Immersive learning laboratory in health and nursing: learning biosafety in a virtual world.

OBJECTIVES: to develop a virtual simulation and learning laboratory in an immersive virtual world that enables students, nursing professionals as well as health professionals to experiment, reflect and contextualize biosafety actions, infection protection concepts and universal precautions. METHODS: description of the development of the Immersive Learning Laboratory in Health and Nursing (LIASE) with a focus on biosafety, having as theoretical basis Kolb's experimental learning cycle and the OpenSimulator platform. RESULTS: development of the Immersive Learning Laboratory in Health and Nursing: Health Biosafety Module - contains five learning stations. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: the development of LIASE indicates the possibility of supporting face-to-face learning in a practical laboratory and continuing the study and implementation with the target audience.

Correlação entre velocidade da percepção visual e mini-exame do estado mental / Correlation between speed of visual perception and mini mental state examination

Introdução: O Critical Flicker Fusioné um método não invasivo que pode ser utilizado para rastreio de distúrbio cognitivo (DC), contribuindo para o diagnóstico mais objetivo das demências. Objetivos: Comparar a velocidade de percepção visual e valores do Mini-Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM) de indivíduos com e sem DC. Metodologia: Estudo observacional analítico realizado de agosto de 2017 a julho de 2018. A amostra foi formada por pacientes atendidos num serviço de geriatria local. Procedeu-se aferição de CFF cujos resultados foram comparados com valores recentes de MEEM. Utilizou-se o qui-quadrado para comparar proporções e o t de Student para comparar médias. As correlações lineares foram avaliadas pelo r de Pearson ou rho de Spearman. Definiu-se significância estatística p<0,05. Resultados: A amostra final foi composta por 63 indivíduos, cujos valores de CFF demonstraram estar correlacionados à idade (p<0,001) e aos valores de MEEM (p<0,05). Ainda, o CFF foi capaz de discriminar os pacientes por presença de DC, não sendo influenciado pela escolaridade. Conclusão: O CFF se mostrou capaz de diagnosticar a presença de DC, além de ser um teste mais objetivo que o MEEM. Contudo, novos estudos são necessários para definir seu ponto de corte ideal, bem como sua real acurácia.

Introduction: Critical Flicker Fusion is a non-invasive method that can be used to screen for cognitive deficit (CD), contributing to the more objective diagnosis of dementias. Objectives: To compare the speed of visual perception and values of the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) of individuals with and without CD. Methodology: Analytical study carried out from August 2017 to July 2018. The sample consisted of patients from a local geriatric service. CFF measurement was performed, and the results were compared with recent MMSE values. Chi-square was used to compare proportions and Student's t to compare means. Linear correlations were assessed using Pearson's r or Spearman's rho. Statistical significance was set at p<0,05. Results: The final sample consisted of 63 individuals, whose CFF values were correlated with age (p<0,001) and MMSE values (p<0,05). Still, the CFF was able to discriminate patients or the presence of CD, not being influenced by education level. Conclusion: The CFF proved to be capable of diagnosing the presence of CD, in addition to being a more objective test than the MMSE. However, further studies are needed to define its ideal cutoff point, as well as itsreal accuracy.

Rickettsia amblyommatis infecting Amblyomma pseudoconcolor in area of new focus of spotted fever in northeast Brazil.

In Brazil, active infections of Rickettsia spp. is confirmed in all regions, involving various species of ticks. During investigation of a new focus of Spotted Fever (SF) incidence in the state of Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil, tick species Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (Latreille), and Amblyomma pseudoconcolor were collected from one Canis familiaris and four Euphractus sexcinctus, respectively, and analized for the presence of rickettsial genes. Ten A. pseudoconcolor ticks (90.9%) were found to be infected with Rickettsia, whereas no evidence of Rickettsia spp. was found in R. sanguineus s. l. Genetic analysis based of five rickettsial genes showed that the detected strain is most closely related to Rickettsia amblyommatis (formerly Candidatus Rickettsia amblyommii). R. amblyommatis was, for the first time, detected in Amblyomma pseudoconcolor and the results pointed to this tick like a potential vector in the enzootic cycle of R. amblyommatis in a typical semiarid Brazilian savannah region. In conclusion, despite the need for further studies to confirm if R. amblyommatis was responsible for the observed case in the state of Pernambuco, the presence of this bacterium during an SF focussed investigation should be a major concern in terms of public health due the capacity of SF for rapid and extensive dispersion within Brazilian territory.

