Virulence genes in Escherichia coli isolates from commercialized saltwater mussels Mytella guyanensis (Lamarck, 1819) / Presença de genes de virulência em isolados de Escherichia coli provenientes de sururu Mytella guyanensis (Lamarck, 1819) comercializado

Abstract The isolation of Escherichia coli from food is a major concern. Pathogenic strains of these bacteria cause diseases which range from diarrhea to hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Therefore the virulence genes in E. coli isolates from the mussel ( Mytella guyanensis) commercialized in Cachoeira, Bahia, Brazil were investigated. Samples were purchased from four vendors: two from supermarkets and two from fair outlets. They were conditioned into isothermal boxes with reusable ice and transported to the laboratory for analysis. E. coli strains were isolated in eosin methylene blue agar, preserved in brain-heart infusion medium with 15% glycerol and stored at -20 °C, after microbiological analysis. Virulence genes in the isolated strains were identified by specific primers, with Polymerase Chain Reaction. Twenty-four isolates were obtained, with a prevalence of elt gene, typical from enterotoxigenic infection, in 75% of the isolates. The stx and bfpA genes, prevalent in enterohemorragic and enteropathogenic E. coli, respectively, were not detected. The occurrence of elt virulence-related gene in the E. coli isolates of Mytella guyanensis reveals urgent improvement in food processing, including good handling practices, adequate storage and cooking before consumption, to ensure consumer's health.

Resumo O isolamento de Escherichia coli a partir de alimentos é uma grande preocupação, pois cepas patogênicas desta bactéria podem causar desde diarreia até síndrome hemolítico-urêmica. Diante do exposto, o objetivo do trabalho foi pesquisar genes de virulência em isolados de Escherichia coli provenientes do sururu Mytella guyanensis comercializado na cidade de Cachoeira, Bahia, Brasil. As amostras foram adquiridas de quatro comerciantes, sendo duas de mercados e duas em pontos de venda na feira livre da cidade de Cachoeira, acondicionadas em caixas isotérmicas com gelo reutilizável e transportadas até o laboratório para a análise. Após a análise microbiológica, as cepas de Escherichia coli foram isoladas em ágar Eosina Azul de Metileno e preservadas em caldo Brian Heart Infusion e glicerol a 15% e mantidas a - 20° C. A identificação dos genes de virulência nas cepas isoladas foi realizada utilizando primers específicos, por meio da Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase. Foram obtidos 24 isolados de Escherichia coli, destes a prevalência do gene elt , característico de Escherichia coli enterotoxigênica, foi de 75% dos isolados. Não houve a detecção dos genes stx e bfpA nos isolados, os quais são prevalentes nas cepas de Escherichia coli enterohemorrágica e Escherichia coli enteropatogênica, respectivamente. A presença do gene elt relacionado à virulência de Escherichia coli nos isolados de Mytella guyanensis revela a necessidade da melhoria no processamento, incluindo boas práticas de manipulação, armazenamento adequado e cocção previa ao consumo, visando a garantia da saúde do consumidor.

Virulence genes in Escherichia coli isolates from commercialized saltwater mussels Mytella guyanensis (Lamarck, 1819).

The isolation of Escherichia coli from food is a major concern. Pathogenic strains of these bacteria cause diseases which range from diarrhea to hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Therefore the virulence genes in E. coli isolates from the mussel ( Mytella guyanensis) commercialized in Cachoeira, Bahia, Brazil were investigated. Samples were purchased from four vendors: two from supermarkets and two from fair outlets. They were conditioned into isothermal boxes with reusable ice and transported to the laboratory for analysis. E. coli strains were isolated in eosin methylene blue agar, preserved in brain-heart infusion medium with 15% glycerol and stored at -20 °C, after microbiological analysis. Virulence genes in the isolated strains were identified by specific primers, with Polymerase Chain Reaction. Twenty-four isolates were obtained, with a prevalence of elt gene, typical from enterotoxigenic infection, in 75% of the isolates. The stx and bfpA genes, prevalent in enterohemorragic and enteropathogenic E. coli, respectively, were not detected. The occurrence of elt virulence-related gene in the E. coli isolates of Mytella guyanensis reveals urgent improvement in food processing, including good handling practices, adequate storage and cooking before consumption, to ensure consumer's health.

