Showing papers by "Sao Paulo State University published in 1987"

Paracoccidioidomycosis: a recently proposed classification of its clinical forms

Abstract: Many attempts have been made to define the cli­ nical forms of human paracoccidioidomycosis15. Several classifications are based on different para­ meters of the disease such as entry route (tegumentary or pulmorary15); presence or absence of signs and/or symptoms (infection vs. disease2 14); organs involved (lymphatic form; pulmonary form15); presen­ ce or absence of activity (active; latent12); type of evolution (progressive; regressive1 2 20); duration of the disease (acute; subacute; chronic4); clinical course (localised; systemic4 26); type of infection (primary; endogenous or exogenous reinfection19); presence or absence of sequelae (cor pulmonale; Addison’s disea­ se12); pathological anatomy (isolated organic form; pseudotumoral forms22) and immunohistological res­ ponse (polar forms21). This variety of criteria is an indication of the partial acceptance of most of them. This is comprehen­ sible since we still do not know where the fungus comes from and how it invades the human host, making difficult the evaluation of the early phases of the disease. In the “ Segundo Encontro sobre Paracoccidioidomicose” held in Botucatu, Brazil, in 1983, a commi­ ttee of experts* was nominated with the objective of proposing a classification of clinical forms of the disease. A questionnaire was circulated among the members and the committee reconvened at the Inter­

Host-parasite relationships in paracoccidioidomycosis.

Abstract: A viewpoint of host-parasite relationships in paracoccidioidomycosis is presented. The characteristics of the fungus which are important to the host-parasite interaction are discussed. Aspects of inhibition of mycelium-to-yeast transformation by estrogens acting at receptors on the fungal wall and in the cytoplasm, and the role of polysaccharide components of the cell wall in virulence are reviewed. The natural mechanisms of host defense are also examined, including phagocytosis, complement system, natural-killer cells and genetic control of resistance and susceptibility. Finally, a discussion of granuloma morphogenesis and its relationship to the humoral and cellular anti-P. brasiliensis immune response is presented.

Towards a water balance in the Central Amazonian region

Abstract: structure and topography of the terrain, palms being a prevalent feature in Amazonian forests. Luizfio and Schubart show the importance of litter decomposition and of the soil organisms as decomposers for the recycling of nutrients and thus for the maintenance of the forest, while Rylands gives a detailed account of monkeys as consumers of the living biomass in the forest canopy. Walker, finally, integrates the biology of streams into the general ecological process of forest dynamics. It is hoped that the review conveys one aspect in particular with penetrating clarity: namely, that of the mutual interdependence of all the described processes and patterns from which the multiple dangers to and fragility of this gigantic ecosystem directly follow. The consideration of this balance is indispensible for any land use by man in the Amazon Basin.

An immunohistochemical study of the endocrine cells in the gastrointestinal mucosa of the Caiman latirostris.

Abstract: Twelve endocrine cell types immunoreactive for either 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), somatostatin, gastrin, motilin, neurotensin, bovine pancreatic polypeptide (BPP), avian pancreatic polypeptide (APP), pancreatic glucagon, enteroglucagon, glicentin, secretin or cholecystokinin (CCK) were found in gastrointestinal mucosa of Caiman latirostris. Moderate numbers of enteroglucagon-immunoreactive cells, a few 5-HT-, somatostatin- and motilin-immunoreactive cells and rare pancreatic glucagon-immunoreactive cells were found in the fundic stomach. Numerous gastrin-immunoreactive cells and moderate numbers of somatostatin- and motilin-immunoreactive cells were seen in the pyloric stomach. Moderate numbers of 5-HT-, gastrin-, motilin- and enteroglucagon-immunoreactive cells, a few somatostatin-, neurotensin- and BPP-immunoreactive cells, and rare APP-, pancreatic glucagon-, glicentin-, secretin- and CCK-immunoreactive cells were observed in the proximal intestine. Moderate numbers of 5-HT-immunoreactive cells, small to moderate numbers of neurotensin- and enteroglucagon-immunoreactive cells and occasional somatostatin-, motilin- and BPP-immunoreactive cells were seen in the distal intestine. Moderate numbers of neurotensin-immunoreactive cells and a few 5-HT-immunoreactive cells were found also in the cloaca. Cells immunoreactive for gastrin releasing polypeptide, bombesin and gastric inhibitory peptide were not observed in the caiman gastrointestinal epithelium. The differences in endocrine cell types between the caiman and alligator are discussed in terms of their topographic distribution.

