64 results on '"Freitas RB"'
Search Results
2. [Three successive rotavirus infections in a child from Belém, Brazil]
- Author
-
Yvone Benchimol Gabbay, C. S. Oliveira, Talita Antônia Furtado Monteiro, Joana D'Arc Pereira Mascarenhas, Alexandre da Costa Linhares, Bellesi N, and de Freitas Rb
- Subjects
business.industry ,Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health ,Rotavirus Infections ,Medicine ,business ,Virology - Published
- 1994
3. [Prospective study of rotavirus infections in Belém, Pará, Brazil: clinical and epidemiological features]
- Author
-
C. S. Oliveira, Joana D'Arc Pereira Mascarenhas, Zea Lins-Lainson, Valente Sa, Alexandre da Costa Linhares, Ramos Fl, de Freitas Rb, Talita Antônia Furtado Monteiro, Bellesi N, and Yvone Benchimol Gabbay
- Subjects
Serotype ,medicine.medical_specialty ,business.industry ,Rotavirus Infections ,Placebo ,medicine.disease_cause ,Internal medicine ,Rotavirus ,Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health ,Epidemiology ,medicine ,Etiology ,Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli ,Prospective cohort study ,business - Abstract
A prospective study of acute diarrhoeal diseases was carried out from April 1990 to September 1992 with the purpose of assessing the immunogenicity, safety and efficacy of a Rhesus-human reassortant rotavirus ("RRV-TV") vaccine, involving 540 children living in Belem, Para, Brazil. As half of the children received placebo, this trial provided the opportunity of broadening the knowledge on both clinical and epidemiological aspects of rotavirus infection in the Amazon region. There were 2,789 diarrhoeal episodes during the above mentioned period, of which 86 (3.1%) associated with rotavirus; serotype 1 was the more prevalent, accounting for 67.9% of serotyped strains. Rates of 5.9 and 0.2 episodes of diarrhoea per child/year were noted for all cases and the rotavirus-related ones, respectively. This agent was the only pathogen found in 70.9% of the 86 rotavirus-related episodes of acute diarrhoea, whereas the most frequent associations involved Giardia intestinalis and enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, accounting for 7.0% and 11.6% of mixed infections,respectively. The monthly rates of rotavirus-related episodes of diarrhoea ranged from 0.8% to 9.6%, reaching the highest peaks during the dry months of the year. Means of clinical severity scores of 9.4 and 5.3 were recorded for the rotavirus-related episodes of diarrhoea and those of other aetiology, respectively.
- Published
- 1994
4. Effect of Vernonia cognata on oxidative damage induced by ethanol in rats
- Author
-
Mota, CS, primary, Freitas, RB, additional, Athayde, ML, additional, Boligon, AA, additional, Augusti, PR, additional, Somacal, S., additional, Rocha, MP, additional, and Bauermann, LF, additional
- Published
- 2010
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
5. Pattern of acquisition of rotavirus antibody in children followed up from birth to the age of three years
- Author
-
Yvone Benchimol Gabbay, V. R Melo, Alexandre da Costa Linhares, J.D.P. Mascarenhas, and de Freitas Rb
- Subjects
Microbiology (medical) ,Rotavirus antibody ,Positive antibody ,Rotavirus ,Pediatrics ,medicine.medical_specialty ,lcsh:Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine ,Crianças ,lcsh:RC955-962 ,medicine.disease_cause ,Antibodies, Viral ,Immunity ,medicine ,Humans ,Anticorpos ,Children ,Antibody ,biology ,Age Factors ,Infant, Newborn ,Serum samples ,Infectious Diseases ,Antibody response ,Maternal antibody ,biology.protein ,Parasitology ,Follow-Up Studies - Abstract
Nine hundred and forty-eight serum samples from 83 children living in Belem, Brazil, collected'within their first three years of life, were testedfor the presence of group- specific rotavirus-antibody by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) blocking-test. Passively transferred maternal antibody lasted about two and half months; subsequentely, low levels of rotavirus antibody started to appear at seven months, reaching a peak at eleven months of age. From one year onwards positivity gradually increased, reaching highest values at 34 months of life. Individual responses were examined in sera from 61 children who were followed up since birth to three years of age: 38 (62,3%) ofthem developed a long-term immunity following first infection; eleven (18.0%) children developed a short-term immunity after first infection by rotavirus; seven (11.5%) had no antibody response within their first three years of life; and 5 (8.2%) showed positive antibody response from birth to three years old.Amostras de soro, em número de 948, foram coletadas de 83 crianças, ao longo de seus três primeiros anos de vida, e testadas quanto àpresença de anticorpos grupo-especificos para rotavirus por um teste de bloqueio, utilizando-se o ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA). Observou-se que anticorpos transferidos passivamente pela mãe persistiram por cerca de dois e meio meses; subseqüentemente, baixos níveis de anticorpos para rotavirus começaram a aparecer aos sete meses de idade, atingindo um pico por volta dos onze. A partir de um ano apositividade aumentou gradualmente, alcançando os mais altos valores aos 34 meses de vida. Respostas imunes individuais foram avaliadas em 61 crianças acompanhadas desde o seu nascimento até os três anos de idade, obtendo-se os seguintes resultados: 38 (62,3%) delas desenvolveram imunidade de longa duração, após a primo-infecção; 11 (18,0%) indivíduos apresentaram anticorpos específicos que se mantiveram por um intervalo de tempo relativamente curto; 07 (11,5%) não exibiram qualquer resposta imune ao agente em questão, ao longo dos seus três primeiros anos de vida; e 05 (8,2%) mostraram-se positivos quanto à presença de anticorpos para rotavirus, desde o nascimento até os três anos de idade.
- Published
- 1989
6. Highly-selective optical filter for NADH fluorescence detection in multiphoton microscopy.
- Author
-
Freitas RB, Rodrigues MJLF, Pimenta S, Belsley M, Correia JH, and Maciel MJ
- Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a pressing global health concern, emphasizing the need for early detection tools. In this study an optical filter for precise detection of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) fluorescence via two-photon excitation fluorescence (TPEF) was developed. Fabricated with silicon dioxide and titanium dioxide thin films in a Fabry-Perot structure, the filter achieved a peak transmittance of about 95% at 483 nm, with a 12 nm full-width at half maximum. TPEF measurements using a tailored setup and NADH liquid phantoms underscored the filter's significance in selectively capturing NADH fluorescence while mitigating interference from other fluorophores. This work marks a substantial stride towards integrating multiphoton microscopy into conventional colonoscopy, enabling non-invasive, objective optical biopsy for colorectal tissue analysis. Further refinements of the experimental setup are imperative to advance tissue differentiation and enhance CRC diagnosis., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (© 2024 Optica Publishing Group.)
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
7. Effects of Calendula officinalis extract on liver histopathology, lipid profile, and oxidative stress in rats submitted to a diet rich in cholesterol and carbohydrates.
- Author
-
Fontes GG, Freitas RB, Almeida PP, Lima LM, Cardoso SA, Pizziolo VR, Tabach R, Wanderley AG, Arida RM, Caricati-Neto A, Taha MO, Carvalho CA, Tallo FS, and Menezes-Rodrigues FS
- Subjects
- Rats, Animals, Plant Extracts pharmacology, Plant Extracts therapeutic use, Liver, Oxidative Stress, Diet, Cholesterol, Carbohydrates pharmacology, Calendula
- Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the modulatory properties of Calendula officinalis L. (Asteraceae) (C. officinalis) extract on cafeteria diet-fed rats., Methods: A cafeteria diet was administered ad libitum for 45 days to induce dyslipidemia. Then, the rats were treated with the formulations containing C. officinalis in the doses of 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg or only with the vehicle formulation; the control group received a commercial ration., Results: The cafeteria diet decreased glutathione S-transferase activity and high-density lipoprotein plasmatic levels and damaged the hepatic architecture. The C. officinalis extract was able to reduce lipid infiltration in liver tissue and to modulate oxidative stress and lipid profile markers., Conclusions: The correlations between the variables suggest a pathological connection between oxidative stress markers and serum lipid profile.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
8. A Polymorph of Dipeptide Halide Glycyl-L-Alanine Hydroiodide Monohydrate: Crystal Structure, Optical Second Harmonic Generation, Piezoelectricity and Pyroelectricity.
- Author
-
Baptista RMF, Gomes CSB, Silva B, Oliveira J, Almeida B, Castro C, Rodrigues PV, Machado A, Freitas RB, Rodrigues MJLF, de Matos Gomes E, and Belsley M
- Abstract
A polymorph of glycyl-L-alanine HI.H
2 O is synthesized from chiral cyclo-glycyl-L-alanine dipeptide. The dipeptide is known to show molecular flexibility in different environments, which leads to polymorphism. The crystal structure of the glycyl-L-alanine HI.H2 O polymorph is determined at room temperature and indicates that the space group is polar (P21 ), with two molecules per unit cell and unit cell parameters a = 7.747 Å, b = 6.435 Å, c = 10.941 Å, α = 90°, β = 107.53(3)°, γ = 90° and V = 520.1(7) Å3 . Crystallization in the polar point group 2, with one polar axis parallel to the b axis, allows pyroelectricity and optical second harmonic generation. Thermal melting of the glycyl-L-alanine HI.H2 O polymorph starts at 533 K, close to the melting temperature reported for cyclo-glycyl-L-alanine (531 K) and 32 K lower than that reported for linear glycyl-L-alanine dipeptide (563 K), suggesting that although the dipeptide, when crystallized in the polymorphic form, is not anymore in its cyclic form, it keeps a memory of its initial closed chain and therefore shows a thermal memory effect. Here, we report a pyroelectric coefficient as high as 45 µC/m2 K occurring at 345 K, one order of magnitude smaller than that of semi-organic ferroelectric triglycine sulphate (TGS) crystal. Moreover, the glycyl-L-alanine HI.H2 O polymorph displays a nonlinear optical effective coefficient of 0.14 pm/V, around 14 times smaller than the value from a phase-matched inorganic barium borate (BBO) single crystal. The new polymorph displays an effective piezoelectric coefficient equal to deff=280 pCN-1, when embedded into electrospun polymer fibers, indicating its suitability as an active system for energy harvesting.- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
9. Design, simulation, and fabrication of an ingestible capsule with gastric balloon for obesity treatment.
- Author
-
Freitas RB, Rodrigues JA, Puga H, and Correia JH
- Subjects
- Equipment Design, Humans, Magnetics, Magnets, Gastric Balloon adverse effects, Obesity therapy
- Abstract
The treatment of obesity based only on lifestyle changes has been shown ineffectiveness in a long-term period. The development of more definitive and non-invasive therapies has been the subject of study. In this paper, a magnetically driven ingestible capsule with the capacity to inflate a gastric balloon is devised, simulated, and fabricated. The balloon is inflated to a volume of 150 ml using an acid-base reaction between citric acid and potassium bicarbonate. Finite element method simulations were performed to study the interaction between the permanent external magnet and the ingestible capsule and confirm the magnetic activation mechanism. A fabrication process was proposed to manufacture a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) balloon in a simple, functional, and reproducible way. The two layers and 1:8 ratio balloons are the most cost-effective without compromising their mechanical properties. The capsule body parts manufactured by a three-dimensional (3D) printing process - Digital Light Processing (DLP) showed high accuracy and excellent resolution. This study demonstrated that the proposed ingestible capsule would successfully inflate the gastric balloon to treat obesity., (© 2021 IOP Publishing Ltd.)
