Night-Time Noise and Sleep Quality in an Internal Medicine Ward in Portugal: An Observational Study.

INTRODUCTION: Hospitals should provide a quiet environment to promote patient healing and well-being. However, published data indicates that World Health Organization's guidelines are frequently not met. The aim of the present study was to quantify night-time noise levels in an internal medicine ward and evaluate sleep quality, as well as the use of sedative drugs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective observational study in an acute internal medicine ward. Between April 2021 and January 2022, on random days, noise was recorded using a smartphone app (Apple® iOS, Decibel X). Night-time noise was recorded from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. During the same period, hospitalized patients were invited to respond to a questionnaire regarding their sleep quality. RESULTS: A total of 59 nights were recorded. The average noise level recorded was 55 dB with a minimum of 30 dB and a maximum of 97 dB. Fifty-four patients were included. An intermediate score for night-time sleep quality (35.45 out of 60) and noise perception (5.26 out of 10) was reported. The main reasons for poor sleep were related to the presence of other patients (new admission, acute decompensation, delirium, and snoring), followed by equipment, staff noise and surrounding light. Nineteen patients (35%) were previous users of sedatives, and during hospitalization 41 patients (76%) were prescribed sedatives. CONCLUSION: The noise levels detected in the internal medicine ward were higher than the levels recommended by the World Health Organization. Most patients were prescribed sedatives during hospitalization.

The strawberry-derived permeation enhancer pelargonidin enables oral protein delivery.

Although patients generally prefer oral drug delivery to injections, low permeability of the gastrointestinal tract makes this method impossible for most biomacromolecules. One potential solution is codelivery of macromolecules, including therapeutic proteins or nucleic acids, with intestinal permeation enhancers; however, enhancer use has been limited clinically by modest efficacy and toxicity concerns surrounding long-term administration. Here, we hypothesized that plant-based foods, which are well tolerated by the gastrointestinal tract, may contain compounds that enable oral macromolecular absorption without causing adverse effects. Upon testing more than 100 fruits, vegetables, and herbs, we identified strawberry and its red pigment, pelargonidin, as potent, well-tolerated enhancers of intestinal permeability. In mice, an oral capsule formulation comprising pelargonidin and a 1 U/kg dose of insulin reduced blood glucose levels for over 4 h, with bioactivity exceeding 100% relative to subcutaneous injection. Effects were reversible within 2 h and associated with actin and tight junction rearrangement. Furthermore, daily dosing of mice with pelargonidin for 1 mo resulted in no detectable side effects, including weight loss, tissue damage, or inflammatory responses. These data suggest that pelargonidin is an exceptionally effective enhancer of oral protein uptake that may be safe for routine pharmaceutical use.

The Relationship Between Different Bench Test Methodologies and Accuracy of Insulin Infusion Pumps: A Systematic Literature Review.

Diabetes technology has rapidly evolved, and insulin infusion pumps (IIPs) have gained worldwide acceptance in diabetes care. The safety of medical equipment is highly discussed, imposing complex challenges in its use. The accuracy of IIPs can be determined through laboratory tests, generally following the IEC 60601-2-24 protocol. Studies have evaluated the accuracy and precision of IIPs, and there are discrepant results. So, we conducted a Systematic Literature Review to assess the methodologies used to evaluate the accuracy of IIPs, organizing the findings in a compiled perspective. The methodology was based on Kitchenham and Biolchini guidelines, and when possible it was carried out the Bayesian meta-analyses to compare the accuracy of IIPs. Most studies used the microgravimetric technique to evaluate the device accuracy, and some proposed adaptations for the standard protocol. The variation of results was recurrent, and the establishment of a protocol, especially to evaluate patch pumps, is necessary. The present study gives enough data to understand the scenario of the IIPs evaluation, as well as the different protocols that can be explored for its evaluation. This highlights the need for a reliable, practical, and low-cost methodology to assist the evaluation of IIPs.

