O objetivo do trabalho foi estudar a desialização de eritrócitos que desmarcaram o antígeno T e dos glóbulos que não o expõem, por contato com LRN de T. spiralis. Trabalhou-se com 15 suspensões de eritrócitos em meio enzimático, incubadas com LRN. Os GV controle foram incubados com solução salina. Para analisar o efeito do parasita sobre a exposição do antígeno T, foi aplicado o Método de Aglutinação anti T com antígeno T e se estudou a agregação pelos Métodos de Polibrene e de Análise Digital de Imagens, determinando CexpST, CCA e Distribuição dos agregados eritrocitários (DAE). A média dos coeficientes nos eritrócitos que expuseram o antígeno T foram CexpST= 0.22±0.179 e CCA= 0.73±0.108 e naqueles que não o expuseram 0.86±0.125 y 0.205±0,163 respectivamente. Foi demonstrado que os GV que o expuseram, apresentaram marcada diminuição de células isoladas e pronunciado aumento de grandes agregados em relação aos controles, enquanto que os GV nos quais não houve exposição, a diminuição de células isoladas com respeito aos controles foi menor e o aumento de agregados esteve homogeneamente distribuído entre todas as categorias. A experiência realizada conclui que os valores obtidos dos coeficientes diferem significativamente nos GV que expõem o antígeno T e nos que não, portanto estas técnicas poderiam ser preditivas para detectar desmascaramento T.

The aim of this work was to study the desialylation of erythrocytes that expose the T antigen by contact with T. spiralis newborn larvae (NL) and of those that do not. Work was carried out with 15 red cell suspensions in enzymatic medium, which were incubated with NL. The respective Control RBC were incubated with saline solution. To analyze the effect of the parasite on the exposure of the T antigen, the Anti T- antigen T Agglutination Method was applied and the aggregation was studied by Polybrene and Digital Image Analysis Methods determining CexpTS, ICC and Distribution of Erythrocyte Aggregates (DEA). The mean of coefficients in the erythrocytes that exposed the T antigen were CexpTS= 0.22 ± 0.179 and ICC= 0.73 ± 0.108 and of those that did not it was 0.86±0.125 y 0.205±0,163 respectively. DEA showed that the RBCs that exposed it showed a marked decrease of isolated cells and a pronounced increase of large aggregates in relation to the Controls, while the RBCs in which there was no exposure, the decrease of isolated cells with respect to Controls was lower and the increase of aggregates was homogeneously distributed among all categories. The experience concludes that the obtained values of the coefficients differ significantly in the RBCs that expose the T antigen from those that do not, so these techniques could be predictive to detect T unmasking.

El objetivo del trabajo fue estudiar la desialización de eritrocitos que desenmascaran el antígeno T y de los glóbulos que no lo exponen, por contacto con larvas recién nacidas (LRN) de T. spiralis. Se trabajó con 15 suspensiones eritrocitarias en medio enzimático, incubadas con LRN. Los GR control se incubaron con solución salina. Para analizar el efecto del parásito sobre la exposición del antígeno T, se aplicó el Método de Aglutinación anti-T con antígeno T y se estudió la agregación por los métodos de Polibrene y de Análisis Digital de Imágenes, determinando CexpST, CCA y Distribución de los agregados eritrocitarios (DAE). La media de los coeficientes en los eritrocitos que expusieron el antígeno T fueron CexpST=0,22±0,179 y coeficiente de células aisladas (CCA)=0,73±0,108 y en los que no 0,86±0,125 y 0,205±0,163 respectivamente. La DAE mostró que los GR que lo expusieron, presentaron marcada disminución de células aisladas y pronunciado aumento de grandes agregados en relación a los controles, mientras que los GR en los que no hubo exposición, la disminución de células aisladas con respecto a los controles fue menor y el aumento de agregados estuvo homogéneamente distribuido entre todas las categorías. La experiencia realizada concluye que los valores obtenidos de los coeficientes difieren significativamente en los GR que exponen el antígeno T y en los que no, por lo que estas técnicas podrían ser predictivas para detectar desenmascaramiento T.

ABSTRACT Objective The present study compares immune and endocrine parameters between HIV-infected patients who underwent the Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS-P) during antiretroviral therapy (ART) and HIV-patients who did not undergo the syndrome (non-IRIS-P). Materials and methods Blood samples were obtained from 31 HIV-infected patients (15 IRIS-P and 16 non-IRIS-P) before ART (BT) and 48 ± 2 weeks after treatment initiation (AT). Plasma Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Interleukin-18 (IL-18) were determined by ELISA. Cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and thyroxin concentrations were measured using chemiluminescence immune methods. Results Concentrations of IL-6 (7.9 ± 1.9 pg/mL) and IL-18 (951.5 ± 233.0 pg/mL) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in IRIS-P than in non-IRIS-P (3.9 ± 1.0 pg/mL and 461.0 ± 84.4 pg/mL, respectively) BT. Mean T4 plasma level significantly decreased in both groups of patients after treatment (p < 0.05). In both groups cortisol levels were similar before and after ART (p > 0.05). Levels of DHEA-S in IRIS-P decreased AT (1080.5 ± 124.2 vs. 782.5 ± 123.8 ng/mL, p < 0.05) and they were significantly lower than in non-IRIS-P (782.5 ± 123.8 vs. 1203.7 ± 144.0 ng/mL, p < 0.05). IRIS-P showed higher values of IL-6 and IL-18 BT and lower levels of DHEA-S AT than in non-IRIS-P. Conclusion These parameters could contribute to differentiate IRIS-P from non-IRIS-P. The significant decrease in DHEA-S levels in IRIS-P after ART might suggest a different adrenal response in these patients, which may reflect the severity of the disease.

