In vitro immunogenic profile of recombinant SARS-CoV2 S1-RBD peptide in murine macrophage and microglial cells

BACKGROUND The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants can infect common mice inducing significant pathological lung lesions and inflammatory responses. This substantially mimics coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) infection and pathogenesis in humans. OBJECTIVES To characterise the effects of recombinant SARS-CoV-2 S1 receptor-binding domain (RBD) peptide in murine macrophage and microglial cells' immune activation compared with classical PAMPs in vitro. METHODS Murine RAW 264.7 macrophages and BV2 microglial cells were exposed to increasing concentrations of the RBD peptide (0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 µg/mL), Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and Poly(I:C) and evaluated after two and 24 h for significant markers of macrophage activation. We determined the effects of RBD peptide on cell viability, cleaved caspase 3 expressions, and nuclear morphometry analysis. FINDINGS In RAW cells, RBD peptide was cytotoxic, but not for BV2 cells. RAW cells presented increased arginase activity and IL-10 production; however, BV2 cells expressed iNOS and IL-6 after RBD peptide exposure. In addition, RAW cells increased cleaved-caspase-3, apoptosis, and mitotic catastrophe after RBD peptide stimulation but not BV2 cells. CONCLUSION RBD peptide exposure has different effects depending on the cell line, exposure time, and concentration. This study brings new evidence about the immunogenic profile of RBD in macrophage and microglial cells, advancing the understanding of SARS-Cov2 immuno- and neuropathology.

Bipolar disorder: an association between body mass index and cingulate gyrus fractional anisotropy not mediated by systemic inflammation

Abstract Objective To investigate associations between body mass index (BMI), white matter fractional anisotropy (FA), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in a group of individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) during euthymia and compare them with a control group of healthy subjects (CTR). Methods The sample consisted of 101 individuals (BD n = 35 and CTR n = 66). Regions of interest (ROI) were defined using a machine learning approach. For each ROI, a regression model tested the association between FA and BMI, controlling for covariates. Peripheral CRP levels were assayed, correlated with BMI, and included in a mediation analysis. Results BMI predicted the FA of the right cingulate gyrus in BD (AdjR2 = 0.312 F(3) = 5.537 p = 0.004; β = -0.340 p = 0.034), while there was no association in CTR. There was an interaction effect between BMI and BD diagnosis (F(5) = 3.5857 p = 0.012; Fchange = 0.227 AdjR2 = 0.093; β = -1.093, p = 0.048). Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between BMI and CRP in both groups (AdjR2 = 0.170 F(3) = 7.337 p < 0.001; β = 0.364 p = 0.001), but it did not act as a mediator of the effect on FA. Conclusion Higher BMI is associated with right cingulate microstructure in BD, but not in CTR, and this effect could not be explained by inflammatory mediation alone.

The role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in neuropsychiatric disorders

The microbiota-gut-brain axis is a bidirectional signaling mechanism between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. The complexity of the intestinal ecosystem is extraordinary; it comprises more than 100 trillion microbial cells that inhabit the small and large intestine, and this interaction between microbiota and intestinal epithelium can cause physiological changes in the brain and influence mood and behavior. Currently, there has been an emphasis on how such interactions affect mental health. Evidence indicates that intestinal microbiota are involved in neurological and psychiatric disorders. This review covers evidence for the influence of gut microbiota on the brain and behavior in Alzheimer disease, dementia, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, Parkinson's disease, and schizophrenia. The primary focus is on the pathways involved in intestinal metabolites of microbial origin, including short-chain fatty acids, tryptophan metabolites, and bacterial components that can activate the host's immune system. We also list clinical evidence regarding prebiotics, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation as adjuvant therapies for neuropsychiatric disorders.

