Phytochemical Characterization of Cannabis sativa L. Roots from Northeastern Brazil.

This article describes the phytochemical study of Cannabis sativa roots from northeastern Brazil. The dried plant material was pulverized and subjected to exhaustive maceration with ethanol at room temperature, obtaining the crude ethanolic extract (Cs-EEBR). The volatile compounds were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS), which allowed to identify 22 compounds by comparing the linear retention index (LRI), the similarity index (SI) and the fragmentation pattern of the constituents with the literature. By this technique the major compounds identified were: friedelan-3-one and ß-sitosterol. In addition, two fractions were obtained from Cs-EEBR by classical column chromatography and preparative thin layer chromatography. These fractions were analyzed by NMR and IR and together with the mass spectrometry data allowed to identify the compounds: epifriedelanol, friedelan-3-one, ß-sitosterol and stigmasterol. The study contributed to the phytochemical knowledge of Cannabis sativa, specifically the roots, as there are few reports on the chemical constituents of this part of the plant.

Case study of canine brucellosis by Brucella abortus: epidemiological inquiry / Inquérito epidemiológico e estudo de casos da brucelose canina por Brucella abortus

The objective of this research was to identify brucellosis by Brucella abortus and the possible risk factors associated with the transmission of the infection in dogs in the urban area of the municipality of Viçosa-AL, as well as to alert health authorities about the risk of this potential zoonosis, create a booklet to alert the population about the risks of the disease and the possibility of creating a test protocol in clinical care at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Alagoas. A study was carried out in the city of Viçosa-AL to investigate the presence of B. abortus in 30 adult male dogs. The animals that showed symptoms suggestive of reproductive disease were referred for evaluation of the hematological pattern and clinical and surgical treatment. Parallel to the blood collection, a questionnaire was applied to the owners of these dogs. Buffered acid antigen (AAT) techniques were used as a screening test and 2-Mercaptoethanol (2-ME) as a confirmatory test for AAT positives with symptoms of brucellosis. The study aimed to analyze the number of positive dogs, the clinical and anatomopathological changes and the risk factors for the occurrence of brucellosis in dogs in the municipality of Viçosa-AL. As dogs are a means of transmission for humans, health authorities must pay special attention to this disease, including the control of dogs in the Program for Control and Eradication of Brucellosis of the Ministry of Agriculture. In addition to intensifying control of vaccination and diagnosis in cattle

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi identificar a brucelose por B. abortus e os possíveis fatores de risco associados à transmissão de infecção em cães na área urbana de Viçosa-AL, bem como alertar as autoridades de saúde sobre o risco dessa potencial zoonose, criar cartilha para alertar a população sobre os riscos da doença e a possibilidade de criação de um protocolo de teste no atendimento clínico do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Alagoas. Um estudo foi realizado no município de Viçosa-AL para investigar a presença de B. abortus em 30 cães machos adultos. As técnicas do Antígeno Acidificado Tampado (AAT) foram usadas como teste de triagem e o 2-Mercaptoetanol (2-ME) como confirmatório dos positivos para AAT com sintomas de brucelose. Dos 30 animais testados com AAT, 15 eram domiciliados e 15 semi-domesticados, nos quais 60% (9/15) e 47% (7/15) desses cães eram reativos ao soro, respectivamente. Dos 16 cães reativos séricos para AAT, apenas 25% (4/16) apresentaram sintomas e foram testados com 2- ME, sendo confirmado 100% (4/4). Nos exames anatomopatológicos, foram observadas características típicas de animais brucélicos. Somente o contato com animais da fazenda foi associado à brucelose (p <0,05), sendo considerado fator de proteção

Temporary Shutdown of ERK1/2 Phosphorylation Is Associated With Activation of Adaptive Immune Cell Responses and Disease Progression During Leishmania amazonensis Infection in BALB/c Mice.

