Molecular evidence for stimulation of methane oxidation in Amazonian floodplains by ammonia-oxidizing communities

Ammonia oxidation is the rate-limiting first step of nitrification and a key process in the nitrogen cycle that results in the formation of nitrite (NO2 -), which can be further oxidized to nitrate (NO3 -). In the Amazonian floodplains, soils are subjected to extended seasons of flooding during the rainy season, in which they can become anoxic and produce a significant amount of methane (CH4). Various microorganisms in this anoxic environment can couple the reduction of different ions, such as NO2 - and NO3 -, with the oxidation of CH4 for energy production and effectively link the carbon and nitrogen cycle. Here, we addressed the composition of ammonium (NH4 +) and NO3 --and NO2 --dependent CH4-oxidizing microbial communities in an Amazonian floodplain. In addition, we analyzed the influence of environmental and geochemical factors on these microbial communities. Soil samples were collected from different layers of forest and agroforest land-use systems during the flood and non-flood seasons in the floodplain of the Tocantins River, and next-generation sequencing of archaeal and bacterial 16S rRNA amplicons was performed, coupled with chemical characterization of the soils. We found that ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) were more abundant than ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) during both flood and non-flood seasons. Nitrogen-dependent anaerobic methane oxidizers (N-DAMO) from both the archaeal and bacterial domains were also found in both seasons, with higher abundance in the flood season. The different seasons, land uses, and depths analyzed had a significant influence on the soil chemical factors and also affected the abundance and composition of AOA, AOB, and N-DAMO. During the flood season, there was a significant correlation between ammonia oxidizers and N-DAMO, indicating the possible role of these oxidizers in providing oxidized nitrogen species for methanotrophy under anaerobic conditions, which is essential for nitrogen removal in these soils.

Histo-blood group A is a risk factor for severe COVID-19

OBJECTIVES

Evaluate the impact of ABO histo-blood group type on COVID-19 severity.

BACKGROUND

ABO histo-blood type has been associated with different outcomes in infectious diseases. It has also shown a higher proportion of type A patients with SARS-CoV-2. In this observational study, extracted from an ongoing clinical trial on the efficacy of convalescent plasma transfused in COVID-19 patients, we describe the impact of ABO blood type on the risk of developing severe COVID-19.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-two consecutive patients (37 type A, 23 type O, 11 type B, 1 type AB) with severe (respiratory failure) COVID-19 were included. Control group was composed of 160 individuals randomly selected from the same populational basis.

RESULTS

Blood group A was overrepresented (51.39%) in the patient group in relation to the control group (30%), whereas blood group O was less represented (31.94%) in patient than in control group (48%). Odds ratio (A vs. O) was 2.581 (1.381-4.817), CI 95%; p = 0.004. Also, blood group A patients appeared to have more severe disease, given by the scores of the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment and Simplified Acute Physiologic Score 3 (p = 0.036 and p = 0.058, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Histo-blood type A is associated with a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 in relation to blood type O.

Methane emission suppression in flooded soil from Amazonia

The coupling between ferrous iron and methane production has important global implications, with iron ions acting as electron acceptors for anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) and inhibitors of methanogenesis in different environments, including floodplain soils. In this sense, we analyzed the relationship between Fe(II) concentration and methane production in soil layers collected at 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm from flooded-forest and -agroforestry in Amazonian clear water floodplain incubated in anaerobic batch reactors using acetate, formate and glucose as organic sources. High throughput sequencing of archaeal and bacterial 16S rRNA genes was employed to assess the abundance and composition of the active methanogenic and methanotrophic microbial groups potentially involved in Fe(III)-dependent AOM in the soil used as inoculum. Positive correlation was revealed between Fe(II) concentration and methane production, with higher accumulation of Fe(II) in incubated soil layer collected at 0-15 cm in both forest and agroforestry sites for all the three organic sources. The accumulation of Fe(II) in the incubated soil evidenced the oxidation of Fe(III) potentially by Methanobacterium, Desulfobulbus and 'Candidatus methanoperedens nitroreducens' living in anaerobic condition at this soil layer. The results point out to the microbial ferric iron reduction as an important potential pathway for anaerobic organic matter decomposition in Amazonian floodplain, evidencing methanogenesis suppression by Fe(III) reduction in flooded-forest and -agroforestry in Amazonian clear water river floodplain.