Abstract Background and Objective Healing is a complex process that involves different cell types and phases of inflammation, proliferation, remodeling and repair. Each one is characterized by specific biochemical events and characteristic cell leading to the regeneration of damaged epithelium. This study compares and evaluates 2 treatments, applied topically in 2 post-reconstructive aesthetic surgery scars of the same patient with the purpose of determining if there are differences in the characteristics of the same. Particularly in Aesthetic Surgery, it is sought that the new tissue does not stand out from the surrounding skin. Methods One of the treatments consisted in applying topically a cream with silver sulfadiazine, vitamin A and lidocaine, and the other a moisturizer without any active ingredient. Linear and superficial scar measurement, scar severity (Vancouver Scar Scale) and patient perception (Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale) were used as parameters to evaluate the results. Results They show that the use of a topical treatment with a cream containing silver sulfadiazine, vitamin A and lidocaine decreases the wound size faster, improves scar quality and increases patients positive perception in comparison with those scars treated topically with a cream without active ingredients. Conclusions The topical use of a cream containing silver sulfadiazine, vitamin A and lidocaine is a therapeutic option that improves the final aesthetic and functional result of post-surgical scars.

Resumen Introducción y Objetivo La cicatrización es un proceso complejo que involucra diferentes tipos celulares y fases de inflamación, proliferación, remodelación y reparación. Cada una está caracterizada por eventos bioquímicos específicos y células características, conduciendo a la regeneración del epitelio dañado. El presente estudio compara y evalúa 2 tratamientos de uso tópico en 2 cicatrices de un mismo paciente al que se le practicó cirugía estética con la finalidad de determinar si existen diferencias en cuanto a las características de las mismas. Particularmente, en la Cirugía Estética, se busca que el nuevo tejido producto del proceso cicatricial no se destaque de la piel circundante. Material y Método Uno de los tratamientos utilizados fue la aplicación tópica de crema con sulfadiazina de plata, vitamina A y lidocaína, y el otro de una crema hidratante sin ningún principio activo añadido. Empleamos como indicadores para la evaluación los parámetros de medición de la superficie, calidad de la misma (Escala de Vancouver para cicatrices) y percepción del paciente (Escala de Evaluación Objetiva de Paciente y Observador). Resultados Indican que la utilización de un tratamiento tópico con sulfadiazina de plata, vitamina A y lidocaína acelera la reducción del tamaño de la herida, mejora la calidad de la cicatriz y favorece la percepción positiva por parte del paciente en comparación con aquellas cicatrices tratadas tópicamente con una crema hidratante sin principios activos. Conclusiones El uso tópico de crema con sulfadiazina de plata, vitamina A y lidocaína constituye una opción terapéutica que mejora el resultado final tanto estético como funcional de las cicatrices postquirúrgicas en Cirugía Estética.

Trichinella spiralis es agente causal de una zoonosis endémica en Argentina. El objetivo fue estudiar la desialización eritrocitaria producida por larvas musculares (LM) de T. spiralis. Se trabajó con concentrados de LM, incubados en partes iguales con glóbulos rojos (GR) Grupo O (37 °C) durante 3 horas (con y sin agitación controlada) durante 150 minutos, a intervalos de 30 minutos, para estudiar el curso de la desialización en el tiempo. Los GR controles fueron incubados de la misma manera, con igual volumen de solución fisiológica. Se aplicó el método de titulación de la agregación, calculando título y coeficiente de puntuación total (CexpST). Se encontró que los eritrocitos incubados con LM presentaron mayor agregación que los controles. El valor medio de CexpST con agitación (0,43) fue significativamente menor que cuando los GR no se agitaron (0,72). El estudio de la desialización eritrocitaria en el tiempo mostró que el título de los GR control disminuyó significativamente a los 90 minutos en 5/10 repeticiones y a los 150 minutos en 9/10. El aumento del tiempo de incubación produjo el incremento de la desialización excepto a los 120 y 150 minutos donde no existieron diferencias significativas en el valor de CexpST. La experiencia realizada in vitro, sugeriría que en la infección in vivo, las LM podrían captar el ácido siálico a partir de los residuos sializados presentes en la célula muscular.

Trichinella spiralis is the cause of an endemic zoonosis in Argentina. The objective was to study the erythrocyte desialylation by T. spiralis muscle larvae (ML) applying an aggregation titulation method. We worked with ML concentrates, which were incubated with an equal volume of O Group erythrocytes (RBCs) at 37° C for 3 hours, (with and without controlled agitation) and for 150 minutes, taking samples at 30 minutes intervals to study the course in time of the desialylation. RBCs control were incubated with an equal volume of physiological saline solution. Aggregation titulation method was applied and the title and total score coefficient (TSexpC) were calculated. The results showed that erythrocytes incubated with ML showed more aggregation than controls. The average TSexpC with agitation (0.43) was significantly lower than when erythrocytes were not stirred (0.72). The course in time of the erythrocyte desialylation showed that the RBCs contol title decreased significantly at 90 minutes in 5/10 repetitions and at 150 minutes in 9/10. Increasing the incubation time produced an increase in erythrocyte desialylation, except at the 120 and 150 minutes interval where no significant differences in TSexpC values were found. The in vitro experience would suggest that in cases of in vivo infection, ML could capture sialic acid from sialylate residues present in the muscle cell.