Behavioral, affective, and cognitive alterations induced by individual and combined environmental stressors in rats

Objective: To evaluate whether exposing rats to individual or combined environmental stressors triggers endophenotypes related to mood and anxiety disorders, and whether this effect depends on the nature of the behavior (i.e., innate or learned). Methods: We conducted a three-phase experimental protocol. In phase I (baseline), animals subjected to mixed schedule of reinforcement were trained to press a lever with a fixed interval of 1 minute and a limited hold of 3 seconds. On the last day of phase I, an open-field test was performed and the animals were divided into four experimental groups (n=8/group). In phase II (repeated stress), each group was exposed to either hot air blast (HAB), paradoxical sleep deprivation (PSD) or both (HAB+PSD group) on alternate days over a 10-day period. Control group animals were not exposed to stressors. In phase III (post-stress evaluation), behavior was analyzed on the first (short-term effects), third (mid-term effects), and fifth (long-term effects) days after repeated stress. Results: The PSD group presented operant hyperactivity, the HAB group presented spontaneous hypoactivity and anxiety, and the HAB+PSD group presented spontaneous hyperactivity, operant hypoactivity, impulsivity, loss of interest, and cognitive impairment. Conclusion: A combination of environmental stressors (HAB and PSD) may induce endophenotypes related to bipolar disorder.

O uso do Mini-Exame do estado Mental colabora no tratamento da fibromialgia / The use of the Mini-Mental State Examination is an auxiliary tool in the treatment of fibromyalgia

A presença de alterações cognitivas em pacientes com Fibromialgia (FM) desafia aclínica e a pesquisa. Com o objetivo de contribuir com a melhora do tratamento deu ma síndrome tão prevalente e que causa incapacidade funcional significativa, foi realizado estudo transversal de abordagem quantitativa com 61 pacientes,utilizando-se o Mini-Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM), a Escala Unidimensiona lNumérica Verbal, um questionário para coleta de dados sociodemográficos e para registrar a presença de sintomas associados. Os resultados do MEEM mostraram elevado percentual de rastreio positivo para déficit cognitivo associado à FM (60,7%),sendo que os domínios com menor desempenho foram "atenção e cálculo" e"evocação". Os principais sintomas associados foram: dificuldade de memória, de concentração e sono não reparador. O segmento da amostra com queixa d edificuldade de concentração apresentou maiores escores na pontuação de dor e correlação com os domínios específicos do MEEM "orientação tempo/espaço" e"linguagem". Esses resultados demonstraram que a aplicação do MEEM pode melhor subsidiar o tratamento pela equipe interdisciplinar ao fornecer informações complementares na exploração da queixa do paciente.

The presence of cognitive disabilities in patients with fibromyalgia (FM) challengesclinical practice and research. With the goal of improving the treatment of such aprevalent syndrome that causes significant functional inability, it was made a crosssectionalstudy with a quantitative approach with 61 patients, using the Mini-MentalState Exam (MMSE), the Verbal Numeric Scale and a questionnaire for collectingsociodemographic data and to register the presence of associated symptoms. TheMMSE results showed high percentage of cognitive impairment associated with FM(60.7%) in this sample, and the domains of the MMSE that showed the worseperformance were "attention and calculation" and "recall". The most frequent associated symptoms were: attention and memory complaints and non-restorativesleep. The part of the sample with concentration complaints had higher scores in thepain scale and a correlation with the MMSE specific domains "orientationtime/space" and "language". These results showed that applying the MMSE canallow a more satisfying treatment for the interdisciplinary team by bringingcomplementary information in exploring the patient's complaints.

Oral phaeohyphomycosis in a patient with squamocellular carcinoma of the lip: second case report

Abstract This communication reports the second known case of oral phaeohyphomycosis in a patient with squamocellular carcinoma of the lip. The patient, an 82-year-old black woman, a former smoker (for more than 30 years), suffering from an ulcerous vegetative lesion in the middle third of the lower lip for approximately 12 months. The result of the histopathological analysis indicated carcinoma, with well-differentiated keratinized squamous cells and the presence of septate mycelial filaments. In the direct mycological examination, thick and dematiaceous septate mycelial filaments were observed. After the resection surgery, the patient did not need to use an antifungal drug to treat the phaeohyphomycosis, and no follow-up radiotherapy was needed to treat the squamocellular carcinoma. We stress that the presence of the squamocellular lesion of the lip was a possible contributing factor to the infection.