Spotted Fever: Epidemiology and Vector-Rickettsia-Host Relationship in Rio de Janeiro State.

The eco-epidemiological scenario of spotted fever (SF), a tick-borne disease that affects humans and other animals in several countries around the world, was analyzed in Rio de Janeiro (RJ) State, Brazil. During the last 34 years, 990 SF cases were reported in RJ (the Brazilian state with the highest population density), including 116 cases confirmed by serology (RIFI) or PCR, among 42.39% of the municipalities with reported cases of SF. The epidemiologic dynamics of SF in RJ State are very heterogeneous in time and space, with outbreaks, high mortality rates and periods of epidemiological silence (no SF cases reported). Furthermore, it exhibited a changing epidemiological profile from being rural to becoming an urban disease. This study identified arthropods infected with Rickettsia felis, R. bellii and R. rickettsii, and found that the abundance of ectoparasites was associated with specific hosts. The R. rickettsii-vector-host relationship was most evident in species-specific parasitism. This suggests that the association between dogs, cattle, horses, capybaras and their main ectoparasites, Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Ctenocephalides felis, Rhipicephalus microplus, Dermacentor nitens, and Amblyomma dubitatum, respectively, has a key role in the dynamics of R. rickettsii transmission in enzootic cycles and the maintenance of carrier ectoparasites, thus facilitating the existence of endemic areas with the ability to produce epidemic outbreaks of SF in RJ. This study found confirmed human infections for only the R. rickettsii carrier Amblyomma sculptum, which reinforces the importance of this species as a vector of the pathogen in Brazil. This study can be adapted to different eco-epidemiological scenarios of spotted fever throughout the Americas.

Genetic identification of Rickettsia sp. strain Atlantic rainforest in an endemic area of a mild spotted fever in Rio Grande do Sul state, Southern Brazil.

Rickettsia sp. strain Atlantic rainforest causes a less severe rickettsiosis, with two cases confirmed until now. The tick species Amblyomma ovale is appointed as the main vector of this bacterium. The southern region of Brazil has reported patients with spotted fever who have milder symptoms. In 2013, during an investigation of rickettsiosis cases, an A. ovale tick was found attached to a man in an area where there were two cases. The parasite was processed for molecular analysis and the rickettsial infection was confirmed based on phylogenetic analysis of genes ompA, ompB and geneD (sca4). In the present study the human pathogenic Rickettsia sp. strain Atlantic rainforest was identified in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil. Since A. ovale, its main vector, is found frequently parasitizing dogs, animals that can cross international borders freely in southern Brazil, this bacteria can bring major concerns in terms of public health.

Frequency of Equine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (EME) in Brazil / Relato epidemiológico da Erlichiose monocítica equina (EME) no Brasil

From a cross-sectional observational study with convenience samples, 347 blood samples from horses were collected from different physiographic regions, as follows: Santa Catarina Plateau (Santa Catarina State - SC), Médio Paraíba do Sul (São Paulo State - SP and Rio de Janeiro State RJ), Mountainous and Metropolitan regions (Rio de Janeiro State - RJ). Samples were tested for the presence of antibodies (IgG) anti Neorickettsia risticii by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). The frequency obtained in this study corroborates with the ones obtained in the U.S.A., which refers to endemic regions. Fisher's exact test showed significant differences in the number of positive animals between regions, indicating that the probability of an animal becoming infected varies depending on the area. The CI 95% revealed no association between infection and geopolitical space. Moreover, Odds ratio test showed differences of an animal getting infected in different regions. This event could be influenced by the type of treatment used in each area, as the seasonal frequency of injury or even potential vectors. Therefore, there are seropositive animals for N. risticii in the studied areas, suggesting that this agent may be circulating in those regions. Future studies mainly based on molecular analyzes are needed to confirm these serological findings.

