RESUMO
The emergence of livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains (LA-MRSA) and the potential role of pigs in the evolution of these strains has led to increased interest in research of these microorganisms. However, this has contributed to a lack of research in the isolation and characterization of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus strains (MSSA). In this study, the prevalence of S. aureus in pigs in the nursery and finishing stages were analyzed. The susceptibility profiles to antibiotics, tolerance to heavy metals, and biofilm production of the isolates were evaluated using phenotypic and genotypic techniques. A total of 1,250 colonies suggestive of Staphylococcus spp. were isolated from 128 pigs, of which 63.6% (n = 795) belonged to this microbial genus. Sixty-seven colonies isolated from 34 animals (26.5%) were confirmed as S. aureus (8.4%). No strains resistant to copper, zinc, or methicillin were detected; however, all strains presented a resistance profile to at least three different classes of antimicrobials and 21 produced biofilms. These data are of concern, as they indicate the need for increased surveillance in the use of antimicrobials as well as reinforce the importance of studies on MSSA strains.(AU)
A emergência de cepas de Staphylococcus aureus resistentes à meticilina associadas à pecuária (LA-MRSA) e o papel potencial dos suínos na evolução dessas cepas têm levado ao aumento do interesse na pesquisa desses microrganismos. No entanto, isso tem contribuído para a falta de estudos sobre o isolamento e a caracterização de cepas de S. aureus sensíveis à meticilina (MSSA). Neste estudo, foi analisada a prevalência de S. aureus em suínos nas fases de creche e terminação. Os perfis de suscetibilidade aos antibióticos, a tolerância a metais pesados e a produção de biofilme dos isolados foram avaliados por meio de técnicas fenotípicas e genotípicas. Um total de 1.250 colônias sugestivas de Staphylococcus spp. foi isolado de 128 suínos, das quais 63,6% (n = 795) pertenciam a esse gênero microbiano. Sessenta e sete colônias isoladas de 34 animais (26,5%) foram confirmadas como S. aureus (8,4%). Nenhuma cepa resistente ao cobre, ao zinco ou à meticilina foi detectada; entretanto, todas as cepas apresentaram perfil de resistência a pelo menos três classes diferentes de antimicrobianos e 21 produziam biofilme. Esses dados são preocupantes, pois indicam a necessidade de maior vigilância no uso de antimicrobianos, bem como reforçam a importância de estudos com cepas de MSSA.(AU)
Assuntos
Animais , Staphylococcus aureus/isolamento & purificação , Suínos , Fatores de Virulência/análise , Staphylococcus aureus Resistente à Meticilina , Resistência Microbiana a Medicamentos , BiofilmesRESUMO
Guava (Psidium guajava L.) production is prominent in the irrigated fruit growing area of Brazil. However, the parasite Meloidogyne enterolobii (a phytonematode) has caused a decrease in guava production. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are known to be beneficial to plants; however, their ability to protect plants against nematodes such as M. enterolobii remains poorly known. This study aimed to monitor M. enterolobii infection in guava seedlings inoculated with three AMF species. After AMF inoculation, the seedlings were grown in sterile soil for 60 days before inoculation with 2000 M. enterolobii eggs. Plant growth parameters, mycorrhizal colonization and the number of Meloidogyne in the roots were determined over time (30 and 60 days after Meloidogyne inoculation). The AMF enhanced guava seedling growth, and reduced the amount of Meloidogyne in the roots at 30 and 60 days after nematode inoculation, indicating that these AMF species could serve as biocontrol agents of M. enterolobii in guava cultivation.
