Biological properties of Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi essential oil

Abstract Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi green fruits essential oil (EO) was evaluated regarding its phytochemical profile, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities, and toxicity. Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry was applied to identify its constituents, thereafter the minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal and fungicidal concentrations, and its antibiofilm activity were evaluated. The EO cytotoxicity was assessed in tumor and non-tumor human cells, and in vivo toxicity was evaluated in a Galleria mellonella model. The major constituents of S. terebinthifolia EO were alpha-phellandrene and beta-phellandrene. The EO had a weak activity against all strains of Candida albicans (MIC 1000µg/mL) and had no activity against non-albicans strains, bacteria, and C. albicans biofilm. Cytostatic activity against all tumor cell lines was shown. Additionally, cell viability remained at EO concentrations up to 62.5 µg/mL. At 16 mg/mL, 50% hemolysis was observed, and it had low toxicity in vivo. Overall, the S. terebinthifolia EO was characterized by low antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities, with no evidence of toxicity to human tumor and non-tumor cells

Raquitismo carencial: a propósito de un caso

El raquitismo es una enfermedad que se caracteriza por una deficiencia en la osificación de los huesos, afectando a las metáfisis y por tanto a los niños en su etapa de crecimiento, con una expresión clínica común aun teniendo varias etiologías, entre ellas la carencia de vitamina D3, siendo ésta causa poco frecuente en nuestro país debido a la acción de los rayos solares UVB por ser un país subtropical. El motivo de la presentación es el caso de un niño de 2 años 3 meses portador de una hipoplasia renal congénita bilateral, que era sometido a diálisis peritoneal ambulatoria por ERC desde los 3 meses de edad. Ingresó al hospital para ser tratado por disfunción de la diálisis peritoneal causada por obstrucción distal del catéter, en el examen al ingreso se constataron hipocrecimiento y retraso del desarrollo motor importante, así como signos clínicos, radiográficos y de laboratorio de raquitismo activo, presentando en la sangre niveles de vitamina D2 muy bajos lo que reveló ser raquitismo carencial, iniciándose tratamiento con Calcitriol a 3.000 UI/día, teniendo una buena respuesta a la medicación, mejorando las lesiones óseas y del desarrollo motor comenzando a ponerse de pie y dando pasos con apoyo.

Rickets is a disease characterized by a deficiency in bone ossification, affecting the metaphyses, and therefore children during their growth stages, with a common clinical expression even though there are several etiologies, among them the lack of vitamin D3, a rare cause in our subtropical country due to the action of UVB rays. We present the case of a 2-year-old 3-month-old child with bilateral congenital renal hypoplasia who underwent outpatient peritoneal dialysis for CKD starting at 3 months of age. She was admitted to the hospital to be treated for dysfunction of peritoneal dialysis caused by a distal catheter obstruction. On her admission examination, there was evidence of growth retardation and delayed motor development, as well as clinical, radiographic and laboratory signs of active rickets. Blood levels of vitamin D2 very low, which showed this to be a deficiency rickets, She was treated with Calcitriol at 3,000 IU / day, and had a good response to the medication, showing improvement in her bone lesions and motor development, beginning to stand up and taking steps with support.

Effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Celtis iguanaea on markers of cardiovascular diseases and glucose metabolism in cholesterol-fed rats

ABSTRACT Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sarg., Cannabaceae, is popularly used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. However, chemical and pharmacological investigations are lacking. In this study, we investigated the effects of the hydroalcoholic extract from C. iguanaea on markers of cardiovascular diseases and the glucose metabolism in cholesterol-fed rats. Therefore, hypercholesterolemic rats (1% cholesterol) were orally treated with C. iguanaea extract (C-150, CI-300, or CI-600 mg/kg) or simvastatin (4 mg/kg) (n = 6) once a day (30 days) with a hypercholesterolemic diet. A control group (C) was given saline. C. iguanaea extract showed significant decreases in serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HMG-CoA-reductase, interleukin-1 and 6, TNF-α and IFN-γ when compared to group C (p < 0.001). Hypoglycemic effects were observed along with a decrease of the activity of sucrase (CI-600), maltase (CI-150, CI-300), and an increase in muscle glycogen levels (CI-300). Antioxidant effects were observed in plasma by the decrease of TBARS and increase of nonprotein thiols levels (CI-600). The histopathological analysis showed a significant decrease in the liver fat area for C. iguanaea extract compared to group C (p < 0.001). Our results suggest that the biological effects of C. iguanaea extract could be related to the flavonoids that possibly exert antioxidant, enzymatic inhibitory, and insulin-mimetic effects.