Surveillance of Arboviruses in Primates and Sloths in the Atlantic Forest, Bahia, Brazil

From 2006 through 2014, we conducted seroepidemiological surveys on non-human primates and sloths to investigate the possible circulation of arboviruses in Bahia Atlantic Forest, Brazil. We collected a total of 196 samples from 103 Leontopithecus chrysomelas, 7 Sapajus xanthosternos, 22 Bradypus torquatus and 7 Bradypus variegatus. Serum samples were tested using neutralization test and hemagglutination inhibition test to detect total antibodies against 26 different arboviruses. The overall prevalence of arboviruses was 36.6% (51/139), with the genus Flavivirus having the highest prevalence (33.1%; 46/139), followed by Phlebovirus (5.0%; 7/139), Orthobunyavirus (4.3%; 6/139) and Alphavirus (0.7%; 1/139). Monotypic reactions suggest that the wild animals were exposed naturally to at least twelve arboviruses. Added results from the neutralization test, animals were exposed to thirteen arboviruses. Most of these viruses are maintained in transmission cycles independent of human hosts, although antibodies against dengue virus serotypes 1, 2 and 3 were found in this study. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting exposure to arboviruses in L. chrysomelas, S. xanthosternos and B. torquatus. Our results also highlight that the Southern Bahia Atlantic Forest has a variety of vertebrate hosts and potential vectors, which may support the emergence or re-emergence of arboviruses, including those pathogenic to humans.

Latex sensitization in patients with myelomeningocele: contribution of microarray technique

Summary

Background. Microarray technique employing molecular allergens is pointed out as a new method to evaluate allergic patients. Objective. To evaluate if microarray technique (ImmunoCAP-ISAC®; I-ISAC®) is similar to fluorescence enzyme immunoassay (FEIA; ImmunoCAP®) in the diagnosis of latex allergy (specific IgE to latex plus symptoms) and latex sensitization (only antibody) in pediatric (9-mo to 14-yrs) patients with myelomeningocele undergone to surgical repair. Methods. Patients underwent skin prick testing (SPT) to latex and food (prick to prick), and dosage of serum specific IgE to latex and recombinant latex allergens (rHev b 1, rHev b 3, rHev b 5, rHev b 6.01, rHev b 6.02, rHev b 8, rHev b 9, and rHev b 11) by ImmunoCAP® and I-ISAC®. Results. The comparison between the two methods showed high level of concordance considering positive and negative results. A statistically significant correlation for rHev b 3 and rHev b 6.01 for the allergic patients, and for rHev b5 and rHev b6.01 for those sensitized to latex, was observed. I-ISAC® is limited to 5 recombinant latex allergens (rHev b 1, 3, 5, 6.01 and 8). Despite the presence of antibodies against pollens, LTP and profilins (I-ISAC®) in some patients, none of them reported symptoms related with intake of fruits and/or vegetables. Conclusion. Both methods are effective in assisting the diagnosis of latex allergy, but differ in the assessment of sensitized pediatric patients with myelomeningocele. The assessment of latex sensitized patients is more complete using the 8 recombinant latex fractions available for ImmunoCAP®, instead of I-ISAC®.

Effects of whole body vibration on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) identified significant effects of whole body vibration (WBV) on bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine (in the sensitivity analysis and seven subgroup analyses), femoral neck (in one subgroup analysis), and trochanter (four subgroup analyses) in postmenopausal women, but not other measurements of BMD.

INTRODUCTION

Interventions using WBV training have been conducted in postmenopausal women, aimed at increasing BMD; however, the results are contradictory. Our objective is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs examining WBV effect on BMD.

