Carlos Chagas Research Articles

Carlos Chagas Discoveries as a Drop Back to Scientific Construction of Chronic Chagas Heart Disease

The scientific construction of chronic Chagas heart disease (CCHD) started in 1910 when Carlos Chagas highlighted the presence of cardiac arrhythmia during physical examination of patients with chronic Chagas disease, and described a case of heart failure associated with myocardial inflammation and nests of parasites at autopsy. He described sudden cardiac death associated with arrhythmias in 1911, and its association with complete AV block detected by Jacquet's polygraph as Chagas reported in 1912. Chagas showed the presence of myocardial fibrosis underlying the clinical picture of CCHD in 1916, he presented a full characterization of the clinical aspects of CCHD in 1922. In 1928, Chagas detected fibrosis of the conductive system, and pointed out the presence of marked cardiomegaly at the chest X-Ray associated with minimal symptomatology. The use of serological reaction to diagnose CCHD was put into clinical practice in 1936, after Chagas' death, which along with the 12-lead ECG, revealed the epidemiological importance of CCHD in 1945. In 1953, the long period between initial infection and appearance of CCHD was established, whereas the annual incidence of CCHD from patients with the indeterminate form of the disease was established in 1956. The use of heart catheterization in 1965, exercise stress testing in 1973, Holter monitoring in 1975, Electrophysiologic testing in 1973, echocardiography in 1975, endomyocardial biopsy in 1981, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in 1995, added to the fundamental clinical aspects of CCHD as described by Carlos Chagas.

Behavioural alterations are independent of sickness behaviour in chronic experimental Chagas disease.

The existence of the nervous form of Chagas disease is a matter of discussion since Carlos Chagas described neurological disorders, learning and behavioural alterations in Trypanosoma cruzi-infected individuals. In most patients, the clinical manifestations of the acute phase, including neurological abnormalities, resolve spontaneously without apparent consequence in the chronic phase of infection. However, chronic Chagas disease patients have behavioural changes such as psychomotor alterations, attention and memory deficits, and depression. In the present study, we tested whether or not behavioural alterations are reproducible in experimental models. We show that C57BL/6 mice chronically infected with the Colombian strain of T. cruzi (150 days post-infection) exhibit behavioural changes as (i) depression in the tail suspension and forced swim tests, (ii) anxiety analysed by elevated plus maze and open field test sand and (iii) motor coordination in the rotarod test. These alterations are neither associated with neuromuscular disorders assessed by the grip strength test nor with sickness behaviour analysed by temperature variation sand weight loss. Therefore, chronically T. cruzi-infected mice replicate behavioural alterations (depression and anxiety) detected in Chagas disease patients opening an opportunity to study the interconnection and the physiopathology of these two biological processes in an infectious scenario.

Surveillance, health promotion and control of Chagas disease in the Amazon Region--Medical attention in the Brazilian Amazon Region: a proposal.

We refer to Oswaldo Cruz's reports dating from 1913 about the necessities of a healthcare system for the Brazilian Amazon Region and about the journey of Carlos Chagas to 27 locations in this region and the measures that would need to be adopted. We discuss the risks of endemicity of Chagas disease in the Amazon Region. We recommend that epidemiological surveillance of Chagas disease in the Brazilian Amazon Region and Pan-Amazon region should be implemented through continuous monitoring of the human population that lives in the area, their housing, the environment and the presence of triatomines. The monitoring should be performed with periodic seroepidemiological surveys, semi-annual visits to homes by health agents and the training of malaria microscopists and healthcare technicians to identify Trypanosoma cruzi from patients' samples and T. cruzi infection rates among the triatomines caught. We recommend health promotion and control of Chagas disease through public health policies, especially through sanitary education regarding the risk factors for Chagas disease. Finally, we propose a healthcare system through base hospitals, intermediate-level units in the areas of the Brazilian Amazon Region and air transportation, considering the distances to be covered for medical care.

TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE AT THE INTERSECTION OF EVIDENCE-BASED MEDICINE AND NARRATIVE MEDICINE

Não se aplica

Um sanitarista chamado Walter Leser

Resumo Faz uma breve revisão da trajetória profissional do médico sanitarista Walter Sidney Pereira Leser, falecido em 2004 aos 94 anos. Autodidata, a partir de sua tese de doutoramento de 1933, torna-se referência no campo da estatística e epidemiologia no país, com dezenas de estudos e orientações. No campo clínico é um dos fundadores do Laboratório Fleury, e participa da criação do CREMESP. Como acadêmico, foi catedrático da Escola de Sociologia e Política de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina e Faculdade de Farmácia e Odontologia da USP. Introduziu os testes objetivos no exame vestibular, e esteve à frente da criação do CESCEM e Fundação Carlos Chagas. Na Escola Paulista criou o primeiro Departamento de Medicina Preventiva do país. Como administrador público, foi secretário de Estado da Saúde entre 1967 e 1971 e entre 1975 e 1979, responsável por extensas reformas e inovações. Entre as mais lembradas, a criação da carreira de médico sanitarista. Por todo esse legado, emprestou seu nome à “Medalha de Honra e Mérito da Gestão Pública em Saúde” do governo paulista.

Opportunities and challenges in chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy.

Chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC) is the most serious complication of Chagas disease. More than a century after the astute clinician-scientist Carlos Chagas published the etiologic, pathological, clinical, and epidemiological characteristics of the disease that now bears his name [1], much scientific progress has been made. Nevertheless, many challenges still remain. In this article, we provide a brief perspective on the clinical and public health successes as well as a summary of the biomedical research portfolio supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Finally, we explore the compelling research questions and critical challenges for better understanding CCC and tackling its prevention and treatment.

Effects Of Isocaloric Aerobic Training With Different Intensities Upon Fitness, Adiposity And Microcirculation In Rats

BACKGROUND: The role of exercise intensity and volume within aerobic training to improve cardiovascular and metabolic markers remains unclear. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of isocaloric aerobic training performed with different intensities upon body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness and endothelial-dependent vasodilation in eutrophic rats. METHODS: Wistar rats (n=30) were assigned into three groups: sedentary control (SC), high-intensity training (HI), and moderate-intensity training (MI). MI and HI groups performed treadmill running for 4 weeks at speeds corresponding to 50% and 80% oxygen uptake reserve (VO2R), respectively. The duration of exercise sessions was controlled through energy expenditure (MI=3.4±0.3, HI=3.2±0.3 kcal; P=0.61). At the end of intervention all groups had assessed the body composition (DEXA), cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max), and endothelial-dependent vasodilation (intravital microscopy). RESULTS: Only HI presented lower fat mass (101.2±3.0 g vs. 124.8±2.0 g; P=0.01) and % fat (29.8±1.0% vs. 35.5±1.0%; P=0.03) compared to SC after training. The VO2max increased in both exercised groups vs. SC (P<0.001), but improvement was higher in HI over MI (P<0.001) (ΔSC= -3.7±3.0 ml.kg-1.min-1; ΔHI= 4.9±2.0 ml.kg-1.min-1; ΔMI= 2.5±3.0 ml.kg-1.min-1). Endothelial-dependent vasodilation in response to acetylcholine improved similarly in HI and MI (21.5% vs. 20.8%; P=0.73) vs. SC (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Isocaloric aerobic training with high-intensity was more effective to improve adiposity and cardiorespiratory fitness in eutrophic rats. On the other hand, endothelial function improved similarly in both exercise groups, suggesting that energy expenditure would be more important than exercise intensity to enhance endothelial-dependent vasodilation. Supported by the Brazilian Council for the Technological and Research Development (CNPq) and Carlos Chagas Foundation for the Research Development in the State of Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ).

