Biodiversity of carbapenem-resistant bacteria in clinical samples from the Southwest Amazon region (Rondônia/Brazil).

Brazil is recognized for its biodiversity and the genetic variability of its organisms. This genetic variability becomes even more valuable when it is properly documented and accessible. Understanding bacterial diversity through molecular characterization is necessary as it can improve patient treatment, reduce the length of hospital stays and the selection of resistant bacteria, and generate data for health and epidemiological surveillance. In this sense, in this study, we aimed to understand the biodiversity and molecular epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant bacteria in clinical samples recovered in the state of Rondônia, located in the Southwest Amazon region. Retrospective data from the Central Public Health Laboratories (LACEN/RO) between 2018 and 2021 were analysed using the Laboratory Environment Manager Platform (GAL). Seventy-two species with carbapenem resistance profiles were identified, of which 25 species carried at least one gene encoding carbapenemases of classes A (blaKPC-like), B (blaNDM-like, blaSPM-like or blaVIM-like) and D (blaOXA-23-like, blaOXA-24-like, blaOXA-48-like, blaOXA-58-like or blaOXA-143-like), among which we will highlight Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Serratia marcescens, and Providencia spp. With these results, we hope to contribute to the field by providing epidemiological molecular data for state surveillance on bacterial resistance and assisting in public policy decision-making.

Subinhibitory Concentrations of Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles Affect Motility and Biofilm Formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Biogenic silver nanoparticles (bio-AgNPs) are increasingly recognized as an antibiofilm and antivirulence strategy against P. aeruginosa, a bacterium that causes chronic infections in immunocompromised and cystic fibrosis patients. This study aimed to investigate the effects of subinhibitory concentrations of bio-AgNPs on motility and biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa. Bio-AgNPs were synthesized via reduction of ionic silver catalyzed by cell-free culture filtrate from Fusarium oxysporum. A total of 17 P. aeruginosa isolates and strains were evaluated for swarming, swimming, and twitching motility in the presence and absence (control) of bio-AgNPs, including 10 clinical isolates from patients with and without cystic fibrosis, 5 environmental isolates obtained from the public water supply system, and 2 reference strains (PAO1 and PA14). Isolates were identified by biochemical and molecular methods. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by the broth microdilution method. Swarming, swimming, and twitching motility assays were performed in Petri dishes. Biofilm formation capacity was assessed quantitatively by the crystal violet method. MIC values ranged from 15.62 to 62.50 µM. The results showed that subinhibitory concentrations of bio-AgNPs (½ MIC, 7.81-31.25 µM) significantly increased (p < 0.05) swarming, swimming, and twitching motility in 40.0, 40.0, and 46.7% of isolates, respectively. Subinhibitory bio-AgNP treatment enhanced (p < 0.05) biofilm formation capacity in PA14 and a cystic fibrosis isolate (P11). It is concluded that subinhibitory concentrations of bio-AgNPs increased biofilm formation and swarming, swimming, and twitching motility in PA14 and some P. aeruginosa isolates. These virulence factors are directly involved with quorum-sensing systems. Further research should investigate the effects of AgNPs on P. aeruginosa quorum sensing to help elucidate their mechanism of action at subinhibitory concentrations.

Sodium Oxalate-Induced Acute Kidney Injury Associated With Glomerular and Tubulointerstitial Damage in Rats.

Acute crystalline nephropathy is closely related to tubulointerstitial injury, but few studies have investigated glomerular changes in this condition. Thus, in the current study, we investigated the factors involved in glomerular and tubulointerstitial injury in an experimental model of crystalline-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). We treated male Wistar rats with a single injection of sodium oxalate (NaOx, 7 mg⋅100 g-1⋅day-1, resuspended in 0.9% NaCl solution, i.p.) or vehicle (control). After 24 h of treatment, food and water intake, urine output, body weight gain, and renal function were evaluated. Renal tissue was used for the morphological studies, quantitative PCR and protein expression studies. Our results revealed that NaOx treatment did not change metabolic or electrolyte and water intake parameters or urine output. However, the treated group exhibited tubular calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals excretion, followed by a decline in kidney function demonstrated along with glomerular injury, which was confirmed by increased plasma creatinine and urea concentrations, increased glomerular desmin immunostaining, nephrin mRNA expression and decreased WT1 immunofluorescence. Furthermore, NaOx treatment resulted in tubulointerstitial injury, which was confirmed by tubular dilation, albuminuria, increased Kim-1 and Ki67 mRNA expression, decreased megalin and Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP) expression. Finally, the treatment induced increases in CD68 protein staining, MCP-1, IL-1ß, NFkappaB, and α-SMA mRNA expression, which are consistent with proinflammatory and profibrotic signaling, respectively. In conclusion, our findings provide relevant information regarding crystalline-induced AKI, showing strong tubulointerstitial and glomerular injury with a possible loss of podocyte viability.