Virulence genes in Escherichia coli isolates from commercialized saltwater mussels Mytella guyanensis (Lamarck, 1819)

Abstract The isolation of Escherichia coli from food is a major concern. Pathogenic strains of these bacteria cause diseases which range from diarrhea to hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Therefore the virulence genes in E. coli isolates from the mussel ( Mytella guyanensis) commercialized in Cachoeira, Bahia, Brazil were investigated. Samples were purchased from four vendors: two from supermarkets and two from fair outlets. They were conditioned into isothermal boxes with reusable ice and transported to the laboratory for analysis. E. coli strains were isolated in eosin methylene blue agar, preserved in brain-heart infusion medium with 15% glycerol and stored at -20 °C, after microbiological analysis. Virulence genes in the isolated strains were identified by specific primers, with Polymerase Chain Reaction. Twenty-four isolates were obtained, with a prevalence of elt gene, typical from enterotoxigenic infection, in 75% of the isolates. The stx and bfpA genes, prevalent in enterohemorragic and enteropathogenic E. coli, respectively, were not detected. The occurrence of elt virulence-related gene in the E. coli isolates of Mytella guyanensis reveals urgent improvement in food processing, including good handling practices, adequate storage and cooking before consumption, to ensure consumers health.

Resumo O isolamento de Escherichia coli a partir de alimentos é uma grande preocupação, pois cepas patogênicas desta bactéria podem causar desde diarreia até síndrome hemolítico-urêmica. Diante do exposto, o objetivo do trabalho foi pesquisar genes de virulência em isolados de Escherichia coli provenientes do sururu Mytella guyanensis comercializado na cidade de Cachoeira, Bahia, Brasil. As amostras foram adquiridas de quatro comerciantes, sendo duas de mercados e duas em pontos de venda na feira livre da cidade de Cachoeira, acondicionadas em caixas isotérmicas com gelo reutilizável e transportadas até o laboratório para a análise. Após a análise microbiológica, as cepas de Escherichia coli foram isoladas em ágar Eosina Azul de Metileno e preservadas em caldo Brian Heart Infusion e glicerol a 15% e mantidas a - 20° C. A identificação dos genes de virulência nas cepas isoladas foi realizada utilizando primers específicos, por meio da Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase. Foram obtidos 24 isolados de Escherichia coli, destes a prevalência do gene elt , característico de Escherichia coli enterotoxigênica, foi de 75% dos isolados. Não houve a detecção dos genes stx e bfpA nos isolados, os quais são prevalentes nas cepas de Escherichia coli enterohemorrágica e Escherichia coli enteropatogênica, respectivamente. A presença do gene elt relacionado à virulência de Escherichia coli nos isolados de Mytella guyanensis revela a necessidade da melhoria no processamento, incluindo boas práticas de manipulação, armazenamento adequado e cocção previa ao consumo, visando a garantia da saúde do consumidor.

Estudo das relações anatômicas e suas variações entre o nervo ciático e o músculo piriforme / Study on anatomical relationships and variations between the sciatic nerve and piriform muscle

CONTEXTO: A síndrome do músculo piriforme pode ter como causa a passagem anormal do nervo ciático ou de uma de suas partes pelo ventre do músculo piriforme. OBJETIVO: Analisar as relações anatômicas e métricas entre o músculo piriforme e o nervo ciático, contribuindo com o conhecimento anátomo-clínico da região glútea. MÉTODO: Foram utilizados 20 cadáveres adultos de ambos os sexos. O nervo ciático e o músculo piriforme foram dissecados, medidos e fotodocumentados. RESULTADOS: Observou-se que 85 por cento das 40 regiões glúteas apresentaram o nervo como tronco único, passando pela borda inferior do músculo piriforme, e 15 por cento mostraram uma variação bilateral, caracterizada pela passagem do nervo fibular comum através do músculo piriforme. Os dados obtidos não revelaram diferenças estatisticamente significantes.

CONTEXT: Piriform muscle syndrome can be caused by abnormal passage of the sciatic nerve or one of its parts through the belly of the piriform muscle. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the anatomical and measurement relationships between the piriform muscle and the sciatic nerve in order to contribute towards better anatomoclinical understanding of the gluteal region. METHOD: Twenty adult cadavers of both sexes were used. The sciatic nerve and piriform muscle were dissected, measured and photodocumented. RESULTS: The sciatic nerve was seen to be a single trunk passing through the lower margin of the piriform muscle in 85 percent of the 40 gluteal regions, and 15 percent showed bilateral variation characterized by the passage of the common fibular nerve through the piriform muscle. The data obtained did not show any statistically significant differences.

Expression of class mu glutathione-S-transferase in human liver and its association with hepatopathies.

We studied the distribution of GSTM1 phenotypes in 611 individuals from an ethnically mixed sample of the Brazilian population who died from various causes. No influence of age, gender, or ethnicity was detected on the phenotypic distribution. In a sub-sample of 66 alcoholic individuals compared with 399 non-alcoholics there was almost a doubling of the odds ratio for GSTM1(0) individuals in the alcoholic category. The incidence of hepatopathies was higher in this group as well, and we observed a significant association of the null phenotype with cirrhosis. An excess of null phenotypes (374/611) was observed, and the allelic distribution was: GSTM1*A = 0.168, *B = 0.089, and *0 (null) = 0.743.

