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Carvalho Junior GM, Alves LC, Horta MC, Peixoto RM. High prevalence of pathogenic Eimeria spp. and the main risk factors associated with infection in goats from a semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil. Trop Anim Health Prod 2023; 55:367. [PMID: 37864598 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-023-03784-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to analyze the epidemiology of infections caused by Eimeria spp. in goats bred in an extensive production system in Northeast Brazil. To this end, an epidemiological survey was performed, wherein 350 fecal samples were collected from goats ranging from 3 months to 8 years old across 30 farms. The number of oocysts per gram of feces (OPG) was counted using the Mini-FLOTAC method. Species were identified based on their morphological and morphometric characteristics. Frequencies between animal categories were assessed using the chi-square test and known risk factors after multivariate analysis. Eimeria oocysts were found in 99.4% (346/348) of samples and 100% (30/30) of the farms. The OPG was influenced by the age of the animals; therefore, young goats (up to 6 months old) eliminated more oocysts (2302.6 + 5454.8) than adult goats (881.7 + 1551.5). Three pathogenic species were identified, with two demonstrating a high prevalence: Eimeria arloingi (88.83%) and Eimeria christenseni (44.7%), in addition to Eimeria caprina (3.72%). In the study, the habit of ground feeding and the use of cisterns as water sources were identified as risk factors, with odds ratios of 4.04 and 9.82, respectively. However, cleaning facilities at shorter intervals was a protective factor (OR = 0.19). We concluded that there was a high prevalence of Eimeria infection in goats bred in extensive production systems, even those in semiarid regions. This high prevalence can be attributed to the congregation of animals in shaded areas and the substantial accumulation of fecal matter at night.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Carvalho Junior
- Agricultural Defense Agency of the State of Pernambuco, Petrolina, Pernambuco, 56306-260, Brazil
| | - L C Alves
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - M C Horta
- Center of Agrarian Sciences, Federal University of the San Francisco Valley, Petrolina, Pernambuco, 56300-000, Brazil
| | - R M Peixoto
- Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of the Sertão de Pernambuco, Petrolina, Pernambuco, 56302-970, Brazil.
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2
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Esteves DM, Rodrigues AL, Alves LC, Alves E, Dias MI, Jia Z, Mu W, Lorenz K, Peres M. Probing the Cr 3+ luminescence sensitization in β-Ga 2O 3 with ion-beam-induced luminescence and thermoluminescence. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4882. [PMID: 36966173 PMCID: PMC10039926 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31824-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Ion-beam-induced luminescence (IBIL) measurements were performed in Cr-doped β-Ga2O3 using both protons and helium ions, showing a strong enhancement of the Cr3+ luminescence upon ion irradiation. Theoretical modelling of the IBIL intensity curves as a function of the fluence allowed estimating the effective cross-sections associated with the defect-induced IBIL enhancement and quenching processes. The results suggest that sensitizing the Cr3+ luminescence is more efficient for H+ than for He+ irradiation. Thermoluminescence (TL) studies were performed in the pristine sample, with no TL signal being observed in the spectral region corresponding to the Cr3+ emission. In agreement with the IBIL study, upon ion irradiation (with either protons or helium ions), this TL emission is activated. Moreover, it can be quenched by annealing at 923 K for 10 s, thus revealing the role played by the defects induced by the irradiation. These results show that the irradiation-induced defects play a major role in the activation of the Cr3+ luminescence, a fact that can be exploited for radiation sensing and dosimetry.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Esteves
- INESC MN, Rua Alves Redol 9, 1000-029, Lisbon, Portugal.
- IPFN, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - A L Rodrigues
- C2TN, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Estrada Nacional 10, km 139.7, 2695-066, Bobadela, Portugal
| | - L C Alves
- C2TN, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Estrada Nacional 10, km 139.7, 2695-066, Bobadela, Portugal
- DECN, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Estrada Nacional 10, km 139.7, 2695-066, Bobadela, Portugal
| | - E Alves
- IPFN, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
- DECN, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Estrada Nacional 10, km 139.7, 2695-066, Bobadela, Portugal
| | - M I Dias
- C2TN, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Estrada Nacional 10, km 139.7, 2695-066, Bobadela, Portugal
- DECN, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Estrada Nacional 10, km 139.7, 2695-066, Bobadela, Portugal
| | - Z Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Shandanan Street 27, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - W Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Shandanan Street 27, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - K Lorenz
- INESC MN, Rua Alves Redol 9, 1000-029, Lisbon, Portugal
- IPFN, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
- DECN, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Estrada Nacional 10, km 139.7, 2695-066, Bobadela, Portugal
| | - M Peres
- INESC MN, Rua Alves Redol 9, 1000-029, Lisbon, Portugal
- IPFN, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
- DECN, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Estrada Nacional 10, km 139.7, 2695-066, Bobadela, Portugal
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Trajman A, Felker I, Alves LC, Coutinho I, Osman M, Meehan SA, Singh UB, Schwartz Y. The COVID-19 and TB syndemic: the way forward. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2022; 26:710-719. [PMID: 35898126 PMCID: PMC9341497 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.22.0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Together, SARS-CoV-2 and M. tuberculosis have killed approximately 5.7 million people worldwide over the past 2 years. The COVID-19 pandemic, and the non-pharmaceutical interventions to mitigate COVID-19 transmission (including social distancing regulations, partial lockdowns and quarantines), have disrupted healthcare services and led to a reallocation of resources to COVID-19 care. There has also been a tragic loss of healthcare workers who succumbed to the disease. This has had consequences for TB services, and the fear of contracting COVID-19 may also have contributed to reduced access to TB services. Altogether, this is projected to have resulted in a 5-year setback in terms of mortality from TB and a 9-year setback in terms of TB detection. In addition, past and present TB disease has been reported to increase both COVID-19 fatality and incidence. Similarly, COVID-19 may adversely affect TB outcomes. From a more positive perspective, the pandemic has also created opportunities to improve TB care. In this review, we highlight similarities and differences between these two infectious diseases, describe gaps in our knowledge and discuss solutions and priorities for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Trajman
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil, Montreal Chest Institute & McGill International TB Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - I Felker
- WHO Collaborating Centre, Novosibirsk Tuberculosis Research Institute, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | - L C Alves
- Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, BA
| | - I Coutinho
- Instituto de Medicina Social, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - M Osman
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa, School of Human Sciences, Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences, University of Greenwich, London, UK
| | - S-A Meehan
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - U B Singh
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Y Schwartz
- WHO Collaborating Centre, Novosibirsk Tuberculosis Research Institute, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
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de Brito OFF, Sandes JM, de Lima FCG, Oliveira JB, Alves LC, Brayner FA, de Melo Monteiro GQ. The Influence of Cement Removal Techniques on In Situ Bacterial Adhesion and Biodegradation at the Marginal Interface of Ceramic Laminates. Oper Dent 2022; 47:190-201. [DOI: 10.2341/20-269-l] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARY
Objectives
This in situ study aimed to analyze the influence of different resin cement removal techniques on bacterial adhesion and biodegradation at the marginal interface of ceramic laminates.
Methods and Materials
Eighty feldspathic ceramic (F) blocks were prepared and cemented onto bovine enamel slabs (7×2.5×2 mm). Excess cement was removed using a microbrush (MBR), a scalpel blade (SCP), or a Teflon spatula (TSP). For the biodegradation analysis, 40 disc-shaped resin cement specimens were prepared (7×1.5 mm) using a Teflon mold. The specimens were randomly allocated into two groups: (1) No finishing procedure (only Mylar strip), and (2) with finishing and polishing procedures using the Jiffy system (Ultradent, South Jordan, UT, USA) (n=20). The in situ phase consisted of using an intraoral palatal device by 20 volunteers for 7 days. Each device contained five cylindrical wells (8×3 mm), where three dental blocks and two cement specimens were included in the wells. Surface roughness (Ra) was measured using a contact profilometer. A micromorphological analysis was performed under a stereomicroscope and a scanning electron microscope. Bacterial adhesion was quantitated based on the number of colony-forming units (CFU/mL) and their biofilm development potential.
Results
The cement removal techniques directly affected surface roughness at the marginal interface (p<0.001), and the SCP technique produced higher mean roughness, regardless of the surface area analyzed. Surface polishing protected cement specimens from further biodegradation (p=0.148). There were no differences in CFU counts between the groups after the in situ phase (p=0.96). All specimens showed CFU with a strong ability to develop a biofilm.
