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Nowadays it is important to know the origins of most products, not only for public health reasons, with regard to food products, but also because of the increasing people's awareness of environmental and social aspects, posing new challenges in the quality of products and their environmental impact. Food traceability information must be collected throughout the supply chain, and be registered on a platform external to all operators in that chain. This information must be available, not only to value chain operators and public health authorities, but also to end customers. One of the best ways to provide customers with this traceability information, in the places where they need to make a decision about which products to buy, is to add kiosks at the points of sale for those products. This article describes the design and architecture of a traceability platform for fish and fishery products, within the scope of the ValorMar R&D project, as well as the applications that supply the platform with traceability information, and a kiosk application for points of sale and a mobile app for final consumers, which will allow them to consult the traceability of fish and fishery products' lots.

The aim of research was to evaluate the meat quality of Nellore young bulls in grazing supplemented with or without addition of lipids. Twenty–four young bulls, 301 ± 5.8 kg in body weight, were used in the experiment and randomly distributed into four groups according to treatment: only Panicum maximum cv. Mombasa grass; Mombasa grass with concentrated supplementation based on soybean meal; Mombasa grass with concentrate containing lipids from soybean oil; and Mombasa grass with concentrate containing lipids derived from soybean grains. There were no differences (P>0.05) between the treatments for temperature, pH, thawing, cooking and total losses, shear force, sarcomere length and collagen in bulls. Nellore young bulls raised in fertilized and irrigated Mombasa grass fed Mombasa grass only or supplemented with or without addition of lipids were similar regarding meat quality.

This study investigated the influence of energy supplementation with or without the addition of lipids on microbial production, microbial synthesis efficiency and nitrogen balance. Eight fistulated steers were used with accessible rumens and kept in individual stalls. Their diets consisted of corn silage; corn silage + concentrate; corn silage + concentrate with addition of lipids in the form of soybean oil; and corn silage + concentrate with addition of lipids in the form of soybean grains. Estimates of microbial protein synthesis were obtained based on the urinary excretion of purine derivatives. The concentrations of ammonia in the rumen were determined immediately at 2, 4, 6 and 8 hours after feeding. The diets with concentrate increased (P0.05). Concentrated diets presented higher concentrations of urea nitrogen in the serum and urinary urea excretion (P0.05). Energy supplementation, with or without lipid addition, can be used as a strategy to increase the synthesis of the microbial protein in the cattle fed corn silage.

This study investigated the effectiveness of the urine sample collection method in predicting the volume urinary and synthesis of microbial nitrogen. Eight fistulated steers were used with accessible rumens and kept in individual stalls. Their diets consisted of corn silage; corn silage + concentrate; corn silage + concentrate with addition of lipids in the form of soybean oil; and corn silage + concentrate with addition of lipids in the form of soybean grains. Estimates of microbial protein synthesis were obtained based on the urinary excretion of purine derivatives. There was no effect of diets on daily creatinine excretion (P>0.05). There were differences (P

This research aimed to evaluate the performance, body composition and net requirements for protein and energy in grazing Nellore steers supplemented with or without addition of lipids. Twenty-eight steers, 301 ± 5.8 kg BW, were used in the experiment. The comparative slaughter method was used, with four steers used as references. The remaining 24 steers were randomly distributed into four groups, during 180 days, according to treatment: only Panicum maximum cv. Mombasa grass; Mombasa grass with concentrated supplementation based on soybean meal; Mombasa grass with concentrate containing lipids from soybean oil; and Mombasa grass with concentrate containing lipids derived from soybean grains. The total DMI of the steers fed only the pasture did not differ (P > 0.05) from the average intake of the treatments with or without addition of lipids. There were no differences (P > 0.05) between treatments for total daily gain, carcass and non carcass for protein, energy and fat. The requirements of protein and energy did not differ (P > 0.05) among the treatments. When the pasture is of good quality, supplementation does not alter the body composition or the net requirements of protein and energy for weight gain. The supplementations with higher concentrations of lipids (oil and grain) were not enough to promote greater gains in fat and energy in carcass.

