Amoebal coculture and enrichment methods as a proposal for water quality control in Brazil.

Free living amoebae (FLA) can be found in different environments, where they feed on diverse microorganisms. Some bacteria preyed by FLA are called amoeba-resistant bacteria (ARB), as they can resist to lysosomal fusion and are capable of multiplying and evading FLA after internalization, propagating in the environment. Despite the health risks due to the existence of pathogenic and opportunistic species that are ARB and the pathogenicity of some FLA species, there are no water quality protocols to analyze the presence of ARB or FLA. In this sense, our study aimed to isolate FLA through amoebal enrichment and to identify ARB using amoebal coculture in water samples from a public park and two hospitals in southern Brazil. As a result, 9 different microorganisms genera have been identified through amoebal coculture, including fastidious Legionella spp. and Bosea vestrisii. From the positive samples for FLA, by amoebal enrichment, Acanthamoeba spp., Vermamoeba vermiformis and Naegleria spp. were identified in 14 amoebic isolates. The methodologies used in this work proved to be effective as simple and low-cost methods to be used in the implementation in water quality control of anthropogenic environments.

Current approaches and trends in the production of microbial cellulases using residual lignocellulosic biomass: a bibliometric analysis of the last 10 years.

Considering the potential use of lignocellulosic biomass residues in microbial cultures to produce cellulases, the objective of this research was to investigate trends and discussions regarding scientific research conducted in this field through a bibliometric and scientometric analysis. Using the Elsevier Scopus database and VOSviewer software, scientific papers published between 2007 and 2018 were investigated. The results showed that the production of cellulases is related to obtaining xylanases and glucose. Obtaining of bioethanol and determining cellulolytic and xylanase activities were the relevant indicators for the use of these enzymes. China, India and Brazil are countries with a high number of publications in this field, most likely due to investments made between 2015 and 2017. This analysis showed that research on the use of lignocellulosic residues is focused on obtaining biofuels through enzymatic hydrolysis.

Tobacco waste hydrolysate of stem and root of the tobacco plant for biostimulation in rice and corn seed germination / Hidrolisado de resíduo de caule e raiz da planta tabaco para bioestimulação na germinação de sementes de arroz e milho

ABSTRACT: Stimulation of seed germination may be due to acceleration of germination as well as due to seedling growth-promotion during early development. Plant hydrolysate can be applied as a stimulant. Thus, we aimed to verify the influence of the hydrolysates, obtained by alkaline or acid treatment, from tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) crop residues (root and stem) on the seed germination process. Seed germination was studied with Oryza sativa (rice) and Zea mays (corn). Sixteen germination experiments of 50 seeds each were undertaken, with 4 replicates, soaked with hydrolysates diluted at 20 and 80%, in 2 and 3 mL of hydration volumes for 48 h. Germinated seeds were counted, at which point radicular protrusions were observed. Rootlets and aerial parts were collected, dried and weighed. The hydrolysates presented seedling nutrition potential to the corn, with ~50% more mass compared to the results with water at the same conditions, and the germination acceleration was not significant. For the tested rice seeds, the results were reversed, and the germination acceleration was significant with rates up to 94% after 48 h of incubation. Better results of germination were obtained with hydrolysate from acid treatment, and root or stem tobacco can be used for this purpose.

RESUMO: A estimulação da germinação das sementes pode ser devida à aceleração da germinação, bem como à melhoria do crescimento das mudas durante o desenvolvimento inicial. O hidrolisado de plantas pode ser aplicado como estimulante. Assim, objetivou-se verificar a influência dos hidrolisados, obtidos por tratamento alcalino ou ácido, dos resíduos da cultura do tabaco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) (raiz e caule) no processo de germinação das sementes. A germinação das sementes foi estudada com Oryza sativa (arroz) e Zea mays (milho). Foram realizados dezesseis experimentos de germinação de 50 sementes cada, com 4 repetições, hidratadas em hidrolisados diluídos a 20 e 80%, em 2 e 3 mL de volumes de hidratação por 48 h. As sementes germinadas foram contadas, momento em que foram observadas protrusões radiculares. Radículas e partes aéreas foram coletadas, secas e pesadas. Os hidrolisados apresentaram potencial nutricional de plântulas para o milho, com ~ 50% a mais de massa quando comparados aos resultados com água nas mesmas condições, e a aceleração da germinação não foi significativa. Para as sementes de arroz testadas, os resultados foram contrários e a aceleração da germinação foi significativa com taxas de até 94% após 48 h de incubação. Melhores resultados de germinação foram obtidos com hidrolisado a partir do tratamento ácido, e a raiz ou caule de tabaco pode ser utilizado para esse fim.