METHODS

RCTs were considered eligible, with follow-up ≥6 months, which verified the effects of WBV on the BMD of postmenopausal women. The calculations of the meta-analysis were performed through the weighted mean difference between the WBV and control groups, or the WBV and combined training, through the absolute change between pre- and post-intervention in the areal bone mineral density (aBMD) or trabecular volumetric bone mineral density (vBMDt).

RESULTS

Fifteen RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. No differences were observed in the primary analysis. WBV was found to improve aBMD compared with the control group, after exclusion of studies with low quality methodological (lumbar spine), when excluding the studies which combined WBV with medication or combined training (lumbar spine), with the use of low frequency and high magnitude (lumbar spine and trochanter), high frequency and low magnitude (lumbar spine), high cumulative dose and low magnitude (lumbar spine), low cumulative dose and high magnitude (lumbar spine and trochanter), with semi-flexed knee (lumbar spine, femoral neck, and trochanter), and side-alternating type of vibration (lumbar spine and trochanter).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite WBV presenting potential to act as a coadjuvant in the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis, especially for aBMD of the lumbar spine, the ideal intervention is not yet clear. Our subgroup analyses helped to demonstrate the various factors which appear to influence the effects of WBV on BMD, contributing to clinical practice and the definition of protocols for future interventions.

Electromyographic analysis of rectus femoris activity during seated to standing position and walking in water and on dry land in healthy children and children with cerebral palsy

PURPOSE

To analyze rectus femoris activity during seated to standing position and walking in water and on dry land comparing a group of children with the spastic diparesis type of cerebral palsy (CP) and a group of children without neurological disorders.

METHODS

This study included a group of nine children with CP and a control group of 11 children. The study compared the electromyographic activity of the rectus femoris during seated to standing position and walking, in water and on land.

RESULTS

A greater activation of the rectus femoris was observed in the group of children with CP compared with the control group when moving from a seated position to a standing position in water (p=0.0039) and while walking on land (p=0.0014) or in the pool (p=0.007).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated the activation of the rectus femoris while walking or standing up from a seated position in water was greater in the group of children with CP. Further studies should be performed to better understand the extent of muscular activation during body immersion in individuals with neurological disorders.

In silico prediction of conserved vaccine targets in Streptococcus agalactiae strains isolated from fish, cattle, and human samples

Streptococcus agalactiae (Lancefield group B; group B streptococci) is a major pathogen that causes meningoencephalitis in fish, mastitis in cows, and neonatal sepsis and meningitis in humans. The available prophylactic measures for conserving human and animal health are not totally effective and have limitations. Effective vaccines against the different serotypes or genotypes of pathogenic strains from the various hosts would be useful. We used an in silico strategy to identify conserved vaccine candidates in 15 genomes of group B streptococci strains isolated from human, bovine, and fish samples. The degree of conservation, subcellular localization, and immunogenic potential of S. agalactiae proteins were investigated. We identified 36 antigenic proteins that were conserved in all 15 genomes. Among these proteins, 5 and 23 were shared only by human or fish strains, respectively. These potential vaccine targets may help develop effective vaccines that will help prevent S. agalactiae infection.

Increased expression of miR-221 is associated with shorter overall survival in T-cell acute lymphoid leukemia

Background

CD56 expression has been associated with a poor prognosis in lymphoid neoplasms, including T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in lymphoid differentiation, and aberrant miRNA expression has been associated with treatment outcome in lymphoid malignancies. Here, we evaluated miRNA expression profiles in normal thymocytes, mature T-cells, and T-ALL samples with and without CD56 expression and correlated microRNA expression with treatment outcome.

Methods

The gene expression profile of 164 miRNAs were compared for T-ALL/CD56⁺ (n=12) and T-ALL/CD56^- (n=36) patients by Real-Time Quantitative PCR. Based on this analysis, we decided to evaluate miR-221 and miR-374 expression in individual leukemic and normal samples.