Incidence and risk factors for acute kidney injury associated to surgery for congenital heart disease / Incidencia y factores de riesgo de falla renal aguda asociados a la corrección quirúrgica de cardiopatías congénitas

Abstract Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs frequently after cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease and it has a great impact on patient´s prognosis. Objective: The aims of this study were to determine the incidence and risk factors for AKI in children undergoing cardiac surgery and its impact on mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU and total hospital length of stay. Methods: This was a historical cohort study of children 0 - 18 years of age who underwent cardiac surgery between 2012 and 2014. We used the Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery-1 (RACHS) scale to evaluate risk of the surgery. AKI was defined in accordance to the Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) criteria. Results: A total of 485 patients were included. AKI occurred in 89 (18.3%) patients during the study period. Risk factors for AKI were age < 2 years, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time > 120 min and RACHS score > 3. AKI increased the mortality risk (OR: 5.82, 95% CI: 2.24-15.10) and the time in mechanical ventilation and ICU stay from 1 to 5 days and 6 to 12 days, respectively. Conclusions: Risk factors for AKI are younger age, higher RACHS score, and time of CPB greater than 120 minutes. AKI increases mortality, days on MV and ICU stay. In the present study AKIN scale allowed us to classify the severity of AKI and it correlated with prognosis after cardiac surgery.

Resumen Introducción: La insuficiencia renal aguda (IRA) ocurre frecuentemente después de las cirugías de cardiopatías congénitas e impacta el pronóstico del paciente. Objetivo: Determinar incidencia y factores de riesgo para IRA en niños sometidos a cirugía de cardiopatía congénita y su impacto en mortalidad, duración de ventilación mecánica, tiempo de hospitalización total y en Cuidados Intensivos (UCI). Métodos: Cohorte histórica de niños entre cero y 18 años sometidos a cirugía cardiaca entre 2012 y 2014. El riesgo de la cirugía fue calculado mediante la escala Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery-1 (RACHS). La falla renal fue establecida de acuerdo a la escala de Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN). Resultados: Se incluyeron 485 pacientes. 89 pacientes (18.3%) desarrollaron IRA durante el postquirúrgico. Los factores de riesgo para IRA fueron edad < 2 años, tiempo de bypass cardiopulmonar > 120 minutos y escala de RACHS > 3. La ocurrencia de IRA aumento el tiempo de ventilación mecánica de 1 a 5 días, la estancia en UCI de 6 a 12 días y el riesgo de mortalidad (OR: 5.82, 95% IC: 2.24-15.10). Conclusiones: Los factores de riesgo para IRA fueron menor edad, mayor escala de RACHS y de tiempo de bypass. La ocurrencia de IRA aumentó la mortalidad, días en ventilación mecánica y estancia en UCI. En el presente estudio la escala de AKIN permitió clasificar la severidad de AKI y se correlaciono con el pronóstico después de cirugía de cardiopatía congénita.

Biochemical characterization of Peumus boldus fruits: Insights of its antioxidant properties through a theoretical approach.

Peumus boldus is an endemic tree species from Chile whose leaves have been the focus of study for decades given that their infusions are reported to relieve rheumatic symptoms, headache, dyspepsia, urinary tract inflammation, and symptoms of other illnesses. These health properties have been studied mainly using leaves and bark, then it is relevant to know more about these properties in different parts of the plant. Considering the importance of P. boldus fruits in the diet of some rural populations, we analyzed their properties to explore its impact on the Chilean population health. Liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis confirmed the presence of alkaloids such as boldine, although aporphine N-methyl-laurotetanine was the most abundant. In addition, flavonoids catechin, chrysin and quercetin were also found in the extract. Cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activities of the fruit extract were invitro tested by using a murine macrophage cell model, observing that a diluted fraction of the extract was not cytotoxic, but showed anti-inflammatory activity, which is likely attributed to antioxidants activities. By means of quantum chemical calculations, we calculated the redox potential of the respective alkaloids and flavonoids found in the extract. Results suggest a synergistic effect between alkaloids and flavonoids, where boldine and N-methyl-laurotetanine showed similar antioxidant properties. Finally, we present a description of the oxidation mechanisms for both groups of molecules which will sustain P. boldus fruit biological properties, in order to give this kind of fruits scientific value focusing on human health.