Representações sociais de conjugalidade e fibromialgia: desdobramentos na dinâmica conjugal / Social representations of marriage and fibromyalgia: developments in marital dynamics / Representaciones sociales del matrimonio y la fibromialgia: desarrollos en la dinámica conyugal

A fibromialgia consiste em uma doença caracterizada, entre outros sintomas, por dor generalizada, fadiga, sono não reparador, apresentando etiologia complexa e resposta incerta ao tratamento. Tais características podem precipitar o surgimento de sentimentos de vulnerabilidade capazes de impactar a rotina familiar dos doentes. Diante disso, o presente trabalho objetiva compreender e analisar, na perspectiva da Psicologia Social, como as representações sociais (RS) de mulheres com fibromialgia e de seus respectivos cônjuges sobre conjugalidade e sobre a própria condição de adoecimento estão articuladas a sua dinâmica conjugal. Trata-se de uma pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa que realizou entrevistas com quatro casais em que as esposas são diagnosticadas com fibromialgia. Os participantes também responderam a um questionário sociodemográfico. Para a análise dos dados empregou-se a técnica análise de conteúdo que desvelou uma ampla rede de significações acessada pelos participantes nos processos de ancoragem das RS de fibromialgia e de conjugalidade, contendo elementos como: o amor; os papéis masculinos e femininos; o adoecer e o cuidar; a fibromialgia e seus desdobramentos na rotina do doente e sua família. Por fim, constatou-se a existência de um campo de fragilidade das mulheres com fibro-mialgia e pessoas próximas a elas no processo de enfrentamento da doença. Faz-se necessário que os serviços de saúde atuem precocemente no esclarecimento sobre a doença e na identificação de possíveis conflitos no âmbito familiar e conjugal que podem ser desencadeados tanto na investigação diagnóstica como no decorrer do tratamento e nas particularidades da convivência diária com a doença...

Fibromyalgia consists of a disease characterized among other symptoms by widespread pain, fatigue, non-restorative sleep, and complex uncertain etiology and response to treatment. Such characteristics may precipitate the emergence of feelings of vulnerability capable of impacting the familiar routine of patients. Therefore, this study aims to understand and analyze, from the perspective of Social Psychology, such as social representations (SR) of women with fibromyalgia and their spouses on conjugality and about the condition of illness are linked to their marital dynamic. This is a qualitative study that conducted interviews with four couples in which the wives are diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Participants also completed a sociodemographic questionnaire. For the data analysis was employed the technique of content analysis which unveiled an extensive network of meanings accessed by participants in the processes of anchoring of RS of fibromyalgia and conjugality, containing elements such as: the love; the male and female roles; the sick and caring; the fibromyalgia and its consequences in the routine of the patient and his family. Finally, we found the existence of a field of fragility of women with fibromyalgia and those close to them in the process of coping with the disease. Necessary to make the health care act early in information about the disease and the identification of possible conflicts in family and marital framework that can be triggered both in the diagnostic investigation and in the course of treatment and the particularities of daily living with the disease...

La fibromialgia consiste en una enfermedad que se caracteriza entre otros síntomas por dolor generalizado, fatiga, sueño no reparador, y compleja etiología incierta y respuesta al tratamiento. Tales características pueden precipitar la aparición de sentimientos de vulnerabilidad capaz de impactar en la rutina familiar de los pacientes. Así, este estudio tiene como objetivo comprender y analizar, desde la psicología social, como las representaciones sociales (RS) de las mujeres con fibromialgia y sus cónyuges en el matrimonio y sobre la condición de la enfermedad están vinculados a su dinámica conyugal. Se trata de un estudio cualitativo que realizó entrevistas con cuatro parejas en las que las mujeres son diagnosticadas con fibromialgia. Estos también completaron un cuestionario sociodemográfico. Para el análisis de los datos se utilizó la técnica de análisis de contenido reveló una extensa red de significados que contiene elementos tales como: el amor; los roles masculinos y femeninos; el enfermo y el cuidado; la fibromialgia y sus consecuencias en la rutina del paciente y su familia. Por último, encontramos la existencia de un campo de la fragilidad de las mujeres con fibromialgia y personas cercanas a ellos en el proceso de hacer frente a la enfermedad. Necesario para hacer el acto de atención médica temprano en la información sobre la enfermedad y la identificación de posibles conflictos en la familia y el marco conyugal que puede activarse tanto en la investigación de diagnóstico y en el curso del tratamiento y de las particularidades de la vida diaria con la enfermedad...