Assuntos
Micorrizas/fisiologia , Doenças das Plantas/prevenção & controle , Psidium/microbiologia , Infecções por Secernentea/prevenção & controle , Plântula/microbiologia , Tylenchoidea/patogenicidade , Animais , Agentes de Controle Biológico/farmacologia , Brasil , Doenças das Plantas/parasitologia , Raízes de Plantas/parasitologia , Psidium/parasitologia , Infecções por Secernentea/microbiologia , Plântula/parasitologiaRESUMO
Os objetivos do estudo foram desenvolver e avaliar a estabilidade físico-química de emulsões O/A contendo cetoconazol a 2,0% e determinar seu perfil de liberação in vitro. As formulações foram preparadas com bases auto-emulsionáveis com diferentes características químicas. A estabilidade do sistema foi avaliada de acordo com o Guia para Realização de Testes de Estabilidade em Produtos Farmacêuticos, utilizando diferentes temperaturas (4ºC, 37ºC e 45ºC) por um período de tempo de três meses. Os parâmetros avaliados durante o ensaio foram: as características organolépticas,o pH, o comportamento reológico e a concentração do ativo. A emulsão considerada estável foi submetida ao ensaio de liberação in vitro utilizando célula de difusão de Franz. A quantificação do cetoconazol na formulação e na solução receptora foi realizada por método espectrofotométrico no ultravioleta a 244 nm. Dentre as formulações testadas, somente aquela preparada com álcool cetoestearílico e estearato de polietilenoglicol (PEG20) manteve suas características físico-químicas estáveis durante o teste. O estudo de liberação in vitro demonstrou que o fármaco foi liberado do sistema gradualmente no decorrer do tempo, apresentando uma cinética pseudo zero ordem.
The goal of this work was to develop and assess the physicochemical stability of O/W emulsions containing 2.0% ketoconazole and to determine their in vitro release profile. These formulations were prepared with self-emulsifying bases that differed in their chemical characteristics. The stability of the system was assessed, as recommended in the Guide to Drug Product Stability Tests, over 3 months at 3 different temperatures (4ºC, 37ºC and 45ºC). The characteristics assessed during the test were the organoleptic properties, pH, rheological behavior and drug concentration. The most stable emulsion was subjected to an in vitro release test in a Franz diffusion cell system. The ketoconazole in both the formulation and receptor phase was determined by UV spectrophotometry at 244 nm. The O/W emulsion prepared with cetearyl alcohol and polyethylene glycol (PEG20) stearate was the only one that maintained its physicochemical characteristics throughout the test. The in vitro release test demonstrated that the drug was released gradually, exhibiting pseudo zero-order kinetics.
Assuntos
Antifúngicos , Estabilidade de MedicamentosRESUMO
In order to evaluate the performance of a 1-h 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a cohort of 4998 women, 20 years or older, without previous diabetes being treated in prenatal care clinics in Brazil answered a questionnaire and performed a 75-g OGTT including fasting, 1-h and 2-h glucose measurements between their 24th and 28th gestational weeks. Pregnancy outcomes were transcribed from medical registries. GDM was defined according to WHO criteria (fasting: >/=126 mg/dL; 2-h value: >/=140 mg/dL) and macrosomia as a birth weight equal to or higher than 4000 g. Areas under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) were compared and diagnostic properties of various cut-off points were evaluated. The AUCs for the prediction of macrosomia were 0.606 (0.572-0.637) for the 1-h and 0.589 (0.557-0.622) for the 2-h plasma glucose test. Similar predictability was demonstrable regarding combined adverse outcomes: 0.582 (0.559-0.604) for the 1-h test and 0.572 (0.549-0.595) for the 2-h test. When the 1-h glucose test was evaluated against a diagnosis of GDM defined by the 2-h glucose test, the AUC was 0.903 (0.886-0.919). The cut-off point that maximized sensitivity (83%) and specificity (83%) was 141 mg/dL, identifying 21% of the women as positive. A cut-off point of 160 mg/dL, with lower sensitivity (62%), had higher specificity (94%), labeling 8.6% as positive. Detection of GDM can be done with a 1-h 75-g OGTT: the value of 160 mg/dL has the same diagnostic performance as the conventional 2-h value (140 mg/dL). The simplification of the test may improve coverage and timing of the diagnosis of GDM.