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
10. Zingiber officinale formulation reduces hepatic injury and weight gain in rats fed an unhealthy diet.
- Author
-
Leal DT, Fontes GG, Villa JKD, Freitas RB, Campos MG, Carvalho CA, Pizziolo VR, and Diaz MAN
- Subjects
- Animals, Biomarkers blood, Disease Models, Animal, Lipid Peroxidation drug effects, Liver injuries, Male, Oxidative Stress drug effects, Rats, Rats, Wistar, Antioxidants pharmacology, Zingiber officinale chemistry, Liver drug effects, Plant Extracts pharmacology, Weight Gain ethnology
- Abstract
This study investigated the ability of formulation containing Zingiber officinale (ginger) to reverse health changes promoted by unhealthy diet in Wistar rats. Five compounds from the gingerol family and three from the shogaol family were identified in the chromatographic analyzes of the extract. The animals were fed a combination of unhealthy foods, the cafeteria diet, which promoted increases in body weight, hepatocyte nucleus area, total hepatocyte area and liver fat accumulation, as well as reduced hepatic glutathione S-transferase concentration, compared to the control group, which received commercial chow. The treatment with ginger improved all these results, highlighting the reduction of 10% of body weight and 66% of the total area of lipid droplets deposited, compared to the group that received the cafeteria diet. Ginger treatments also attenuated lipid peroxidation, with a mean reduction of 41% in malondialdehyde levels and a mean increase of 222% in glutathione S-transferase activity in the liver. The cafeteria diet and ginger extract did not promote significant changes in glycemic and lipid profile, liver weight and liver enzymes compared to the control group. We suggest that ginger can have beneficial effects on health complications associated with unhealthy diet, such as excessive adiposity, oxidative stress and hepatic injury.
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
11. Oxidative stress markers in cognitively intact patients with diabetic neuropathy.
- Author
-
Etienne I, Magalhães LVB, Cardoso SA, de Freitas RB, de Oliveira GP, Palotás A, and Lima LM
- Subjects
- Adult, Aged, Antioxidants pharmacology, Biomarkers metabolism, Cross-Sectional Studies, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 complications, Diabetic Nephropathies complications, Diabetic Nephropathies metabolism, Female, Glutathione Transferase analysis, Glutathione Transferase blood, Humans, Male, Malondialdehyde analysis, Malondialdehyde blood, Middle Aged, Nitric Oxide analysis, Nitric Oxide blood, Oxidation-Reduction, Risk Factors, Diabetic Nephropathies physiopathology, Oxidative Stress physiology
- Abstract
Various forms of vascular injury are frequently associated with type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). Macro-angiopathy has alarming signs and symptoms such as those seen with stroke or heart attack, however the presentation of small vessel disease is generally more subtle and therefore usually unnoticed for a long period of time. While it may affect any organ, complications involving the nervous system such as diabetic poly-neuropathy (DPN) are especially debilitating, and it may also be a risk factor for other brain disorders such as dementia. The underlying mechanisms are likely to be multi-faceted, but piling evidence indicates oxidative stress as one of the crucial factors. Here we evaluate the oxidative profile of patients with DM2. The total anti-oxidant capacity appears to be reduced in DM2 with or without complications. Of the specific bio-markers studied, the levels of tissue-damage indicator malon-dialdehyde (MDA) were significantly lower in the DM2 + DPN population only. These results suggest that diabetic patients present with wavering oxidative status, and the low MDA concentrations in patients with complications such as DPN may represent either an exhausted anti-oxidative defense system or a response to anti-inflammatory medications. The findings may also support the use of anti-oxidants such as vitamins A and E., (Copyright © 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
12. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its relationship with factors associated with recurrent wheezing.
- Author
-
Peçanha MB, Freitas RB, Moreira TR, Silva LS, Oliveira LL, and Cardoso SA
- Subjects
- Age Distribution, Asthma etiology, Brazil epidemiology, Child, Child, Preschool, Cross-Sectional Studies, Dermatitis, Atopic etiology, Humans, Infant, Logistic Models, Multivariate Analysis, Prevalence, Reference Values, Risk Factors, Sex Distribution, Socioeconomic Factors, Vitamin D blood, Vitamin D therapeutic use, Respiratory Sounds etiology, Vitamin D Deficiency complications, Vitamin D Deficiency epidemiology
- Abstract
Objective: To determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency in children 0-18 years of age with recurrent wheezing and/or asthma residing in the microregion of Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil, and treated at a referral center, and to determine its association with major risk factors for wheezing., Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed using a semi-structured questionnaire, which was administered by trained interviewers to the legal guardians of the study participants. Data were obtained regarding general characteristics of recurrent wheezing; general sociodemographic, environmental, and biologic factors; and atopy-related factors. The magnitude of the statistical association was assessed by calculating ORs and their corresponding 95% CIs by using multiple logistic regression., Results: We included 124 children in the study. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency in the sample was 57.3%. Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency was found to be associated with wheezing in the first year of life, personal history of atopic dermatitis, environmental pollution, and vitamin D supplementation until 2 years of age., Conclusions: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency was high in our sample. Vitamin D concentrations were directly associated with vitamin D supplementation until 2 years of age and were inversely associated with wheezing events in the first year of life, personal history of atopic dermatitis, and environmental pollution.
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
13. In vitro antimicrobial and antimycobacterial activity and HPLC-DAD screening of phenolics from Chenopodium ambrosioides L.
- Author
-
Jesus RS, Piana M, Freitas RB, Brum TF, Alves CFS, Belke BV, Mossmann NJ, Cruz RC, Santos RCV, Dalmolin TV, Bianchini BV, Campos MMA, and Bauermann LF
- Subjects
- Anti-Infective Agents chemistry, Anti-Infective Agents isolation & purification, Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid, Drug Evaluation, Preclinical, Microbial Sensitivity Tests, Phenols chemistry, Phenols isolation & purification, Phytochemicals chemistry, Phytochemicals isolation & purification, Plant Extracts chemistry, Plant Extracts isolation & purification, Anti-Infective Agents pharmacology, Bacteria drug effects, Chenopodium ambrosioides chemistry, Phenols pharmacology, Phytochemicals pharmacology, Plant Extracts pharmacology
- Abstract
The main objective of this study was to demonstrate the antimicrobial potential of the crude extract and fractions of Chenopodium ambrosioides L., popularly known as Santa-Maria herb, against microorganisms of clinical interest by the microdilution technique, and also to show the chromatographic profile of the phenolic compounds in the species. The Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of cardiotonic, anthraquinone, alkaloids, tannins and flavonoids. The analysis by HPLC-DAD revealed the presence of rutin in the crude extract (12.5±0.20mg/g), ethyl acetate (16.5±0.37mg/g) and n-butanol (8.85±0.11mg/g), whereas quercetin and chrysin were quantified in chloroform fraction (1.95±0.04 and 1.04±0.01mg/g), respectively. The most promising results were obtained with the ethyl acetate fraction, which inhibited a greater number of microorganisms and presented the lowest values of MIC against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis (MIC=0.42mg/mL), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC=34.37mg/mL), Paenibacillus apiarus (MIC=4.29mg/mL) and Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus (MIC=4.29mg/mL). Considering mycobacterial inhibition, the best results were obtained by chloroform fraction against M. tuberculosis, M. smegmatis, and M. avium (MIC ranging from 156.25 to 625μg/mL). This study proves, in part, that the popular use of C. ambrosioides L. can be an effective and sustainable alternative for the prevention and treatment of diseases caused by various infectious agents., (Copyright © 2017 Sociedade Brasileira de Microbiologia. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
14. Ameliorative effect of black grape juice on systemic alterations and mandibular osteoradionecrosis induced by whole brain irradiation in rats.
- Author
-
Freitas RB, González P, Martins NM, Andrade ER, Cesteros Morante MJ, Conles Picos I, Costilla García S, Bauermann LF, and Barrio JP
- Subjects
- Animals, Fruit and Vegetable Juices, Male, Mandibular Diseases etiology, Osteoradionecrosis etiology, Rats, Rats, Wistar, Treatment Outcome, Cranial Irradiation adverse effects, Mandibular Diseases physiopathology, Mandibular Diseases prevention & control, Osteoradionecrosis physiopathology, Osteoradionecrosis prevention & control, Radiation-Protective Agents administration & dosage, Vitis chemistry
- Abstract
Purpose: Whole brain irradiation (WBI) causes a variety of secondary side-effects including anorexia and bone necrosis. We evaluated the radiomodifying effect of black grape juice (BGJ) on WBI alterations in rats measuring food and water intake, body weight, hemogram, and morphological and histological mandibular parameters., Materials and Methods: Forty male rats (200-250 g) were exposed to eight sessions of cranial X-ray irradiation. The total dose absorbed was 32 Gy delivered over 2 weeks. Four groups were defined: (i) NG: non-irradiated, glucose and fructose solution-supplemented (GFS); (ii) NJ: non-irradiated, BGJ-supplemented; (iii) RG: irradiated, GFS-supplemented; and (iv) RJ: irradiated, BGJ-supplemented. Rats received daily BGJ or GFS dosing by gavage starting 4 days before, continuing during, and ending 4 days after WBI., Results: RJ rats ingested more food and water and showed less body weight loss than RG rats during the irradiation period. Forty days after WBI, irradiated animals started losing weight again compared with controls as a consequence of masticatory hypofunction by mandibular osteoradionecrosis (ORN). Osteoclastic activity and inflammation were apparent in RG rat mandibles. BGJ was able to attenuate the severity of ORN as well as to improve white and red blood cell counts., Conclusions: Fractionated whole brain irradiation induces mandibular changes that interfere with normal feeding. BGJ can be used to mitigate systemic side-effects of brain irradiation and ORN.
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
15. Involvement of monoaminergic systems in anxiolytic and antidepressive activities of the standardized extract of Cocos nucifera L.
