This study evaluated the effect of green propolis extract on the adhesion and biofilm formation of Candida species in dentistry materials. Phytochemical analysis of green propolis extract was ...performed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Adhesion was quantified by counting the number of yeast cells adherent to dental material fragments in a Neubauer chamber. Biofilm formation was determined by counting colony-forming units recovered from dental material fragments. The intensity of biofilm adhesion was classified as negative, weak, moderate, strong, or very strong. Fifteen compounds, mainly flavonoids, were identified in green propolis extract. All strains adhered to and formed biofilms on the surfaces of the orthodontic materials studied. On steel and resin, yeast cell adhesion intensities were weak at all incubation times, except for those of Candida parapsilosis and C. tropicalis, which were moderate at 12 h. At 24 and 48 h, C. albicans formed biofilms on steel with moderate adhesion affinities; at 24 and 48 h, C. parapsilosis formed biofilms with very strong affinities. C. tropicalis formed biofilms with strong and very strong affinities at 24 and 48 h, respectively. On resin, all species displayed strong affinity for biofilm formation at 24 and 48 h, except for C. tropicalis, which displayed very strong affinity at only 48 h. Green propolis extract displayed antifungal activity and inhibited both adhesion and biofilm formation at 2.5 μg/mL. This study reinforces the idea that green propolis has antifungal activity and interferes with the virulence of Candida species.
Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and is transmitted through triatomines (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). In the last year, many studies of triatomine gut microbiota have outlined ...its potential role in modulating vector competence. However, little is known about the microbiota present in the salivary glands of triatomines. Bacterial composition of salivary glands in selected triatomine species was investigated, as well as environmental influences on the acquisition of bacterial communities.
The diversity of the bacterial communities of 30 pairs of salivary glands of triatomines was studied by sequencing of the V1- V3 variable region of the 16S rRNA using the MiSeq platform (Illumina), and bacteria isolated from skin of three vertebrate hosts were identified based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis (targeting the V3-V5 region). In a comparative analysis of microbiota in the salivary glands of triatomine species, operational taxonomic units belonging to Arsenophonous appeared as dominant in Triatoma spp (74% of the total 16S coverage), while these units belonging to unclassified Enterobacteriaceae were dominant in the Rhodnius spp (57% of the total 16S coverage). Some intraspecific changes in the composition of the triatomine microbiota were observed, suggesting that some bacteria may have been acquired from the environment.
Our study revealed the presence of a low-diversity microbiota associated to the salivary glands of the evaluated triatomines. The predominant bacteria genera are associated with triatomine genera and the bacteria can be acquired in the environment in which the insects reside. Further studies are necessary to determine the influence of bacterial communities on vector competence.
Euterpe oleracea Mart. (açai) is a native palm from the Amazon region. There are various chemical constituents of açai with bioactive properties. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition ...and cytotoxic effects of açai seed extract on breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) was applied to identify chemical compounds present in açai seed extract. LC-MS/MS and molecular networking were employed to detect the phenolic compounds of açai. The antioxidant activity of açai seed extract was measured by DPPH assay. MCF-7 breast cancer cell line viability was evaluated by MTT assay. Cell death was evaluated by flow cytometry and time-lapse microscopy. Autophagy was evaluated by orange acridin immunofluorescence assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was evaluated by DAF assay. From the molecular networking, fifteen compounds were identified, mainly phenolic compounds. The açai seed extract showed cytotoxic effects against MCF-7, induced morphologic changes in the cell line by autophagy and increased the ROS production pathway. The present study suggests that açai seed extract has a high cytotoxic capacity and may induce autophagy by increasing ROS production in breast cancer. Apart from its antioxidant activity, flavonoids with high radical scavenging activity present in açai also generated NO (nitric oxide), contributing to its cytotoxic effect and autophagy induction.
Resumo Fundamento O cardioversor-desfibrilador implantável (CDI) pode causar níveis elevados de ansiedade e depressão, resultando em efeitos negativos na qualidade de vida. Objetivos Avaliar a ...qualidade de vida, a ansiedade e a aceitação do CDI por meio de instrumentos de medida padronizados e identificar preditores de melhores respostas para cada um dos desfechos estudados. Método Coorte prospectiva com pacientes submetidos a implante inicial de CDI ou reoperação para a manutenção do dispositivo. Os desfechos do estudo incluíram: qualidade de vida, ansiedade e aceitação do CDI. A mudança nos escores (30 e 180 dias) foi avaliada por meio da diferença mínima importante (DMI). Foi utilizada a análise univariada e o modelo de regressão logística multivariada para a identificação de preditores de melhores respostas, adotando-se o nível de significância de 5%. Resultados De janeiro/2020 a junho/2021 foram incluídos 147 pacientes, com idade média de 55,3 ± 13,4 anos e predomínio do sexo masculino (72,1%). A DMI para qualidade de vida, a ansiedade e a aceitação do CDI foram observadas em 33 (22,4%), 36 (24,5%) e 43 (29,3%) pacientes, respectivamente. Idade igual ou maior que 60 anos (OR=2,5; IC 95%=1,14-5,53; p=0,022), ausência de fibrilação atrial (OR=3,8; IC 95%=1,26-11,63; p=0,017) e sexo feminino (OR=2,2; IC 95%=1,02-4,97; p=0,045) foram preditores independentes de melhores respostas para qualidade de vida, ansiedade e aceitação do CDI, respectivamente. Conclusão A identificação de preditores para melhores escores de qualidade de vida, ansiedade e aceitação do dispositivo pode subsidiar a implementação de cuidados específicos para os pacientes com maiores chances de apresentar resultados desfavoráveis.