Studies on the Susceptibility of Granular Cassava and Com Starches to Enzymatic Attack Part I: Study of the Conditions of Hydrolysis

Abstract: In this research, the susceptibility of starch granules to enzymatic hydrolysis was studied. Cassava and corn starches were hydrolysed by bacterial α-amylase with and without amyloglucosidase under several conditions of incubation. The highest percentage of hydrolysis was obtained in the presence of both enzymes. Elimination of the soluble hydrolysis products by dialysis increased the degradation of the starch granules, especially with cassava starch. Untersuchungen uber die Suszeptibilitat von kornigen Cassava-und Maisstarken gegenuber dem enzymatischen Angriff. Teil 1: Untersuchung der Hydrolysebedingungen. In dieser Forschungs-arbeit wurde die Suszeptibilitat von Starkekornern gegenuber der enzymatischen Hydrolyse untersucht. Cassava- und Maisstarken wurden mit und ohne Amyloglucosidase durch Bakterien-α-Amylase unter verschiedenen Einwirkungsbedingungen hydrolysiert. Der hochste Prozentsatz der Hydrolyse wurde in Gegenwart beider Enzyme erreicht. Die Entfernung der loslichen Hydrolyseprodukte durch Dialyse verstarkte den Abbau der Starkekorner, insbesondere bei Cassavastarke.

Triton X-100 solubilized bone matrix-induced alkaline phosphatase.

Abstract: 1. Solubilized and membrane-bound alkaline phosphatase showed Michaelis-Menten behavior in a wide range of different substrate concentrations. 2. Membrane-bound alkaline phosphatase has a molecular weight of 130,000 and its minimum active configuration comprises two identical subunits of about 65,000. 3. The two forms of the enzyme behave similarly with respect to NaCl, urea and guanidine HCl. 4. Catalytic groups have pK values of about 8.5 and 9.7 for both membrane-bound and solubilized enzyme.

Produção e decomposição de folhedo em um trecho de Mata Atlântica de encosta no município do Guarujá, SP

Abstract: Guaruja (Lat S 24°16'; Long W 46°19'), Estado de Sao Paulo A queda pluviometrica anual media e de 2050 mm e nao ha estac;ao seca definida 0 solo e argilo-are­noso e acido, com pH variando entre 3 e 4 A produc;ao anual de folhedo foi de 7925 kglha A fra- c;ao folhas contribuiu com 5040 kg/ha seguida pelas frac;6es ramos (1950 kg/hal, flores (491 kglha), frutos (222 kglha) e material de origem animal (222 kglha) A produc;ao de folhedo e das frac;6es componentes foi continua durante todo

Some effects of cimetidine on the reproductive organs of rats.

Abstract: The development of genital organs of rats chronically treated with cimetidine showed that the drug may present anti-androgenic activity. This treatment did not alter the sensitivity of vas deferens to noradrenaline, but increased their sensitivity to BaCl2. In the male reproductive system, cimetidine must have peripheral actions apart from the central ones observed after chronic treatment.

Sulphur responses of brazilian crops

Abstract: Field experiments were carried out in three States of Brazil in order to test the response of several crops (beans, cabbage, citrus, coffee, corn, Guinea grass, rapeseed, upland rice, soybean, sugar cane, sweet sorghum, wheat) to sources (ammonium sulfate, potassium magnesium sulfate and phosphogypsum) and rates of sulfur. Yield increases ranged from 8 to 69% over the control. Sulfur additions, on the other hand had beneficial effect on product characteristics (grain/cob ratio in corn, crude protein in forage, oil content of soybeans and sucrose content of sweet sorghum). Ammonium acetate extractable SO4‐S in the range of 10–15 ppm seems adequate. Both leaf and soil analysis showed positive correlations with yield increases. Sulphur containing fertilizers at the rates of 20 kg/ha, and 30 kg/ha are recommended, for annual and perennial crops, respectively.