Lack of adiponectin in mice accelerates high-fat diet-induced progression of chronic kidney disease.

Obesity is an independent risk factor for the development of chronic kidney disease. The pathophysiology of the obesity-induced kidney injury is complex, but evidence suggests the involvement of reduced adiponectin levels and signaling. We investigated the extent by which adiponectin contributes to the establishment and progression of renal disease in wild type (WT) and adiponectin null (adipoKO) mice fed a control or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 16 weeks. HFD induced obesity, kidney hypertrophy, albuminuria, renal lipid accumulation and decreased nephrin expression in both mice genotypes. Notably, HFD in adipoKO mice exacerbated progression of albuminuria in comparison to WT mice. In addition, lack of adiponectin per se increased kidney weight, reduced nephrin levels, up-regulated Fabp4 expression, reduced Cpt1a expression and increased miR-130 levels in kidney. Our results demonstrate that lack of adiponectin combined with a HFD contributes to accelerated kidney dysfunction.

Deterrência à alimentação e à oviposição de Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) pelo uso pós vegetais em milho armazenado / Reduction of insect feeding and oviposition of Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) by post-vegetables used in stored maiz

Plantas com efeito inseticida apresentam-se entre as alternativas como ferramenta de controle dos insetos-praga de grãos armazenados. No presente estudo, objetivou-se caracterizar a eficiência dos pós de origem vegetal sobre Sitophilus zeamais em grãos armazenados. Foram avaliados 14 pós vegetais (Arnica montana Baccharis trimera Less., Coriandrum sativum L., Coffea arabica, Cymbopogon martini, Helianthus annuus, Lippia gracillis, Mentha pulegium L., Moringa oleífera, Nicotiana tabacum, Piper aduncum, Piper hispidinervum, Sesamum indicum e Vitis labrusca)  obtido de material vegetal triturado, e comparado com um tratamento controle. O experimento foi realizado em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com seis repetições cada tratamento. Nos testes, 0,5 g dos pós inertes foram misturados aos grãos (50 g) de milho híbrido AS 1551 dentro de frascos plásticos, sendo infestados com 10 S. zeamais adultos emergidos. Após 20 dias da infestação avaliou-se a oviposição e iniciou-se a contagem de adultos emergidos. Ao fim do período de infestação, foi avaliado o peso seco dos insetos, o peso de grãos consumidos e o período de desenvolvimento (ovo-adulto). A maioria dos pós vegetais apresentou atuação efetiva sobre os insetos emergidos. Constatou-se nos pós testados redução na oviposição, exceto Vitis labrusca e Sesamum indicum cujo número de ovos foi superior ao controle, também...(AU)

Plants with insecticidal effect are among the alternatives as a tool to control the insect-pest of stored grains. The objective of this study was to characterize the efficiency of plant-based powders on Sitophilus zeamais insects in stored grains. Using fourteen plant species (Arnica montana Baccharis trimera Less., Coriandrum sativum L., Coffea arabica, Cymbopogon martini, Helianthus annuus, Lippia gracillis, Mentha pulegium L., Moringa oleífera, Nicotiana tabacum, Piper aduncum, Piper hispidinervum, Sesamum indicum and Vitis labrusca) obtained from tritured vegetable material, and compared with a control treatment. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design, with six replicates each treatment. In the tests, 0.5 g of the inert powders were mixed into the grains (50 g) of hybrid corn AS 1551 into plastic vials and infested with 10 emerged adult of S. zeamais. After 20 days of infestation, oviposition was evaluated and counts of emerged adults. At the end of the infestation period, evalued the dry weight of the insects, the weight of grains consumed and the period of development (egg-adult). Most of the vegetal powders presented effective action on the emerged insects. By the use of the powders it verified reduction in the ooposition, except for Vitis labrusca and Sesamum indicum whose egg numbers were higher than control, also had less effect on the...(AU)

Deterrência à alimentação e à oviposição de Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) pelo uso pós vegetais em milho armazenado / Reduction of insect feeding and oviposition of Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) by post-vegetables used in stored maiz