Effect Of Recreational Soccer Practice On Cardiac Vagal Reactivation

BACKGROUND: Obese adolescents might exhibit cardiac autonomic dysfunction, with decreased parasympathetic and increased sympathetic activity. On the other hand, physical activity may help preventing this autonomic unbalance. PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of a recreational soccer program (RSP) upon cardiac vagal reactivation in obese adolescents. METHODS: 20 obese adolescents (7 girls; Body Mass Index Z-score > 2; age= 14.3 ±1.2 yrs) were assigned into recreational soccer (RSP, n=10) and control (CG, n=10) groups. The RSP group participated in a 12-week RSP program (3 times/wk) consisting of 10 min warm-up, followed by 50-80 min of soccer in a reduced pitch area with an average intensity of 80% maximal heart rate. Cardiac vagal reactivation was assessed each 30 seconds after maximal CPX, using the rMSSD index from heart variability. RESULTS: At baseline, no difference between groups was found for the rMSSD after CPX. After intervention, the increase of rMSSD in RSP was greater over CG at all assessments (30s: ΔRSP= 6.7 vs. ΔCG= 0.3, P= 0.05; 60s: ΔRSP= 7.3 vs. ΔCG= 0.7, P= 0.05; 90s: ΔRSP= 8.4 vs. ΔCG= -0.5, P= 0.04; 120s: ΔRSP= 10.5 vs. ΔCG= 2.5, P= 0.05; 150s: ΔRSP= 13.9 vs. ΔCG= 2.8, P= 0.03; 180s: ΔRSP= 15.4 vs. ΔCG= 1.6, P= 0.04; 210s: ΔRSP= 14.3 vs. ΔCG= 1.9, P= 0.03; 240s: ΔRSP= 16.5 vs. ΔCG= 2.7, P= 0.01; 270s: ΔRSP= 16.8 vs. ΔCG= 4.2, P= 0.05; 300s: ΔRSP= 20.1 vs. ΔCG= 0.1, P= 0.01). CONCLUSION: A 12-week recreational soccer intervention performed 3 times/wk was able to improve the cardiac vagal reactivation in obese adolescents. Supported by the Brazilian Council for the Technological and Research Development (CNPq) and Carlos Chagas Foundation for th Research Development in the State of Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ)

Bihemispheric Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Acutely Improves Strength And Force Steadiness In Post-stroke Hemiparetic Patients

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been applied within rehabilitation programs in post-stroke patients. Two approaches have been used to minimize inter-hemispheric unbalance: cathodal tDCS upon the contralesional hemisphere to reduce inhibition of the ipsilesional hemisphere, and anodal tDCS upon the ipsilesional hemisphere to increase its excitability. PURPOSE: The purpose of present study was to investigate whether bihemisferic tDCS in both ipsilesional and contralesional motor cortex modulate the maximal strength and force steadiness of lower limbs in chronic stroke patients. METHODS: In a double blind, crossover, randomized sham-controlled experimental design, 10 chronic stroke patients performed bilateral knee extension and flexion isokinetic tests at submaximal and maximal workloads [2 sets of 10 repetitions at 50% peak torque and 1 set of 3 reps at 100% peak torque, respectively] with and without bihemispheric tDCS. RESULTS: After tDCS the peak torque increased only for the knee extension in the non-paretic limb (P = 0.008), while no difference was found in the paretic limb (P > 0.05). The force steadiness reflected by the coefficient of variation during the extension phase of the knee extension decreased in tDCS vs. sham condition in both paretic (P = 0.01) and non-paretic limbs (P = 0.04). However, in the knee flexion phase, the coefficient of variation after tDCS decreased only in paretic limb (P = 0.05). CONCLUSION: A single session of bihemispheric tDCS might enhance the maximal strength and force steadiness in chronic stroke patients. These findings warrant additional research to ratify the potential role of bihemispheric tDCS to improve motor performance in stroke patients. Supported by Supported by the Brazilian Council for the Technological and Research Development (CNPq) and Carlos Chagas Foundation for the Research Development in the State of Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ)

Brazilian symposium of theoretical chemistry (SBQT2013)