Cryptococcus laurentii fungaemia in a cervical cancer patient

ABSTRACT Infections caused by emerging Cryptococcus non-neoformans species are being reported with increasingly frequency. Here, we present a case of fungaemia byCryptococcus laurentii in a woman receiving aggressive immunosuppressive therapy for cervical neoplasia. Three venous blood samples were aseptically collected on consecutive days and C. laurentiiwas isolated and identified through phenotypic and molecular methods. After central venous catheter removal and appropriate antifungal therapy, the patient showed significant improvement and blood culture became negative. Thus, patients following immunosuppressive therapies and using invasive medical devices are at risk of C. laurentii blood infections.

Invasive infection due to Saprochaete capitata in a young patient with hematological malignancies

We report a case of invasive infection due to Saprochaete capitata in a patient with hematological malignancies after chemotherapy treatment and empiric antifungal therapy with caspofungin. Although severely immunocompromised the patient survived been treated with amphotericin B lipid complex associated with voriconazole.

Análise de conhecimentos e prática das mães sobre a saúde bucal de seus filhos na faixa etária de 0 a 6 anos do município de Casinhas, Estado de Pernambuco / Analysis of knowledge and mothers practice about the oral health of their children aged 0 to 6years, from Casinhas, State of Pernambuco

Este estudo exploratório propôs avaliar os cuidados e a percepção das mães de crianças de 0 a 6 anos de idade sobre a saúde bucal de seus filhos no município de Casinhas/PE. A amostra foi composta por 112 mães de crianças com idade variando de 0 a 6 anos, de ambos os gêneros. Os dados foram coletados durante o período de abril a junho de 2011, por meio da aplicação de um questionário com as mães. Após a análise dos dados, pôde-se constatar que uma parcela significativa das mães, aproximadamente ¾ (75,9%), afirmou já ter recebido orientação de algum dentista sobre saúde bucal de crianças. Dentre a maioria das mães (81,3%), foi verificado que a própria realizava a higiene bucal de seus filhos. Um pouco mais da metade das entrevistadas (52,7%) relatou que os dentes dos filhos são higienizados duas vezes ao dia. A maioria das mães (96,4%) avaliou que a dentição de leite é importante. Com base nos resultados deste estudo, é possível observar que as mães que receberam orientações do cirurgião-dentista quanto à higiene bucal de seus filhos apresentavam maior conhecimento sobre a saúde bucal na infância.

This exploratory study proposes to evaluate the mothers' care and perception about the oral health of their children with age between 0 - 6 years at Casinhas, State of Pernambuco. The sample comprised 112 mothers of children aged 0 - 6 years of both genders. Data were collected between April to June 2011 by applying direct questions with their mothers. After analyzing the data it was noticed that a significant portion of mothers, approximately ¾ (75.9%) affirmed that received guidance from a dentist about children oral health. Most of the surveyed (81.3%) confirmed that mothers usually perform the oral hygiene of their children. A little more than half of respondents (52.7%) reported that children's teeth are cleaned twice a day. Most mothers (96.4%) evaluated that deciduous teeth are important. Based on these results, it was observed that mothers who received dentists' orientations about oral hygiene of their children had greater knowledge about oral health.

Development and validation of the Intrinsic Religiousness Inventory (IRI) / Desenvolvimento e validação do Inventário de Religiosidade Intrínseca (IRI)

OBJECTIVE: The role of religious involvement in mental health has been increasingly investigated in psychiatric research; however, there is a shortage of scales on religiousness in Portuguese. The present study aimed to develop and validate a brief instrument to assess intrinsic religiosity (Intrinsic Religiousness Inventory - IRI) in two Brazilian samples. METHOD: The initial version was based on literature review and experts' suggestions. University students (sample 1; n = 323) and psychiatric patients (sample 2; n = 102) completed the Duke Religiosity Index (DUREL), the IRI, an instrument of spirituality measurement (WHOQOL-SRPB), as well as measurements of anxiety and depressive symptoms. RESULTS: The IRI showed adequate internal consistence reliability in sample 1 (Cronbach's α = 0.96; 95 percent CI; 0.95-0.97) and sample 2 (α = 0.96; 95 percent CI; 0.95-0.97). The IRI main component analyses indicated a single factor, which explained 73.7 percent and 74.9 percent of variance in samples 1 and 2, respectively. Strong correlations between IRI and intrinsic subscale of the DUREL were observed (Spearman's r ranging from 0.87 to 0.73 in samples 1 and 2, respectively, p < 0.001). The IRI showed good test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients > 0.70). CONCLUSION: These data indicate that the IRI is a valid instrument and may contribute to study intrinsic religiosity in Brazilian samples.