Leishmania spp. infection outcomes are dependent on both host and parasite factors. Manipulation of host signaling pathways involved in the generation of immune responses is thought to be one of the most common mechanisms used by parasites for persistence within the host. Considering the diversity of pathologies caused by different Leishmania spp., it is plausible that significant differences may exist in the mechanisms of host cell manipulation by each parasite species, which may have implications when developing new vaccine or treatment strategies. Here we show that in L. braziliensis-infection in BALB/c mice, a model of resistance, activation of ERK1/2 coincides with the peak of inflammatory responses and resolution of tissue parasitism. In contrast, in the susceptibility model of L. amazonensis-infection, an early silent phase of infection is observed, detected solely by quantification of parasite loads. At this early stage, only basal levels of P-ERK1/2 are observed. Later, after a brief shutdown of ERK1/2 phosphorylation, disease progression is observed and is associated with increased inflammation, lesion size and tissue parasitism. Moreover, the short-term down-regulation of ERK1/2 activation affected significantly downstream inflammatory pathways and adaptive T cell responses. Administration of U0126, a MEK/ERK inhibitor, confirmed this phenomenon, since bigger lesions and higher parasite loads were seen in infected mice that received U0126. To investigate how kinetics of ERK1/2 activation could affect the disease progression, U0126 was administered to L. amazonensis-infected animals earlier than the P-ERK1/2 switch off time-point. This intervention resulted in anticipation of the same effects on inflammatory responses and susceptibility phenotype seen in the natural course of infection. Additionally, in vitro inhibition of ERK1/2 affected the phagocytosis of L. amazonensis by BMDMs. Collectively, our findings reveal distinct temporal patterns of activation of inflammatory responses in L. braziliensis and L. amazonensis in the same animal background and a pivotal role for a brief and specific shutdown of ERK1/2 activation at late stages of L. amazonensis infection. Since activation of inflammatory responses is a crucial aspect for the control of infectious processes, these findings may be important for the search of new and specific strategies of vaccines and treatment for tegumentary leishmaniasis.

Angiotensin-(1-7)/MasR axis promotes migration of monocytes/macrophages with a regulatory phenotype to perform phagocytosis and efferocytosis.

Nonphlogistic migration of macrophages contributes to the clearance of pathogens and apoptotic cells, a critical step for the resolution of inflammation and return to homeostasis. Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] is a heptapeptide of the renin-angiotensin system that acts through Mas receptor (MasR). Ang-(1-7) has recently emerged as a novel proresolving mediator, yet Ang-(1-7) resolution mechanisms are not fully determined. Herein, Ang-(1-7) stimulated migration of human and murine monocytes/macrophages in a MasR-, CCR2-, and MEK/ERK1/2-dependent manner. Pleural injection of Ang-(1-7) promoted nonphlogistic mononuclear cell influx alongside increased levels of CCL2, IL-10, and macrophage polarization toward a regulatory phenotype. Ang-(1-7) induction of CCL2 and mononuclear cell migration was also dependent on MasR and MEK/ERK. Of note, MasR was upregulated during the resolution phase of inflammation, and its pharmacological inhibition or genetic deficiency impaired mononuclear cell recruitment during self-resolving models of LPS pleurisy and E. coli peritonitis. Inhibition/absence of MasR was associated with reduced CCL2 levels, impaired phagocytosis of bacteria, efferocytosis, and delayed resolution of inflammation. In summary, we have uncovered a potentially novel proresolving feature of Ang-(1-7), namely the recruitment of mononuclear cells favoring efferocytosis, phagocytosis, and resolution of inflammation. Mechanistically, cell migration was dependent on MasR, CCR2, and the MEK/ERK pathway.

Chemical Analysis by LC-MS of Cannabis sativa Root Samples from Northeast Brazil and Evaluation of Antitussive and Expectorant Activities.

Cannabis sativa is a millenary medicinal plant. However, contrary to worldwide paradigm-shifting, countries like Brazil still prohibit C. sativa cultivation and its medicinal use, even though many populations use aerial parts and roots of this plant for healthcare. As such, the objective of this work was to identify substances in the samples of the C. sativa roots, tracing a correlation with antitussive and expectorant effects. Therefore, samples of C. sativa roots were donated by the Polícia Federal Brasileira, and its aqueous extract (AECsR) was prepared with subsequent lyophilization, to maintain the material stability. After that, the material was analyzed by LC-MS to observe its chemical profile. Four samples (AECsR-A, B, C, and D) were tested in animal models of citric acid-induced cough (0.4 M) and phenol red expectoration (500 mg/kg). Using LC-MS it was possible to identify 5 molecules in C. sativa roots: p-coumaroyltyramine, tetrahydrocannabinol-C4, feruoiltyramine, anhydrocanabisativine, and cannabisativine. In experimental protocols, male mice (Mus musculus) were treated with samples of AECsR at doses of 12.5, 25, or 50 mg/kg regardless of the pharmacological test. In these tests, all samples showed the potential to treat cough and promote fluid expectoration, differing only in the dose at which these effects were observed. Therefore, the data showed that the C. sativa roots of the Brazilian Northeast showed antitussive and expectorant effects, even with intense secondary metabolites' variation, which alters its potency, but not its effect. This highlights the importance of this medicinal plant for future therapy and corroborates to traditional use.

