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Bovine mastitis, an inflammation of the mammary glands, is mainly caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. While antibiotics are the primary treatment for this disease, their effectiveness is often diminished due to resistant strains and biofilm formation, creating the need for safer and more efficient therapies. Plant-based oil therapies, particularly those derived from the genus Eugenia, are gaining popularity due to their pharmacological potential and historical use. In this study, we evaluated the antibacterial, antibiofilm, and synergistic potential of essential oils (EOs) from four species of the genus Eugenia (E. brejoensis, E. gracillima, E. pohliana, and E. stictopetala) against S. aureus isolates from bovine mastitis. The EO of E. stictopetala was obtained by hydrodistillation, and its composition was analyzed using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The experiment employed seven clinical isolates from mastitis and two control strains: ATCC 33591 (methicillin-resistant S. aureus - MRSA) and ATCC 25923 (methicillin-susceptible and biofilm producer). A broth microdilution assay was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the EOs and oxacillin. The EO of E. stictopetala contained (E)-caryophyllene (18.01%), ß-pinene (8.84%), (E)-nerolidol (8.24%), and α-humulene (6.14%) as major compounds. In the MIC assay, all essential oils showed bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects, especially the species E. brejoensis and E. pohliana, which had MICs ranging from 64 to 256 µg/mL. Regarding the antibiofilm effect, all essential oils were capable of interfering with biofilm formation at subinhibitory concentrations of ½ and » of the MIC. However, they did not significantly affect pre-established biofilms. Additionally, a synergistic interaction was detected between the EOs and oxacillin, with a reduction of 75-93.75% in the antimicrobial MIC. Molecular docking studies indicated that the phytochemicals ß-(E)-caryophyllene, (E)-nerolidol, Δ-elemene, and α-cadinol present in the EOs formed more stable complexes with penicillin-binding proteins, indicating a possible mechanism of antibacterial action. Therefore, these results show that the essential oils of Eugenia spp. are promising sources for the development of new therapeutic methods, opening new perspectives for a more effective treatment of bovine mastitis.
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Parkinson's disease (PD) is a multifaceted disease characterized by degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons, which results in motor and non-motor dysfunctions. Accumulation of α-synuclein (αSYN) in Lewy bodies is a key pathological feature of PD. Although the exact cause of PD remains unknown, accumulating evidence suggests that brain infiltration of T cells plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of disease, contributing to neuroinflammation and dopaminergic neurodegeneration. Here, we used a mouse model of brain-infused aggregated αSYN, which recapitulates motor and non-motor dysfunctions seen in PD patients. We found that αSYN-induced motor dysfunction in mice is accompanied by an increased number of brain-residing Th17 (IL17+ CD4+) cells, but not CD8+ T cells. To evaluate whether the modulation of T cell response could rescue αSYN-induced damage, we chronically treated animals with abatacept (8 mg/kg, sc, 3x per week), a selective T-cell co-stimulation modulator. We found that abatacept treatment decreased Th1 (IFNÆ+ CD4+) and Th17 (IL17+ CD4+) cells in the brain, rescued motor function and prevented dopaminergic neuronal loss in αSYN-infused mice. These results highlight the significance of effector CD4+ T cells, especially Th17, in the progression of PD and introduce novel possibilities for repurposing immunomodulatory drugs used for arthritis as PD-modifying therapies.