Conclusions
The techniques used for cement removal increased the surface roughness of ceramic laminates, particularly SCP, but they did not affect bacterial adhesion at the marginal interface. Surface polishing of the resin cement is recommended to mitigate biodegradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- OFF de Brito
- *Oscar Felipe Fonseca de Brito, DDS, MSc, PhD, Dental School, University of Pernambuco, FOP/UPE, Brazil
| | - JM Sandes
- Jana Messias Sandes, BSc, MSc, PhD, Electronic Microscopy, Laboratory of Immunopathology Keizo Asami, Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - FCG de Lima
- Fernanda Cristina Gomes de Lima, BSc, MSc, PhD, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Parasitology, Institute Aggeu Magalhães – Fiocruz, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - JB Oliveira
- Jorge Belém Oliveira Júnior, BSc, MSc, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Parasitology, Institute Aggeu Magalhães - Fiocruz, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - LC Alves
- Luiz Carlos Alves, Biol, MSc, PhD, Electronic Microscopy, Laboratory of Immunopathology Keizo Asami, Federal University of Pernambuco and Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Parasitology, Institute Aggeu Magalhães - Fiocruz, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - FA Brayner
- Fábio André Brayner, Biol, MSc, PhD, Electronic Microscopy, Laboratory of Immunopathology Keizo Asami, Federal University of Pernambuco and Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Parasitology, Institute Aggeu Magalhães - Fiocruz, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - GQ de Melo Monteiro
- Gabriela Queiroz de Melo Monteiro, DDS, MSc, PhD, Dental School, University of Pernambuco, FOP/UPE, Brazil
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Varão AM, Silva JDS, Amaral LO, Aleixo LLP, Onduras A, Santos CS, Silva LPD, Ribeiro DE, Filho JLL, Bornhorst J, Stiboller M, Schwerdtle T, Alves LC, Soares FAA, Gubert P. Toxic effects of thallium acetate by acute exposure to the nematode C. elegans. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2021; 68:126848. [PMID: 34479099 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2021.126848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thallium (Tl) is a toxic metalloid and an emerging pollutant due to electronic devices and dispersal nearby base-metal mining. Therefore, Tl poses a threat to human health and especially the long-term impact on younger individuals exposed is still unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the toxic effects of thallium acetate in C. elegans in early larval stages, considering physiological and behavioral endpoints, as well as the Tl absorption and bioaccumulation. METHODS Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) was exposed to Thallium acetate (50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 500, and 1000 μM) in the L1 larval stage, with the purpose to observe the toxic effects invoked until adulthood. Transgenic worms strains were transported GFP, reporters to DAF-16 and were used to verify the antioxidant response. ICP-MS quantified total Tl+ concentration to evidence Tl uptake and bioaccumulation. RESULTS Thallium acetate caused a significant reduction in the number of living worms (p < 0.0001 in 100-1000 μM), a delay in larval development (p < 0.01; p < 0.001 and p < 0.0001 in 100-1000 μM) through the larval stages, and egg production in the worm's uterus was reduced. Thallium acetate also induced behavioral changes. Additionally, thallium acetate activated antioxidant pathway responses in C. elegans by translocating the DAF-16 transcription factor and activation of SOD-3::GFP expression. The Tl+ quantification in worms showed its absorption in the L1 larval stage and bioaccumulation in the body after development. CONCLUSIONS Thallium acetate reduced survival, delayed development, caused behavioral changes, induced responses inherent to oxidative stress, and serious damage to the worm's reproduction. In addition, C. elegans absorbed and bioaccumulated Tl+. Together, our results highlight the impacts of Tl+ exposure in the early stages of life, even for a short period.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Varão
- MS(4)Life Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry, Health Sciences Postgraduate Program, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, 12916-900, Brazil; Graduate Program in Pure and Applied Chemistry, Federal University of Western Bahia, Rua Bertioga, 892, Morada Nobre II, CEP 47810-059, Barreiras, Bahia, Brazil
| | - J D S Silva
- Graduate Program in Pure and Applied Chemistry, Federal University of Western Bahia, Rua Bertioga, 892, Morada Nobre II, CEP 47810-059, Barreiras, Bahia, Brazil
| | - L O Amaral
- Graduate Program in Pure and Applied Chemistry, Federal University of Western Bahia, Rua Bertioga, 892, Morada Nobre II, CEP 47810-059, Barreiras, Bahia, Brazil
| | - L L P Aleixo
- Immunopathology Laboratory Keizo Asami. The Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - A Onduras
- Immunopathology Laboratory Keizo Asami. The Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - C S Santos
- Immunopathology Laboratory Keizo Asami. The Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - L P D Silva
- Immunopathology Laboratory Keizo Asami. The Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - D E Ribeiro
- Immunopathology Laboratory Keizo Asami. The Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - J L L Filho
- Immunopathology Laboratory Keizo Asami. The Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - J Bornhorst
- Food Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - M Stiboller
- Department of Food Chemistry, Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 114-116, 14558, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - T Schwerdtle
- Department of Food Chemistry, Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 114-116, 14558, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - L C Alves
- Immunopathology Laboratory Keizo Asami. The Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil; Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Department of Parasitology, Brazil
| | - F A A Soares
- Federal University of Santa Maria, Center for Natural and Exact Sciences, Department of Chemistry, 97105900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - P Gubert
- Graduate Program in Pure and Applied Chemistry, Federal University of Western Bahia, Rua Bertioga, 892, Morada Nobre II, CEP 47810-059, Barreiras, Bahia, Brazil; Immunopathology Laboratory Keizo Asami. The Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
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6
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Ferreira JRS, Silva KM, de Almeida MSG, Gomes DCS, Cavalcanti MGS, Ferreira-Júnior GC, Alves LC, Brayner FA, Matos-Rocha TJ. American visceral leishmaniasis in a state of northeastern Brazil: clinical, epidemiological and laboratory aspects. BRAZ J BIOL 2021; 82:e238383. [PMID: 34105676 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.238383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In Brazil, American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL) has become a public health concern due to its high incidence and lethality. This study aimed to analyze the clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory aspects of AVL in a state of Brazil. This descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective, and quantitative study of notified cases of AVL was carried out in Alagoas between 2008 and 2017 from data obtained from DATASUS/SINAN. Sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory variables were analyzed. A descriptive analysis was performed using absolute values and valid percentages, using tables and/or graphs. Data processing was performed using Stata 12.0®. Results with P <0.05 were considered statistically significant. During the study period, 352 cases of AVL were reported, of which 6.82% died and 38.92% had met a cure criterion. Male patients were predominant (66.76%). Of the total infected patients, 16.76% had attended only the 1st to the 4th grades, with those most affected aged 1 to 4 years (28.69%). Laboratory diagnostic criteria were most commonly used to confirm the notified cases (76.42%), whereas 51.70% and 8.52% of the cases had positive parasitological and immunofluorescence diagnoses, respectively. Finally, the study showed a higher prevalence of the disease in children, men and in rural residents. Although with low lethality, the expressive frequency of AVL in the State of Alagoas was still verified, since there was an increase in the number of cases during the years of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R S Ferreira
- Universidade Estadual de Ciências da Saúde de Alagoas, Maceió, AL, Brasil
| | - K M Silva
- Universidade Estadual de Ciências da Saúde de Alagoas, Maceió, AL, Brasil
| | - M S G de Almeida
- Universidade Estadual de Ciências da Saúde de Alagoas, Maceió, AL, Brasil
| | - D C S Gomes
- Centro Universitário Cesmac, Maceió, AL, Brasil
| | | | - G C Ferreira-Júnior
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Acre - IFAC, Xapuri, AC, Brasil
| | - L C Alves
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - F A Brayner
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - T J Matos-Rocha
- Universidade Estadual de Ciências da Saúde de Alagoas, Maceió, AL, Brasil.,Centro Universitário Cesmac, Maceió, AL, Brasil
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7
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Cringoli G, Pepe P, Bosco A, Maurelli MP, Baldi L, Ciaramella P, Musella V, Buonanno ML, Capuano F, Corrado F, Ianniello D, Alves LC, Sarnelli P, Rinaldi L. An integrated approach to control Cystic Echinococcosis in southern Italy. Vet Parasitol 2021; 290:109347. [PMID: 33444910 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a severe zoonosis, caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. This helminth infection is of increasing public health and socio-economic concern due to the considerable morbidity rates that cause economic losses both in the public health sector and in the livestock industry. Control programmes against E. granulosus are considered long-term actions which require an integrated approach and high expenditure of time and financial resources. Since 2010, an integrated approach to control CE has been implemented in a highly endemic area of continental southern Italy (Campania region). Innovative procedures and tools have been developed and exploited during the control programme based on the following strategies: i) active and passive surveillance in livestock (using geospatial tools for georeferencing), ii) diagnosis in dogs (using the FLOTAC techniques and molecular analysis), iii) targeted treatment of farm dogs (using purpose-built confinement cages), iv) early diagnosis in livestock (by ultrasonography), v) surveillance in humans (through hospital discharge records analysis), vi) monitoring the food chain (analysing raw vegetables), vii) outreach activities to the general public (through dissemination material, e.g. brochures, gadgets, videos, virtual reality). Over eight years, the integrated approach and the new strategies developed have resulted in a noteworthy reduction of the parasite infection rates in livestock (e.g. up to 30 % in sheep). The results obtained so far highlight that using a one health multidisciplinary and multi-institution effort is of pivotal importance in preparing CE control programmes at regional level and could be extended to other endemic Mediterranean areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Centro Regionale per il Monitoraggio delle Parassitosi (CREMOPAR), Regione Campania, Eboli, SA, Italy; Centro di Riferimento Regionale per le Malattie degli Animali Domestici (CReSan), Regione Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - P Pepe
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Centro Regionale per il Monitoraggio delle Parassitosi (CREMOPAR), Regione Campania, Eboli, SA, Italy
| | - A Bosco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Centro Regionale per il Monitoraggio delle Parassitosi (CREMOPAR), Regione Campania, Eboli, SA, Italy
| | - M P Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Centro Regionale per il Monitoraggio delle Parassitosi (CREMOPAR), Regione Campania, Eboli, SA, Italy
| | - L Baldi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - P Ciaramella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - V Musella
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - M L Buonanno
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - F Capuano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - F Corrado
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - D Ianniello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Centro Regionale per il Monitoraggio delle Parassitosi (CREMOPAR), Regione Campania, Eboli, SA, Italy
| | - L C Alves
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - P Sarnelli
- Centro Regionale per il Monitoraggio delle Parassitosi (CREMOPAR), Regione Campania, Eboli, SA, Italy; UOD Prevenzione e Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria Regione Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - L Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Centro Regionale per il Monitoraggio delle Parassitosi (CREMOPAR), Regione Campania, Eboli, SA, Italy; Centro di Riferimento Regionale per le Malattie degli Animali Domestici (CReSan), Regione Campania, Naples, Italy.
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8
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Silva PM, Silva JNO, Silva BR, Ferreira GRS, Gaião WDC, Recio MV, Gonçalves GGA, Rodrigues CG, Medeiros PL, Brayner FA, Alves LC, Larsen MH, Ingmer H, Napoleão TH, Paiva PMG. Antibacterial effects of the lectin from pomegranate sarcotesta (PgTeL) against Listeria monocytogenes. J Appl Microbiol 2021; 131:671-681. [PMID: 33342053 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the effects of the lectin from Punica granatum sarcotesta (PgTeL) on growth, viability, cell structure, biofilm formation and chitinase activity of Listeria monocytogenes. In addition, the effect of PgTeL on the adhesion and invasion of human cells (HeLa) was determined. METHODS AND RESULTS PgTeL showed bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects on the strains L. monocytogenes N53-1 and EGD-e, causing morphometric alterations, cell aggregation, strong deformation and cell disruption. PgTeL inhibited biofilm formation by EGD-e and N53-1 and also interfered with the adhesion and invasion processes of EGD-e and N53-1 in HeLa cells. Finally, the chitinase activity of L. monocytogenes EGD-e was reduced in the presence of PgTeL, which can be involved in the inhibition of adhesion process. CONCLUSION PgTeL is an antibacterial agent against L. monocytogenes, inhibiting growth and promoting cell death, as well as impairing biofilm formation and bacterial adhesion and invasion into human cells. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The results stimulate future investigations on the potential of PgTeL for protection of contamination in food products.
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Affiliation(s)
- P M Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - J N O Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - B R Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - G R S Ferreira
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - W D C Gaião
- Departamento de Biofísica e Radiobiologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - M V Recio
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - G G A Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil.,Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife, Brazil
| | - C G Rodrigues
- Departamento de Biofísica e Radiobiologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - P L Medeiros
- Departamento de Histologia e Embriologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - F A Brayner
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil.,Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife, Brazil
| | - L C Alves
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil.,Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife, Brazil
| | - M H Larsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - H Ingmer
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - T H Napoleão
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - P M G Paiva
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
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9
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Cardoso Alves L, Corazza N, Micheau O, Krebs P. The multifaceted role of TRAIL signaling in cancer and immunity. FEBS J 2020; 288:5530-5554. [PMID: 33215853 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a member of the TNF superfamily that can lead to the induction of apoptosis in tumor or infected cells. However, activation of TRAIL signaling may also trigger nonapoptotic pathways in cancer and in nontransformed cells, that is, immune cells. Here, we review the current knowledge on noncanonical TRAIL signaling. The biological outcomes of TRAIL signaling in immune and malignant cells are presented and explained, with a focus on the role of TRAIL for natural killer (NK) cell function. Furthermore, we highlight the technical difficulties in dissecting the precise molecular mechanisms involved in the switch between apoptotic and nonapoptotic TRAIL signaling. Finally, we discuss the consequences thereof for a therapeutic manipulation of TRAIL in cancer and possible approaches to bypass these difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nadia Corazza
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Micheau
- INSERM, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, LNC UMR1231, Dijon, France
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10
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Cardoso Alves L, Berger MD, Koutsandreas T, Kirschke N, Lauer C, Spörri R, Chatziioannou A, Corazza N, Krebs P. Non-apoptotic TRAIL function modulates NK cell activity during viral infection. EMBO Rep 2020; 21:e48789. [PMID: 31742873 PMCID: PMC6945065 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201948789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of death receptor signaling for pathogen control and infection-associated pathogenesis is multifaceted and controversial. Here, we show that during viral infection, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) modulates NK cell activity independently of its pro-apoptotic function. In mice infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), Trail deficiency led to improved specific CD8+ T-cell responses, resulting in faster pathogen clearance and reduced liver pathology. Depletion experiments indicated that this effect was mediated by NK cells. Mechanistically, TRAIL expressed by immune cells positively and dose-dependently modulates IL-15 signaling-induced granzyme B production in NK cells, leading to enhanced NK cell-mediated T cell killing. TRAIL also regulates the signaling downstream of IL-15 receptor in human NK cells. In addition, TRAIL restricts NK1.1-triggered IFNγ production by NK cells. Our study reveals a hitherto unappreciated immunoregulatory role of TRAIL signaling on NK cells for the granzyme B-dependent elimination of antiviral T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludmila Cardoso Alves
- Institute of PathologyUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical SciencesUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
| | | | - Thodoris Koutsandreas
- Institute of Biology, Medicinal Chemistry & BiotechnologyNHRFAthensGreece
- e‐NIOS PCKallithea‐AthensGreece
| | - Nick Kirschke
- Institute of PathologyUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
| | | | - Roman Spörri
- Institute of MicrobiologyETH ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Aristotelis Chatziioannou
- Institute of Biology, Medicinal Chemistry & BiotechnologyNHRFAthensGreece
- e‐NIOS PCKallithea‐AthensGreece
| | - Nadia Corazza
- Institute of PathologyUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
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11
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Matos-Rocha TJ, Cavalcanti MGS, Veras DL, Santos AF, Freitas CFD, Suassuna ASCL, Melo ESD, Barbosa-Filho JM, Alves LC, Santos FABD. In vivo effect of essential oil of Mentha x villosa and its active compound against Schistosoma mansoni (Sambon, 1907). BRAZ J BIOL 2019; 80:582-588. [PMID: 31691742 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.216607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis treatment is dependent on a single drug, praziquantel (PZQ). The development of resistance of PZQ has drawn the attention of many researchers to alternative drugs. One viable and promising treatment is the study of medicinal plants as a new approach to the experimental treatment for Schistosomiasis. The present work aimed to evaluate in vivo antischistosomal activity of effect of Mentha x villosa Oil Essential (Mv-EO) and rotundifolone (ROT) against Schistosoma mansoni. Thirty-day-old female Swiss webster mice (Mus musculus) weighing 50 grams were used. Mice were infected with 80 cercariae of S. mansoni (BH strain) and orally administered Mv-EO (50, 100 and 200 mg/Kg) and ROT (35.9, 70.9 and 141.9 mg/Kg) at 45-days post infection for 5 consecutive days. All mice were euthanized 60 days after infection. Praziquantel was the positive control in the experiment. Doses of 200 mg/kg (Mv-EO) and ROT (141.9 mg/Kg) resulted in a significant reduction in fluke burden (72.44% and 74.48%, respectively). There was also marked reduction in liver, intestinal and faecal and changed oogram pattern, compared to infected untreated mice. Considering the results obtained, further biological studies are required in order to elucidate the mechanism of schistosomicidal action on against adult S. mansoni.