Results

miR-221 and miR-374 were expressed at significantly higher levels in T-ALL/CD56⁺ than in T-ALL/CD56^- cells and in leukemic blasts compared with normal thymocytes and peripheral blood (PB) T-cells. Age at diagnosis (15 or less vs grater than 15 years; HR: 2.19, 95% CI: 0.98-4.85; P=0.05), miR-221 expression level (median value as cut off in leukemic samples; HR: 3.17, 95% CI: 1.45-6.92; P=0.004), and the expression of CD56 (CD56^-vs CD56⁺; HR: 2.99, 95% CI: 1.37-6.51; P=0.006) were predictive factors for shorter overall survival; whereas, only CD56 expression (HR: 2.73, 95% CI: 1.03-7.18; P=0.041) was associated with a shorter disease-free survival rate.

Conclusions

miR-221 is highly expressed in T-ALL and its expression level may be associated with a poorer prognosis.

The binding protein BiP attenuates stress-induced cell death in soybean via modulation of the N-rich protein-mediated signaling pathway

The molecular chaperone binding protein (BiP) participates in the constitutive function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and protects the cell against stresses. In this study, we investigated the underlying mechanism by which BiP protects plant cells from stress-induced cell death. We found that enhanced expression of BiP in soybean (Glycine max) attenuated ER stress- and osmotic stress-mediated cell death. Ectopic expression of BiP in transgenic lines attenuated the leaf necrotic lesions that are caused by the ER stress inducer tunicamycin and also maintained shoot turgidity upon polyethylene glycol-induced dehydration. BiP-mediated attenuation of stress-induced cell death was confirmed by the decreased percentage of dead cell, the reduced induction of the senescence-associated marker gene GmCystP, and reduced DNA fragmentation in BiP-overexpressing lines. These phenotypes were accompanied by a delay in the induction of the cell death marker genes N-RICH PROTEIN-A (NRP-A), NRP-B, and GmNAC6, which are involved in transducing a cell death signal generated by ER stress and osmotic stress through the NRP-mediated signaling pathway. The prosurvival effect of BiP was associated with modulation of the ER stress- and osmotic stress-induced NRP-mediated cell death signaling, as determined in transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) lines with enhanced (sense) and suppressed (antisense) BiP levels. Enhanced expression of BiP prevented NRP- and NAC6-mediated chlorosis and the appearance of senescence-associated markers, whereas silencing of endogenous BiP accelerated the onset of leaf senescence mediated by NRPs and GmNAC6. Collectively, these results implicate BiP as a negative regulator of the stress-induced NRP-mediated cell death response.

The effects of Tynnanthus fasciculatus (Bignoniaceae) infusion on testicular parenchyma of adult Wistar rats

Traditional medicine provides strong guidance for scientific experiments involving plant products used by the Brazilian people. The species "cipó-cravo" (Tynnanthus fasciculatus) is a plant commonly used either to combat indigestion and stomach aches, or as a general stimulant and aphrodisiac. In this study, the effects of "cipó-cravo" infusion were investigated within the testicular parenchyma of adult Wistar rats. Rats were divided into 3 groups: a control (distilled water) and two treated groups, which received the plant infusion (100 and 200mg/animal/day). The 200mg dose promoted a significant increase of the testicular parenchyma weight and of the volume and total length of the seminiferous tubules, as well as in total daily sperm production and sperm production per gram of testis.

