Healthcare-related infections caused by resistant microorganisms are a severe public health problem and are becoming increasingly prevalent in the hospital environment, especially Pseudomonas ...aeruginosa. This work aimed to evaluate the resistance profile of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to antimicrobials before the COVID-19 pandemic and during the pandemic period. Bacteria strains were obtained from tracheal aspiration, sputum, and bronchoalveolar lavage for diagnosis and phenotypic characterization. Matrix assisted laser-desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALD-TOF MS) was used to identify strains. Automated Phoenix and VITEK® 2 Compact system and the disc diffusion method were performed to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profile. A total of 41,000 medical reports from adult patients with pneumonia were analyzed. Of these, 951 patients were positive for P. aeruginosa, of which 373 were related to the pre-pandemic period and 578 to the pandemic period. Older men (≥60 years) were more prevalent in both periods. P. aeruginosa strains were resistant to imipenem in both periods: 38.8 and 42.5%, respectively, followed by meropenem (34.2 and 39.2%), ciprofloxacin (33.6 and 36.7%), and levofloxacin (34.9 and 43.5%). Intensive care units had the highest percentage of affected patients (62 and 65%) compared with other sectors, with a prevalence of 71% in the public network before COVID-19 and 59% during the pandemic. Our data showed a prevalence of P. aeruginosa in elderly patients in both the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. In addition, an increase in P. aeruginosa resistance to beta-lactams, quinolones, carbapenems, and cephalosporins was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with the period before the pandemic, especially in ICUs.
The nanoencapsulation of botanical compounds (such as geraniol) is an important strategy that can be used to increase the stability and efficiency of these substances in integrated pest management. ...In this study, chitosan/gum arabic nanoparticles containing geraniol were prepared and characterized. In addition, evaluation was made of the biological activity of geraniol encapsulated in chitosan/gum arabic nanoparticles toward whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). The optimized formulation showed a high encapsulation efficiency (>90%) and remained stable for about 120 days. The formulation protected the geraniol against degradation by UV radiation, and the in vitro release was according to a diffusion mechanism that was influenced by temperature. An attraction effect was observed for Bemisia tabaci, indicating the potential of this type of system for use in pest management, especially in trap devices.
Some literature studies have shown the popular use of species of Eugenia sp. leaves as an antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hypotensive and antipyretic. However, the species E. florida DC. shows few studies ...in this field of knowledge. In this way, it becomes a choice for further research. Several chemical compounds, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, saponins and tannins, have previously been identified in the species and may be related to biological activity. The aim of present work was done to identify the chemical compounds present in the hydroethanolic extract of Eugenia florida DC. leaves by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, as well as to investigate the antioxidant and antidiabetic effects in alloxan-induced type 1 diabetic rats. Initially, the data collection, specimen deposition of leaves of E. florida DC. and the preparation of the hydroethanolic extract were done. The chemical characterization of the major compounds in the extract was done using a liquid chromatograph coupled to the mass spectrometer, in the negative ionization mode. The evaluation of the antioxidant activity of the extracts was done by the DPPH method. To evaluate the biochemical parameters in the Wistar diabetic rats, alloxan was administered at a dose of 140 mg/kg to the diabetic groups, and the extract was diluted in water to 200 mg/mL and administered to all groups for 30 days. After this period, whole blood from the animals was collected for the determination of some biochemical parameters, as well as livers and kidneys for the evaluation of the effects of the extract on the control of lipid peroxidation. The phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence of substances belonging to the classes described in the literature for the genus Eugenia sp., such as flavonoids, tannins and phenolic acids, based on the molecular mass and the fragmentation patterns obtained. The leaf extract presented potential DPPH radical scavenging activity very close to the catechin standard. In the evaluation of the biochemical parameters of diabetic rats treated with the extract, significant decreases in serum levels of glucose, fructosamine and triglycerides (38.0%, 31.0% and 19.7%, respectively) were observed, as well as an increase in HDL cholesterol (10.3%). The administration of the extract had no significant effect on renal function, AST and ALT activity and on the other parameters of the lipid profile. In addition, there was improvement in liver and kidney damage in treated diabetic animals, through reduction of MDA values in livers and kidneys (17.3% and 13.8%, respectively). Thus, the species E. florida DC. presents an interesting biological potential, due mainly to its bioactive secondary metabolites, which showed promising antioxidant activity and biochemical parameters in diabetic rat models.
•Diabetes is known to be closely linked to the excessive production of free radicals.•Most diabetic patients reported that they use leaves of E. florida DC.•Phenolic compounds improved the glycemic profile of treated diabetic rats.•Eugenia florida DC. had a beneficial effect on the lipid profile in diabetic rats.