- Author
-
Lima EBC, de Sousa CNS, Meneses LN, E Silva Pereira YF, Matos NCB, de Freitas RB, Lima NBC, Patrocínio MCA, Leal LKAM, Viana GSB, and Vasconcelos SMM
- Subjects
- Animals, Anti-Anxiety Agents pharmacology, Antidepressive Agents pharmacology, Male, Mice, Plant Extracts pharmacology, Anti-Anxiety Agents therapeutic use, Antidepressive Agents therapeutic use, Cocos chemistry, Fruit chemistry, Hindlimb Suspension methods
- Abstract
Extracts from the husk fiber of Cocos nucifera are used in folk medicine, but their actions on the central nervous system have not been studied. Here, the anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of the standardized hydroalcoholic extract of C. nucifera husk fiber (HECN) were evaluated. Male Swiss mice were treated with HECN (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg) 60 min before experiments involving the plus maze test, hole-board test, tail suspension test, and forced swimming test (FST). HECN was administered orally (p.o.) in acute and repeated-dose treatments. The forced swimming test was performed with dopaminergic and noradrenergic antagonists, as well as a serotonin release inhibitor. Administration of HECN in the FST after intraperitoneal (i.p.) pretreatment of mice with sulpiride (50 mg/kg), prazosin (1 mg/kg), or p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA, 100 mg/kg) caused the actions of these three agents to be reversed. However, this effect was not observed after pretreating the animals with SCH23390 (15 µg/kg, i.p.) or yohimbine (1 mg/kg, i.p.) The dose chosen for HECN was 100 mg/kg, p.o., which increased the number of entries as well as the permanence in the open arms of the maze after acute and repeated doses. In both the forced swimming and the tail suspension tests, the same dose decreased the time spent immobile but did not disturb locomotor activity in an open-field test. The anxiolytic effect of HECN appears to be related to the GABAergic system, while its antidepressant effect depends upon its interaction with the serotoninergic, noradrenergic (α1 receptors), and dopaminergic (D2 dopamine receptors) systems.
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
16. Prooxidant activity of norbixin in model of acute gastric ulcer induced by ethanol in rats.
- Author
-
Rovani BT, de Freitas RB, Augusti PR, Araldi IC, Somacal S, Quatrin A, Emanuelli T, da Rocha MP, and Bauermann Lde F
- Subjects
- Acute Disease, Animals, Antioxidants metabolism, Carotenoids administration & dosage, Carotenoids therapeutic use, Catalase antagonists & inhibitors, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Gastric Mucosa drug effects, Gastric Mucosa metabolism, Gastric Mucosa pathology, Lipid Peroxidation drug effects, Male, Rats, Wistar, Stomach Ulcer drug therapy, Stomach Ulcer metabolism, Stomach Ulcer pathology, Sulfhydryl Compounds metabolism, Carotenoids toxicity, Ethanol toxicity, Oxidative Stress drug effects, Stomach Ulcer chemically induced
- Abstract
Free radicals and oxidative stress play a central role in gastric injuries caused by ethanol (EtOH). Antioxidant strategies to counteract EtOH toxicity are highly desirable. Norbixin (NBIX) is a carotenoid with antioxidant potential largely used in the food industry. This study evaluated the NBIX effects in a model of gastric ulcer induced by EtOH in rats. Male Wistar rats received NBIX doses of 0, 10, and 25 mg/kg by gavage 1 h after EtOH administration (0 or 75% solution, 1 mL/200 g of animal). The animals were euthanized 1 h after the NBIX administration, and their stomachs were removed for macroscopic and histopathological analyses, quantification of nonprotein sulfhydryl (NPSH) groups, lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels, and catalase (CAT) activity determination. NBIX increased LPO in gastric mucosa and caused CAT inhibition and NPSH depletion in EtOH-treated animals. Results showed that NBIX did not protect gastric tissue against EtOH damage, and this could be associated to a prooxidant effect., (© The Author(s) 2015.)
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
17. Acute and sub-chronic (28 days) oral toxicity evaluation of tincture Baccharis trimera (Less) Backer in male and female rodent animals.
- Author
-
da Silva AR, Reginato FZ, Guex CG, Figueredo KC, da C Araldi IC, de Freitas RB, Boligon AA, Athayde ML, Mazzanti CM, Hübscher GH, and de F Bauermann L
- Subjects
- Administration, Oral, Alanine Transaminase blood, Animals, Aspartate Aminotransferases blood, Baccharis chemistry, Biomarkers blood, Catalase blood, Female, Kidney drug effects, Kidney enzymology, Kidney pathology, Lipid Peroxidation drug effects, Liver drug effects, Liver enzymology, Liver pathology, Male, Phytotherapy, Plant Extracts administration & dosage, Plant Extracts isolation & purification, Plants, Medicinal, Porphobilinogen Synthase blood, Rats, Wistar, Risk Assessment, Sex Factors, Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances metabolism, Time Factors, Baccharis toxicity, Plant Extracts toxicity, Toxicity Tests, Acute, Toxicity Tests, Subchronic
- Abstract
The infusion of Baccharis trimera (Less) DC, popularly known as "carqueja" (broom), is popularly used in the treatment of hepatic and digestive problems. In this study, we evaluated the acute and sub-chronic oral toxicities of B. trimera tincture on male and female Wistar rats according to Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD, guidelines 423 e 407, respectively). The B. trimera tincture was administered by oral gavage in a single dose (2000 mg/kg) in doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg daily for 28 days. Blood was collected to analyze hematological and biochemical parameters. Kidneys and liver were homogenized to determine lipid peroxidation and δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) and catalase (CAT) enzyme activities. In acute treatment, tincture did not induce any signs of toxicity or mortality. Daily oral administration produced no significant changes in the hematological and biochemical parameters, except for the hepatic enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) and aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) that showed a reduction in both sexes. Moreover, the B. trimera tincture did not increase lipid peroxidation or affected ALA-D and CAT activities. In conclusion, the tincture of B. trimera may be considered relatively safe in this protocol., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
18. Euterpe edulis Extract but Not Oil Enhances Antioxidant Defenses and Protects against Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Induced by a High-Fat Diet in Rats.
- Author
-
Freitas RB, Novaes RD, Gonçalves RV, Mendonça BG, Santos EC, Ribeiro AQ, Lima LM, Fietto LG, Peluzio Mdo C, and Leite JP
- Subjects
- Animals, Antioxidants pharmacology, Biomarkers metabolism, Diet, High-Fat, Fatty Acids analysis, Freeze Drying, Liver drug effects, Liver metabolism, Liver pathology, Male, Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease blood, Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease pathology, Oxidation-Reduction, Phytochemicals analysis, Plant Extracts pharmacology, Plant Oils pharmacology, Protective Agents pharmacology, Rats, Wistar, Vitamin E analysis, Antioxidants therapeutic use, Euterpe chemistry, Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease drug therapy, Plant Extracts therapeutic use, Plant Oils therapeutic use, Protective Agents therapeutic use
- Abstract
We investigated the effects of E. edulis bioproducts (lyophilized pulp [LEE], defatted lyophilized pulp [LDEE], and oil [EO]) on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) in rats. All products were chemically analyzed. In vivo, 42 rats were equally randomized into seven groups receiving standard diet, HFD alone or combined with EO, LEE, or LDEE. After NAFLD induction, LEE, LDEE, or EO was added to the animals' diet for 4 weeks. LEE was rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. From LEE degreasing, LDEE presented higher levels of anthocyanins and antioxidant capacity in vitro. Dietary intake of LEE and especially LDEE, but not EO, attenuated diet-induced NAFLD, reducing inflammatory infiltrate, steatosis, and lipid peroxidation in liver tissue. Although both E. edulis bioproducts were not hepatotoxic, only LDEE presented sufficient benefits to treat NAFLD in rats, possibly by its low lipid content and high amount of phenols and anthocyanins.
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
19. In vitro growth-inhibitory effect of Brazilian plants extracts against Paenibacillus larvae and toxicity in bees.
- Author
-
Piana M, de Brum TF, Boligon AA, Alves CF, de Freitas RB, Nunes LT, Mossmann NJ, Janovik V, Jesus RS, Vaucher RA, Santos RC, and Athayde ML
- Subjects
- Animals, Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, Larva drug effects, Microbial Sensitivity Tests, Plant Extracts toxicity, Toxicity Tests, Bees drug effects, Calendula chemistry, Lecythidaceae chemistry, Nasturtium chemistry, Paenibacillus drug effects, Plant Extracts pharmacology
- Abstract
American foulbrood (AFB) is a serious worldwide spreading disease in bees caused by Paenibacillus larvae. Plants extracts are known to decrease or inhibit the growth of these bacteria. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Calendula. officinalis, Cariniana domestica, and Nasturtium officinale extracts against the P. larvae and to evaluate the toxicity of the extracts in bees. In vitro activity against P. larvae of the extracts was evaluated by micro dilution method and the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were also determined. The concentrations used in the toxicity test were established based on the MIC values and by the spraying application method. The P. larvae was susceptible to the evaluated crude extract of C. officinalis and N. officinale. To C. domestica, only the ethyl acetate (EtAc) fraction and n-butanol (BuOH) fractions had activity against P. larvae. Toxicity analysis in bees showed no toxicity for N. officinale crude extract and for C. domestica BuOH fraction during 15 days of treatment, however, some deaths of bees occurred during the first three days of treatment with C. officinalis and C. domestica EtAc fraction. The results with these species were firstly described and showed that N. officinale crude extract and C. domestica BuOH fraction both presented not toxic effects in the concentration tested by the spraying application method, and can be a useful alternative for treatment or prevention of AFB.
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
20. Antiulcerogenic activity of Scutia buxifolia on gastric ulcers induced by ethanol in rats.
- Author
-
Boligon AA, de Freitas RB, de Brum TF, Waczuk EP, Klimaczewski CV, de Ávila DS, Athayde ML, and de Freitas Bauermann L
- Abstract
Gastric ulcers affect many people around the world and their development is a result of the imbalance between aggressive and protective factors in the gastric mucosa. Scutia buxifolia, commonly known as coronilha, has attracted the interest of the scientific community due to its pharmacological properties and its potential therapeutic applications. In this study, the preventive effects of the crude extract of Scutia buxifolia (ceSb) against gastric ulcer induced by 70% ethanol were evaluated in male Wistar rats. In addition, the composition of ceSb was clarified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). S. buxifolia extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) attenuated oxidative and histopathological features induced by ethanol. Moreover, all evaluated doses of ceSb caused significant (P<0.001 and P<0.0001) and dose-dependent increase in sulfhydryl groups (NPSH) levels, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. Furthermore, the administration of ceSb reversed the increase in lipid peroxidation produced by ethanol. The protective effect of the extract could be attributed to antioxidant compounds present in the ceSb, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, which were quantified by HPLC. Thus, an antioxidant effect of the extract leads to a protection on gastric tissue. These results indicate that S. buxifolia could have a beneficial role against ethanol toxicity by preventing oxidative stress and gastric tissue injury.