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Affiliation(s)
- T J Matos-Rocha
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - M G S Cavalcanti
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - D L Veras
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - A F Santos
- Centro Universitário CESMAC, Programa de Pós-graduação em Análise de Sistemas Ambientais, Maceió, AL, Brasil
| | - C F de Freitas
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | | | - E S de Melo
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | | | - L C Alves
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - F A Brayner Dos Santos
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife, PE, Brasil
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12
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Matos-Rocha TJ, Lima MCAD, Veras DL, Santos AF, Silva AL, Almeida Júnior ASA, Pitta-Galdino MR, Pitta IR, Pitta MGR, Alves LC, Brayner FA. In vivo study of schistosomicidal action of (Z)-1-(2-chloro-6-fluoro-benzyl)-5-thioxo-4-(2,4,6-trimethoxy-benzylidene)-imidazolidin-2-one. BRAZ J BIOL 2019; 80:187-189. [PMID: 31166369 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.190062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- T J Matos-Rocha
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Molecular, Departamento de Parasitologia, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Recife, PE, Brasil.,Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco - UFPE, Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil
| | - M C Alves de Lima
- Laboratório de Planejamento e Síntese de Fármacos, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - D L Veras
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Molecular, Departamento de Parasitologia, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - A F Santos
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Molecular, Departamento de Parasitologia, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - A L Silva
- Laboratório de Planejamento e Síntese de Fármacos, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - A S A Almeida Júnior
- Laboratório de Planejamento e Síntese de Fármacos, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - M R Pitta-Galdino
- Laboratório de Imunomodulação e Novas Abordagens Terapêuticas, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Inovação Terapêutica Suely Galdino, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - I R Pitta
- Laboratório de Imunomodulação e Novas Abordagens Terapêuticas, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Inovação Terapêutica Suely Galdino, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - M G R Pitta
- Laboratório de Imunomodulação e Novas Abordagens Terapêuticas, Núcleo de Pesquisa em Inovação Terapêutica Suely Galdino, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - L C Alves
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Molecular, Departamento de Parasitologia, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - F A Brayner
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Molecular, Departamento de Parasitologia, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Recife, PE, Brasil
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13
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Silva JL, Oliveira VVG, Silva LAMT, E Silva RP, Alves LC, Cavalcanti MP, Júnior VAS. Evaluation of Serum Biochemical Parameters, Structural Changes, Immunohistochemistry and Parasite Load in the Urinary System of Dogs Infected Naturally by Leishmania infantum. J Comp Pathol 2019; 167:26-31. [PMID: 30898294 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2018.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the histopathological changes in the urinary system and their correlation with serum biochemical parameters, parasite load and immunodetection of amastigotes in 30 dogs infected naturally by Leishmania infantum. The major histological changes were glomerulonephritis and interstitial nephritis. Serum biochemistry demonstrated that the dogs had progressive loss of renal function. L. infantum amastigotes were detected immunohistochemically in all parts of the urinary system, except the ureters. There was a correlation between parasite load, severity of histopathological changes and immunodetection of the parasites, but parasite load was not correlated with the serum biochemical parameters evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Silva
- Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros s/n, Dois Irmãos, Recife
| | - V V G Oliveira
- Centro Acadêmico de Vitória, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Rua Alto do Reservatório s/n, Bela Vista, Vitória de Santo Antão.
| | - L A M T Silva
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz) - Pernambuco, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Campus da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Cidade Universitária, Av. Moraes Rego, s/n, Recife
| | - R P E Silva
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz) - Pernambuco, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Campus da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Cidade Universitária, Av. Moraes Rego, s/n, Recife
| | - L C Alves
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros s/n, Dois Irmãos, Recife, Brazil
| | - M P Cavalcanti
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz) - Pernambuco, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Campus da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Cidade Universitária, Av. Moraes Rego, s/n, Recife
| | - V A Silva Júnior
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros s/n, Dois Irmãos, Recife, Brazil.
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14
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Vasco MS, Alves LC, Corregidor V, Correia D, Godinho CP, Sá-Correia I, Bettiol A, Watt F, Pinheiro T. 3D map distribution of metallic nanoparticles in whole cells using MeV ion microscopy. J Microsc 2017; 267:227-236. [PMID: 28394445 DOI: 10.1111/jmi.12561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In this work, a new tool was developed, the MORIA program that readily translates Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) output data into visual information, creating a display of the distribution of elements in a true three-dimensional (3D) environment. The program methodology is illustrated with the analysis of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells, exposed to copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NP) and HeLa cells in the presence of gold nanoparticles (Au-NP), using different beam species, energies and nuclear microscopy systems. Results demonstrate that for both cell types, the NP internalization can be clearly perceived. The 3D models of the distribution of CuO-NP in S. cerevisiae cells indicate the nonuniform distribution of NP in the cellular environment and a relevant confinement of CuO-NP to the cell wall. This suggests the impenetrability of certain cellular organelles or compartments for NP. By contrast, using a high-resolution ion beam system, discretized agglomerates of Au-NP were visualized inside the HeLa cell. This is consistent with the mechanism of entry of these NPs in the cellular space by endocytosis enclosed in endosomal vesicles. This approach shows RBS to be a powerful imaging technique assigning to nuclear microscopy unparalleled potential to assess nanoparticle distribution inside the cellular volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Vasco
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - L C Alves
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares (C2TN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - V Corregidor
- Instituto de Plasmas e Fusão Nuclear (IPFN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - D Correia
- Instituto de Bioengenharia e Biociencias (IBB), Departamento de Bioengenharia, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - C P Godinho
- Instituto de Bioengenharia e Biociencias (IBB), Departamento de Bioengenharia, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - I Sá-Correia
- Instituto de Bioengenharia e Biociencias (IBB), Departamento de Bioengenharia, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - A Bettiol
- Centre for Ion Beam Applications, Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - F Watt
- Centre for Ion Beam Applications, Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - T Pinheiro
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,Instituto de Bioengenharia e Biociências (IBB), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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15
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Khosravi R, Sendi JJ, Brayner FA, Alves LC, Feitosa APS. Hemocytes of the Rose Sawfly Arge ochropus (Gmelin) (Hymenoptera: Argidae). Neotrop Entomol 2016; 45:58-65. [PMID: 26429582 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-015-0339-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
We characterized individual morphological types of the rose sawfly, Arge ochropus (Gmelin) (Hymenoptera: Argidae), hemocytes for the first time by means of light and differential interference contrast microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Four types of hemocytes were identified in the hemolymph of larvae and pupae of A. ochropus: prohemocytes, plasmatocytes, granulocytes, and oenocytoids. Prohemocytes are the smallest type of hemocytes, rounded to ovoid cells with large nuclei. Plasmatocytes are polymorphic and variable in size. Granulocytes are oval and spherical cells variable in size, with variable number of rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and microtubules in the cytoplasm. Oenocytoids contain eccentric nucleus and cytoplasm with small mitochondria and few rough endoplasmic reticula. Differential hemocyte counts indicated that plasmatocytes are the most abundant hemocyte type during early instars while granulocytes are the most abundant hemocyte type in the last instar. The pattern of total hemocyte count changed during rose sawfly development and reached its peak in prepupae and then declined slowly in the pupal stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Khosravi
- Dept of Plant Protection, Fac of Agriculture, Univ of Guilan, Rasht,, 41635-1314, Iran
| | - J J Sendi
- Dept of Plant Protection, Fac of Agriculture, Univ of Guilan, Rasht,, 41635-1314, Iran.
| | - F A Brayner
- Centro de Pesquisa Aggeu Magalhães (CPqAM-FIOCRUZ), Lab de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami (LIKA-UFPE), Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - L C Alves
- Centro de Pesquisa Aggeu Magalhães (CPqAM-FIOCRUZ), Lab de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami (LIKA-UFPE), Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - A P S Feitosa
- Centro de Pesquisa Aggeu Magalhães (CPqAM-FIOCRUZ), Lab de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami (LIKA-UFPE), Recife, PE, Brasil
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16
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Feitosa APS, Alves LC, Chaves MM, Veras DL, Silva EM, Aliança ASS, França IRS, Gonçalves GGA, Lima-Filho JL, Brayner FA. Hemocytes of Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Acari: Ixodidae): Characterization, Population Abundance, and Ultrastructural Changes Following Challenge with Leishmania infantum. J Med Entomol 2015; 52:1193-1202. [PMID: 26336264 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjv125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Few studies have examined the cellular immune response of ticks, and further research on the characterization of the hemocytes of ticks is required, particularly on those of Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille) because of the medical and veterinary importance of this tick. The aims of this study were to characterize the morphology and the ultrastructure of the different types of hemocytes of adult R. sanguineus and to determine the population abundance and the ultrastructural changes in the hemocytes of ticks infected with Leishmania infantum. The hemocytes were characterized through light and transmission electron microscopy. Within the variability of circulating cells in the hemolymph of adult R. sanguineus, five cell types were identified, which were the prohemocytes, plasmatocytes, granulocytes, spherulocytes, and adipohemocytes. The prohemocytes were the smallest cells found in the hemolymph. The plasmatocytes had polymorphic morphology with vesicles and cytoplasmic projections. The granulocytes had an elliptical shape with the cytoplasm filled with granules of different sizes and electrodensities. The spherulocytes were characterized by several spherules of uniform shapes and sizes that filled the entire cytoplasm, whereas the adipohemocytes had an irregular shape with multiple lipid inclusions that occupied almost the entire cytoplasmic space. The total counts of the hemocyte population increased in the group that was infected with L. infantum. Among the different cell types, the numbers increased and the ultrastructural changes occurred in the granulocytes and the plasmatocytes in the infected group of ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P S Feitosa
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Parasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Center (FIOCRUZ), Av. Professor Moraes Rego, s/n - Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil, - CEP:50.740-465. Keizo Asami Immunopathology Laboratory (LIKA), Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil - CEP: 50670-901. Post Graduate Program in Tropical Medicine (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil - CEP: 50670-901.