Abstract Problem Providing health care for children with congenital heart diseases remains a major challenge in low- and middle-income countries. Approach In October 2011, the Government of Paraíba, Brazil, established a paediatric cardiology network in partnership with the nongovernmental organization Círculo do Coração. A cardiology team supervised all network activities, using the Internet to keep in contact with remote health facilities. The network developed protocols for screening heart defects. Echocardiograms were performed by physicians under direct online supervision of a cardiologist; alternatively, a video recording of the examination was subsequently reviewed by a cardiologist. Cardiovascular surgeons came to a paediatric hospital in the state capital once a week to perform heart surgeries. Local setting Until 2011, the State of Paraíba had no structured programme to care for children with heart disease. This often resulted in missed or late diagnosis, with adverse health consequences for the children. Relevant changes From 2012 to 2014, 73 751 babies were screened for heart defects and 857 abnormalities were identified. Detection of congenital heart diseases increased from 4.09 to 11.62 per 1000 live births ( P< 0.001). Over 6000 consultations and echocardiograms were supervised via the Internet. Time to diagnosis, transfers and hospital stays were greatly reduced. A total of 330 operations were carried out with 6.7% (22/330) mortality. Lessons learnt Access to an echocardiography machine with remote supervision by a cardiologist improves the detection of congenital heart disease by neonatologists; virtual outpatient clinics facilitate clinical management; the use of Internet technology with simple screening techniques allows resources to be allocated more efficiently.

Objective: A recent classification of the vascular pattern (VP) of colorectal polyps was introduced by Teixeira et al, using magnifying FICE. This pilot study aims to achieve Teixeira’s FICE VP classification (TVP) of colorectal lesions through NBI magnification. Methods: From 2010 to 2011, 32 patients and 54 colorectal lesions were evaluated at Centro Médico Docente La Trinidad (CMDLT), Department of Gastroenterology, Caracas-Venezuela. Olympus magnifying colonoscopies and NBI were performed by three independent endoscopists, using the TVP classification. A fourth endoscopist of Porto Alegre-Brazil from the Department of Gastroenterology of FUGAST received the electronic files of the 54 cases in a digital image filing system. Random numbers of 54 pictures were allocated to readers 1 to 4. Diagnostic accuracy of the TVP was determined against the histopathological diagnosis, as neoplasia or no neoplasia; adenoma with low/high grade dysplasia vs. deeply invasive adenocarcinoma. Kappa in reference to TVP was recorded. Specificity, sensibility, positive (PPV) and negative (PPN) predictive values to assess the neoplastic or non neoplastic nature of the lesion were determined. Results: Kappa values of 0.84259259 (0.63-0.84); Specificity (0.943 ± 0.013); sensibility (0.825 ± 0.126); PPV (0.960 ± 0.029) and PPN (0.765 ± 0.062) were obtained for TVP. Conclusions: This pilot study shows that a formerly TVP, can be reproduced with Olympus magnifying NBI. Since no VP classification has yet proven to be paramount in predicting the histology in colorectal lesions, a larger scale trial using both systems would be the best way to attain a more universal classification.

Introduction We attempted to supplement traditional insecticide spraying by treating peridomiciliar food sources with a powder formulation. Methods Two groups of houses were treated with deltamethrin suspension concentrate (SC), one of which had its primary peridomestic food sources treated with deltamethrin 2P. Results Triatoma brasiliensis was the most commonly captured triatomine. Birds, dogs and rodents were the major food sources identified by the precipitin reaction; 554 domestic animals received powder treatment. A sharp reduction in infestation rates was observed in the two groups up to 360 days after spraying. Conclusion The combination SC + 2P did not improve the control of triatomines.