[Assessment of ivermectin therapeutic efficacy on fourth-stage larvae of Lagochilascaris minor in experimentally infected cats]. / Avaliação da eficácia terapêutica da ivermectina sobre larvas de quarto estádio de Lagochilascaris minor em gatos infectados experimentalmente.

In order to verify the action of ivermectin against fourth-stage larvae of Lagochilascaris minor, thirty cats were divided into three groups (I, II and III). Each animal was inoculated orally with 50 third-stage larvae. The cats from groups I and II were treated with Ivermectin (200/microg/kg/single dose/sc via) on fifth day after inoculation (DAI). Treatment evaluation was performed between 30 and 40 DAI (group I) and between 180 to 190 DAI (group II) using parasite macroscopic and microscopic research at autopsy. The 10 cats from group III were untreated (control group). The authors observed 100% drug efficacy, at all observation periods, by total interruption of parasite's biological cycle in each of the treated animals. All the control group developed Lagochilascaris minor infection.

Avaliação da eficácia terapêutica da ivermectina sobre larvas de quarto estádio de Lagochilascaris minor em gatos infectados experimentalmente / Assessment of ivermectin therapeutic efficacy on fourth-stage larvae of Lagochilascaris minor in experimentally infected cats

Avaliou-se a ação da ivermectina sobre larvas de quarto estádio em gatos infectados experimentalmente com Lagochilascaris minor. Foram utilizados 30 gatos (divididos, igualmente, em três grupos I, II e III), sendo que cada animal foi inoculado, por via oral, com 50 larvas de terceiro estádio do parasito. Cada animal, dos grupos I e II, foi tratado com ivermectina na dosagen de 200mg/kg, no quinto dia após o inóculo (DAI). Os animais do grupo I foram examinados, clinicamente, entre 30 e 40 dias e os do grupo II entre 180 e 190 dias sendo, em seguida, submetidos à necropsia. Os dez animais do grupo III, não foram tratados com a droga constituindo o grupo controle. Independentemente do período de observação, observou-se 100% de eficácia da droga, visto que houve total interrupção do ciclo biológico do parasito em todos animais tratados. Todos animais do grupo controle desenvolveram a infecção por Lagochilascaris minor.

In order to verify the action of ivermectin against fourth-stage larvae of Lagochilascaris minor, thirty cats were divided into three groups (I, II and III). Each animal was inoculated orally with 50 third-stage larvae. The cats from groups I and II were treated with Ivermectin (200/microg/kg/single dose/sc via) on fifth day after inoculation (DAI). Treatment evaluation was performed between 30 and 40 DAI (group I) and between 180 to 190 DAI (group II) using parasite macroscopic and microscopic research at autopsy. The 10 cats from group III were untreated (control group). The authors observed 100% drug efficacy, at all observation periods, by total interruption of parasite's biological cycle in each of the treated animals. All the control group developed Lagochilascaris minor infection.

[A case report of human lagochilascariasis coming from Pará State, Brazil]. / Relato de caso de Lagochilascariose humana procedente do Estado do Pará, Brasil.

A new case of lagochilascariasis is reported in a child from Xinguara, PA, Brazil. The patient had an abscess in the right cervical region, which was drained at the Clinical Hospital of UFG. Eggs and adult stages of Lagochilascaris minor were found in the secretion of the abscess. Treatment with albendazol, at a dosage of 400 mg/day for 30 days, associated with antibiotics promoted regression of the lesion.

Assessment of ivermectin therapeutic efficacy on third-stage larvae of Lagochilascaris minor in mice experimentally infected.

In this study we evaluated the potential action of ivermectin on third-stage larvae, both at migratory and encysted phases, in mouse tissues after experimental infection with Lagochilascaris minor. Study groups I and II consisted of 120 mice that were orally administered 1,000 parasite eggs. In order to assess ivermectin action upon migratory larvae, group I (60 mice) was equally split in three subgroups, namely I-A, I-B, and I-C. On the 7th day after inoculation (DAI), each animal from the subgroup I-A was treated with 200 micrograms/Kg ivermectin while subgroup I-B was given 1,000 micrograms/Kg, both groups received a single subcutaneous dose. To assess the drug action on encysted larvae, group II was equally split in three subgroups, namely II-A, II-B, II-C. On the 45th DAI each animal was treated with ivermectin at 200 micrograms/Kg (subgroup II-A) and 1,000 micrograms/Kg (group II-B) with a single subcutaneous dose. Untreated animals of subgroups I-C and II-C were used as controls. On the 60th DAI all animals were submitted to larva search. At a dose of 1,000 micrograms/Kg the drug had 99.5% effectiveness on third-stage migratory larvae (subgroup I-B). Ivermectin efficacy was lower than 5% on third-stage encysted larvae for both doses as well as for migratory larvae treated with 200 micrograms/Kg.