O objetivo foi estudar as alterações na agregação de eritrócitos produzidas por larvas recém-nascidas (LRN) da T. spiralis. O trabalho foi feito com concentrados de LRN incubados em partes iguais com glóbulos vermelhos (GV) Grupo O (GV Tratados), durante 2 horas, com e sem agitação controlada, levando as amostras ao tempo inicial, 60 e 120 minutos. Os controles foram incubados com igual volume de solução salina. Análise Digital de Imagens foi aplicada para estudar a distribuição dos agregados de eritrócitos e calcular o valor do Quoficiente de Células Isoladas (QCI) e a Técnica de Titulação da Agregação para determinar o Título e CexpST. Para analisar o efeito da agitação e do tempo de incubação sobre os valores do QCI foi utilizada ANOVA bifatorial. Os resultados mostraram que o aumento do tempo de tratamento produziu a diminuição das células isoladas e os pequenos rouleaux, e o aumento dos agregados formados por 5 ou mais glóbulos, aumentando o valor de QCI significativamente. A análise estatística determinou que a agregação de GV Tratados aos 60 minutos foi maior que no tempo inicial e, aos 120 minutos era maior que durante os outros dois tempos. A Titulação da Agregação mostrou a diminuição do CexpST e do Título de GV Tratados. As metodologias usadas não mostraram diferenças significantes em tratamentos com e sem agitação. Conclui-se que a diminuição de carga de eritrócitos produzida por LRN poderia resultar em alterações hemorreológicas no hospedeiro.

The aim of this paper was to study the alterations in the erythrocyte aggregation produced by newborn larvae (NL) of T. spiralis. Work was performed with NL concentrates, which were incubated with an equal volume of O Group RBC (Treated RBC) for 2 hours, with and without controlled agitation, taking samples at the initial time, at 60 and 120 minutes. RBC Controls were incubated with equal volume of saline solution. Digital Image Analysis was applied to study the distribution of erythrocyte aggregates and to calculate ICC values, and the Aggregation Titration Technique was used to determine the Title and TSexpC. Two-factor ANOVA was used to analyze the effect of agitation and incubation time on the ICC values. The results showed that at higher treatment time, there was a decrease of isolated cells and small rouleaux and an increase of the aggregates formed by 5 or more cells, with a significant increase of ICC values. Statistical analysis determined that Treated RBC aggregation at 60 minutes was higher than at initial time and that at 120 minutes it was higher than the other two times. Aggregation Titration showed a decrease in the Treated RBC Title and TSexpC. The methodologies employed showed no significant differences in treatments with and without agitation. It is concluded that the decrease in erythrocyte charge produced by NL could cause hemorrheologic alterations in the host.

El objetivo del trabajo fue estudiar las alteraciones en la agregación eritrocitaria producidas por recién nacidas (LRN) de T. spiralis. Se usaron concentrados de larvas LRN incubados en partes iguales con glóbulos rojos (GR) Grupo O (GR Tratados) durante 2 horas, con y sin agitación controlada, tomando muestras al tiempo inicial, 60 y 120 minutos. Los Controles fueron incubados con igual volumen de solución salina. Se aplicó Análisis Digital de Imágenes para estudiar la distribución de los agregados eritrocitarios y calcular el valor de coeficiente de células aisladas (CCA) y la Técnica de Titulación de la Agregación para determinar el Título y el CexpST. Se utilizó ANOVA bifactorial para analizar el efecto de la agitación y del tiempo de incubación en los valores de CCA. Los resultados mostraron que el aumento del tiempo de tratamiento produjo la disminución de las células aisladas y los pequeños rouleaux, y el aumento de los agregados formados por 5 o más glóbulos, lo cual incrementó significativamente el valor de CCA. El análisis estadístico determinó que la agregación de los GR Tratados a los 60 minutos fue mayor que al tiempo 0, y a los 120 minutos mayor que a los otros dos tiempos. La Titulación de la agregación mostró la disminución del CexpST y del Título de los GR Tratados. Las metodologías empleadas no mostraron diferencias significativas en tratamientos con y sin agitación. Se concluye que la disminución de carga eritrocitaria producida por LRN podría provocar alteraciones hemorreológicas en el hospedador.

Experiências anteriores relataram que os eritrócitos (GV) incubados com larvas recém-nascidas (LRN) e larvas musculares (LM) da T. spiralis apresentam menor conteúdo de ácido siálico do que os correspondentes GR Controles. O objetivo do trabalho foi estudar o efeito de LRN e LM em desialylation aplicando o Método de Polybrene. Trabalhou-se com concentrados de LRN e LM incubados com igual volume com GV Grupo O, em meio salino e enzimático, durante 120 minutos a intervalos de 30 minutos. Os Controles foram incubados com o mesmo volume de solução salina. Foi aplicado o Método de Polybrene e calculado o valor do coeficiente CexpCASP. Para analisar o efeito do parasita, meio de incubação e do tempo de tratamento, nos valores do CexpCASP foi usada uma ANOVA multifatorial. Os resultados mostraram que o meio enzimático e o aumento do tempo de incubação, produzem a maior redução de carga globular, que se reflete em menores valores de CexpCASP, sem diferenças significativas com o estágio larval utilizado. A experiência sugeriria que durante sua migração através da corrente sanguínea as LRN poderiam capturar ácido siálico eritrocitário e alterar o comportamento hemorreológico, bem como permitiria também especular que ambos os estágios larvais poderiam sequestrá-lo de células do hospedeiro, com o fim de interferir e /ou evitar a resposta imune.

Previous experiences reported that erythrocytes (RBCs) incubated with newborn larvae (NL) and muscle larvae (ML) of T. spiralis present lower sialic acid than corresponding Control RBCs. The objective of this work was to study the effect of NL and ML on desialylation applying Polybrene Method. Work was performed with NL and ML concentrates, which were incubated with an equal volume of O Group RBCs in saline and enzymatic mediums, for 120 minutes at 30-minute intervals. Control RBCs were incubated with an equal volume of saline solution. Polybrene Method was applied and the value of CexpCASP coefficient was calculated. To analyze the effect of the parasite, incubation medium and treatment time on the CexpCASP values, a multifactorial ANOVA was used. The results showed that enzymatic medium and increasing the incubation time produce the greatest decrease in globular charge, which is reflected in lower coefficient values. No significant differences were observed with the larval stage used. The experience would suggest that during their migration through the bloodstream, the NL could capture erythrocyte sialic acid and alter the hemorrheologic behavior, and this also would allow to speculate that both larval stages could seize it from the cells of the host in order to interfere and/or evade the immune response.