| | - L C Alves
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Parasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Center (FIOCRUZ), Av. Professor Moraes Rego, s/n - Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil, - CEP:50.740-465. Keizo Asami Immunopathology Laboratory (LIKA), Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil - CEP: 50670-901. Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), University of Pernambuco, Rua Arnóbio Marques, 310 - Santo Amaro - Recife-PE, Brazil -CEP 50.100-130
| | - M M Chaves
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Parasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Center (FIOCRUZ), Av. Professor Moraes Rego, s/n - Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil, - CEP:50.740-465
| | - D L Veras
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Parasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Center (FIOCRUZ), Av. Professor Moraes Rego, s/n - Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil, - CEP:50.740-465. Keizo Asami Immunopathology Laboratory (LIKA), Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil - CEP: 50670-901
| | - E M Silva
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Parasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Center (FIOCRUZ), Av. Professor Moraes Rego, s/n - Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil, - CEP:50.740-465. Keizo Asami Immunopathology Laboratory (LIKA), Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil - CEP: 50670-901
| | - A S S Aliança
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Parasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Center (FIOCRUZ), Av. Professor Moraes Rego, s/n - Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil, - CEP:50.740-465. Keizo Asami Immunopathology Laboratory (LIKA), Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil - CEP: 50670-901. Post Graduate Program in Tropical Medicine (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil - CEP: 50670-901
| | - I R S França
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Parasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Center (FIOCRUZ), Av. Professor Moraes Rego, s/n - Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil, - CEP:50.740-465. Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), University of Pernambuco, Rua Arnóbio Marques, 310 - Santo Amaro - Recife-PE, Brazil -CEP 50.100-130
| | - G G A Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Parasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Center (FIOCRUZ), Av. Professor Moraes Rego, s/n - Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil, - CEP:50.740-465. Keizo Asami Immunopathology Laboratory (LIKA), Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil - CEP: 50670-901
| | - J L Lima-Filho
- Keizo Asami Immunopathology Laboratory (LIKA), Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil - CEP: 50670-901
| | - F A Brayner
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Parasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Research Center (FIOCRUZ), Av. Professor Moraes Rego, s/n - Campus da UFPE, Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil, - CEP:50.740-465. Keizo Asami Immunopathology Laboratory (LIKA), Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil - CEP: 50670-901. Post Graduate Program in Tropical Medicine (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, Recife-PE, Brazil - CEP: 50670-901
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17
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Abadier M, Haghayegh Jahromi N, Cardoso Alves L, Boscacci R, Vestweber D, Barnum S, Deutsch U, Engelhardt B, Lyck R. Cell surface levels of endothelial ICAM-1 influence the transcellular or paracellular T-cell diapedesis across the blood-brain barrier. Eur J Immunol 2015; 45:1043-58. [PMID: 25545837 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201445125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Revised: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The extravasation of CD4(+) effector/memory T cells (TEM cells) across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a crucial step in the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) or multiple sclerosis (MS). Endothelial ICAM-1 and ICAM-2 are essential for CD4(+) TEM cell crawling on the BBB prior to diapedesis. Here, we investigated the influence of cell surface levels of endothelial ICAM-1 in determining the cellular route of CD4(+) TEM -cell diapedesis across cytokine treated primary mouse BBB endothelial cells under physiological flow. Inflammatory conditions, inducing high levels of endothelial ICAM-1, promoted rapid initiation of transcellular diapedesis of CD4(+) T cells across the BBB, while intermediate levels of endothelial ICAM-1 favored paracellular CD4(+) T-cell diapedesis. Importantly, the route of T-cell diapedesis across the BBB was independent of loss of BBB barrier properties. Unexpectedly, a low number of CD4(+) TEM cells was found to cross the inflamed BBB in the absence of endothelial ICAM-1 and ICAM-2 via an obviously alternatively regulated transcellular pathway. In vivo, this translated to the development of ameliorated EAE in ICAM-1(null) //ICAM-2(-/-) C57BL/6J mice. Taken together, our study demonstrates that cell surface levels of endothelial ICAM-1 rather than the inflammatory stimulus or BBB integrity influence the pathway of T-cell diapedesis across the BBB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Abadier
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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18
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Araújo R, Castanhinha R, Martins RMS, Mateus O, Hendrickx C, Beckmann F, Schell N, Alves LC. Filling the gaps of dinosaur eggshell phylogeny: Late Jurassic Theropod clutch with embryos from Portugal. Sci Rep 2014; 3:1924. [PMID: 23722524 PMCID: PMC3667465 DOI: 10.1038/srep01924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2012] [Accepted: 05/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The non-avian saurischians that have associated eggshells and embryos are represented only by the sauropodomorph Massospondylus and Coelurosauria (derived theropods), thus missing the basal theropod representatives. We report a dinosaur clutch containing several crushed eggs and embryonic material ascribed to the megalosaurid theropod Torvosaurus. It represents the first associated eggshells and embryos of megalosauroids, thus filling an important phylogenetic gap between two distantly related groups of saurischians. These fossils represent the only unequivocal basal theropod embryos found to date. The assemblage was found in early Tithonian fluvial overbank deposits of the Lourinhã Formation in West Portugal. The morphological, microstructural and chemical characterization results of the eggshell fragments indicate very mild diagenesis. Furthermore, these fossils allow unambiguous association of basal theropod osteology with a specific and unique new eggshell morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Araújo
- Huffington Department of Earth Sciences, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75275-0395, USA.
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19
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Silva TM, Melo ES, Lopes ACS, Veras DL, Duarte CR, Alves LC, Brayner FA. Characterization of the bacterial microbiota of Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818) (Mollusca: Gastropoda) from Brazil. Lett Appl Microbiol 2013; 57:19-25. [PMID: 23488866 DOI: 10.1111/lam.12068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2012] [Revised: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 03/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Roughly 200 000 000 people in 74 countries infected with schistosomes all share the fact that they came in contact freshwater harbouring infected snails. The aim of the study is to characterize the microbiota of wild and laboratory-reared snails of Biomphalaria glabrata from Pernambuco, Brazil. The microbiota of these molluscs was identified biochemically by the VITEK 2 automated microbiological system. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out by the disc diffusion method with ß-lactam antibiotics, aminoglycosides, quinolones, folate pathway inhibitors, fenicols and tetracyclines. The results showed that all bacteria identified were gram-negative, including 11 bacterial genera: Aeromonas, Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Cupriavidus, Rhizobium, Stenotrophomonas, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Acinetobacter, Vibrio and Sphingomonas. Regarding the antimicrobial susceptibility, all the isolates exhibited resistance to amoxicillin and sensitivity to meropenem (beta-lactam antimicrobials). The microbiota of the wild snails consisted predominantly of Enterobacter cloacae, while the laboratory-reared snails predominantly showed Citrobacter freundii and Aeromonas sobria. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Biomphalaria glabrata is a Brazilian freshwater Planorbidae of great medical relevance as an intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni. About a month after being infected by one or more miracidia larvae of a compatible schistosome, B. glabrata sheds thousands of cercariae into the water where they seek human skin and, if successful, penetrate to establish infection, eventually taking up residence and maturing in blood vessels of the small intestine. Results obtained from this study aim at targeting novel biological control strategies for schistosomiasis such as paratransgenesis. This is the first study on the microbiota of B. glabrata from Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Silva
- Department of Parasitology, Research Center Aggeu Magalhães (CPqAM/FIOCRUZ), Recife, PE, Brazil
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20
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Pereira ASA, Cavalcanti NL, Nascimento GAF, Nascimento-Silva JLG, Padilha RJR, Viegas LFW, Alves LC, Lima-Filho JL, Chaves MEC. Morphological and morphometric study of cercariae and adult worms of Schistosoma mansoni (SLM strain) isolated from infected mice. Parasitol Res 2012; 112:1087-96. [PMID: 23263251 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-3235-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2012] [Accepted: 11/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In northeastern Brazil, the schistosomiasis is historically endemic and considered as a public health problem. The Schistosoma mansoni São Lourenço da Mata (SLM-PE, Brazil) strain was used in several paper already published; however, morphological and morphometric studies about this strain was never done. In this work, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used in morphological and morphometric analysis of cercariae and adult worms. Cercariae were obtained from Biomphalaria glabrata snails and adult worms from mice, both infected by the S. mansoni SLM strain, fixed and prepared for SEM. The results showed that cercariae of S. mansoni measures 254.9 μm of length. The bodies are covered by spines, with a ventral sucker, an oral sucker with sensory receivers, and a pair of penetration glands in the head. The area of tail and body and the distance between suckers were 3,011.77, 1,530.32, and 42.9 μm, respectively. Adult worms of S. mansoni were divided into three main regions: the anterior, medial, and posterior, besides the gynecophoral canal in males. The measure of adult worms of S. mansoni was 4 mm males and 5 mm females. The anterior region length of the male was 470 μm and of the female 271 μm. All the parameters were assayed in ten samples. The morphometric values found in the SLM strain were smaller than other S. mansoni strains described in the literature as well as other helminths. This is the first morphological and morphometric study with the SLM strain of S. mansoni being extremely important for improving control strategies and life quality of the local population.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S A Pereira
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami (LIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, s/n, CEP 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
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21
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Cavalcanti MGS, Filho FC, Mendonça AMB, Duarte GR, Barbosa CCGS, De Castro CMMB, Alves LC, Brayner FA. Morphological characterization of hemocytes from Biomphalaria glabrata and Biomphalaria straminea. Micron 2011; 43:285-91. [PMID: 21999907 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2011.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2011] [Revised: 08/09/2011] [Accepted: 09/05/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Biomphalaria glabrata and Biomphalaria straminea have been identified as intermediate hosts for Schistosoma mansoni. Several studies have found two cell types in the hemolymph of B. glabrata (hyalinocytes and granulocytes). However, there are no studies describing the hemocytes of B. straminea. With the aim of further describing the hemocyte subsets in B. glabrata and B. straminea, we conducted a detailed study using optical microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Based on the morphological characteristics of the cells, we identified the same types of hemocytes in two species of molluscs, namely: blast-like cells, granulocytes, type I hyalinocytes, type II hyalinocytes and type III hyalinocytes. Blast-like cells had a spherical profile with a central nucleus filling almost the whole cell. Granulocytes were characterized by presenting variable numbers of granules. Type I hyalinocytes were the most abundant cell type and displayed various cytoplasmic projections. Type II and type III hyalinocytes had never previously been reported. They were few in number and were characterized by having an eccentric nucleus. From these results, it is concluded that there are five types of cells in the hemolymph of B. glabrata and B. straminea. Further studies are now needed to identify the role of these hemocytes in the immune response of these snails.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G S Cavalcanti
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Patologia, Universidade de Federal da Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
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22
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Silva C, Costa ARG, Cruz MM, da Silva RC, Borges RP, Alves LC, Godinho M. Nitrogen and argon doped zinc oxide. J Phys Condens Matter 2010; 22:346005. [PMID: 21403270 DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/22/34/346005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
In this work argon and nitrogen were implanted into ZnO single crystals in order to compare the influence of these non-magnetic elements in the magnetic and electrical behaviour of zinc oxide. The results indicate that both nitrogen and argon implantations induce magnetic defects in ZnO, although these do not remain stable upon annealing. The comparison between the electrical behaviour of argon and nitrogen implanted crystals indicates that mobile charge carriers exist in the argon implanted sample after annealing, but were not detected in the nitrogen implanted sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Silva
- Centro de Física da Matéria Condensada da Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, Lisboa, Portugal
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23
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Reis MA, Carvalho A, Taborda A, Quaresma A, Dias G, Alves LC, Mota M, Chaves PC, Teixeira R, Rodrigues PO. High airborne PM2.5 chlorine concentrations link to diabetes surge in Portugal. Sci Total Environ 2009; 407:5726-34. [PMID: 19683791 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2009.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2009] [Revised: 06/02/2009] [Accepted: 07/13/2009] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Since 1995 airborne particles have been sampled near Lisbon and analysed by PIXE at ITN. On the Summer of 2004 extremely high concentrations of 14 microg/m(3) of chlorine in PM2.5 were determined in a week average sample. Later in 2004 and in 2005 similar events occurred. A 12 year database of PIXE data on airborne elemental concentrations (1995 to 2006) compiled on 2007 was then analysed for PM2.5 chlorine concentrations above 1 microg/m(3), and showed that the number of this type of events per year is increasing since 1995 up until the present. A quest for time coincident abnormal health data reports was carried out and revealed a 30% raise in diabetes mellitus incidence from 2003 to 2004 followed by a 20% raise from 2004 to 2005. After a first short publication at the XIth Int. PIXE Conference in 2007 (Reis et al., 2007a) the problem remained live. Taking into account new insights into the problem, recently published data, and biomonitoring data that were previously not considered, it was possible to establish a highly probable link between the abnormally high values of PM2.5 chlorine measured in the Lisbon area and the surge in diabetes mellitus incidence in Portugal in 2004 and 2005. Data, reasoning, possible mechanisms and conclusions regarding this link are reported in the present paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Reis
- ITN, EN10 Sacavém, Apartado 21, 2686-953 Sacavém, Portugal.