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Objective: We aimed to translate and determine cultural validity of the Vaginal Changes Sexual and Body Esteem Scale (VSBE) for Brazilian Portuguese language in postpartum women who underwent vaginal delivery with or without perineal laceration and cesarean section. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted virtually, with online data collection through a survey with 234 postpartum women of 975 that were invited. Clinical, sociodemographic, and psychometric variables from the VSBE questionnaire were analyzed (content validity index, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, construct/structural and discriminant validity). Multivariate analysis was performed to explore associated factors with the presence of perineal laceration. Results: One-hundred fifty-eight women experienced vaginal delivery, of which 24.79% had an intact perineum, 33.33% had perineal laceration, and 9.4% underwent episiotomy; and 76 participants had cesarean sections. Women with perineal laceration were older, presented dyspareunia and previous surgeries than women without perineal laceration (p<0.05). For VSBE, a high internal consistency (Cronbach's α > 0.7) was observed, but it did not correlate with Body Attractiveness Questionnaire and Female Sexual Function Index; however, it correlated with the presence of women sutured for perineal laceration. Moreover, VSBE presented good structural validity with two loading factors after exploratory factor analysis. VSBE also demonstrated discriminant validity between the presence or absence of perineal laceration. The presence of urinary incontinence (UI) (OR=2.716[1.015-4.667];p=0.046) and a higher VSBE total score (OR=1.056[1.037-1.075];p<0.001) were the only factors associated with perineal laceration. Conclusion: Vaginal Changes Sexual and Body Esteem Scale demonstrated appropriate translation and good internal consistency, discriminant/construct validity and reliability. Vaginal Changes Sexual and Body Esteem Scale total score and presence of UI were associated with women that underwent perineal laceration.
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Imagen Corporal , Laceraciones , Perineo , Humanos , Femenino , Estudios Transversales , Perineo/lesiones , Adulto , Parto Obstétrico/efectos adversos , Periodo Posparto , Traducciones , Adulto Joven , Características Culturales , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Psicometría , Brasil , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
In herds of dairy goats, mastitis represents a major health and economic problem due to the multiresistance of some microorganisms. In this context, the study aimed to determine the potential of antimicrobial action and antibiofilm of the crude ethanolic extract (CEE) of Hymenaea martiana (jatobá) leaves, as well its fractions, on Staphylococcus sp isolated from bacterial cultures of goat milk. In vitro assays were performed to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC), as well as tests of the effect of CEE on biofilm formation and quantification and the consolidated biofilm. The experimental infection was performed in two groups, each consisting of five goat. Experimental Group 1 (G1) consisted of five females treated with an intramammary ointment based on the CEE, at a concentration of 5%. Experimental Group 2 (G2) consisted of five females treated with a commercial intramammary ointment based on gentamicin, once a day, for six consecutive days. The diagnosis of mastitis was performed using a bacterial culture. The dichloromethane fraction of CEE was the one with the lowest concentrations of MBC, ranging from 195.3 to 781 µg / ml. Concerning to the biofilm, interference of the tested extract was observed for two isolates. In the present study, the ointment prepared from H. martiana extract (jatobá) was able to reduce bacterial infection in mammary glands experimentally infected with S. aureus. Antibacterial activity may be related to the classes of secondary metabolites found.
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Antibacterianos , Biopelículas , Enfermedades de las Cabras , Cabras , Mastitis , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana , Extractos Vegetales , Infecciones Estafilocócicas , Staphylococcus aureus , Animales , Femenino , Enfermedades de las Cabras/tratamiento farmacológico , Enfermedades de las Cabras/microbiología , Infecciones Estafilocócicas/veterinaria , Infecciones Estafilocócicas/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones Estafilocócicas/microbiología , Staphylococcus aureus/efectos de los fármacos , Staphylococcus aureus/fisiología , Mastitis/veterinaria , Mastitis/tratamiento farmacológico , Mastitis/microbiología , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana/veterinaria , Antibacterianos/farmacología , Antibacterianos/administración & dosificación , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Extractos Vegetales/administración & dosificación , Biopelículas/efectos de los fármacos , Leche/microbiología , Hojas de la Planta/químicaRESUMEN
The overlapping COVID-19 crisis and the war starting in 2022 threaten front-line healthcare workers' mental health, well-being and job retention in Ukraine. This paper provides a synopsis of a panel discussion held by the Global Mental Health Humanitarian Coalition in May 2022 and expert consultations with clinicians between December 2022 and February 2023 on these challenges. The crises created new problems and exacerbated many pre-existing difficulties. We found that healthcare workers had needed to mobilise previously untapped strengths, including portable emergency medical documents and bespoke local psychosocial support services, amid the costs and pressures of ongoing healthcare reforms.