This Topical Issue of the Journal of Molecular Modeling collects 23 selected works presented at the 17th Biannual Brazilian Symposium of Theoretical Chemistry (SBQT) held at the paradisiac Villa Galle Resort Hotel nestled on the Costa Verde (Green Coast) of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from November 24 to 28, 2013. Following the tradition established in 1991, during the 6th SBQT and without interruption since then, selected papers presented at the Symposia, after rigorous peer-review, are published in special issues of important international scientific journals of the field. For the first time and in the same spirit, the Proceedings of 17th SBQTwill be published as a Topical Issue of the Journal of Molecular Modeling. This Topical Issue is a testimony to the maturity of the Brazilian Theoretical Chemistry Community and to the major scientific meeting of the area in Latin America. The 17th SBQT gathered over 295 participants from Brazil and abroad. The Program consisted of oral presentations from 13 foreign scientists and 17 Brazilians, 16 short talks (15 min) presented by young researchers, two posters sections, and a two-hour workshop on a new database. Without parallel sections, SBQT was a unique opportunity to get in touch with high-level science and to foster new collaborations. Moreover, given that over half of the total participants were undergraduate and graduate students, the Symposium was a unique and motivating opportunity for them to meet and discuss their research work with senior scientists of the area. We also paid a tribute, in a special session, to Ricardo de Carvalho Ferreira, from the Federal University of Pernambuco, one of the Brazilian pioneers in the field of theoretical chemistry, who had just passed away. We gratefully acknowledge the financial support to the 17th SBQT given by several agencies and sponsors. Among them, Fundacao Carlos Chagas de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal Nivel Superior (CAPES), 16th Brazilian Symposium of Theoretical Chemistry (SBQT 2011) and Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq). Last, but not least, we gratefully thank Prof. Timothy Clark, Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Molecular Modeling, for embracing the idea of this Topical Issue, and the Journal Staff and the referees for their invaluable work.

Nobel prizes: contributions to cardiology.

The Nobel Prize was created by Alfred Nobel. The first prize was awarded in 1901 and Emil Adolf von Behring was the first laureate in medicine due to his research in diphtheria serum. Regarding cardiology, Nobel Prize’s history permits a global comprehension of progress in pathophysiology, diagnosis and therapeutics of various cardiac diseases in last 120 years. The objective of this study was to review the major scientific discoveries contemplated by Nobel Prizes that contributed to cardiology. In addition, we also hypothesized why Carlos Chagas, one of our most important scientists, did not win the prize in two occasions. We carried out a non-systematic review of Nobel Prize winners, selecting the main studies relevant to heart diseaseamong the laureates. In the period between 1901 and 2013, 204 researches and 104 prizes were awarded in Nobel Prize, of which 16 (15%) studies were important for cardiovascular area. There were 33 (16%) laureates, and two (6%) were women. Fourteen (42%) were American, 15 (45%) Europeans and four (13%) were from other countries. There was only one winner born in Brazil, Peter Medawar, whose career was all in England. Reviewing the history of the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine area made possible to identify which researchers and studies had contributed to advances in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Most winners were North Americans and Europeans, and male.

The Non-Award of the Nobel Prize of 1921 to Carlos Chagas: A Tragic Mistake

Carlos Chagas discovered the disease, which has been named after him (Chagas disease), in 1909. He was indicated to the Nobel Prize in 1912 and in 1921, but never won the Nobel Prize. The non-award of the prize in 1921 strengthened Chagas detractors in Brazil to the point that the disease fallen into oblivion after Chagas’ death in 1934. The socioeconomic importance of this new disease was only recognized many years later, what made that many lives were unnecessarily lost. A posthumous Nobel Prize to Chagas could help to eradicate the disease.

Inhaled and systemic glucocorticoids reduce regulatory T cells numbers in a HDM-model of allergy