Stems, leaves, straw and silks of the plants used for production of baby corn can be used for animal feed, because they are rich in nutrients, especially protein. Two experiments were carried out in the period from December 2006 to September 2007, at the Experimental Station CCTA/UENF, in Campos/RJ/Brazil. The experiment was performed in two stages, the first consisting of the pre-cultivation of cover crops and the second was baby corn cultivation using seeds UENF 506-8 under no-tillage system. Cover crops treatments consisted of the following species: sorghum, crotalaria, jack bean (Canavalia) and their combinations, compared to the control. The objectives of this study was to evaluate productivity of biomass, crude protein and protein per hectare. The experiment presented on average 17 t ha-1 dry matter, 6% crude protein and 1.072 kg of protein per hectare. The highest fresh weigth occurred in experiment 2, where the cover treatment jack bean ovecame the combination jack bean + crotalaria and the expontaneuos vegetation.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the productivity and protein content of forage of hydroponic maize cultivated on sugar cane bagasse, and identifying the appropriate amount of seeds, the ideal harvest date and the possibility of using vinasse as nutritive solution. The experiment was carried out under greenhouse conditions, in a factorial 5x2x2 scheme. Corn seeding densities were 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 kg m-2. Two nutritive solutions were used (6 L m-2 day-1), one as described by FAO and another as diluted vinasse. Harvests were done at 10 and 20 days after sowing. Fenologic measurements were carried out, as well as fresh and dry matter weight and crude protein contents were determined. On average, 1.0 to 2.5 kg m-2 of maize resulted in 11.88% crude protein, differently of the 0.5 kg m-2 density, that resulted in a significantly lower content. Using vinasse and harvest at 20 days, 2.0 kg seeds m-2 are sufficient to result in maximum fresh matter production. However, greatest dry matter weight were obtained using 2.5 and 2.0 kg m-2 seed at 10 and 20 days after sowing, respectively.

Este estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar o fosfato monoamônio (MAP) como fonte de fósforo e o calcário calcítico Paraíso (CP) com mais alto nível de magnésio (1,92%) como fonte de cálcio para poedeiras comerciais. Foram alojadas em gaiolas 280 poedeiras brancas Dekalb durante o período de 46 a 58 semanas de idade. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado com quatro tratamentos (fontes de cálcio e fósforo), sete repetições e dez aves por unidade experimental. As fontes de cálcio e fósforo avaliadas foram: FBC/CB - fosfato bicálcico e calcário calcítico Barroso (cinza); FBC/CP - fosfato bicálcico e calcário calcítico Paraíso (branco); MAP/CB -fosfato monoamônio e calcário calcítico Barroso; MAP/CP - fosfato monoamônio e calcário calcítico Paraíso. Foram avaliados a produção, o peso médio e a massa dos ovos, o consumo de ração, a conversão alimentar e o percentual e a espessura da casca. A produção, o peso médio e a massa de ovos melhoraram com a utilização de fosfato monoamônio e ambas as fontes de calcário avaliadas. O consumo de ração aumentou e a conversão alimentar melhorou com a utilização de MAP como fonte de fósforo. O percentual e a espessura de casca dos ovos não foram significativamente influenciados pela fonte de cálcio da dieta, logo, o nível maior de magnésio e a menor granulometria do calcário Paraíso não comprometeram a qualidade da casca dos ovos. Não foram observadas alterações na consistência das fezes e na taxa de mortalidade das poedeiras em produção. A excreção de nitrogênio foi 10% maior nas aves que consumiram o fosfato monoamônio como fonte de fósforo. O fosfato monoamônio pode ser utilizado como fonte alternativa de fósforo em substituição ao fosfato bicálcico. A utilização de calcário Paraíso é tecnicamente viável na alimentação de poedeiras comerciais e não prejudica a produção e a qualidade da casca dos ovos.The objective of this study was to evaluate the monoammonium phosphate (MAP) as a source of phosphorus and Paraíso limestone (CP) with higher magnesium levels (1.92%) as a source of calcium for commercial layers. A total of 280 white Dekalb chickens were housed in individual cages during the period from 46 to 58 weeks old. A completely randomized experimental design, with four diets, seven replicates and ten birds per experimental unit were used. The diets were: FBC/CB - dicalcium phosphate and Barroso limestone (gray); FBC/CP - dicalcium phosphate and Paraíso limestone (white); MAP/CB - monoammonium phosphate and Barroso limestone; MAP/CP - monoammonium phosphate and Paraíso limestone. Egg production, mean weight and egg mass; feed intake and feed conversion were evaluate, and also shell percentage and thickness. Egg production, mean egg weight and mass improved with the use MAP with both evaluated limestone. Feed intake and feed conversion improved with utilization of MAP as source of phosphorus. Egg shell percentage and thickness were not affected by calcium source in the diet, hence, the higher level of Mg and finer particles of Paraíso limestone did not impaired egg shell quality. No alterations were observed in feces consistency and survival rate of the layers. The nitrogen excretion was 10% higher for birds that received MAP as a phosphorus source. Monoammonium phosphate could be used as an alternative source of phosphorus replacing dicalcium phosphate; and Paraíso limestone is technically viable for feeding commercial layers without problems for egg production and shell quality.

