Human polyomaviruses and cancer: an overview.

The name of the family Polyomaviridae, derives from the early observation that cells infected with murine polyomavirus induced multiple (poly) tumors (omas) in immunocompromised mice. Subsequent studies showed that many members of this family exhibit the capacity of mediating cell transformation and tumorigenesis in different experimental models. The transformation process mediated by these viruses is driven by viral pleiotropic regulatory proteins called T (tumor) antigens.

Identification of circo-like virus-Brazil genomic sequences in raw sewage from the metropolitan area of São Paulo: evidence of circulation two and three years after the first detection.

Background: Two novel viruses named circo-like virus-Brazil (CLV-BR) hs1 and hs2 were previously discovered in a Brazilian human fecal sample through metagenomics. CLV-BR hs1 and hs2 possess a small circular DNA genome encoding a replication initiator protein (Rep), and the two genomes exhibit 92% nucleotide identity with each other. Phylogenetic analysis based on the Rep protein showed that CLV-BRs do not cluster with circoviruses, nanoviruses, geminiviruses or cycloviruses.

Chelonid herpesvirus 5 in secretions and tumor tissues from green turtles (Chelonia mydas) from Southeastern Brazil: A ten-year study.

Fibropapillomatosis (FP), a neoplastic disease characterized by the formation of multiple tumors affecting different species of sea turtles and, most often, the green turtle (Chelonia mydas), is considered one of the major threats to the survival of this species. Recent studies indicate that Chelonid herpesvirus (ChHV5) is the etiological agent of this disease, though its association with anthropogenically altered environments and the immune status of these animals also appears to contribute to disease expression and tumor formation. In this study, tumor biopsy and secretions from green turtles captured off the coast of São Paulo State, Brazil, were used in histological and molecular analyses to detect and characterize circulating ChHV5.

Apoptosis in HEp-2 cells infected with Ureaplasma diversum.

Background: Bacterial pathogens have many strategies for infecting and persisting in host cells. Adhesion, invasion and intracellular life are important features in the biology of mollicutes. The intracellular location of Ureaplasma diversum may trigger disturbances in the host cell.

Invasion of Ureaplasma diversum in Hep-2 cells.

Background: Understanding mollicutes is challenging due to their variety and relationship with host cells. Invasion has explained issues related to their opportunistic role. Few studies have been done on the Ureaplasma diversum mollicute, which is detected in healthy or diseased bovine.

Longitudinal study on occurrence of adenoviruses and hepatitis A virus in raw domestic sewage in the city of Limeira, SÃo Paulo.

The aim of this study was to verify the presence and annual distribution of adenoviruses and hepatitis A virus in domestic sewage in the city of Limeira, São Paulo. Fifty samples with a volume of 8 liters each were collected weekly from December 2004 to December 2005. The viruses were concentrated by filtration through positively charged ZP60S filter membranes, followed by ultracentrifugation.

Cultured epithelial cells response to phototherapy with low intensity laser.

Background And Objectives: Little is known about the intracellular response of epithelial cells to phototherapy. The aim of this in vitro study was to analyze the effect of phototherapy with low-energy lasers with different wavelengths and powers on cultured epithelial cell growth under different nutritional conditions.

Study Design/materials And Methods: Epithelial cell cultures (Vero cell line) grown in nutritional deficit in culture medium supplemented with 2% fetal bovine serum (FBS) were irradiated with low-energy laser from one to three times with a GaAlAs laser (660 nm) and InGaAlP (780 nm), 40 and 70 mW, respectively, with 3 or 5 J/cm2.

Electropositive filter membrane as an alternative for the elimination of PCR inhibitors from sewage and water samples.

PCR is the best method for the detection of enteric viruses present at low concentrations in environmental samples. However, some organic and inorganic compounds present in these samples can interfere in the reaction. Many of these substances are cytotoxic, too.

Factors that can interfere with virus concentration from wastewater when using Zeta Plus 60S filter membranes.

Zeta plus filter membranes (ZP60S) have been shown to be efficient for rotavirus concentration from wastewater and for the reduction of cytotoxicity for cell cultures. Recently a variability in both properties was observed. In view of the low costs and the high virus recovery rates obtained in the past, we re-evaluated the application of ZP60S filter membranes for virus concentration from environmental samples.

Molecular characterization of canine parvovirus in Brazil by polymerase chain reaction assay.

Canine parvovirus (CPV) was first isolated in 1978 in the USA. Analysis of CPV isolates by monoclonal antibodies and restriction enzymes have shown that after the first emergence of CPV (CPV-2) it evolved to give rise to new antigenic types, which were designated CPV type 2a and type 2b. These new types have replaced the original CPV type 2, although the proportions of each of the new antigenic types vary in different countries.