Gas exchange and ventilatory responses to hypoxia and hypercapnia in amphisbaena alba (reptilia: amphisbaenia)

Abstract: SUMMARY 1. Total and cutaneous gas exchange and ventilatory responses to breathing hypoxic and hypercapnic gases were studied in Amphisbaena alba (Linnaeus), a burrowing squamate reptile. 2. This species shows a very low oxygen uptake rate (VQ2) compared with other squamates of the same size (Vo2 = 15-4, 36-2 and 49-Omlkg" 1 h~ \ at 20, 25 and 30°C, respectively). Cutaneous gas exchange represents a large fraction of the total uptake. Oxygen uptake was strongly affected by temperature [Qio = 5-5 (20-25°C); 1-8 (25-30°C); 3-2 (20-30°C)]. 3. A. alba shows a biphasic ventilatory pattern under hypoxic and hypercapnic conditions. A single breathing cycle, consisting of expiration-inspiration, includes a ventilatory period (VP) followed by a non-ventilatory (breath hold) period (NVP) of variable duration. When breathing air at 25"C the NVP typically occupied about 2min. The ventilatory period occupied only 0-075 parts of a complete breath-tobreath cycle. Breathing hypoxic gases caused a pronounced rise in ventilation volume (VE) from an increase in tidal volume (VT) and frequency (f) at inspired O2 concentrations below 7%. Breathing hypercapnic gas mixtures induced a minor change in VT at CO2 concentrations below 3 %, and VE increased mostly because of increases in f. End tidal O2 (PETO2) and CO2 (PETCO2) tensions changed with increasing VE while breathing hypoxic and hypercapnic gas. 4. The results are discussed in relation to the fossorial habits of A. alba, and are compared with data from other squamates.

Mechanical properties and precipitation energy of the Cu-Al-Ag (5.4% Al-5.2% Ag) alloy

Abstract: Cinetique de la precipitation dans des echantillons soumis a un traitement de vieillissement de 1 heure entre 351 et 599 C. Mesure de la durete des echantillons vieillis. Correlation entre la durete et la microstructure

Desenvolvimento larval de Eriphia gonagra (Fabricius, 1781) (Decapoda, Xanthidae), em laboratório

Abstract: The post-embryonic development of the crab from the north coast of Sao Paulo State, Eriphia gonagra (Fabricius) was studied in laboratory. The experiments were performed in a climatically controlled room at 24±1oC at a salinity of 36‰ and the animals were fed with newly hatched Artemia salina nauplii. The larval development of E. gonagra comprises 4 stages of zoea and one megalopa. All larval stages are illustrated and described in detail. The main morphological characters that allow the Identification of the zoeae and megalopae of E. gonagra are analyzed with respect to other Brasilian species of the family Xanthidae.

Karyotype and evolution of the Tropidorus nanuzae species group (Sauria, Iguanidae)

Abstract: The karyotypes of Tropidurus nanuzae, T. amathitesand T. divaricatus, which form the nanuzae group, are presented. Data were obtained by Giemsa and NOR staining, C-banding and R-banding after in vivo treatment with 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). All females have 2n =36 with 12 metacentric or submetacentric macrochromosomes and 24 microchromosomes, while males have 2n =35. The mechanism of sex determination is of the XXAA :XAY/ Atype. The only chromosome difference among these species is related to the position of a secondary constriction and to the NOR localization on macrochromosome pair 6, as the result of a pericentric inversion. These data support the idea of monophyly in the species of the nanuzae group. Morphological and ecological evidence indicates that allopatric speciation is the most likely explanation for the differentiation of T. amathites and T. divaricatus, and the cytogenetic data support this mode of speciation.

Morphology of the Larval Stages of Clibanarius Sclopetarius (Herbst, 1796) (Decapoda, Diogenidae) Reared in the Laboratory

Abstract: Nous avons etudie le developpement post-embryonnaire de Clibanarius sclopetarius (Herbst, 1796) provenant de Sao Sebastiâo, Etat de Sao Paulo, Bresil. Les larves ont ete elevees au laboratoire dans un milieu dont la salinite etait de 35°/°° et la temperature de 25 ± 2°C, avec Artemia salina comme nourriture. Nous avons observe quatre ou cinq stades zoe avant le stade megalope. Tous ces stades sont dessines et decrits de facon detaillee. D'autre part, des comparaisons morphologiques sont faites entre les donnees obtenues ici et celles deja connues pour d'autres especes appartenant au meme genre. L'etude de la morphologie des larves est du plus grand interet pour l'etablissement des rapports phylogenetiques parmi les Crustaces.

Protein-calorie malnutrition in the young pregnant rat: factors involved in fetal growth impairment.