Experiencias previas comunicaron que los eritrocitos (GR) incubados con larvas recién nacidas (LRN) y larvas musculares (LM) de T. spiralis presentan menor contenido de ácido siálico que los correspondientes GR Controles. El objetivo del trabajo fue estudiar el efecto de LRN y LM sobre la desialización aplicando el Método de Polibrene. Se trabajó con concentrados de LRN y LM incubados en partes iguales con GR Grupo O, en medio salino y enzimático, durante 120 min a intervalos de 30 min. Los Controles fueron incubados con igual volumen de solución salina. Se aplicó el Método de Polibrene y se calculó el valor del coeficiente CexpCASP. Para analizar el efecto del parásito, medio de incubación y tiempo de tratamiento en los valores de CexpCASP, se utilizó un ANOVA multifactorial. Los resultados mostraron que el medio enzimático y el aumento del tiempo de incubación producen la mayor disminución de carga globular, reflejada en menores valores de CexpCASP, sin diferencias significativas con el estadio larval utilizado. La experiencia sugeriría que durante su migración por el torrente circulatorio las LRN podrían captar ácido siálico eritrocitario y alterar el comportamiento hemorreológico, así como también permitiría especular que ambos estadios larvales podrían secuestrarlo de células del hospedador para interferir y/o evadir su respuesta inmune.

Foi relatado que os eritrócitos (GV) incubados com larvas infectantes da Trichinella spiralis apresentam maior agregação que os GV Controles incubados com soro fisiológico, indicando que o parasita capta o ácido siálico globular. O objetivo do trabalho foi estudar a cinética de captação de ácido siálico por larvas musculares da T. spiralis por Análise Digital de Imagens. O trabalho foi feito com concentrados de larvas de T. spiralis incubados em partes iguais com GV Grupo O, em meio salino e enzimático (GV Tratados), durante 120 minutos a intervalos de 15 minutos. Os controles foram incubados com igual volume de solução salina. Foi aplicada a Análise Digital de Imagens e calculado o Coeficiente de Células Isoladas (CCI). Para analisar o efeito do tempo de incubação sobre os valores do CCI foi usada uma análise da variância para um desenho em blocos completos casualizados. Os resultados mostraram que o valor médio de CCI, em ambos os meios, variou significativamente com o tempo de incubação, evidenciando que o aumento do contato das larvas com os GV produz uma diminuição do acido siálico, que se reflete em valores de CCI mais elevados. A experiência realizada sugeriria que as larvas T. spiralis durante sua permanência e viabilidade no cisto, poderiam ir captando ácido siálico da célula muscular, com o fim de interferir e /ou evitar a resposta imune do hospedeiro.

It has been reported that erythrocytes (RBC) which were incubated with infective larvae of T. spiralis exhibit higher aggregation than RBC Controls incubated with saline solution, indicating that the parasite captures erythrocyte sialic acid. The objective of this work was to study the kinetics of sialic acid capture by muscle larvae of T. spiralis using Digital Image Analysis. The work was performed with larvae concentrates of T. spiralis, which were incubated with an equal volume of O Group RBC in saline and enzymatic mediums (Treated RBC), for 120 minutes at 15 minute intervals. Digital Image Analysis was applied and the value of Isolated Cells Coefficient (ICC) was calculated. To analyze the effect of incubation time on the ICC values, an analysis of variance was used to design randomized complete blocks. The results showed that the average value of ICC, both saline and enzymatic mediums, varied significantly with incubation time. It was shown that the increase in the contact of the larvae with erythrocytes produces the decrease of globular sialic acid, which is reflected in higher ICC values. The experience would suggest that during their stay and viability in the trichina cysts, the larvae could be capturing muscle sialic acid in order to interfere and/or evade the host immune response.

Se ha comunicado que los eritrocitos (GR) incubados con larvas infectantes de Trichinella spiralis presentan mayor agregación que los GR Controles incubados con solución salina, lo cual indica que el parásito capta el ácido siálico globular. El objetivo fue estudiar la cinética de captación de ácido siálico por larvas musculares de T. spiralis aplicando Análisis Digital de Imágenes. Se trabajó con concentrados larvales de T. spiralis incubados en partes iguales con GR Grupo O, en medio salino y enzimático (GR Tratados), durante 120 minutos a intervalos de 15 minutos. Los Controles fueron incubados con igual volumen de solución salina. Se aplicó Análisis Digital de Imágenes y se calculó el valor del Coeficiente de células aisladas (CCA). Para analizar el efecto del tiempo de incubación en los valores de CCA, se utilizó un análisis de la variancia para un diseño en bloques completos aleatorizados. Los resultados mostraron que el valor promedio de CCA, en ambos medios, varió significativamente con el tiempo de incubación, lo que evidencia que el aumento del contacto de las larvas con los GR produce una disminución del ácido siálico que se refleja en mayores valores de CCA. La experiencia realizada sugeriría que durante su permanencia y viabilidad en el quiste, las larvas de T. spiralis podrían ir captando ácido siálico de la célula muscular con el objeto de interferir y/o evadir la respuesta inmune del hospedador.