Neste trabalho, foram estimadas as exigências de mantença de energia líquida (ELm) e metabolizável (EMm) e as mudanças na composição corporal e no ganho de vacas adultas não-gestantes e não-lactantes confinadas. Foram utilizadas 36 vacas, 12 Nelore (NEL), 12 F1 Pardo-Suíço-Nelore (PSN) e 12 F1 Red Angus-Nelore (RAN). As alterações na composição corporal dos animais durante o período experimental foram estimadas utilizando-se a técnica do abate comparativo: quatro animais de cada grupo genético foram alocados, aleatoriamente, nos tratamentos abate inicial (AI), alimentação restrita (AR) e alimentação ad libitum (AL). Os animais AR receberam, no período experimental, níveis de proteína e energia 15% acima da mantença e os AL, ração ad libitum, para ganho de 1,1 kg/dia. Os animais AI foram abatidos no início do experimento e os AR e AL 120 dias depois. Em todos os animais abatidos, foram estimadas as proporções corporais dos tecidos muscular, adiposo e ósseo, além dos conteúdos corporais de proteína, gordura e energia. Na estimação da ELm e da EMm, foram empregados modelos linear e não-linear. Os grupos genéticos não diferiram quanto às exigências de ELm e EMm, expressas em peso vivo em jejum (kcal/kg0,75/dia PVJ). Quando utilizados os modelos linear e não-linear, os valores de ELm encontrados foram de 80,7 e 83,6 kcal/kg0,75/dia PVJ e os de EMm, 109,9 e 128,0 kcal/kg0,75/dia PVJ, respectivamente. Os conteúdos de proteína por unidade de peso corpo vazio (PCVZ) e do ganho (GPCVZ) não diferiram entre os grupos genéticos, porém, os animais NEL apresentaram maior concentração de gordura e energia por kg PCVZ e GPVCZ para mesmo peso vivo.This research aimed to estimate the maintenance requirements of net energy (NEm) and metabolizable energy (MEm), and the changes in body and gain composition of confined adults non-pregnant and non-lactant beef cows. Thirty six cows were used, 12 were Nellore (NEL), 12 F1 Brown Swiss-Nellore (BSN) and 12 F1 Red Angus-Nellore (RAN). The comparative slaughter method was utilized to estimate the changes of animal body chemical composition during the experimental period. Four animals from each breed group were randomly allocated to the treatments: initial slaughter (IS), restrict feeding (RF) and ad libitum feeding (AL). The RF animals received levels of energy and protein 15% above maintenance during the experimental period, while the AL group was fed ad libitum, to gain 1.1 kg liveweight (LW) daily. The IS animals were slaughtered at the beginning of the experimental period, and those from RF and AL treatments were slaughtered 120 days latter. The proportions of muscle, adipose tissue and bone beyond body content of protein, fat and energy were estimated in all slaughtered animals. Linear and non linear models were fitted to estimate the NEm and MEm requirements. There was no difference among breed groups for NEm and MEm requirements expressed fast body weight (kcal/kg0.75 FBW). When the linear and the non linear models were fitted, it was observed values of NEm requirements of 80.7 and 83.6 kcal/kg0.75 FBW, and the MEm requirements of 109.9 and 128.0 kcal/kg0.75 FBW, respectively. Breed groups did not differ with respect to protein content per unit of empty body weight (EBW) and of empty body weight gain (EBG). However, NEL animals showed higher fat and energy concentrations per kg EBW and EBG, at a given live weight.

