This page has only limited features, please log in for full access.
https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Mariana-Hecht-2162296215
Studies have shown that children and adolescents with autism and their relatives present a high level of stress and more family problems, impacting parents’ and caregivers’ quality of life (QoL). Despite studies on this subject, there is no specific questionnaire to evaluate QoL in parents or caregivers of children and adolescents with an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) in Brazil. Therefore, this study’s primary purpose was to develop and validate a specific questionnaire to evaluate QoL in these individuals. The study was performed using the following steps: development of the ASD Parent/caregiver QoL questionnaire (autistic spectrum disorder parent/caregiver quality of life—ASDPC-QoL), subjective evaluation, validation of the questionnaire by the Delphi method, assessment of internal consistency, responsiveness, and reliability of the ASLPC-QoL, and administration of the questionnaire to 881 Brazilian ASD caregivers or parents. ASDPC-QoL comprises 28 questions divided into four domains (social, concerns, physical and mental health) with good psychometric properties (reproducibility, reliability, internal consistency, responsiveness, and validity). Our data showed that worries and physical health were the domains with the lowest scores in ASDPCA-QoL. ASDPCA-QoL did not differ among gender and age of child considering the total and all domains. Older participants (≥41 y/o) presented the best scores for social and worries domains but did not differ in other domains and the total. Parents or caregivers of ASD children diagnosed for more than three years have better mental and physical health domains than those recently diagnosed (up to 1 year) but did not differ in the total and other domains. Individuals with a partner and with the highest educational level present the best score for the social domain. Employed individuals showed better scores than unemployed ones for all domains and the total, except for worries, which did not differ. It also occurred comparing the individuals that do not use antidepressants and the ones that use them. Assessing and better understanding the QoL of caregivers is highly relevant. By understanding the social, worries, physical, and emotional health domains of caregivers, it is possible to track harmful aspects, prevent and treat pathologies, in addition to assisting in the implementation of effective public policies.
Claudia Pratesi; Alessandra Garcia; Riccardo Pratesi; Lenora Gandolfi; Mariana Hecht; Eduardo Nakano; Renata Zandonadi. Quality of Life in Caregivers of Children and Adolescents with Autistic Spectrum Disorder: Development and Validation of the Questionnaire. Brain Sciences 2021, 11, 924 .
AMA StyleClaudia Pratesi, Alessandra Garcia, Riccardo Pratesi, Lenora Gandolfi, Mariana Hecht, Eduardo Nakano, Renata Zandonadi. Quality of Life in Caregivers of Children and Adolescents with Autistic Spectrum Disorder: Development and Validation of the Questionnaire. Brain Sciences. 2021; 11 (7):924.
Chicago/Turabian StyleClaudia Pratesi; Alessandra Garcia; Riccardo Pratesi; Lenora Gandolfi; Mariana Hecht; Eduardo Nakano; Renata Zandonadi. 2021. "Quality of Life in Caregivers of Children and Adolescents with Autistic Spectrum Disorder: Development and Validation of the Questionnaire." Brain Sciences 11, no. 7: 924.
Plastic pollution is a rapidly growing environmental and human health crisis, with no sign of improvement. From 2012 to 2020, the number of studies on plastic pollution increased, and macro to nano-sized plastics have been documented in the most remote biomes of the planet. Studies have shown contamination by microplastics (MPs) in various types of food consumed by humans, including seafood, honey, sugar, salt, tap and bottled water and beer. This study’s objective was to detect the possible contamination by MPs in drinking water samples collected from two main residential and commercial areas of Brasilia. A total of 32 samples (500 mL) of tap water were collected from residential and commercial areas. Samples were processed and transferred to a Sedgewick-Rafter counting cell chamber. The presence of MP particles was analyzed using a Nikon Eclipse fluorescence microscope. MPs were found in 100% of the samples. The mean microplastic particles per 500 mL found in the South Wing area was 97 ± 55, while the mean number of particles in the North Wing area was 219 ± 158, and the MPs found ranged in size from 6–50 microns. The study results reveal a disturbing amount of MP particles in Brasilia’s tap water. This surprising number of particles in residential and commercial tap water is especially considering that tap water is not the only source of MPs to which people are exposed.
Claudia Pratesi; Maria A. L. Santos Almeida; Geysa Cutrim Paz; Marcelo Ramos Teotonio; Lenora Gandolfi; Riccardo Pratesi; Mariana Hecht; Renata Zandonadi. Presence and Quantification of Microplastic in Urban Tap Water: A Pre-Screening in Brasilia, Brazil. Sustainability 2021, 13, 6404 .