Plantas com efeito inseticida apresentam-se entre as alternativas como ferramenta de controle dos insetos-praga de grãos armazenados. No presente estudo, objetivou-se caracterizar a eficiência dos pós de origem vegetal sobre Sitophilus zeamais em grãos armazenados. Foram avaliados 14 pós vegetais (Arnica montana Baccharis trimera Less., Coriandrum sativum L., Coffea arabica, Cymbopogon martini, Helianthus annuus, Lippia gracillis, Mentha pulegium L., Moringa oleífera, Nicotiana tabacum, Piper aduncum, Piper hispidinervum, Sesamum indicum e Vitis labrusca)  obtido de material vegetal triturado, e comparado com um tratamento controle. O experimento foi realizado em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com seis repetições cada tratamento. Nos testes, 0,5 g dos pós inertes foram misturados aos grãos (50 g) de milho híbrido AS 1551 dentro de frascos plásticos, sendo infestados com 10 S. zeamais adultos emergidos. Após 20 dias da infestação avaliou-se a oviposição e iniciou-se a contagem de adultos emergidos. Ao fim do período de infestação, foi avaliado o peso seco dos insetos, o peso de grãos consumidos e o período de desenvolvimento (ovo-adulto). A maioria dos pós vegetais apresentou atuação efetiva sobre os insetos emergidos. Constatou-se nos pós testados redução na oviposição, exceto Vitis labrusca e Sesamum indicum cujo número de ovos foi superior ao controle, também...

Plants with insecticidal effect are among the alternatives as a tool to control the insect-pest of stored grains. The objective of this study was to characterize the efficiency of plant-based powders on Sitophilus zeamais insects in stored grains. Using fourteen plant species (Arnica montana Baccharis trimera Less., Coriandrum sativum L., Coffea arabica, Cymbopogon martini, Helianthus annuus, Lippia gracillis, Mentha pulegium L., Moringa oleífera, Nicotiana tabacum, Piper aduncum, Piper hispidinervum, Sesamum indicum and Vitis labrusca) obtained from tritured vegetable material, and compared with a control treatment. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design, with six replicates each treatment. In the tests, 0.5 g of the inert powders were mixed into the grains (50 g) of hybrid corn AS 1551 into plastic vials and infested with 10 emerged adult of S. zeamais. After 20 days of infestation, oviposition was evaluated and counts of emerged adults. At the end of the infestation period, evalued the dry weight of the insects, the weight of grains consumed and the period of development (egg-adult). Most of the vegetal powders presented effective action on the emerged insects. By the use of the powders it verified reduction in the ooposition, except for Vitis labrusca and Sesamum indicum whose egg numbers were higher than control, also had less effect on the...

Analysis of Risk Factors in Occupational Accidents in Brazil: A Population-Based Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of occupational risks factors, including specific work characteristics with the occurrence of accidents at workplace and on the way to work in Brazil. METHODS: We used a cross-sectional study design with comparison groups, to inquire data from 47,629 participants of the Brazilian National Health Survey. Logistic regression analysis was performed for distinct multivariate models. RESULTS: Exposure to intense noise, biological materials, work experience of 40 years or more, and intense physical exertion were significantly associated with accidents at work. Regarding to accidents on the way to work, exposure to intense noise and performing work activities that require intense physical exertion remained associated. CONCLUSION: This study contributes to highlight the effects of multiple work-related risk factors on the occurrence of occupational accidents at the workplace and on the way to work in Brazil.

Portulaca elatior root contains a trehalose-binding lectin with antibacterial and antifungal activities.

Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins broadly distributed in plants and have several biological functions, including antimicrobial action. Portulaca elatior is a Caatinga plant whose chemical composition and biotechnological potential have not been extensively studied. In this work, a lectin was isolated from P. elatior root extract and evaluated for antimicrobial activity. The P. elatior root lectin (PeRoL) showed native molecular mass of 33 kDa, pI 3.8 and is comprised of two subunits of 15 kDa linked by disulfide bonds. No sequence similarities with Viridiplantae proteins were observed. The PeRoL hemagglutinating activity (HA) was not affected by heating and was detected in a pH ranging from 4.0 to 8.0. Trehalose was identified as an endogenous inhibitor of PeRoL present in the roots. Bacteriostatic activity was detected against Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus (minimal inhibitory concentration of 8.1, 32.5 and 4.06 µg/mL, respectively). PeRoL induced the death of Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, Candida krusei, and Candida tropicalis cells, with a minimal fungicidal concentration of 16 µg/mL. The lectin (100 µg/mL) was not cytotoxic to human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and did not show hemolytic activity. In conclusion, the roots of P. elatior contain a trehalose-binding, thermostable, and antimicrobial lectin.

Hexane extract from Spondias tuberosa (Anacardiaceae) leaves has antioxidant activity and is an anti-Candida agent by causing mitochondrial and lysosomal damages.