Abstract Background An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) can cause high levels of anxiety and depression, resulting in negative effects on quality of life. Objectives To evaluate the quality of life, anxiety, and acceptance of the ICD using standardized measurement instruments and identify predictors of better responses for each of the outcomes studied. Method This is a prospective cohort study with patients undergoing initial ICD implantation or reoperation to maintain the device. The study outcomes included quality of life, anxiety, and acceptance of the ICD. The change in scores (30 and 180 days) was assessed using the minimal important difference (MID). Univariate analysis and the multivariate logistic regression model were used to identify predictors of better responses, adopting a significance level of 5%. Results A total of 147 patients were included between January/2020 to June/2021, with a mean age of 55.3 ± 13.4 years and a predominance of males (72.1%). The MID for quality of life, anxiety, and ICD acceptance were observed in 33 (22.4%), 36 (24.5%) and 43 (29.3%) patients, respectively. Age equal to or greater than 60 years (OR=2.5; 95%CI=1.14-5.53; p=0.022), absence of atrial fibrillation (OR=3.8; 95%CI=1.26-11.63; p=0.017) and female gender (OR=2.2; 95%CI=1.02-4.97; p=0.045) were independent predictors of better responses to quality of life, anxiety and acceptance of the ICD, respectively. Conclusion The identification of predictors for better quality of life scores, anxiety, and acceptance of the device can support the implementation of specific care for patients with a greater chance of presenting unfavorable results.
Brazil has the largest number of snakebite cases in South America, of which the large majority is concentrated in the Midwest and North.
In this descriptive observational study, we assessed the ...epidemiological and clinical snakebite cases referred to the Centro de Medicina Tropical de Rondônia from September 2008 to September 2010.
We followed up 92 cases from admission until discharge, namely 81 (88%) men and 11 (12%) women, with a mean age of 37 years, and mainly from rural areas (91.3%). The snakebites occurred while performing work activities (63%) during the Amazon rainy season (78.3%). The vast majority of individuals presented from the Porto Velho microregion (84.7%). Approximately 95.6% of the snakebites were caused by snakes of the genus Bothrops, followed by two lachetics and two elapidics cases. Surgery was performed in 10 cases (9 fasciotomies in the lower limb and 1 amputation). No deaths were reported in this study, but 4 cases (4.3%) developed sequelae in the lower limb.
This study can contribute to a better understanding of envenomation in the state of Rondônia and thus can be useful for identifying real conditions that can increase the incidence of snakebites in this region. Moreover, the study results can serve as a basis for improving educational campaigns designed to prevent these types of snakebites, as well as for preserving snakes.
Eco-innovations are innovations capable of helping to reduce the environmental impacts of production processes. In this sense, the adoption of models that assess comprehensively, in an integrated ...manner and in different perspectives, the general performance of these innovations allows managers to guide their decisions. The object of this research is the use of an eco-innovation in the production processes of cassava, where the waste generated is treated by biodigesters. These cassava processing industries are located in southern Brazil, Paraná State, comprising a multiple case study. A literature review was also carried out to propose a set of indicators capable of assessing the overall impact of this eco-innovation in eight lines of action: (1) environmental, (2) social, (3) economic, (4) human resource training, (5) institutional development, (6) introduction of innovation, (7) unwanted occurrences, and (8) characteristics of environmental management. To compile and process the data, the computerized model INOVA-tec System was used. The objective was to employ the INOVA-tec System model as an instrument for evaluating eco-innovative processes in leading companies in its segment, looking for evidence to expand its usability to other realities in the agro-industry. The results show that the technology scenario is favorable to its dissemination; however, the low performance of the indicators together makes it underutilized.
Graphical Abstract
Vancomycin has become the first-line therapy for most infections caused by methicillin-resistant staphylococci.
To evaluate the vancomycin MIC, staphylococcal cassette chromosome
(SCC
) types and ...clonality of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) isolates recovered from neonates with true primary bloodstream infections (BSI).
CoNS isolates were prospectively recovered from blood cultures of non-repetitive patients admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in a tertiary-care hospital during a 3-year period. BSI was defined based on established criteria. Micro-organisms were identified phenotypically and by PCR. MIC-values for vancomycin and oxacillin were determined by broth dilution method and E-test. The SCC
type conferring methicillin resistance was determined by multiplex PCR. The heterogeneous vancomycin (hV) resistance phenotype was screened on brain heart infusion agar containing 4 µg ml
of vancomycin. The clonality was investigated by PFGE.