Due to the pleomorphism and cultural variability displayed by species of the genus Trichophyton, the identification methods based solely on morphological features are usually insufficient for their classification. The goal of the present work was to test a set of phenotypic methods in order to identify fungal isolates that belong to the aforementioned genus. These methods were based on a molecular taxonomic technique used as standard. Clinical isolates (56) were used as samples along with 6 reference strains. Macro and micromorphological studies were performed as well as biochemical and physiological tests such as in vitro hair perforation, nutritional requirements in Trichophyton agar media, urease production and growth on bromocresol purple-milk solids-glucose (BCP-MS-G) agar. Additionally, PCR fingerprinting using the (GACA)4 primer was employed. As a result of the PCR method, specific profiles were observed for Microsporum canis, Epidermophyton floccosum, Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton interdigitale. Identical profiles were obtained for Arthroderma benhamiae y Trichophyton erinacei. Of the total number of clinical isolates, 39 matched the T. rubrum profile while 13 corresponded to A. benhamiae and 4 to T. interdigitale. The most useful phenotypic test to differentiate between T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes complex strains was alkalinization of the BCP-MS-G medium. Phenotypic tests did not allow differentiation among the T. mentagrophytes complex species. On the other hand, the molecular technique allowed characterization of T. rubrum isolates as well as of those observed in our study and included in the T. mentagrophytes complex: T. interdigitale and Trichophyton sp. , the anamorph of A. benhamiae.

Debido al pleomorfismo y la variabilidad cultural que presentan las especies del género Trichophyton, los métodos de identificación basados exclusivamente en caracteres morfológicos a menudo no son suficientes para su clasificación. El objetivo de este estudio fue probar un conjunto de métodos fenotípicos para identificar aislamientos fúngicos pertenecientes al género Trichophyton empleando una técnica de taxonomía molecular como método de referencia. Se utilizaron 56 aislamientos clínicos y 6 cepas de referencia, con los que se realizaron estudios macro y micromorfológicos, así como las siguientes pruebas bioquímicas y fisiológicas: perforación del pelo in vitro, requerimientos nutricionales en medios agar Trichophyton, producción de ureasa y crecimiento en el medio agar púrpura de bromocresol-leche-glucosa (APBC-L-G). A su vez se realizó una PCR fingerprinting utilizando el cebador simple (GACA)4. Como resultado de la reacción de PCR se observaron perfiles específicos bien diferenciables para Microsporum canis, Epidermophyton fl occosum, Trichophyton rubrum y Trichophyton interdigitale, pero un mismo perfil para Arthroderma benhamiae y Trichophyton erinacei. Del total de los aislamientos clínicos evaluados, 39 coincidieron con el perfil de T. rubrum, 13 con el de A. benhamiae y 4 con el de T. interdigitale. El ensayo fenotípico más útil para diferenciar T. rubrum del complejo T. mentagrophytes fue la alcalinización del medio APBC-L-G. Con las pruebas fenotípicas se pudo diferenciar T. rubrum de los aislamientos del complejo T. mentagrophytes, pero no las especies pertenecientes a dicho complejo. La técnica molecular permitió caracterizar tanto los aislamientos de T. rubrum como los pertenecientes al complejo T. mentagrophytes, que en nuestro estudio correspondieron a T. interdigitale y Trichophyton sp. anamorfo de A. benhamiae.

O objetivo foi estudar o efeito de A. lumbricoides sobre a carga aniônica de eritrócitos e eritrócitos desializados. Trabalhou-se com 30 extratos ([EA]) e 2 concentrados larvais parasitários ([CLAL]1: 500- 600/ [CLAL]2: 200- 300 larvas/ mL) e eritrócitos Grupo "O" em meio salino (GV) e enzimático (GVb). Foi incubado o sedimento globular com igual volume de parasita e o Testemunha (GVc) com solução fisiológica,a 37ºC. Foram aplicados os Métodos de Polybrene e Azul Alciano e se implementou uma Titulação da Agregação a partir do Polybrene. Definiram-se coeficientes para cada método que foram analisados estatisticamente. Os resultados mostraram que a maior tempo de tratamento e a maior concentração larvária,aumentou a captação de ácido siálico (AS) diminuindo a agregação de GV e GVb. O efeito foi maior na incubação da parasita com GVb em relação de GV. O tratamento enzimático reduziu a carga percentual nos glóbulos incubados com ambos [CLAL] de forma similar (16%-17% da inicial) e a Diferença de Carga de GV e GVb devida a ambos foi aproximadamente de 10% indicando que a perda de carga produzida por [CLAL]1 foi significativa com relação a [CLAL]2. A conclusão é que A. lumbricoides pode captar AS eritrocitário. Este fenômeno contribuiria a explicar a anemia e trombos produzidos em ascaridíase,destacando que em pacientes com patologias que cursem com déficit de AS estas complicações seriam mais relevantes.

The aim of this work was to study the A. lumbricoides' effect on the anionic charge of erythrocytes and desyalated erythrocytes. Work was carried out on 30 extracts ([AE]) and 2 larval concentrates ([ALLC] 1: 500-600; ([ALLC] 2: 200-300 larvae/ mL) of the parasite and Group O erythrocytes in saline (RC) and enzymatic medium (RCb). The red cell sediment was incubated with an equal volume of parasite and the Control (RCc) with saline solution, at 37C. Polybrene and Alcian Blue Methods were applied and Aggregation Titulation from Polybrene was implemented. The coefficients for each method were defined,which were analyzed statistically. The results showed that a longer treatment and also at higher larval concentration,increased the capture of sialic acid (AS),while decreasing the RC and RCb aggregation. The effect was greater on the incubation of the parasite with RCb in relation to RC. The enzymatic treatment reduced similarly the percentage charge in the globules incubated with both [ALLC] (16% -17% of initial) and the variation of RC and RCb charge due to both was about 10%,indicating that the charge loss caused by [ALLC]1 was significant with regard to [ALLC]2. We concluded that A. lumbricoides can capture erythroctyte SA. This phenomenon would contribute to explain the anaemia and thrombi produced in ascariosis,noting that in patients with AS deficit pathologies,these complications would be more relevant.