Assuntos
Diabetes Gestacional/diagnóstico , Teste de Tolerância a Glucose/métodos , Adulto , Glicemia/análise , Estudos de Coortes , Feminino , Humanos , Programas de Rastreamento , Valor Preditivo dos Testes , Gravidez , Curva ROC , Sensibilidade e Especificidade , Adulto JovemRESUMO
In order to evaluate the performance of a 1-h 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a cohort of 4998 women, 20 years or older, without previous diabetes being treated in prenatal care clinics in Brazil answered a questionnaire and performed a 75-g OGTT including fasting, 1-h and 2-h glucose measurements between their 24th and 28th gestational weeks. Pregnancy outcomes were transcribed from medical registries. GDM was defined according to WHO criteria (fasting: greater than or equal to 126 mg/dL; 2-h value: greater than or equal to 140 mg/dL) and macrosomia as a birth weight equal to or higher than 4000 g. Areas under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) were compared and diagnostic properties of various cut-off points were evaluated. The AUCs for the prediction of macrosomia were 0.606 (0.572-0.637) for the 1-h and 0.589 (0.557-0.622) for the 2-h plasma glucose test. Similar predictability was demonstrable regarding combined adverse outcomes: 0.582 (0.559-0.604) for the 1-h test and 0.572 (0.549-0.595) for the 2-h test. When the 1-h glucose test was evaluated against a diagnosis of GDM defined by the 2-h glucose test, the AUC was 0.903 (0.886-0.919). The cut-off point that maximized sensitivity (83%) and specificity (83%) was 141 mg/dL, identifying 21% of the women as positive. A cut-off point of 160 mg/dL, with lower sensitivity (62%), had higher specificity (94%), labeling 8.6% as positive. Detection of GDM can be done with a 1-h 75-g OGTT: the value of 160 mg/dL has the same diagnostic performance as the conventional 2-h value (140 mg/dL). The simplification of the test may improve coverage and timing of the diagnosis of GDM.
Assuntos
Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , Gravidez , Adulto Jovem , Diabetes Gestacional/diagnóstico , Teste de Tolerância a Glucose/métodos , Glicemia/análise , Estudos de Coortes , Programas de Rastreamento , Valor Preditivo dos Testes , Curva ROC , Sensibilidade e Especificidade , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchors and glycoinositolphospholipids (GIPLs) from parasitic protozoa have been shown to exert a wide variety of effects on cells of the host innate immune system. However, the receptor(s) that are triggered by these protozoan glycolipids has not been identified. Here we present evidence that Trypanosoma cruzi-derived GPI anchors and GIPLs trigger CD25 expression on Chinese hamster ovary-K1 cells transfected with CD14 and Toll-like receptor-2 (TLR-2), but not wild-type (TLR-2-deficient) Chinese hamster ovary cells. The protozoan-derived GPI anchors and GIPLs containing alkylacylglycerol and saturated fatty acid chains or ceramide were found to be active in a concentration range of 100 nM to 1 microM. More importantly, the GPI anchors purified from T. cruzi trypomastigotes, which contain a longer glycan core and unsaturated fatty acids in the sn-2 position of the alkylacylglycerolipid component, triggered TLR-2 at subnanomolar concentrations. We performed experiments with macrophages from TLR-2 knockout and TLR-4 knockout mice, and found that TLR-2 expression appears to be essential for induction of IL-12, TNF-alpha, and NO by GPI anchors derived from T. cruzi trypomastigotes. Thus, highly purified GPI anchors from T. cruzi parasites are potent activators of TLR-2 from both mouse and human origin. The activation of TLR-2 may initiate host innate defense mechanisms and inflammatory response during protozoan infection, and may provide new strategies for immune intervention during protozoan infections.