OBJETIVO: O papel da religiosidade em saúde mental vem sendo objeto de intensa investigação. Estudos devem ser executados em diferentes locais e culturas. O presente estudo objetiva desenvolver e validar um instrumento breve para mensurar religiosidade intrínseca (Inventário de Religiosidade Intrínseca - IRI) em duas amostras brasileiras. MÉTODO: A versão inicial foi baseada na revisão de literatura e em sugestões de especialistas. Estudantes universitários (amostra 1; n = 323) e pacientes psiquiátricos (amostra 2; n = 102) preencheram o Índice de Religiosidade de Duke (DUREL), o IRI, uma medida de espiritualidade (WHOQOL-SRPB), bem como medidas de sintomas ansiosos e depressivos. RESULTADOS: O IRI apresentou consistência interna adequada nas amostras 1 (α de Cronbach = 0,96; IC 95 por cento; 0,95-0,97) e 2 (α = 0,96; IC 95 por cento; 0,95-0,97). Análises de componentes principais indicaram um único fator que explicou 73,7 por cento e 74,9 por cento da variância nas amostras 1 e 2, respectivamente. Foram observadas fortes correlações entre o IRI e a subescala de religiosidade intrínseca da DUREL (r de Spearman de 0,87 a 0,73 nas amostras 1 e 2, respectivamente, p < 0,001). O IRI apresentou boa validade teste-reteste (coeficientes de correlação intraclasse > 0,70). CONCLUSÃO: Os dados indicam que o IRI é um instrumento válido e pode contribuir para estudar religiosidade intrínseca em amostras brasileiras.

Anti-inflammatory activities of the hydroalcoholic extracts from Erythrina velutina and E. mulungu in mice

This work studied the anti-inflammatory activities of the hydroalcoholic extracts (HAEs) from Erythrina velutina Willd. (Ev) and E. mulungu Mart. ex Benth. (Em) in the carrageenan- and dextran-induced mice hind paw edema models. These medicinal plants belonging to the Fabaceae family are used in some Brazilian communities to treat pain, inflammation, insomnia and disorders of the central nervous system. In the present work, the extracts were administered orally in male mice at the doses of 200 or 400 mg/kg. In the carrageenan-induced test, only Em showed anti-inflammatory activity, decreasing the paw edema, at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. No effect was observed with Ev in this model. On the other hand, in the dextran model, Ev demonstrated anti-inflammatory effect, showing decrease of the paw edema at the 1, 2, 3, 4 and 24th h. Em (200 or 400 mg/kg) presented anti-inflammatory effect at the 2, 3 and 4th h after administration of dextran, as compared to control. In conclusion, the work showed that Ev and Em present anti-edematous actions, which possibly occurs by distinct mechanisms. While Ev seems to interfere especially in inflammatory processes in which mast cells have an important role, Em exerts greater activity in the inflammatory process that depends mainly on polymorphonuclear leucocytes. However, further studies are needed to determine the exact mechanism of action of the species investigated.

Avaliação clínica e micológica de onicomicose em pacientes brasileiros com HIV/AIDS / Clinical and mycological evaluation of onychomycosis among Brazilian HIV/AIDS patients

INTRODUÇÃO: Onicomicoses são comuns em pacientes imunocomprometidos embora espécies emergentes tenham sido verificadas, modificado o perfil epidemiológico desta micose. Assim, o objetivo desta pesquisa é avaliar o perfil clínico e micológico da onicomicose em pacientes com infecção pelo HIV/AIDS. MÉTODOS: Amostras clínicas foram coletadas, processados para exame direto e a cultura mantida a temperatura de 30°C e 37ºC durante 15 dias. RESULTADOS: Dos 100 pacientes, 32 apresentavam onicomicose. Os agentes isolados foram Candida albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, C. guilliermondii, Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, Fusarium solani, Scytalidium hialinum, S. japonicum, Aspergillus niger, Cylindrocarpon destructans e Phialophora reptans. CONCLUSÕES: Onicomicoses em HIV/AIDS apresentam variadas manifestações clínicas e podem ser causadas por fungos emergentes. As peculiaridades apresentadas pelos diferentes agentes de origem fúngica justificam a necessidade de identificação ao nível da espécie, com a finalidade de orientar uma melhor abordagem terapêutica e minimizar a exposição desses pacientes a condições de risco de uma infecção disseminada.