► Refining, sonication and acid hydrolysis were used to produce cellulose nanofibres. ► The refining process was limited by the low efficiency in isolate nanofibrils. ► Sonication was effective for ...this purpose, but damaged the cellulose structure. ► Acid hydrolysis resulted in narrower, shorter and high crystalline nanostructures. ► Thermal degradation of the whiskers occurred in lower temperatures.
There is growing interest in cellulose nanofibres from renewable sources for several industrial applications. However, there is a lack of information about one of the most abundant cellulose pulps: bleached Eucalyptus kraft pulp. The objective of the present work was to obtain Eucalyptus cellulose micro/nanofibres by three different processes, namely: refining, sonication and acid hydrolysis of the cellulose pulp. The refining was limited by the low efficiency of isolated nanofibrils, while sonication was more effective for this purpose. However, the latter process occurred at the expense of considerable damage to the cellulose structure. The whiskers obtained by acid hydrolysis resulted in nanostructures with lower diameter and length, and high crystallinity. Increasing hydrolysis reaction time led to narrower and shorter whiskers, but increased the crystallinity index. The present work contributes to the different widespread methods used for the production of micro/nanofibres for different applications.
We present evidence of ionospheric optical signatures of lightning, known as elves, which sometimes occur in pairs separated in time by ∼80–160 μs. We demonstrate that these “elve doublets” are the ...ionospheric signature of compact intracloud discharges (CIDs), which are extremely powerful, compact discharges that are thought to occur near the tops of thunderclouds. In this paper, using simple geometric calculations and full electromagnetic simulations, we show that CIDs from altitudes 14–22 km explain the time delay observed in elve doublets, consistent with typical CID altitudes. Furthermore, we show that the relative brightness of the first and second elves in the doublet is likely related to the orientation of the CID, and angles of 5°– 20° with respect to the vertical are consistent with the observed brightness ratios.
Key Points
Elve doublets are the ionospheric optical signature of compact intracloud discharges
Elve doublets can be used to estimate the altitude and inclination angle of CIDs
Many single elves may be mistakenly labeled as CG‐generated when they are in fact CID‐generated
Patients undergoing chemotherapy with cisplatin commonly present gastrointestinal effects such as constipation and gastric emptying (GE) delay. Both the purinergic system and physical exercise ...modulate the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In the current study, we investigated the role of ATP, physical exercise, and P2X7 receptor blocking on GE delay induced by cisplatin in rats. Male rats were divided into the following groups: control (C), cisplatin (Cis), exercise (Ex), Brilliant Blue G (BBG), ATP, Cis+Ex, Cis+ATP, Cis+BBG, Cis+Ex+BBG, Cis+Ex+BBG+ATP, and Cis+ATP+BBG. GE delay was induced by treatment with 1 mg/kg cisplatin (1 time/week for 5 weeks, ip). The moderate physical exercise was swimming (1 h/day, 5 days/week for 5 weeks). At the end of the treatment or exercise and 30 min before the GE assessment, some groups received BBG (50 mg/kg, sc) or ATP (2 mg/kg, sc). Then, GE was assessed after a 10-min postprandial period. Chronic use of Cis decreased GE delay (P<0.05) compared to the control group. Both exercise and ATP prevented (P<0.05) GE delay compared to Cis. The pretreatment with BBG significantly inhibited (P<0.05) the effect of exercise and ATP. On the other hand, the association between exercise and ATP reversed (P<0.05) the effect of the BBG and prevented GE delay. Therefore, we suggest that both exercise and treatment with ATP activate P2X7 receptors and prevent GE delay induced by cisplatin in rats.
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by immune cell infiltrates, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and declining lung function. Thus, the possible effects of virgin ...coconut oil on a chronic allergic lung inflammation model were evaluated. Morphology of lung and airway tissue exhibited peribronchial inflammatory infiltrate, epithelial hyperplasia, and smooth muscle thickening in guinea pigs submitted to ovalbumin sensitization, which were prevented by virgin coconut oil supplementation. Additionally, in animals with lung inflammation, trachea contracted in response to ovalbumin administration, showed a greater contractile response to carbachol (CCh) and histamine, and these responses were prevented by the virgin coconut oil supplementation. Apocynin, a NADPH oxidase inhibitor, did not reduce the potency of CCh, whereas tempol, a superoxide dismutase mimetic, reduced potency only in nonsensitized animals. Catalase reduced the CCh potency in nonsensitized animals and animals sensitized and treated with coconut oil, indicating the participation of superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide in the hypercontractility, which was prevented by virgin coconut oil. In the presence of L-NAME, a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, the CCh curve remained unchanged in nonsensitized animals but had increased efficacy and potency in sensitized animals, indicating an inhibition of endothelial NOS but ineffective in inhibiting inducible NOS. In animals sensitized and treated with coconut oil, the CCh curve was not altered, indicating a reduction in the release of NO by inducible NOS. These data were confirmed by peribronchiolar expression analysis of iNOS. The antioxidant capacity was reduced in the lungs of animals with chronic allergic lung inflammation, which was reversed by the coconut oil, and confirmed by analysis of peribronchiolar 8-iso-PGF2α content. Therefore, the virgin coconut oil supplementation reverses peribronchial inflammatory infiltrate, epithelial hyperplasia, smooth muscle thickening, and hypercontractility through oxidative stress and its interactions with the NO pathway.