Assuntos
Proteínas de Drosophila , Glicosilfosfatidilinositóis/fisiologia , Glicoproteínas de Membrana/metabolismo , Receptores de Superfície Celular/metabolismo , Trypanosoma cruzi/imunologia , Animais , Células CHO , Linhagem Celular , Cricetinae , Relação Dose-Resposta Imunológica , Glicolipídeos/fisiologia , Glicosilfosfatidilinositóis/isolamento & purificação , Inflamação/imunologia , Inflamação/parasitologia , Macrófagos/imunologia , Macrófagos/metabolismo , Glicoproteínas de Membrana/deficiência , Glicoproteínas de Membrana/genética , Glicoproteínas de Membrana/fisiologia , Camundongos , Camundongos Knockout , NF-kappa B/fisiologia , Fosfolipídeos/fisiologia , Receptores de Superfície Celular/deficiência , Receptores de Superfície Celular/genética , Receptores de Superfície Celular/fisiologia , Receptores de Interleucina-2/biossíntese , Transdução de Sinais/genética , Transdução de Sinais/imunologia , Receptor 2 Toll-Like , Receptor 4 Toll-Like , Receptores Toll-Like , Transfecção , Trypanosoma cruzi/química , Trypanosoma cruzi/crescimento & desenvolvimentoRESUMO
Twenty one wheat and corn based food products elaborated in Costa Rica were analyzed by chemically with the purpose of having data on local foods. The analytical methods to determine proximate composition were AOAC's. Energy was estimated by calorimetric bomb and dietary fiber (DF) by the gravimetric enzymatic method. Also food portion size was estimated and related with DF content for food classification. The values of the nutrients per food were established and compared with others reported in foreign tables commonly used in the country. Fat and energy content in cookies are higher than in salad breads and crackers. Wheat and corn based food products are classified either as low or very low DF sources (< 2.9 g FD/portion). Corn "tortilla" DF content duplicates bread's and the fiber is basically insoluble. Marked differences were founded in the nutritive composition of specific foods when compared with values reported in foreign food tables. In other foods, as corn based products, similarities in the chemical composition were common. The chemical composition of the studied local foods shows the potential of the diet to be atherogenic, an important aspect to be considered with relation to the main causes of mortality in Costa Rica population. The more compatible food composition table with our data is the Central American, followed by the Latin American one. The necessity of having data on the chemical composition of local foods has been demonstrated.
Assuntos
Análise de Alimentos , Triticum , Zea mays , Pão/análise , Carboidratos/análise , Costa Rica , Fibras na Dieta/análise , Farinha/análiseRESUMO
We report an improved method for the detection and identification of mycobacteria using PCR and the heteroduplex mobility shift assay (HMA). The HMA for detection of mycobacteria was based on the microheterogeneity within the DNA coding sequences for 16S rRNA. A remarkable shift between single-stranded, heteroduplex and homoduplex bands in PAGE was observed among the Mycobacterium spp. tested. The Mycobacteria HMA (MHMA) of amplified PCR products from mycobacteria DNA coding for 16S rDNA derived from culture showed a specific heteroduplexes formed among different Mycobacterium species. Other bacterium species were distinguished from Mycobaterium due to slow migrating heteroduplexes mobility bands observed when M. bovis (BCG), M. avium, or M. fortuitum were used as a standard. The specific heteroduplexes were detected when as little as 1 etag of DNA template was used, although better results were obtained with 5 etag and when PCR products of sample test and mycobacterium standard were mixed at a ratio of 1.8. To correctly evaluate the feasibility of using MHMA to detect and identify mycobacteria, 15 clinical sample patients were tested. All MTB-positive clinical samples were identified by MHMA as well as the negative samples. In addition, MHMA will, in principle, be applicable to the detection and classification of any microorganism showing differences within the 16S rRNA as well as to the identification of new and unrecognized bacterial species.
Assuntos
Análise Heteroduplex , Mycobacterium/genética , Sequência de Bases , DNA Bacteriano/genética , DNA Ribossômico/genética , Humanos , Dados de Sequência Molecular , Mycobacterium/isolamento & purificação , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase , RNA Ribossômico 16S/genética , Sensibilidade e Especificidade , Alinhamento de Sequência , Análise de Sequência de DNA , Escarro/microbiologiaRESUMO
The protein encoded by the proto-oncogene c-fos is constitutively nuclear in most cell types analyzed. It has a predicted molecular weight of about 55 kDa. Proteins with a molecular weight above 40 kDa cannot enter the nucleus passively. Our interest was to study which regions in the protein are involved in the nuclear transport. We prepared a series of deletions and point mutations of the protein and cloned the mutated genes into a eukaryotic expression vector. Cos-1 cells were used to express the mutants transiently. Using indirect immunofluorescence we studied the subcellular localization, analyzing the percentage of cells containing the protein in the nucleus, the cytoplasm, or both locations. Our studies showed that the Fos protein contains several regions which can act independently to translocate the protein into the nucleus.