Interaction Between Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Acanthamoeba polyphaga.

The interactions that occur between bacteria and amoebae can give through mutual relations, where both organisms benefit from the association or parasitic in which one organism benefits at the expense of the other. When these organisms share the same environment, it can result in some changes in the growth of organisms, in adaptation patterns, in morphology, development or even in their ability to synthesize proteins and other substances. In this study, the interaction between Acanthamoeba polyphaga and Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was evaluated using a co-culture model at different incubation times. The results showed that 89% of amoebic cells remained viable after contact with the bacteria. The bacterial isolate was visualized inside the amoeba through confocal microscopy and fluorescence for up to 216 h of co-cultivation. The lysate of amoebic culture increased the growth of S. aureus (MRSA), and the effect of supernatant of culture inhibited bacterial growth over the incubation times, suggesting that A. polyphaga produced some metabolite, that inhibited the growth of bacteria. Moreover, the encystment of the A. polyphaga was increased by the bacteria presence. The results show that A. polyphaga and S. aureus interaction may have an important influence on survival of both, and specially indicate a possible effect on the metabolics characteristics each other.

Isolation and identification of Acanthamoeba spp. from thermal swimming pools and spas in Southern Brazil.

Free-living amoebae (FLA) are widely distributed in soil and water. A few number of them are implicated in human disease: Acanthamoeba spp., Naegleria fowleri, Balamuthia mandrillaris and Sappinia diploidea. Species of Acanthamoeba can cause keratitis and brain infections. In this study, 72 water samples were taken from both hot tubs and thermal swimming pools in the city of Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil, to determine the presence of Acanthamoeba in the water as well as perform the phenotypic and genotypic characterization of the isolates. The identification of the isolates was based on the cysts morphology and PCR amplification using genus-specific oligonucleotides. When the isolates were submitted to PCR reaction only 8 were confirmed as belonging to the genus Acanthamoeba. The sequences analysis when compared to the sequences in the GenBank, showed genotype distribution in group T3 (12,5%), T5 (12,5%), T4 (25%) and T15 (50%). The results of this study confirmed the presence of potentially pathogenic isolates of free living amoebae in hot swimming pool and spas which can present risks to human health.

Antibiotic resistance and detection of the sul2 gene in urinary isolates of Escherichia coli in patients from Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: The present study aimed to assess the antibiotic resistance profiles and detect the presence of the sul2 gene in sulfamethoxazole-susceptible and resistant isolates of Escherichia coli obtained from outpatients and inpatients with urinary tract infections. METHODOLOGY: The resistance profiles of 739 strains were assessed and the presence of the sul2 gene in 100 isolates was tested. RESULTS: The antibiotics with the highest resistance rates were ampicillin (57.4%) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (44.7%). The presence of the gene sul2 was detected in 66.7% of outpatient samples and 67.9% of inpatient samples. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that E. coli isolates exhibit high resistance to various classes of antibiotics, highlighting the need for developing strategies to help in prescribing antibiotics.

Relações familiares e o convivívio social entre idosos / Family relationship and social interaction among elderly

Esta pesquisa surgiu da necessidade em conhecer a percepção dos idosos sobre seus relacionamentos sociais, familiares e com os grupos de convivência dos quais participam no Brasil e na Espanha. A metodologia utilizada é quali-quantitativa. Os resultados parciais mostram a satisfação dos idosos (97%) com as relações estabelecidas nos grupos de amigos, formados principalmente a partir de grupos de convivência para a terceira idade, e apontam para uma população idosa com características ligadas à independência e autonomia, mais ativa e satisfeita com suas relações familiares e de amizade. Percebe-se uma preocupação especial com a qualidade de vida por parte do idoso, sendo a convivência e as atividades realizadas nos grupos fatores importantes para uma melhora significativa na saúde física e mental.

This research arose from a need to know the perception of the elderly about their social relationships, family and the support groups, they participate in Brazil and Spain. The methodology used is quali-quantitative. Partial results show the satisfaction of the elderly (97%) with the relations established in the group of friends, consisting mainly of groups of living for the elderly and point to an elderly population with characteristics related to independence and autonomy, more active seniors and satisfied with their family relationships and friendships. It also indicated a particular concern with the quality of life by the elderly, and the living and the activities carried out in groups are an important factor that provides a significant improvement in physical and mental health.