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
21. Antiinflammatory effects of Viola tricolor gel in a model of sunburn in rats and the gel stability study.
- Author
-
Piana M, Silva MA, Trevisan G, de Brum TF, Silva CR, Boligon AA, Oliveira SM, Zadra M, Hoffmeister C, Rossato MF, Tonello R, Laporta LV, de Freitas RB, Belke BV, Jesus Rda S, Ferreira J, and Athayde ML
- Subjects
- Animals, Disease Models, Animal, Drug Stability, Edema drug therapy, Edema immunology, Flowers, Gels, Hyperalgesia drug therapy, Hyperalgesia immunology, Male, Neutrophils immunology, Rats, Rats, Wistar, Sunburn immunology, Analgesics therapeutic use, Anti-Inflammatory Agents therapeutic use, Plant Extracts therapeutic use, Sunburn drug therapy, Viola
- Abstract
Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Viola tricolor, popularly known as heartsease has been empirically used in several skin disorders, including burns., Aim of the Study: The objective of this study was investigate the antinociceptive and antiinflammatory effect of a gel containing extract of Viola tricolor flowers on thermal burn induced by UVB irradiation and to perform gel stability study., Methods: The antinociceptive and antiinflammatory effect were evaluated by static and dynamic mechanical allodynia model, paw edema, and neutrophilic cell infiltration. Metabolites compounds were quantified by HPLC. The gel stability study was performed analyzing organoleptical aspects, besides pH, viscosity, and quantification of rutin by HPLC., Results: In the results were evidenced changes in threshold in statical and dynamic mechanical allodynia (I(max)=100 ± 10% and 49 ± 10%, respectively), paw edema (I(max)=61 ± 6%), and myeloperoxidase activity (I(max)=89 ± 5%). Such effects may be attributed, in part, to rutin, salicylic and chlorogenic acids, and others compounds found in this species. No important changes were detected in the stability study, in all aspects analyzed in temperature below 25 °C., Conclusion: These findings suggest that Viola tricolor gel has an antinociceptive and antiinflammatory effect in the ultraviolet-B-induced burn, since maintain the temperature below 25 °C., (© 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
22. Effect of black grape juice against heart damage from acute gamma TBI in rats.
- Author
-
de Freitas RB, Boligon AA, Rovani BT, Piana M, de Brum TF, da Silva Jesus R, Rother FC, Alves NM, Teixeira da Rocha JB, Athayde ML, Barrio JP, de Andrade ER, and de Freitas Bauerman L
- Subjects
- Animals, Antioxidants chemistry, Antioxidants pharmacology, Antioxidants therapeutic use, Flavonoids chemistry, Flavonoids pharmacology, Flavonoids therapeutic use, Fruit chemistry, Heart radiation effects, L-Lactate Dehydrogenase metabolism, Lipid Peroxidation, Male, Malondialdehyde metabolism, Phenols chemistry, Phenols pharmacology, Phenols therapeutic use, Plant Extracts chemistry, Plant Extracts therapeutic use, Radiation Injuries, Experimental metabolism, Radiation-Protective Agents chemistry, Radiation-Protective Agents therapeutic use, Rats, Rats, Wistar, Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances metabolism, Whole-Body Irradiation, Gamma Rays, Heart drug effects, Plant Extracts pharmacology, Radiation Injuries, Experimental drug therapy, Radiation-Protective Agents pharmacology, Vitis chemistry
- Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential positive effect of black grape juice (BGJ) on lipid peroxidation considering Total Body Irradiation (TBI) in Wistar rats. As a potential feasible means of evaluation in situ, blood serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were evaluated as a marker for heart damage from acute radiation syndrome (ARS). Twenty rats were divided into four groups, two of them being irradiated by gamma-rays from a Co-60 source. Animals were treated by gavage with 2 mL per day of BGJ or placebo for one week before and 4 days after 6 Gy whole body gamma-irradiation, when they were euthanasiated. LDH on serum and lipid peroxidation on heart tissue were evaluated. High concentration of metabolites from lipid peroxidation in heart, and high LDH level on serum were found only in gamma-irradiated group given placebo, mainly at the first 24 h after radiation. Phytochemical analysis of BGJ was performed by determining total phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins followed by a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC/DAD) analysis, which showed resveratrol as the major constituent. Results suggest that BGJ is a good protective candidate compound against heart damage from ARS and its effects suggest its use as a radiomodifier.
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
23. HPLC analysis of phenolics compounds and antioxidant capacity of leaves of Vitex megapotamica (Sprengel) Moldenke.
- Author
-
de Brum TF, Zadra M, Piana M, Boligon AA, Fröhlich JK, de Freitas RB, Stefanello ST, Froeder AL, Belke BV, Nunes LT, da Silva Jesus R, Machado MM, da Rocha JB, Soares FA, and Athayde ML
- Subjects
- Antioxidants chemistry, Antioxidants pharmacology, Chlorogenic Acid analysis, Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid, Cinnamates analysis, Depsides analysis, Flavonoids chemistry, Flavonoids pharmacology, Plant Extracts chemistry, Plant Extracts pharmacokinetics, Plant Leaves chemistry, Polyphenols chemistry, Polyphenols pharmacology, Reactive Oxygen Species metabolism, Tannins chemistry, Tannins pharmacology, Rosmarinic Acid, Antioxidants analysis, Flavonoids analysis, Polyphenols analysis, Tannins analysis, Vitex chemistry
- Abstract
Vitex megapotamica (Sprengel) Moldenke belongs to the Verbenaceae family and is popularly known as "tarumã". The antioxidant capacity of fractions and crude extract from the leaves of V. megapotamica were determined in this study through the capacity to remove reactive species and phenolic compounds were quantified in the various fractions. The IC50 (DPPH) ranged from 14.17 ± 0.76 to 37.63 ± 0.98 µg/mL. The ethyl acetate fraction might contain the strongest lipid peroxidation inhibitory compounds with an IC50 of 16.36 ± 5.09 µg/mL, being also the one with the highest content of polyphenols (522.4 ± 1.12 mg/g), flavonoids (220.48 ± 0.30 mg/g) and condensed tannins (3.86 ± 0.53 mg/g). Compounds quantified by HPLC/DAD in the crude extract and fractions were chlorogenic and rosmarinic acids. Higher dosages of the extracts were more effective in reducing levels of plasma protein carbonyls and were also shown to be able to remove reactive species by a 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate assay, reducing oxidative stress in all tested fractions. Results obtained indicated that V. megapotamica exhibits good potential to prevent diseases caused by the overproduction of free radicals and it might also be used as a potential source of natural antioxidant agents.
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
24. Hepatotoxicity evaluation of aqueous extract from Scutia buxifolia.
- Author
-
de Freitas RB, Rovani BT, Boligon AA, de Brum TF, Piana M, da Silva Jesus R, Veloso CF, Kober H, Moresco RN, da Costa Araldi IC, de Freitas Bauermann L, and Athayde ML
- Subjects
- Animals, Antioxidants analysis, Catalase drug effects, Catalase metabolism, Flavonoids analysis, Herbal Medicine, Liver Function Tests, Oxidation-Reduction drug effects, Rats, Rats, Wistar, Superoxide Dismutase drug effects, Superoxide Dismutase metabolism, Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances analysis, Transaminases drug effects, Liver drug effects, Plant Extracts toxicity, Rhamnaceae metabolism
- Abstract
Nowadays there is an increase in the number of people taking herbals worldwide. Scutia buxifolia is used for the treatment of hypertension, but little is known about its action on liver. Thirty-two Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control and groups treated during 30 days with 100, 200 and 400 mg of lyophilized aqueous extract of S. buxifolia (SBSB)/kg of body weight. This study was planned to explore hepatotoxic effect of SBSB, which was assessed by serum transaminases (ALT and AST). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels were determined in liver, along with thiols content (NPSH), catalase (CAT) activity and, superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes. Histopathological studies of liver tissue were performed. Flavonoids and phenolics were quantified in SBSB by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC/DAD). We did not observe alterations on redox status (TBARS, NPSH, CAT and, SOD) in the control and experimental groups. An increase on AST activity was only observed at 200 mg of SBSB, whereas ALT score was not affected by SBSB. Moreover, no morphological alterations were observed on the hepatocytes, matching the analysed biochemical parameters. This way, we conclude that SBSB was not toxic.
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
25. Analysis of rutin in the extract and gel of Viola tricolor.
- Author
-
Piana M, Zadra M, de Brum TF, Boligon AA, Gonçalves AF, da Cruz RC, de Freitas RB, do Canto GS, and Athayde ML
- Subjects
- Antioxidants analysis, Antioxidants isolation & purification, Gels analysis, Plant Extracts isolation & purification, Rutin isolation & purification, Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid methods, Plant Extracts analysis, Rutin analysis, Viola chemistry
- Abstract
Heartsease, also known as wild pansy (Viola tricolor L.), contains considerable amounts of polyphenols: 109.32 ± 1.29 mg of Gallic acid equivalent/g of extract. This study investigates their phytoconstituents and antioxidant capacity and validates a method for the quantification of rutin in the crude extract of the flowers of V. tricolor and in the extract incorporated in gel. Much better antioxidant capacity was found for the extract [inhibition concentration (IC50) of 16.00 ± 0.78 µg/mL] than the standard ascorbic acid (IC50 of 16.57 ± 0.95 µg/mL); these excellent results may be attributable to the amounts of polyphenols, flavonoids and condensed tannins. The high-performance liquid chromatography method for the quantification of rutin in the extract and gel was linear, sensitive, precise, specific, accurate and robust. This validated method can be used to control the quality of the extract and the gel.
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
26. Phytochemical analysis and toxicity investigation of stem bark of Scutia buxifolia Reissek.
- Author
-
de Freitas RB, da Costa Araldi IC, Boligon AA, de Brum TF, Rovani BT, Piana M, Zadra M, Athayde ML, and de Freitas Bauermann L
- Subjects
- Animals, Antioxidants chemistry, Antioxidants pharmacology, Ascorbic Acid pharmacology, Caffeic Acids chemistry, Catechin chemistry, Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid, Flavonoids chemistry, Liver drug effects, Liver metabolism, Phenols chemistry, Plant Extracts pharmacology, Rats, Tannins chemistry, Plant Bark chemistry, Plant Extracts chemistry, Plant Stems chemistry, Rhamnaceae chemistry
- Abstract
Phytochemical analysis of lyophilised aqueous extract of the stem bark of Scutia buxifolia (SBSB) was carried out by determining total phenolics (0.280 ± 0.02 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g of extract), flavonoids (17.42 ± 2.95 mg of quercetin equivalents/g of extract) and tannins (1.28 ± 0.15 mg of catechin equivalents/g of extract) contents followed by a high-performance liquid chromatography/diode array detection (HPLC/DAD) analysis. The HPLC profile showed caffeic acid, being the major constituent of SBSB (247.21 ± 2.17 mg g⁻¹ of extract). The antioxidant scavenging capacity of SBSB was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The antioxidant power of SBSB was comparable with that of the antioxidant ascorbic acid. Acute toxicity was assayed in rats whereas catalase activity and malondialdehyde production were determined in rats' liver. The SBSB showed safety in the dose tested. This report is the first realised in animals for S. buxifolia.
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
27. Bipolar disorder and Premenstrual Syndrome or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder comorbidity: a systematic review.
