Abstract Bartonella are rodent-borne bacteria that cause varied human etiologies. Studies on synanthropic rodents are rare, causing gaps in epidemiological knowledge. We tested bloodclot samples from 79 rats from an urban slum in Salvador, Brazil through PCR targeting gltA gene. Nine samples (11.4%) were positive: six had 100% identity with Bartonella sp. isolate JF429580 and 99.5% with B. queenslandensis strain AUST/NH8; three were 100% identical to isolate JF429532 and 99.7% to B. tribocorum. This is the second report on urban rat Bartonella indicating bacterial circulation at detectable rates. Its presence in rats from vulnerable human settlements demands public health attention.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Biomphalaria glabrata is considered to be responsible for the incidence of schistosomiasis in Brazil. Therefore, surveillance of areas where schistosomiasis is prevalent is fundamental for public health planning. This study was aimed to evaluate B. glabrata populations in water bodies of the city of Salvador, determine their distribution, estimate the prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infections, characterize shed cercariae, and identify transmission foci. METHODS: Malacological surveys were carried out in 17 water collections from Salvador. Snail species were identified based on shell and mantle characteristics. Snails were evaluated for S. mansoni infection by exposure to light and via real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) using S. mansoni-18S rRNA subunit specific primers. RESULTS: 1,403 B. glabrata were collected. Classical cercarial shedding indicated that 5 snails (0.4%) were positive for S. mansoni. A higher prevalence of infections was found in Horta de Saramandaia (5.5%) and Lagoa do IAT (1.9%). Non-Schistosoma larvae, such as Xiphidiocercaria, Strigeidae, Spirorchiidae and Clinostomidae, were observed in 3.2% of the snails. S. mansoni DNA was detected in 6.2% snails via qPCR. CONCLUSIONS: B. glabrata is widely distributed in Salvador, as indicated by 7 water collections associated with a risk of schistosomiasis transmission. To our knowledge, this is the first study to identify B. glabrata eliminating cercariae of Clinostomidae, Strigeidae, and Spirorchiidae in Salvador. We propose that qPCR may be employed in combination with classical cercarial shedding. Estimating S. mansoni prevalence in snails by only considering the results of light exposure method classical into account may underestimate the problem.

Resumo: O estudo analisou fatores ambientais que facilitam a presença de alimento, água e abrigo para roedores e risco de infestação por roedores numa comunidade com alto risco de transmissão da leptospirose. Foram realizados inquéritos ambientais detalhados em 221 domicílios. Modelos de regressão multivariada avaliaram a associação entre infestação por roedores e nível socioeconômico e atributos ambientais obtidos através de inquéritos com Sistemas de Informação Geográfica. O estudo mostrou uma taxa global de 45,9% de infestação domiciliar. Sinais de Rattus norvegicus eram os mais prevalentes, presentes em 74% dos domicílios infestados. O risco de infestação por roedores esteve associado a fatores ambientais que forneciam abrigo aos ratos, tais como cercas e muros dilapidados (OR: 8,95; IC95%: 2,42-33,12) e domicílios construídos diretamente sobre encostas (OR: 4,68; IC95%: 2,23-9,81). Cada incremento de um metro de distância a partir do esgoto mais próximo esteve associado a uma diminuição de 3% (IC95%: 1%-5%) no risco de infestação por roedores. A falta de saneamento básico nos locais de moradia das famílias pobres facilita a infestação por ratos e é alvo prioritário para intervenções educativas.

Abstract: We analyzed environmental factors that provide food, water and harborage to rodents and the risk of household rodent infestation in a slum community with a high risk of leptospirosis transmission. Detailed environmental surveys were performed in 221 households. Multivariate regression models evaluated the association between rodent infestation and socioeconomic status and environmental attributes obtained from Geographical Information System surveys. The general household infestation rate was 45.9%. Rattus norvegicus signs were the most prevalent, present in 74% of the infested households. The risk for rodent infestation was associated with environmental factors supporting harborage for rats, such as dilapidated fences/walls (OR: 8.95; 95%CI: 2.42-33.12) and households built on an earthen slope (OR: 4.68; 95%CI: 2.23-9.81). An increase of 1 meter from the nearest sewer was associated with a 3% (95%CI: 1%-5%) decrease in the risk of rodent infestation. A lack of sanitation where poor people live provides factors for rat infestation and could the target of educational interventions.