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AIMS: The purpose was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of highly soluble polypyrrole (Hs-PPy), alone or combined with oxacillin, as well as its antibiofilm potential against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains. Furthermore, the in silico inhibitory mechanism in efflux pumps was also investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ten clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and two reference strains were used. Antimicrobial activity was determined by broth microdilution, and the combination effect with oxacillin was evaluated by the checkerboard assay. The biofilm formation capacity of MRSA and the interference of Hs-PPy were evaluated. The inhibitory action of Hs-PPy on the efflux pump was evaluated in silico through molecular docking. Hs-PPy showed activity against the isolates, with inhibitory action between 62.5 and 125 µg ml-1 and bactericidal action at 62.5 µg ml-1, as well as synergism in association with oxacillin. The isolates ranged from moderate to strong biofilm producers, and Hs-PPy interfered with the formation of this structure, but not with mature biofilm. There was no in silico interaction with the efflux protein EmrD, the closest homolog to NorA. CONCLUSIONS: Hs-PPy interferes with biofilm formation by MRSA, has synergistic potential, and is an efflux pump inhibitor.
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Antiinfecciosos , Staphylococcus aureus Resistente a Meticilina , Antibacterianos/farmacología , Polímeros/farmacología , Pirroles/farmacología , Simulación del Acoplamiento Molecular , Oxacilina/farmacología , Antiinfecciosos/farmacología , Biopelículas , Pruebas de Sensibilidad MicrobianaRESUMEN
Objective: We aimed to translate and determine cultural validity of the Vaginal Changes Sexual and Body Esteem Scale (VSBE) for Brazilian Portuguese language in postpartum women who underwent vaginal delivery with or without perineal laceration and cesarean section. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted virtually, with online data collection through a survey with 234 postpartum women of 975 that were invited. Clinical, sociodemographic, and psychometric variables from the VSBE questionnaire were analyzed (content validity index, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, construct/structural and discriminant validity). Multivariate analysis was performed to explore associated factors with the presence of perineal laceration. Results: One-hundred fifty-eight women experienced vaginal delivery, of which 24.79% had an intact perineum, 33.33% had perineal laceration, and 9.4% underwent episiotomy; and 76 participants had cesarean sections. Women with perineal laceration were older, presented dyspareunia and previous surgeries than women without perineal laceration (p<0.05). For VSBE, a high internal consistency (Cronbach's α > 0.7) was observed, but it did not correlate with Body Attractiveness Questionnaire and Female Sexual Function Index; however, it correlated with the presence of women sutured for perineal laceration. Moreover, VSBE presented good structural validity with two loading factors after exploratory factor analysis. VSBE also demonstrated discriminant validity between the presence or absence of perineal laceration. The presence of urinary incontinence (UI) (OR=2.716[1.015-4.667];p=0.046) and a higher VSBE total score (OR=1.056[1.037-1.075];p<0.001) were the only factors associated with perineal laceration. Conclusion: Vaginal Changes Sexual and Body Esteem Scale demonstrated appropriate translation and good internal consistency, discriminant/construct validity and reliability. Vaginal Changes Sexual and Body Esteem Scale total score and presence of UI were associated with women that underwent perineal laceration.
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Humanos , Femenino , Autoimagen , Cesárea , Sexualidad , Periodo PospartoRESUMEN
The blood-sucking mites Dermanyssus gallinae ("red mite"), Ornithonyssus sylviarum ("northern fowl mite"), and Ornithonyssus bursa ("tropical fowl mite") stand out for causing infestations in commercial poultry farms worldwide, resulting in significant economic damage for producers. In addition to changes in production systems that include new concerns for animal welfare, global climate change in recent years has become a major challenge in the spread of ectoparasites around the world. This review includes information regarding the main form of controlling poultry mites through the use of commercially available chemicals. In addition, non-chemical measures against blood-sucking mites were discussed such as extracts and oils from plants and seeds, entomopathogenic fungi, semiochemicals, powder such as diatomaceous earth and silica-based products, and vaccine candidates. The control of poultry mites using chemical methods that are currently used to control or eliminate them are proving to be less effective as mites develop resistance. In contrast, the products based on plant oils and extracts, powders of plant origin, fungi, and new antigens aimed at developing transmission-blocking vaccines against poultry mites provide some encouraging options for the rational control of these ectoparasites.