A partir de um delineamento observacional transversal com amostras de conveniência, 347 amostras de sangue foram coletadas de diferentes regiões fisiográficas: Planalto de Santa Catarina (Estado de Santa Catarina - SC), Região do Médio Paraíba do Sul (Estados de São Paulo - SP e Rio de Janeiro - RJ), Região Serrana e Metropolitana (ambas do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - RJ). As amostras foram testadas para a presença de anticorpos (IgG) anti-Neorickettsia risticii por imunofluorescência indireta (IFI). A prevalência obtida no presente estudo corrobora com demais resultados obtidos nos Estados Unidos da América. O Teste Exato de Fisher demonstrou diferença significativa no número de animais positivos entre as regiões, indicando assim que a probabilidade de um animal se infectar varia dependendo da região. O intervalo de confiança (IC 95%) revelou não haver associação entre a infecção e o espaço geopolítico, este evento pode ser influenciado pelo tipo de tratamento em cada área, como sazonalidade do agravo ou frequência de potenciais vetores. Assim, a soropositividade ora encontrada sugere a circulação de N. risticii nas áreas estudadas. Estudos futuros baseados, principalmente, em análises moleculares serão importantes para a confirmação dos achados sorológicos no presente trabalho.

Qualidade microbiológica de pescado comercializado na cidade de Botucatu, SP / Microbiological quality of fish commercialized in the city of Botucatu, SP

O hábito alimentar do brasileiro vem se modificando nestes últimos anos, ocorrendo um aumento no consumo de peixe. Diante disso, foram analisadas 70 amostras de peixes, sendo 37 congeladas e 33 de peixe fresco, comercializados na cidade de Botucatu, segundo metodologia da APHA. Salmonella foi detectada em 3% das amostras de peixes frescos, não sendo observada nos congelados. Além disso, foi pesquisado estafilococos coagulase positiva e este detectado em uma amostra de peixe fresco (3%), com contagem de 4 x 10² UFC/g. A partir dos resultados obtidos, pode-se concluir que esses alimentos, potencialmente, representam perigo à saúde dos consumidores, pois apesar da maioria estar dentro dos parâmetros microbiológicos exigidos, uma amostra de peixe fresco apresentou Salmonella.

Qualidade físico-química e sensorial da carne de peito de matrizes pesadas de descarte / Physical, chemical and sensorial breast meat quality of spent breeder hens

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar as características de qualidade: pH, cor, valor R, perda por exsudação, capacidade de retenção e absorção de água, capacidade de emulsificação, perdas por cocção, força de cisalhamento e análise sensorial da carne de matrizes pesadas de descarte de frangos de corte. A carne de peito de matrizes apresentou valores médios do parâmetro pH, valor R, perda por exsudação e valor de L* de 5,70, 1,43, 2,00 e 50,11, respectivamente. Para a capacidade de retenção e absorção de água, perda de peso por cozimento e força de cisalhamento, os valores médios foram de 77, 58, 18 por cento e 4,94kgf cm-2, respectivamente. Na análise sensorial, a carne de matriz apresentou baixa intensidade de maciez (6,9) e menor suculência (3,4) e foi a mais elástica, borrachenta e difícil de deglutir. A carne de matrizes pesadas de descarte apresenta boas características de qualidade tecnológicas que possibilitam sua utilização como matéria-prima para a elaboração de industrializados.

The aim of this research was evaluate the meat quality broiler breeder hens: pH, color, R value, drip loss, water holding capacity, water absorption capacity, emulsion capacity, cooking loss, shear force and sensorial analysis. The breast meat of broiler hens presents means values for pH, R value, drip loss and L* value parameter of 5.70, 1.43, 2.00 and 50.11, respectively. The means value for water retention capacity, water absorption capacity, cooking loss and shear force, were 77, 58, 18 percent e 4.94kgf cm-2 respectively. For sensory analysis, the meat of broiler hen present lower tenderness intensity (6.9), lower succulence (3.4), more elasticity, rubbery and swallowing difficulties. The meat of broiler hens presented good technology quality characteristics that make it possible to be used as meat for elaborated industry.

DnaK and GroEL are induced in response to antibiotic and heat shock in Acinetobacter baumannii.