Antifungal, antibiofilm, and antiproliferative activities of Guapira graciliflora Mart

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the antifungal, antibiofilm and antiproliferative activities of the extract from the leaves of Guapira graciliflora Mart. The phytochemical characterization of the extract was performed using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). The antimicrobial activity of the extract and its fractions was evaluated using the broth microdilution method against species of Candida. The inhibition of C. albicans biofilm was evaluated based on the number of colony-forming units (CFU) and metabolic activity (MTT). The antiproliferative activity of the extract and its fraction was evaluated in the presence of human tumor and non-tumor cells, and the cytotoxicity of the extract was determined on the RAW 264.7 macrophage line - both using the sulforhodamine B method. The phytochemical characterization indicated the presence of the flavonoids rutin and kaempferol. The extract and the methanol fraction exhibited moderate antifungal activity against C. albicans, C. krusei, and C. glabrata, and strong activity against C. dubliniensis. In the biofilms at 24 and 48 hours, the concentration of 12500 µg/mL of the extract was the most effective at reducing the number of CFU s/mL (44.4% and 42.9%, respectively) and the metabolic activity of C. albicans cells (34.6% and 52%, respectively). The extract and its fractions had no antiproliferative effect on the tumor lines tested, with mean activity (log GI50) equal to or greater than 1.71 µg/mL. Macrophage cell viability remained higher than 80% for concentrations of the extract of up to 62.5 µg/mL. G. graciliflora has flavonoids in its chemical composition and demonstrates potential antifungal and antibiofilm activity, with no evidence of a significant change in the viability of human tumor and non-tumor cell lines.

Beneficial effects of intradialytic cardiopulmonary rehabilitation / Efeitos benéficos da reabilitação cardiopulmonar intradialítica

Abstract Introduction: Patients on hemodialysis (HD) present high mortality from cardiovascular complications and high morbidity, including decreasing functional capacity and quality of life. Objective: To analyze clinical and laboratory responses of patients in HD to intradialytic cardiopulmonary rehabilitation on an outpatient basis. Methods: We evaluated 14 patients in a prospective study for 8 months using cardiopulmonary rehabilitation protocol (CRehab) consisted of intradialytic aerobic exercise with a cycle ergometer. We analyzed heart rate (HR), systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and modified Borg scale. We evaluated cardiac function by echocardiogram, functional capacity by six minutes walk test (6MWT), and quality of life by SF-36 survey, before and after CRehab. Biochemical data and KT/Vsp were collected form medical records. Results: During CRehab, the results of HR, SBP, DBP, SpO2 and Borg scale showed no significant changes. 6MWT test showed progressive increase in the distance covered (p < 0.001) as well as a reduction in the scale of Borg post-6MWT (p = 0.009). There was no significant change in any biochemical data or in KT/Vsp. There was increase in left ventricular ejection from 65.7 ± 10.2% to 73.6 ± 10.1% (p = 0.028) and in left ventricular diastolic diameter (p = 0.027). According to SF-36 survey, patients showed improvement in three areas: physical role functioning (p = 0.012), bodily pain (p = 0.007) and vitality (p = 0.009). Conclusion: The intradialytic CRehab applied in this population was safe and allowed objective improvement of functional capacity and exercise tolerance, subjective improvement in the perception of effort, significant increase in cardiac function and better quality of life in different domains.

Resumo Introdução: Pacientes em hemodiálise (HD) têm alta mortalidade e morbidade por complicações cardiovasculares, inclusive por redução da capacidade funcional e qualidade de vida. Objetivo: Analisar a evolução clínica e laboratorial de pacientes em HD ambulatorial submetidos à reabilitação cardiopulmonar (RCP) intradialítica. Métodos: Avaliamos 14 pacientes em um estudo prospectivo por 8 meses, utilizando protocolo de RCP com exercícios aeróbicos intradialíticos. Analisamos frequência cardíaca (FC), pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) e diastólica (PAD), saturação periférica de oxigênio (SpO2) e escala de Borg modificada em todas as sessões de HD. Avaliamos função cardíaca por ecocardiograma, capacidade funcional (CF) pelo teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6M), e qualidade de vida pelo Questionário SF-36, antes e depois da RCP. Dados bioquímicos e de Kt/Vsp foram coletados dos prontuários. Resultados: Durante a RCP, os resultados de FC, PAS, PAD, SpO2 e escala de Borg não mostraram alterações significativas. No TC6M observamos aumento progressivo da distância percorrida (p < 0,001) e redução na escala de Borg pós-TC6M entre D0-D180 (p = 0,009). Não houve alteração significativa nos testes bioquímicos e no KT/Vsp. Houve aumento na fração de ejeção de 65,7 ± 10,2 para 73,6 ± 10,1% (p = 0,028) e no diâmetro diastólico do ventrículo esquerdo (p = 0,027). No questionário SF-36, houve melhora significativa nos domínios: limitação física (p = 0,012), dor (p = 0,007) e vitalidade (p = 0,009). Conclusão: A RCP intradialítica nesta população foi segura e permitiu melhora objetiva da CF e tolerância ao exercício, melhora subjetiva na percepção do esforço, aumento significativo da função cardíaca, bem como melhoria na qualidade de vida em diferentes domínios.