- Author
-
Cirillo PC, Passos RB, Bevilaqua MC, López JR, and Nardi AE
- Subjects
- Bipolar Disorder metabolism, Comorbidity, Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry), Female, Humans, Premenstrual Syndrome metabolism, Progesterone metabolism, Socioeconomic Factors, Bipolar Disorder epidemiology, Premenstrual Syndrome epidemiology
- Abstract
Objective: This article aims to review the comorbidity of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and bipolar disorder (BD), identify variables requiring further investigation and to remind physicians that special care is required for diagnosis and therapy., Method: A systematic review of articles published from 1987 to February 2012 was conducted in the Medline database with the following terms: (premenstrual syndrome OR premenstrual dysphoric disorder OR premenstrual) AND (bipolar OR mania OR manic). Seventeen articles were analyzed., Results: PMS and PMDD were most often comorbid among BD-II patients and vice versa. Moreover, patients with PMS or PMDD also have an increased risk of having BD-I. In addition, bipolar women susceptible to hormonal changes exhibit more severe symptoms, more frequent relapses and a worse therapeutic response., Conclusion: Future investigations should attempt to stabilize hormonal levels through the continuous use of contraceptives to target a reduction in symptom severity. In addition, psychiatrists should note menstrual period dates and compare symptom intensity between the luteal and follicular phases. Finally, PMS and PMDD patients should be studied separately.
- Published
- 2012
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
28. Antioxidant Activity and phytochemical composition of the leaves of Solanum guaraniticum A. St.-Hil.
- Author
-
Zadra M, Piana M, Brum TF, Boligon AA, Freitas RB, Machado MM, Stefanello ST, Soares FA, and Athayde ML
- Subjects
- Alkaloids chemistry, Alkaloids isolation & purification, Animals, Biphenyl Compounds chemistry, Blood Proteins metabolism, Brain drug effects, Brain metabolism, Caffeic Acids chemistry, Caffeic Acids isolation & purification, Chlorogenic Acid chemistry, Chlorogenic Acid isolation & purification, Cinnamates chemistry, Cinnamates isolation & purification, Depsides chemistry, Depsides isolation & purification, Flavonoids chemistry, Flavonoids isolation & purification, Fluoresceins chemistry, Free Radical Scavengers isolation & purification, Free Radical Scavengers pharmacology, Inhibitory Concentration 50, Lipid Peroxidation drug effects, Male, Oxidative Stress drug effects, Picrates chemistry, Plant Extracts isolation & purification, Plant Extracts pharmacology, Plants, Medicinal chemistry, Protein Carbonylation drug effects, Rats, Rats, Wistar, Tannins chemistry, Tannins isolation & purification, Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances chemistry, Rosmarinic Acid, Free Radical Scavengers chemistry, Plant Extracts chemistry, Plant Leaves chemistry, Solanum chemistry
- Abstract
Solanum guaraniticum is a shrub belonging to the Solanaceae family popularly known in Brazil as jurubeba or false-jurubeba. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of crude extract and chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions from its leaves, verifying the ability to remove reactive species and identify and quantify phenolic compounds. The ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest amount of total polyphenols (546.57 ± 2.35 mg gallic acid equivalent/g) and the lowest IC(50) (9.11 ± 0.75 µg/mL) by the DPPH method. Furthermore, the chloroform fraction presented the highest content of flavonoids (75.73 ± 0.34 mg rutin equivalents/g), tannins (56.03 ± 0.68 mg catechin equivalents/g) and alkaloids (10.79 ± 0.06 mg/g). This fraction was effective in the scavenging of reactive species by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate assay, in addition to completely reducing protein carbonyl content and reducing lipid peroxidation at basal levels even at low concentrations. Chlorogenic, caffeic and rosmarinic acids were identified and quantified by HPLC/DAD. These results show that S. guaraniticum is rich in phenolic compounds and has potential as an antioxidant.
- Published
- 2012
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
29. Exploratory factor analysis of the Brazilian version of the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist: civilian version (PCL-C).
- Author
-
Passos RB, Figueira I, Mendlowicz MV, Moraes CL, and Coutinho ES
- Subjects
- Adult, Brazil, Emergency Medical Technicians psychology, Factor Analysis, Statistical, Firefighters psychology, Humans, Language, Male, Police, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic psychology, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Emergency Responders psychology, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic diagnosis, Surveys and Questionnaires
- Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the factor structure of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-civilian version (PCL-C), in order to complement its validation process in Brazil., Method: An exploratory factor analysis with promax rotation was conducted in 175 ambulance workers of the Emergence Rescue Group (GSE from Portuguese) of the Rio de Janeiro fire brigade and 343 military police officers (MP) (150 from an elite unit of the state of Goiás). RESULTS The results revealed a two-factor solution: re-experience/avoidance, numbing/hyperarousal. All variables loaded highly in at least one factor, except for one; variable 16. This item may have had a bad performance because the analysis was based on a sample of police officers, whose professional activity demands hypervigilance as one of its basic characteristics. Internal consistency values were acceptable., Conclusions: Avoidance and numbing seem to be independent dimensions, differently from what is expected according to the DSM-IV. Therefore, new trials should be carried out in other populations, with victims of different kinds of trauma, and including females, to verify these findings.
- Published
- 2012
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
30. Effect of Vernonia cognata on oxidative damage induced by ethanol in rats.
- Author
-
Mota CS, Freitas RB, Athayde ML, Boligon AA, Augusti PR, Somacal S, Rocha MP, and Bauermann LF
- Subjects
- Animals, Catalase metabolism, Gastric Mucosa metabolism, Glutathione metabolism, Lipid Peroxidation drug effects, Male, Rats, Rats, Wistar, Stomach drug effects, Stomach pathology, Stomach Diseases metabolism, Stomach Diseases pathology, Stomach Diseases prevention & control, Antioxidants pharmacology, Ethanol toxicity, Oxidative Stress drug effects, Plant Extracts pharmacology, Solvents toxicity, Vernonia chemistry
- Abstract
Free radicals production and oxidative stress play a central role in injuries caused by ethanol (EtOH) on gastric mucosal. Thus, strategies to counteract EtOH toxicity are highly desirable. This study was aimed at evaluating whether Vernonia cognata extract would reduce EtOH effects in rats. Rats received Vernonia cognata extract (0, 1 and 2 g/kg bw, by gavage) 1 hour after EtOH had been administered (0 or 70%, 0.5 mL/100 g bw, by gavage) and were killed 1 hour after Vernonia cognata extract administration. The stomach was removed for macroscopic and histopathological evaluation, as well as, oxidative stress markers such as lipoperoxidation (LPO) and non-protein thiol groups (NPSH) levels and catalase (CAT) activity. EtOH acute exposure increased LPO and decreased NPSH levels and CAT activity along with macroscopic and microscopic lesions in gastric tissue, confirming the involvement of oxidative stress in EtOH toxicity. Vernonia cognata extract attenuated oxidative and histopathological features induced by EtOH at all evaluated doses. Moreover, both studied doses of Vernonia cognata extract caused an increase in NPSH levels per se. However, only the dose of 2 g/kg reverted all macroscopic changes caused by EtOH toxicity. The protective effect of the extract could be attributed to antioxidant molecules present in the extract, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, which were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Thus, an antioxidant effect of the extract leads to a protection on gastric tissue. Our results indicate that Vernonia cognata hydroethanolic extract could have a beneficial role against EtOH toxicity by preventing oxidative stress and gastric tissue injury.
- Published
- 2011
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
31. Analysis of the cost-effectiveness of thrombolysis with alteplase in stroke.
- Author
-
Araújo DV, Teich V, Passos RB, and Martins SC
- Subjects
- Aged, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Decision Support Techniques, Direct Service Costs, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Quality-Adjusted Life Years, Sex Factors, Time Factors, Treatment Outcome, Fibrinolytic Agents therapeutic use, Stroke drug therapy, Thrombolytic Therapy economics, Tissue Plasminogen Activator therapeutic use
- Abstract
Background: The cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or stroke is the main cause of death in Brazil and little information is available on the cost of treatment., Objective: To carry out a cost-effectiveness analysis of thrombolysis in stroke, up to three hours after symptom onset, comparing the treatment with alteplase versus the conservative treatment, under the perspective of the Brazilian Public Health System (SUS)., Methods: A decision analysis model was developed to compare the two types of treatment. Cycles were considered, during which the patients would go through five stages of disability post-stroke, based on the modified Rankin scale. The probability to present intracranial hemorrhage in the first year was obtained from the NINDS trial. For the subsequent years, one-year cycles were considered to calculate patients' mortality. The outcome was expressed as quality-adjusted life years (QALY). Both direct and indirect costs were considered in the analysis. Costs and outcomes were discounted at 5% a year., Results: In the first year, the QALY gained was 0.06 for both sexes, with an incremental cost of R$ 2,558 for men and R$ 2,312 for women. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) in one year was R$ 40,539 / QALY (USD 28,956) for men and R$ 36,640 / QALY (USD 26,171) for women. After the second year, the treatment with alteplase reduced the cost of treatment (Purchasing Power Parity index: US$ 1 = R$ 1.4)., Conclusion: The thrombolytic therapy with alteplase within the first three hours following a stroke is cost-effective in the Brazilian Public Health System scenario.
- Published
- 2010
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
32. Molecular characterization of human erythrovirus B19 strains obtained from patients with several clinical presentations in the Amazon region of Brazil.
- Author
-
Freitas RB, Melo FL, Oliveira DS, Romano CM, Freitas MR, Macêdo O, Linhares AC, de A Zanotto PM, and Durigon EL
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Bayes Theorem, Brazil epidemiology, Child, Child, Preschool, DNA, Viral genetics, Female, Genotype, Humans, Infant, Male, Middle Aged, Parvoviridae Infections epidemiology, Phylogeny, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Parvoviridae Infections virology, Parvovirus B19, Human genetics
- Abstract
Background: Human erythrovirus B19, endemic in the Amazon region since 1990, is associated with a wide spectrum of clinical presentations., Objectives: To assess the prevalence of erythrovirus B19 infection and the relative frequency of erythrovirus B19 genotypes in patients in the Amazon region with various clinical presentations., Study Design: A total of 487 clinical samples obtained from patients with symptoms suggestive of erythrovirus infection were tested using specific IgM and IgG antibody assays (ELISA) and PCR for viral DNA detection. Partial VP1 and VP2 regions were sequenced and genotyped by phylogenetic reconstruction., Results: B19 DNA was detected in 117 (24%) of 487 samples. Of these, 106 (91%) isolates were genotype 1 and 11 (9%) were genotype 3. No genotype 2 was found. Genotype 1 had three clusters (A1, A2 and B) and all genotype 3 sequences were subtype 3b. All patients with hematological disorders within cluster B of genotype 1 were infected by the same B19 lineage, suggesting that this lineage of B19 may have been transmitted via transfusion of blood products., Conclusion: We reported two genotypes, 1 and 3b, with three genotype 1 clusters co-circulating in the Amazon region during the past 10 years.