Snake envenomation: a component based review on hemostatic alterations

Considered by the World Health Organization a neglected public health problem, snakebites occur predominantly in tropical areas of Africa, Asia and Latin America. Approximately 2.7 million people worldwide are victims of snakebites each year, of which between 81,000 and 138,000 later die. Among the survivors, about 400,000 have some permanent disability. The entirety of the mechanism responsible for the venom pathophysiology is not completely understood. However, most of the venom toxins affect human hemostasis, as Bothrops venom components, which destabilize endothelium, affect platelet aggregation, blood clotting and fibrinolysis. Such effects are not only components of the clinical picture of patients who have suffered envenomation, but are also directly associated with the severity of the accident. Thus, it is of great importance to understand the main hemostatic alterations observed in envenomation’s by snakes of the genus Bothrops, which is predominant in South America. Therefore, this review describes the hemostatic changes that occur in Bothrops snakebites, to further improve the understanding of the general pathological mechanisms of snake envenomation’s and the correlation between endothelium dysfunction and coagulation/fibrinolysis systems as a result of the interaction of each class of venom components with human hemostasis. This knowledge is crucial for the development of new effective therapeutic approaches, attenuating the severity of snakebites and reducing amputations and deaths. Besides this, a molecular comprehension of the hemostatic alterations caused by each component of Bothrops venoms may help to identify new molecules and targets for therapeutic applications.

Comparison of Conventional and Microwave Synthesis of Phenyl-1H-pyrazoles and Phenyl-1H-pyrazoles-4-carboxylic Acid Derivatives.

BACKGROUND: Privileged scaffolds are of high importance for molecules containing the pyrazole subunit due to their broad spectrum of pharmacological activities. For this reason, a method that is more efficient needs to be developed for the preparation of pyrazole derivatives. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was the optimisation of the conventional synthesis of the pyrazole ring and the oxidation of phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde to phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid through Microwave- Assisted Organic Synthesis (MAOS). METHODS: We performed a comparison between conventional synthesis and conventional synthesis with microwave heating using the synthesis method of pyrazole ring described by Finar and Godfrey and for the oxidation of phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde, the method described by Shriner and Kleiderer was used. RESULTS: MAOS reduces the reaction time to obtain all compounds compared to conventional heating. At a temperature of 60°C, 5 minutes of reaction time, and power of 50 W, the yield of phenyl-1H-pyrazoles (3a-m) compounds was in the range of 91 - 98% using MAOS, which is better than conventional heating (72 - 90%, 75ºC, 2 hours). An improvement in the yield for the oxidation reaction was also achieved with MAOS. The compounds (5a-m) were obtained with yields ranging from 62 - 92% (80ºC, 2 minutes, 150 W), while the yields with conventional heating were in the range of 48 - 85% (80ºC, 1 hour). The 26 compounds were achieved through an easy work-up procedure with no chromatographic separation. The pure products were characterised by the spectral data obtained from IR, MS, 1H and 13C NMR or HSQC/HMBC techniques. CONCLUSION: The advantages of MAOS include short reaction time and increased yield, due to which it is an attractive option for pyrazole compounds synthesis.

Treinamento cardiorrespiratório e força dos músculos ventilatórios de idosas: ensaio controlado randomizado duplo cego / Cardiorespiratory training and ventilatory muscle strength in elderly women: double blind randomized controlled trial

A dinapenia da musculatura ventilatória relaciona-se com as complicações respiratórias pós-operatórias e aos óbitos de idosos submetidos a procedimentos cirúrgicos de etiologia toracoabdominal. Objetivo: Verificar o efeito crônico do treinamento cardiorrespiratório sobre a força dos músculos ventilatórios de idosas. Métodos: Amostra (n = 24) randomizada nos grupos: controle (n = 8), treinamento ventilatório (n = 7) e treinamento cardiorrespiratório (n = 9). O desfecho primário (PImáx e PEmáx) foi medido por um manovacuômetro digital MDV®300 (MDI/Brasil). Rodou-se a estatística descritiva (média e desvio padrão), seguida de uma ANOVA 3x3 e o testes post-hoc de Bonferroni, todos com significância de (P ≤ 0,05). Resultados: O teste Post Hoc atestou diferença estatisticamente significativa do grupo treinamento cardiorrespiratório no reteste 1 e 2 quando comparados ao teste inicial (PImáx; P = 0,000001 e P = 0,0000001 respectivamente) e (PEmáx; P = 0,000000 em ambas as comparações). Conclusão: O treinamento cardiorrespiratório proposto foi capaz de aumentar significativamente a PImáx, PEmáx, resistência aeróbica e a força de membros inferiores das participantes deste ECR. (AU)

Predictive equations for ventilatory muscle strength in the Brazilian population: a systematic review / Equações preditivas da força muscular ventilatória na população brasileira: uma revisão sistemática / Ecuaciones predictivas de la fuerza muscular respiratoria en la población brasileña: una revisión sistemática