Resumen: El estudio analizó factores ambientales que facilitan la presencia de alimento, agua y abrigo para roedores y el riesgo de infestación por roedores en una comunidad sin recursos con alto riesgo de transmisión de la leptospirosis. Se realizaron encuestas ambientales detalladas en 221 domicilios. Los modelos de regresión multivariada evaluaron la asociación entre infestación por roedores, nivel socioeconómico y características ambientales, obtenidos a través de encuestas con Sistemas de Información Geográfica. El estudio mostró una tasa global de un 45,9% de infestación domiciliaria. Los indicios de Rattus norvegicus eran los más prevalentes, presentes en un 74% de los domicilios infestados. El riesgo de infestación por roedores estuvo asociado a factores ambientales que proporcionaban abrigo a las ratas, tales como cercas y muros derruidos (OR: 8,95; IC95%: 2,42-33,12) y domicilios construidos directamente sobre pendientes (OR: 4,68; IC95%: 2,23-9,81). Cada incremento de un metro de distancia, a partir del alcantarillado más próximo, estuvo asociado a una disminución de un 3% (IC95%: 1%-5%) en el riesgo de infestación por roedores. La falta de saneamiento básico en las viviendas de las familias pobres facilita la infestación por ratas y es el objetivo prioritario para intervenciones educativas.

Resumo: O estudo analisou fatores ambientais que facilitam a presença de alimento, água e abrigo para roedores e risco de infestação por roedores numa comunidade com alto risco de transmissão da leptospirose. Foram realizados inquéritos ambientais detalhados em 221 domicílios. Modelos de regressão multivariada avaliaram a associação entre infestação por roedores e nível socioeconômico e atributos ambientais obtidos através de inquéritos com Sistemas de Informação Geográfica. O estudo mostrou uma taxa global de 45,9% de infestação domiciliar. Sinais de Rattus norvegicus eram os mais prevalentes, presentes em 74% dos domicílios infestados. O risco de infestação por roedores esteve associado a fatores ambientais que forneciam abrigo aos ratos, tais como cercas e muros dilapidados (OR: 8,95; IC95%: 2,42-33,12) e domicílios construídos diretamente sobre encostas (OR: 4,68; IC95%: 2,23-9,81). Cada incremento de um metro de distância a partir do esgoto mais próximo esteve associado a uma diminuição de 3% (IC95%: 1%-5%) no risco de infestação por roedores. A falta de saneamento básico nos locais de moradia das famílias pobres facilita a infestação por ratos e é alvo prioritário para intervenções educativas.

Abstract: We analyzed environmental factors that provide food, water and harborage to rodents and the risk of household rodent infestation in a slum community with a high risk of leptospirosis transmission. Detailed environmental surveys were performed in 221 households. Multivariate regression models evaluated the association between rodent infestation and socioeconomic status and environmental attributes obtained from Geographical Information System surveys. The general household infestation rate was 45.9%. Rattus norvegicus signs were the most prevalent, present in 74% of the infested households. The risk for rodent infestation was associated with environmental factors supporting harborage for rats, such as dilapidated fences/walls (OR: 8.95; 95%CI: 2.42-33.12) and households built on an earthen slope (OR: 4.68; 95%CI: 2.23-9.81). An increase of 1 meter from the nearest sewer was associated with a 3% (95%CI: 1%-5%) decrease in the risk of rodent infestation. A lack of sanitation where poor people live provides factors for rat infestation and could the target of educational interventions.

Resumen: El estudio analizó factores ambientales que facilitan la presencia de alimento, agua y abrigo para roedores y el riesgo de infestación por roedores en una comunidad sin recursos con alto riesgo de transmisión de la leptospirosis. Se realizaron encuestas ambientales detalladas en 221 domicilios. Los modelos de regresión multivariada evaluaron la asociación entre infestación por roedores, nivel socioeconómico y características ambientales, obtenidos a través de encuestas con Sistemas de Información Geográfica. El estudio mostró una tasa global de un 45,9% de infestación domiciliaria. Los indicios de Rattus norvegicus eran los más prevalentes, presentes en un 74% de los domicilios infestados. El riesgo de infestación por roedores estuvo asociado a factores ambientales que proporcionaban abrigo a las ratas, tales como cercas y muros derruidos (OR: 8,95; IC95%: 2,42-33,12) y domicilios construidos directamente sobre pendientes (OR: 4,68; IC95%: 2,23-9,81). Cada incremento de un metro de distancia, a partir del alcantarillado más próximo, estuvo asociado a una disminución de un 3% (IC95%: 1%-5%) en el riesgo de infestación por roedores. La falta de saneamiento básico en las viviendas de las familias pobres facilita la infestación por ratas y es el objetivo prioritario para intervenciones educativas.