AMA StyleClaudia Pratesi, Maria A. L. Santos Almeida, Geysa Cutrim Paz, Marcelo Ramos Teotonio, Lenora Gandolfi, Riccardo Pratesi, Mariana Hecht, Renata Zandonadi. Presence and Quantification of Microplastic in Urban Tap Water: A Pre-Screening in Brasilia, Brazil. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (11):6404.
Chicago/Turabian StyleClaudia Pratesi; Maria A. L. Santos Almeida; Geysa Cutrim Paz; Marcelo Ramos Teotonio; Lenora Gandolfi; Riccardo Pratesi; Mariana Hecht; Renata Zandonadi. 2021. "Presence and Quantification of Microplastic in Urban Tap Water: A Pre-Screening in Brasilia, Brazil." Sustainability 13, no. 11: 6404.
The COVID-19 outbreak, caused by Sars-Cov-2, was officially declared a global pandemic in February 2020, after an unexpected increase in hospitalization and mortality. When faced with this new disease, social and physical distancing and quarantine emerged as solutions to reduce virus transmission. This article examines the quality of life (QoL) of the Brazilian population’s during this period of isolation, due to the COVID-19 pandemic by analyzing; physical, psychological, social, and economic aspects. An online survey was distributed from 27 May to 14 August of 2020. A total of 1859 surveys were completed. Our results indicate that Brazilians were more affected by economic and social aspects than psychological and physical. Unemployed participants and individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 presented the lowest QoL. Females showed worst QoL scores than males, but having children did not influence the score. Higher educational level was associated with a better perception of QoL. Not following social distancing guidelines presented better scores in the psychological domain than the ones following restrict or partial social distancing rules. This study is the first to evaluate adults’ QoL related to the Sars-Cov-2 pandemic in Brazil at a national level. Our data may help health authorities identify the main factors affecting the QoL of the Brazilian population, thereby orientating them to recover after the pandemic.
Isabella Teotônio; Mariana Hecht; Luiz Claudio Castro; Lenora Gandolfi; Riccardo Pratesi; Eduardo Y. Nakano; Renata Puppin Zandonadi; Claudia B. Pratesi. Repercussion of COVID-19 Pandemic on Brazilians’ Quality of Life: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 8554 .
AMA StyleIsabella Teotônio, Mariana Hecht, Luiz Claudio Castro, Lenora Gandolfi, Riccardo Pratesi, Eduardo Y. Nakano, Renata Puppin Zandonadi, Claudia B. Pratesi. Repercussion of COVID-19 Pandemic on Brazilians’ Quality of Life: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (22):8554.
Chicago/Turabian StyleIsabella Teotônio; Mariana Hecht; Luiz Claudio Castro; Lenora Gandolfi; Riccardo Pratesi; Eduardo Y. Nakano; Renata Puppin Zandonadi; Claudia B. Pratesi. 2020. "Repercussion of COVID-19 Pandemic on Brazilians’ Quality of Life: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 22: 8554.
Chagas disease (CD) is a tropical neglected illness, affecting mainly populations of low socioeconomic status in Latin America. An estimated 6 to 8 million people worldwide are infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of CD. Despite being one of the main global health problems, this disease continues without effective treatment during the chronic phase of the infection. The limitation of therapeutic strategies has been one of the biggest challenges on the fight against CD. Nifurtimox and benznidazole, developed in the 1970s, are still the only commercial options with established efficacy on CD. However, the efficacy of these drugs have a proven efficacy only during early infection and the benefits in the chronic phase are questionable. Consequently, there is a growing need for new pharmacological alternatives, either by optimization of existing drugs or by the formulation of new compounds. In the present study, a literature review of the currently adopted therapy, its concomitant combination with other drugs, and potential future treatments for CD was performed, considering articles published from 2012. The revised articles were selected according to the protocol of treatment: evaluation of drug association, drug repositioning and research of new drugs. As a result of the present revision, it was possible to conclude that the use of benznidazole in combination with other compounds showed better results when compared with its use as a single therapy. The search of new drugs has been the strategy most used in pursuing more effective forms of treatment for CD. However, studies have still focused on basic research, that is, they are still in a pre-clinical stage, using methodologies based on in vitro or in animal studies.
Vanessa Ribeiro; Nayra Dias; Taís Paiva; Luciana Hagström-Bex; Nadjar Nitz; Riccardo Pratesi; Mariana Hecht. Current trends in the pharmacological management of Chagas disease. International Journal for Parasitology: Drugs and Drug Resistance 2019, 12, 7 -17.