Seventy-four CoNS isolates were recovered from blood cultures of neonates during the study period but only 40 (54 %) were associated with true primary BSI. Nine (22.5%) babies died.
was the most prevalent species (95 %; 38/40). All
isolates were methicillin-resistant (MR). SCC
type IV was predominant (55.3 %; 21/38). Most (80.0 %; 32/38) isolates exhibited vancomycin MIC-values of 2-4 µg ml
not associated with the SCC
type or clonality. Sixteen (42.1%) isolates displayed hV resistance. All babies who died were harbouring MR-
exhibiting vancomycin MICs of 2-4 µg ml
.
The findings of this study demonstrated that blood invasive MR-
isolates recovered at NICU tend to show decreased vancomycin susceptibility making therapy of those fragile patients difficult.
Life cycle indicators are essential for supporting decisions to decarbonize the construction sector. However, the use of such indicators remains limited in the construction industry, particularly in ...developing countries, partly because of their complexity, high cost, and fragmented life cycle assessment (LCA) tools. Therefore, we have developed the Information System for Environmental Performance in Construction (Sidac) to change this scenario. The system applies a streamlined LCA approach for assessing the cradle-to-gate embodied energy and CO2 emissions of construction products. This online system includes all functionalities to consistently calculate, verify, communicate, and benchmark life cycle indicators. Based on primary data, the system is intended to facilitate the calculation and disclosure of life cycle indicators for construction products. This paper presents the principles and primary functionalities of this system. The first version of the system database contains generic data for 86 Brazilian construction products and 40 basic inputs, including electricity and fuels, and it is ready to receive manufacturer-specific data. By addressing barriers to assessing life cycle indicators of construction products, Sidac represents an important step towards the mainstream consideration of these indicators in the Brazilian construction value chain. This system can aid public policy in promoting low-carbon construction by providing a centralized and reliable environmental performance information system. Moreover, the development of Sidac is aligned with the trend of increasing digitalization and simplification of LCA. This system can serve as a model for developing similar simplified tools to accelerate the adoption of life cycle thinking in other countries and sectors.
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•Reducing construction embodied carbon requires life cycle indicators of products.•Life cycle assessment complexity renders assessment of these indicators difficult.•Sidac focuses on calculating the embodied energy and carbon of products.•The system allows to calculate, verify, and communicate life cycle indicators.•Sidac can mainstream environmental performance declaration in construction.
Staphylococcus hominis is part of the normal human microbiome. Two subspecies, S. hominis hominis (Shh) and S. hominis novobiosepticus (Shn), have clinical significance. Forty-nine S. hominis ...isolates were analyzed by the MicroScan automated system, SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF methods, followed by partial sequencing of the 16S rDNA gene. The trehalose fermentation test, disk diffusion and broth microdilution tests were used to identify (novobiocin test) and access the susceptibility to oxacillin and vancomycin of isolates. The SCCmec elements and genomic diversity were evaluated by PCR and PFGE methods, respectively. Profiles of 28 (57%; 8 Shh and 20 Shn) isolates corroborated with the results found in all the applied methods of identification. The remaining 21 (43%) isolates were phenotypically identified as Shh by MicroScan; however, they were identified as Shn by SDS-PAGE and mass spectral, and confirmed by 16S rDNA sequencing. Among 41 isolates identified as Shn by the molecular and mass spectrometry methods, 19 (41%) were novobiocin-sensitive, and the trehalose test indicated 11 positive isolates, which are considered atypical phenotypic results for this subspecies. In addition, 92.7% of the isolates identified as Shn by these methods carried mecA gene, while only 12.5% of the Shh isolates were positive. Together, the results highlighted the SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF MS methods as promising tools for discriminating S. hominis subspecies.
Staphylococcus aureus is an important cause of bloodstream infections. Therefore, the main purpose of this work was to characterize a collection of 139 S. aureus isolates from bloodstream infections ...in two public hospitals in relation to their antimicrobial susceptibility profile, staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec types, and clonal relationship. Methicillin resistance and resistance to other 12 agents were accessed by the disk diffusion test. Minimum inhibitory concentration to mupirocin was also determined. The SCCmec types were accessed by multiplex PCR, and the clonal relationship was determined by pulsed field gel electrophoresis method and restriction modification system characterization. Besides, multilocus sequence typing was performed for representative methicillin-resistant S. aureus isolates. The military hospital showed a dissemination of the New York/Japan (USA100/ST5/CC5/SCCmecII) lineage associated to multidrug resistance, including mupirocin resistance, and the teaching hospital presented polyclonal and non-multidrug resistant MRSA isolates. Complete substitution of the Brazilian endemic clone by other lineages was found in both hospitals. These findings can highlight differences in policy control and prevention of infections used in the hospitals and a change in the epidemiological profile of MRSA in Brazilian hospitals, with the replacement of BEC, a previously well-established clone, by other lineages.
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