Hypolipidemic and antiatherogenic effects of Cynara scolymus in cholesterol-fed rats

ABSTRACT Cynara scolymus L., Asteraceae, are traditionally used to treat dyspepsia. This study evaluated the hypolipidemic and antiatherogenic effects of an aqueous extract prepared from the leaves of C. scolymus in rat's model. Hypercholesterolemic rats (1% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid for 15 days) were treated (0.5 ml/200 g) with extract of C. scolymus (150, 300, or 600 mg/kg p.o.; n = 6) or simvastatin (4 mg/kg p.o.; n = 6) once per day for 30 days along with hypercaloric diet. A control group (C) was given water (0.5 ml/200 g; n = 6). A high-cholesterol diet was maintained throughout the treatment period. Rats treated with extract of C. scolymus (150, 300, or 600 mg/kg) and simvastatin showed significant decreases in serum levels of total cholesterol (−46.9%, −51.9%, −44%, and −41.9%, respectively) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C; −52.1%, −54.8%, −51.9%, and −46.7%, respectively), compared with group C (p < 0.005). Biochemical analyses revealed significant decrease in the concentration of IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, C-reactive protein, oxidized-LDL, and antioxidized-LDL in rats treated with extract of C. scolymus (150, 300, or 600 mg/kg). There were no differences in serum ALT enzyme activity between the groups. Our results suggest that hypolipidemic and antiatherogenic effects could be related with the presence of polar substances present in aqueous extract of C. scolymus.

Adesão ao Programa Suspirar nas Unidades Atenção Primária à Saúde do município de Juiz de Fora / Adhesion to the Sigh Program at the Primary Attention Health Care Units of the municipality of Juiz de Fora

A asma é a doença crônica de maior prevalência na infância, responsável por 2000 óbitos anualmente. Nesse contexto, em outubro de 2004 foi iniciado em Juiz de Fora, o Programa Suspirar, englobando crianças e adolescentes de zero a 19 anos. O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a adesão das Unidades de Atenção Primária de Saúde de Juiz de Fora (UAPS)ao Programa Suspirar, dentre as quais 65,5% possuíam crianças e adolescentes cadastradas no Suspirar. Com relação à capacitação dos profissionais, 77,3% dos médicos envolvidos se consideravam plenamente capacitados para execução do programa. Houveram relatos de dificuldade no acesso ao nível secundário de saúde (encaminhamento ao pneumopediatra) para 23% dos questionários respondidos. Em relação à formação de grupos educativos, 86,4% das equipes de saúde não realizaram nenhuma atividade com esta finalidade. O cartão Suspirar foi distribuído somente por 42,9% das equipes. Através da análise de diversos fatores essenciais para o sucesso do Suspirar, constatou-se que a sua prática não é uniforme entre as unidades de saúde de Juiz de Fora. Portanto, ações devem ser instituídas para o desenvolvimento pleno do programa, contribuindo, assim, para melhorar a qualidade de vida da população asmática, como também para a otimização de custos do Sistema Única de Saúde.

Transfusion practices in a neonatal intensive care unit in a city in Brazil

OBJECTIVE: Newborn infants are the most heavily transfused population inside intensive care units. The hemoglobin level used to indicate the need of transfusions is not well established. The aim of this study was to evaluate transfusional practices in newborns in the neonatal intensive care units of one specific city. METHODS: Red blood cell transfusion practices of all transfused newborns in all five of the neonatal intensive care units of the city were analyzed. Data are reported as descriptive statistics, including numbers and percentages and means and standard deviation. Univariate analysis, followed by stepwise logistic regression was performed in respect to transfusional data and outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 949 patients were admitted to the intensive care units during the 12-month study period with 20.9% receiving at least one transfusion, most (62.4%) of whom received more than one transfusion. The mean number of transfusions per infant was 2.7 ± 2.16; in the liberal transfusion group the mean number was 1.59 ± 1.63 and in the restrictive group it was 1.08 ± 1.51. The mean hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were 9.0 g/dL (±1.4 g/dL) and 27.4% (±4.3%), respectively. The most common indications for blood transfusions were sepsis and prematurity. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the characteristics and the transfusion practices for newborns admitted in the neonatal intensive care units of Juiz de Fora are similar to recent pubications. There was no significant reduction in the number of transfusions per child in the restrictive group compared to the liberal group. Restrictive transfusions are an independent risk factor for peri-intraventricular hemorrhages and death...