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Feed additives, such as prebiotics and essential oils, are used in pet foods and can affect digestibility, palatability, and intestinal functionality of dogs. The combined effects of yeast cell wall and oregano essential oil on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and palatability of diet, intestinal fermentation products, and fecal microbiota in dogs were analyzed. Eighteen adult dogs were fed for 20 days with three dry extruded diets for adult dogs: control (without the additive), a diet containing 1.5 kg/ton of yeast cell wall and oregano essential oil (1.5YCO), and a diet containing 3.0 kg/ton of yeast cell wall and oregano essential oil (3.0YCO). The inclusion of both levels of YCO reduced the intake ratio. The addition of 3.0YCO reduced the ATTD of dry matter, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). There were greater putrescine and cadaverine concentrations and lower histamine and ammonia (p < 0.05) in the feces of dogs fed 3.0YCO. In addition, fecal odor of dogs fed YCO was less fetid than the control group (p < 0.05). There was greater fecal bacterial diversity in dogs fed with both dietary concentrations of YCO evaluated (p < 0.05). Dogs fed 1.5YCO and 3.0YCO showed higher relative abundance of Blautia and Faecalibacterium and lower abundance of Streptococcus (p < 0.05) in the feces, in comparison to the control group. Given the modulation of microorganisms considered beneficial and the lower fecal concentrations of histamine, phenols, and ammonia, the YCO blend resulted in indicators of improvement of intestinal functionality in dogs.
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Millions of papers are submitted and published every year, but researchers often do not have much information about the journals that interest them. In this paper, we introduced the first dynamical clustering algorithm for symbolic polygonal data and this was applied to build scientific journals profiles. Dynamic clustering algorithms are a family of iterative two-step relocation algorithms involving the construction of clusters at each iteration and the identification of a suitable representation or prototype (means, axes, probability laws, groups of elements, etc.) for each cluster by locally optimizing an adequacy criterion that measures the fitting between clusters and their corresponding prototypes The application gives a powerful vision to understand the main variables that describe journals. Symbolic polygonal data can represent summarized extensive datasets taking into account variability. In addition, we developed cluster and partition interpretation indices for polygonal data that have the ability to extract insights about clustering results. From these indices, we discovered, e.g., that the number of difficult words in abstract is fundamental to building journal profiles.
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Twenty-two atypical enteroaggregative Escherichia coli isolates from a previous epidemiological study harboring EAEC virulence genes were examined for their adhesion properties. Nine strains showed a typical aggregative adherence (AA) pattern, while 13 strains showed variant AA, such as AA with lined up cells characteristic of the chain-like adhesion (CLA) and AA mainly to HeLa cells characteristic of the diffuse adherence (DA). The aggregative forming pilus (AFP) genes afpA2 and afpR were detected only in strain Q015B, which exhibited an AA/DA pattern. Using Tn5-based transposon mutagenesis on Q015B strain, we identified a 5517-bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a predicted 1838-amino-acid polypeptide that is genetically related to a putative filamentous hemagglutinin identified in E. coli strain 7-233-03_S3_C2. Therefore, the ORF was named orfHA. The regions flanking orfHA were sequenced and two ORFs were found; upstream, an ORF that encodes a 603-amino-acid polypeptide with 99% identity to hemolysin secretion/activation proteins of the ShlB/FhaC/HecB family, and downstream, another ORF, which encodes a 632-amino-acid polypeptide with 72% identity to the glycosyltransferase EtpC. An orfHA mutant (Q015BΔorfHA) was constructed from strain Q015B. Q015BΔorfHA strain did not adhere to HeLa cells, whereas Q015BΔ orfHA transformed with a pACYC184 plasmid carrying orfHA restored the AA/DA phenotype of strain Q015B. Furthermore, the Q015ΔorfHA mutant had a marked effect on the ability of strain Q015B to kill the larvae of Galleria mellonella. Our results suggest that the AA/DA pattern of strain Q015B is mediated by a hemagglutinin-associated protein which also contributes to its virulence in the G. mellonella model.