Introduction: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is diagnosed by the presence of antibodies and is supplemented by confirmatory testing methods, such as recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA) and HCV-RNA detection. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of RIBA testing to diagnose HCV infection in blood donors positive for anti-HCV antibodies. Methods: A total of 102 subjects positive for anti-HCV determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at the Hematology and Hemotherapy Foundation of Bahia (HEMOBA) were later assessed with new samples using the Abbott Architect anti-HCV test (Abbott Diagnostics, Wiesbaden, Germany), the RIBA III test (Chiron RIBA HCV 3.0 SIA, Chiron Corp., Emeryville, CA, USA), the polymerase chain reaction (PCR; COBAS® AMPLICOR HCV Roche Diagnostics Corp., Indianapolis, IN, USA) and line probe assay (LiPA - Siemens, Tarrytown, NY, USA) genotyping for HCV diagnosis. Results: Of these new samples, 38.2% (39/102) were positive, 57.8% (59/102) were negative and 3.9% (4/102) were indeterminate for anti-HCV; HCV-RNA was detected in 22.5% (23/102) of the samples. RIBA results were positive in 58.1% (25/43), negative in 9.3% (4/43) and indeterminate in 32.6% (14/43) of the samples. The prevailing genotypes were 1 (78.3%, 18/23), 3 (17.4%, 4/23) and 2 (4.3%, 1/23). All 14 samples with indeterminate RIBA results had undetectable viral loads (detection limit ≤50 IU/mL). Of these samples, 71.4% (10/14) were reevaluated six months later. Eighty percent (8/10) of these samples remained indeterminate by RIBA, and 20% (2/10) were negative. Conclusions: In this study, individuals with indeterminate RIBA results had no detectable HCV-RNA.

HCV infected patients frequently ask their physician about the risk of transmission to their partners. Although it is easy to answer that the risk does exist, it is difficult to quantify. We studied the transmission of HCV infection in stable heterosexual couples: anti-HCV positive patients in hemodialytic therapy and their partners. Thirty-four couples were tested by third generation ELISA and RIBA. Blood samples of anti-HCV positive patients were evaluated by RT-PCR and detected sequences were genotyped by restriction fragment length polymorphism. Concordance of infection was observed in only one couple in which both subjects were in dialytic therapy. One other partner had two positive ELISA tests and an indeterminate RIBA, with negative RT-PCR, which may suggest a false positive or a previous resolved infection. Either sexual relations, sharing of personal items and history of parenteral exposure (hemodialysis, blood transfusion) could explain transmission in the only couple with concordant infection. We observed, in accordance with previous reports, that this risk is minimal or negligible in stable heterosexual couples.

Plaquetopenia é uma complicação não raramente vista no contexto do lúpus eritematoso sistêmico (LES). O seu tratamento inclui o uso de corticosteróide, imunossupressores, imunoglobulina humana e, eventualmente, esplenectomia. Descreve-se um caso de LES com plaquetopenia persistente a despeito do uso de prednisona e azatioprina, que respondeu satisfatoriamente ao uso de rituximabe (RTX). O estudo de citometria de fluxo mostrou depleção dos linfócitos B do sangue periférico, assim como uma queda das moléculas de co-estimulação após o uso da medicação. Não foi observado efeito colateral relacionado à infusão da substância. Dessa forma, o RTX parece estar indicado para casos selecionados de LES com plaquetopenia de difícil controle.

Thrombocytopenia is not a rare complication in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Its treatment includes the use of corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs, intravenous immunoglobulin and, eventually, splenectomy. We describe a SLE patient with persistent thrombocytopenia despite of the use of prednisone and azathioprine that improved after infusion of rituximab (RTX). Flow cytometry analysis revealed depletion of B cells from the peripheral blood as well as a decrease in costimulatory molecules after the administration of the medication. Side effects related to the infusion were not observed. It suggests that RTX may be indicated in selected cases of SLE with thrombocytopenia of difficult control.