Foram determinados os conteúdos de energia líquida para mantença (ELm) e ganho (ELg) do capim-napier, submetido a pastejo rotacionado, e as mudanças nas concentrações corporais e do ganho de proteína, gordura e energia, de 36 novilhos ¾Gir-Holandês pastejando a forrageira, durante o período chuvoso. Metade dos animais teve o tempo de pastejo restrito a quatro horas diárias, para se limitar o consumo de energia a nível próximo ao de mantença e metade teve acesso irrestrito à pastagem. Seis novilhos foram abatidos no início do experimento, para se determinar a composição corporal inicial, e seis (três de cada tratamento), a cada 35 dias. Foram ajustadas equações de predição das mudanças na composição corporal, com o aumento do peso vivo, por regressão dos logaritmos dos conteúdos corporais de proteína e gordura, em função do logaritmo do peso de corpo vazio. Derivando-se essas equações, foram obtidas equações de predição da composição do ganho de peso. As concentrações de energia foram estimadas a partir dos teores de proteína e gordura e dos respectivos equivalentes calóricos. Por regressão da energia retida (ER), em função da energia metabolizável (EM) consumida, estimou-se a eficiência de utilização da EM para ganho (Kg), correspondente ao coeficiente de regressão, e a exigência de EM para mantença (nível de ingestão de EM, para ER = 0). A eficiência de utilização de EM para mantença (Km) foi obtida pela relação: Km = ELm/EMm. Os conteúdos de ELm e ELg do capim-napier foram determinados, respectivamente, pelos produtos de Km e Kg pelo conteúdo de EM do pasto, obtendo-se, respectivamente, os valores 1,02 e 0,59 Mcal/kg de MS. As concentrações de proteína corporais e do ganho mantiveram-se em níveis mais elevados e as concentrações de gordura e energia em níveis mais baixos que os valores relatados, no Brasil, para animais zebuínos e mestiços Europeu-Zebu, apresentando ganhos mais elevados.The net energy content for maintenance (NEm) and gain (NEg) of the napiergrass, under rotational grazing, as well as the changes on protein and fat concentrations in body and in weight gain of 36 ¾ Gyr-Holstein steers, grazing the forage, during the rainy season were determined. Half of steers had grazing time restricted to four hours daily, to limit energy intake to a level close to the maintenance level, and half had free access to the pasture. Six steers were slaughtered at begining of the trial, to determine initial body composition, and six (three from each treatment), at each subsequent 35 day. Prediction equations of the changes of body composition, with increase of body weight, were fitted by regression of log10 body content of protein and fat on log10 empty body weight. By differentiation of those equations, the prediction equations of composition of weight gain were obtained. The energy concentrations were estimated from protein and fat content and respective calorie equivalents. By regression of retained energy (RE) on metabolizable energy (ME) intake, the efficiency of ME utilization for gain, as the regression coeficient, and the ME requirement for maintenance (level of ME intake for RE = 0) were estimated. The efficiency of utilization of ME for maintenance (Km) was obtained by the ratio: Km = NEm/MEm. The NEm and NEg of napiergrass were determined, respectively, as the products of Km and Kg to ME content of the forage, and the values 1.02 and 0.59 Mcal/kg dry matter, respectively, were obtained. The protein concentrations in the body and in body weight gain remained in higher levels and the fat energy concentrations remained in lower levels than those reported, in Brazil, for zebu and crossbred steers showing higher weight gains.

O trabalho foi realizado com os objetivos de avaliar o consumo, a conversão alimentar e o ganho de peso de bovinos em confinamento, alimentados com silagem de capim-elefante (Penisetum purpereum, Schum.) com e sem acipin, associada ao farelo de soja e à uréia, e a digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca das silagens de capim-elefante. O confinamento experimental foi conduzido durante 167 dias, utilizando-se 28 novilhos Nelore, com média de 24 meses de idade e 310 kg. Foram fornecidas quatro combinações de ração (T1, silagem de capim-elefante com acipin e concentrado com uréia; T2, silagem de capim-elefante com acipin e concentrado com farelo de soja; T3, silagem de capim-elefante sem acipin e concentrado com uréia; T4, silagem de capim-elefante sem acipin e concentrado com farelo de soja). O volumoso foi fornecido uma vez pela manhã e o concentrado (4 kg/animal/dia), duas vezes (pela manhã e à tarde). As ingestões médias de matéria seca em kg/animal/dia foram: T1- 6,38; T2- 6,83; T3- 6,59 e T4- 6,78. As conversões alimentares, em kg de matéria seca/kg de ganho, foram de: T1- 11,15; T2- 11,51; T3- 12,79 e T4- 10,46. Os ganhos de peso médios, em kg/animal/dia, foram de: T1- 0,552; T2- 0,593; T3- 0,515 e T4- 0,648. Consumo, conversão alimentar e ganho de peso dos animais não diferiram entre os tratamentos. Não houve diferença significativa para o coeficiente de digestibilidade da matéria seca da silagem de capim-elefante com acipin e sem acipin.The work was carried out to evaluate the voluntary intake, feed conversion and weight gain of bovines in feedlot, fed with elephantgrass silage (Penisetum purpereum, Schum.) with and without acipin associated with two protein sources, and to evaluate also the digestibility of dry matter of elephantgrass silage. The experimental feedlot was conducted during 167 days, with 28 steers, average 24 months old and initial average live weight of 310 kg. Four rations (T1: silage with acipin and urea; T2: silage with acipin and soybean meal as protein source; T3: silage without acipin and urea and; T4: silage without acipin and soybean meal as protein source) were used. The silage was fed once a day, in the morning, and the concentrate (4 kg/animal/day) twice, in the morning and afternoon. Average daily dry matter intakes (kg) were: T1- 6.38; T2- 6.83; T3- 6.59 and T4- 6.78. Feed conversions (kg of dry matter/kg weight gain) were, T1- 11.15; T2- 11.51; T3- 12.79 and T4- 10.46. The average daily weight gains were: T1- 0.552; T2- 0.593; T3- 0.515 and T4- 0.648. Dry matter intake, weight gain and feed: gain ratio of steers were not different among treatments. No differences were observed on dry matter digestibility coefficients of elephantgrass silages with and without acipin.