Use of capillary electrophoresis in the characterization of sulfonated metallophthalocyanines: a comparative evaluation of purification procedures following synthesis by the condensation method.

Capillary electrophoresis has been presented as a resourceful technique for monitoring the purity of synthetic metallophthalocyanines and evaluating comparatively purification procedures. In this study, the tetrasulfonated cobalt(II) phthalocyanine was synthesized by the condensation method and submitted to several purification procedures such as continuous Soxhlet extraction with ethanol and dioxane, percolation through a gel-filled chromatographic column, and salting-out precipitation in acid medium followed by washing with alkaline solution. The efficiency of each procedure, or combined procedures, was then evaluated by capillary electrophoresis in citrate buffer solution under constant voltage conditions and direct UV-VIS detection at 630 nm and 260 nm. The inorganic anion and cation composition of the purified fractions was also investigated by indirect UV analysis in chromate/cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and imidazole/hydroxyisobutyric acid (HIBA) electrolyte systems, at 254 nm and 214 nm, respectively. The electropherograms obtained at 630 nm showed a high-intensity peak surrounded by satellite peaks of small intensity with migration time of approximately 5-6 min. This profile is indicative of the formation of positional isomers under the synthesis conditions. The electropherograms obtained at 260 nm were useful to monitor contaminants, such as reaction by-products or unreacted starting materials. The salting-out precipitation of the crude product led to a good-quality product with 80% purity (elemental analysis based on nitrogen content), which is comparable to the purity of commercially available tetrasulfonated derivatives. Both UV and infrared (IR) spectra of the purified product resemble that of standards. The capillary electrophoresis ion analysis of the treated product revealed the presence of sodium carbonate as the major contaminant. The combined treatment of salting-out precipitation followed by percolation in a Sephadex column (Pharmacia, São Paulo, Brazil) was successful for the removal of carbonate ion. However, the percolation procedure seemed to cause minor demetallation of the macrocycle ring, as confirmed by the presence of free cobalt(II) in the electropherogram of the column eluted fraction.

Evaluation of the antibacterial activities of calcium hydroxide, chlorhexidine, and camphorated paramonochlorophenol as intracanal medicament. A clinical and laboratory study.

The antibacterial activities of camphorated paramonochlorophenol, chlorhexidine, and calcium hydroxide were compared using a clinical and laboratory evaluation. In the clinical experiment, root canals that yielded positive cultures a week after complete chemomechanical preparation and camphorated paramonochlorophenol dressing were medicated with one of the three substances tested. Postmedication samples were taken from the canal 1 week later. In the laboratory experiment, the agar diffusion test was used to evaluate the inhibitory activity of the medicaments against bacteria commonly found in endodontic infections. The results of the clinical evaluation showed that all medicaments were effective in reducing or eliminating the endodontic microbiota, as demonstrated by the incidence of negative cultures. There was no statistically significant difference among the medicaments tested. In the laboratory evaluation, camphorated paramonochlorophenol showed the largest zones of bacterial inhibition against all bacterial strains tested.

Diabetes mellitus and some genetic markers

Foram estudadas as distribuiçöes fenotípicas de alguns marcadores genéticos (GLO, ESD, Hp, ABO, Rh) em uma amostra de diabéticos e seus parentes normais. Foi detectada associaçöes significante entre diabetes do tipo II e fenótipo 2-2 do sistema Hp. O risco relativo de ter diabetes foi de 2,5 para os indivíduos 2-2. Todavia, dado o número de testes de heterogeneidade entre grupos efetuados, esperar-se ia que cerca de 1 deles fosse estatisticamente significante devido ao acaso. Nesse sentido nossos resultados poderiam ser considerados como um erro estatístico do tipo I

Associação entre grupo sanguineo a e esquistossomose mansonica. / Association of blood group A and schistosomiasis mansoni

Foi feita reanalise do conjunto de dados publicados na literatura sobre a associacao entre grupo sanguineo A e esquistossomose mansonica, a qual revelou significante heterogeneidade entre as amostras estudadas. Foi sugerido que a associacao deva refletir os efeitos raciais sobre a evolucao clinica da doenca, tendo por base a distribuicao dos grupos sanguineos nos diferentes grupos raciais brasileiros e a maior resistencia do negro ao desenvolvimento das formas graves da molestia