Primate community of the tropical rain forests of Saracá-Taqüera National Forest, Pará, Brazil

Brazil is the richest country in the world in terms of primate species and the Amazonian rain forest is one of the richest biomes containing 15 (ca. 90%) of the Neotropical primate genera. Although considered key elements in conservation strategies, there is only anecdotal information on primates for several protected areas within the region. Here we present new data on the community composition of the primates in the Saracá-Taqüera National Forest (429,600 ha), an actively mined, bauxite rich area, in Pará, Brazil. We used information from the literature, technical reports, museum data, and interviews conducted with agents from the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Natural Renewable Resources (Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis - IBAMA) and members of the local 'Quilombo' community. In addition, from July 2003 to June 2007, we carried out 19 field trips ranging from 10 to15 days each, amounting to a total effort of 1,230 hours and 1,420 km of censuses, resulting in 1,034 records of eight primate species (Saguinus martinsi, Saguinus midas, Saimiri sciureus, Cebus apella, Pithecia pithecia, Chiropotes sagulatus, Ateles paniscus, and Alouatta macconelli). Two other species (Cebus olivaceus and Aotus trivirgatus) were recorded only indirectly, through interviews and literature data. In all, Alouatta macconelli was the most frequently recorded species (43% of all records); while Saguinus midas and P. pithecia were the least (ca. 0.4 and 0.6% of all records). Based on our results, we discuss group sizes as well as taxonomic problems concerning the genera Pithecia and Chiropotes, for which we registered individuals displaying phenotypic geographical variation and two different forms, respectively. Despite the deforestation inherent in bauxite mining, the Saracá-Taqüera National Forest still has a remarkable richness of primate species. Our study results place this National Forest amongst the richest reserves, in terms of primate species, in the Amazon region.

Collection tubes with or without gel separator did not interfere with detection of rubella virus antibodies IgM and IgG

Rubella infection is an exanthematic disease, with high prevalence in the adult population. The only modality of disease that causes serious consequences is congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), which happens when a pregnant woman seronegative to rubella virus acquires the infection during early pregnancy. Due to the lack of signals and characteristic symptoms of disease, diagnosis of rubella is based essentially on laboratory tests: antibodies detection and/or virus isolation. Results of serologic tests should always be interpreted with caution, because they can be affected by the quality of blood samples, processing and storage of sera, the equipment and reagents used to perform tests, and finally by the technical expertise and training of biologists. The collection tubes with gel seem to facilitate serum separation, but on the other hand gels can retain and consequently decrease antibody titers. Therefore, we decided to investigate whether the use of collection tubes containing gel separator might interfere with rubella virus antibody detection in blood samples from children. We did not observe statistically significant differences with respect to rubella virus antibody detection (immunoglobulin M [IgM] and immunoglobulin G [IgG]) for samples collected in tubes with or without gel separator, from the two evaluated manufacturers.

Autoimmune hepatitis in Brazil: an overview

Autoimmune hepatitis is an immune cell-mediated chronic liver disease of unknown cause that leads, when untreated, to cirrhosis and liver failure. Importantly, this disease affects not only adults but children as well. Genetic susceptibility is clearly important and the major susceptibility factor identified up to now is the HLA-DRB1 locus, but other genes may play a role as well. HLA-DRB1 alleles present in South American patients differ from those found in patients in other parts of the world. In addition, we have recently identified two chromosomal regions where additional susceptibility factors may be found in Brazilian patients, namely, the class III MHC region and the 5q31 region where the IL-4 and IL-13 genes are located. This review discusses the current knowledge of the pathogenesis of this autoimmune disease occurring in the setting of an immune-privileged organ, the liver, and compares the data on gene polymorphisms studied in Brazil and in other parts of the world.

Comparison of Two Commercial Immunoassays for the Detection of Anti‐Rubella IgM and IgG in Pediatric Patients

The only threatening modality of rubella is the Congenital Rubella Syndrome that affects fetuses of women who acquire infection during early pregnancy. Laboratory diagnosis is based on serological parameters. We compared anti-rubella IgM and IgG detection of two commercial immunoassay kits (Abbott and Roche). Although we observed an agreement of 97.8% for IgM and 95.7% for IgG when the categories positive, negative and indeterminate were considered, mean titers of IgG and the absorbance/cut off of IgM were statistically different for both kits, thus corroborating the idea that serological results depend very much on the methodology and must be carefully interpreted.