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue estudiar el efecto de A. lumbricoides sobre la carga aniónica de eritrocitos y eritrocitos desializados. Se trabajó con 30 extractos ([EA]) y 2 concentrados larvales parasitarios ([CLAL] 1: 500- 600/ [CLAL]2: 200- 300 larvas/ mL) y eritrocitos Grupo "O" en medio salino (GR) y enzimático (GRb). Se incubó el sedimento globular con igual volumen de parásito y el Control (GRc) con solución fisiológica, a 37 ºC. Se aplicaron los Métodos de Polibrene y Azul Alcian y se implementó una Titulación de la Agregación a partir del Polibrene. Se definieron coeficientes para cada método que fueron analizados estadísticamente. Los resultados mostraron que a mayor tiempo de tratamiento y a mayor concentración larvaria, aumentó la captación de ácido siálico (AS) disminuyendo la agregación de GR y GRb. El efecto fue mayor en la incubación del parásito con GRb en relación de GR. El tratamiento enzimático redujo la carga porcentual en los glóbulos incubados con ambos [CLAL] de forma similar (16%-17% de la inicial) y la Diferencia de Carga de GR y GRb debida a ambos fue aproximadamente del 10% indicando que la pérdida de carga producida por [CLAL]1 fue significativa con respecto a [CLAL]2. Se concluye que A. lumbricoides puede captar AS eritrocitario. Este fenómeno contribuiría a explicar la anemia y trombos producidos en ascariosis, destacando que en pacientes con patologías que cursen con déficit de AS estas complicaciones serían más relevantes.

Introduction: the study of the host-parasite interactions is a new challenge to understanding some aspects of the parasitic metabolism and the mechanisms of invasion, immunological evasion and damage. Ascaris lumbricoides may cause anemia and thrombosis. It was previously shown that Ascaris lumbricoides modified the superficial charge of erythrocytes, which means that the parasite can capture sialic acid from the red blood cell. Objective: to study the effect of adult parasite extracts on the erythrocyte charge using the Alcian Blue method and to compare its sensitivity with the Polybrene method. Methods: fifty five adult parasite extracts and Group O erythrocyte suspensions were used. The erythrocytes were treated by incubating the sediment with an equal volume of parasite extracts for one hour at 37 ºC. The control group (erythrocytes without any contact with the parasite extracts) was incubated with pH 7.4phosphate buffer solution. Alcian Blue method was applied and the percentage erythrocyte anionic charge was determined in the control group and in the treated red cells. The experimental coefficient of erythrocyte anionic charge was defined as the quotient between the initial and the final percentage erythrocyte anionic charge. Results: it was shown that 27 out of 55 parasite extracts (49.1 %) modified the charge of the red blood cells, being their experimental coefficient of the erythrocyte anionic charge 0.75 ± 0.1144 whereas the same coefficient amounted to 0,94 ± 0.0445 for those which did not show any charge variation. The statistical analysis concluded that the Polybrene and Alcian Blue Methods had comparable sensitivities (p>0.20). Conclusions: A. lumbricoides is able to capture sialic acid from the erythrocyte, which would not only explain the thrombosis attributed to the parasite, but also suggest that the nematode could use this acid either in its metabolic routes or for its strategies of immunological evasion.

Introducción: el estudio de las interacciones hospedador-parásito es un nuevo desafío para comprender aspectos del metabolismo parasitario, los mecanismos de invasión, escape inmunológico y daño. Ascaris lumbricoides puede provocar anemia y trombosis. Previamente se demostró que este parásito altera la carga superficial eritrocitaria, lo cual indica que puede captar ácido siálico del glóbulo rojo. Objetivo: estudiar el efecto producido por extractos del parásito adulto sobre la carga eritrocitaria, utilizando el método de azul Alcian y comparar su sensibilidad con el método de Polibrene. Métodos: se trabajó con 55 extractos parasitarios [EA] y con suspensiones de eritrocitos grupo O. Se realizó el tratamiento de los glóbulos incubando el sedimento con igual volumen de [EA] a 37 ºC durante 1 h. El Control (eritrocitos sin contacto con [EA]) fue incubado con tampón fosfato pH 7,4. Se aplicó el método de azul Alcian y se determinó la carga aniónica eritrocitaria porcentual (CAE%) en el Control y en los glóbulos tratados. Se definió el coeficiente experimental de carga aniónica eritrocitaria (Cexp CAE), como el cociente entre CAE% final e inicial. Resultados: se observó que 27 de los 55 [EA] (49,1 %) modificaron la carga de los glóbulos rojos, el Cexp CAE para estos eritrocitos resultó 0,75 ± 0,1144 y para los que no mostraron variación de carga de 0,94 ± 0,04450. El análisis estadístico concluyó que los métodos de Polibrene y de azul Alcian tienen sensibilidades comparables (p> 0,20). Conclusiones: Ascaris lumbricoides es capaz de captar ácido siálico del eritrocito, lo que contribuiría a explicar la trombosis atribuida al parásito, pero también sugeriría que el nematodo lo podría utilizar en sus rutas metabólicas o en sus estrategias de evasión inmunológica.

