Schistosoma mansoni Venom Allergen Like Proteins Present Differential Allergic Responses in a Murine Model of Airway Inflammation

The Schistosoma mansoni Venom Allergen Like proteins (SmVALs) have been identified in the Transcriptome and Post-Genomic studies as targets for immune interventions. Two secreted members of the family were obtained as recombinant proteins in the native conformation. Antibodies produced against them showed that SmVAL4 was present mostly in cercarial secretions and SmVAL26 in egg secretions and that only the native SmVAL4 contained carbohydrate moieties. Due to concerns with potential allergic characteristics of this class of molecules, we have explored the mouse model of airway inflammation in order to investigate these properties in a more confined system. Sensitization and challenge with rSmVAL4, but not rSmVAL26, induced extensive migration of cells to the lungs, mostly eosinophils and macrophages; moreover, immunological parameters were also characteristic of an allergic inflammatory response. Our results showed that the allergic potential of this class of proteins can be variable and that the vaccine candidates should be characterized; the mouse model of airway inflammation can be useful to evaluate these properties

Transcriptional Changes in Schistosoma mansoni during Early Schistosomula Development and in the Presence of Erythrocytes

Schistosome blood flukes cause more mortality and morbidity than any other human worm infection, but current control methods primarily rely on a single drug. There is a desperate need for new approaches to control this parasite, including vaccines. People become infected when the free-swimming larva, the cercaria, enters through the skin and becomes the schistosomulum. Schistosomula are susceptible to immune responses during their first few days in the host before they become adult parasites. We characterised the genes that these newly transformed parasites switch on when they enter the host to identify molecules that are critical for survival in the human host. Some of these highly up-regulated genes can be targeted for future development of new vaccines and drugs

School choice for transnational parents in Tokyo

School choice is centred on parents deciding where and how their children will be educated, and this issue is similar – to varying degrees – for parents all around the world. Parental school choice is the authority that parents exercise in making decisions about where their children will attend school, and choosing a particular educational pathway signifies their capacity to respond on behalf of their children and to address concerns about their development. Most parents have a deep commitment to their children’s education since childhood opportunities provide the basis for cognitive learning, health and happiness. Transnational parents want to support their children to the best of their ability. However, cultural, linguistic, economic and other barriers may limit their ability to choose a school in an unfamiliar context. To advance scholarship on transnational families, this article presents a review of the school choice options available to transnational parents residing in Tokyo, Japan. Donna M Velliaris, Craig R Willi

Desenvolvimento de um questionário de freqüência alimentar para avaliação do consumo alimentar de crianças de 2 a 5 anos de idade Development of a food frequency questionnaire for children aged 2 to 5 years

Devido ao crescente interesse sobre a possível relação entre a alimentação de crianças e adolescentes e doenças na idade adulta, a dieta de indivíduos jovens tem sido pesquisada. Este trabalho teve por objetivo desenvolver um questionário de freqüência alimentar para avaliar a dieta habitual de crianças de 2 a 5 anos de idade (QFAC). Foram identificados os alimentos mais representativos para o consumo de energia - carboidrato, proteína, lipídio, retinol, vitamina C, cálcio e ferro - a partir de recordatórios de 24h de crianças de 2 a 5 anos do município de São Paulo. No QFAC foram definidas porções médias ou medianas, o tempo precedente foi estipulado em 6 meses e a freqüência de consumo apresentada em 7 categorias. O QFAC apresentou-se como um instrumento adequado para a avaliação da dieta habitual de crianças de 2 a 5 anos de idade, possibilitando a investigação das características da alimentação habitual deste grupo e o estabelecimento das possíveis relações entre a dieta e o estado nutricional.<br>This study was conducted to design a food frequency questionnaire for assessing the regular diets of children aged 2 to 5 years. It identified the most important sources of total calories, carbohydrate, proteins, total fat, retinol, vitamin C, calcium and iron from 24h dietary recalls applied to a random population sample aged 2 to 5 years in the city of São Paulo. Average or median portions were defined. The FFQ investigated the frequency of children's consumption of 57 items over the previous six months. Seven categories of food frequency were defined. The FFQ proved to be useful in epidemiological studies of children's intake over extended periods, making it possible to identify the dietary habits of this group and to evaluate the association between diet and nutritional status