We report the isolation of Fonsecaea pedrosoi from thorns of the plant Mimosa pudica L. at the place of infection identified by one of our patients. Clinical diagnosis of chromoblastomycosis was established by direct microscopic examination and cultures from the patient's lesion. The same species was isolated from the patient and from the plant. Scanning electron microscopy of the surface of the thorns showed the characteristic conidial arrangement of F. pedrosoi. These data indicate that M. pudica could be a natural source of infection for the fungus F. pedrosoi.

Introduction. Congenital heart diseases (CHD) affect approximately 1% of live births and is an important cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Despite that, there is a shortage of paediatric cardiologists in Brazil, mainly in the northern and northeastern regions. In this context, the implementation of virtual outpatient clinics with the aid of different telemedicine resources may help in the care of children with heart defects. Methods. Patients under 18 years of age treated in virtual outpatient clinics between January 2013 and May 2014 were selected. They were divided into 2 groups: those who had and those who had not undergone a screening process for CHD in the neonatal period. Clinical and demographic characteristics were collected for further statistical analysis. Results. A total of 653 children and teenagers were treated in the virtual outpatient clinics. From these, 229 had undergone a neonatal screening process. Fewer abnormalities were observed on the physical examination of the screened patients. Conclusion. The implementation of pediatric cardiology virtual outpatient clinics can have a positive impact in the care provided to people in areas with lack of skilled professionals.

Estudou-se a influência do nível de ingestão de capim-elefante, sob pastejo sobre a composição da digesta e a concentração do indicador Cr2O3, ao longo do trato gastrintestinal (TGI) de bovinos. Usou-se o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, em parcelas subdivididas, com 12 tratamentos nas parcelas (fatorial 2x6, sendo dois níveis de ingestão de pasto: alimentação restrita e alimentação irrestrita e seis épocas de abate) e as cinco seções do TGI nas subparcelas. Foram utilizados 36 novilhos, abatendo-se três animais de cada nível nutricional ao início do experimento e a cada 35 dias. Na ocasião, pesou-se e amostrou-se a digesta de cada seção do TGI. Nos 16 dias que antecederam o abate, os animais receberam duas doses diárias de 5 g de Cr2O3. Foram determinados os teores de matéria seca (MS), fibra detergente neutro (FDN), fibra detergente ácido (FDA) e proteína bruta (PB) e as concentrações de cromo e energia bruta (EB) nas digestas das várias seções. O nível alimentar teve pouca influência sobre a composição da digesta, somente afetando (P