INTRODUCTION: Onychomycosis is common in immunocompromised patients, but emerging species have been verified, thereby modifying the epidemiological profile of this mycosis. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and mycological profile of onychomycosis among HIV/AIDS patients. METHODS: Clinical samples were collected and processed for direct examination, and cultures were maintained at a temperature of 30°C and 37°C for 15 days. RESULTS: Out of 100 patients, 32 had onychomycosis. The etiological agents isolated were Candida albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, C. guilliermondii, Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, Fusarium solani, Scytalidium hialinum, S. japonicum, Aspergillus niger, Cylindrocarpon destructans and Phialophora reptans. CONCLUSIONS: Onychomycosis in HIV/AIDS patients presents various clinical manifestations and may be caused by emerging fungi. The peculiarities presented by different fungal agents justify the need for identification to species level, with the purpose of guiding better therapeutic approaches and minimizing these patients' exposure to conditions presenting a risk of disseminated infection.

Ocorrência de fungos filamentosos de importância médica em água de bebedouros / Filamentous fungi of medical importance in drinking water

No presente trabalho foi investigada a ocorrência de fungos de importância médica na água, torneira e pia dos bebedouros do Centro de Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brasil. De cada bebedouro foram coletados 100 mL de água, e das superfícies da torneira e pia as amostras foram obtidas com swab. As amostras foram semeadas em meio ágar Sabouraud adicionado de 50mg/L de cloranfenicol, em placas de Petri. Das amostras de água, 10 culturas de fungos filamentosos foram isoladas e estas foram identificadas como Aspergillus flavus (5), A. niger (3) e Cladosporium cladosporioides (2). Das torneiras foram obtidos 21 isolados de fungos filamentosos e 164 das amostras das pias. O número de unidades formadoras de colônias (UFCs) (48h) variou de 12 a 56 em amostras de água, de 115 a 228 em amostras coletadas das torneiras e de 204 a 690 das pias. A presença de fungos com capacidade de produzir micotoxinas foi detectada nas amostras de água, bem como das torneiras. Com a finalidade de preservar a saúde dos consumidores, o monitoramento e a manutenção de equipamentos de purificação da água são práticas essenciais para garantir a qualidade microbiana e química da água.

This study aimed to assess the occurrence of fungi in water sample, tap and sink from drinking fountains atthe university center, Recife-PE, Brazil. From each fountain, 100mL of water were collected, and the samplesfrom the tap and sink surfaces were obtained by using swabs. The samples were cultivated on Sabouraud agarmedium containing 50mg/L of chloramphenicol in Petri dishes. Of water samples, 10 isolates of filamentousfungi were found and identified as Aspergillus flavus (5), A. niger (3) and Cladosporium cladosporioides (2).Twenty-one strains of filamentous fungi were isolated from tap samples and 164 from sink samples. Thenumber of colony forming units (CFU) (48h) ranged from 12 to 56 in water samples, from 115 to 228 insamples collected from taps, and 204 to 690 in sink samples. Fungi capable of producing mycotoxins weredetected in both water and taps samples. Monitoring the microbial and chemical quality of water and themaintenance of water purification equipment are crucial to guarantee the consumers safety.Key-words. filamentous fungi, water, drinking fountain, microbial water quality, mycotoxins.