- Published
- 2008
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
33. Human herpesvirus-7 as a cause of exanthematous ilnesses in Belém, Pará, Brazil.
- Author
-
Freitas RB, Freitas MR, Oliveira CS, and Linhares AC
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Age Distribution, Aged, Brazil epidemiology, Child, Child, Preschool, Exanthema epidemiology, Female, Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect, Herpesvirus 7, Human immunology, Humans, Immunoglobulin G blood, Immunoglobulin M blood, Infant, Male, Middle Aged, Roseolovirus Infections epidemiology, Seroepidemiologic Studies, Sex Distribution, Antibodies, Viral blood, Exanthema virology, Herpesvirus 7, Human isolation & purification, Roseolovirus Infections virology
- Abstract
We screened sera from 370 patients suffering from exanthematous illnesses in Belém, North Brazil, for the presence of human herpesvirus-7 (HHV-7) IgM and IgG antibodies. Samples were obtained from January 1996 to December 2002 and were processed by a HHV-7-specific indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). HHV-7-specific IgM and/or IgG antibodies were found in 190 (51.4%) of these patients, with similar prevalence rates (IgM+ and IgG+ subgroups taken together) for female and male subjects: 52.5% and 50.3%, respectively. Serological status as defined by IgG was identified in 135 (36.5%) patients. In 55 (14.9%) of the patients HHV-7 IgM antibodies were detected. HHV-7 IgM- and- IgG antibody rates were similar (p > 0.05) when male and female subjects are compared: 14.4% versus 15.3% and 38.1% versus 35.0%, respectively. Statistically significant difference (p = 0.003) was noted when HHV-7-IgM-positive female and male patients aged 5-8 months are compared. Prevalence rates ranging from 4.6% (female, 5-8 months of age) to 93.3% (female, > 10 years of age) and 12.2% (male, 5-8 months) to 80.0% (male, 8-10 years of age) were noted in the IgG- positive subgroups. A subgroup (n = 131) of patients with IgM or IgG HHV-7 antibodies were examined for the presence of DNA using a polymerase chain reaction/nested PCR. Recent/active HHV-7 infection occurred at a rate of 11.0% (6/55) among patients whose samples presented IgM+ specific antibodies. In a subgroup (n = 76) of patients with high HHV-7-IgG antibody levels (titre > 1:160) DNA could not be detected in sera examined by PCR/nested PCR. Of the six recent/active infections, four subjects with less than 1 year and two with 3 and 6 years of age, presented typical exanthem subitum (E.S), as defined by higher fever (> 38.0 degrees C) with duration of 24 to 72 hours, followed by a maculopapular skin rash. Our results underscore the need for searching HHV-7 infection in patients with exanthematous diseases, particularly those presenting with typical E.S. HHV-7 appears therefore to emerge as a newly recognized pathogen of exanthem in our region.
- Published
- 2004
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
34. Evidence of active herpesvirus 6 (variant-A) infection in patients with lymphadenopathy in Belém, Pará, Brazil.
- Author
-
Freitas RB, Freitas MR, and Linhares AC
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Antigens, Viral immunology, Brazil epidemiology, Child, Child, Preschool, DNA, Viral analysis, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, Female, Herpesviridae Infections diagnosis, Herpesviridae Infections epidemiology, Herpesvirus 6, Human genetics, Humans, Immunoglobulin G blood, Immunoglobulin M blood, Infant, Lymphatic Diseases diagnosis, Male, Middle Aged, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Prevalence, Retrospective Studies, Antibodies, Viral blood, Herpesviridae Infections virology, Herpesvirus 6, Human immunology, Lymphatic Diseases virology
- Abstract
A total of 323 patients with lymphadenopathy were selected in Belém, Brazil, between January 1996 and December 2001, and screened for the presence of human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) IgM- and--IgG antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). When seroprevalence is analyzed by gender, similar rates are found for female (60.6%) and male (55.7%) individuals. Seventy-seven (23.8%) patients were HHV-6-IgM-and--IgG-positive (IgM+ subgroup), with positivity rates of 29.7% and 17.7% (p = 0.0007) for female- and male individuals, respectively. Sera from a subgroup (n = 120) of these subjects, with high HHV-6 antibody levels (either IgM+ or IgG+ reactivities), were subsequently processed for the presence of HHV-6 DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/nested PCR. Active infections (IgM+ and/or IgG+ high levels specific antibodies plus detection of viral DNA) were diagnosed in 20/77 (20.0%) and 8/43 (18.6%); subgroup of the 120 individuals suspected of having HHV-6 suggestive recent infection. All (n = 28) cases of active infection were found to be associated with HHV-6 variant-A (HHV-6A), as detectable by PCR/nested PCR, using variant-specific primer that amplify regions of 195 base pairs (bp) (HHV-6A) and 423 bp (HHV-6B). Rates of HHV-6 DNA detection between female and male patients were similar (p > 0.05) in the IgM+ and IgG+ groups: 20.4% versus 35.7% and 25.0% versus 13.0%, respectively. HHV-6 DNA was detected across < or = 5 through 41-50-year age-groups for patients whose serum samples were IgM+, with rates ranging from 7.7% (female subjects aged < or = 5 years) to 80.0% (male, 11-20 years). Among patients whose serological status was IgG+, HHV-6 DNA was detected in < or = 5, 6-10, 21-30 and > 50 age-groups at rates that ranged from 15.4% (male, < or = years of age) to 100.0% (female aged 11-20 years). Swelling cervical lymph nodes were the most common sign, accounting for 9 (32.0%) cases in each gender group. Among patients (n = 28) with active infection by HHV-6A variant, duration of symptoms lasted 1-5 days in 35.7% of subjects, whereas in 64.3% of them the disease lasted 6-20 days. Our data suggest that it is worth seeking for HHV-6 infection whenever a patient (infant or adult) presents with lymphadenopathy as a prominent symptom in the course of an acute febrile illness.
- Published
- 2003
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
35. Prevalence of human herpesvirus 8 antibodies in the population of Belém, Pará, Brazil.
- Author
-
Freitas RB, Freitas MR, and Linhares AC
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Brazil epidemiology, Child, Child, Preschool, Female, Herpesviridae Infections epidemiology, Humans, Infant, Male, Mass Screening, Middle Aged, Prevalence, Risk Factors, Seroepidemiologic Studies, Urban Population, Antibodies, Viral isolation & purification, Herpesviridae Infections immunology, Herpesvirus 8, Human immunology
- Abstract
Serum samples from 497 children and adults inhabiting two neighbourhoods (Guamá and Terra Firme) in Belém, Pará, North Brazil were screened for the presence of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) antibody using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. An overall 16.3% prevalence was found for these urban communities. Taken both genders together, prevalence rates of HHV-8 antibody increase gradually, across age-groups, ranging from 12.0% to 33.3%. When seroprevalence is analysed by gender, similar rates are found for female (18.4%) and male (14.0%) individuals. In the former gender group, seroprevalence rates increased from 10.3%, in children < or = 10 years of age, to 30.0% in adults 41-50 years of age. Conversely, among male subjects, the prevalence of HHV-8 antibodies decreased from 13.3% in children/young adults aged < or = 10 to 20 years of age to 6.1% in adults aged 21-30 years. From the 31-40 year-old group male onwards, seropositivity rates increased gradually, ranging from 8.3% to 66.7%. A significant difference in seropositivity rates was noted when comparing 21-30 age groups for female and male subjects: 23.3% and 6.1%, respectively (P = 0.03). Geometric mean optical densities were found to increase slightly from the lower to the higher age-groups. Our data suggest that transmission of HHV-8 occurs frequently in the general urban population of Belém, and that prevalence of antibody seems to increase with age.
- Published
- 2002
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
36. Rotavirus G serotypes and p[],G genotypes identified in cases of reinfection among children participating in a trial with rhesus-human reassortant tetravalent vaccine (RRV-TV) in Belém, Brazil.
- Author
-
Mascarenhas JD, Leite JP, Gabbay YB, Freitas RB, Oliveira CS, Monteiro TA, and Linhares AC
- Subjects
- Brazil epidemiology, Child, Preschool, Diarrhea epidemiology, Diarrhea prevention & control, Feces virology, Female, Genotype, Humans, Immunoenzyme Techniques methods, Infant, Male, Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction, Rotavirus classification, Rotavirus genetics, Rotavirus Infections epidemiology, Rotavirus Infections prevention & control, Rotavirus Vaccines therapeutic use, Diarrhea virology, Rotavirus isolation & purification, Rotavirus Infections virology
- Abstract
Group A rotaviruses are the most important agents of severe diarrhea in children and infants worldwide. The aim of present study was to identify rotavirus G serotypes and P[],G genotypes in cases of reinfection among children who participated in a vaccine trial with the tetravalent rhesus-human reassortant rotavirus vaccine (RRV-TV 4 x 10(4) pfu/dose) in Belém, Brazil. From July 1990 to June 1992, 540 children received, at their first, third and fifth months of life, oral doses of either vaccine or placebo. A total of 90 rotavirus diarrheal episodes among children who completed the three-dose vaccination schedule were recorded. We studied 11 reinfection rotavirus cases among five children (three female and two male). Fecal specimens were tested by using a enzyme immunoassay (IDEIA Rotavirus), followed by EIA with monoclonal antibodies to determine infecting serotypes Gl, G2, G3 and G4 and subgroups I and II. The viral dsRNA was extracted and electrophoresed through polyacrylamide gel and then subjected to reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction and nested-PCR for the determination of Gl, G2, G3, G4, G5 and G9 and P[4], P[6], P[8] and P[9] rotavirus genotypes. A total of 11 cases of reinfection (12 per cent) occurred among five children, three from the placebo group and two from the vaccine group. In four of the cases of reinfection G serotypes and P[],G genotypes were as follows: for the first and second infections, respectively: (1) G2/P[4],G2 and Gl/P[4],G1; (2) G2/P[4],G2 and G2/P[6],G5; (3) G2/P[4],G2 and G1/P[8],G1; and (4) G2/P[8],G1 and G1/P[8],G1. A fifth child had three successive infections caused by serotypes/genotypes G1/P[8],G1, in the first and second infections, and G2/P[4],G2 in the third infection. The common genotypes and unusual genotypes were detected in 8 (73 per cent) and 3 (27 per cent) of the isolates, respectively. With regards to the clinical severity, in two children a score indicated moderate/severe disease in both first and second infections. One child had three successive infections; the first episode was moderate/severe, the second very severe and the third was not available. In contrast, in two other children, the first episode was very severe, and the second episode was moderate/severe in one child and data was not available for the other child. The results obtained in the present investigation underscore the need to broaden our knowledge of the immunity in rotavirus reinfection. This should be useful regarding future rotavirus vaccination strategies in Brazil.