Peptides of arachnid venoms with insecticidal activity targeting sodium channels

Arachnids have a venom apparatus and secrete a complex chemical mixture of low molecular mass organic molecules, enzymes and polypeptide neurotoxins designed to paralyze or kill their prey. Most of these toxins are specific for membrane voltage-gated sodium channels, although some may also target calcium or potassium channels and other membrane receptors. Scorpions and spiders have provided the greatest number of the neurotoxins studied so far, for which, a good number of primary and 3D structures have been obtained. Structural features, comprising a folding that determines a similar spatial distribution of charged and hydrophobic side chains of specific amino acids, are strikingly common among the toxins from spider and scorpion venoms. Such similarities are, in turn, the key feature to target and bind these proteins to ionic channels. The search for new insecticidal compounds, as well as the study of their modes of action, constitutes a current approach to rationally design novel insecticides. This goal tends to be more relevant if the resistance to the conventional chemical products is considered. A promising alternative seems to be the biotechnological approach using toxin-expressing recombinant baculovirus. Spider and scorpion toxins having insecticidal activity are reviewed here considering their structures, toxicities and action mechanisms in sodium channels of excitable membranes.

Host-parasite relationships of monogeneans in gills ofAstyanax altiparanaeandRhamdia quelenof the São Francisco Verdadeiro River, Brazil

This study investigates the ecology of monogenean gill parasites of Aslyanax altiparanae Garutti & Britski, 2000 and Rhamdia quelen (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) in a stretch of the Sao Francisco Verdadeiro River, Parana, Brazil. Statistical and ecological indices were used to examine observed levels of parasitism in relation to host and environmental characteristics. A. altiparance and R. quelen had infestation intensities of 2.8 and 23.1 parasites per fish, respectively. The only significant environmental influence was observed at the upstream station for R. quelen. For both host species, parasitized and non-parasitized individuals presented similar weight-ength relationships. Parasitized individuals had dispersed K,, values indicating abnormal conditions. The low levels of parasitism observed in this study suggest that the environment is relatively undisturbed. Additional studies should compare these two species and their respective parasites following completion of the hydroelectric headquarters planned for construction in this stretch of the Sao Francisco Verdoadeiro River.

Role of amygdala in conditioned and unconditioned fear generated in the periaqueductal gray

The amygdala and ventral portion of the periaqueductal gray (vPAG) are crucial for the expression of the contextual freezing behavior. However, it is still unclear whether the amygdala also plays a role in defensive behaviors induced by electrical stimulation of the dorsal periaqueductal gray (dPAG). In the present study, rats were implanted with electrodes into dPAG for determination of the thresholds for freezing and escape responses before and after sham or electrolytic lesions in the amygdala. Animals were then submitted to a context fear conditioning procedure. Amygdala lesions disrupted contextual freezing but did not affect defensive behaviors induced by dPAG electrical stimulation. These results indicate that contextual and unconditioned freezing behaviors are mediated by independent neural circuits.

Butyrylcholinesterase and obesity in individuals with the CHE2 C5+ and CHE2 C5− phenotypes

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activities (total and band specific) and body mass index (BMI) in obese and nonobese individuals, considering other variables (anthropometric, biochemical and hormonal) and the leanness process.

SUBJECTS

Obese (BMI> or =30 kg/m(2); N=181) and nonobese individuals (N=265), classified according to the CHE2 locus phenotypes, with the obese patients being followed-up when submitted to a weight-loss program.

MEASUREMENTS

Anthropometric (weight, height, BMI, waist, waist/hip ratio-WHR, triceps and subscapular skinfolds, percentage of body fat and arterial pressures), hormonal (insulin, estradiol-E(2), triiodothyronine-T(3) and thyroxine-T(4)) and biochemical (glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-C, triglycerides, uric acid, urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium and BChE activities) variables.

