox balance and parenchymal cells response to injury. These evidences suggest GHRP6 may control the liver's fibroplastic response.

La fibrosis es causa fundamental de morbilidad y mortalidad. Los tratamientos actuales han fracasado. El péptido liberador de la hormona de crecimiento-6 (GHRP6) ejerce efectos cardioprotectores, pero no se ha descrito su acción antifibrótica. Se examinó la propiedad del GHRP6 para prevenir y revertir la cirrosis hepática, luego de su inducción en ratas mediante la administración de CCl4. Se evaluó el porcentaje de grasa hepática, fibrosis, nodularidad y grosor septal mediante estudios histomorfométricos y la ascitis o dilatación portal por ultrasonido. Se determinó el perfil bioquímico y los parámetros de estrés oxidativo en suero, así como la participación de genes y proteínas, mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con transcripción inversa e inmunohistoquímica. Se utilizó un microarreglo de oligonucleótidos del genoma de rata para estudiar el perfil de expresión de los genes inducidos por el GHRP6. La intervención concomitante con GHRP6 previno la induración fibrótica en más del 85% (p < 0.0001). La administración terapéutica durante 15 días permitió la remoción fibrótica del 37% (p = 0.0004), la reducción del grosor septal superó el 30% (p = 0.0011). La administración durante 60 días redujo las áreas fibróticas en 75%, y la reducción de la nodularidad fue de más del 60%. El GHRP6 redujo el daño oxidativo porque aumentó la actividad de las enzimas antioxidantes y las células estrelladas activadas positivas a vimentina y actina alfa de músculo liso. También redujo la expresión de factores fibrogénicos sobre las células Kupffer. El perfil de expresión de genes indicó que el GHRP6 modula el balance redox y la respuesta al daño tisular en las células parenquimales. Estas evidencias sugieren que el GHRP6 pudiera controlar la respuesta fibroplásica del hígado.

Paired samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum of 30 patients - 10 with active, 10 with inactive neurocysticercosis (NCC), and 10 control subjects - were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using two Taenia crassiceps metacestode extracts as antigen in order to detect IgG antibodies. In active NCC, high levels of IgG were detected (p < 0.05). The CSF samples showed 80% (CI 72-88) of reactivity in the saline extract (S) and 90% (CI 84-95) in sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and the serum samples were reactive in 90% (CI 84-95) and 100% (CI 98-100) in the S and SDS antigenic extracts, respectively. The use of the paired samples of CSF and serum in active NCC showed equivalent results suggesting that the serum samples could be used as a screening in those patients whose CSF puncture is counter-indicated.

In the past few years, new aspects of the immunopathology of Chagas' disease have been described in immunosuppressed patients, such as fatal central nervous system lesions related to the reactivation of the parasite. This article is the first description of the genotypic characterization, at the strain level, of Trypanosoma cruzi isolated from a patient with Chagas` disease/AIDS co-infection. The presence of four hypodense lesions was observed in the cranial compute tomographic scan. The diagnosis of AIDS was assessed by the detection of anti-HIV antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot techniques. The CD4+ lymphocyte counts were maintained under 200 cells/mm3 during one year demonstrating the severity of the state of immunosuppression. Chagas' disease was confirmed by serological and parasitological methods. Trypomastigote forms were visualized in a thick blood smear. The parasite isolated is genotypically similar to the CL strain. The paper reinforces that cerebral Chagas' disease can be considered as another potential opportunistic infection in AIDS resulting from the reactivation of a dormant T. cruzi infection acquired years earlier.

Aspergillus niger - 245, isolado do solo mostrou boa atividade de b-frutosidase meio formulado com extrato de tubérculos de dahlia. A enzima foi purificada por precipitação em sulfato de amônia e percolada em colunas de DEAE-Sephadex A-50 e CM-celulose, produzindo um único pico em todas as fases de purificação e mantendo a relação I/S entre 0,32 a 0,39. O pH ótimo para a atividade de inulinase (I) foi encontrado entre 4,0 - 4.5 e para a atividade de invertase (S) em 2,5 e 5,0. A temperatura ótima foi de 60O.C para ambas as atividades e nenhuma perda foi observada quando mantida nesta temperatura por 30 min. Os valores de Km foram de 1,44 e 5,0, respectivamente, para I e S e os valores de Vm de 10,48 e 30,55, respectivamente. A atividade I foi fortemente inibida por Hg2+, Ag+ e 2 x 10-3 M de glicose, mas não por frutose na mesma concentração. A enzima mostrou um mecanismo de exo-ação, atuando sobre a inulina de diferentes origens. Em condições de ensaio foi obtida hidrólise total de frutanas, apesar de ter mostrado maior atividade sobre a inulina de chicória que sobre as de alcachofra de Jesrusalém e dahlia, nos primeiros 30 minutos de reação. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que a enzima apresenta bom potencial para aplicações industriais na preparação de xaropes de frutose.

Aspergillus niger - 245, a strain isolated from soil samples showed good β-fructosidase activity when inoculated in medium formulated with dahlia extract tubers. The enzyme was purified by precipitation in ammonium sulphate and percolated in DEAE-Sephadex A-50 and CM-cellulose columns, witch showed a single peack in all the purification steps, maintaining the I/S ratio between 0.32 to, 0.39. Optimum pH for inulinase activity (I) was between 4.0 - 4.5 and for invertase activity (S) between 2.5 and 5.0. The optimum temperature was 60O.C for both activities and no loss in activity was observed when it was maintained at this temperature for 30 min. The Km value was 1.44 and 5.0, respectively, for I and S and Vm value 10.48 and 30.55, respectively. The I activity was strongly inhibited by Hg2+ and Ag+ and 2 x 10-3 M of glucose, but not by fructose at the same concentration. The enzyme showed an exo-action mechanism, acting on the inulin of different origins. In assay conditions total hydrolysis of all the frutans was obtained, although it has shown larger activity on the chicory inulin than that one from artichoke Jerusalem and dahlia, in the first 30 min. The obtained results suggested that the enzyme presented good potential for industrial application in the preparing the fructose syrups