- Published
- 2002
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
37. Association between human parvovirus B19 and arthropathy in Belém, Pará, North Brazil.
- Author
-
Freitas RB, Monteiro TA, Silva Filho MG, and Linhares AC
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Brazil epidemiology, Child, DNA, Viral blood, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, Female, Humans, Immunoglobulin G blood, Immunoglobulin M blood, Joint Diseases blood, Joint Diseases epidemiology, Male, Parvoviridae Infections blood, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Sensitivity and Specificity, Antibodies, Viral blood, Joint Diseases virology, Parvoviridae Infections complications, Parvovirus B19, Human immunology
- Abstract
A total of 220 patients with arthropathy were selected in Belém, Pará between January 1994 and December 2000, and screened for the presence of human parvovirus B19 IgM and IgG antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A subgroup (n = 132) of patients with high levels of antibodies (either IgM+/IgG+ or IgM-/IgG+) were examined for the presence of DNA by polymerase chain reaction/nested PCR. Recent/active infection (detection of IgM and/or IgG-specific antibodies and presence of viral DNA) was identified in 47.7% of the 132 individuals with arthropathy. In our study, women were significantly more affected (59.7%) than men (35.4%) (P = 0.0006). The age group of 11-20 years (84.6%), among female patients, and 21-30 years (42.1%), among male, were those with the highest incidence rates. The analysis of the temporal distribution of B19-associated arthropaties showed a cyclic pattern, with peak incidence rates occuring at 3-5 year intervals. Significant diference (P = 0.01) was observed when comparing both the highest (39.0%) and the lowest (11.0%) seropositivity rates for the years of 1995 and 2000, respectively. The interfalangial joints of hands and feet were mostly affected, with 50.0% and 48.0% of cases among both women and men, respectively. In a smaller proportion, other joints such as those of knee, ankle, pulse and shoulder were affected. As for the duration, symptoms lasted 1 to 5 days in 54.0% of the individuals, whereas in 46.0% of them the disease lasted 6-10 days, if considered the subgroup (n = 63) of patients with recent/active infection by parvovirus B19. In our study, joint clinical manifestations occurred symmetrically. Our results indicate that B19 may be an important agent of arthropathies in our region, and this underscores the need for specific laboratory diagnosis when treating patients suffering from acute arthropathy, mainly pregnant women.
- Published
- 2002
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
38. Nutritional status in relation to the efficacy of the rhesus-human reassortant, tetravalent rotavirus vaccine (RRV-TV) in infants from Belém, pará state, Brazil.
- Author
-
Linhares AC, Carmo KB, Oliveira KK, Oliveira CS, Freitas RB, Bellesi N, Monteiro TA, Gabbay YB, and Mascarenhas JD
- Subjects
- Animals, Anthropometry, Brazil, Developed Countries, Diarrhea prevention & control, Diarrhea virology, Double-Blind Method, Gastroenteritis prevention & control, Gastroenteritis virology, Humans, Infant, Infant, Newborn, Reassortant Viruses immunology, Vaccines, Attenuated therapeutic use, Nutritional Status, Rotavirus immunology, Rotavirus Infections prevention & control, Rotavirus Vaccines therapeutic use
- Abstract
The rhesus-human reassortant, tetravalent rotavirus vaccine (RRV-TV) was licensed for routine use in the United States of America but it was recently withdrawn from the market because of its possible association with intussusception as an adverse event. The protective efficacy of 3 doses of RRV-TV, in its lower-titer (4 x 10(4) pfu/dose) formulation, was evaluated according to the nutritional status of infants who participated in a phase III trial in Belém, Northern Brazil. A moderate protection conferred by RRV-TV was related to weight-for-age Z-scores (WAZ) greater than -1 only, with rates of 38% (p = 0.04) and 40% (p = 0.04) for all- and- pure rotavirus diarrhoeal cases, respectively. In addition, there was a trend for greater efficacy (43%, p = 0.05) among infants reaching an height-for-age Z-score (HAZ) of > -1. Taking WAZ, HAZ and weight-for-height Z-score (WHZ) indices = -1 together, there was no significant protection (p > 0.05) if both placebo and vaccine groups are compared. There was no significant difference if rates of mixed and pure rotavirus diarrhoeal cases are compared in relation to HAZ, WAZ and weight-for-height Z-score (WHZ) indices. Although a low number of malnourished infants could be identified in the present study, our data show some evidence that malnutrition may interfere with the efficacy of rotavirus vaccines in developing countries.
- Published
- 2002
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
39. Outbreaks of human-herpes virus 6 (HHV-6) infection in day-care centers in Belém, Pará, Brazil.
- Author
-
Freitas RB, Monteiro TA, and Linhares AC
- Subjects
- Brazil epidemiology, Child, Child, Preschool, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, Exanthema Subitum diagnosis, Female, Follow-Up Studies, Humans, Infant, Male, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Child Day Care Centers statistics & numerical data, Disease Outbreaks statistics & numerical data, Exanthema Subitum epidemiology, Herpesvirus 6, Human
- Abstract
A total of 730 children aged less than 7 years, attending 8 day-care centers (DCCs) in Belém, Brazil were followed-up from January to December 1997 to investigate the occurrence of human-herpes virus 6 (HHV-6) infection in these institutional settings. Between October and December 1997 there have been outbreaks of a febrile- and -exanthematous disease, affecting at least 15-20% of children in each of the DCCs. Both serum- and- plasma samples were obtained from 401 (55%) of the 730 participating children for the detection of HHV-6 antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and viral DNA amplification through the nested-PCR. Recent HHV-6 infection was diagnosed in 63.8% (256/401) of them, as defined by the presence of both IgM and IgG-specific antibodies (IgM+/IgG+); of these, 114 (44.5%) were symptomatic and 142 (55.5%) had no symptoms (p = 0.03). A subgroup of 123 (30.7%) children were found to be IgM-/IgG+, whereas the remaining 22 (5.5%) children had neither IgM nor IgG HHV-6- antibodies (IgM-/IgG-). Of the 118 children reacting strongly IgM-positive (> or = 30 PANBIO units), 26 (22.0%) were found to harbour the HHV-6 DNA, as demonstrated by nested-PCR. Taken the ELISA-IgM- and- nested PCR-positive results together, HHV-6 infection was shown to have occurred in 5 of the 8 DCCs under follow-up. Serological evidence of recent infections by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and parvovirus B19 were identified in 2.0% (8/401) and 1. 5% (6/401) of the children, respectively. Our data provide strong evidence that HHV-6 is a common cause of outbreaks of febrile/exanthematous diseases among children attending DCCs in the Belém area.
- Published
- 2000
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
40. Prevalence of human herpesvirus 6 antibody in the population of Belém, Pará, northern Brazil.
- Author
-
de Freitas RB and Linhares AC
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Age Factors, Antibodies, Viral blood, Brazil epidemiology, Child, Child, Preschool, Female, Humans, Immunoglobulin G blood, Infant, Male, Middle Aged, Prevalence, Seroepidemiologic Studies, Herpesviridae Infections epidemiology, Herpesvirus 6, Human immunology
- Abstract
A total of 497 serum samples obtained from residents of 2 neighbourhoods (Terra-Firme and Guamá) in Belém, Pará, Brazil was tested for the presence of antibody to human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6), using an indirect immunofluorescence assay. The overall seroprevalence was 90%, with seropositivity rates ranging from 75% to 100% in the different age groups and sexes. There was a significant difference between the antibody prevalences in Terra-Firme and Guamá, 94% and 87%, respectively (P = 0.01). The geometric mean titres (GMT) of antibody to HHV6 declined from the first (< or = 2 years) to the sixth (31-40 years) age groups, and slightly increased (GMT > 50) among individuals older than 40 years.
- Published
- 1997
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
41. Immunogenicity, safety and efficacy of tetravalent rhesus-human, reassortant rotavirus vaccine in Belém, Brazil.
- Author
-
Linhares AC, Gabbay YB, Mascarenhas JD, de Freitas RB, Oliveira CS, Bellesi N, Monteiro TA, Lins-Lainson Z, Ramos FL, and Valente SA
- Subjects
- Animals, Antibodies, Viral isolation & purification, Double-Blind Method, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, Humans, Infant, Newborn, Macaca mulatta, Prospective Studies, Rotavirus classification, Rotavirus Infections immunology, Serotyping, Viral Vaccines immunology, Rotavirus immunology, Rotavirus Infections prevention & control, Viral Vaccines standards
- Abstract
A tetravalent rhesus-human reassortant rotavirus (RRV-TV) vaccine (4 x 10(4) plaque-forming units/dose) was evaluated for safety, immunogenicity and efficacy in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 540 Brazilian infants. Doses of vaccine or placebo were given at ages 1, 3 and 5 months. No significant differences were noted in the occurrence of diarrhoea or vomiting in vaccine and placebo recipients following each dose. Low-grade fever occurred on days 3-5 in 2-3% of vaccinees after the first dose, but not after the second or third doses of vaccine. An IgA antibody response to rhesus rotavirus (RRV) occurred in 58% of vaccinees and 33% of placebo recipients. Neutralizing antibody responses to individual serotypes did not exceed 20% when measured by fluorescent focus reduction, but exceeded 40% when assayed by plaque reduction neutralization. There were 91 cases of rotavirus diarrhoea among the 3-dose (vaccine or placebo) recipients during two years of follow-up, 36 of them among children given the vaccine. Overall vaccine efficacy was 8% (P = 0.005) against any diarrhoea and 35% (P = 0.03) against any rotavirus diarrhoea. Protection during the first year of follow-up, when G serotype 1 rotavirus predominated, was 57% (P = 0.008), but fell to 12% in the second year. Similar results were obtained when analysis was restricted to episodes in which rotavirus was the only identified pathogen. There was a tendency for enhanced protection by vaccine against illness associated with an average of 6 or more stools per day. These results are sufficiently encouraging to warrant further studies of this vaccine in developing countries using a higher dosage in an attempt to improve its immunogenicity and efficacy.
- Published
- 1996
42. Association of human herpesvirus 6 infection with exanthem subitum in Belem, Brazil.
- Author
-
de Freitas RB, Linhares AC, Oliveira CS, Gusmão RH, and Linhares MI
- Subjects
- Brazil, Child, Preschool, Exanthema Subitum diagnosis, Female, Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect, Humans, Infant, Male, Antibodies, Viral blood, Exanthema Subitum virology, Herpesvirus 6, Human immunology
- Abstract
Recent human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) infection was detected in cases of exanthem subitum (ES) involving four children, aged 10 to 24 months, between April and August 1994, in Belém, Brazil. By using the indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay (IFA), significant increases (at least eight times) in antibody concentrations were noted from the acute to the convalescent serum samples, with titers ranging from < 1:10/1:80 to < 1:10/1:640 (patients 3 and 2, respectively). All children had high fever (over 39 degrees C) for three days, followed by generalized, maculo-papular skin rash. A physical examination of the children also revealed concomitant, cervical lymph node swelling and tonsillar pharyngitis in two of them.
- Published
- 1995
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
43. [Prospective study of rotavirus infections in Belém, Pará, Brazil: clinical and epidemiological features].