Bifenilos policlorados em soro de homens e sua relação com o nível de antígeno prostático específico / Polychlorinated biphenyls in serum samples from male individuals and their relationship with the prostatic specific antigen levels

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi de determinar a concentração dos bifenilos policlorados (PCBs) 28,52, 138, 153 e 180 em amostras de soro de indivíduos do sexo masculino, e de relacionar estes valores com os índices de antígeno prostático específico (APE) previamente pesquisado na população de estudo. A extração dos compostos foi realizada por hidrólise ácida, seguida da determinação e quantificação por meio de GC-μECD. Os PCBs 28 e 52 apresentaram-se abaixo do limite de quantificação em todas as amostras analisadas. Dentre os compostos detectados, o PCB 138 foi o mais frequente (75%) e de maior valor médio (2,05 ng.mL-1); o PCB 153 foi detectado em 62,50% e o PCB 180, em 54,17% das amostras. Em relação aos níveis de APE, estes não apresentaram correlação significativa com as concentrações de PCBs nas amostras analisadas. Há escassez de trabalhos de análise desses compostos em amostras de soro de indivíduos humanos realizados no Brasil. Por conseguinte, realização de estudos adicionais são sugeridos para determinar os fatores causadores dessa contaminação, bem como novas investigações sobre a influência da concentração de PCBs sobre as taxas de APE nas amostras de soro de indivíduos do sexo masculino.

Trypanocidal activity of human plasma on Trypanosoma evansi in mice / Atividade tripanocida do plasma humano sobre Trypanosoma evansi em camundongos

This study aimed to test an alternative protocol with human plasma to control Trypanosoma evansi infection in mice. Plasma from an apparently 27-year-old healthy male, blood type A+, was used in the study. A concentration of 100 mg.dL-1 apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) was detected in the plasma. Forty mice were divided into four groups with 10 animals each. Group A comprised uninfected animals. Mice from groups B, C and D were inoculated with a T. evansi isolate. Group B was used as a positive control. At three days post-infection (DPI), the mice were administered intraperitoneally with human plasma. A single dose of 0.2 mL plasma was given to those in group C. The mice from group D were administered five doses of 0.2 mL plasma with a 24 hours interval between the doses. Group B showed high increasing parasitemia that led to their death within 5 DPI. Both treatments eliminated parasites from the blood and increased the longevity of animals. An efficacy of 50 (group C) and 80% (group D) of human plasma trypanocidal activity was found using PCR. This therapeutic success was likely achieved in the group D due to their higher levels of APOL1 compared with group C.

Este estudo teve como objetivo testar um protocolo alternativo com plasma humano para controlar a infecção por Trypanosoma evansi em camundongos. O plasma foi oriundo de um homem aparentemente saudável, com idade entre 27 anos e tipo de sangue A+. Foi detectada uma concentração de 100 mg.dL -1 de apolipoproteína L1 (APOL1) no plasma. Quarenta camundongos foram divididos em quatro grupos, contendo dez animais cada. Grupo A, composto de animais não infectados. Os roedores dos grupos B, C e D foram inoculados intraperitonealmente com um isolado de T. evansi. O Grupo B foi usado como um controle positivo. Três dias pós-infecção (DPI), os camundongos foram tratados com plasma humano. Uma dose única de 0,2 mL de plasma foi administrada nos roedores do grupo C. Os ratos do grupo D receberam cinco doses de 0,2 mL de plasma em intervalos de 24 horas. Os ratos do grupo B apresentaram parasitemia crescente, o que ocasionou a morte dos animais em 5 DPI. Ambos os tratamentos foram capazes de eliminar o parasito do sangue e aumentar a longevidade dos animais. O método da PCR detectou uma eficácia de 50% (grupo C) e 80% (grupo D) no tratamento com plasma humano. Este sucesso terapêutico obtido nos animais do grupo D provavelmente foi por receber maiores níveis de APOL1, comparado ao grupo C.

Impact of subclinical hypothyroidism treatment in systolic and diastolic cardiac function / Impacto do tratamento do hipotireoidismo subclínico na função cardíaca sistólica e diastólica