Antimicrobial factor from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens inhibits Paenibacillus larvae, the causative agent of American foulbrood.

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens LBM 5006 produces an antimicrobial factor active against Paenibacillus larvae, a major honeybee pathogen. The antagonistic effect and the mode of action of the antimicrobial factor were investigated. The antibacterial activity was produced starting at mid-logarithmic growth phase, reaching its maximum during the stationary phase. Exposure of cell suspensions of P. larvae to this antimicrobial resulted in loss of cell viability and reduction in optical density associated with cell lysis. Scanning electron microscopy showed damaged cell envelope and loss of protoplasmic material. The antimicrobial factor was stable for up to 80°C, but it was sensitive to proteinase K and trypsin. Mass spectrometry analysis indicates that the antimicrobial activity is associated with iturin-like peptides. The antimicrobial factor from B. amyloliquefaciens LBM 5006 showed a bactericidal effect against P. larvae cells and spores. This is the first report on iturin activity against P. larvae. This antimicrobial presents potential for use in the control of American foulbrood disease.

Bacteriocin-like substance from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens shows remarkable inhibition of Acanthamoeba polyphaga.

The effectiveness of a bacteriocin-like substance (BLS) produced by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens was tested against Acanthamoeba polyphaga strains, and its cytotoxic potential on Vero cells was investigated. Amebicidal activity of the purified BLS was tested by plate bioassays with concentrations ranging from 12.5 to 6,400 AU mL(-1). Damage to A. pholyphaga cells was monitored using an inverted microscope and counted in a Fuchs-Rosenthal chamber after 24, 48, and 72 h. According to the results obtained, the BLS showed remarkable amebicidal and amebostatic effect on A. polyphaga and showed no cytotoxicity on the Vero cells. These results may have great relevance in the development of new acanthamoebicidal compounds.

Atendimento à unidade familiar do idoso: experiência multidisciplinar / Family care unit for the elderly: multidisciplinary experience

A proposta deste trabalho é relatar a experiência do atendimentodomiciliar à população idosa realizado por um grupo de acadêmicose professores de cursos da área da saúde no Programa TerceiraIdade da Universidade de Santa Cruz do Sul/UNISC. O atendimentodomiciliar teve como objetivos proporcionar uma assistência humanizadae integral e estimular a maior participação do idoso e de suafamília no tratamento proposto. Uma interação maior entre pacientefamília-equipe foi observada a partir do atendimento domiciliar, sema formalidade característica dos serviços de saúde.(AU)

The purpose of this study is to report the experience of home care tothe elderly conducted by a group of scholars and teachers of coursesin the area of health in the Elderly Program, University of SantaCruz do Sul - UNISC. Home care aimed to provide a humanizedand comprehensive care and encourage greater participation of theelderly and their families in the proposed treatment. Greater interactionbetween patient-family-team was observed from the home carewithout the formality characteristic of health services.(AU)

Atendimento à unidade familiar do idoso: experiência multidisciplinar / Family care unit for the elderly: multidisciplinary experience

A proposta deste trabalho é relatar a experiência do atendimentodomiciliar à população idosa realizado por um grupo de acadêmicose professores de cursos da área da saúde no Programa TerceiraIdade da Universidade de Santa Cruz do Sul/UNISC. O atendimentodomiciliar teve como objetivos proporcionar uma assistência humanizadae integral e estimular a maior participação do idoso e de suafamília no tratamento proposto. Uma interação maior entre pacientefamília-equipe foi observada a partir do atendimento domiciliar, sema formalidade característica dos serviços de saúde.

The purpose of this study is to report the experience of home care tothe elderly conducted by a group of scholars and teachers of coursesin the area of health in the Elderly Program, University of SantaCruz do Sul - UNISC. Home care aimed to provide a humanizedand comprehensive care and encourage greater participation of theelderly and their families in the proposed treatment. Greater interactionbetween patient-family-team was observed from the home carewithout the formality characteristic of health services.

Isolation and characterization of antifungal peptides produced by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens LBM5006.