Investigation of antinociceptive, antipyretic, antiasthmatic, and spasmolytic activities of Brazilian Cannabis sativa L. roots in rodents.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Many studies are performed with the aerial parts of Cannabis sativa L. (Cannabaceae). However, roots remain poorly studied, despite citations in the scientific literature. The C. sativa roots are indicated for the treatment of pain, inflammation, fever, among other health problems. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to evaluate the antinociceptive, antipyretic, antiasthmatic, and spasmolytic activities of C. sativa roots in experimental models using mice and rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The chemical composition of the aqueous extract of C. sativa roots (AECsR) was evaluated by LC-MS. The antinociceptive activity was assessed in mice by the induction of writhing with acetic acid, paw licking with formalin, and reactivity in the hot plate test. Fever was induced by the administration of a suspension of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in young rats. The asthmatic activity was performed with ovalbumin (OVA)-immunized mice with cellular and histological analysis. Finally, the spasmolytic activity was performed using mice isolated trachea. For in vivo studies, the doses were 12.5, 25, or 50 mg/kg whereas for in vitro, the concentration of AECsR was 729 µg/mL. RESULTS: From the LC-MS data, we identified p-coumaroyltyramine, feruloyltyramine canabissativine in AECsR. The extract promoted a reduction of writhing in all tested doses (12.5, 25, or 50 mg/kg). Similarly, it reduced the pain in the formalin test at doses of 12.5 and 50 mg/kg (first phase) and 12.5 and 25 mg/kg (second phase). In the hot plate test, the doses of 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg promoted antinociceptive effect at different times, and the lowest dose maintained its action in the analyzes performed at 60, 90, and 120 min after administration. The anti-inflammatory activity of AECsR was observed in the mouse model of asthma, reducing the total leukocyte count in the bronchoalveolar fluid (BALF) at a dose of 25 mg/kg, as well as reducing eosinophilia in all tested doses (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg). Histological analysis of lungs stained with H&E and PAS showed a reduction in the number of inflammatory cells in the perivascular and peribronchial region, as well as reduced mucus production. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that AECsR promotes pain control, either by a central or inflammatory mechanism, and has antiasthmatic activity. However, there was no antipyretic or spasmolytic effect.

Phytochemical identification and quantification of quercetin in Triplaris gardneriana wedd. leaves by HPLC-DAD with evaluation of antibacterial activity.

Triplaris gardneriana is used by traditional medicine. The objective of this work was the leaves chemical study with isolate, identify and quantify the chemical constituent, validate the analytical method and evaluate the antibacterial activity. The ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions were subjected to column chromatography for isolation of the compounds quercetin and lupeol, respectively. For the identification, quantification of quercetin in the samples and validation of method were performed using HPLC-DAD. The antibacterial activity was evaluated by the microdilution method. The isolated phytochemicals are being reported for the first time in the species. The ethyl acetate fraction showed a higher content of quercetin with 9.967 ± 1.01 mg.g-1. The method was validated. The samples showed good antibacterial activity. In this study, quercetin was isolated and quantified in the species being a great alternative as a producer of this secondary metabolite, which can be safely applied in the quality control analysis.

Saúde Indígena: educação, gestão e trabalho / Indigenous Health: education, management and work

Este livro é formado por 12 capítulos selecionados na chamada pública e por um expressivo grupo de 44 autores com diversas formações acadêmicas e vinculados a instituições de quatro regiões brasileiras, além do capítulo de apresentação. A temática da saúde indígena é destacada por diferentes ênfases disciplinares e por diversos dispositivos temáticos, como se verá adiante. No seu todo, os capítulos falam da saúde indígena como uma condição complexa, com determinações diversas daquelas que aprendemos na formação universitária e técnica dos cursos da área da saúde. São diversidades que fazem falta no cotidiano, inclusive para superar as adversidades que também estão presentes de forma permanente.

Cyclic AMP Regulates Key Features of Macrophages via PKA: Recruitment, Reprogramming and Efferocytosis.

Macrophages are central to inflammation resolution, an active process aimed at restoring tissue homeostasis following an inflammatory response. Here, the effects of db-cAMP on macrophage phenotype and function were investigated. Injection of db-cAMP into the pleural cavity of mice induced monocytes recruitment in a manner dependent on PKA and CCR2/CCL2 pathways. Furthermore, db-cAMP promoted reprogramming of bone-marrow-derived macrophages to a M2 phenotype as seen by increased Arg-1/CD206/Ym-1 expression and IL-10 levels (M2 markers). Db-cAMP also showed a synergistic effect with IL-4 in inducing STAT-3 phosphorylation and Arg-1 expression. Importantly, db-cAMP prevented IFN-γ/LPS-induced macrophage polarization to M1-like as shown by increased Arg-1 associated to lower levels of M1 cytokines (TNF-α/IL-6) and p-STAT1. In vivo, db-cAMP reduced the number of M1 macrophages induced by LPS injection without changes in M2 and Mres numbers. Moreover, db-cAMP enhanced efferocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils in a PKA-dependent manner and increased the expression of Annexin A1 and CD36, two molecules associated with efferocytosis. Finally, inhibition of endogenous PKA during LPS-induced pleurisy impaired the physiological resolution of inflammation. Taken together, the results suggest that cAMP is involved in the major functions of macrophages, such as nonphlogistic recruitment, reprogramming and efferocytosis, all key processes for inflammation resolution.

