30 years of dengue fatal cases in Brazil: a laboratorial-based investigation of 1047 cases.

Background: Dengue viruses (DENV) have emerged and reemerged in Brazil in the past 30 years causing explosive epidemics. The disease may range from clinically asymptomatic infections to severe and fatal outcomes. We aimed to describe the epidemiological, clinical and laboratorial aspects of the dengue fatal cases received by a Regional Reference Laboratory, Brazil in 30 years.

Innate immune receptors over expression correlate with chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy and digestive damage in patients.

Chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCC) is observed in 30% to 50% of the individuals infected by Trypanosoma cruzi and heart failure is the important cause of death among patients in the chronic phase of Chagas disease. Although some studies have elucidated the role of adaptive immune responses involving T and B lymphocytes in cardiac pathogenesis, the role of innate immunity receptors such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and Nod-like receptors (NLRs) in CCC pathophysiology has not yet been determined. In this study, we evaluated the association among innate immune receptors (TLR1-9 and nucleotide-binding domain-like receptor protein 3/NLRP3), its adapter molecules (Myd88, TRIF, ASC and caspase-1) and cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, IL-18, IL-23, TNF-α, and IFN-β) with clinical manifestation, digestive and cardiac function in patients with different clinical forms of chronic Chagas disease.

Homology Inference Based on a Reconciliation Approach for the Comparative Genomics of Protozoa.

Protozoa parasites are responsible for several diseases in tropical countries, such as malaria, sleeping sickness, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, amebiasis, and giardiasis, which together threaten millions of people around the world. In addition, most of the classic parasitic diseases due to protozoa are zoonotic. Understanding the biology of these organisms plays a relevant role in combating these diseases.

Evidence of vertical transmission of Zika virus in field-collected eggs of Aedes aegypti in the Brazilian Amazon.

Background: Arboviruses are viruses transmitted to humans and other animals by the bite of hematophagous arthropods. Infections caused by chikungunya virus (CHIKV), dengue virus (DENV), Zika virus (ZIKV), and the deadlier yellow fever virus (YFV) are current public health problems in several countries, mainly those located in tropical and subtropical regions. One of the main prevention strategies continues to be vector control, with the elimination of breeding sites and surveillance of infested areas.

The Binomial Parasite-Host Immunity in the Healing Process and in Reactivation of Human Tegumentary Leishmaniasis.

Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne infectious disease caused by different species of protozoa from the genus. Classically, the disease can be classified into two main clinical forms: Visceral (VL) and Tegumentary (TL) leishmaniasis. TL is a skin/mucosal granulomatous disease that manifests mainly as cutaneous localized or disseminated ulcers, papules diffusely distributed, mucosal lesions or atypical lesions.

The Neuropeptides Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide and Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide Control HIV-1 Infection in Macrophages Through Activation of Protein Kinases A and C.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) are highly similar neuropeptides present in several tissues, endowed with immunoregulatory functions and other systemic effects. We previously reported that both neuropeptides reduce viral production in HIV-1-infected primary macrophages, with the participation of β-chemokines and IL-10, and now we describe molecular mechanisms engaged in this activity. Macrophages exposed to VIP or PACAP before HIV-1 infection showed resistance to viral replication, comparable to that observed when the cells were treated after infection.

Detection and quantification of hepatitis E virus in the absence of IgG and IgM anti-HEV in HIV-positive patients.

Aims: To improve RT-qPCR with an internal control and a synthetic standard curve to detect HEV in HIV co-infected patients.

Methods And Results: A single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) and a double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) synthetic curve were designed, compared to the international reference panel for HEV genotypes, and tested to quantify and detect a reference panel for HEV genotypes. The detection limit of the RNA synthetic curve (50 copies per ml) was better than the DNA synthetic curve (100 copies per ml) and the WHO standard curve (250 copies per ml).

NS1 Antigenemia and Viraemia Load: Potential Markers of Progression to Dengue Fatal Outcome?