AMA StyleVanessa Ribeiro, Nayra Dias, Taís Paiva, Luciana Hagström-Bex, Nadjar Nitz, Riccardo Pratesi, Mariana Hecht. Current trends in the pharmacological management of Chagas disease. International Journal for Parasitology: Drugs and Drug Resistance. 2019; 12 ():7-17.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVanessa Ribeiro; Nayra Dias; Taís Paiva; Luciana Hagström-Bex; Nadjar Nitz; Riccardo Pratesi; Mariana Hecht. 2019. "Current trends in the pharmacological management of Chagas disease." International Journal for Parasitology: Drugs and Drug Resistance 12, no. : 7-17.
Chagas disease (CD), caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), is the main parasitic disease in the Western Hemisphere. Unfortunately, its physiopathology is not completely understood, and cardiomegaly development is hard to predict. Trying to explain tissue lesion and the fact that only a percentage of the infected individuals develops clinical manifestations, a variety of mechanisms have been suggested as the provokers of CD, such as parasite persistence and autoimmune responses. However, holistic analysis of how parasite and host-related elements may connect to each other and influence clinical outcome is still scarce in the literature. Here, we investigated murine models of CD caused by three different pathogen strains: Colombian, CL Brener and Y strains, and employed parasitological and immunological tests to determine parasite load, antibody reactivity, and cytokine production during the acute and chronic phases of the disease. Also, we developed a quantitative PCR (qPCR) protocol to quantify T. cruzi kDNA minicircle integration into the mammalian host genome. Finally, we used a correlation analysis to interconnect parasite- and host-related factors over time. Higher parasite load in the heart and in the intestine was significantly associated with IgG raised against host cardiac proteins. Also, increased heart and bone marrow parasitism was associated with a more intense leukocyte infiltration. kDNA integration rates correlated to the levels of IgG antibodies reactive to host cardiac proteins and interferon production, both influencing tissue inflammation. In conclusion, our results shed light into how inflammatory process associates with parasite load, kDNA transfer to the host, autoreactive autoantibody production and cytokine profile. Altogether, our data support the proposal of an updated integrative theory regarding CD pathophysiology.
Moisés Wesley; Aline Moraes; Ana De Cássia Rosa; Juliana Carvalho; Tatiana Shiroma; Tamires Vital; Nayra Dias; Bruna Caroline de Carvalho; Doralina Rabello; Tatiana Karla Dos Santos Borges; Bruno Dallago; Nadjar Nitz; Luciana Hagström; Mariana Hecht. Correlation of Parasite Burden, kDNA Integration, Autoreactive Antibodies, and Cytokine Pattern in the Pathophysiology of Chagas Disease. Frontiers in Microbiology 2019, 10, 1856 .
AMA StyleMoisés Wesley, Aline Moraes, Ana De Cássia Rosa, Juliana Carvalho, Tatiana Shiroma, Tamires Vital, Nayra Dias, Bruna Caroline de Carvalho, Doralina Rabello, Tatiana Karla Dos Santos Borges, Bruno Dallago, Nadjar Nitz, Luciana Hagström, Mariana Hecht. Correlation of Parasite Burden, kDNA Integration, Autoreactive Antibodies, and Cytokine Pattern in the Pathophysiology of Chagas Disease. Frontiers in Microbiology. 2019; 10 ():1856.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMoisés Wesley; Aline Moraes; Ana De Cássia Rosa; Juliana Carvalho; Tatiana Shiroma; Tamires Vital; Nayra Dias; Bruna Caroline de Carvalho; Doralina Rabello; Tatiana Karla Dos Santos Borges; Bruno Dallago; Nadjar Nitz; Luciana Hagström; Mariana Hecht. 2019. "Correlation of Parasite Burden, kDNA Integration, Autoreactive Antibodies, and Cytokine Pattern in the Pathophysiology of Chagas Disease." Frontiers in Microbiology 10, no. : 1856.
Keywords: Congenital Chagas disease; Publications; Negligence
Nayra Dias; Bruna Caroline de Carvalho; Nadjar Nitz; Luciana Hagström; Tamires Vital; Mariana Hecht. Congenital Chagas disease: alert of research negligence. Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical 2019, 52, e20180069 .
AMA StyleNayra Dias, Bruna Caroline de Carvalho, Nadjar Nitz, Luciana Hagström, Tamires Vital, Mariana Hecht. Congenital Chagas disease: alert of research negligence. Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical. 2019; 52 ():e20180069.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNayra Dias; Bruna Caroline de Carvalho; Nadjar Nitz; Luciana Hagström; Tamires Vital; Mariana Hecht. 2019. "Congenital Chagas disease: alert of research negligence." Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical 52, no. : e20180069.