Event Abstract Back to Event Inhaled and systemic glucocorticoids reduce regulatory T cells numbers in a HDM-model of allergy Jamil Z. Kitoko1, 2*, Tatiana Paula T. Ferreira3, Carolina T. De Azevedo3, Ana Carolina S. De Arantes3, Marco A. Martins3 and Priscilla C. Olsen2, 3 1 Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Brazil 2 Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, School of Pharmacy, Brazil 3 Oswaldo Cruz Foundation/IOC, Brazil Introduction: Glucocorticoids (GCs) are the main anti-inflammatory compounds used to treat asthma. Several studies suggest that GCs may act by increasing the number and activity of regulatory T (Treg) cells, with subsequent upregulation of IL-10 production. Nevertheless, recent data have shown that GCs can negatively impact the levels of these anti-inflammatory cells. The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of treatment with GCs on Treg cells in experimental asthma. Methods and Results: AJ mice were intranasally challenged with house dust mite (HDM) extract 3 times a week, for 3 weeks. Treatments were performed during the last week of challenge with either nebulized budesonide (bude) or oral dexamethasone (dexa). Analyses were performed 24 h after the last challenge. Broncoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) analyses showed that dexa reduced leukocyte infiltration (11.07 x105 ± 2.33, n=7), including eosinophil infiltration (4.53 x105 ± 1.55, n=7), both generated by HDM exposure (respectively, 23.71 ± 5.38 and 13.75 ± 3.66 (x105), n=7). Flow cytometry analyses reveals elevated numbers of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ cells in BALF of mice challenged with HDM (6527 ± 1047, n=6), which were decreased by dexa or bude treatment (respectively, 1817 ± 424.1 and 2824 ± 486.1, n=6). Dexa or bude reduced cellularity (respectively, 3500 ± 471.4 and 9150 ± 1553 (x103), n=9) as well as values of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ cells (respectively, 67060 ± 6851 and 88670 ± 8568, n=6) in thymus, compared to control groups. By ELISA, elevated numbers of IL-10 were detected in lung of HDM-group mice (432.7 ± 15.4, n=10), while dexa or bude treatment did not altered these values (respectively, 388.3 ± 30.52, n=9 and 451.1 ± 19.76, n=10). All group data are presented as mean ± SEM. License of FIOCRUZ’s Ethics Committee on Use of Laboratory Animals approval is LW-23/10. Conclusion: These data suggest that treatment with GCs reduces lung number of Treg cells in asthma, independently of the route of administration, probably by reducing thymic production of T cells. Acknowledgements CNPq, FAPERJ Keywords: Asthma, Glucocorticoids, Treg cells, Thymus Gland, HDM allergens Conference: IMMUNOCOLOMBIA2015 - 11th Congress of the Latin American Association of Immunology - 10o. Congreso de la Asociación Colombiana de Alergia, Asma e Inmunología, Medellin, Colombia, 13 Oct - 16 Oct, 2015. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation Topic: Immunotherapy Citation: Kitoko JZ, Ferreira TT, De Azevedo CT, De Arantes AS, Martins MA and Olsen PC (2015). Inhaled and systemic glucocorticoids reduce regulatory T cells numbers in a HDM-model of allergy. Front. Immunol. Conference Abstract: IMMUNOCOLOMBIA2015 - 11th Congress of the Latin American Association of Immunology - 10o. Congreso de la Asociación Colombiana de Alergia, Asma e Inmunología. doi: 10.3389/conf.fimmu.2015.05.00274 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 15 Apr 2015; Published Online: 14 Sep 2015. * Correspondence: Mr. Jamil Z Kitoko, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, jamilkitoko@gmail.com Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Jamil Z Kitoko Tatiana Paula T Ferreira Carolina T De Azevedo Ana Carolina S De Arantes Marco A Martins Priscilla C Olsen Google Jamil Z Kitoko Tatiana Paula T Ferreira Carolina T De Azevedo Ana Carolina S De Arantes Marco A Martins Priscilla C Olsen Google Scholar Jamil Z Kitoko Tatiana Paula T Ferreira Carolina T De Azevedo Ana Carolina S De Arantes Marco A Martins Priscilla C Olsen PubMed Jamil Z Kitoko Tatiana Paula T Ferreira Carolina T De Azevedo Ana Carolina S De Arantes Marco A Martins Priscilla C Olsen Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