RESULTS

Although obese CHE2 C5- individuals presented higher mean BChE activities than their CHE2 C5- controls and diminished mean activities with leanness, similar comparisons did not show any difference in the CHE2 C5+ group. Furthermore, the mean serum potassium values of obese individuals were significantly higher in the CHE2 C5+ than in the CHE2 C5- phenotype. The BChE activities were less related to BMI in obese CHE2 C5- individuals than in their controls. In the CHE2 C5- obese group, significant regression coefficients were found between BChE activity variables and BMI (+), ethnic origin (higher in Euro-Brazilians), sex (higher in males), diastolic pressure (-), triceps skinfold (+), total cholesterol (+), T(3) (+) and E(2) (-). The main findings in the CHE2 C5+ obese group: mean insulin levels decreased with leanness and a significant correlation was detected between the C(5) complex activity and creatinine (+), insulin (-) and WHR (-); a significantly higher frequency of weight loss occurred compared to the CHE2 C5- group.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, different relations between obesity and some of the studied variables were found when CHE2 C5+ and CHE2 C5- individuals were compared.

Midline nasal mass in infancy: a nasal glioma case report

Congenital midline nasal masses are rare anomalies that occur in about one in 20,000-40,000 live births. The most common are dermoid/epidermoid tumors, nasal cerebral heterotopias (nasal gliomas), and nasal encephaloceles; some have an actual or potential central nervous system connection. Nasal gliomas are CNS masses of neurogenic origin which have lost their intracranial connections and present as an obvious external or intranasal mass at birth without associated surgical symptoms. Careful evaluation is required to confirm the diagnosis and appropriate management. The interpretation of CT and MR images can be difficult but is useful in differentiating nasal gliomas from other congenital nasal masses. The presence of a fibrous stalk may be associated with cranial defects and CSF leak. Excisional biopsy allows histopathologic diagnosis and is the definitive treatment. They are benign lesions, and recurrences are rare, so conservative cosmetic surgical techniques should be chosen for gliomas where there is no proven intracranial extension. The authors report an illustrative nasal glioma case in a one-year-old male infant with extranasal and intranasal components, and discuss the therapeutic options.

Association of the CHE2 locus with body mass index and butyrylcholinesterase activity

The butyrylcholinesterase (BChE; EC 3.1.1.8) activities of two electrophoretic bands of the CHE2 C5+ phenotype--C5 and C(OF) (other forms)--were quantified by densitometry in 100 individuals. The activity data suggested that, in addition to determining C5, the CHE2*C5+ allele also increases the level of other BChE forms. Since the relative activity of C5 showed the highest correlation coefficient with weight when compared with the other BChE activity variables (total, absolute C5, and absolute C(OF)), its median activity level was used for the classification of CHE2 C5+ phenotypes (faint and intense). Mean body mass index (BMI) was compared among the CHE2 locus phenotypes-controlled by sex, age, and ethnic group. It was shown that the intense CHE2 C5+ phenotype presents a significantly lower (p < 0.001) mean BMI (23.2) than the other phenotypes (faint CHE2 C5+ = 25.2; CHE2 C5- = 25.4). It seems that the relative COF activity is positively associated with fat storage, since CHE2 C5- and faint CHE2 C5+ phenotypes showed higher mean BMI than the intense CHE2 C5+ phenotype. Our hypothesis is that the presence of C5 in a relatively high proportion leads to less fat storage.

Delay in gallbladder emptying during the perimenopausal period

A pilot study has ascribed an important role in gallbladder motility and emptying to the perimenopausal period. To assess the effect of this period on gallbladder emptying and cholelithogenesis, 25 women in the perimenopausal period without gallbladder disease were submitted to cholangiography and two ultrasound exams. The time for gallbladder emptying and the presence of cholelithiasis were assessed. All patients presented a delay in gallbladder emptying with no relationship to the pre- or postmenopausal period. This finding was not related to lithogenesis. Gallbladder emptying time is longer during the perimenopausal period.

