Showing papers by "Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais published in 1987"

Susceptibility and natural resistance of Trypanosoma cruzi strains to drugs used clinically in Chagas disease.

Abstract: The susceptibility and natural resistance to two nitroheterocyclic derivatives used clinically in Chagas disease (nifurtimox and benznidazole) were investigated in 47 Trypanosoma cruzi strains isolated from human patients, domestic vectors and sylvatic reservoirs or vectors. A large gradient of drug efficacy from 0% to 100% was detected. Drug susceptibility apparently related to geographical distribution of some T. cruzi strains was also observed. Drug resistance was identified among T. cruzi populations isolated from sylvatic vectors from an area where autochthonous human Chagas disease does not exist. Thus, natural drug-resistance of sylvatic strains might be a way of introducing this character into a T. cruzi domestic cycle. Most of the 47 studied strains were either sensitive or resistant to both compounds, an intriguing finding considering that nifurtimox and benznidazole apparently have different mechanisms of action against T. cruzi.

Indicator medium for isolation of Campylobacter pylori.

Abstract: The use of a new indicator culture medium, Belo Horizonte medium, is proposed for better colony recognition and a presumptive identification of Campylobacter pylori. This medium, containing brain heart infusion sheep blood agar, was supplemented with 40 mg of 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride per liter in addition to vancomycin, nalidixic acid, and amphotericin B. On Belo Horizonte medium, Campylobacter pylori present unique golden colonies.

Temperature Sensitive Gels as Size Selective Absorbants

Abstract: We have used crosslinked polymer gels as extraction solvents for aqueous solutions. The gels swell to many times their dry weight by absorbing water and low molecular weight solutes, but excluding proteins and other high molecular weight solutes. The swollen gel is removed by filtration. When it is slightly warmed, it collapses, releasing most of the absorbed material. This sudden change of swelling with temperature occurs because the gel is near a critical point. After the gel is separated from the desorbed water by filtration, it is cooled and then can be reused.

Clinical and endocrine aspects of the oestrous cycle in donkeys (Equus asinus).

Abstract: Oestrous behaviour and occurrence of ovulation was studied in 13 jenny asses (3-18 years) during a 15-month period. Teasing was performed daily and follicular growth, ovulation and changes of the genitalia were checked every other day by rectal palpation during dioestrus or the anovulatory season or daily during oestrus and when a follicle greater than or equal to 3 cm in diameter was present. Plasma oestrogens and progesterone levels were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Of the 13 jennies, 6 showed a typical seasonal ovarian activity, 1 stopped cycling only at the end of the experiment, 2 ovulated regularly and 4 did not cycle. Mean (+/- s.d.) length of the anovulatory season in the 6 jennies with seasonal cyclic ovarian activity was 166.3 +/- 63.2 days (74-263 days). Irregular oestrous periods were detected during the anovulatory season of these jennies. Irregular signs of oestrus and follicular growth were detected in the 4 jennies which remained acyclic during the whole experiment. Mean (+/- s.d.) length of the ovulatory season was 197.8 +/- 63.4 days (102-291 days). Overall mean +/- s.d. lengths for the oestrous cycle and dioestrous and oestrous periods were 25.9 +/- 2.7 (n = 74), 18.2 +/- 2.3 (n = 70) and 7.9 +/- 2.5 (n = 79) days. Ovulatory oestrous periods tended to be longer at the start and end of the season than during the summer months. Dioestrous length was not affected by season.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

On the generic existence of homoclinic points

Abstract: This work is concerned with the generic existence of homoclinic points for area preserving diffeomorphisms of compact orientable surfaces. We give a shorter proof of Pixton's theorem that shows that, Cr-generically, an area preserving diffeomorphism of the two sphere has the property that every hyperbolic periodic point has transverse homoclinic points. Then, we extend Pixton's result to the torus and investigate certain generic aspects of the accumulation of the invariant manifolds all over themselves in the case of symplectic diffeomorphisms of compact manifolds.