Mercury and selenium relationship in a tropical estuarine fish

Event Abstract Back to Event Mercury and selenium relationship in a tropical estuarine fish André Pinheiro Almeida1, Ana Carolina Pizzochero1 and Paulo Renato Dorneles1* 1 Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Brazil Aquatic systems have been considered as final sinks for persistent and bioaccumulative toxicants (PBTs), such as metals and organohalogen compounds. Among the trace elements, non-essential metals deserve special attention due to their toxicity. In this context, mercury (Hg) should be highlighted due to its toxic effects, which comprise neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, genotoxicity, among others. Several studies have highlighted the selenium-mediated methylmercury detoxification process, via mercury selenide formation in tissues of marine vertebrates. Despite being an essential element, selenium may also be toxic in high concentrations. This study focused on Guanabara Bay (GB), a heavily polluted urban estuary in Rio de Janeiro state (Brazil), where the whitemouth croaker (Micropogonias furnieri) provides a valuable fishery resource. Therefore, hepatic (Hg and Se) and muscular (Hg) concentrations of these elements were determined in GB whitemouth croakers. Mercury and selenium measurements were performed by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CV-AAS) and electrothermal AAS (ET-AAS), respectively. Total mercury (THg) concentrations in muscle (n=19) ranged from 184.9 to 858.6 (ng/g), while in liver they varied from 11.05 to 1188 (ng/g). Hepatic selenium concentrations ranged from 7820 to 40085 (ng/g). The hepatic Se:THg molar ratio ranged from 40,8 to 3102,5. The results showed a significant correlation between hepatic mercury and selenium levels, but the molar ratio suggests the absence of mercury selenide formation. Some of the Se concentrations found were above the threshold level for freshwater fish (12000 ng/g); however, it is not yet clear if these concentrations are toxic for marine fish as well. More studies are necessary for evaluating the impact of such exposure in fish from Guanabara Bay. Acknowledgements This study was supported by CNPq (National Research Council, Brazilian Ministry of Science and Technology) and FAPERJ (Rio de Janeiro state Research Support Foundation). Keywords: Whitemouth croaker, Micropogonias furnieri, Guanabara Bay, Tropical estuary, mercury selenide. Conference: XV European Congress of Ichthyology, Porto, Portugal, 7 Sep - 11 Sep, 2015. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation Topic: Physiology, Behavior and Toxicology Citation: Almeida A, Pizzochero A and Dorneles P (2015). Mercury and selenium relationship in a tropical estuarine fish. Front. Mar. Sci. Conference Abstract: XV European Congress of Ichthyology. doi: 10.3389/conf.FMARS.2015.03.00146 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 24 Nov 2015; Published Online: 27 Nov 2015. * Correspondence: PhD. Paulo Renato Dorneles, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, Brazil, dornelespr@biof.ufrj.br Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers André Pinheiro Almeida Ana Carolina Pizzochero Paulo Renato Dorneles Google André Pinheiro Almeida Ana Carolina Pizzochero Paulo Renato Dorneles Google Scholar André Pinheiro Almeida Ana Carolina Pizzochero Paulo Renato Dorneles PubMed André Pinheiro Almeida Ana Carolina Pizzochero Paulo Renato Dorneles Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

A construção da figura de Carlos Chagas em revistas ilustradas após a descoberta do Trypanosoma cruzi (1909-1920) - doi:

The construction of the image of Carlos Chagas after the discovery of Trypanosoma cruzi in illustrated magazines in Rio de Janeiro between 1909 and 1920 is provided. The discourse of the magazines Fon-fon , Careta and Illustracao Brasileira is analyzed with regard to the Brazilian scientist and his discovery. Characterized by humor, the magazines are investigated with regard to the construction and the constitution of the scientist´s image.

Ecoepidemiology, short history and control of Chagas disease in the endemic countries and the new challenge for non-endemic countries.

Chagas disease is maintained in nature through the interchange of three cycles: the wild, peridomestic and domestic cycles. The wild cycle, which is enzootic, has existed for millions of years maintained between triatomines and wild mammals. Human infection was only detected in mummies from 4,000-9,000 years ago, before the discovery of the disease by Carlos Chagas in 1909. With the beginning of deforestation in the Americas, two-three centuries ago for the expansion of agriculture and livestock rearing, wild mammals, which had been the food source for triatomines, were removed and new food sources started to appear in peridomestic areas: chicken coops, corrals and pigsties. Some accidental human cases could also have occurred prior to the triatomines in peridomestic areas. Thus, triatomines progressively penetrated households and formed the domestic cycle of Chagas disease. A new epidemiological, economic and social problem has been created through the globalisation of Chagas disease, due to legal and illegal migration of individuals infected by Trypanosoma cruzi or presenting Chagas disease in its varied clinical forms, from endemic countries in Latin America to non-endemic countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Oceania, particularly to the United States of America and Spain. The main objective of the present paper was to present a general view of the interchanges between the wild, peridomestic and domestic cycles of the disease, the development of T. cruzi among triatomine, their domiciliation and control initiatives, the characteristics of the disease in countries in the Americas and the problem of migration to non-endemic countries.

Trypanosoma cruzi-Host Cell Interaction.