We studied the expression of DnaK and GroEL in Acinetobacter baumannii cells (strains ATCC 19606 and RS4) under stress caused by heat shock or antibiotics. A Western blot assay showed that DnaK and GroEL levels increased transiently more than 2-fold after exposure of bacterial cells to heat shock for 20 min at 50 degrees C. Heat induction of DnaK and GroEL was blocked completely when an inhibitor of transcription, rifampicin, was added 1 min before a temperature upshift to 50 degrees C, suggesting that the induction of these chaperones depends on transcription. A. baumannii cells pretreated at 45 degrees C for 30 min were better able to survive at 50 degrees C for 60 min than cells pretreated at 37 degrees C, indicating that A. baumannii is able to acquire thermotolerance. DnaK and GroEL were successfully induced in cells pre-incubated with a subinhibitory concentration of streptomycin. Moreover, bacterial cells pretreated for 30 min at 45 degrees C were better able to survive streptomycin exposure than cells pretreated at physiological temperatures. DnaK expression was upregulated in a multidrug-resistant strain of A. baumannii (RS4) in the presence of different antimicrobials (ampicillin+sulbactam, cefepime, meropenem and sulphamethoxazole+trimethoprim). This study is to the best of our knowledge the first to show that A. baumannii DnaK and GroEL could play an important role in the stress response induced by antibiotics.

Pesquisa de salmonella e coliformes termotolerantes em cortes de frango obtidos no comércio de Botucatu/SP / Salmonella and coliform organisms in poultry meat obtained in the trade of Botucatu/SP

A carne de aves está freqüentemente envolvida em surtos de infecção alimentar causados por Salmonella. Desta forma, esse trabalho teve como objetivo a análise microbiológica de 112 cortes de peitos de frangos, coletados em estabelecimentos comerciais de Botucatu/SP. Foi pesquisada a presença de Salmonella e determinação do Número Mais Provável de coliformes termotolerantes. Em 36 amostras de peito de frango (32,14%) foi detectada presença de Salmonella. Os sorotipos encontrados foram S. Enteritidis, S. Ohio, S enterica subsp., entérica 6,7:K:- e Entérica-cepa rugosa. Em 61 das 112 amostras (54,5%) o Número Mais Provável de coliformes termotolerantes excedeu 104 NMP/g.

Pesquisa de Salmonella e das condições sanitárias em frangos e lingüiças comercializados na cidade de Botucatu / Research of Salmonella and sanitary conditions in poultry and sausages retailed in Botucatu

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar as condições sanitárias de frango e diversos tipos de lingüiças comercializados na cidade de Botucatu,São Paulo, pela determinação do número mais provável de coliformes a 45ºC/g além da pesquisa de Salmonella pela metodologia tradicional e pela PCR. Foram coletadas 50 amostras de carcaça de frango e 75 de lingüiças frescais, procedentes de nove estabelecimentos diferentes da cidade, no período de abril a novembro de 2006. Das 50 amostras de frango, 35 (70%) estavam fora dos parâmetros microbiológicos, segundo a RDC n°12 da Anvisa (>104 coliformes a 45ºC/g). Embora nessa Resolução, a pesquisa de Salmonella não seja exigida, 4 amostras(8%) apresentaram o patógeno pela metodologia tradicional. Essa presença foi confirmada pela PCR, que também foi positiva para mais 23 amostras, num total de 27 positivas (54%). Dentre as 75 amostras de lingüiças, 30 (40%) estavam fora dos limites permitidos, com 7 amostras positivas para Salmonella, pela metodologia tradicional. Entretanto, se considerar-se a pesquisa pela PCR, o número de amostras positivas aumenta para 42 (56%). Somando-se a taxa de freqüência de Salmonella aos limites microbiológicos para coliformes a 45ºC, 86,7% das lingüiças analisadas estavam impróprias para o Consumo.

In the present investigation were evaluated the sanitary conditions of poultry and several types of sausages retailed in Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil for the determination of the most probable number of coliforms at 45ºC/g besides the research of Salmonella using traditional methodology and PCR. In order to do so, 50 samples of poultry and 75 of sausages were collected from nine different establishments in the city, in the period of April to November of 2006. Of the 50 samples of chicken meat, 35 (70%) were out of the microbiologic parameters, according to Brazilian Sanitary Resolution RDC n°12 of Anvisa (>104 coliforms at 45ºC/g). In this Resolution, the research of Salmonella is not demanded, but 4 samples (8%) presented the pathogen using the traditional methodology. That presence was confirmed by PCR, which was also positive in another 23, in a total of 27 positive samples (54%). Among 75 samples of sausages, 30 (40%)were out of the allowed limits, with 7 positive samples for Salmonella,using traditional methodology. However, if we consider PCR test, the number of positive samples increases to 42 (56%). Adding this number to coliforms microbiological limits, 86.7% of the analyzed sausages were inappropriate for the consumption.