ABSTRACT Maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP and MEP) assess the strength index of the respiratory muscles. These measures are relevant to assess respiratory muscle strength and for clinical monitoring. This study evaluates papers that suggest predictive equations of MIP and MEP for the Brazilian population. We included studies that established prediction equations for MIP and MEP for the healthy Brazilian population, aged from 4 to 90 years old, both men and women and that had the maximum respiratory pressures measured in a sitting position. A search was carried out in March 2020 on MEDLINE, LILACS, Cochrane, SciELO, CINAHL, Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases, without date or language filters. The descriptors used were "muscle strength," "equations," "predictive respiratory muscles" and their respective synonyms. Out of the 3,920 studies found in databases, 963 were duplicates, 2,779 were excluded, 178 had their full texts analyzed, and only 9 met the inclusion criteria. The predictive equations of ventilatory muscle strength analyzed in this review used age, weight, and stature as variables. However, the studies showed methodological weaknesses, such as lack of cross-validation of the equation, exclusion of outliers, and lack of familiarization of MIP and MEP.

RESUMO As pressões respiratórias máximas (PImáx e PEmáx) avaliam o índice de força dos músculos respiratórios. Essas medidas são relevantes para a avaliação da força muscular respiratória e para o monitoramento clínico. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os artigos que sugerem equações preditivas de PImáx e PEmáx para a população brasileira. Foram incluídos estudos que estabeleceram equações de predição para PImáx e PEmáx da população brasileira saudável, com idades entre 4 e 90 anos e de ambos os sexos, que mediam as pressões respiratórias máximas na posição sentada. Uma pesquisa foi realizada, em março de 2020, nas bases de dados MEDLINE, LILACS, Cochrane, SciELO, CINAHL, Web of Science e SCOPUS, sem filtros de tempo ou idioma. Os descritores utilizados foram "força muscular", "equações" e "músculos respiratórios preditivos", com seus respectivos sinônimos. Dos 3.920 estudos encontrados nas bases de dados, 963 eram duplicados e 2.779 foram excluídos, 178 tiveram seus textos analisados integralmente e apenas 9 atendiam aos critérios de inclusão. As variáveis utilizadas nas equações preditivas de força muscular ventilatória analisadas nesta revisão foram: idade, peso e estatura. No entanto, os estudos mostraram fragilidades metodológicas, como falta de validação cruzada da equação, exclusão de outliers e familiarização do PImáx e PEmáx.

RESUMEN Las presiones inspiratoria y espiratoria máximas (PImáx y PEmáx) evalúan el índice de fuerza muscular respiratoria. Estas medidas son importantes en la evaluación de la fuerza muscular respiratoria y el seguimiento clínico. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los artículos proponen ecuaciones predictivas para PImáx y PEmáx a la población brasileña. Se incluyeron estudios que establecieron ecuaciones predictivas para PImáx y PEmáx a la población brasileña sana de ambos sexos, de entre 4 y 90 años de edad, y que miden las presiones respiratorias máximas en posición sentada. Se realizó, en marzo de 2020, una búsqueda en las bases de datos MEDLINE, LILACS, Cochrane, SciELO, CINAHL, Web of Science y SCOPUS, sin año de publicación específico ni idioma. Los descriptores utilizados fueron "fuerza muscular", "ecuaciones" y "músculos respiratorios predictivos" y sus respectivos sinónimos. De los 3.920 estudios encontrados, 963 eran duplicados y se excluyeron 2.779, así se analizaron 178 textos en su totalidad y solo 9 cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. Las variables edad, peso y talla fueron las que habían sido utilizadas en las ecuaciones predictivas de fuerza muscular respiratoria analizadas por esta revisión. Sin embargo, los estudios apuntaron limitaciones metodológicas, como falta de validación cruzada de la ecuación, exclusión de outliers y familiaridad de la PImáx y PEmáx.

Aspects related to positivity for schistosomiasis: a cross-sectional study in a low prevalence area in Alagoas, Brazil, 2020. / Aspectos relacionados com a positividade para a esquistossomose: estudo transversal em área de baixa prevalência em Alagoas, 2020.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze aspects related to schistosomiasis positivity in an area of low prevalence in Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study, carried out in the first half of 2020, where we analyzed the proportion of positivity, according to the number of Kato-Katz slides, the diagnostic performance of the test and positivity estimates based on data from the Schistosomiasis Surveillance and Control Program Information System (SISPCE). RESULTS: 2,088 slides from 348 individuals were analyzed, with proportion of positivity of 11.8%, 26.7% and 31.0% for 1, 4 and 6 slides analyzed, respectively. There was excellent agreement (Kappa = 0.91) between the readings of 4 and 6 slides. The SISPCE data was estimated to be underreported by up to 2.1 times. CONCLUSION: Increasing the number of slides increased Kato-Katz positivity, which can contribute to maximizing the control of the disease as a Public Health problem.