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24
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Alves LC, Borgmann U, Dixon DG. Kinetics of uranium uptake in soft water and the effect of body size, bioaccumulation and toxicity to Hyalella azteca. Environ Pollut 2009; 157:2239-47. [PMID: 19446937 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2009.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2008] [Revised: 04/02/2009] [Accepted: 04/03/2009] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The kinetics of uptake and the effect of body size on uranium (U) bioaccumulation and toxicity to Hyalella azteca exposed to water-only U concentrations in soft water were evaluated. The effect of body size on U bioaccumulation was significant with a slope of -0.35 between log body concentration and log body mass. A saturation kinetic model was satisfactory to describe the uptake rate, elimination rate and the effect of gut-clearance on size-corrected U bioaccumulation in H. azteca. The one-week lethal water concentrations causing 50% mortality for juvenile and adult H. azteca were 1100 and 4000 nmol U/L, respectively. The one-week lethal body concentration causing 50% mortality was 140 nmol U/g for juvenile H. azteca and 220 nmol U/g for adult H. azteca. One-week bioaccumulation studies that properly account for body-size and gut-clearance times can provide valuable data on U bioavailability and toxicity in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- L C Alves
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
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25
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Alves LC, Cavalcanti MGS, Araújo HRC, Silva GM, Veras DL, Paiva MHS, Brayner FA. Ultrastructural analysis of microfilariae of Wuchereria bancrofti obtained from persistent carriers after repeated courses of diethylcarbamazine. Micron 2009; 40:659-64. [PMID: 19359187 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2009.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2007] [Revised: 01/13/2009] [Accepted: 01/15/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Single dose of diethylcarbamazine (DEC) used in control programs is effective in breaking the transmission of filariasis. In order to investigate the effect of aggressive therapy on Wuchereria bancrofti (Wb) microfilariae, DEC was given to 29 patients who were positive for the circulating filarial antigen (CFA) assay but did not have clinical manifestations of filariasis, at 6 mg/kg/day for 12 days and again six months later using the same dosing regimen. For each patient, microfilarial density and serum CFA were followed up for two years. Ultrastructural analyses on Wb microfilariae obtained after repeated treatment with DEC were also performed. Microfilaremia and antigenemia decreased significantly after 12 months but returned to the initial levels after 24 months. This could indicate, as shown by other authors, that aggressive repeated therapy with DEC alone is ineffective in eradicating adult W. bancrofti, particularly in infected but asymptomatic individuals. The objective of the present study was to analyze the microfilaremic and antigenemic behavior and ultrastructural changes caused by different DEC concentrations in vitro in Wb microfilariae obtained from individuals who were sensitive and refractory to treatment. After in vitro treatment of the microfilariae using 5 and 10 microg/ml of DEC for 1h, ultrastructural analysis revealed low levels of cell damage compared with embryos obtained from individuals from a different area who had never received DEC treatment before. The results obtained suggest that microfilariae from patients who receive repeated aggressive therapy are less sensitive to DEC in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- L C Alves
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães (FIOCRUZ), Recife, PE, Brazil.
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26
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Cavalcanti MGS, Araújo HRC, Paiva MHS, Silva GM, Barbosa CCGS, Silva LF, Brayner FA, Alves LC. Ultrastructural and cytochemical aspects of Schistosoma mansoni cercaria. Micron 2008; 40:394-400. [PMID: 19081261 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2008.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2008] [Revised: 09/18/2008] [Accepted: 09/19/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
An alternative to identify the critical processes necessary to the parasite establishment of the host is to focus on the evolutionary stage responsible for the primary invasion, i.e. the infection structure. The objective of this study was to ultrastructurally characterize Schistosoma mansoni cercariae, using cytochemical techniques. In order to identify basic proteins, techniques such as ethanolic phosphotungstic acid (EPTA) and ammoniacal silver staining were used. Calcium sites location was achieved using the Hepler technique and to evidence anionic groups, we used cationic ferritin particles and enzyme treatment with trypsin Vibrio cholerae, chondroitinase and neuraminidase. The EPTA technique highlighted the presence of basic tegument proteins, nucleus and nucleolus from subtegumental cells, inclusion bodies and preacetabular glands. After using ammoniacal silver, we observed a strong staining in all infective larvae, particularly in the nuclei of muscle cells, circular muscle tissue and preacetabular glands. Calcium site locations were shown to be uniform, thereby limiting the inner spaces of the larvae, especially muscle cells. Samples treated with cationized ferritin particles presented strong staining at the cuticular level. Neuraminidase treatment did not alter the stained shape of such particles on the trematode surface. However, trypsin or chondroitinase treatment resulted in absence of staining on the larval surface. This information on the biochemical composition of the infecting S. mansoni larvae provides data for a better understanding of the biology of this parasite and background on the intriguing parasite-host relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G S Cavalcanti
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Recife - PE, Brazil
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27
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Alves LC, Borgmann U, Dixon DG. Water-sediment interactions for Hyalella azteca exposed to uranium-spiked sediment. Aquat Toxicol 2008; 87:187-199. [PMID: 18358545 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2008.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2007] [Revised: 01/21/2008] [Accepted: 01/22/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Data on the toxicity of uranium in sediments to Hyalella azteca and the effect of overlying water chemistry are limited. This study exposed H. azteca to sediments spiked with U (0-10,000 microg U/g dry weight) and five different overlying waters, which varied independently in hardness and alkalinity. Water pH had a major effect on U bioavailability and uptake by H. azteca. Uranium toxicity was higher when overlying water pH was low, while desorption of U into the overlying water increased with increasing pH. There appears to be little effect of Ca on U uptake, other than its influence on U speciation. Experiments with caged animals indicate that U accumulation and toxicity occur mainly through the dissolved phase rather than the solid phase. Uranium bioaccumulation is a more reliable indicator of U toxicity than U concentration in water or sediment. Uranium bioaccumulation in the H. azteca and U adsorption to sediment can be satisfactorily explained using saturation models.
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Affiliation(s)
- L C Alves
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada.
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28
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Brayner FA, Araújo HRC, Santos SS, Cavalcanti MGS, Alves LC, Souza JRB, Peixoto CA. Haemocyte population and ultrastructural changes during the immune response of the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus to microfilariae of Wuchereria bancrofti. Med Vet Entomol 2007; 21:112-20. [PMID: 17373954 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2915.2007.00673.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Haemocytes circulating in the haemolymph protect insects against pathogens that enter the haemocoel. Changes in haemocyte morphology and differences in haemocyte counts during the immune response of Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae) to microfilariae of Wuchereria bancrofti (Cobbold) (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) were investigated in the present study. The mean number of total haemocytes was significantly elevated in infected mosquitoes (P<0.001), reaching a peak on the third day post-infection. Differential counts show that mean numbers of prohaemocytes, plasmatocytes, granular cells and oenocytoids increased significantly after infection with microfilariae granulocytes compared to the control and näive groups of Cx. quinquefasciatus (P<0.05). Changes in proportional counts of haemocytes were also analysed in haemolymph perfusates of Cx. quinquefasciatus infected with W. bancrofti. On the first day post-infection, infected mosquitoes showed an increase in the proportion of prohaemocytes (18.8% compared to 9.6% for the control) and of oenocytoids (7.1% compared to 4.7% control); however, they exhibited lower levels of plasmatocytes (36.6% compared to 42.1% control) and granular cells (36.1% compared to 41.4% control). On day 14 post-infection, similar changes were observed for these haemocyte types, except that the proportion of granular cells was significantly greater than the control (41.2% compared to 31.3% control). Although an enhancement of prohaemocyte numbers was observed, this cellular type did not show any ultrastructural alteration. On the other hand, granular cells, plasmatocytes and oenocytoids presented morphological alterations indicative of innate immunological activation in mosquitoes infected with W. bancrofti.
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Affiliation(s)
- F A Brayner
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Ultraestrutura, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães (FIOCRUZ), Recife, Brazil.
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29
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Araújo HCR, Cavalcanti MGS, Santos SS, Alves LC, Brayner FA. Hemocytes ultrastructure of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). Micron 2007; 39:184-9. [PMID: 17329111 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2007.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2006] [Revised: 01/05/2007] [Accepted: 01/05/2007] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Mosquitoes have an efficient defence system against infection. Insect blood cells (hemocytes) play an essential role in defense against parasites and other pathogenic organisms that infect insects. We have identified by light and transmission electron microscopy six hemocytes cell types from the hemolymph of Aedes aegypti. They were: prohemocytes (20%), adipohemocytes (29%), granulocytes (16%), plasmatocytes (27%), oenocytoids (7%) and thrombocytoids (0.9%). The prohemocytes were the smallest hemocytes found in the hemolymph. Its cytoplasm occupies only a narrow area around the nucleus. The adipohemocytes were the most abundant cell type presented. These hemocytes exhibited a large lipid like vesicle and mitochondria. In electron micrographs, the granulocytes showed cytoplasm containing dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and a round or elongated mitochondria. Electron-dense granules with a proteinaceous material were also present. The plasmatocytes were polymorphic and exhibited plasma membrane with irregular processes, philopodia and pseudopodia. Ultrastructural investigation revealed that the reticular cytoplasm showed a well-developed RER, a Golgi and vacuoles. Oenocytoids showed homogeneous cytoplasm with many mitochondria and ribosomes are scattered throughout the cytoplasm, abundant RER and a small smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) present at the cell poles. Thrombocytoids were very fragile and few in number. Similar characteristics were found in oenocytoids, possessing a homogeneous cytoplasm with poorly developed organelles, few mitochondria and granules.
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Affiliation(s)
- H C R Araújo
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Ultra-estrutura, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Brazil.