OBJETIVO: O ensaio de enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) para a pesquisa de anticorpos anticardiolipina (aCL) é o mais importante teste para o diagnóstico da síndrome antifosfolipídica (SAF). Entretanto esse teste também pode ser positivo em algumas doenças infecciosas. Tem sido sugerido que a detecção de anticorpos para uma mistura de fosfolípides ou para beta2-glicoproteína I (beta2-GP I) teria uma maior especificidade para a SAF que o teste de ELISA-padrão para aCL. O objetivo do presente estudo é comparar a especificidade de três testes para anticorpos antifosfolípides (aFL) em pacientes com doenças infecciosas. MÉTODOS: Anticorpos antifosfolípides foram pesquisados por três técnicas de ELISA, ou seja, o teste-padrão para aCL, o kit de ELISA APhL® e o teste para anti-beta2-GP I em pacientes com doenças infecciosas, tais como sífilis (69), leptospirose (33) e Calazar (30). RESULTADOS: A freqüência de positividade de aFL da classe IgG em pacientes com sífilis, leptospirose e Calazar foi de 13/69 (19%), 9/33 (27%) e 2/30 (6%), respectivamente, com o ELISA-padrão para aCL versus 1/69 (1,4%), 0/33 (0%) e 0/30 (0%) com o kit de ELISA APhL®. A positividade do isotipo IgM foi de 10/69 (14%), 4/33 (12%) e 1/30 (3%), respectivamente, com o ELISA-padrão para aCL, e 1/69 (1,4%), 0/33 (0%) e 0/30 (0%) com o kit de ELISA APhL®. Anticorpos da classe IgG contra beta2GPI foram detectados em 14/69 casos de sífilis (20%), 6/33 casos de leptospirose (18%) e 16/30 casos de Calazar (53%). Assim, o kit de ELISA APhL® apresentou uma maior especificidade: 97% (95% CI: 92%-99%) comparado com 81% (95% CI: 74%-87%) para o teste de aCL-padrão e 72% (95% CI: 64%-79%) para o teste de anticorpos anti-beta2 GPI. CONCLUSÕES: O kit de ELISA APhL® parece ser mais específico para a SAF que o ELISA-padrão para aCL, assim como o teste para anti-beta2GPI. Esse kit pode ser usado para ajudar no diagnóstico e na confirmação da SAF.

OBJECTIVE: The standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for anticardiolipin (aCL) antibodies is the most important test for the diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). However, the test is also positive in some infectious diseases and other non-related syndromes. It has been suggested that the detection of antibodies to a mixture of phospholipids or to beta2-glycoprotein I (beta2-GP I) has higher specificity for APS than the standard aCL ELISA. The aim of the present work is to compare the diagnostic specificity of three different antiphospholipid (aPL) assays in patients with infectious diseases. METHODS: Antiphospholipid antibodies were searched by three ELISA techniques, namely standard aCL, APhL® ELISA kit and anti-beta2-GP I, in sera of patients with infectious diseases, including syphilis (69), leptospirosis (33) and visceral leishmaniasis (30). RESULTS: The frequency of positivity of IgG aPL in patients with syphilis, leptospirosis and Kala-azar was 13/69 (19%), 9/33 (27%) and 2/30 (6%), respectively, using standard ELISA, versus only 1/69 (1.4%), 0/33 (0%) and 0/30 (0%) positivity by the APhL® ELISA kit. The positivity of the isotype IgM aPL was 10/69 (14%), 4/33 (12%) and 1/30 (3%), respectively, by the standard ELISA, and 1/69 (1.4%), 0/33 (0%) and 0/30 (0%) by the APhL® ELISA kit. The presence of significant levels of IgG anti-beta2GPI was observed in 14/69 cases of syphilis (20%), 6/33 cases of leptospirosis (18%) and 16/30 cases of Kala-azar (53%). The APhL® ELISA kit had superior performance showing the highest specificity: 97% (95% CI: 92%-99%) for IgG compared to 81% (95% CI: 74%-87%) for standard ELISA and 72% (95% CI: 64%-79%) for anti-beta2 GPI assay. CONCLUSIONS: The APhL® ELISA kit proved to be significantly more specific than the aCL standard ELISA and the anti-beta2GPI ELISA, and it should be used to help in the diagnosis and confirmation of APS.