This study evaluated the influence of GnRH analogs (gonadorelin vs. buserelin) and doses (single vs. double) on LH release and ovulatory response in Bos indicus (Nelore) females on Day 7 of the ...estrous cycle. Cycling heifers and non-lactating cows were pre-synchronized: Day -10: progesterone (P4) implant insertion plus 2 mg of estradiol benzoate; Day -2: implant removal and 0.53 mg of cloprostenol sodium (PGF); Day 0: 25 μg of lecirelin (GnRH). Over four replicates, heifers (n = 57) and cows (n = 53) that ovulated to the GnRH treatment on Day 0, having a visible corpus luteum (CL) and a dominant follicle (DF) ≥ 8.5 mm, were allocated to receive the following GnRH treatments on Day 7: G-Single (100 μg of gonadorelin); G-Double (200 μg of gonadorelin); B-Single (10 μg of buserelin); and B-Double (20 μg of buserelin). At GnRH treatment, a P4 implant was inserted in heifers (0.5 g) and cows (1 g). Ultrasound examinations were done on Days -10, -2, 0, 2, 7, 9, 12, and 14 to evaluate DF diameter, ovulation and presence of CL. Blood samples were collected on Day 7 at 0, 2, and 4 h from GnRH treatment, to evaluate circulating P4 and LH concentrations. On Day 12, the P4 implant was removed, females received two PGF treatments (24 h apart), and 2 d later, 25 μg of GnRH was given to start the next replicate. In both heifers and cows, P4 concentrations were elevated on Day 7, and similar among groups (3.9 and 4.2 ng/mL, respectively). In heifers, buserelin induced greater LH peak (9.5 vs. 2.6 ng/mL; P < 0.01) and greater ovulation (88.9 24/27 vs. 16.7% 5/30; P < 0.01) than gonadorelin treatments, regardless of the dose. Similarly, in cows, buserelin induced greater LH peak than gonadorelin (9.9 vs. 4.9 ng/mL; P < 0.01). However, ovulation was only increased in cows from the B-Double group (90.9% 10/11), whereas in the other groups the ovulatory response was similar (35.7% 15/42). Regardless of treatment, heifers had similar P4 concentrations (P = 0.22), but smaller DF (P < 0.01) than cows on Day 7. Only in G-Double group the LH peak was lower (P = 0.05) in heifers than in cows, with no difference within other groups. In heifers, but not in cows, the single dose of buserelin resulted in high ovulatory response, equivalent to that produced by the double dose. In conclusion, in Bos indicus heifers and cows on Day 7 of the cycle, with elevated P4 concentrations, buserelin induced greater LH release and ovulatory response than gonadorelin treatments. Double doses increased the LH release, however, only resulted in greater ovulation in females treated with buserelin. Finally, although circulating P4 concentrations did not differ between parities, heifers were more likely to ovulate in response to a GnRH-induced LH peak than cows.
This study compared the effect of different resistance training (RT) frequencies on total, android, gynoid and trunk body fat in overweight/obese older women.
Fifty-seven overweight/obese older women ...(66.9±5.3 years and 39.9±4.9% body fat) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a group performing RT twice a week (G2X), a group performing RT three times a week (G3X), or a non-exercise control group (CG). Both training groups performed the same 12-week RT program consisting of 8 exercises that trained all major muscle groups. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to assess body composition.
After the intervention period, both G2X and G3X demonstrated significant (P<0.05) reductions in adiposity compared to the CG for total body fat (G2X=-1.7%, G3X=-2.7%, CG=+2.1%), android fat (G2X=-6.2%, G3X=-7.0%, CG=+8.6%), gynoid fat (G2X=-2.5%, G3X=-2.9%, CG=+1.0%), and trunk fat (G2X=-2.5%, G3X=-3.0%, CG=+2.9%), with no significant differences between training groups.
These results demonstrate that a low-volume 12-week RT program performed two or three times per week causes decreases in total and regional fat deposition with the greatest reductions occurring in the android region.
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