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Infecciones por Escherichia coli , Proteínas de Escherichia coli , Humanos , Escherichia coli/metabolismo , Hemaglutininas/metabolismo , Células HeLa , Proteínas de Escherichia coli/genética , Proteínas de Escherichia coli/metabolismo , Virulencia/genética , Adhesión Celular , Adhesión Bacteriana/genética , Infecciones por Escherichia coli/genética , MutagénesisRESUMEN
Background: The war in Ukraine has posed significant challenges to the healthcare system. This paper draws upon expert consultations, held between December 2022 and February 2023, focused on HIV/AIDS, addiction, and mental health service delivery during the first year of this war, and following the Global Mental Health Humanitarian Coalition panel discussion in May 2022. Objectives: This commentary presents the experiences of frontline healthcare workers in Ukraine, challenges, and local adaptations to meet the increased mental health needs of healthcare providers. We aimed to document the adaptations made in the addiction healthcare system and to acknowledge the changes in vulnerabilities and lessons learned. Results: Burnout among healthcare providers delivering addiction, HIV/AIDS and mental health services became more visible after the second half of 2022. Challenges included increased workload, contextual threats, lack of job relocation strategies, and money-follow-the-patient policies. Recommendations: The lessons from the first year of war in Ukraine hold significant generalizability to other contexts. These include enabling bottom-up approaches to tailoring services and allowing healthcare providers to respond to the dynamics of war in an effective and active manner. Other recommendations include departmental-specific resources and strategies, particularly as vulnerable groups and challenges are unstable in humanitarian contexts. Conclusions: Globally and in Ukraine, healthcare workers need more than applause. Along with monetary incentives, other strategies to prevent burnout, ensure sustainable capacity building, job relocation opportunities, and bespoke adaptations are imperative to protect healthcare providers' wellbeing and overall public health.
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Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida , Servicios de Salud Mental , Humanos , Atención a la Salud , Personal de Salud/psicología , Salud Mental , UcraniaRESUMEN
Malaria can be caused by several Plasmodium species and the development of an effective vaccine is challenging. Currently, the most effective tool to control the disease is the administration of specific chemotherapy; however, resistance to the frontline antimalarials is one of the major problems in malaria control and thus the development of new drugs becomes urgent. The study presented here sought to evaluate the antimalarial activities of compounds derived from 2-amino-1,4-naphthoquinones containing 1,2,3-triazole using in vivo and in vitro models. 1H-1,2,3-Triazole 2-amino-1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for antimalarial activity in vitro, using P. falciparum W2 chloroquine (CQ) resistant strain and in vivo using the murine-P. berghei ANKA strain. Acute toxicity was determined as established by the OECD (2001). Cytotoxicity was evaluated against HepG2 and Vero mammalian cell lines. Transmission electron microscopy of the Plasmodium falciparum trophozoite (early and late stages) was used to evaluate the action of compounds derived at ultra-structural level. The compounds displayed low cytotoxicity CC50 > 100 µM, neither did they cause hemolysis at the tested doses and nor the signs of toxicity in the in vivo acute toxicity test. Among the five compounds tested, one showed IC50 values in submicromolar range of 0.8 µM. Compounds 7, 8 and 11 showed IC50 values < 5 µM, and selectivity index (SI) ranging from 6.8 to 343 for HepG2, and from 13.7 to 494.8 for Vero cells. Compounds 8 and 11 were partially active against P. berghei induced parasitemia in vivo. Analysis of the ultrastructural changes associated with the treatment of these two compounds, showed trophozoites with completely degraded cytoplasm, loss of membrane integrity, organelles in the decomposition stage and possible food vacuole deterioration. Our results indicated that compounds 8 and 11 may be considered hit molecules for antimalarial drug discovery platform and deserve further optimization studies.