OBJETIVO: Investigar os fatores de risco para anemia por deficiência de ferro em crianças e adolescentes (7 a 17 anos) infectados por helmintos. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo transversal com 1709 crianças e adolescentes residentes na cidade de Jequié, Estado da Bahia, Brasil, que apresentavam infecção leve ou moderada por Schistosoma mansoni, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura e ancilostomídeos. Foram obtidos dados sobre níveis de hemoglobina (hemoglobinômetro portátil), consumo alimentar (inquérito recordatório de 24 horas), infecção parasitária (método Kato-Katz), condições ambientais e domiciliares, renda e escolaridade dos responsáveis. Os fatores de risco para anemia na população foram estudados com base em um modelo hierárquico de causalidade. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de infecção por T. trichiura, A. lumbricoides, S. mansoni e ancilostomídeos foi de 74,8, 63,0, 55,5 e 15,7%, respectivamente. Constatou-se que 32,2% das crianças e adolescentes eram anêmicos. Depois do ajuste para variáveis de confusão, os resultados da análise multivariada mostraram que a renda familiar per capita abaixo de um quarto do salário mínimo (27 dólares), o sexo masculino, a faixa etária de 7 a 9 anos e a ingestão inadequada de ferro biodisponível foram significativamente associados à anemia. CONCLUSÕES: As ações para controle da anemia no grupo de maior risco, conforme identificado no presente estudo, devem visar o aumento do consumo de alimentos ricos em ferro e da biodisponibilidade do ferro ingerido, bem como a melhoria das condições sócio-ambientais.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate risk factors for iron-deficiency anemia in children and adolescents (7 to 17 years of age) with intestinal helminthic infections. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 1 709 children and adolescents living in Jequié, a town in the state of Bahia, Brazil, who had mild to moderate infection by Schistosoma mansoni, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, or hookworms. We obtained data concerning hemoglobin levels (using a portable hemoglobinometer), dietary habits (24-hour dietary recall), parasitic infections (Kato-Katz method), sanitary conditions (water supply, sewage connection, garbage collection), housing conditions (type of construction, number of persons per room), income, and amount of schooling of the parents or guardians. The risk factors for anemia were studied based on a hierarchical model of causality. RESULTS: The prevalence of parasitic infection was 74.8% for T. trichiura, 63.0% for A. lumbricoides, 55.5% for S. mansoni, and 15.7% for hookworms. Among the children and adolescents studied 32.2% were anemic. After adjustment for confounding variables, the results of the multivariate analysis showed that the following variables were significantly associated with anemia: per capita family income below US$ 27 (equal to one fourth of the Brazilian minimum wage), male sex, age of 7 to 9 years, and inadequate intake of bioavailable iron. CONCLUSIONS: The initiatives to control anemia in the group at greatest risk, as identified in this study, should seek to increase the consumption of iron-rich foods, boost the bioavailability of the iron ingested, and improve socioenvironmental conditions.

A presente investigação visa avaliar a suscetibilidade ao benzonidazol de sete clones isolados da cepa Colombiana do Trypanosoma cruzi, protótipo do biodema III , altamente resistente aos quimioterápicos. Os clones préviamente obtidos apresentavam homogeneidade fenotípica e alta similaridade com a cepa parental. Oito grupos de 30 camundongos foram inoculados com cada um dos sete clones e a cepa parental;20 foram tratados com benzonidazol 100mg/kg/dia e 10 foram controles não tratados. A avaliação da cura foi feita por testes parasitológicos, sorológicos e o PCR. Os índices de cura variaram de 0%(nulo) a 16,7%. Correlação entre a positividade dos testes parasitológicos e sorológicos com a da PCR alcançou 37%. Os resultados demonstraram a alta resistência dos clones, sugerindo a predominância de um clone principal, muito resistente à quimioterapia nesta cepa. Isto indica que as possibilidades de cura de pacientes infectados com este biodema são mínimas, o que poderá interferir no controle da doença através do tratamento de individuos cronicamente infectados.

The present investigation was performed to evaluate the susceptibility of seven clones isolated from the highly resistant Colombian strains, prototype of Biodeme Type III. Seven clones previously obtained, showed a phenotypic homogeneity and high similarity with the parental strain. Eight groups of 30 mice were inoculated with one of seven clones or the parental strain; 20 were treated with benznidazole (100mg/kg/day) and 10 were untreated controls. Cure evaluations were done by parasitological and serological tests and PCR. Cure rates varied from 0% (null) to 16.7%. Correlation between positivity of parasitological and serological tests with positive PCR reached 37%. The results demonstrated the high resistance of the clones, suggesting the predominance of a highly resistant principal clone in this strain. The findings apparently indicate that the possibility of cure is minimal for patients infected with this biodeme; a fact that could affect the control of Chagas' disease through treatment of chronically infected people.