The contribution of T cells in severe malaria pathogenesis has been described. Here, we provide evidence for the potential role of angiotensin II (Ang II) in modulating splenic T cell responses in a rodent model of cerebral malaria. T cell activation induced by infection, determined by 3 to 4-fold enhancement in CD69 expression, was reduced to control levels when mice were treated with 20 mg/kg losartan (IC₅₀ = 0.966 mg/kg/d), an AT₁ receptor antagonist, or captopril (IC₅₀ = 1.940 mg/kg/d), an inhibitor of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Moreover, the production of interferon-γ and interleukin-17 by CD4+ T cells diminished 67% and 70%, respectively, by both treatments. Losartan reduced perforin expression in CD8+ T cells by 33% while captopril completely blocked it. The upregulation in chemokine receptor expression (CCR2 and CCR5) observed during infection was abolished and CD11a expression was partially reduced when mice were treated with drugs. T cells activated by Plasmodium berghei ANKA antigens showed 6-fold enhance in AT₁ levels in comparison with naive cells. The upregulation of AT₁ expression was reduced by losartan (80%) but not by captopril. Our results suggest that the AT₁/Ang II axis has a role in the establishment of an efficient T cell response in the spleen and therefore could participate in a misbalanced parasite-induced T cell immune response during P. berghei ANKA infection.

Plasmodium falciparum causes the most serious complications of malaria and is a public health problem worldwide with over 2 million deaths each year. The erythrocyte invasion mechanisms by Plasmodium sp. have been well described, however the physiological aspects involving host components in this process are still poorly understood. Here, we provide evidence for the role of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components in reducing erythrocyte invasion by P. falciparum. Angiotensin II (Ang II) reduced erythrocyte invasion in an enriched schizont culture of P. falciparum in a dose-dependent manner. Using mass spectroscopy, we showed that Ang II was metabolized by erythrocytes to Ang IV and Ang-(1-7). Parasite infection decreased Ang-(1-7) and completely abolished Ang IV formation. Similar to Ang II, Ang-(1-7) decreased the level of infection in an A779 (specific antagonist of Ang-(1-7) receptor, MAS)-sensitive manner. 10(-7) M PD123319, an AT(2) receptor antagonist, partially reversed the effects of Ang-(1-7) and Ang II. However, 10(-6) M losartan, an antagonist of the AT(1) receptor, had no effect. Gs protein is a crucial player in the Plasmodium falciparum blood cycle and angiotensin peptides can modulate protein kinase A (PKA) activity; 10(-8) M Ang II or 10(-8) M Ang-(1-7) inhibited this activity in erythrocytes by 60% and this effect was reversed by 10(-7) M A779. 10(-6) M dibutyryl-cAMP increased the level of infection and 10(-7) M PKA inhibitor decreased the level of infection by 30%. These results indicate that the effect of Ang-(1-7) on P. falciparum blood stage involves a MAS-mediated PKA inhibition. Our results indicate a crucial role for Ang II conversion into Ang-(1-7) in controlling the erythrocytic cycle of the malaria parasite, adding new functions to peptides initially described to be involved in the regulation of vascular tonus.

The effect of deltamethrin of the sandfly population in a focus of American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Viana, Espírito Santo State is desvribed. The phlebotomine population density was determined inside and outside houses during a one year period in a treated and untreated area. The results showed a significant reduction in the number of sandflies inside houses in the treated area compared with both the untreated area and the same area before sparying. Despite having a residual action for 12 months after spraying the insecticide was ineffective outside houses. It is concluded therefore that deltamethrin is an efficient insecticide for reducing the number of phlebotomine sandflies inside houses.

Testamos a deltametrina (K-Othrine 50FW) no controle de triatomíneos em área de semi-árido, com cerca de 56,6% depositividade inicial no intradomicilio. Usamos, em 402 Unidades Domiciliares, 125, 75, 60 ou 50ml por bomba de 10 litros, equivalendo, se aplicados em 250 m², a 25, 15, 12 ou 10 mg/m². Os índices de invasão, colonização e cumulativo no intradomicilio e de positividade no peridomicílio foram muito baixos e similares nos quatro grupos, nos 15 meses de avaliação, indicando poderem as doses menores substituir a de 25 mg/m². Houve predominância de T. infestans, seguido de T. pseudomaculata, nas casas, e este predominou no peridomicílio, após a pulverização.We tested deltamethrin (K-Othrine 50 FW) in the control of triatomine bugs, in an semi arid area with about 56.6% of houses bug infested. We used in 402 Domiciliary Units, 125, 75, 60 or 50 ml per pump of 10 liters, equivalent, if appliedon 250m², to 25,15, 12 and 10 mg/m². The invasion, colonization and cumulative indices in the houses and the positivity index in shelters near houses were very low and similar in the four groups during the 15 months of evaluation, indicating that lower doses could replace 25 mg/m². T. infestans, followed by T. pseudomaculata, predominated in and near the houses, after spraying.