Serologic testing for Trypanosoma cruzi: comparison of radioimmunoprecipitation assay with commercially available indirect immunofluorescence assay, indirect hemagglutination assay, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits

The radioimmunoprecipitation assay (RIPA) has been used as a confirmatory test in several ongoing and published studies of Trypanosoma cruzi in blood donors in the United States. Despite its use as a confirmatory test, few studies are available comparing RIPA to commercially available serologic test methods. Thus, we compared RIPA with two indirect hemagglutination assays (Biolab Diagnostica SA, São Paulo, Brazil; Hemagen Diagnostics, Inc., Waltham, Mass.) and four different enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Ill.; Embrabio, São Paulo, Brazil; Organon Teknika, São Paulo, Brazil; and Gull Laboratories, Salt Lake City, Utah) using a panel of 220 serum specimens from Brazilian blood donors with a range of T. cruzi antibody titers as determined by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). A titer of 1:20 was used as the baseline for seropositivity. All IFA-negative serum specimens (n = 19) were nonreactive on all tests. At a titer of 1:20 (n = 9), reactivity rates varied considerably among the tests, with only the RIPA and the Organon and Gull assays identifying reactive specimens. For specimens at a 1:40 titer (n = 35), most assays identified at least 32 of 35 (91%) specimens as reactive, but the Biolab assay only identified 24 (69%). At higher titers (1:80, n = 56; 1:160, n = 101) the assays were comparable, with the exception of the Biolab assay, demonstrating rates of agreement with IFA of >/=98%. Overall, when compared with several other test formats, RIPA demonstrated equivalent or superior rates of agreement with IFA-positive specimens across all titers examined. In particular, at titers of >1:40, the RIPA compared favorably with other test methods currently in use, supporting its application as a confirmatory test, particularly in a research setting.

Frequency of cholelithiasis in alcoholics

In order to determine the frequency of biliary lithiasis in alcoholic patients without signs of hepatic cirrhosis, we submitted 106 male alcoholics (mean age, 42.2 +/- 11.2 years) to ultrasound examination of the biliary system. Cholelithiasis was present in 6 (5.6%). We did not observe any association between the quantity of ethanol consumed and/or the time of consumption and the presence of cholelithiasis. There was no significant difference between the frequency of cholelithiasis in these patients and that found in autopsies carried out on 716 male patients (6%) at the Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, during the period 1982 to 1993. Thus, we conclude that in the cases we examined, alcoholism did not represent a risk factor for biliary lithogenesis.

Blood glucose and insulin response to intravenous glucose by patients with chronic Chagas' disease and alcoholism

Blood glucose and insulin responses to intravenous glucose 500 mg/kg in a group of alcoholic chagasic patients (Group I, N = 15) were assessed and compared to those of a group of patients with Chagas' disease without alcoholism (Group II, N = 16), a group of alcoholics without Chagas' disease (Group III, N = 22), and a group of non-alcoholics without Chagas' disease (Group IV, N = 15). Determinations of serum glucose and insulin were done under fasting conditions, 5 and 10 min after the injection of 50% glucose. There was no difference in mean serum glucose levels between groups. Mean serum insulin levels at times 5 and 10 min and for the total integrated response were lower (P < 0.05) in Groups I and II as compared to Group IV; at time 10 min the mean was lower (P < 0.05) in Group III as compared to Group IV. There was a nonsignificant trend for a lower insulinemic response in Group I as compared to Group II. These data suggest denervation of or injury to pancreatic B cell by Chagas' disease.

A case of acute poisoning by methyl demeton in a female 5 months pregnant

During the last decade the number of poisonings by pesticides in Portugal has been steadily rising. Out of 140 patients treated in our Intensive Care Unit (I.C.U.), 86 were male and 54 were female, one of whom was 5 months pregnant. Besides all the care and surveillance required by every case of acute poisoning, pregnant females raise particular problems. Four months later, she gave birth to a normal child. Its follow-up has shown a normal morpho-physiological and psycho-motor development.