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of levothyroxine (L-T4) replacement in echocardiographic parameters of middle-aged women with subclinical hypothyroidism (SH). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Echocardiographic evaluation was carried out at baseline and one year after restoration of euthyroidism. Thirty-three women with SH were assigned to one of two groups (L-T4 or placebo). RESULTS: The two groups had similar basal characteristics. There was a significant deterioration of left ventricular Tei index after one year of placebo use, which differed from the effect of L-T4 replacement (+0.086 ± 0.092 vs. -0.014 ± 0.012; p = 0.047). There was also a slight reduction in cardiac output and cardiac index with placebo use, which was not different from L-T4 effect. CONCLUSION: Results suggest a positive impact of L-T4 replacement in cardiac function of middle-aged women with SH.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos da reposição de levotiroxina (L-T4) nos parâmetros ecocardiográficos em mulheres de meia-idade com hipotireoidismo subclínico (HS). SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Realizado estudo duplo-cego, controlado com placebo com avaliação dos parâmetros ecocardiográficos no início e um ano após o restabelecimento do eutireoidismo. Trinta e três mulheres foram incluídas em dois grupos (uso de L-T4 ou placebo). RESULTADOS: Os dois grupos tinham características basais similares. Houve uma significativa piora do índice TEI do ventrículo esquerdo no grupo que usou placebo por um ano. Já no grupo em reposição com L-T4 observou-se uma leve melhora desse índice (+0,086 ± 0,092 vs. -0,014 ± 0,012; p = 0,047). Ocorreu também uma leve redução no débito cardíaco e no índice cardíaco com placebo, os quais não diferiram do efeito da reposição de L-T4. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados sugerem um impacto positivo com a reposição de L-T4, na função cardíaca de mulheres de meia-idade, com HS.

Biological activities of a mixture of biosurfactant from Bacillus subtilis and alkaline lipase from Fusarium oxysporum

In this study, we investigate the antimicrobial effects of a mixture of a biosurfactant from Bacillus subtilis and an alkaline lipase from Fusarium oxysporum (AL/BS mix) on several types of microorganisms, as well as their abilities to remove Listeria innocua ATCC 33093 biofilm from stainless steel coupons. The AL/BS mix had a surface tension of around 30 mN.m-1, indicating that the presence of alkaline lipase did not interfere in the surface activity properties of the tensoactive component. The antimicrobial activity of the AL/BS mix was determined by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) micro-assays. Among all the tested organisms, the presence of the mixture only affected the growth of B. subtilis CCT 2576, B. cereus ATCC 10876 and L. innocua. The most sensitive microorganism was B. cereus (MIC 0.013 mg.mL-1). In addition, the effect of the sanitizer against L. innocua attached to stainless steel coupons was determined by plate count after vortexing. The results showed that the presence of the AL/BS mix improved the removal of adhered cells relative to treatment done without the sanitizer, reducing the count of viable cells by 1.72 log CFU.cm-2. However, there was no significant difference between the sanitizers tested and an SDS detergent standard (p<0.05).

Marcadores inflamatórios e anticorpos anti-chlamydia em pacientes com síndrome metabólica / Inflammatory markers and antichlamydial antibodies in patients with metabolic syndrome / Marcadores inflamatorios y anticuerpos anti-chlamydia en pacientes con síndrome metabólico

FUNDAMENTO: A síndrome metabólica está associada ao aumento de risco de eventos cardiovasculares. Marcadores inflamatórios e anticorpos anti-Chlamydia têm sido relacionados ao desenvolvimento e à progressão da aterosclerose e dos eventos cardiovasculares. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os marcadores inflamatórios interleucina-6 (IL-6) e fator de necrose tumoral-alfa (TNF-α) e os anticorpos anti-Chlamydia pneumoniae em pacientes com síndrome metabólica (SM), com e sem eventos cardiovasculares. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal constituído por 147 indivíduos. Desses, 100 (68 por cento) com SM e sem eventos cardiovasculares; e 47 (32 por cento) com SM e com eventos cardiovasculares. Dos indivíduos que sofreram eventos cardiovasculares, 13 (6,11 por cento) apresentam infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM), e dez (4,7 por cento), acidente vascular cerebral (AVC). O diagnóstico da SM foi determinado pelos critérios do NCEP-ATPIII. RESULTADOS: A média de idade dos sujeitos com eventos cardiovasculares foi de 61,26 ± 8,5 e de 59,32 ± 9,9 nos indivíduos sem esses eventos (p=0,279), havendo predomínio do sexo feminino. O grupo com SM e sem evento apresentou maior peso, altura, IMC e circunferência abdominal. Para os indivíduos com eventos cardiovasculares (p=0,001), os marcadores inflamatórios IL-6 e TNF-α e a doença vascular periférica foram significativamente maiores. Obtiveram-se níveis elevados de anticorpos IgG para Chlamydia pneumoniae no grupo SM, sem eventos e de IgA no grupo com eventos quando comparados os dois grupos. Com relação ao IAM e ao AVC, os anticorpos anti-Chlamydia pneumoniae não demonstraram significância estatística, comparados ao grupo sem eventos cardiovasculares. Associação foi observada com o uso de estatinas, hipoglicemiantes orais, injetáveis e anti-inflamatórios não esteroidais no grupo com esses eventos. CONCLUSÃO: Marcadores inflamatórios encontram-se significativamente elevados em pacientes com SM, com IAM e AVC. Anticorpos anti-Chlamydia não mostraram diferença significativa em pacientes com SM, com e sem eventos.