Validity of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the bipolar spectrum diagnostic scale / Validade da versão brasileira em português da escala diagnóstica do espectro bipolar

OBJECTIVE: Bipolar spectrum disorders (BSDs) are prevalent and frequently unrecognized and undertreated. This report describes the development and validation of the Brazilian version of the bipolar spectrum diagnostic scale (B-BSDS), a screening instrument for bipolar disorders, in an adult psychiatric population. METHOD: 114 consecutive patients attending an outpatient psychiatric clinic completed the B-BSDS. A research psychiatrist, blind to the B-BSDS scores, interviewed patients by means of a modified version of the mood module of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV ("gold standard"). Subthreshold bipolar disorders were defined as recurrent hypomania without a major depressive episode or with fewer symptoms than those required for threshold hypomania. RESULTS: The internal consistency of the B-BSDS evaluated with Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.89 (95 percent CI; 0.86-0.91). On the basis of the modified SCID, 70 patients (61.4 percent) of the sample received a diagnosis of BSDs. A B-BSDS screening score of 16 or more items yielded: sensitivity of 0.79 (95 percent CI; 0.72-0.85), specificity of 0.77 (95 percent CI; 0.70-0.83), a positive predictive value of 0.85 (95 percent CI; 0.78-0.91) and a negative predictive value of 0.70 (95 percent CI; 0.63-0.75). CONCLUSION: The present data demonstrate that the B-BSDS is a valid instrument for the screening of BSDs.

OBJETIVO: Transtornos do espectro bipolar (TEB) são prevalentes e comumente subdiagnosticados e subtratados. O presente trabalho descreve o desenvolvimento e a validação da versão brasileira da escala diagnóstica do espectro bipolar (B-EDEB), um instrumento de rastreio para transtornos bipolares, em uma população psiquiátrica adulta. MÉTODO: 114 pacientes consecutivos de um ambulatório psiquiátrico completaram a versão brasileira da B-EDEB. Um psiquiatra pesquisador, cego para os escores do B-EDEB, entrevistou os participantes por meio de uma versão modificada do módulo de transtornos do humor da entrevista clínica estruturada para o DSM-IV ("padrão-ouro"). RESULTADOS: A consistência interna da B-EDEB, avaliada mediante o coeficiente alfa de Cronbach, foi de 0,89 (IC 95 por cento; 0,86-0,91). De acordo com o padrão-ouro, 70 (61,4 por cento) participantes tiveram diagnóstico de TEB. Um escore da B-EDEB de 16 ou mais itens apresentou sensibilidade de 0,79 (IC 95 por cento; 0,72-0,85), especificidade de 0,77 (IC 95 por cento; 0,70-0,83), valor preditivo positivo de 0,85 (IC 95 por cento; 0,78-0,91) e valor preditivo negativo de 0,70 (IC 95 por cento; 0,63-0,75). CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados do presente estudo demonstram que a B-EDEB é um instrumento válido para o rastreio de TEB.

Esquizofrenia: uma doença inflamatória?: [revisão] / Schizophrenia: an inflammatory disease?: [review]

OBJETIVO: Neste estudo, o objetivo foi revisar o papel de um possível processo inflamatório na gênese da esquizofrenia. MÉTODO: Foram selecionados os trabalhos publicados em revistas indexadas nas bases de dados Lilacs e MedLine, sob os unitermos "esquizofrenia", "inflamação" e "estresse oxidativo", nos últimos 10 anos até dezembro de 2009, nos idiomas inglês e português. Foram excluídos os artigos que tratavam de aspectos fisiopatológicos da doença fora do interesse da psiquiatria. RESULTADOS: Sessenta e um artigos foram selecionados. Doze abordavam o envolvimento do estresse oxidativo na esquizofrenia, nove tratavam de alterações no sistema imunológico de pacientes esquizofrênicos, dezesseis da infecção pré-natal como desencadeador da doença e sete mostravam a ação antioxidante e anti-inflamatória de fármacos antipsicóticos. CONCLUSÃO: Os estudos enfatizam o envolvimento do sistema imunológico (isto é, interleucinas e ação anti-inflamatória dos antipsicóticos), das infecções, do estresse oxidativo e da função mitocondrial na fisiopatologia da esquizofrenia. Portanto, esses novos achados são importantes para a melhor compreensão e, consequentemente, a elaboração de terapias mais específicas e eficazes no combate dessa doença mental.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed at reviewing about the influence of the inflammatory process in the genesis of schizophrenia. METHOD: A search for papers published in Lilacs and MedLine databases during the last 10 years until December 2009 was made using the terms "schizophrenia", "inflammation" and "oxidative stress". The papers concerning other pathophysiologic aspects of schizophrenia not exclusively related to psychiatry were excluded. RESULTS: Sixty-one articles were selected: twelve were involved the role of oxidative stress, nine dealt with changes in the immune system, and sixteen referred to prenatal infection as the trigger of schizophrenia. Seven articles showed the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action of antipsychotic drugs. CONCLUSION: The studies emphasized the importance of the mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, immunological system (interleukin, anti-inflammatory action of the antipsychotics) and infections in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. These findings are important for a better understanding and consequently the development of more specific and effective therapies for schizophrenia.