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Gomes YM, Paiva Cavalcanti M, Lira RA, Abath FGC, Alves LC. Diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis: biotechnological advances. Vet J 2006; 175:45-52. [PMID: 17150389 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2006.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2006] [Revised: 10/20/2006] [Accepted: 10/25/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Human visceral leishmaniasis (HVL) is endemic in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of Africa, Asia, the Mediterranean, Southern Europe and South and Central America, with approximately 500,000 new cases reported annually. As dogs are considered to be the major reservoirs for HVL, the accurate diagnosis of disease in these animals is important. Diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is performed mainly by direct parasitological methods that can yield false-negative results, either because of the very low number of Leishmania spp. organisms in clinical samples (bone marrow and lymph nodes) or because morphological identification is difficult. In addition, these methods are invasive. Conventional serological techniques are limited by cross-reactivity with other parasitic diseases and because several technical procedures have not been standardised. The development of polymerase chain reaction based approaches and immunoassays based on the use of recombinant antigens aimed at improving the sensitivity and specificity of CVL diagnosis is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y M Gomes
- Departamento de Imunologia, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz/FIOCRUZ, Av. Moraes Rego s/n, Cidade Universitária, 50670-420 Recife, PE, Brazil.
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31
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Abstract
One of the abnormalities of bone architecture is osteoporosis as occurring in post-menopausal women. Especially long bones, such as femur, become more fragile and more prone to fracture. The efficiency of several osteoporosis preventative treatments based on oestrogen and progestin in bone structure and mineral recovery was studied using ovariectomized Wistar rats as an osteoporosis experimental model. Diagonal cross-sections of the proximal epiphysis of femoral bones were analysed using nuclear microscopy techniques in order to map and determine the concentration profiles of P, Ca, S, Fe and Zn from the epiphysis to diaphysis and across the cortical and trabecular bone structures. In control animals (not ovariectomized), the S and Zn contents significantly characterized differences between cortical and trabecular bone structures, whereas P and Ca showed increased gradients from the epiphyseal region to the diaphysis. After ovariectomy the differences observed were differential according to the type of hormonal supplementation. A significant decrease in P and Ca contents and depletion of minor and trace minerals, such as S, Fe and Zn, were found for both cortical and trabecular bone structures after ovariectomy relative to controls. Bone mineral contents were reversed to control levels by synthetic oestrogen supplementation, and combined oestrogen and progesterone treatment. Recovery was more evident in the femoral epiphysis and neck than in the diaphysis. The use of oestrogen alone did not lead to bone recovery after ovariectomy. Alterations in bone mineral composition observed for animals receiving synthetic oestrogen and combined oestrogen and progesterone supplement might reflect beneficial structural changes in critical regions of long bones, mostly affected in post-menopausal osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M D Ynsa
- Centro de Microanálisis de Materiales, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Campus of Cantoblanco, E-28049, Madrid, Spain
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32
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Alves LC, Glover CN, Wood CM. Dietary Pb accumulation in juvenile freshwater rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 2006; 51:615-25. [PMID: 17009130 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-005-0212-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2005] [Accepted: 03/12/2006] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Three different diets amended with lead (Pb) nitrate Pb(NO3)2 (7, 77, and 520 microg Pb/g dry weight) and a Pb-free control diet (0.06 microg Pb/g dry weight) were fed to juvenile freshwater rainbow trout for 21 days. Accounting for measured food consumption, the calculated doses per fish were 0.02, 3.7, 39.6, and 221.5 microg/day, for the control, low, intermediate, and high Pb treatments, respectively. The patterns of Pb accumulation over time were determined in various tissues (gills, liver, kidney, intestine, carcass), red blood cells (RBC), and plasma, as well as feeding, growth, hematological, and ionoregulatory parameters. Pb accumulation occurred in a dose-dependent manner in all tissues except the plasma, where accumulation was minimal. Overall, when fed the highest Pb diet, the intestine exhibited the greatest Pb burden (17.8 microg Pb/g tissue wet weight), with high concentrations also found in the kidney (2.4 microg Pb/g tissue wet weight) and liver (1.9 microg Pb/g) at the highest dietary Pb treatment by day 21. The RBCs accumulated a substantial amount of Pb (1.5 microg Pb/g) when compared to the plasma (0.012 microg Pb/g) in the high treatment group. The percentage of Pb retained in the fish decreased with increasing dietary Pb concentrations. Growth, survival, plasma protein, and hematocrit were not significantly affected by dietary Pb. Plasma Ca2+ levels decreased at the beginning of the experiment, whereas Mg2+ levels decreased during the middle of the experiment in both the intermediate and high dietary treatments. Both the Ca2+ and Mg2+ levels stabilized by day 21. Branchial Ca2+ and Na+ influx rates were not affected by dietary Pb, except on day 8 where Na+ influx rates were significantly elevated. The results of this study show that Pb does accumulate internally from the diet when present at levels within the range reported in contaminated benthic invertebrates in nature. We further identify the intestine as a potential target site of chronic toxicity of Pb via the diet, and RBCs as a reservoir of dietary Pb.
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Affiliation(s)
- L C Alves
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, L8S 4K1.
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33
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Lira RA, Cavalcanti MP, Nakazawa M, Ferreira AGP, Silva ED, Abath FGC, Alves LC, Souza WV, Gomes YM. Canine visceral leishmaniosis: A comparative analysis of the EIE-leishmaniose-visceral-canina-Bio-Manguinhos and the IFI-leishmaniose-visceral-canina-Bio-Manguinhos kits. Vet Parasitol 2006; 137:11-6. [PMID: 16446034 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2005.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2005] [Revised: 12/12/2005] [Accepted: 12/18/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated the performance of the EIE-leishmaniose-visceral-canina-Bio-Manguinhos (EIE-LVC) kit and to compare it with that of the IFI-leishmaniose-visceral-canina-Bio-Manguinhos (IFI-LVC) kit. Four groups of dogs were studied: group 1 (G1), dogs with clinical signs indicative of CVL and testing positive for the parasite (n = 25); group 2 (G2), dogs with only a presumed diagnosis of CVL (n = 62); group 3 (G3), dogs that had never lived in an area where CVL is endemic and never received a blood transfusion (n = 16); group 4 (G4), dogs carrying other parasites: such as babesiosis (n = 4), ehrlichiosis (n = 6) and demodicosis (n = 1). G1 and G3 were used for the calculation of sensitivity and specificity, respectively. The EIE-LVC showed a sensitivity of 72% (IC 95%: 50.4-87.1%) and a specificity of 87.5% (IC 95%: 60.4-97.8%). The value of the kappa index was 0.975 (CI 95%: 0.926-1.024), which represents an excellent fit. For IFI-LVC, the sensitivity was 68.0% (CI 95%: 46.4-84.3%) and the specificity 87.5% (CI 95%: 60.4-97.8%). When the tests were conducted in parallel, sensitivity was 92.0% (CI 95%: 72.5-98.6%) and specificity 75.0% (CI 95%: 47.4-91.7%). However, when conducted consecutively, the tests showed a sensitivity of 48.0% (CI 95%: 28.3-68.2%) and a specificity of 100.0% (CI 95%: 75.9-99.4%). The analysis of clinically suspected dogs using IFI-LVC and EIE-LVC kits in parallel, revealed that 26/62 animals were positive. Cross-reaction was observed in a dog with demodicosis. These results lead to the following conclusions: (1) the performance of the EIE-LVC kit is not statistically different from the IFI-LVC and (2) the kits must be used in parallel if higher sensitivity is required, reducing the number of false-negative results.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Lira
- Departamento de Imunologia, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães/CPqAM, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz/FIOCRUZ, Av. Moraes Rego s/n, Cidade Universitária, 50670-420, Recife-PE, Brazil
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34
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Goldschmidt B, Menezes RC, Alves LC. The chromosomes ofRodentolepis nana(Siebold, 1852) Spasskii, 1954 obtained from naturally infected mice conventionally maintained in a Brazilian laboratory animal house. Parasite 2006; 13:75-7. [PMID: 16605071 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2006131075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The karyotype of Rodentolepis nana obtained from mice in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was described. The diploid chromosome number obtained by the division of embryonic cells was 2n = 12. The first and the third pairs presented subterminal centromeres and the other pairs were all acrocentric. The studied species differed in chromosome morphology when compared to previous description by Mutafova and Gergova (1994) in Bulgaria, suggesting an intraspecific variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Goldschmidt
- Departamento de Primatologia, Centro de Criação de Animals de Laboratório-Fiocruz, Av. Brasil 43561, 21.045-900 Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
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35
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Silva LF, Alves LC, Santos SS, Cavalcanti MGS, Peixoto CA. Cytochemical characterization of the third-stage larva of Wuchereria bancrofti (Nematoda: Filarioidea). Parasitol Res 2006; 99:14-20. [PMID: 16450133 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-005-0054-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2005] [Accepted: 09/28/2005] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In the present paper, we report the results we obtained using several cytochemical techniques to analyze the infective larva of Wuchereria bancrofti. An imidazole osmium tetroxide solution was used to visualize unsaturated fatty acids. A highly contrasted material forming a continuous structure was observed on the larval surface and over the epicuticle. A strong reaction was observed on the esophagus and also on the inner secreted material. Carbohydrates containing vic-glycol groups were not observed on the cuticle of the third-stage larva of W. bancrofti submitted to the Thiéry technique. Using a panel of eight gold-labeled lectins, we found that the cuticle exhibited slight labeling with all lectins used, indicating residues of N-acetyl-D: -glucosamine, N-acetyl-galactosamine, D: -galactose, D: -manose, and L: -fucose. Surface anionic sites were visualized by using cationized ferritin particles. Treatment with trypsin partially inhibited the reaction, whereas the treatment with chondroitinase ABC, a specific enzyme for glycosaminoglycans, completely abolished the labeling with cationic particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- L F Silva
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Ultraestrutura, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães (FIOCRUZ), Recife, Brazil
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36
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Almeida MAO, Jesus EEV, Sousa-Atta MLB, Alves LC, Berne MEA, Atta AM. Antileishmanial antibody profile in dogs naturally infected with Leishmania chagasi. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2005; 106:151-8. [PMID: 15911002 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2004.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2004] [Revised: 07/14/2004] [Accepted: 08/31/2004] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) presents vigorous Th2 immune response, which is mainly characterized in human by augmented expression of Il-4, polyclonal B cell activation, intense hypergammaglobulinemia and production of antileishmanial IgE antibodies. However, few aspects of this type of immune response have been demonstrated in studies of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). This work investigated by ELISA and western immunoblotting the production of antileishmanial IgE antibodies (IgE Ab) in symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs naturally infected by Leishmania chagasi, and also compared this IgE immune response with those of IgG, IgG1 and IgG2 antibodies. Three groups of dogs were evaluated: 12 VL dogs with positive Leishmania biopsies (GI), 44 dogs with a positive leishmanial indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), 30 of them presenting clinical signs of VL and 14 asymptomatic (GII) and 21 healthy dogs living in kennels located in leishmaniasis endemic areas (GIII), which were seronegative in the IFAT. Eighteen dogs from an area free of CVL were used as controls (GIV). Antileishmanial IgE antibodies were detected in 4 of 12 VL dogs from group I (33%) and 14 of 30 symptomatic dogs from group II (47%). While all asymptomatic dogs from group II (100%) were seronegative for antileishmanial IgE Ab, 7 of 21 healthy animals from group III (33%) had these immunoglobulins. A strong correlation was verified between antileishmanial IgG and IgG2 antibody titers in all symptomatic dogs, but only 15 of these 42 animals (36%) produced simultaneously IgE, IgG, IgG1 and IgG2 antibodies to Leishmania. IgE antibodies recognized leishmanial antigens of 12, 36, 61, 81 and 118 KDD, while a more complex pattern of immunoblotting was verified mainly for IgG and IgG2 antibodies from symptomatic animals. IgG1 and IgG2 antibodies shared the recognition of L. chagasi polypeptides of 118, 81, 61, 36, 18, 14 and 12 KDD, being more intense the immune reactions between IgG1 Ab and the leishmanial polypeptides of 61 and 36 KDD, and also between IgG2 antibodies and the antigens of 26, 21, 18, 14 and 12 KDD. Our results suggest that the polyclonal production of antileishmanial antibodies that includes IgE Ab could characterize a Th2 immune response in CVL and can help the laboratory diagnosis of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A O Almeida
- Escola de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
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37
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Brayner FA, Araújo HRC, Cavalcanti MGS, Alves LC, Peixoto CA. Ultrastructural characterization of the hemocytes of Culex quinquefasciatus (DIPTERA: Culicidae). Micron 2005; 36:359-67. [PMID: 15857775 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2004.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2004] [Revised: 11/30/2004] [Accepted: 11/30/2004] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Six hemocytes cell types from Culex quinquefasciatus were identified by light and transmission electron microscopy: They are prohemocytes (9.3%), spherulocytes (1.6%), adipohemocytes (0.8%), oenocytoids (4.6%), plasmatocytes (43.4%) and granulocytes (40.3%). The prohemocytes were the smallest hemocytes encountered in the hemolymph, displaying a large and centrally located nucleus, almost filling the whole cell. The spherulocytes, which were small hemocytes, presented small and numerous spherules with a lamellar pattern and an electron-dense core. Rare adipohemocytes were observed in the C. quinquefasciatus hemolymph, presenting large nucleus with an evident nucleolus, cytoplasm containing rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), mitochondriae and lipid inclusions. C. quinquefasciatus oenocytoids showed homogeneous cytoplasm with several granules, completely or partially filled with amorphous material. These cells showed abundant smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) and dense mitochondriae. By light microscopy analysis we identified two morphological types of plasmatocytes, granular and agranular. However, ultrastructural investigation revealed that the granular cells contained lipid inclusion between RER membranes, instead of membrane-bounded granules. The granulocytes presented a fusiform or circular profile and displayed a unique and very complex process of granules formation, including organization of polysomes inside vesicles that protrude from the Golgi system, synthesis of a proteinaceous material, condensation of the granule matrix and recycling of endoplasmic membranes. Intense endocytic pathways were also observed in the granulocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- F A Brayner
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Ultraestrutura, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães (FIOCRUZ), Av. Moraes Rego s/n, Recife 50670-420, Brazil.