Key words: Trypanosoma cruzi; sexual transmission; enzootic cycle
Adriano Rios; Marcelle Ribeiro; Alessandro Sousa; Fernando Pimentel; Luciana Hagström; Rafael Andrade; Rozeneide M Alves; Ana De Cássia Rosa; Antônio Rl Teixeira; Nadjar Nitz; Mariana M Hecht. Can sexual transmission support the enzootic cycle of Trypanosoma cruzi? Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz 2018, 113, 3 -8.
AMA StyleAdriano Rios, Marcelle Ribeiro, Alessandro Sousa, Fernando Pimentel, Luciana Hagström, Rafael Andrade, Rozeneide M Alves, Ana De Cássia Rosa, Antônio Rl Teixeira, Nadjar Nitz, Mariana M Hecht. Can sexual transmission support the enzootic cycle of Trypanosoma cruzi? Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz. 2018; 113 (1):3-8.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAdriano Rios; Marcelle Ribeiro; Alessandro Sousa; Fernando Pimentel; Luciana Hagström; Rafael Andrade; Rozeneide M Alves; Ana De Cássia Rosa; Antônio Rl Teixeira; Nadjar Nitz; Mariana M Hecht. 2018. "Can sexual transmission support the enzootic cycle of Trypanosoma cruzi?" Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz 113, no. 1: 3-8.
Rubella is an acute viral disease that usually does not generate sequels; however, in pregnant women the infection can cause serious abnormalities to fetuses, which are collectively called congenital rubella syndrome. In Brazil, population immunization was started in 1992, but few epidemiological studies have been conducted to assess vaccination coverage and seroconversion since then. The aim of this work is to evaluate the seropositivity of pregnant women to rubella virus after vaccination campaign was carried out in 2008. Serological tests for rubella diagnosis were performed in 87 pregnant women who attended the University of Brasilia Hospital, Federal District, Brazil. Antirubella IgG antibodies were detected in 83 out of 87 pregnant women (95.4%), with an age-independent seroprevalence. Only one woman was positive in IgM serological tests. Our data suggest high levels of vaccination coverage and antirubella immunization in the Brazil Federal District population.
Yanna K.M. Nóbrega; Bruna Caroline de Carvalho; Nadjar Nitz; Tamires E. Vital; Franco B. Leite; Inês Jorge Sequeira; Elsa Moreira; Juliana K.B. De Andrade; Lenora Gandolfi; Riccardo Pratesi; Mariana M. Hecht. Rubella Seropositivity in Pregnant Women After Vaccination Campaign in Brazil's Federal District. Viral Immunology 2017, 30, 675 -677.
AMA StyleYanna K.M. Nóbrega, Bruna Caroline de Carvalho, Nadjar Nitz, Tamires E. Vital, Franco B. Leite, Inês Jorge Sequeira, Elsa Moreira, Juliana K.B. De Andrade, Lenora Gandolfi, Riccardo Pratesi, Mariana M. Hecht. Rubella Seropositivity in Pregnant Women After Vaccination Campaign in Brazil's Federal District. Viral Immunology. 2017; 30 (9):675-677.
Chicago/Turabian StyleYanna K.M. Nóbrega; Bruna Caroline de Carvalho; Nadjar Nitz; Tamires E. Vital; Franco B. Leite; Inês Jorge Sequeira; Elsa Moreira; Juliana K.B. De Andrade; Lenora Gandolfi; Riccardo Pratesi; Mariana M. Hecht. 2017. "Rubella Seropositivity in Pregnant Women After Vaccination Campaign in Brazil's Federal District." Viral Immunology 30, no. 9: 675-677.
Key words: Toxocara spp; Pregnancy; Animal contact
Lívia Custódio Pereira; Guita Rubinsky Elefant; Yanna Medeiros Nóbrega; Tamires Vital; Nadjar Nitz; Lenora Gandolfi; Riccardo Pratesi; Mariana Hecht. Toxocara spp. seroprevalence in pregnant women in Brasília, Brazil. Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical 2016, 49, 641 -643.
AMA StyleLívia Custódio Pereira, Guita Rubinsky Elefant, Yanna Medeiros Nóbrega, Tamires Vital, Nadjar Nitz, Lenora Gandolfi, Riccardo Pratesi, Mariana Hecht. Toxocara spp. seroprevalence in pregnant women in Brasília, Brazil. Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical. 2016; 49 (5):641-643.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLívia Custódio Pereira; Guita Rubinsky Elefant; Yanna Medeiros Nóbrega; Tamires Vital; Nadjar Nitz; Lenora Gandolfi; Riccardo Pratesi; Mariana Hecht. 2016. "Toxocara spp. seroprevalence in pregnant women in Brasília, Brazil." Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical 49, no. 5: 641-643.