Population dynamics of aquatic snails in Pampulha reservoir

Abstract: An attempt was made to determine more accurately the density of molluskan populations in the Pampulha reservoir, using the quadrate method, intending to detect the fluctuation of the populations density, the habitat conditions and the possible competitive interactions among Biomphalaria tenagophila, Melanoides tuberculata, Pomacea haustrum and Biomphalaria glabrata, through the analysis of populational parameters. Among the most significative facts observed in the reservoir it has to be mentioned: the almost disappearance of B. glabrata; the invasion, colonization, fixation and fast growing of M. tuberculata population until reaching about 11,000 individuals/m2; the density fluctuations of B. tenagophila, P. haustrum and M. tuberculata alives and deads; differences on the habitat preference of these three molluskan species at the edge (at the limit earth-water, at 0.70m and 1.40m from the shore line); monthly mortality rates and reproduction seasons of the species.

Granulomatous hypersensitivity to Schistosoma mansoni egg antigens in human schistosomiasis. I. Granuloma formation and modulation around polyacrylamide antigen-conjugated beads.

Abstract: We have developed an in vitro model of granuloma formation for the purpose of studying the immunological components of delayed type hypersensitivity granuloma formation in patients infected with Schistosoma mansoni. Our data show that 1) granulomatous hypersensitivity can be studied by examining the cellular reactivity manifested as multiple cell layers surrounding the antigen conjugated beads; 2) this reactivity is a CD4 cell dependent, macrophage dependent, B cell independent response and 3) the in vitro granuloma response is antigenically specific for parasite egg antigens. Studies designed to investigate the immune regulation of granulomatous hypersensitivity using purified populations of either CD4 or CD8 T cells have demonstrated the complexity of cellular interactions in the suppression of granulomatous hypersensitivity. The anti-S. mansoni egg immune responses of individual patients with chronic intestinal schistosomiasis can be classified either as soluble egg antigen (SEA) hypersensitive with maximal granulomatous hypersensitivity or SEA suppressive with activation of the T cell suppressor pathway with effective SEA granuloma modulation. Our data suggest that T cell network interactions are active in the generation of effective granuloma modulation in chronic intestinal schistosomiasis patients.

Generation of protective immune sera by Crotalus durissus terrificus venom detoxified by controlled iodination.

Abstract: 1. Whole soluble venom from the snake Crotalus durissus terrificus was detoxified by controlled iodination. Doses equivalent to 100 LD50 of the native venom were administered to mice, without signs of intoxication. 2. The non-toxic iodinated derivatives were able to stimulate antibodies in rabbits and horses within a short period (6 months) of immunization. Horse antisera attained titers of 0.5 to 0.9 mg/ml for protection against native venom. 3. Horse antisera obtained in horses from native and iodinated venom were run against both native and iodinated venoms, as antigens, in gel immunodiffusion. The precipitation lines showed total identity of the two types of sera.

Changes in choline acetyltransferase activity of rat tissues during Chagas' disease.

Abstract: 1. The activity of choline acetyltransferase (CAT) measured by a radiolabeling method was significantly reduced in the heart, submandibular gland and esophagus of rats 20 days after inoculation with Trypanosoma cruzi (Y strain). 2. Normal enzyme activity was recovered in all these organs 100 days after inoculation. 3. In the transverse colon, no change, 30% reduction and normal activity were found at days 20, 100 and 430 of infection, respectively. 4. The data indicate recovery of parasympathetic function in experimental Chagas' disease. Axonal regrowth and sprouting are discussed as possible candidates for the recovery mechanisms.

Pulmonary involvement in Schistosomiasis mansoni

Abstract: The post-treatment pulmonary alterations were evaluated in patients (Study 1) and in mice (Study 2) infected with Schistosoma mansoni. Study 1: the patients were examined pre and post-treatment (with ora oxamniquine) and the following exams were performed: sputum for eosinophils and chest x-ray. Study 2: four groups of mice (total = 64) were studied; Group I (infected and treated with oxamniquine); II (infected and not treated); III (not infected and treated) and IV (not infected and not treated). All were x-rayed to check for pulmonary abnormalities pre and post-treatment and lung specimens were studied by optical microscopy and immunofluorescence. We have found abnormalities in the parameters checked in both studies and the results suggest an immunological reaction, probably due to deposition of immune complexes in the lungs, with subsequent activation of the complement system. The experimental study showed that the alterations are not dependent of the presence of eggs and/or worms of S. mansoni in the lungs, thus corroborating the hypothesis of deposition of circulating material.