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38
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Almeida MAO, Jesus EEV, Sousa-Atta MLB, Alves LC, Berne MEA, Atta AM. Clinical and serological aspects of visceral leishmaniasis in Northeast Brazilian dogs naturally infected with Leishmania chagasi. Vet Parasitol 2005; 127:227-32. [PMID: 15710523 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2004.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/21/2004] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Human visceral leishmaniasis is endemic in the northeast of Brazil, where the domestic dog is an important parasite reservoir in the infectious cycle of Leishmania chagasi. In this study, we evaluated the clinical signs of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL), serum protein profile and the antileishmanial IgG antibody production in 86 dogs living in northeast endemic areas of leishmaniasis. Thirty dogs from a leishmaniasis-free area were used as a control group. The major clinical signs of CVL seen were emaciation and skin ulcers (80%), followed by onychogryphosis and conjunctivitis (73%). Depilation was observed in 60% of animals while lymphadenomegaly, splenomegaly, liver enlargement or kidney involvement was less frequent (< or =20%). VL seropositive dogs presented with serum hyperproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, hypergammaglobulinemia and decreased albumin/globulin ratio. A lower sensitivity and higher specificity was observed for promastigote indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) (83 and 100%, respectively) compared with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (94 and 90%), which uses a crude extract of Leishmania. There was a positive correlation between IFAT and ELISA titers of antileishmanial IgG antibodies (Spearman test, P < 0.05), which was augmented in CVL dogs. This study found that the determination of serum protein, A/G ratio and the use of two different leishmanial serological tests like IFAT and ELISA are essential in CVL screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A O Almeida
- Escola de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
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39
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Alves LC, Brayner FAS, Silva LF, Peixoto CA. The ultrastructure of infective larvae (L3) of Wuchereria bancrofti after treatment with diethylcarbamazine. Micron 2005; 36:67-72. [PMID: 15582480 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2004.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2004] [Revised: 04/28/2004] [Accepted: 05/07/2004] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Although the large use of diethylcarbamazine (DEC), as the major anti-filaricide drug, its mechanism of action remains a matter of controversy. Several authors defend the hypothesis that DEC has no direct effect on nematodes. This study demonstrated that infective larvae (L3) of Wuchereria bancrofti treated in vitro with DEC presented several behaviour and morphological changes. The first alteration produced by treatment for 2 h with 3, 5, 10 microg/ml of DEC was the reduction of motility. Larvae treated with 5, 10 microg/ml DEC showed severely affected organelles, formation of several vacuoles, mainly in neurocytes and in the muscle cells, and dissolution of cytoplasm. Some larvae showed extreme cellular disorganization with abundance of large and dense mitochondria and numerous large vacuoles containing residual organelles. Lamellar bodies, probably related to an assembly of hipodermal membranes, were also observed in some damaged larvae. Thus, undoubtedly in vitro treatment with concentrations of DEC similar to therapeutic conditions, which are 1-5 microg/ml (Hawking, 1979), had a direct effect on infective larvae of W. bancrofti by causing, primarily neuromuscular alterations with subsequent damage to organelles.
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Affiliation(s)
- L C Alves
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Ultraestrutura, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
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40
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Peixoto CA, Alves LC, Brayner FA, Florêncio MS. Diethylcarbamazine induces loss of microfilarial sheath of Wuchereria bancrofti. Micron 2003; 34:381-5. [PMID: 14680924 DOI: 10.1016/s0968-4328(03)00099-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2003] [Revised: 06/25/2003] [Accepted: 06/25/2003] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Light microscopy analyses of microfilariae of Wuchereria bancrofti treated with DEC revealed a striking loss of the microfilarial sheath. However, no effect was observed on microfilariae of Litomosoides chagasfilhoi treated with DEC. For quantitative analyses microfilariae of W. bancrofti were processed for SEM. Controls, which have not received DEC, had 29.8% of exsheathed microfilariae. Conversely, the number of exsheathed microfilariae increased as increased DEC concentrations: 5 microg/ml (75.9%), 10 microg/ml (80.1%), and 50 microg/ml (87.7%). After DEC treatment some of sheathed microfilariae showed a wrinkled surface, and in some microfilariae, sheaths were observed being liberated almost intact from the larvae surface. But, frequently residues of the lost sheath over the surface were also observed. No damage was observed in the microfilariae cuticle. The present work shows quantitative data on the loss of the microfilarial sheath of W. bancrofti after treatment with DEC. Since no loss of microfilarial sheath was observed in microfilariae of L. chagasfilhoi submitted to the same conditions, DEC may present different mechanisms of action for distinct filarial species.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Peixoto
- Departamento de Patologia e Biologia Celular, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães (FIOCRUZ), and Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami (LIKA) da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife CEP 50670-420, Brazil.
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41
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de Almeida AMP, Alves LC, Amaral RLG, França WGB, Leal NC. Transmission of Yersinia pestis cultures with different plasmid content from Xenopsylla cheopis to Calomys callosus. Parasitol Res 2003; 89:159-62. [PMID: 12541056 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-002-0731-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2002] [Accepted: 07/16/2002] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Most Brazilian Yersinia pestis isolates display a typical plasmid profile composed of the three classical plasmids: pYV, pPst and pFra. However, some cultures lack at least one of these plasmids, while a few of them harbour atypical DNA bands of molecular weight ranging from 147 to 11.5 kb. To investigate whether Y. pestis displaying atypical plasmid content could be propagated among rodents in nature through flea bites, we carried out studies with fleas ( Xenopsylla cheopis) and rodents ( Calomys callosus) reared in the laboratory and five Y. pestis cultures differing in plasmid content. The results suggest that: (1) the single presence of pYV is not sufficient for the transmission of Y. pestis by fleas, (2) pPst is not essential for transmission, (3) two atypical DNA bands of molecular weight of 30 kb and >90 kb have no biological role, and (4) pFra is required for the transmission of Y. pestis by flea bites. Other studies are needed to determine whether this plasmid alone is sufficient for transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M P de Almeida
- Laboratório de Peste, Departamento de Microbiologia, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, CEP: 50670-420, Recife, PE, Brazil.
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Peixoto CA, Alves LC, Ferreira Da Silva L, Pires ML, Rocha A. Localisation and distribution of Wuchereria bancrofti antigens recognised by antisera from tropical pulmonary eosinophilia and from individuals with intestinal helminths. J Submicrosc Cytol Pathol 2003; 35:61-8. [PMID: 12762653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Serological analyses of sera from patients with a typical picture of filarial tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (TPE) and sera from patients from a region non-endemic for filariasis harbouring intestinal helminths, as Ascaris lumbricoides and Strongyloids stercoralis, revealed equally high titers of IgG4, usually considered diagnostic for filariasis. Ultrathin sections of adult worms of W. bancrofti embedded in the hydrophilic resin L.R. White were incubated with sera from patients with a typical picture of filarial tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (TPE) and sera from patients of a region that was non-endemic for filarial TPE but endemic for intestinal helminths. Both groups had a similar pattern of labelling, except that the labelling intensity was higher with the sera of patients with filarial TPE. The present study indicates relevant epitopes recognised by sera from TPE-patients and also individuals with intestinal helminths in all tissues of adult and intra-uterine microfilaria of W. bancrofti, instead of being localised in a specific nematode region. These findings suggest that people from areas not endemic for filariasis, but who harbour intestinal helminths, also share antifilarial antibodies in their serum that recognise antigens of adult worms and intrauterine microfilaria of W. bancrofti.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Peixoto
- Department of Cellular Pathology and Biology, Research Center 'Aggeu Magalhães, Recife, Brazil.
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43
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Alves LC, Brayner FA, Silva LF, Pimentel RC, Rocha A, Peixoto CA. Immunocytochemical localization of antigens recognised by tropical pulmonary eosinophilia and individuals with intestinal helminths antisera in microfilaria of Wuchereria bancrofti. J Submicrosc Cytol Pathol 2002; 34:211-6. [PMID: 12117283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Ultrathin sections of microfilaria of W. bancrofti embedded in the hydrophilic resin L.R. White were incubated with sera from patients with a typical picture of filarial tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (TPE) and sera from patients of a non-endemic region for filariasis regarding intestinal helminths. Both groups had a similar pattern of labelling, except that the labelling intensity was higher with the sera of patients with filarial TPE. The present study indicates relevant epitopes recognised by sera from TPE-patients and also individuals with intestinal helminths in all tissues of microfilaria of W. bancrofti, instead of being localised in a specific nematode region. These findings suggest that sera from people from an area not endemic for filaria, harbouring intestinal helminths, also share antifilarial antibodies that recognise antigens of microfilaria of W. bancrofti.
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Affiliation(s)
- L C Alves
- Department of Pathology and Cellular Biology, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Recife, Brazil
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44
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Reis MA, Alves LC, Freitas MC, Van Os B, de Goeij J, Wolterbeek HT. Calibration of lichen transplants considering faint memory effects. Environ Pollut 2002; 120:87-95. [PMID: 12199471 DOI: 10.1016/s0269-7491(02)00131-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Biomonitoring, among other purposes, can be used as a tool to study the dispersion of trace elements through the atmosphere and back to the earth's surface again. In this sense it has been used for more than 20 years now. Yet, the calibration of biomonitors elemental contents against other atmospheric element dispersion variables like deposition or airborne concentration is still an open subject. The knowledge of a calibration nevertheless represents a qualitative improvement upon the use of biomonitors. Biomonitors elemental contents are usually assumed to depend in a linear way on the average values of atmospheric element dispersion variables, thus a linear regression is assumed to provide a good calibration. In this work: the element dispersion variables like deposition or airborne concentration will be referred in general as availability variables due to reasons that will be clarified; an uptake experiment using transplants of lichen Parmelia sulcata carried out in Portugal during a 2-year period (1994/1996) is described; and new concepts and calibration methods are presented. Lichen and aerosol samples were analysed by nuclear analytical techniques PIXE and INAA, and total deposition dry residue samples were analysed by ICP-MS. A database of roughly 70,000 values was thus created and biomonitor calibration carried out considering that biomonitors are not mechanical instruments but that they rather describe their exposure with a non-perfect memory. Data shows that surveying lichens four times within 1 year, with a period of 3 months in between sampling campaigns, allows the recovery of availability mean, maxima and standard deviation for many elements.