Design, synthesis, and evaluation of Bothrops venom serine protease peptidic inhibitors.

BACKGROUND: In Central and South America, snakebite envenomation is mainly caused by Bothrops spp. snakes, whose venoms feature significant biochemical richness, including serine proteases. The available bothropic antivenoms are efficient in avoiding fatalities, but do not completely neutralize venom serine proteases, which are co-responsible for some disorders observed during envenomation. METHODS: In order to search for tools to improve the antivenom's, 6-mer peptides were designed based on a specific substrate for Bothrops jararaca venom serine proteases, and then synthesized, with the intention to selectively inhibit these enzymes. RESULTS: Using batroxobin as a snake venom serine protease model, two structurally similar inhibitor peptides were identified. When tested on B. jararaca venom, one of the new inhibitors displayed a good potential to inhibit the activity of the venom serine proteases. These inhibitors do not affect human serine proteases as human factor Xa and thrombin, due to their selectivity. CONCLUSION: Our study identified two small peptides able to inhibit bothropic serine proteases, but not human ones, can be used as tools to enhance knowledge of the venom composition and function. Moreover, one promising peptide (pepC) was identified that can be explored in the search for improving Bothrops spp. envenomation treatment.

Aspects related to positivity for schistosomiasis: a cross-sectional study in a low prevalence area in the state of Alagoas, Brazil, 2020 / Aspectos relacionados con la positividad para la esquistosomiasis: un estudio transversal en un área de baja prevalencia en el estado de Alagoas, Brasil, 2020 / Aspectos relacionados com a positividade para a esquistossomose: estudo transversal em área de baixa prevalência do estado de Alagoas, 2020

Objective: To analyze aspects related to positivity for schistosomiasis in an area of ​​low prevalence in Brazil. Methods: Cross-sectional study, carried out in the first half of 2020, where proportion of positivity was analyzed according to the number of Kato-Katz slides, the diagnostic performance of the test and the creation of a positivity estimation factor from the data of the Information from the Schistosomiasis Surveillance and Control Program (SISPCE). Results: 2,088 slides from 348 individuals were analyzed, with proportion of positivity of 11.8%, 26.7% and 31.0% for 1, 4 and 6 slides analyzed, respectively. There was excellent agreement (Kappa = 0.91) between the reading of 4 and 6 slides. An underreporting of 2.1 times was estimated in the SISPCE data. Conclusion: Increasing the number of blades increased the positivity of Kato-Katz, which can contribute to maximize the control of the disease as a public health problem.

Objetivo: Analisar aspectos relacionados com a positividade para esquistossomose em área de baixa prevalência, no Brasil. Métodos: Estudo transversal, realizado no primeiro semestre de 2020, quando foram analisadas a proporção de positividade, em função do número de lâminas de Kato-Katz, o desempenho diagnóstico do teste e a estimação da positividade a partir dos dados do Sistema de Informação do Programa de Vigilância e Controle da Esquistossomose (SISPCE). Resultados: Foram analisadas 2.088 lâminas de 348 indivíduos, sendo a proporção de positividade de 11,8%, 26,7% e 31,0% para 1, 4 e 6 lâminas analisadas, respectivamente. Houve concordância excelente (índice Kappa = 0,91) na comparação entre as leituras de 4 e 6 lâminas. Foi estimada subnotificação de 2,1 vezes nos dados do SISPCE. Conclusão: Ampliar o número de lâminas aumentou a positividade do Kato-Katz, o que pode contribuir para maximizar o controle da doença enquanto problema de Saúde Pública.