Dengue is a worldwide problem characterized by a multifactorial pathogenesis. Considering the viral components, it is known that high viremia or high levels of the secreted nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) may be associated with a more severe disease. We aimed to characterize the NS1 antigenemia and viremia in dengue fatal and non-fatal cases, as potential markers of progression to a fatal outcome.

Synthesis and Evaluation of the Anticancer and Trypanocidal Activities of Boronic Tyrphostins.

Molecules containing an (cyanovinyl)arene moiety are known as tyrphostins because of their ability to inhibit proteins from the tyrosine kinase family, an interesting target for the development of anticancer and trypanocidal drugs. In the present work, (E)-(cyanovinyl)benzeneboronic acids were synthesized by Knoevenagel condensations without the use of any catalysts in water through a simple protocol that completely avoided the use of organic solvents in the synthesis and workup process. The in vitro anticancer and trypanocidal activities of the synthesized boronic acids were also evaluated, and it was discovered that the introduction of the boronic acid functionality improved the activity of the boronic tyrphostins.

Atorvastatin Downregulates Methyl Methanesulfonate and Cyclophosphamide Alkylation-Mediated Cellular and DNA Injuries.

Statins are 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, and this class of drugs has been studied as protective agents against DNA damages. Alkylating agents (AAs) are able to induce alkylation in macromolecules, causing DNA damage, as DNA methylation. Our objective was to evaluate atorvastatin (AVA) antimutagenic, cytoprotective, and antigenotoxic potentials against DNA lesions caused by AA.

Evaluation of Multiple Immersion Effects on Eggs From Haemagogus leucocelaenus, Haemagogus janthinomys, and Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) Under Experimental Conditions.

Studies on the bioecology of Haemagogus leucocelaenus Dyar and Shannon 1924, Haemagogus janthinomys Dyar 1921, Aedes albopictus Skuse 1895 (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitos are extremely important from an epidemiologic point of view, as they are known to be vectors of many important pathogens and, therefore, act as the main factor responsible for the maintenance of several zoonoses natural cycles. The present work aimed to elucidate their seasonal egg-hatching rate using the immersion method. Ovitraps were used to collect mosquito eggs from an Atlantic Forest fragment, in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from November 2015 to November 2016.

Evaluating seroprevalence to circumsporozoite protein to estimate exposure to three species of Plasmodium in the Brazilian Amazon.

Background: Brazil has seen a great decline in malaria and the country is moving towards elimination. However, for eventual elimination, the control program needs efficient tools in order to monitor malaria exposure and transmission. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether seroprevalence to the circumsporozoite protein (CSP) is a good tool for monitoring the exposure to and/or evaluating the burden and distribution of Plasmodium species in the Brazilian Amazon.

Mechanism of hematopoiesis and vasculogenesis in mouse placenta.

The placenta plays a major role in the development of blood cells in the mouse and human embryo. Hematopoiesis and vasculogenesis in placenta are two closely interconnected processes. The mouse model has been widely used to study placental hematopoiesis.

Distribution of the Mosquito Communities (Diptera: Culicidae) in Oviposition Traps Introduced into the Atlantic Forest in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The Atlantic Rainforest of South America is one of the major biodiversity hotspots of the world and serves as a place of residence for a wide variety of Culicidae species. Mosquito studies in the natural environment are of considerable importance because of their role in transmitting pathogens to both humans and other vertebrates. Community diversity can have significant effects on the risk of their disease transmission.

Gender, time use and overweight and obesity in adults: Results of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil).

Perceived time constraints have been highlighted in sociological studies as representing a core issue in determining quality of life. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that gender inequalities regarding insufficiency of time play a role in the development of overweight and obesity in adults. The study used baseline data (2008-2010) from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil), which monitors a cohort of 15,105 civil servants of 35 to 74 years of age.

Bone Marrow-Derived Mononuclear Cell Therapy in Papain-Induced Experimental Pulmonary Emphysema.