A sensibilidade da reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) para revelar a presença de números conhecidos de tripomastigotas no sangue de camundongos, foi investigada em três experimentos separados. No primeiro, foram adicionados 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 20 e 50 tripomastigotas respectivamente, em oito amostras de 500mil de sangue de camundongo. No 2º e 3º experimentos: foram feitas 10 amostras contendo 1, e 10 amostras contendo 2 tripomastigotas/500mil de sangue. Controle positivo: 500mil de sangue contendo 100.000 trypomastigotas. Para amplificação dos minicirculos do kDNA pela PCR foram usados os iniciadores S35 e S36. A PCR revelou produtos de 330 p.b nos controles positivos e nas amostras contendo de 3 a 50 tripomastigotas. Quando apenas uma amostra contendo 1 ou 2 tripomastigotas foi examinada, os resultados foram negativos, porém no 2º e 3º experimentos 9/10 amostras contendo 1 e 2 tripomastigotas foram PCR positivas, revelando alta sensibilidade da reação. Em conclusão, a presença de um só parasito em 500mil de sangue é suficiente para uma PCR positiva e este método pode ser usado como complementação dos demais testes parasitológicos de cura, em camundongos tratados, quando pequenos volumes de sangue são individualmente examinados.

To evaluate the sensitivity of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to reveal known number of trypomastigote in the blood of mice, three separate experiments were done. First: To eight samples of 500mul of normal mice blood, one aliquot of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, and 50 trypomastigotes respectively, were added. Second and third: 10 aliquots with 1 and 10 with 2 trypomastigotes were added to samples of 500mul of normal mice blood. Positive control: 500mul of blood containing 100,000 trypomastigotes. For kDNA minicircles amplification by PCR the primers:S35 and S36 were used. PCR revealed products of 330 b.p in the positive controls. When only one sample with the aliquots of 1 or 2 trypomastigotes was examined, results were negative; results were positive with aliquots of 3 to 50 trypomastigotes. In the 2nd and 3rd experiments, 9/10 aliquots with one parasite and 9/10 with 2 trypomastigotes were positive revealing a high sensitivity of this reaction. In conclusion, the presence of one single parasite in 500mul of blood, is enough for a positive PCR. This method could be used as a complement to the various parasitological cure tests in treated mice, when low volumes of blood are individually examined.

Este artigo descreve metodologia, aplicação e utilidade do teste das Matrizes Progressivas de Raven e do Teste de Sondagem Intelectual (TSI), comparando-os ainda com o rendimento escolar do aluno, em Jequié, Bahia. O Raven, que avalia o raciocínio não-verbal, foi aplicado a 374 escolares (7 a 17 anos). Somente 231 TSI foram respondidos porque requeriam habilidades de leitura e escrita. Foram coletadas notas escolares para todos os participantes. Um questionário avaliando recursos da escola e perfil do professor foi respondido por duzentos professores. Os escores dos testes Raven e TSI apresentaram uma boa correlação entre si (r = 0,53, p < 0,001) porém menor com as médias escolares (r = 0,22, p < 0,001 e r = 0,12, p < 0,07 respectivamente). Os escores do Raven e do TSI apresentaram baixas correlações com os conceitos escolares. A média de escores, tanto no teste Raven como no TSI, foi maior entre os meninos, sendo superior o desempenho das meninas nas notas escolares. De maneira geral o nível de desempenho cognitivo encontrado está aquém do esperado em crianças do grupo de idade analisada.

This paper describes the methodology, applicability and utility of the Raven Progressive Matrix (Raven Test) and the Brazilian Intellectual Probe (TSI), comparing them with school achievement in a typical medium-size urban community of Northeastern Brazil. 388 schoolchildren (7-17 years old) were examined, with 371 Raven tests applied. Only 231 TSIs were completed, since 106 students were illiterate. School grades were obtained for all participants. A questionnaire evaluating school resources, and teacher profiles was answered by 200 teachers. Raven and TSI test scores were highly correlated (r = 0.53, p < 0.001), but both correlated weakly with overall school grade (r = 0.22, p < 0.001 and r = 0.12, p < 0.07 respectively). For individual school grades, the Raven scores showed statistically significant correlation with all subjects, while the Brazilian TSI presented statistically significant correlation only with geography, history and sciences. Boys' mean scores were higher than girls' for both the Raven and the TSI Tests, but for the school grades girls performed better. In general, level of cognitive development was below that expected for children in the age-group analyzed.