BACKGROUND: The metabolic syndrome is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events. Inflammatory markers and antichlamydial antibodies have been linked to the development and progression of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the inflammatory markers interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), as well as anti-chlamydia pneumoniae antibodies, in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS), with and without cardiovascular events. METHODS: Cross sectional study consisting of 147 individuals. Out of these, 100 (68 percent) with MS and without cardiovascular events; and 47 (32 percent) with MS and with cardiovascular events. Among the individuals who had had cardiovascular events, 13 (6.11 percent) had acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and ten (4.7 percent) had cerebrovascular accident (CVA). The diagnosis of MS was determined by the criteria of NCEP-ATPIII. RESULTS: The mean age of subjects with cardiovascular events was 61.26 ± 8.5 and 59.32 ± 9.9 in subjects without such events (p = 0.279), with a predominance of females. The weight, height, BMI and waist circumference of the group with MS and without event was greater. Among individuals with cardiovascular events (p = 0.001), the inflammatory markers IL-6 and TNF-α and the peripheral vascular disease were significantly greater. There were high levels of IgG antibodies to C. pneumoniae in the SM group, without events, and of IgA antibodies in the group with events, when the two groups were compared. With respect to AMI and stroke, the anti-chlamydia pneumoniae antibodies showed no statistical significance, compared to the group without cardiovascular events. An association was observed with the use of statins, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and injectable, oral hypoglycemic agents, in the group with these events. CONCLUSION: The inflammatory markers were significantly elevated in patients with MS, with acute myocardial infarction and stroke. There was no significant difference in anti-chlamydial antibodies in patients with MS, with and without events.

FUNDAMENTO: El síndrome metabólico está asociado al aumento de riesgo de eventos cardiovasculares. Marcadores inflamatorios y anticuerpos anti-Chlamydia han sido relacionados al desarrollo y a la progresión de la aterosclerosis y de los eventos cardiovasculares. OBJETIVO: Evaluar los marcadores inflamatorios interleucina-6 (IL-6) y factor de necrosis tumoral-alfa (TNF-α) y los anticuerpos anti-Chlamydia pneumoniae en pacientes con síndrome metabólico (SM), con y sin eventos cardiovasculares. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal constituido por 147 individuos. De estos, 100 (68 por ciento) con SM y sin eventos cardiovasculares; y 47 (32 por ciento) con SM y con eventos cardiovasculares. De los individuos que habían sufrido eventos cardiovasculares, 13 (6,11 por ciento) presentan infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM), y diez (4,7 por ciento), accidente cerebro vascular (ACV). El diagnóstico del SM fue determinado por los criterios del NCEP-ATPIII. RESULTADOS: La media de edad de los sujetos con eventos cardiovasculares fue de 61,26 ± 8,5 y de 59,32 ± 9,9 en los individuos sin esos eventos (p=0,279), habiendo predominio del sexo femenino. El grupo con SM y sin evento presentó mayor peso, altura, IMC y circunferencia abdominal. Para los individuos con eventos cardiovasculares (p=0,001), los marcadores inflamatorios IL-6 y TNF-α y la enfermedad vascular periférica fueron significativamente mayores. Se obtuvieron niveles elevados de anticuerpos IgG para Chlamydia pneumoniae en el grupo SM, sin eventos y de IgA en el grupo con eventos cuando fueron comparados los dos grupos. Con relación al IAM y al ACV, los anticuerpos anti-Chlamydia pneumoniae no demostraron significación estadística, comparados al grupo sin eventos cardiovasculares. Asociación fue observada con el uso de estatinas, hipoglicemiantes orales, inyectables y antiinflamatorios no esteroides en el grupo con esos eventos. CONCLUSIÓN: Marcadores inflamatorios se encuentran significativamente elevados en pacientes con SM, con IAM y ACV. Anticuerpos anti-Chlamydia no mostraron diferencia significativa en pacientes con SM, con y sin eventos.