BACKGROUND: Spondias tuberosa is a plant that produces a fruit crop with high economic relevance at Brazilian Caatinga. Its roots and leaves are used in folk medicine. METHODS: Chemical composition of a hexane extract from S. tuberosa leaves was evaluated by thin-layer chromatography (TLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Antioxidant potential was investigated by DPPH and ABTS assays. Antifungal action on Candida species was evaluated determining the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC50) and putative mechanisms were determined by flow cytometry analysis. In addition, hemolytic activity on human erythrocytes was assessed and the concentration required to promote 50% hemolysis (EC50) was determined. RESULTS: Phytochemical analysis by TLC showed the presence of flavonoids, hydrolysable tannins, saponins and terpenes. The HPLC profile of the extract suggested the presence of gallic acid (0.28 ± 0.01 g%) and hyperoside (1.27 ± 0.01 g%). The representative 1H NMR spectrum showed saturated and unsaturated fatty acids among the main components. The extract showed weak and moderate antioxidant activity in DPPH (IC50: 234.00 µg/mL) and ABTS (IC50: 123.33 µg/mL) assays, respectively. It was able to inhibit the growth of C. albicans and C. glabrata with MIC50 of 2.0 and 0.078 mg/mL, respectively. The treatment of C. glabrata cells with the extract increased levels of mitochondrial superoxide anion, caused hyperpolarization of mitochondrial membrane, and compromised the lysosomal membrane. Weak hemolytic activity (EC50: 740.8 µg/mL) was detected. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate the pharmacological potential of the extract as antioxidant and antifungal agent, aggregating biotechnological value to this plant and stimulating its conservation.

Evaluation of antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and hemolytic activities from venom of the spider Lasiodora sp.

This study characterized the protein/peptide profile of venom isolated from the spider Lasiodora sp. (Mygalomorphae, Theraphosidae) found in northeastern Brazil and determined its antimicrobial activity, toxicity against human cells, and hemolytic activity. Protein concentration of the Lasiodora sp. venom was 4.53 ± 0.38 mg/mL. SDS-PAGE showed proteins with molecular masses up to 75 kDa, some of which contained disulfide bridges. RP-HPLC analysis separate at least 12 peaks that were identified by mass spectrometry as peptides U1-theraphotoxin-Lp1a (lasiotoxin-1), U1-theraphotoxin-Lp1c (lasiotoxin-3), U3-theraphotoxin-Lsp1a (LTx5), and ω-theraphotoxin-Asp3a as well as the proteins phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and hyaluronidase. The crude venom exhibited bactericidal effect against Aeromonas sp., Bacillus subtilis, and Micrococcus luteus and fungicidal effect against Candida parapsilosis and Candida albicans. In addition, the venom exerted bacteriostatic effect against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus and fungistatic effect against Candida tropicalis and Candida krusei. The minimum inhibitory (MIC), minimum bactericidal (MBC), and minimum fungicidal (MFC) concentrations ranged from 3.9 to 500 µg/mL. The Lasiodora sp. venom decreased the viability of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by 50%-90% at concentrations of 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 µg/mL, promoting apoptosis of these cells. On the other hand, the venom showed weak hemolytic activity against Mus musculus erythrocytes (EC50: 757 µg/mL). In conclusion, the Lasiodora sp. spider venom is a rich source of antimicrobial agents. Future studies will focus on identifying antimicrobial agents present in this venom and evaluating whether these agents contribute to its cytotoxic effects against PBMCs.

Impact of the distance of light curing on the degree of conversion and microhardness of a composite resin.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the impact of the distance between the light guide tip of the curing unit and material surface on the degree of conversion and Knoop microhardness of a composite resin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Circular samples were carried out of a methacrylate micro-hybrid resin-based composite and light cured at 0, 2 and 4 mm distance. Monomer conversion rate was measured using a Fourier-transform Raman spectrometer and Knoop hardness number was obtained using a microhardness tester on the top and bottom surfaces. Data were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance and Tukey's test (α=0.05). RESULTS: Overall, the increase of curing distance reduced the microhardness (p≤0.05), but did not influence the carbon double bond conversion rate (p>0.05) of the composite resin tested; and the top surface showed better properties compared to the bottom (p≤0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The light curing at distance can reduce mechanical properties and could affect long-term durability of the composite restorations. Thus, the use of a curing device with high irradiance is recommended.

Synthesis and evaluation of (-)-Massoialactone and analogues as potential anticancer and anti-inflammatory agents.