As parasitoses intestinais afetam principalmente as crianças. O objetivo do trabalho é conhecer a situação atual numa população pediátrica de diferentes zonas da cidade de Rosario, Santa Fe (Argentina) e comparar a prevalência parasitária com estudos similares realizados nos períodos, 1983-1984 / 1990-1991 / 1992-1993 / 2007-2008. Foram coletadas amostras de matéria fecal por evacuação espontânea de 112 pacientes, 51 meninas e 61 meninos, com idades compreendidas entre 4 meses e 16 anos, provenientes de 10 centros de atenção primária da saúde, (Secretaria de Saúde Pública-Prefeitura de Rosario). As amostras foram submetidas a exame macroscópico e microscópico direto e a métodos de concentração. No período 2007-2008 os parasitas mais encontrados foram Blastocystis hominis, Giardia lamblia e Ascaris lumbricoides. A prevalência parasitária diminuiu de 50 a 41%. Blastocystis hominis aumentou através do tempo; Giardia lamblia manteve valores constantes nas 4 etapas; Entamoeba coli diminuiu nos últimos 14 anos e Ascaris lumbricoides aumentou significativamente com relação ao período 1983-1984. Diminuíram os indivíduos poliparasitados e aumentaram os monoparasitados com relação a anos anteriores. A diminuição das enteroparasitoses poderia dar-se devido a políticas de saneamento ambiental, campanhas de prevenção e desparasitação realizadas desde os diversos centros de saúde municipal.

Faeces from 112 children patients (51 girls and 61 boys) ranging from 4 months old to 16 years old were studied. These patients were assisted in ten Public Health Care Centres in Rosario. The aim of this work was: to determine the incidence of enteric parasites in children, and to evaluate and compare parasite prevalence in the following periods: 1983/1984, 1990/1991, 1992/1993 and 2007/2008. Forty-one per cent of the samples showed protozoa and helmints. A decrease in the percentage of polyparasitized patients and an increase in the monoparasitized ones was observed when compared to previous years. Blastocystis hominis was found to increase in 2007/2008 while Giardia lamblia remained unaltered in the four periods studied. The occurrence of Entamoeba coli was found to decrease in the 1992/1993 period while Ascaris lumbricoides increased with time. These were the most common parasites found in the population studied. Enteric parasites decreased in children. The occurrence of parasites could be due to different socio-environmental factors: malnutrition, climate changes, and an increase both in temperature and humidity. However, a decrease in the levels of parasitosis was observed, which could be due to public health environmental policies, prevention campaigns and deparasitization from the different health care centres of the city.

Las parasitosis intestinales afectan principalmente a los niños. El objetivo de este trabajo es conocer la situación actual en una población pediátrica de diferentes zonas de la ciudad de Rosario, Santa Fe (Argentina) y comparar la prevalencia parasitaria con estudios similares realizados en los períodos 1983/1984, 1990/1991, 1992/1993 y 2007/2008. Se recolectaron muestras de materia fecal por deposición espontánea de 112 pacientes, 51 niñas y 61 niños, con edades comprendidas entre 4 meses y 16 años, provenientes de 10 Centros de Atención Primaria de la Salud (Secretaría de Salud Pública - Municipalidad de Rosario). Las muestras fueron sometidas a examen macroscópico y microscópico directo y a métodos de concentración. En el período 2007/2008 los parásitos más hallados fueron Blastocystis hominis, Giardia lamblia y Ascaris lumbricoides. La prevalencia parasitaria disminuyó del 50% al 41%. Blastocystis hominis aumentó a través del tiempo; Giardia lamblia mantuvo valores constantes en las cuatro etapas; Entamoeba coli disminuyó en los últimos 14 años y Ascaris lumbricoides aumentó significativamente en relación con el período 1983/1984. Disminuyeron los individuos poliparasitados y aumentaron los monoparasitados con respecto a años anteriores. La disminución de las enteroparasitosis podría deberse a políticas de saneamiento ambiental, campañas de prevención y desparasitación realizadas desde los distintos efectores de salud municipales.

The ABH antigens, which are produced by the interaction of 2 genetic systems, Hh and ABO, are subjected to laws of heredity and may be located not only in the erythrocytes, but also in most of the human cells. The objective of this paper was to investigate the expression of ABH antigens in patients with premalignant and malignant oral lesions. Work was done with samples included in paraffin plugs in patients with oral lesions (n= 57). The patients were classified into 2 groups: a) clinical and anatomopathologically diagnosed premalignant and malignant lesions, and b) benign lesions (n=93). The ABH antigens were investigated by the modified specific immunoadherence technique. Adherence to the vascular tissue was used as a positive control, whereas adherence to the fat tissue was considered as a negative control. The results were semiquantified from strongly positive to negative adherence. A significant relation between the ABH antigen expression and the degree of malignancy of the analyzed lesions (P Yates= 0.005) was observed. The loss of ABH reactivity in the sites of greater tumoral invasiveness is correlated with the tumor development degree, the histological degree and its malignancy.

Los antígenos ABH, productos de la interacción de 2 sistemas genéticos, Hh y ABO, están sujetos a leyes de herencia y pueden estar localizados no sólo en los eritrocitos, sino también en la mayoría de las células humanas. El objetivo del este trabajo fue investigar la expresión de antígenos ABH en pacientes con lesiones orales premalignas y malignas orales. Se trabajó con muestras incluidas en tacos de parafina de pacientes con lesiones orales (n= 57). Los pacientes fueron clasificados en 2 grupos: a) lesiones premalignas y malignas diagnosticadas clínica y anatopatológicamente y b) lesiones benignas (n=93). Se investigaron los antígenos ABH por la técnica de inmunoadherencia específica modificada. Se utilizó la adherencia al tejido vascular como control positivo y al tejido adiposo como control negativo. Los resultados fueron semicuantificados desde adherencia fuertemente positiva a negativa. Se observó una significativa relación entre la expresión antigénica ABH y el grado de malignidad de las lesiones analizadas (P Yates= 0,005). La pérdida de reactividad ABH en los sitios de mayor invasividad tumoral se correlaciona con el grado del desarrollo del tumor, el grado histológico y su malignidad.