Chagas disease was discovered by Carlos Chagas in Brazil in 1909 (1). It is caused by the pathogenic protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, member of Trypanosomatidae family, Kinetoplastida order. Chagas disease is recognized by the World Health Organization as one of the main neglected tropical diseases, affecting about 8–15 million individuals in 18 countries in Central and South America, where it is endemic, as well as countries in North America and Europe (2). At least 30 million people are at risk. Public health programs have significantly reduced transmission of Chagas disease, however, blood and organ transplant transmission in non-endemic countries and a growing number of food borne (especially fruit juices) infections still require special attention. In addition, an increase in the rate of infection in the Amazon region has become a challenge for the control of Chagas disease (3). Trypanosoma cruzi presents a complex life cycle both in the vertebrate and invertebrate hosts, involving dramatic changes in cell shape (4). Its life cycle involves several developmental stages that are known as amastigotes, epimastigotes, and trypomastigotes. The first two stages are able to divide inside and outside host cells, respectively. The trypomastigote and amastigote stages are also able to infect host cells where they multiply, amplifying the number of parasites, and releasing millions of the infective trypomastigote forms in the intercellular spaces. This thematic issue deals with the ability of T. cruzi to penetrate into host cells. In the first article, de Souza and de Carvalho (5) make a review of the concept of active penetration and suggest that T. cruzi always penetrates the host cell through an endocytic process with the formation of a transient parasitophorous vacuole. The second article by Barrias et al. (6) reviews the various mechanisms of endocytosis, which are used by the protozoan to gain access to the intracellular portion of the host cells. These include processes such as classical phagocytosis, participation of membrane rafts, macropinocytosis, and clathrin-mediated endocytosis. In the third article, Calvet et al. (7) analyze in detail the process of interaction of T. cruzi with cardiomyocytes, an important host cell, because in vivo many of the parasite strains have a tropism for the heart. In the fourth article, Tonelli et al. (8) call the attention to the fact that most probably a large number of molecules are involved in the process of protozoan–host cell interaction and discuss the use of more powerful technologies, such as peptide-based phage display and oligonucleotide-based aptamer techniques. Using these approaches, the results obtained by the group highlight the importance of members of the 85-kDa family on the process of interaction. In the fifth article, Freire-de-Lima et al. (9) point out the relevance of a unique system of sialoglycoproteins and sialyl-binding proteins, which in the case of T. cruzi are represented by trans-sialidases. These proteins are involved in parasite–host cell recognition, infectivity, and survival. The sixth and seventh articles by Nde et al. (10) and Ferreira et al. (11) respectively, analyze the role played by components of the extracellular matrix during the interaction of the trypomastigote and amastigote forms of T. cruzi with the host cells. Infective trypomastigotes up-regulate the expression of laminin-gamma−1 and thrombospondin to facilitate recruitment of parasites to enhance cell infection. The extracellular matrix interactome network seems to be regulated by T. cruzi and its gp 83 ligand. The eighth article by Maeda et al. (12) reviews the cell signaling process that takes place during the interaction of metacyclic trypomastigotes, infective forms found in the invertebrate host, with host cells. Special emphasis is given to intracellular calcium mobilization and the triggering the exocytosis of host cell lysosomes during the interaction process mediated by a surface-expressed parasite glycoprotein of 82 kDa. This process leads to the activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTor), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and protein kinase C. The last article, by Scharfstein et al. (13) initially analyses the process by which T. cruzi trypomastigotes elicit an inflammatory edema that stimulates protective type-1 effector cells through the activation of the kallikrein–kinin system, providing a framework to investigate the intertwined proteolytic circuits that couple the anti-parasite immunity to inflammation and fibrosis.