Atividade antimicrobiana de Tigeciclina frente a Cocos Gram-Positivos de importância clínica de Santa Maria-RS / Antimicrobial activity of tigecicline against clinical isolates of gram-positive coccus from Santa Maria - RS

As infecções causadas por microrganismos Gram-positivos têm sido e são um problema importante tanto nacomunidade como no âmbito hospitalar. Na era atual de redução no desenvolvimento de fármacos antimicrobianos, a Tigeciclina é a primeira das Glicilciclinas aprovadas para uso clínico pela FDA( ) que podeapresentar uma importante atividade contra estes microrganismos. Neste estudo, foram analisadas 131 amostras de cocos Gram-positivos provenientes de isolados clínicos de pacientes internados em um hospital privado de Santa Maria-RS. Para a determinação da atividade antimicrobiana de Tigeciclina utilizou-se o método de disco-difusão, onde foram dispostos discos de Tigeciclina nas placas contendo o meio de cultura Ágar Mueller Hinton. Os sítios anatômicos mais freqüentes deisolados clínicos foram: urina com 44 amostras (33,6%), seguido de secreções com 22 amostras (16,8%), hemoculturas com 22 amostras (16,8%) e secreção traqueal com 12 amostras (9,2%). Os microrganismos mais freqüentemente isoladosforam com 87 amostras (66,4%), seguido de sp. com 19 amostras (14,5%), coagulase negativo com 8 amostras (6,1%), e com 7 amostras (5,4%). Quando verificada a atividade antimicrobiana de Tigeciclina, verificou-se que todas as amostras (100%) apresentaram susceptibilidade .Tigeciclina, Gram-positivos, atividade antimicrobiana. US Food and Drug Administration Staphylococcus aureus Streptococcus Staphylococcus aureus Staphylococcus epidermidis in vitro.

The infections caused by Gram-positive microorganisms have been and are an important problem in both thecommunity as well as the hospital extent. In the current era of reduction in the development of antimicrobial medicines, Tigecycline is the first of the Glycylcyclines approved to be clinically used by the FDA(US Food and Drug Administration) and it is capable of showing an important activity against those microorganisms. In this study, a total of 131 samples of Grampositivecocci excrement were tested and they were originating from clinical isolated cases of interned patients at a privatehospital in Santa Maria – RS. To determine the antimicrobial activity of Tigecycline, the disk diffusion method was used, where disks of Tigecycline were available in plates which contained the Mueller-Hinton Agar medium. The most frequent anatomical sites of clinical isolated cases were: a total of 44 samples of urine (33, 6%), followed by 22 samples of secretions (16, 8%), 22 samples of hemoculture (16, 8%) and 12 samples of tracheal secretion (9, 2%). The most frequently isolatedmicroorganisms were a total of 87 samples of Staphylococcus aureus (66, 4%), followed by 19 samples of Streptococcus sp. (14, 5%), 8 samples of negative Staphylococcus aureus coagulose (6, 1%), and 7 samples of Staphylococcus epidermidis (5, 4%). When the antimicrobial activity of Tigecycline was verified, all the samples (100%) showed in vitro susceptibility.

Control of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (penz.) Sacc. In yellow passion fruit using Cymbopogon citratus essential oil

The use of antibiotics in agriculture is limited when compared to their applications in human and veterinary medicine. On the other hand, the use of antimicrobials in agriculture contributes to the drug resistance of human pathogens and has stimulated the search for new antibiotics from natural products. Essential oils have been shown to exert several biological activities including antibacterial and antifungal actions. The aim of this study was to determine the activity of 28 essential oils from medicinal plants cultivated at CPMA (Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Collection), CPQBA/UNICAMP, against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Sacc., the anthracnose agent in yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims f. flavicarpa Deg), as well as evaluating their effect in the control of post-harvest decay. The oils were obtained by water-distillation using a Clevenger-type system and their minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) determined by the micro-dilution method. According to the results, 15 of the 28 essential oils presented activity against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, and the following four oils presented MIC values between 0.25 and 0.3 mg/mL: Coriandrum sativum, Cymbopogon citratus, Cymbopogon flexuosus and Lippia alba. The evaluation of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil in the control of post-harvest decay in yellow passion fruit showed that the disease index of the samples treated with the essential oil did not differ (P < 0.05) from that of the samples treated with fungicide. The present study shows the potential of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil in the control of the anthracnose agent in yellow passion fruit.

Purification and partial characterization of manganese peroxidase from Bacillus pumilus AND Paenibacillus sp

The production of manganese peroxidase (MnP) from Bacillus pumilus and Paenibacillus sp. was studied under absence and presence of the inducers indulin AT, guayacol, veratryl alcohol, lignosulfonic acid and lignosulfonic acid desulfonated. Indulin AT increased the activity of B. pumilus MnP up to 31.66 U/L after 8 h, but no improve was observed for Paenibacillus sp., which reached maximum activity (12.22 U/L) after 20 h. Both MnPs produced by these microorganisms were purified in phenyl sepharose resin and the proteins from crude extracts were eluted in two fractions. However, only the first fraction of each extract exhibited MnP activities. Tests in different pH and temperature values, from pH 5.0 to pH 10.0 and 30 ºC to 60 ºC, respectively, were carried out with the purified MnP. The maximum activity reached for B. pumilus and Paenibacillus sp. MnPs were 4.3 U/L at pH 8.0 and 25 ºC and 11.74 U/L at pH 9.0 and 35 ºC, respectively. The molar masses determined by SDS-PAGE gel eletrophoresis were 25 kDa and 40 kDa, respectively, for the purified enzyme from B. pumilus and Paenibacillus sp.