Assuntos
Núcleo Celular/metabolismo , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas c-fos/metabolismo , Animais , Transporte Biológico , Células COS , Técnica Indireta de Fluorescência para Anticorpo , Mutação Puntual , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas c-fos/genéticaRESUMO
After the contamination with HIV of 6 patients by an american dentist, great concern about the work of HIV-positive health care workers emerged. In spite of the good effects of preventive programs (also including other viruses more contagious than HIV, like the hepatitis virus), that concern is still confuse and misunderstood, blurred by social prejudice and intolerance with regard to HIV patients. This article shows that a policy of segregation of HIV-positive health workers is neither fair nor effective to improve biosafety. On the other hand, a responsible behavior by the positive worker is appropriate, avoiding to participate on exposure-prone proceedings. If an accident happens, anti-HIV prophylaxis with drugs, active and passive immunization against HBV should be offered to the patient. Acting on a better informed basis will brings other benefits and turn possible a new way, more human and less positivist, on facing the challenges of this new epidemic.
Assuntos
Ética Médica , Soropositividade para HIV/transmissão , Pessoal de Saúde , Transmissão de Doença Infecciosa do Profissional para o Paciente , Humanos , Fatores de RiscoRESUMO
Após o caso do dentista americano que contaminou seis de seus pacientes com HIV, surgiu grande preocupaçao acerca de trabalhadores da saúde HIV-positivos. Essa preocupaçao, embora razoável quando conduzida de forma a incluir também normas de proteçao contra outros patógenos mais contagiosos que o HIV, tende a ser segregante e confusa, obscurecida pela representaçao social estigmatizante da doença. O artigo traz argumentos demonstrando a inexistência de motivos para impedimento compulsório do trabalho dos trabalhadores da saúde portadores, mas enfatiza a necessidade de comportamento responsável por parte dos infectados, que devem se abster de participar de procedimentos propensos à exposiçao. Essa responsabilidade, por sua vez, só funcionará em contexto de nao segregaçao. Se ocorrer acidente, profilaxia com anti-retrovirais e imunizaçao (ativa e passiva) contra hepatite "B" deve ser considerada para o paciente exposto. Sao oferecidas bases para construçao de postura melhor informada e mais aberta aos desafios trazidos pela epidemia de HIV/AIDS.
Assuntos
Humanos , Soropositividade para HIV/transmissão , Pessoal de Saúde , Transmissão de Doença Infecciosa do Profissional para o Paciente , Ética Médica , Fatores de RiscoRESUMO
BeAn 58058 virus (BAV) was isolated from an Oryzomis rodent in Brazil. BAV was shown to be antigenically related to another poxvirus also isolated in Brazil, the Cotia virus, but it remained ungrouped. Electron microscopy revealed that BAV has a typical poxvirus morphology. The Hind III DNA profile of BAV genome was similar with that of VV WR and Lister, but some differences in the profile were detected. We have also detected the presence of genes homologous to vaccinia virus (VV WR) genes in the genome of BAV. Genes related to vaccinia thymidine kinase (TK) gene and vaccinia growth factor (VGF) gene were found. The patterns of TK and VGF mRNA transcripts described for vaccinia virus infected cells were observed in BAV infected cells. Nucleotide sequence of BAV VGF homologous gene was similar to VV WR VGF sequences. This similarity was further seen when cross-hybridization of total genomes of BAV and VV was done. Polypeptide synthesis of BAV and vaccinia in infected cells also showed similar profiles. The genetic data was used to construct a phylogenetic tree where BAV and VV were placed at the same cluster. Based on our findings we propose that BAV is a vaccinia virus variant.