Remarkable facts about the history of the Brazilian Society of Tropical Medicine

The Brazilian Society of Tropical Medicine (BSTM) was established in the 1960s in an effort to bring together numerous academic members, professors and researchers from different universities and faculties throughout the country as a counterpoint to the Brazilian Society of Hygiene (Sociedade Brasileira de Higiene SBH). In those days, the SBH experienced a marked reduction in activity that continued until it ceased to exist. It must be remembered that the SBH, which was established in the 1920s, was very important and was the leader in the control of parasitic endemic diseases through its various programs and projects. In the beginning, the members of the SBH were mostly health workers but also included researchers and professors. Carlos Chagas was one of the many active and important presidents that belonged to this society. Over the decades, there was a separation in Brazil between the activities and claims of the so-called sanitarians, who participated in control services, and the activities of researchers and university professors. The BSTM was very important in re-founding the Brazilian Society of Parasitology (Sociedade Brasileira de Parasitologia SBP), which was originally founded in 1965. Dr. Wladimir Lobato Paraense was its fi rst president and was followed by Professor Amilcar Vianna Martins. With Martins’ forfeiture and mandatory retirement in 1969 due to the infamous Institutional Act no 5, produced by the military dictatorship that assumed control of the country in 1964, the Society ceased to function. However, it was re-established in 1975 under the leadership of Professor Rubens Campos from the State of Sao Paulo. For 10 years, the Society held combined annual meetings with the BSTM, from which it received all of its necessary support and funding. It is valuable to note that expert groups were created in the BSTM, sometimes formally or informally. These groups were extremely important because they could ensure that ineffective drugs and vaccines for the treatment of Chagas disease were not offered for sale. Similarly, glucosamine

Triatominae biochemistry goes to school: Evaluation of a novel tool for teaching basic biochemical concepts of chagas disease vectors

We evaluate a new approach to teaching the basic biochemistry mechanisms that regulate the biology of Triatominae, major vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. We have designed and used a comic book, "Carlos Chagas: 100 years after a hero's discovery" containing scientific information obtained by seven distinguished contemporary Brazilian researchers working with Triatominaes. Students (22) in the seventh grade of a public elementary school received the comic book. The study was then followed up by the use of Concept Maps elaborated by the students. Six Concept Maps elaborated by the students before the introduction of the comic book received an average score of 7. Scores rose to an average of 45 after the introduction of the comic book. This result suggests that a more attractive content can greatly improve the knowledge and conceptual understanding among students not previously exposed to insect biochemistry. In conclusion, this study illustrates an alternative to current strategies of teaching about the transmission of neglected diseases. It also promotes the diffusion of the scientific knowledge produced by Brazilian researchers that may stimulate students to choose a scientific career.

The hot back-arc zone of the Araçuaí orogen, Eastern Brazil: from sedimentation to granite generation

This article presents new lithochemical and geochronological data obtained from gneisses and granites occurring in the region located to the east of the Rio Doce calc-alkaline arc (630 - 580 Ma), which corresponds to the back-arc basin of the Aracuai orogen. The Nova Venecia Complex, represents the most fertile source of peraluminous granitic melts in the studied back-arc zone. It mostly consists of migmatitic Al-rich paragneisses, ranging from biotite-rich gneisses to biotite-free cordierite-rich granulites, whose main protoliths were graywacky sediments. An EW-oriented section across the northern back-arc region reveals a zone rich in cordierite granulites of the Nova Venecia Complex at the base, followed by migmatites that gradually pass to the Ataleia foliated granites rich in metasedimentary enclaves, which in turn lay beneath the Carlos Chagas batholith. To the south of the Carlos Chagas batholith, orthopyroxene-bearing rocks often occur in both the Nova Venecia Complex and the Ataleia Suite, suggesting a deeper crustal level. Our U-Pb data suggest that melting processes started on the Nova Venecia Complex during the late development of the Rio Doce arc, around 590 Ma, forming autochthonous peraluminous melts related to the Ataleia Suite. Progressive anatexis and melt accumulation attained the climax around 575 Ma, leading to the development of the syn-collisional Carlos Chagas batholith. Around 545 - 530 Ma, a late to post-collisional anatectic episode formed garnet-cordierite leucogranites, mostly from the re-melting of the Ataleia and Carlos Chagas granites. A remarkable post-collisional plutonism caused widesperead re-heating of the back-arc domain from ca. 520 Ma to 480 Ma. This long lasting history (ca. 110 Ma) of granite generation in the back-arc zone requires distinct heat sources, such as asthenosphere ascent under the back-arc region in the pre-collisional stage, thrust stacking of the hot arc onto the back-arc, radiogenic heat release from the collisional thickened crust and, finally, asthenosphere uprising during the gravitational collapse of the Aracuai orogen.