Use of Bacillus pumilus CBMAI 0008 and Paenibacillus sp. CBMAI 868 for colour removal from paper mill effluent / Emprego de Bacillus pumilus CBMAI 0008 e Paenibacillus sp. CBMAI 868 para remoção da cor do efluente da indústria papeleira

Bacillus pumilus and Paenibacillus sp. were applied on the paper mill effluent to investigate the colour remotion. Inocula were individually applied in effluent at pH 7.0, 9.0 and 11.0. The real colour and COD remotion after 48h at pH 9.0 were, respectively, 41.87% and 22.08% for B. pumilus treatment and 42.30% and 22.89% for Paenibacillus sp. Gel permeation chromatography was used to verify the molar masses of compounds in the non-treated and treated effluent, showing a decrease in the compounds responsible for the paper mill effluent colour.

Bacillus pumilus e Paenibacillus sp. foram aplicados separadamente no efluente da indústria papeleira a pH 7,0, 9,0 e 11,0, para verificação da remoção da cor e da DQO. As remoções da cor real e DQO após 48h a pH 9,0 foram, respectivamente, de 41,87% e 22,08% após o tratamento com B. pumilus e 42,30% e 22,89% após tratamento com Paenibacillus sp. As massas molares dos compostos presentes no efluente não tratado e tratado foram determinadas por cromatografia de permeação em gel. O emprego dos microrganismos reduziu os compostos responsáveis pela cor do efluente da indústria papeleira.

Diagnósticos diferenciais de Paracoccidioidomicose em Pediatria e seguimento de paciente portadora da doença / Differential diagnosis of Paracoccidioidomycosis in Pediatrics and follow-up of a case

O diagnóstico de Paracoccidioidomicose em criança de três anos e seis meses leva à discussão a respeito dos diagnósticos diferenciais da doença, bem como sobre o seguimento ambulatorial após o tratamento da fase aguda. No caso apresentado, chama atenção a demora no diagnóstico e tratamento específico, uma vez que a paracoccidioidomicose produz sintomas que mimetizam outras doenças de acordo com o(s) órgão(s) acometido(s). O diagnóstico definitivo foi obtido por meio de estudo anátomo-patológico. No tratamento, foram utilizados Sulfametoxazol-trimetoprima e Anfotericina B. Após a resolução da fase aguda, a criança foi encaminhada ao ambulatório de Infectologia Pediátrica para continuar em acompanhamento clínico.

The diagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis in a 3-year-6-month-old child led to the discussion of its differential diagnosis and outpatient follow-up after treatment of the acute phase. In the case reported, because of the protean manifestations of the disease, according to the organ affected, there was a delay in the correct diagnosis and specific therapy. Histopathology gave the definitive diagnosis. Treatment was with cotrimoxazole and amphotericin B. After resolution of the acute phase, the child was referred to follow-up at the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Outpatient Service.

Susceptibility of Candida spp. Oral isolates for azolic antifungals and amphotericin B

Aims: Among the oral infections, candidosis may be considered the most frequent, and C. albicans the most prevalent species. Meanwhile, the non-albicans species may also be related to other infections processes and be able to affect the oral cavity, including periodontal disease. In this sense, understanding the relationship between Candida spp. and host, it is necessary and justified the search of mechanisms modulators of infections and treatments against diseases associated with these yeasts. Methods: Nineteen patients with periodontal disease were involved in this study. The aim was evaluate the susceptibility to azoles antifungals fluconozole, itraconazole, ketoconazole and the polienic anfotericin B against Candida spp isolated from three different sites of the oral cavity from these patients (periodontal disease, being periodontal pocket, oral mucosa and ridge gingival), by the minimum inhibitory concentration method – MIC. Results: Among the samples of C. albicans, 88% showed susceptibility depending on the concentration (SCD) and 3.6 % were resistant to at least one antifungal azole studied. Among the others species, 57% presented SDC and 42.8% showed resistance to at least one of the antifungal azole tested. Regarding to Anfotericin B, 90% of the C. albicans isolates and 3% of the nonalbicans showed resistance. There was no occurrence of resistance to the fluconazole and only 3.6% of C. albicans and 40% of the non-albicans were SDC to this antifungal. Conclusions: Patients with periondontal disease showed relevant levels of colonization by Candida spp, mainly at the oral mucosa and periodontal pocket showing important occurrence of SDC and resistance to the antifungals drugs tested.