Non PC liposome entrapped promastigote antigens elicit parasite specific CD8+ and CD4+ T-cell immune response and protect hamsters against visceral leishmaniasis

Leishmania donovani promastigote soluble antigens (sLAg) were encapsulated in non-phosphatidylcholine (non-PC) liposomes (escheriosomes) prepared from E. coli lipids. The escheriosome-based vaccine was investigated for its potential to elicit a protective immune response against experimental visceral leishmaniasis. The vaccine administration induced strong humoral as well as cell mediated immune responses both in hamsters and BALB/c mice. Immunization of BALB/c mice with escheriosome entrapped sLAg (EL-sLAg) elicited stronger CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response as compared to sLAg entrapped in egg PC/chol liposome (EPC-sLAg) or sLAg administered with incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA-sLAg). EL-sLAg also induced the release of mixed (Th1 and Th2) types of cytokines in the immunized BALB/c mice. In addition, the delivery of sLAg via escheriosomes enhanced the expression of costimulatory signals (CD80 and CD86) as determined in peritoneal macrophages obtained from BALB/c mice. In another set of experiments, the EL-sLAg immunized hamsters were found to be better protected than those immunized with EPC-sLAg. The prophylaxis coincided with increased lymphocyte proliferation as well as high nitric oxide (NO) production by peritoneal macrophages among EL-sLAg immunized hamsters. Escheriosomes thus seem to have potential in delivering the antigen to cytosol of the antigen presenting cells (APCs) and in the development of liposome-based vaccine against leishmaniasis as well as other intracellular infections.     

Diversity of oviposition containers and buildings where Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti can be found

OBJECTIVE: To assess the diversity of oviposition containers and buildings where females of Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti can be found. METHODS: A study was carried out in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Southern Brazil, between 2002 and 2003. Larvae in different types of buildings were investigated, and immature forms found were then sent to the laboratory for identification. The larval frequency for both mosquitoes was estimated in the oviposition containers available. The Breteau index and the building infestation index were calculated and differences were tested using the Chi-square test. RESULTS: The types of buildings that were positive for Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti were: dwellings (83.9%); churches, schools, clubs (6.8%); vacant land (6.4%); and businesses (2.8%). Of 9,153 larvae collected, 12.0% were Aedes albopictus and 88.0% were Aedes aegypti. Aedes albopictus were mostly found in drains (25.4%); cans, bottles, empty bottles (23.9%); and plant vases (16.2%). Aedes aegypti was much more frequently found than Aedes albopictus (chi(2)=145.067; p<0.001). Both species were significantly more frequent in artificial than in natural oviposition containers (chi(2)=31.46; p<0.001). The building infestation index and Breteau index for Aedes albopictus were 0.3% and 0.28% in 2002 and 0.4% and 0.5 in 2003, respectively. For Aedes aegypti, they were 1.0%, 1.16 in 2002 and 3.5% and 4.35 in 2003, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The present study assessed the frequencies of Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti females in various types of oviposition containers and types of buildings. The abundant availability of artificial containers in dwellings, associated with the capacity of Ae. albopictus to be also found in natural oviposition containers, has greatly contributed for their gradual adaptation to human environment.     

In vivo evaluation of the highly soluble oral β-cyclodextrin-Sertraline supramolecular complexes

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the antidepressant like-effect and plasma concentration of Sertraline (SRT) using an inclusion complex (IC) with β-cyclodextrin (βCD) in mice. This supramolecular system was prepared using two different molar ratios at 1:1 and 1:2 SRT:βCD and both were characterized to assess the drug inclusion into the host cavity. Based on the X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermal analysis the interaction between host and guest molecules could be suggested. This result indicates that the freeze drying process was efficient to prepare the ICs, when these are compared with the physical mixtures. By comparing the solid state results of 1:1 and 1:2 ICs no significant chemical or structural changes were identified between these systems. However, in vivo experiments indicated that the host-guest ratio was able to modify the SRT activity. Mice treated with both ICs (20mgkg(-1), p.o.) have shown lower immobility time in the tail suspension test in comparison with mice treated with free SRT (20mgkg(-1), p.o.). Mice spontaneous locomotor activity was not affected by any treatment. Higher SRT plasma concentration was determined after 30min of treatment with 1:1 IC in comparison with free SRT, demonstrating the IC greater drug transport efficacy.     

Pineal cyst apoplexy and memory loss: a novel complication

An 8-year-old boy presented to our hospital complaining of a bilateral headache associated with episodes of anterograde amnesia. He had a road traffic accident 3 years ago when a computed tomography (CT) scan revealed traumatic brain injury. In addition, a small pineal cyst (PC) was noted with minor intramural calcifications. A follow-up CT a day later demonstrated increased density in the pineal gland of 60 Hounsfield Units, suggestive of apoplectic changes in the PC. However, the patient was lost to follow-up and presented with memory loss a year and a half later, upon which CT and magnetic resonance imaging revealed enlargement of the PC. PC apoplexy is a very rare occurrence usually affecting young adult women; cases in children are rarely reported. Furthermore, PC apoplexy secondary to severe craniofacial trauma manifesting as memory loss has not yet been reported in the literature to the best of our knowledge.     

Multipara with utero-vesical fistula following repeat cesarean section: a rare iatrogenic complication

Utero-Vesical fistulas are the rarest of all urogenital fistulas, with most cases occurring after cesarean section. Its prevalence is increasing worldwide because of the increasing indications of cesarean section. Patient usually presents with urine leak, amenorrhea and cyclic hematuria. Herein, we present a case of patient presenting with complain of severe urinary tract infection following cesarean section. Review and update of recent literature regarding the diagnostic imaging of this entity are described.