Objectives: The aim of this work was to investigate the secretor status of patients with oral pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions and ABH antigens expression in fixed tissue sections of these patients. Study design: To reveal A, B and H antigens in tissue sections of patients with precancerous and cancerous oral lesions (n= 54) we used a modified specific red cell adherence technique (SRCA-test). Normal endothelial cells expressed ABH antigens, the presence of indicator erythrocytes at the lumen of the blood vessels served as a built in positive control. The test results were graded from negative adherence to very strongly positive adherence. Negative adherence was defined as a complete absence of adhered indicator erythrocytes. A strongly positive reaction was defined as a sheet of indicator erythrocytes adhered to the epithelia cells. Results: In 31 of the 54 samples analyzed the test showed slightly positive results on atypical areas, and there was a complete antigen deletion in areas histologically affected by neoplasia. Sixteen samples showed a total absence of ABH antigens in both histologically normal and pathological areas. As a working hypothesis, we propose that areas of SRCA-test negative epithelium are closely related to invasive carcinomas and may be their precursor lesions. Further it is suggested that areas of blood group isoantigen negative epithelium showing atypia, or in some instances near normal histology, may give rise to relatively low grade carcinomas. Conclusions: Considering these results we suggest the use of this method to monitor probable preneoplastic lesions in risk population, specially in those with no secretor status.

We report the case of a pregnant woman sensitized with a panreactive anti-Rh17 alloantibody. Patient’s red blood cells showed a partial deletion of Rh antigens, which was responsible for the alloimmunization. An autotransfusion program was instrumented so as to cover possible demands. Molecular analysis of the RH locus showed the presence of a hybrid RHCE-D(5-7)-CE allele that gave origin to the deleted phenotype.

Describimos el caso de una embarazada sensibilizada con un aloanticuerpo anti-Rh17 de muy amplia reactividad. Los glóbulos rojos de la paciente presentaban una deleción parcial de los antígenos del sistema Rh, responsable de la aloinmunización encontrada. Debido a la dificultad de obtener sangre compatible se elaboró un plan de transfusión autóloga para cubrir las posibles demandas. El análisis molecular del locus RH demostró la presencia de un alelo híbrido RHCE-D(5-7)-CE que generaba el fenotipo delecionado.

The aim of this study was to investigate the blood viscosity profile and to evaluate the influence of plasmatic (fibrinogen) and cellular (erythrocyte aggregation) factors in a group of hypertensive patients, compared with a normotensive group. We worked with anticoagulated blood of both non diabetic hypertensive patients (n=31), and healthy individuals (n=40). The plasmatic viscosity and whole blood determination were obtained with a cone-plate viscometer. Erythrocyte aggregation was studied by microscopical observation and quantified by an Aggregate Shape Parameter (ASP), defined as the relation projected area/perimeter. Fibrinogen was determined by the Clauss method with a coagulometer. A comparison between these groups led us to assert that whole blood viscosity was significantly higher in hypertensive patients than in the controls at all shear rates. Plasma viscosity values only showed significant differences between both groups at low shear rate (1.15 a 11.56 seg-1). The hypertensive patients showed irregular and amorphous aggregates so that ASP appeared significantly higher (p< 0.001) in patients with hypertension (0.69 ± 0.11) than in healthy subjects (0.25 ± 0.12). Fibrinogen appeared slightly higher (p<0.01) in the hypertensive group than in the normal group. Several hemorheological parameters play important roles in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Among these factors, several hemorheological parameters could be altered in hypertension (hematocrit, plasma fibrinogen level, erythrocyte deformability and aggregability, plasma and whole blood viscosity). An increased RBC aggregation has been identified as an important factor responsible for disturbing blood rheological behavior in the microcirculation. The present study demonstrates an abnormal erythrocyte aggregation, which was detected by increased ASP values that could be responsible for vascular complications in hypertension.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue investigar el perfil de viscosidad sanguínea y evaluar la influencia de factores plasmáticos (fibrinógeno) y celulares (agregación eritrocitaria) en un grupo de pacientes hipertensos comparados con un grupo de paciente normotensos. Se trabajó con sangre anticoagulada de pacientes hipertensos no diabéticos (n= 3) e individuos sanos (n = 40). La viscosidad plasmática y de sangre entera se determinaron con un viscosímetro cono-plato. La agregación eritrocitaria se estudió por observación microscópica de los agregados y cuantificación a través de un parámetro de forma denominado ASP (Aggregation Shape Parameter), definido como la relación de área proyectada respecto al perímetro. El fibrinógeno se determinó con un coagulómetro por el método de Clauss. Los valores de viscosidad de sangre entera resultaron significativamente aumentados en los pacientes hipertensos respecto de los normales para todas las velocidades estudiadas. Los valores de viscosidad plasmática sólo presentaron diferencias significativas a bajas velocidades de corte (1.15 a 11.56 seg-1). Los pacientes hipertensos presentaron agregados amorfos e irregulares, lo que se refleja en los valores alterados de ASP, significativamente mayores (p<0.001) en paciente hipertensos (0.69 ± 0.11) respecto de los individuos normales (0.25 ± 0.12). Los valores de fibrinógeno resultaron ligeramente superiores en los pacientes hipertensos respecto del grupo control (p< 0.01). Numerosos parámetros hemorreológicos juegan un papel importante en la patogénesis de la hipertensión. Entre estos factores hemorreológicos, varios parámetros podrían estar alterados en la hipertensión (hematocrito, fibrinógeno plasmático, deformabilidad y agregación eritrocitaria, viscosidad sanguínea y plasmática). En este trabajo, se pudo demostrar anormalidades en la agregación eritrocitaria, detectada por los valores de ASP que podría estar involucrado en las complicaciones vasculares de la hipertensión.