Trypanosoma cruzi is mainly transmitted by blood-sucking triatomines, but other routes also have epidemiological importance, such as blood transfusion and congenital transmission. Although the possibility of sexual transmission of T. cruzi has been suggested since its discovery, few studies have been published on this subject. We investigated acquisition of T. cruzi by sexual intercourse in an experimental murine model. Male and female mice in the chronic phase of Chagas disease were mated with naive partners. Parasitological, serological and molecular tests demonstrated the parasites in tissues and blood of partners. These results confirm the sexual transmission of T. cruzi in mice.
Marcelle Ribeiro; Nadjar Nitz; Camilla Santana; Aline Moraes; Luciana Hagström; Rafael Andrade; Adriano Rios; Alessandro Sousa; Bruno Dallago; Rodrigo Gurgel-Gonçalves; Mariana Hecht. Sexual transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi in murine model. Experimental Parasitology 2016, 162, 1 -6.
AMA StyleMarcelle Ribeiro, Nadjar Nitz, Camilla Santana, Aline Moraes, Luciana Hagström, Rafael Andrade, Adriano Rios, Alessandro Sousa, Bruno Dallago, Rodrigo Gurgel-Gonçalves, Mariana Hecht. Sexual transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi in murine model. Experimental Parasitology. 2016; 162 ():1-6.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMarcelle Ribeiro; Nadjar Nitz; Camilla Santana; Aline Moraes; Luciana Hagström; Rafael Andrade; Adriano Rios; Alessandro Sousa; Bruno Dallago; Rodrigo Gurgel-Gonçalves; Mariana Hecht. 2016. "Sexual transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi in murine model." Experimental Parasitology 162, no. : 1-6.
Neotropical primates are important sylvatic hosts of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. Infection is often subclinical, but severe disease has been described in both free-ranging and captive primates. Panstrongylus megistus, a major T. cruzi vector, was found infesting a small-primate unit at Brasília zoo (ZooB), Brazil. ZooB lies close to a gallery-forest patch where T. cruzi circulates naturally. Here, we combine parasitological and molecular methods to investigate a focus of T. cruzi infection involving triatomine bugs and Neotropical primates at a zoo located in the Brazilian Savannah. We assessed T. cruzi infection in vectors using optical microscopy (n = 34) and nested PCR (n = 50). We used quantitative PCR (qPCR) to examine blood samples from 26 primates and necropsy samples from two primates that died during the study. We determined parasite lineages in five vectors and two primates by comparing glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (G6pi) gene sequences. Trypanosoma cruzi was found in 44 vectors and 17 primates (six genera and eight species); one Mico chrysoleucus and one Saguinus niger had high parasitaemias. Trypanosoma cruzi DNA was detected in three primates born to qPCR-negative mothers at ZooB and in the two dead specimens. One Callithrix geoffroyi became qPCR-positive over a two-year follow-up. All G6pi sequences matched T. cruzi lineage TcI. Our findings strongly suggest vector-borne T. cruzi transmission within a small-primate unit at ZooB – with vectors, and perhaps also parasites, presumably coming from nearby gallery forest. Periodic checks for vectors and parasites would help eliminate T. cruzi transmission foci in captive-animal facilities. This should be of special importance for captive-breeding programs involving endangered mammals, and would reduce the risk of accidental T. cruzi transmission to keepers and veterinarians.
Thaís Tâmara Castro Minuzzi-Souza; Nadjar Nitz; Monique Britto Knox; Filipe Reis; Luciana Hagström; César A. Cuba Cuba; Mariana Machado Hecht; Rodrigo Gurgel-Gonçalves. Vector-borne transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi among captive Neotropical primates in a Brazilian zoo. Parasites & Vectors 2016, 9, 1 -6.
AMA StyleThaís Tâmara Castro Minuzzi-Souza, Nadjar Nitz, Monique Britto Knox, Filipe Reis, Luciana Hagström, César A. Cuba Cuba, Mariana Machado Hecht, Rodrigo Gurgel-Gonçalves. Vector-borne transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi among captive Neotropical primates in a Brazilian zoo. Parasites & Vectors. 2016; 9 (1):1-6.
Chicago/Turabian StyleThaís Tâmara Castro Minuzzi-Souza; Nadjar Nitz; Monique Britto Knox; Filipe Reis; Luciana Hagström; César A. Cuba Cuba; Mariana Machado Hecht; Rodrigo Gurgel-Gonçalves. 2016. "Vector-borne transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi among captive Neotropical primates in a Brazilian zoo." Parasites & Vectors 9, no. 1: 1-6.