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens LBM 5006 produces antagonistic activity against pathogenic bacteria and phytopathogenic fungi, including Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp., and Bipolaris sorokiniana. PCR analysis revealed the presence of ituD, but not sfp genes, coding for iturin and surfactin, respectively. The antimicrobial substance produced by this strain was isolated by ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel filtration chromatography and 1-butanol extraction. The ultraviolet spectrum was typical of a polypeptide and the infrared spectrum indicates the presence of peptide bonds and acyl group(s). The antimicrobial substance was resistant to proteolytic enzymes and heat treatment, and was reactive with ninhydrin. Mass spectroscopy analysis indicated that B. amyloliquefaciens LBM 5006 produces two antimicrobial peptides, with main peaks at m/z 1,058 Da and 1,464 Da, corresponding to iturin-like and fengycin-like peptides, respectively. B. amyloliquefaciens LBM 5006 showed significant activity against phytopatogenic fungi, showing potential for use as a biocontrol agent or production of antifungal preparations.

Estudo multidimensional das condições de vida do idoso que freqüenta os serviços da Unisc campus Santa Cruz do Sul, RS / Multidimensional study of the life conditions of the elderly who are assisted at UNISC, campus Santa Cruz do Sul/RS

Este texto apresenta parte dos resultado da pesquisa entitulada Estudo multidimensional das condições de vida do idoso que freqüenta os serviços da Unisc - campus de Santa Cruz do Sul, realizada com indivíduos de 60 anos ou mais. O estudo tem por objetivo descrever o perfil biopsicossocial do idoso que freqüenta os serviços da Unisc. Dentre os resultados obtidos, observou-se que os idosos pesquisados estão inseridos na categoria das pessoas que sofrem de doenças não transmissíveis associadas ao estilo de vida.(AU)

This paper presents part of the results of the research 'Multidimensional Study of the Life Conditions of Elderly People who are assisted at UNISC - Campus Santa Cruz do Sul', carried ou with subjects who are 60 years old or older. The study aims to describe the byopsychosocial profile of the elderly people who are assisted at UNISC. Among the results, we notice that the elderly who were part of the research belong to a group of people who suffer from non-transmissible diseases associate with their life style.(AU)

Estudo multidimensional das condições de vida do idoso que freqüenta os serviços da Unisc campus Santa Cruz do Sul, RS / Multidimensional study of the life conditions of the elderly who are assisted at UNISC, campus Santa Cruz do Sul/RS

Este texto apresenta parte dos resultado da pesquisa entitulada Estudo multidimensional das condições de vida do idoso que freqüenta os serviços da Unisc - campus de Santa Cruz do Sul, realizada com indivíduos de 60 anos ou mais. O estudo tem por objetivo descrever o perfil biopsicossocial do idoso que freqüenta os serviços da Unisc. Dentre os resultados obtidos, observou-se que os idosos pesquisados estão inseridos na categoria das pessoas que sofrem de doenças não transmissíveis associadas ao estilo de vida.

This paper presents part of the results of the research "Multidimensional Study of the Life Conditions of Elderly People who are assisted at UNISC - Campus Santa Cruz do Sul", carried ou with subjects who are 60 years old or older. The study aims to describe the byopsychosocial profile of the elderly people who are assisted at UNISC. Among the results, we notice that the elderly who were part of the research belong to a group of people who suffer from non-transmissible diseases associate with their life style.

Quantificaçäo de coliformes em leite de vaca comercializado numa feira rural do município de Santa Cruz do Sul, RS / Quantification of coliforms of milk commercialized at a rural fair in urban zone of Santa Cruz do sul, RS

Foram coletadas 20 amostras de leite cru comercializadas em uma Feira Rural localizada na zona urbana do município de Santa Cruz do Sul -RS. De um total de 10 produtores, selecionaram-se aleatoriamente duas amostras de cada, para a realizaçäo de uma avaliaçäo microbiológica (NMP de Coliformes Totais e/ ou Fecais por mL) do produto. Além disso, fez-se entrevistas com estes 10 produtores (populaçäo total que comercializava este tipo de leite), para verificar o processo de obtençäo do leite, se de forma higiênica ou näo, e compará-los com os resultados das análises microbiológicas, realizadas durante os meses de janeiro e fevereiro de 1999. De acordo com os resultados obtidos nas análises microbiológicas pode-se deduzir que os processos de obtençäo do leite ocorreram de forma higiênica satisfatória, pois a quase totalidade das amostras (19) encontraram-se dentro dos parâmetros microbiológicos estabelecidos pela PORTARIA N§ 451 DINAL/MS DE 02 DE JULHO DE 1998 e Beerens & Luquet (1990), que é de 100 coliformes fecais por mL do produto. Entäo, pode-se dizer que as amostras analisadas dos leites destes produtores estavam aptas para consumo humano; excetuando-se uma única amostra.