Este artigo descreve metodologia, aplicação e utilidade do teste das Matrizes Progressivas de Raven e do Teste de Sondagem Intelectual (TSI), comparando-os ainda com o rendimento escolar do aluno, em Jequié, Bahia. O Raven, que avalia o raciocínio não-verbal, foi aplicado a 374 escolares (7 a 17 anos). Somente 231 TSI foram respondidos porque requeriam habilidades de leitura e escrita. Foram coletadas notas escolares para todos os participantes. Um questionário avaliando recursos da escola e perfil do professor foi respondido por duzentos professores. Os escores dos testes Raven e TSI apresentaram uma boa correlação entre si (r = 0,53, p < 0,001) porém menor com as médias escolares (r = 0,22, p < 0,001 e r = 0,12, p < 0,07 respectivamente). Os escores do Raven e do TSI apresentaram baixas correlações com os conceitos escolares. A média de escores, tanto no teste Raven como no TSI, foi maior entre os meninos, sendo superior o desempenho das meninas nas notas escolares. De maneira geral o nível de desempenho cognitivo encontrado está aquém do esperado em crianças do grupo de idade analisada.

This paper describes the methodology, applicability and utility of the Raven Progressive Matrix (Raven Test) and the Brazilian Intellectual Probe (TSI), comparing them with school achievement in a typical medium-size urban community of Northeastern Brazil. 388 schoolchildren (7-17 years old) were examined, with 371 Raven tests applied. Only 231 TSIs were completed, since 106 students were illiterate. School grades were obtained for all participants. A questionnaire evaluating school resources, and teacher profiles was answered by 200 teachers. Raven and TSI test scores were highly correlated (r = 0.53, p < 0.001), but both correlated weakly with overall school grade (r = 0.22, p < 0.001 and r = 0.12, p < 0.07 respectively). For individual school grades, the Raven scores showed statistically significant correlation with all subjects, while the Brazilian TSI presented statistically significant correlation only with geography, history and sciences. Boys' mean scores were higher than girls' for both the Raven and the TSI Tests, but for the school grades girls performed better. In general, level of cognitive development was below that expected for children in the age-group analyzed.

Coelhos com infecções maciças (20.000 cercárias) pelo Schistosoma mansoni desenvolvendo dentro de três a dez meses intensas e peculiares lesões no sistema porta intrahepático; estas consisten en endoflebite poliposa e endoflebite granulomatosa oclusiva, que evoluem para a cicatrização, com hialinização dos polipos endoteliais e com ectasia vascular, ou com trombose, organização e recanalização. Nos períodos tardios, estas lesões se acompanham de fibrose periportal, septal e de espessamento da trama reticular intra-parenquimal. Embora podendo ser bem intensas, tais lesões têm um caráter focal, pois se relacionam com grupos de vermes alojados em alguns segmentos da veia porta, não determinam hipertensão porta, nem têm semelhanças com as lesões da esquistossomose humana. Os granulomas periovulares quase não aparecem no fígado, mas se formam bem nos intestinos, especialmetne nos dois ou três primeiros meses após a infecção. A patologia da esquistossomose no coelho tem, portanto, aspectos peculiares, os quais merecem ser bem conhecidos, uma vez que este modelo pode se revelar de interesse para estudantes dos imunológicos e imunopatológicos.

The pathology of Schistosomiasis mansoni in rabbits was studied with special consideration to worm burden and duration of infection. Heavy and prolonged infectious resulted in severe changes involving the intrahepatic portal vein branches, such as: polypoid endophlebitis, granulomatous endophlebitis and, later on, vascular occlusion and recanalization, vascular ectasia, fibrosis and hyalinization of the endothelial polyps. Living and dead adult worms, rather than the mature eggs, were the main pathogenetic factors. For some time the lesions tend to be limited to the portal vein banches, not extending to the periportal tissues, but, after 8 to 10 months, variable degree of portal, septal and intra-parenchymal fibrosis can be formed. However, both vascular and fibrotic changes in the liver had a focal distribution and therefore didi not appear to cause portal hypertension and had no resemblance to the human pathology seen in cases of hepatosplenic schistosomiasis. Pathology of schistosomiasis in rabbits has peculiar aspects, which are worthwhile studying, since the model can be interest for investigations, especially concerning the immunology and immunopathology of schistosomiasis mansoni.