Wild, synanthropic and domestic mammals act as hosts and/or reservoirs of several Leishmania spp. Studies on possible reservoirs of Leishmania in different areas are fundamental to understand host-parasite interactions and develop strategies for the surveillance and control of leishmaniasis. In the present study, we evaluated the Leishmania spp. occurrence in mammals in two conservation units and their surroundings in Brasília, Federal District (FD), Brazil. Small mammals were captured in Brasília National Park (BNP) and Contagem Biological Reserve (CBR) and dogs were sampled in residential areas in their vicinity. Skin and blood samples were evaluated by PCR using different molecular markers (D7 24Sα rRNA and rDNA ITS1). Leishmania species were identified by sequencing of PCR products. Dog blood samples were subjected to the rapid immunochromatographic test (DPP) for detection of anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies. 179 wild mammals were studied and 20.1% had Leishmania DNA successfully detected in at least one sample. Six mammal species were considered infected: Clyomys laticeps, Necromys lasiurus, Nectomys rattus, Rhipidomys macrurus, Didelphis albiventris and Gracilinanus agilis. No significant difference, comparing the proportion of individuals with Leishmania spp., was observed between the sampled areas and wild mammal species. Most of the positive samples were collected from the rodent N. lasiurus, infected by L. amazonensis or L. braziliensis. Moreover, infections by Trypanosoma spp. were detected in N. lasiurus and G. agilis. All 19 dog samples were positive by DPP; however, only three (15.8%) were confirmed by PCR assays. DNA sequences of ITS1 dog amplicons showed 100% identity with L. infantum sequence. The results suggest the participation of six species of wild mammals in the enzootic transmission of Leishmania spp. in FD. This is the first report of L. amazonensis in N. lasiurus.
Rebecca Martins Cardoso; Nadjar Nitz Silva Lociks De Araújo; Gustavo Adolfo Sierra Romero; Thaís Tâmara Castro Minuzzi Souza; Ana Gabriela Dietrich; Júnio Donizette Mendes; Marcelo Lima Reis; Jonatas Barbosa Cavalcante Ferreira; Mariana Machado Hecht; Rodrigo Gurgel-Gonçalves. Expanding the knowledge about Leishmania species in wild mammals and dogs in the Brazilian savannah. Parasites & Vectors 2015, 8, 171 -171.
AMA StyleRebecca Martins Cardoso, Nadjar Nitz Silva Lociks De Araújo, Gustavo Adolfo Sierra Romero, Thaís Tâmara Castro Minuzzi Souza, Ana Gabriela Dietrich, Júnio Donizette Mendes, Marcelo Lima Reis, Jonatas Barbosa Cavalcante Ferreira, Mariana Machado Hecht, Rodrigo Gurgel-Gonçalves. Expanding the knowledge about Leishmania species in wild mammals and dogs in the Brazilian savannah. Parasites & Vectors. 2015; 8 (1):171-171.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRebecca Martins Cardoso; Nadjar Nitz Silva Lociks De Araújo; Gustavo Adolfo Sierra Romero; Thaís Tâmara Castro Minuzzi Souza; Ana Gabriela Dietrich; Júnio Donizette Mendes; Marcelo Lima Reis; Jonatas Barbosa Cavalcante Ferreira; Mariana Machado Hecht; Rodrigo Gurgel-Gonçalves. 2015. "Expanding the knowledge about Leishmania species in wild mammals and dogs in the Brazilian savannah." Parasites & Vectors 8, no. 1: 171-171.
Human populations are constantly plagued by hematophagous insects' bites, in particular the triatomine insects that are vectors of the Trypanosoma cruzi agent in Chagas disease. The pharmacologically-active molecules present in the salivary glands of hematophagous insects are injected into the human skin to initiate acquisition of blood meals. Sets of vasodilators, anti-platelet aggregators, anti-coagulants, immunogenic polypeptides, anesthetics, odorants, antibiotics, and detoxifying molecules have been disclosed with the aid of proteomics and recombinant cDNA techniques. These molecules can provide insights about the insect-pathogen-host interactions essential for understanding the physiopathology of the insect bite. The data and information presented in this review aim for the development of new drugs to prevent insect bites and the insect-transmitted endemic of Chagas disease.
Carla Nunes De Araújo; Ana Carolina Bussacos; Alessandro O. Sousa; Mariana M. Hecht; Antonio R.L. Teixeira. Interactome: Smart hematophagous triatomine salivary gland molecules counteract human hemostasis during meal acquisition. Journal of Proteomics 2012, 75, 3829 -3841.