- Author
-
Linhares AC, Gabbay YB, Mascarenhas JD, de Freitas RB, Oliveira CS, Bellesi N, Monteiro TF, Lins-Lainson Z, Ramos FL, and Valente SA
- Abstract
A prospective study of acute diarrhoeal diseases was carried out from April 1990 to September 1992 with the purpose of assessing the immunogenicity, safety and efficacy of a Rhesus-human reassortant rotavirus ("RRV-TV") vaccine, involving 540 children living in Belém, Pará, Brazil. As half of the children received placebo, this trial provided the opportunity of broadening the knowledge on both clinical and epidemiological aspects of rotavirus infection in the Amazon region. There were 2,789 diarrhoeal episodes during the above mentioned period, of which 86 (3.1%) associated with rotavirus; serotype 1 was the more prevalent, accounting for 67.9% of serotyped strains. Rates of 5.9 and 0.2 episodes of diarrhoea per child/year were noted for all cases and the rotavirus-related ones, respectively. This agent was the only pathogen found in 70.9% of the 86 rotavirus-related episodes of acute diarrhoea, whereas the most frequent associations involved Giardia intestinalis and enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, accounting for 7.0% and 11.6% of mixed infections,respectively. The monthly rates of rotavirus-related episodes of diarrhoea ranged from 0.8% to 9.6%, reaching the highest peaks during the dry months of the year. Means of clinical severity scores of 9.4 and 5.3 were recorded for the rotavirus-related episodes of diarrhoea and those of other aetiology, respectively.
- Published
- 1994
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
44. [Three successive rotavirus infections in a child from Belém, Brazil].
- Author
-
Oliveira CS, Linhares AC, Bellesi N, Mascarenhas JD, de Freitas RB, Gabbay YB, and Monteiro TF
- Published
- 1994
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
45. Prevalence of human herpesvirus 6 antibody among isolated Amazonian Amerindian communities in Brazil.
- Author
-
de Freitas RB, Linhares MI, and Linhares AC
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Brazil epidemiology, Child, Child, Preschool, Female, Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Herpesviridae Infections immunology, Humans, Infant, Infant, Newborn, Male, Middle Aged, Prevalence, Antibodies, Viral isolation & purification, Herpesviridae Infections ethnology, Herpesvirus 6, Human immunology, Indians, South American
- Abstract
Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6) antibody was detected by the anticomplement immunofluorescence test in 65 of 592 serum samples (10.9%) obtained from Amerindians belonging to 4 remote communities inhabiting the Amazon Region of Brazil. Seropositivity rates ranged from 5.4% in the Oyampí to 14.9% in the Tucano. Among the Mekranoiti and Tiriyo, the seroprevalence rates were 12.5% and 11.8%, respectively. In children aged 0-10 years, the prevalences of HHV6 antibody ranged from 5.2% to 24.2%, among the Oyampí and Mekranoiti tribes, respectively. In the 11-20 and > 20 years old age groups, percentages of positivity ranged, in the former group, from 9.5% to 17.5% in the Oyampí and Tucano, respectively and, in the latter group, from 1.3% in the Oyampí to 14.8% in the Tucano. The prevalences of HHV6 antibody decreased regularly through the first 3 age-groups in the Mekranoiti and Tiriyo. In addition, frequencies of seropositivity were consistently higher in males than in females in the Mekranoiti (P < 0.05), Oyampí and Tiriyo tribes.
- Published
- 1994
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
46. Neutralizing antibody immune response in children with primary and secondary rotavirus infections.
- Author
-
Arias CF, López S, Mascarenhas JD, Romero P, Cano P, Gabbay YB, de Freitas RB, and Linhares AC
- Subjects
- Antibodies, Viral blood, Antibody Specificity, Brazil epidemiology, Child, Preschool, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, Gastroenteritis blood, Gastroenteritis epidemiology, Humans, Infant, Infant, Newborn, Longitudinal Studies, Neutralization Tests, Rotavirus classification, Rotavirus immunology, Rotavirus Infections blood, Rotavirus Infections epidemiology, Serotyping, Antibodies, Viral biosynthesis, Gastroenteritis immunology, Rotavirus Infections immunology
- Abstract
We have characterized the neutralizing antibody immune response to six human rotavirus serotypes (G1 to G4, G8, and G9) in Brazilian children with primary and secondary rotavirus infections and correlated the response with the G serotype of the infecting rotavirus strain. Twenty-five children were studied: 17 had a single rotavirus infection, 4 were reinfected once, and 4 experienced three infections. Two of the reinfections were by non-group A rotaviruses. Among the 25 primary infections, we observed homotypic as well as heterotypic responses; the serotype G1 viruses, which accounted for 13 of these infections, induced mostly a homotypic response, while infections by serotype G2 and G4 viruses induced, in addition to the homotypic, a heterotypic response directed primarily to serotype G1. Two of the primary infections induced heterotypic antibodies to 69M, a serotype G8 virus that by RNA electrophoresis analysis was found not to circulate in the population during the time of the study. The specificity of the neutralizing antibody immune response induced by a virus of a given serotype was the same in primary as well as secondary infections. These results indicate that the heterotypic immune response induced in a primary rotavirus infection is an intrinsic property of the virus strain, and although there seem to be general patterns of serotype-specific seroconversion, these may vary from serotype to serotype and from strain to strain within a serotype.
- Published
- 1994
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
47. Parvovirus B19 antibodies in sera of patients with unexplained exanthemata from Belém, Pará, Brazil.
- Author
-
de Freitas RB, de Miranda MF, Shirley J, Tudor R, Desselberger U, and Linhares AC
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Brazil, Child, Child, Preschool, Erythema Infectiosum immunology, Exanthema immunology, Female, Humans, Infant, Male, Antibodies, Viral analysis, Erythema Infectiosum diagnosis, Exanthema diagnosis, Parvovirus B19, Human immunology
- Published
- 1993
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
48. [Outbreak of classical fever of dengue caused by serotype 2 in Araguaiana, Tocantins, Brazil].
- Author
-
Vasconcelos PF, Travassos da Rosa ES, Travassos da Rosa JF, de Freitas RB, Dégallier N, Rodrigues SG, and Travassos da Rosa AP
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Age Distribution, Brazil epidemiology, Child, Child, Preschool, Dengue Virus isolation & purification, Female, Humans, Infant, Infant, Newborn, Male, Middle Aged, Sex Distribution, Dengue epidemiology
- Abstract
We report the first outbreak of dengue fever caused by dengue 2 (DEN 2) in Araguaina, Tocantins State. Four hundred people of 74 families, living at S. João, Araguaina Sul and Neblina districts were questioned and then bled, in order to obtain sera to test for anti-dengue antibodies. If a person was sick, a small quantity of blood was collected for virus isolation. The main clinical picture of disease was characterized by fever, headache, myalgias, arthralgias and skin rash. Were obtained 1,105 (56 females and 45 males of Culex quinquefasciatus and 567 females and 437 males of Aedes aegypti) mosquitoes from larvae collected in Araguaina. The females of Aedes aegypti obtained from larvae were allowed to feed on 8 febrile patients. The diagnosis of infection was made by both virus isolation into Aedes albopictus (C6/36) cells, and serology, by Hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) and IgM capture ELISA (MAC ELISA). No virus was isolated from mosquitoes. Although five strains of DEN 2 were obtained from humans, and another 111 infections were diagnosed serologically (IgM positive). The positivity rate of the samples was 27.75% (111 of 400), while that of the families was 66.2% (45 of 72), where at least one member of the each family was infected. It was also detected 26.1% of asymptomatic infections. All age groups were affected. Therefore, the infection was more frequent in females (33.5%) than males (23.8%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
- Published
- 1993
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
49. The correct sequence of the porcine group C/Cowden rotavirus major inner capsid protein shows close homology with human isolates from Brazil and the U.K.
- Author
-
Cooke SJ, Clarke IN, Freitas RB, Gabbay YB, and Lambden PR
- Subjects
- Amino Acid Sequence, Base Sequence, Brazil, DNA, Viral, Humans, Molecular Sequence Data, Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid, United Kingdom, Antigens, Viral, Capsid genetics, Capsid Proteins, Rotavirus genetics, Rotavirus Infections microbiology
- Abstract
Amino acid sequence alignments between the human group C/Bristol and the published porcine group C/Cowden VP6 proteins have revealed a region of extreme sequence divergence. We have been unable to confirm the nucleotide sequence of the Cowden VP6 gene corresponding to this region of divergence. Direct sequencing of a PCR-amplified cDNA pool has revealed a frame shift, and three nucleotide changes, within the published sequence of the porcine (Cowden) VP6 gene. The corrected sequence of the porcine protein revealed a closer homology with VP6 from the Bristol strain and two new human group C rotavirus isolates. Atypical rotaviruses have been detected in the feces of children living in Belém, Brazil, and Preston, U.K. Direct sequencing of PCR-amplified cDNA corresponding to the VP6 gene of one isolate from each location confirmed the presence of a group C rotavirus. The complete nucleotide sequences of the VP6 genes from the group C/Belém and C/Preston rotaviruses contained an open reading frame of 1185 nucleotides (395 amino acids; deduced M(r) 44,669 Da). The Belém VP6 gene demonstrated 97.9% nucleotide homology with the human group C/Bristol VP6 gene and 83.4% nucleotide homology (91.6% deduced amino acid homology) with the corrected porcine group C/Cowden sequence. The Preston VP6 gene demonstrated 99.6% nucleotide homology with the human group C/Bristol VP6 gene and 84.0% nucleotide homology (91.6% deduced amino acid homology) with the corrected porcine group C/Cowden sequence. Remarkably, the deduced amino acid sequence of the Brazilian strain was identical to that of the U.K. isolates.
- Published
- 1992
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
50. Prevalence of human parvovirus (B19) and rubella virus infections in urban and remote rural areas in northern Brazil.
- Author
-
de Freitas RB, Wong D, Boswell F, de Miranda MF, Linhares AC, Shirley J, and Desselberger U
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Brazil epidemiology, Child, Exanthema microbiology, Female, Humans, Immunoglobulin G immunology, Immunoglobulin M immunology, Male, Parvoviridae Infections complications, Parvoviridae Infections immunology, Prevalence, Rubella complications, Rural Population, Urban Population, Antibodies, Viral analysis, Parvoviridae immunology, Parvoviridae Infections epidemiology, Rubella epidemiology, Rubella virus immunology
- Abstract
Sera from inhabitants of Belém, Pará (542 sera), Brazil and of members of 3 Brazilian tribes--Tiriyo/Alto Paru (near Surinam) (212 sera), Xicrin (128 sera), and Mekranoiti (121 sera)--of different age and sex groups were tested for the presence of specific antibody against human parvovirus (B19) (RIA) and rubella virus (latex agglutination test). Parvovirus (B19) IgG was found in 42.6% of the population sample from Belém but in only 4.7 to 10.7% of the members of the tribes. Rubella virus antibody was found in 72.7% of the sera from Belém but approaching a prevalence of 85-90% in age groups above 20 years. In the tribes rubella virus antibody was detected in 36.9 to 72.6% of all sera. There were remarkable sex differences of antibody prevalence in several age groups of the population from Belém and of the tribal populations. About a quarter of the skin rashes in Belém that were not attributable to infections with rubella, measles, or arboviruses were caused by recent B19 infections.
- Published
- 1990
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
Catalog
Discovery Service for Jio Institute Digital Library
For full access to our library's resources, please sign in.