Murine papain-induced emphysema is a model that reproduces many of the features found in patients. Bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (BMMC) have already been used to repair the alveolar epithelium in respiratory diseases, but not in the papain model. Thus, we hypothesized that BMMC could prevent the pathophysiological processes in papain-induced experimental emphysema.

Searching for new drugs for Chagas diseases: triazole analogs display high in vitro activity against Trypanosoma cruzi and low toxicity toward mammalian cells.

Chagas disease is one of the most relevant endemic diseases in Latin America caused by the flagellate protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. Nifurtimox and benzonidazole are the drugs used in the treatment of this disease, but they commonly are toxic and present severe side effects. New effective molecules, without collateral effects, has promoted the investigation to develop new lead compounds with to advance for clinical trials.

Integration of miRNA and gene expression profiles suggest a role for miRNAs in the pathobiological processes of acute Trypanosoma cruzi infection.

Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is endemic in Latin America. Its acute phase is associated with high parasitism, myocarditis and profound myocardial gene expression changes. A chronic phase ensues where 30% develop severe heart lesions.

, , and Analyses of Novel Aromatic Amidines against Trypanosoma cruzi.

Five bis-arylimidamides were assayed as anti- agents by , , and approaches. None were considered to be pan-assay interference compounds. They had a favorable pharmacokinetic landscape and were active against trypomastigotes and intracellular forms, and in combination with benznidazole, they gave no interaction.

Institutional context and VCT practitioner narratives: possibilities and limitations for HIV prevention in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Background: Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) is an HIV prevention strategy that promotes the principles of confidentiality and informed consent. International research has highlighted VCT counselors' isolation from service planning and the contradictions they negotiate between local values and global testing recommendations. In Brazil, studies have identified many limitations, including counselors' difficulties to implement a vulnerability approach to HIV prevention as recommended in the country's national guidelines.

Comparing the egg ultrastructure of three Psorophora ferox (Diptera: Culicidae) populations.

Characterising the external morphology of mosquito eggs is important, since it facilitates the identification of material from breeding sites and contributes to the understanding of species biology and group systematics. Therefore, was to compare eggs from different Psorophora ferox populations using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Eggs were obtained from adult female of Ps.

Dengue Virus Induces NK Cell Activation through TRAIL Expression during Infection.

Dengue is an acute febrile illness with a wide spectrum of signs and symptoms ranging from mild to severe forms characterized by plasma leakage that can be fatal. NK cells are one of the main effectors in early infection and may play an important role in dengue pathogenesis. We investigated NK cell involvement during dengue infection.

Adiponectin, Retinoic Acid Receptor Responder 2, and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor- Coativator-1 Genes and the Risk for Obesity.

Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder. This disease is a multifactorial disease influenced by environmental and genetic factors. This study investigated the relationship between common variants of adiponectin (), retinoic acid receptor responder 2 (), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor- coativator-1 () and obesity-related traits and susceptibility.

Global update on the susceptibility of human influenza viruses to neuraminidase inhibitors, 2015-2016.

Four World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centres for Reference and Research on Influenza and one WHO Collaborating Centre for the Surveillance, Epidemiology and Control of Influenza (WHO CCs) assessed antiviral susceptibility of 14,330 influenza A and B viruses collected by WHO-recognized National Influenza Centres (NICs) between May 2015 and May 2016. Neuraminidase (NA) inhibition assay was used to determine 50% inhibitory concentration (IC) data for NA inhibitors (NAIs) oseltamivir, zanamivir, peramivir and laninamivir. Furthermore, NA sequences from 13,484 influenza viruses were retrieved from public sequence databases and screened for amino acid substitutions (AAS) associated with reduced inhibition (RI) or highly reduced inhibition (HRI) by NAIs.

Genetics of non-syndromic childhood obesity and the use of high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies.

Background: Childhood obesity is a serious public health problem associated with the development of several chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. The elevated prevalence of obesity is mostly due to inadequate diet and lifestyle, but it is also influenced by genetic factors.

Objectives: To review recent advances in the field of the genetics of obesity.