Aspectos relacionados com a positividade para a esquistossomose: estudo transversal em área de baixa prevalência em Alagoas, 2020 / Aspectos relacionados con la positividad para la esquistosomiasis: un estudio transversal en un área de baja prevalencia en Alagoas, Brasil, 2020 / Aspects related to positivity for schistosomiasis: a cross-sectional study in a low prevalence area in Alagoas, Brazil, 2020

Objetivo: Analisar aspectos relacionados com a positividade para esquistossomose em área de baixa prevalência, no Brasil. Métodos: Estudo transversal, realizado no primeiro semestre de 2020, quando foram analisadas a proporção de positividade, em função do número de lâminas de Kato-Katz, o desempenho diagnóstico do teste e a estimação da positividade a partir dos dados do Sistema de Informação do Programa de Vigilância e Controle da Esquistossomose (SISPCE). Resultados: Foram analisadas 2.088 lâminas de 348 indivíduos, sendo a proporção de positividade de 11,8%, 26,7% e 31,0% para 1, 4 e 6 lâminas analisadas, respectivamente. Houve concordância excelente (índice Kappa = 0,91) na comparação entre as leituras de 4 e 6 lâminas. Foi estimada subnotificação de 2,1 vezes nos dados do SISPCE. Conclusão: Ampliar o número de lâminas aumentou a positividade do Kato-Katz, o que pode contribuir para maximizar o controle da doença enquanto problema de Saúde Pública.

Objetivo: Analizar aspectos relacionados con la positividad para esquistosomiasis en área de baja prevalencia en Brasil. Métodos: Estudio transversal, realizado en el primer semestre de 2020, donde se analizó la proporción de positividad según el número de portaobjetos de Kato-Katz, el rendimiento diagnóstico de la prueba y la creación de un factor de estimación de positividad a partir de los datos del Sistema de Información del Programa de Vigilancia y Control de la Esquistosomiasis (SISPCE). Resultados: Se analizaron 2.088 láminas de 348 individuos, con proporción de positividad del 11,8%, 26,7% y 31,0% para 1, 4 y 6 láminas analizadas, respectivamente. Hubo una excelente concordancia (Kappa = 0,91) en la comparación entre la lectura de 4 y 6 láminas. Se estimó un subregistro de 2,1 veces en los datos del SISPCE. Conclusión: Aumentar el número de muestras aumentó la positividad de Kato-Katz, lo que puede contribuir a maximizar el control de la enfermedad como problema de Salud Pública.

Objective: To analyze aspects related to schistosomiasis positivity in an area of low prevalence in Brazil. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, carried out in the first half of 2020, where we analyzed the proportion of positivity, according to the number of Kato-Katz slides, the diagnostic performance of the test and positivity estimates based on data from the Schistosomiasis Surveillance and Control Program Information System (SISPCE). Results: 2,088 slides from 348 individuals were analyzed, with proportion of positivity of 11.8%, 26.7% and 31.0% for 1, 4 and 6 slides analyzed, respectively. There was excellent agreement (Kappa = 0.91) between the readings of 4 and 6 slides. The SISPCE data was estimated to be underreported by up to 2.1 times. Conclusion: Increasing the number of slides increased Kato-Katz positivity, which can contribute to maximizing the control of the disease as a Public Health problem.

Use of Phanerochaete Chrysosporium in a Semibatch Reactor for Removal of Indigo Carmine from Synthetic Textile Wastewater

Abstract The textile industry demonstrates a polluting potential from the planting of cotton to the release of wastewater. The presence of dyes in water bodies decreases the passage of sun rays and directly affects the photosynthetic organisms and the ecosystem. Fungi have potential in the treatment of wastewater containing dyes with complex organic structures due to enzymes that they produce. This study evaluated the use of Phanerochaete chrisosporium in the treatment of synthetic effluent from textile industry containing indigo carmine (20 mg/L). The fungus was immobilized in a semibatch reactor. Glucose was the cosubstrate employed in the experiment and it was used in the system at 1g/L at the beginning of the process and 0.5 g /L after 24 hours of reaction. Average dye removal was 84±10% and chemical oxygen demand removal was 79±14%. For nitrogen compounds, the removal efficiencies were 87±11%, 81±11% and 91±9% for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, respectively. The pH of the medium remained in the acidic range (2.57 to 5.00) throughout the process, with the lowest values recorded in the effluent of each cycle, justified by the release of organic acids from fungi metabolism. There was contamination of the medium by bacteria (710,000 CFU/mL), but the colonies count showed a predominance of fungi (1,365,000 CFU/mL). With the use of the semibatch system after reading of glucose it was observed that the efficiency of dye removal evolved from 72±17% to 84±10%, producing a final effluent with 3.35±1.99 mg/L of indigo, which proves that treatment configuration analyzed is satisfactory for dye removal.