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Antimaláricos , Malaria Falciparum , Malaria , Naftoquinonas , Chlorocebus aethiops , Humanos , Animales , Ratones , Antimaláricos/farmacología , Antimaláricos/química , Naftoquinonas/química , Células Vero , Triazoles/farmacología , Triazoles/uso terapéutico , Malaria/tratamiento farmacológico , Malaria Falciparum/tratamiento farmacológico , Plasmodium falciparum , Plasmodium berghei , MamíferosRESUMEN
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of high-protein dried distillers grains (HPDDG) on palatability and metabolizable energy (ME) of the diet, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients and energy, intestinal fermentation products, and fecal microbiota in dogs. Four diets containing 0, 70, 140, and 210 g/kg of HPDDG were manufactured. To evaluate the ME and the ATTD of macronutrients of HPDDG itself, an additional test diet was manufactured containing 70% of the control diet formula (0 g/kg) and 300 g/kg of HPDDG. Fifteen adult Beagle dogs were distributed in a randomized block design, with two periods of 15 d each (n = 6). The HPDDG digestibility was obtained using the Matterson substitution method. For the palatability test, 16 adult dogs were used, comparing the diets: 0 vs. 70 g/kg of HPDDG and 0 vs. 210 g/kg of HPDDG. The ATTD of HPDDG were: dry matter = 85.5%, crude protein = 91.2%, and acid-hydrolyzed ether extract = 84.6% and the ME content was 5,041.8 kcal/kg. The ATTD of macronutrients and ME of the diets and the fecal dry matter, score, pH, and ammonia of the dogs did not differ among treatments (P > 0.05). There was a linear increase in the fecal concentrations of valeric acid with the inclusion of HPDDG in the diet (P < 0.05). Streptococcus and Megamonas genera reduced linearly (P < 0.05), and Blautia, Lachnospira, Clostridiales, and Prevotella genera showed a quadratic response to the inclusion of HPDDG in the diet (P < 0.05). Alpha-diversity results showed an increase (P < 0.05) in the number of operational taxonomic units and Shannon index and a trend (P = 0.065) for a linear increase in the Chao-1 index with the dietary inclusion of HPDDG. Dogs preferred the 210 g/kg diet over the 0 g/kg HPDDG diet (P < 0.05). These results demonstrate that the HPDDG evaluated does not affect the utilization of nutrients in the diet, but it may modulate the fecal microbiome of dogs. In addition, HPDDG may contribute to diet palatability for dogs.
Considering the constant search for novel ingredients in animal nutrition and the increasing use of corn to produce ethanol, dried distillers grains with (DDGS) or without (DDG) solubles can potentially be used in dog food. Previous studies show that DDGS and DDG can contribute mainly with protein and fiber to the diets and that their fibrous fraction can potentially be fermented by the gut microbiota. However, DDGS and DDG may present variable digestibility in dogs. Besides, we did not find studies evaluating the nutritional effects of high-protein DDG (HPDDG) in dogs. This study evaluated the effects of HPDDG on diet digestibility and palatability and on variables related to the intestinal functionality of adult dogs. Our results demonstrated that HPDDG can be used in extruded diets for dogs due to its high digestibility and palatability. Besides, the HPDDG evaluated may result in a modulation of the gut microbiota, favoring bacteria considered beneficial for gut health.
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Dieta , Digestión , Perros , Animales , Fermentación , Heces , Dieta/veterinaria , Nutrientes , Alimentación Animal/análisis , Fenómenos Fisiológicos Nutricionales de los Animales , Zea mays/químicaRESUMEN
In this work, a simple method was proposed to produce dense composite polysaccharide-based membranes to be used for guided tissue and guided bone regeneration. The mucoadhesive polysaccharides chitosan (C) and xanthan gum (X) were used to produce polyelectrolyte-based complex membranes. Hydroxyapatite (HA) was added to the formulation as a potential drug carrier, in C:X:HA mass proportions equal to 1:1:0.4, 1:1:2, and 1:1:10, and also to improve membranes bioactivity and biomimetic properties. FTIR analysis indicated successful incorporation of HA in the membranes and XRD analysis showed that no changes in the HA crystalline structure were observed after incorporation. The residual mass evaluated by TGA was higher for the formulation produced at the proportion 1:1:10. The membranes produced showed asymmetrical surfaces, with distinct roughness. Increasing the HA concentration increased the surface roughness. Greater in vitro proliferation of dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells was observed on the surface of the membrane with 1:1:10 C:X:HA proportion. However, the 1:1:2 formulation showed the most adequate balance of mechanical and biological properties. These results suggest that adding HA to the membranes can influence mechanical parameters as well as cell adhesion and proliferation, supporting the potential application of these materials in regenerative techniques and the treatment of periodontal lesions.