(-)-Massoialactone, an α,ß-unsaturated δ-lactone isolated from Cryptocarya massoia, and five analogues were synthesized and their antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated. The lactones were able to mimic the "core" functional group required for the biological activity of their parent natural compounds suggesting that substantially altered analogues may retain their properties.

Mineral loss and color change of enamel after bleaching and staining solutions combination.

Pigments of food and beverages could affect dental bleaching efficacy. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate color change and mineral loss of tooth enamel as well as the influence of staining solutions normally used by adolescent patients undergoing home bleaching. Initial hardness and baseline color were measured on enamel blocks. Specimens were divided into five groups (n=5): G1 (control) specimens were kept in artificial saliva throughout the experiment (3 weeks); G2 enamel was exposed to 10% carbamide peroxide for 6 h daily, and after this period, the teeth were cleaned and stored in artificial saliva until the next bleaching session; and G3, G4, and G5 received the same treatments as G2, but after bleaching, they were stored for 1 h in cola soft drink, melted chocolate, or red wine, respectively. Mineral loss was obtained by the percentage of hardness reduction, and color change was determined by the difference between the data obtained before and after treatments. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and Fisher's test (α=0.05). G3 and G5 showed higher mineral loss (92.96 ± 5.50 and 94.46 ± 1.00, respectively) compared to the other groups (p ≤ 0.05). G5 showed high-color change (9.34 ± 2.90), whereas G1 presented lower color change (2.22 ± 0.44) (p ≤ 0.05). Acidic drinks cause mineral loss of the enamel, which could modify the surface and reduce staining resistance after bleaching.

Update on nonsurgical, ultraconservative approaches to treat effectively non-cavitated caries lesions in permanent teeth.

Dental caries on tooth surfaces is still a problem in many industrialized countries. For many years, dentistry was influenced by a mechanical approach characterized by the use of high-speed rotary cutting instruments, and dentists predominantly used surgical methods to address caries. This included radical removal of diseased portions of the tooth, along with material-driven geometric extensions to areas that were assumed to be caries-resistant. This concept of extension for prevention was introduced by G. V. Black and influenced dentists for more than 120 years. Recently, a new paradigm of operative conservatism, sometimes referred to as "minimally invasive dentistry," has gained popularity. This paradigm is designed to promote maximum preservation of healthy dental structures over a lifetime. The aim of this review is to discuss the efficacy of current nonsurgical treatments for non-cavitated caries lesions in permanent teeth. Based on results obtained from clinical trials, this review evaluates treatments such as consumption of CPP-ACP added gums, resin infiltration and fissure sealing. Although in a few cases an invasive approach is needed to arrest caries progression, the non-surgical approach generally provides potential benefits that include conserving structure by delaying intervention or minimizing the operative procedure. All current non-invasive methods are effective in treating non-cavitated caries lesions. The adoption of non-invasive approaches in the management of these lesions can preserve dental tissues, thus increasing tooth longevity.

O CÃO (Canis familiaris) COMO UNIDADE EXPERIMENTAL PARA AS CERATOPLASTIAS XENÓGENAS

O CÃO (Canis familiaris) COMO UNIDADE EXPERIMENTAL PARA AS CERATOPLASTIAS XENÓGENAS

Estudo da microbiota ocular como monitor da ciclosporina "a" (2%) em cães submetidos ao transplante de córnea de suinos

ESTUDO DA MICROBIOTA OCULAR COMO MONITOR DA CICLOSPORINA "A" (2%) EM CÃES SUBMETIDOS AO TRANSPLANTE DE CÓRNEA DE SUINOS

Estudo do leucograma como monitor da ciclosporina "a" (2%) em cães submetidos ao transplante de córnea de suínos

ESTUDO DO LEUCOGRAMA COMO MONITOR DA CICLOSPORINA "A" (2%) EM CÃES SUBMETIDOS AO TRANSPLANTE DE CÓRNEA DE SUÍNOS

Estudo histopatológico de córneas de suínos implantadas em cães tratadas com ciclosporina "a" (2%)

ESTUDO HISTOPATOLÓGICO DE CÓRNEAS DE SUÍNOS IMPLANTADAS EM CÃES TRATADAS COM CICLOSPORINA "A" (2%)

Estudo clìnico dos olhos de cães tratados com ciclosporina "a" (2%) que recebem implantes de córneas de suínos

ESTUDO CLÌNICO DOS OLHOS DE CÃES TRATADOS COM CICLOSPORINA "A" (2%) QUE RECEBEM IMPLANTES DE CÓRNEAS DE SUÍNOS