AMA StyleCarla Nunes De Araújo, Ana Carolina Bussacos, Alessandro O. Sousa, Mariana M. Hecht, Antonio R.L. Teixeira. Interactome: Smart hematophagous triatomine salivary gland molecules counteract human hemostasis during meal acquisition. Journal of Proteomics. 2012; 75 (13):3829-3841.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCarla Nunes De Araújo; Ana Carolina Bussacos; Alessandro O. Sousa; Mariana M. Hecht; Antonio R.L. Teixeira. 2012. "Interactome: Smart hematophagous triatomine salivary gland molecules counteract human hemostasis during meal acquisition." Journal of Proteomics 75, no. 13: 3829-3841.
The triatomines in the tribe Rhodniini are the main vectors of the Trypanosoma cruzi to humans in recent outbreaks of acute Chagas disease in the Amazon. These insects dwelling in palm trees do not colonize the human domicile. Their success to transmit the infection relies partially on the efficacy of their salivary gland apparatuses. Here we show the transcriptome of the Rhodnius brethesi and Rhodnius robustus salivary glands, comprising 56 and 122 clusters, respectively. Approximately one third of these clusters are described for the first time. The LC-MS/MS analysis identified 123 and 111 proteins in R. brethesi and R. robustus sialome, respectively. Noteworthy, lipocalin platelet aggregation inhibitors, inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatases, and Kazal domain proteins, which are essential for the insect's successful acquisition of blood meals, were found in our analysis. Moreover, glutathione S transferase and antigen-5, which play roles in the insect's defense and resistance against insecticide, were also observed.
Ana C.M. Bussacos; Ernesto S. Nakayasu; Mariana M. Hecht; Juliana A. Parente; Célia M.A. Soares; Antonio R.L. Teixeira; Igor C. Almeida. Diversity of anti-haemostatic proteins in the salivary glands of Rhodnius species transmitters of Chagas disease in the greater Amazon. Journal of Proteomics 2011, 74, 1664 -1672.
AMA StyleAna C.M. Bussacos, Ernesto S. Nakayasu, Mariana M. Hecht, Juliana A. Parente, Célia M.A. Soares, Antonio R.L. Teixeira, Igor C. Almeida. Diversity of anti-haemostatic proteins in the salivary glands of Rhodnius species transmitters of Chagas disease in the greater Amazon. Journal of Proteomics. 2011; 74 (9):1664-1672.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAna C.M. Bussacos; Ernesto S. Nakayasu; Mariana M. Hecht; Juliana A. Parente; Célia M.A. Soares; Antonio R.L. Teixeira; Igor C. Almeida. 2011. "Diversity of anti-haemostatic proteins in the salivary glands of Rhodnius species transmitters of Chagas disease in the greater Amazon." Journal of Proteomics 74, no. 9: 1664-1672.
Panstrongylus megistus, a vector for the Chagas disease parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is a hematophagous bug widely distributed in South America. This ubiquitous triatomine is known to colonize different wild life habitats. Additionally, P. megistus synanthropy, preying upon mammals, birds, reptiles, and eventually being predators upon insect's hemolymph probably increases its ability to survive after prolonged fasting. It was suspected that the P. megistus mechanisms of adaptation to survival might include a salivary gland complex tool-box with a diversity of pharmacologically active proteins for obtaining blood meals. Herein we describe comprehensive proteome and transcriptome of the P. megistus salivary gland. The proteomic analysis led to the identification of 159 proteins, and the transcriptome revealed 47 complete cDNAs. A diversity of protein functions associated to blood feeding was identified. The most prevalent proteins were related to blood clotting, anti-platelet aggregation and anti-vasoconstriction activities, which correlate with the insect's ability to obtain meals from different sources. Moreover, a gene of resistance to insecticides was identified. These features augments the comprehension towards P. megistus enormous capacity to survive in adverse wild life-changing habitats.
Ana C.M. Bussacos; Ernesto S. Nakayasu; Mariana M. Hecht; Teresa C.F. Assumpção; Juliana A. Parente; Célia M.A. Soares; Jaime M. Santana; Igor C. Almeida; Antonio R.L. Teixeira. Redundancy of proteins in the salivary glands of Panstrongylus megistus secures prolonged procurement for blood meals. Journal of Proteomics 2011, 74, 1693 -1700.
AMA StyleAna C.M. Bussacos, Ernesto S. Nakayasu, Mariana M. Hecht, Teresa C.F. Assumpção, Juliana A. Parente, Célia M.A. Soares, Jaime M. Santana, Igor C. Almeida, Antonio R.L. Teixeira. Redundancy of proteins in the salivary glands of Panstrongylus megistus secures prolonged procurement for blood meals. Journal of Proteomics. 2011; 74 (9):1693-1700.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAna C.M. Bussacos; Ernesto S. Nakayasu; Mariana M. Hecht; Teresa C.F. Assumpção; Juliana A. Parente; Célia M.A. Soares; Jaime M. Santana; Igor C. Almeida; Antonio R.L. Teixeira. 2011. "Redundancy of proteins in the salivary glands of Panstrongylus megistus secures prolonged procurement for blood meals." Journal of Proteomics 74, no. 9: 1693-1700.