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BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization recommends a market-ready, urine-based point-of-care diagnostic test for circulating cathodic antigens (CCA) to determine the prevalence of S. mansoni. This study evaluated the performance of the URINE CCA (SCHISTO) ECO TESTE® (POC-ECO), which is currently available in Brazil. METHODS: Residents from eight sites with different prevalence estimates provided one urine sample for POC-ECO and one stool sample for Kato-Katz (KK) and Helmintex® (HTX) testing as an egg-detecting reference for infection status. RESULTS: None of the study sites had significantly higher POC-ECO accuracy than KK. CONCLUSIONS: POC-ECO is not currently recommended in Brazilian schistosomiasis elimination programs.
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Esquistosomiasis mansoni , Animales , Humanos , Esquistosomiasis mansoni/diagnóstico , Esquistosomiasis mansoni/epidemiología , Schistosoma mansoni , Brasil/epidemiología , Sistemas de Atención de Punto , Sensibilidad y Especificidad , Antígenos Helmínticos/orina , Prevalencia , HecesRESUMEN
Interval-valued data have been commonly encountered in practice, and Symbolic Data Analysis provides a solution to the statistical treatment of these data. Regression analysis for interval-valued symbolic data is a topic that has been widely investigated in the literature of symbolic data analysis, and several models from different paradigms have been proposed. There are basic regression assumptions, and it is essential to validate them. This paper introduces an approach to check interval regression model adequacy based on residual analysis. Concepts of ordinary and standardized interval residual are presented, and graphical analysis of these residuals is also proposed. To show the usefulness of the proposed approach, an application for estimating school dropout in the scenario of Brazilian municipalities is performed. We observed some outliers from the interval residuals analysis, and interval robust regression models are more suitable for estimating school dropout.
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ABSTRACT Background: The World Health Organization recommends a market-ready, urine-based point-of-care diagnostic test for circulating cathodic antigens (CCA) to determine the prevalence of S. mansoni. This study evaluated the performance of the URINE CCA (SCHISTO) ECO TESTE® (POC-ECO), which is currently available in Brazil. Methods: Residents from eight sites with different prevalence estimates provided one urine sample for POC-ECO and one stool sample for Kato-Katz (KK) and Helmintex® (HTX) testing as an egg-detecting reference for infection status. Results: None of the study sites had significantly higher POC-ECO accuracy than KK. Conclusions: POC-ECO is not currently recommended in Brazilian schistosomiasis elimination programs.
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S. aureus are among the main bacteria causing problems related to multidrug resistance in nosocomial infections. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out a reliable and rapid diagnosis for the identification of the bacteria and characterization of its susceptibility profile, especially vancomycin, which is an alternative treatment against multidrug-resistant (MDR) S. aureus. Thus, the goal of this study was to characterize isolates of S. aureus regarding the resistance and virulence and to check the susceptibility to vancomycin, through different methods, for comparative purposes. Seventeen antimicrobials were tested to assess the susceptibility profile. It was evaluated the presence of identification (nuc), resistance (mecA and blaZ), biofilm (icaA and icaD) and siderophore (sfaD and sbnD) genes. The susceptibility to vancomycin was evaluated by Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) by broth microdilution (BMD), E-test, commercial panel (Kit), and Phoenix equipment. Most S. aureus (93,33%) was classified as MDR. These isolates were 100% positive for nuc, mecA, icaA, icaD, and sfaD genes; 96.67% for sbnD and 33.33% for blaZ. In relation to BMD, all methods correctly classified the susceptibility of the isolates; however, regarding the exact MIC value for vancomycin, Phoenix showed agreement of 63.33%, E-test (33.33%) and Kit (26.66%). In conclusion, most of S. aureus was considered MDR. Also, they presented resistance, biofilm production, and siderophores genes, showing the pathogenic potential of these bacteria. Besides, the Phoenix test was considered the most effective, as it presents advantages, such as identification of the microorganism and a greater number of antimicrobials tested at a time.