Third contribution to the knowledge of the Raviniini (Diptera, Sarcophagidae) based on observations of the larvae, using scanning electron microscope

Abstract: L1, L2 and L3 of Oxysarcodexia paulistanensis (Mattos), L3 of O. confusa Lopes, L2 of Ravinia belforti (Prado & Fonseca) and L2 of Oxyvinia excisa (Lopes) were described and figured using scanning electron microscope.

Therapeutical evaluation of different dose regimens of praziquantel in schistosomiasis mansoni, based on the quantitative oogram technique

Abstract: A clinical trial involving 80 patients of both sexes, from ages 15 to 55, with chronic intestinal or hepatointestinal schistosomiasis mansoni, was carried out to evaluate the therapeutical efficacy of different dose regimens of praziquantel. The patients were randomly allocated into four groups with an equal number of cases and were then treated with one of the following dosages: 60 mg/kg for 1 day; 60 mg/kg daily for 2 days; 60 mg/kg daily for 3 days; and 30 mg/kg daily for 6 days. The assessment of parasitological cure was based on the quantitative oogram technique through rectal mucosa biopsies which were undertaken prior to, as well as, 1,2,4 and 6 months post-treatment. Concurrently, stool examinations according to the qualitative Hoffman, Pons & Janer (HPJ) and the quantitative Kato-Katz (K-K) methods were also performed. The best tolerability was observed with 30 mg/kg daily for 6 days whereas the highest incidence of side-effects (mainly dizziness and nausea) was found with 60 mg/kg daily for 3 days. No serious adverse drug reaction has occurred. The achieved cure rates were: 25% with 60 mg/kg for 1 day; 60% with 60 mg/kg daily for 2 days; 89.5% with 60 mg/kg daily for 3 days; and 90% with 30 mg/kg daily for 6 days. At the same time there has been a downfall of 64%, 73%, 87% and 84% respectively, in the median number of viable S. mansoni ova per gram of tissue. Thus, a very clear direct correlation between dose and effect could be seen. The corresponding cure rates according to stool examinations by HPJ were 39%, 80%, 100% and 95%; by K-K 89%, 100%, 100% and 100%. This discrepancy in results amongst the three parasitological methods is certainly due to their unequal accuracy. In fact, when the number of viable eggs per gram of tissue fell below 5,000 the difference in the percentage of false negative findings between HPJ (28%) and K-K (80%) became significative. When this number dropped to less than 2,000 the percentage of false negative results obtained with HPJ (49%) turned significant in relation to the oogram as well. In conclusion, it has been proven that praziquantel is a highly efficacious agent against S. mansoni infections. If administered at a total dose of 180 mg/kg divided into either 3 or 6 days, it yields a 90% cure rate. Possibly, one could reach 100% by increasing the total dose to 240 mg/kg. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the quantitative oogram technique is the most reliable parasitological method when evaluating the efficacy of new drugs in schistosomiasis mansoni.

Genetics of susceptibility to oral tolerance to ovalbumin.

Abstract: Inbred mouse strains vary widely in their susceptibility to the induction of tolerance following oral (intragastric) administration of ovalbumin. Marked differences were found between strains that form a congenic pair differing at the H-2 complex: C3H/HeJ (H-2k) and C3H.SW (H-2b)-which were very susceptible and resistant to tolerance induction, respectively. In contrast, no significant differences were found between A/J (H-2a) and A.BY (H-2b) congenics, which were both susceptible, nor among C57BL/10J congenics, which were uniformly resistant to tolerance induction. We conclude that H-2-linked genes determine tolerance susceptibility in conjunction with background genes.