Abstract: Factors involved in fetal growth retardation as seen in pups of protein-deprived young rats are examined. Young (50 to 55-day old) and adult (90 to 100-day old) rats were fed a diet of low (6%) or normal (25%) protein content during pregnancy. Dams and neonates were killed soon after parturition. Young malnourished dams showed a significant reduction in circulating glucose levels while their pups had significantly lower birth weights and circulating glucose and insulin levels than those of young control mothers. Such alterations were not seen in adult animals. Maternal malnutrition did not affect circulating levels of thyroxine in the neonates. These data indicate that maternal hypoglycemia may play an important role in determining blood glucose and insulin reduction and, consequently, the low birth weight seen in pups of young malnourished rats.

Intracardiac Shunting Revealed by Angiocardiography in the Lizard Tupinambis Teguixin

Abstract: 1. The central circulation in the lizard Tupinambis teguixin (Linne 1758) was studied using angiocardiographic techniques. Contrast medium was selectively injected into the vena cava superior, the sinus venosus, the right atrium, and the ventricular subcompartments [the cavum pulmonale (CP) and cavum arteriosum (CA)], following catheterization of the heart from the right jugular vein. 2. Contrast medium injection in the vena cava, sinus venosus, right atrium or CP showed that there was an exclusive and selective passage to the pulmonary circulation when injections were made during spontaneous or artificial ventilation. Contrast injection during apnoea showed various degrees of right-left shunting to the left aorta but typically not to the right aorta. There was no observable admixture from the CP to the CA. 3. When contrast medium was injected directly into the cavum arteriosum, there was clear selective filling of the right aorta and the cephalad circulation, as well as a lesser but distinct filling of the left aorta. During systole, there was no admixture from the CA to the CP, but a very slight left-right admixture was discernible during ventricular diastole. 4. The selective passage of contrast medium through the heart of Tupinambis showed a relationship to breathing in the intermittent ventilation pattern of Tupinambis . During apnoea, pulmonary flow appears to be impeded: this may reflect right-left shunting to the left aorta. This vessel becomes important in the alternation between a balance of pulmonary and systemic flow during breathing and a preference for systemic flow during apnoea. Note: I am sorry to inform the readers of this journal and the whole scientific world that the famous Professor Kjell Johansen suddenly passed away during a sojourn in France for purposes of study. We will all miss a dear friend and colleague. Reprint requests should be sent to Dr J. H. Andresen, Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Municipal Hospital of Aarhus, DK-800 Aarhus C, Denmark.

Experimental pulmonary paracoccidioidomycosis in the Syrian hamster: morphology and correlation of lesions with the immune response

Abstract: A model for pulmonary paracoccidioidomycosis in the hamster is described. The disease was induced by intratracheal inoculation of 1.7 x 10(5) viable yeast forms of P. brasiliensis. Lung histopathology, dissemination lesions and humoral and cellular immune responses were investigated at intervals up to 24 weeks after infection. Humoral immunity was studied by immunodiffusion and complement fixation tests. Cell-mediated immunity was evaluated in vitro by the macrophage migration inhibition test in the presence of phytohaemagglutinin and P. brasiliensis soluble antigen, and in vivo by the paracoccidioidin test. Thirty out of 35 infected animals (85.7%) developed pulmonary paracoccidioidomycosis. Dissemination lesions were observed in regional lymph nodes (82.8%), liver (8.5%) and spleen (5.7%). Lung involvement was mainly around bronchi and vessels. Regional lymph nodes were severely involved from the fourth week on, acquiring a pseudotumoral aspect at later stages. Specific antibodies were detected from the fourth week on, with titres increasing progressively. The cellular immune response to phytohaemagglutinin was intact throughout the experiment and the response to P. brasiliensis antigen was already detectable by the second week and remained positive to the end of the experiment. The skin test became positive from the fourth week on. Inoculation by the intratracheal route represents a highly effective way of infecting hamsters with P. brasiliensis, with the induction of localized disease, good antibody production and intact cell immunity.

Structural Evolution During the Sintering of SnO2 and SnO2-2 Mole % CuO

Abstract: One of the objectives of this work was to study the influence of neutral and oxidizing atmospheres on the rate of pore growth during the sintering of SnO2 and compare those results with the rates of pore growth observed when sintering is done in air or hydrogen.