Antonio R.L. Teixeira; Nadjar Nitz; Mariana M. Hecht. About the Author. Emerging Chagas Disease 2009, 132 -137.
AMA StyleAntonio R.L. Teixeira, Nadjar Nitz, Mariana M. Hecht. About the Author. Emerging Chagas Disease. 2009; ():132-137.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAntonio R.L. Teixeira; Nadjar Nitz; Mariana M. Hecht. 2009. "About the Author." Emerging Chagas Disease , no. : 132-137.
An epidemiological chain involving Trypanosoma cruzi is discussed at the environmental level, and in terms of fine molecular interactions in invertebrate and vertebrate hosts dwelling in different ecosystems. This protozoan has a complex, genetically controlled plasticity, which confers adaptation to approximately 40 blood-sucking triatomine species and to over 1,000 mammalian species, fulfilling diverse metabolic requirements in its complex life-cycle. The Tr. cruzi infections are deeply embedded in countless ecotypes, where they are difficult to defeat using the control methods that are currently available. Many more field and laboratory studies are required to obtain data and information that may be used for the control and prevention of Tr. cruzi infections and their various disease manifestations. Emphasis should be placed on those sensitive interactions at cellular and environmental levels that could become selected targets for disease prevention. In the short term, new technologies for social mobilization should be used by people and organizations working for justice and equality through health information and promotion. A mass media directed program could deliver education, information and communication to protect the inhabitants at risk of contracting Tr. cruzi infections.
Antonio R. L. Teixeira; Clever Gomes; Silene P. Lozzi; Mariana M. Hecht; Ana De Cássia Rosa; Pedro S. Monteiro; Ana Carolina Bussacos; Nadjar Nitz; Concepta McManus. Environment, interactions between Trypanosoma cruzi and its host, and health. Cadernos de Saúde Pública 2009, 25, S32 -S44.
AMA StyleAntonio R. L. Teixeira, Clever Gomes, Silene P. Lozzi, Mariana M. Hecht, Ana De Cássia Rosa, Pedro S. Monteiro, Ana Carolina Bussacos, Nadjar Nitz, Concepta McManus. Environment, interactions between Trypanosoma cruzi and its host, and health. Cadernos de Saúde Pública. 2009; 25 (suppl 1):S32-S44.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAntonio R. L. Teixeira; Clever Gomes; Silene P. Lozzi; Mariana M. Hecht; Ana De Cássia Rosa; Pedro S. Monteiro; Ana Carolina Bussacos; Nadjar Nitz; Concepta McManus. 2009. "Environment, interactions between Trypanosoma cruzi and its host, and health." Cadernos de Saúde Pública 25, no. suppl 1: S32-S44.
Blood-feeding Triatoma infestans obtained its fills from immune chickens in 15 min, but it needed 40 min for feeding upon non-immune chickens. High-titer specific IgGs and skin reactivity against T. infestans saliva antigens were elicited in immune chickens. Fluorescence-labeled leukocytes from non-immune or immune chickens were used to determine sources of blood drawn by equal numbers of triatomines distributed in separate compartments of a hut-like box. It was shown that 64.4 +/- 4.7% of the reduviids were captured in the immune chicken room; 35.6 +/- 4.5% were present in the non-immune chicken dwelling, and these differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Furthermore, T. infestans feeding upon immune birds reached the adult stage 40 days before those feeding upon non-immune birds, and differences were statistically significant. These results appear to have a broad epidemiologic significance as for spreading enzootics; hence, the immunologic status of vertebrate host populations appears to favor T. infestans as the main transmitter of Trypanosoma cruzi.
Mariana M. Hecht; Ana Carolina Bussacos; Silene P. Lozzi; Jaime M. Santana; Antonio R.L. Teixeira. TRIATOMA INFESTANS CHOOSES TO FEED UPON IMMUNE PREY. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 2006, 75, 893 -900.
AMA StyleMariana M. Hecht, Ana Carolina Bussacos, Silene P. Lozzi, Jaime M. Santana, Antonio R.L. Teixeira. TRIATOMA INFESTANS CHOOSES TO FEED UPON IMMUNE PREY. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2006; 75 (5):893-900.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMariana M. Hecht; Ana Carolina Bussacos; Silene P. Lozzi; Jaime M. Santana; Antonio R.L. Teixeira. 2006. "TRIATOMA INFESTANS CHOOSES TO FEED UPON IMMUNE PREY." The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 75, no. 5: 893-900.