Lipschütz ulcer and Epstein-Barr virus infection: a case report / Úlcera de Lipschütz e infecção pelo vírus Epstein-Barr: um relato de caso

Aims: Lipschütz ulcer (LU), also known as acute vulvar ulcer, is a rare cause of vulvar ulcerations of nonvenereal origin. Our aim is to alert about this manifestation of the disease and to prevent unnecessary treatment. Case description: we present a 15 years old female, without relevant family and past history, admitted in the emergency room with a painful vulvar ulcer, preceded by five days of fever and sore throat. On physical examination, she had enlarged, and erythematous tonsils and bilateral anterior cervical lymphadenopathy and the genital examination revealed vulvar oedema and a deep ulcer with necrotic plaques in labium minus. The exclusion of transmitted sexual disease led to a diagnosis of Lipschütz ulcer. She started symptomatic treatment, oral antibiotic and corticoid therapy. She was discharged from the hospital after 6 days of admission and returned to a consult one month later when it was observed an almost complete resolution of the lesions. No recurrences occurred until 3 months. Conclusion: LU is a misdiagnosed pathology, probably because doctors, in general, are not familiarized with that, and since the diagnosis is made by exclusion. Infectious, such as Epstein-Barr Virus infections, are proposed etiologies.

Objetivo: a úlcera de Lipschütz, ou úlcera vulvar aguda, é uma causa rara de ulceração de origem não venérea. O nosso objetivo é alertar para essa manifestação da doença e prevenir tratamentos desnecessários. Descrição: adolescente, sexo feminino, 15 anos, sem história pessoal ou antecedentes familiares de relevo. Recorreu ao Serviço de Urgência por febre e odinofagia, com cinco dias de evolução, associada a uma úlcera vulvar dolorosa, que surgiu no próprio dia. O exame clínico revelou amígdalas hipertrofiadas e eritematosas, linfadenopatia cervical anterior, e o exame ginecológico apresentou edema da vulva e uma úlcera profunda, com placas necróticas nos lábios menores. A exclusão de uma doença sexualmente transmissível levou ao diagnóstico de úlcera de Lipschütz. Ficou internada no Serviço de Pediatria e iniciou tratamento sintomático, antibioterapia por sobreinfeção da úlcera e corticoterapia tópica. Teve alta após seis dias de hospitalização e foi reavaliada em consulta um mês depois, com resolução completa do caso. Não apresentou recorrência da úlcera até aos três meses seguintes. Conclusão: a úlcera de Lipschütz é uma doença subdiagnosticada, muito provavelmente porque os médicos não estão familiarizados com ela e por ser um diagnóstico de exclusão. A infeção pelo vírus Epstein-Barr é uma das etiologias propostas.

Synergistic effect of serine protease inhibitors and a bothropic antivenom in reducing local hemorrhage and coagulopathy caused by Bothrops jararaca venom

Snakebite accidents are a public health problem that affects the whole world, causing thousands of deaths and amputations each year. In Brazil, snakebite envenomations are caused mostly by snakes from the Bothrops genus. The local symptoms are characterized by pain, swelling, ecchymosis, and hemorrhages. Systemic disturbances can lead to necrosis and amputations. The present treatment consists of intravenous administration of bothropic antivenom, which is capable of reversing most of the systemic symptoms, while presenting limitations to treat the local effects, such as hemorrhage and to neutralize the snake venom serine protease (SVSP). In this context, we aimed to evaluate the activity of selective serine protease inhibitors (pepC and pepB) in combination with the bothropic antivenom in vivo. Further, we assessed their possible synergistic effect in the treatment of coagulopathy and hemorrhage induced by Bothrops jararaca venom. For this, we evaluated the in vivo activity in mouse models of local hemorrhage and a series of in vitro hemostasis assays. Our results showed that pepC and pepB, when combinated with the antivenom, increase its protective activity in vivo and decrease the hemostatic disturbances in vitro with high selectivity, possibly by inhibiting botropic proteases. These data suggest that the addition of serine protease inhibitor to the antivenom can improve its overall potential.