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Alves LC, Brayner FA, Silva LF, Miranda J, Rocha A, Peixoto CA. Immunocytochemical localization of antigens recognized by asymptomatic microfilaremic patient's antisera in microfilariae of Wuchereria bancrofti. Parasitol Res 2001; 87:1050-5. [PMID: 11763438 DOI: 10.1007/s004360100455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Ultrathin sections of microfilariae of Wuchereria bancrofti embedded in hydrophilic resin were incubated with sera from patients, using antisera from asymptomatic microfilaremic patients with different microfilarial densities [1-100 microfilariae (mf)/ml, 101-500 mf/ml, > 1,000 mf/ml]. All groups studied showed reactivity against relevant epitopes in all tissues of microfilariae of W. bancrofti, instead of being localized in a specific nematode region, although the number of colloidal per square micron was inversely proportional to the microfilaremia. Such results confirm data obtained by other authors and indicate a possible role for the humoral response in the mechanism for the destruction of circulating microfilariae.
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Affiliation(s)
- L C Alves
- Departamento de Patologia e Biologia Celular, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, CEP, Brazil
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Alves LC, Melo RL, Cezari MH, Sanderson SJ, Mottram JC, Coombs GH, Juliano L, Juliano MA. Analysis of the S(2) subsite specificities of the recombinant cysteine proteinases CPB of Leishmania mexicana, and cruzain of Trypanosoma cruzi, using fluorescent substrates containing non-natural basic amino acids. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2001; 117:137-43. [PMID: 11606223 DOI: 10.1016/s0166-6851(01)00340-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
We have explored the specificity of the S(2) subsite of recombinant cysteine proteinases from Leishmania mexicana (CPB2.8 Delta CTE) and from Trypanosoma cruzi (cruzain) employing a series of fluorogenic substrates based on the peptide Bz-F-R-MCA, in which Bz is the benzoyl group and the Phe residue has been substituted for by Arg, His and non-natural basic amino acids that combine a basic group with an aromatic or hydrophobic group at the side chain: 4-aminomethyl-phenylalanine (Amf), 4-guanidine phenylalanine (Gnf), 4-aminomethyl-N-isopropyl-phenylalanine (Iaf), 3-pyridyl-alanine (Pya), 4-piperidinyl-alanine (Ppa), 4-aminomethyl-cyclohexyl-alanine (Ama), and 4-aminocyclohexyl-alanine (Aca). Bz-F-R-MCA was hydrolyzed well by CPB2.8 Delta CTE and cruzain, but all the substitutions of Phe resulted in less susceptible substrates for the two enzymes. CPB2.8 Delta CTE has a restricted specificity to hydrophobic side chains as with cathepsin L. However, the peptides with the residues Amf and Ama presented higher affinity to CPB2.8 Delta CTE, and the latter was an inhibitor of the enzyme. Although, cruzain accepts basic as well as hydrophobic residues at the S(2) subsite, it is more restrictive than cathepsin B and no inhibitor was found amongst the examined peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- L C Alves
- Department of Biophysics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Tres de Maio 100, 04044-20 Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Alves LC, St Hilaire PM, Meldal M, Sanderson SJ, Mottram JC, Coombs GH, Juliano L, Juliano MA. Identification of peptides inhibitory to recombinant cysteine proteinase, CPB, of Leishmania mexicana. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2001; 114:81-8. [PMID: 11356516 DOI: 10.1016/s0166-6851(01)00239-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
We have identified peptides that are relatively resistant to hydrolysis by a recombinant cysteine proteinase, CPB2.8DeltaCTE, of Leishmania mexicana, and yet exhibit inhibition constant (K(i)) values in the nanomolar range. Common to these peptides is a basic-hydrophobic-hydrophobic motif in the P3-P1 sites, which is also present in the pro-region of the enzyme. A nine-amino acid stretch, FAARYLNGA, which has good homology to the pro-region of mammalian cathepsin L was identified as the part of the pro-region most likely to interact with the active site of the parasite enzyme. This peptide is not hydrolyzed by CPB2.8DeltaCTE and inhibited it with a K(i) of 4 microM. Extension of this sequence at both the N- and C-termini and the introduction of ortho-aminobenzoic acid at the N-terminal site reduced the K(i) value to 30 nM. The best substrate for CPB2.8DeltaCTE was also well hydrolyzed by cathepsin L, however the best inhibitor of the parasite enzyme inhibit poorly cathepsin L, with K(i) value two order of magnitude higher than against the parasite enzyme. These promising data provide insights into the peculiar specificity of the parasite enzyme and will aid the design of antiparasitic drugs directed against the leishmanial enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- L C Alves
- Department of Biophysics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Tres de Maio 100, 04044-20, São Paulo, Brazil
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Alves LC, Judice WA, St Hilaire PM, Meldal M, Sanderson SJ, Mottram JC, Coombs GH, Juliano L, Juliano MA. Substrate specificity of recombinant cysteine proteinase, CPB, of Leishmania mexicana. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2001; 116:1-9. [PMID: 11463460 DOI: 10.1016/s0166-6851(01)00290-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The primary S(1) subsite specificity of a recombinant cysteine proteinase, CPB2.8 Delta CTE, of Leishmania mexicana was investigated in a systematic way using a series of peptides derived from Abz-KLRFSKQ-EDDnp in which Arg was substituted by all natural amino acids (where Abz is ortho-amino-benzoyl and EDDnp is N-[2,4-dinitrophenyl]-ethylenediamine). The peptides from this series with charged side chain amino acids, Cys, Cys(SBzl), and Thr(OBzl) were well hydrolysed. All other substitutions resulted in peptides that were resistant or hydrolysed very slowly and inhibited the enzyme with K(i) values in the range of 9--400 nM. Looking for natural substrates for CPB2.8, we observed that the recombinant enzyme failed to release kinin from human kininogen, an activity earlier observed with cruzipain from Trypanosoma cruzi (Del Nery et al., J. Biol. Chem. 272 (1997) 25713.). This lack of activity seems to be a result of the resistance to hydrolysis of the sequence at the N-terminal site of bradykinin in the human kininogen. The preferences for the S(3), S(2) and S(1)'-S(3)' for some amino acids were also examined using substrates derived from Abz-KLRFSKQ-EDDnp with variations at Lys, Leu, Phe, Ser and Lys, using the amino acids Ala, Phe, Leu, His or Pro. Peptides with Phe at P(1)' presented the highest affinity to the leishmanial enzyme. For comparison, some of the obtained peptides were also assayed with recombinant human cathepsin L and cruzain. The best substrates for CPB2.8 Delta CTE were also well hydrolysed by cathepsin L, however, the best inhibitors of the parasite enzyme have low affinity to cathepsin L. These promising data provide leads for the design of anti-parasitic drugs directed against the leishmanial enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- L C Alves
- Department of Biophysics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Tres de Maio 100, 04044-020 São Paulo, Brazil
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Melo RL, Alves LC, Del Nery E, Juliano L, Juliano MA. Synthesis and Hydrolysis by Cysteine and Serine Proteases of Short Internally Quenched Fluorogenic Peptides. Anal Biochem 2001; 293:71-7. [PMID: 11373081 DOI: 10.1006/abio.2001.5115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We developed sensitive substrates for cysteine proteases and specific substrates for serine proteases based on short internally quenched fluorescent peptides, Abz-F-R-X-EDDnp, where Abz (ortho-aminobenzoic acid) is the fluorescent donor, EDDnp [N-(ethylenediamine)-2,4-dinitrophenyl amide] is the fluorescent quencher, and X are natural amino acids. This series of peptides is compared to the commercially available Z-F-R-MCA, where Abz and X replace carbobenzoxy (Z) and methyl-7-aminocoumarin amide (MCA), respectively; and EDDnp can be considered a P(2)' residue. Whereas MCA is the fluorescent probe and cannot be modified, in the series Abz-F-R-X-EDDnp the amino acids X give the choice of matching the specificity of the S(1)' enzyme subsite, increasing the substrate specificity for a particular protease. All Abz-F-R-X-EDDnp synthesized peptides (for X = Phe, Leu, Ile, Ala, Pro, Gln, Ser, Lys, and Arg) were assayed with papain, human cathepsin L and B, trypsin, human plasma, and tissue kallikrein. Abz-F-R-L-EDDnp was the best substrate for papain and Abz-F-R-R-EDDnp or Abz-F-R-A-EDDnp was the more susceptible to cathepsin L. Abz-F-R-L-EDDnp was able to detect papain in the range of 1 to 15 pM. Human plasma kallikrein hydrolyzed Abz-F-R-R-EDDnp with significant efficiency (k(cat)/K(m) = 1833 mM(-1) s(-1)) and tissue kallikrein was very selective, hydrolyzing only the peptides Abz-F-R-A-EDDnp (k(cat)/K(m) = 2852 mM(-1) s(-1)) and Abz-F-R-S-EDDnp (k(cat)/K(m) = 4643 mM(-1) s(-1)). All Abz-F-R-X-EDDnp peptides were resistant to hydrolysis by thrombin and activated factor X.
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Affiliation(s)
- R L Melo
- Department of Biophysics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Três de Maio 100, 04044-020 São Paulo, Brazil
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Melo RL, Barbosa Pozzo RC, Alves LC, Perissutti E, Caliendo G, Santagada V, Juliano L, Juliano MA. Synthesis and hydrolysis by cathepsin B of fluorogenic substrates with the general structure benzoyl-X-ARG-MCA containing non-natural basic amino acids at position X. Biochim Biophys Acta 2001; 1547:82-94. [PMID: 11343794 DOI: 10.1016/s0167-4838(01)00171-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
We synthesized one series of fluorogenic substrates for cathepsin B derived from the peptide Bz-F-R-MCA (Bz=benzoyl, MCA=7-methyl-coumarin amide) substituting Phe at the P(2) position by non-natural basic amino acids that combine a positively charged group with aromatic or aliphatic radicals at the same side chain, namely, 4-aminomethyl-phenylalanine, 4-guanidine-phenylalanine, 4-aminomethyl-N-isopropyl-phenylalanine, 3-pyridyl-alanine, 4-piperidinyl-alanine, 4-aminomethyl-cyclohexyl-alanine, 4-aminocyclohexyl-alanine, and N(im)-dimethyl-histidine. Bz-F-R-MCA was the best substrate for cathepsin B but also hydrolyzed Bz-R-R-MCA with lower efficiency, since the protease accepts Arg at S(2) due to the presence of Glu(245) at the bottom of this subsite. The presence of the basic non-natural amino acids at the P(2) position of the substrate partially restored the catalytic efficiency of cathepsin B. All the kinetic parameters for hydrolysis of the peptides described in this paper are in accordance with the structures of the S(2) pocket previously described. In addition, the substrate with 4-aminocyclohexyl-alanine presented the highest affinity to cathepsin B although the peptide was obtained from a mixture of cis/trans isomers of the amino acid and we were not able to separate them. For comparison all the obtained substrates were assayed with cathepsin L and papain.
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Affiliation(s)
- R L Melo
- Department of Biophysics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Brazil
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