Correlação epidemiológica entre fungos queratinofílicos isolados do solo e agentes de dermatomicoses / Epidemiological correlation between keratinophilic fungi isolated from soil and dermatomycosis agents

Este trabalho teve como objetivo isolar e identificar os fungos queratinofílicos do solo e correlacioná-los com os agentes de dermatomicose. De acordo com nossos resultados, o predomínio de Trichophyton tonsurans como agente de dermatomicose em crianças na cidade do Recife, PE deve-se provavelmente ao maior contato destas com o solo.

This study had the aim of isolating and identifying keratinophilic fungi from soil and correlating them with dermatomycosis agents. According to our results, the predominance of Trichophyton tonsurans as a dermatomycosis agent among children in the city of Recife, PE, is probably due to children's greater contact with soil.

Infecções oportunistas por leveduras e perfil enzimático dos agentes etiológicos / Opportunistic yeast infections and enzymatic profile of the etiological agents

Infecções por leveduras são freqüentes em imunocomprometidos, contudo espécies emergentes têm alterado o perfil epidemiológico. A habilidade de secretar proteases tem sido associada à patogenicidade do gênero Candida. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivos diagnosticar leveduroses em pacientes imunocomprometidos e avaliar a virulência dos agentes etiológicos baseado em teste de secreção de protease utilizando soro de albumina bovina como substrato. Do total de 104 pacientes estudados, 19 apresentaram episódios de leveduroses. O trato respiratório (63,2 por cento), seguido pelo trato urinário (10,5 por cento) foram os locais mais comuns de infecção. Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis e espécies emergentes como Candida krusei e Candida guilliermondii foram isoladas. Cinco isolados de Candida parapsilosis e um de Candida albicans e Candida guilliermondii exibiram alta atividade enzimática. Concluímos que a caracterização enzimática de isolados de Candida pode ser um útil marcador prognóstico, especialmente em imunocomprometidos, uma vez que leveduroses nestes pacientes são geralmente graves.

Yeast infections are common in immunocompromised patients, although emerging species have been changing the epidemiological profile. The ability to secrete proteinases has been associated with pathogenicity within the genus Candida. This study had the aims of diagnosing yeast infections in immunocompromised patients and evaluating the virulence of the etiological agents, based on a proteinase secretion assay using bovine serum albumin as a substrate. Out of a total of 104 patients studied, 19 presented episodes of yeast infection. The respiratory tract (63.2 percent), followed by the urinary tract (10.5 percent), were the most common sites of infection. Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis and emerging species such as Candida krusei and Candida guilliermondii were isolated. Five isolates of Candida parapsilosis and one of Candida albicans and Candida guilliermondii exhibited high enzymatic activity. We conclude that enzymatic characterization of Candida isolates may be a useful prognostic marker, especially among immunocompromised individuals, since yeast infections in such patients are generally serious.

Invasive aspergillosis associated with systemic lupus erythematosus and cardiac postoperative complication / Aspergilose invasiva associada ao lúpus eritematoso sistêmico e a complicação cardíaca pós-operatória

Aspergillus is a ubiquitous fungus which can cause a variety ofclinical syndromes. This fungus has emerged as agent of systemic infections and has therefore gained considerable public health importance. This paper describes two cases of invasive aspergillosis caused by A. fumigatus in immuno-suppressed patients and underscores the importance of early identification of Aspergillus infection associated with systemic lupus erythematosus and cardiac postoperative complications.

Aspergillus é um fungo ubíquito que pode causar uma variedade de síndromes clínicas. Este fungo tem emergido como agente de infecções sistêmicas e tem conquistado considerável importância para saúde pública. Este trabalho descreve dois casos de aspergilose invasiva causada por A. fumigatus em pacientes imunossuprimidos e relata a importância da identificação precoce em infecção por Aspergillus associada ao lúpus eritematoso sistêmico e a complicações cardíacas pós-operatórias.