Design, synthesis, and evaluation of Bothrops venom serine protease peptidic inhibitors

Background: In Central and South America, snakebite envenomation is mainly caused by Bothrops spp. snakes, whose venoms feature significant biochemical richness, including serine proteases. The available bothropic antivenoms are efficient in avoiding fatalities, but do not completely neutralize venom serine proteases, which are co-responsible for some disorders observed during envenomation. Methods: In order to search for tools to improve the antivenom’s, 6-mer peptides were designed based on a specific substrate for Bothrops jararaca venom serine proteases, and then synthesized, with the intention to selectively inhibit these enzymes. Results: Using batroxobin as a snake venom serine protease model, two structurally similar inhibitor peptides were identified. When tested on B. jararaca venom, one of the new inhibitors displayed a good potential to inhibit the activity of the venom serine proteases. These inhibitors do not affect human serine proteases as human factor Xa and thrombin, due to their selectivity. Conclusion: Our study identified two small peptides able to inhibit bothropic serine proteases, but not human ones, can be used as tools to enhance knowledge of the venom composition and function. Moreover, one promising peptide (pepC) was identified that can be explored in the search for improving Bothrops spp. envenomation treatment.

Design, synthesis, and evaluation of Bothrops venom serine protease peptidic inhibitors

In Central and South America, snakebite envenomation is mainly caused by Bothrops spp. snakes, whose venoms feature significant biochemical richness, including serine proteases. The available bothropic antivenoms are efficient in avoiding fatalities, but do not completely neutralize venom serine proteases, which are co-responsible for some disorders observed during envenomation. Methods: In order to search for tools to improve the antivenom's, 6-mer peptides were designed based on a specific substrate for Bothrops jararaca venom serine proteases, and then synthesized, with the intention to selectively inhibit these enzymes. Results: Using batroxobin as a snake venom serine protease model, two structurally similar inhibitor peptides were identified. When tested on B. jararaca venom, one of the new inhibitors displayed a good potential to inhibit the activity of the venom serine proteases. These inhibitors do not affect human serine proteases as human factor Xa and thrombin, due to their selectivity. Conclusion: Our study identified two small peptides able to inhibit bothropic serine proteases, but not human ones, can be used as tools to enhance knowledge of the venom composition and function. Moreover, one promising peptide (pepC) was identified that can be explored in the search for improving Bothrops spp. envenomation treatment.(AU)

New epidemiological profile of schistosomiasis from an area of low prevalence in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Schistosomiasis, caused by infection from Schistosoma mansoni, is a disease that represents an important public health problem for Brazil, especially for states in the Northeast region. Thus, the aim of this study is to present a new epidemiological profile for the disease in a municipality with low prevalence in the state of Alagoas, Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted through a coproparasitological and malacological survey. A structured questionnaire was applied to the study participants to survey possible risk factors and a spatial analysis (kernel density) was used to measure the risk of infection. RESULTS: Of the 347 participants, 106 (30.5%) were infected by Schistosoma mansoni, most of them from the urban area of the municipality (68.9%; 73/106). A 3-fold risk of infection was found for individuals living in the urban area and a risk of 2.15 times for self-declared farmers. Biomphalaria glabrata and B. straminea were the species found in the municipality, but no animals were diagnosed as infected by the parasite. Spatial analysis showed a random distribution of vectors and human cases of the disease, and the formation of two clusters of human cases in the urban area was seen. CONCLUSIONS: A new epidemiological profile for schistosomiasis from S. mansoni infection was presented in a municipality of low endemicity: a high proportion of positive individuals in the urban area; presence of snails without positive diagnosis for S. mansoni infection; random distribution of vectors and human cases; and absence of association between classical risk factors and human infection.

Reactive Arthritis - A Rare Complication of Intravesical BCG Instillation.

Reactive arthritis (ReA) with the classic triad of arthritis, conjunctivitis and urethritis, previously termed Reiter's syndrome, is a systemic illness, usually induced by genitourinary or gastrointestinal infections. However, it can be a rare complication of intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin instillation (iBCG), a therapy prepared from attenuated strains of Mycobacterium bovis, a common and effective treatment for carcinoma in situ of the bladder (CisB). We report a case of a patient with CisB who developed ReA after iBCG. The symptoms resolved completely with corticosteroids. iBCG was stopped with no recurrence of carcinoma within 2 years. LEARNING POINTS: ReA is an aseptic arthritis, usually triggered by genitourinary or gastrointestinal infections, generally in individuals positive for HLA-B27.Septic arthritis and microcrystalline arthritis can mimic ReA and they must be ruled out with arthrocentesis.ReA may be considered as a complication in patients under iBCG.