Assuntos
Poxviridae/genética , Sequência de Aminoácidos , Animais , Chlorocebus aethiops , DNA Viral/análise , Peptídeos e Proteínas de Sinalização Intercelular , Dados de Sequência Molecular , Peptídeos/genética , Filogenia , Poxviridae/classificação , Poxviridae/ultraestrutura , RNA Mensageiro/análise , Timidina Quinase/genética , Células VeroRESUMO
223 epileptics patients and their families and 136 teachers from public and private schools were submitted to similar questionnaires related to inheritance, transmission, cure, complication rates, care during seizures, need for information on the disease, habits, comparison with other diseases and to the educational and social performance of epileptics. Cure and complication rates accounted for the main differences between those populations. Epileptics could recognize a bigger number of complications but still expected to be cured from the disease. The majority of teachers and patients have never been informed about epilepsy and this finding was related to the big number of equivocal answers obtained from them. Put together, the data showed that social and educational performance of epileptic patients could be disturbed by medical and social parameters. Some of them could be improved by an educational program towards these aspects of epilepsy.
Assuntos
Epilepsia , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Adulto , Educação em Saúde , Humanos , Projetos Piloto , Inquéritos e Questionários , EnsinoRESUMO
Two cataract-free-zone projects, one in Brazil and the other in Peru, were designed to provide surgery to all those who need and want it within a defined geographic area. In-home visual acuity screening was accepted by three-fourths of the enumerated population aged 50 years or more. Those with reduced bilateral visual acuity were referred to a community health post for ophthalmic examination. Among those diagnosed as bilaterally blind (less than or equal to 20/200), comprising 5% of the screened population, two-thirds were thought to be blind from cataract. Because of other ocular pathology and general health conditions, surgery was not indicated for 30-50%. Two-thirds of those recommended for out-patient surgery accepted. Motivational efforts to convince the refusers were uniformly unsuccessful. The average age of those accepting and those refusing surgery was in the mid-seventies. Those already aphakic were 7-8 years younger. Post-operative acuity was greater than or equal to 20/50 for only one-half of those operated. A significant number of cases had previously undetected macular degeneration and other causes of decreased vision. These projects have given increased attention to cataract blindness and the need for further operational research to develop effective methods for its control using outpatient surgery.
Assuntos
Cegueira/prevenção & controle , Extração de Catarata , Catarata/epidemiologia , Pesquisa Operacional , Seleção Visual , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Cegueira/epidemiologia , Cegueira/etiologia , Brasil/epidemiologia , Catarata/complicações , Catarata/diagnóstico , Feminino , Seguimentos , Inquéritos Epidemiológicos , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Cooperação do Paciente , Peru/epidemiologia , Distribuição Aleatória , Acuidade VisualAssuntos
Desastres , Planejamento em Saúde , Administração de Serviços de Saúde , Planejamento em Desastres , Previsões , Necessidades e Demandas de Serviços de Saúde , Planejamento Hospitalar , Hospitais/provisão & distribuição , Humanos , Indigência Médica , México , Atenção Primária à Saúde/organização & administração , Atenção Primária à Saúde/provisão & distribuiçãoAssuntos
Características da Família , Habitação , Transtornos Psicóticos , Adolescente , Adulto , Brasil , Doença Crônica , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Fatores Socioeconômicos , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
Mediante uma pesquisa de campo, entrevistou-se em suas residencias 50 pessoas portadoras de disturbio psicotico cronico tidas como esquizofrenicas (casos) e 50 pessoas sem historia anterior de disturbio psiquiatrico (controles) juntamente com um informante. Objetivou-se estudar as condicoes de vida do doente psicotico cronico na comunidade atraves de uma abordagem psicossocial. Neste trabalho sao apresentados aspectos referentes as caracteristicas habitacionais e familiares dos dois grupos. Concluiu-se que os casos e controles constituem grupos distintos quanto aos aspectos analisados, ressaltando-se a tendencia a mobilidade descendente apresentada pelos casos, como tambem a existencia de um nucleo familiar pouco estruturado
Assuntos
Adolescente , Adulto , Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Características da Família , Habitação , Transtornos Psicóticos , BrasilRESUMO
Os autores empregaram, com sucesso, a tecnica da biparticao vesical, descrita por Magder, numa paciente com lesao ureteral alta bilateral, pos histerectomia total radical. Mostram os detalhes desta tecnica, pouco conhecida em nosso meio e demonstraram a viabilidade de se recompor a integridade do trato urinario, mesmo com ureteres de pequena extensao, sem a necessidade de se recorrer a processos mais complicados