Cannabis and Cannabinoids on Treatment of Inflammation: A Patent Review.

BACKGROUND: The inflammatory process is a physiological response to a vast number of harmful stimulus that takes place in order to restore homeostasis. Many drugs used in pharmacotherapy are effective to control inflammatory responses, however, there is a range of adverse effects attributed to steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In this sense, herbal medicine and derivatives have gained more attention because of their effectiveness and safety, showing the importance of medicinal plants, especially the Cannabis genus and the cannabinoid derivatives. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this prospection was to identify data related to patents involving Cannabis and cannabinoids for the treatment of inflammation. METHODS: To do so, a search for patents was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of Cannabis and cannabinoids. Four specialized databases for patent research were consulted using the terms "cannabis", "cannabidiol", "cannabinoids" and "THC" associated with "inflammation". RESULTS: A total of 370 patents were found, of which 17 patents met the inclusion criteria. Although reports show synergistic effects of the plant components, patents involving Cannabis and cannabinoids focus on isolated substances (CBD e THC). CONCLUSION: However, patents related to Cannabis and cannabinoids are promising for future use of the plant or its derivatives on the treatment of inflammation.

Angiotensin-(1-7) and Alamandine Promote Anti-inflammatory Response in Macrophages In Vitro and In Vivo.

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) peptides play an important role in inflammation. Resolution of inflammation contributes to restore tissue homeostasis, and it is characterized by neutrophil apoptosis and their subsequent removal by macrophages, which are remarkable plastic cells involved in the pathophysiology of diverse inflammatory diseases. However, the effects of RAS peptides on different macrophage phenotypes are still emerging. Here, we evaluated the effects of angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)) and the most novel RAS peptide, alamandine, on resting (M0), proinflammatory M(LPS+IFN-γ), and anti-inflammatory M(IL-4) macrophage phenotypes in vitro, as well as on specific immune cell populations and macrophage subsets into the pleural cavity of LPS-induced pleurisy in mice. Our results showed that Ang-(1-7) and alamandine, through Mas and MrgD receptors, respectively, do not affect M0 macrophages but reduce the proinflammatory TNF-α, CCL2, and IL-1ß transcript expression levels in LPS+IFN-γ-stimulated macrophages. Therapeutic administration of these peptides in LPS-induced inflammation in mice decreased the number of neutrophils and M1 (F4/80lowGr1+CD11bmed) macrophage frequency without affecting the other investigated macrophage subsets. Our data suggested that both Ang-(1-7) and alamandine, through their respective receptors Mas and MrgD, promote an anti-inflammatory reprogramming of M(LPS+IFN-γ)/M1 macrophages under inflammatory circumstances and potentiate the reprogramming induced by IL-4. In conclusion, our work sheds light on the emerging proresolving properties of Ang-(1-7) and alamandine, opening new avenues for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Genetic structure and diversity in Brazilian populations of Anastrepha obliqua (Diptera: Tephritidae).

Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart), the West Indian fruit fly, is one of the most economically important pest species in the Neotropical region. It infests an extensive range of host plants that include over 60 species. The geographic range of A. obliqua is from northern Mexico to southern Brazil and includes the Caribbean Islands. Previous molecular studies have revealed significant genetic structure among populations. We used sequences from a fragment of the mitochondrial protein-coding gene cytochrome c oxidase I to estimate structure and genetic diversity of A. obliqua populations from Brazil. We analyzed a total of 153 specimens from the Amazon Forest, Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, and Caatinga biomes. Our study revealed weak genetic structure among the A. obliqua Brazilian populations sampled. Collections from the Amazon Forest had similar haplotype diversity compared to previously reported estimates for collections from the Caribbean and both populations are also closely related to each other, thus challenging the hypothesis that A. obliqua originated in the Caribbean and then moved to other regions of the Americas. Therefore, further evidence is necessary to draw a definite conclusion about the putative center of origin for A. obliqua. Additionally, we suggest a putative historical migration from the west to the east for the A. obliqua Brazilian populations, which could explain the high genetic diversity for this fly in the Amazon Forest and low genetic diversity in the other Brazilian biomes.

Lifestyle and sleep patterns among people living with and without HIV/AIDS.

INTRODUCTION: Negative lifestyles affect the health and quality of sleep of those living with and without HIV/AIDS. METHODS: Individuals were divided into two groups based on whether or not they were living with HIV/AIDS. RESULTS: Among the 20 participants, 95% displayed a poor lifestyle, and both groups demonstrated low-quality sleep with significant differences between groups in the early sleep variables, total sleep time, and sleep patterns. CONCLUSIONS: Both groups demonstrated similar behavior with unsatisfactory lifestyles, poor sleep quality, and irregular sleep patterns.

Genetic Characterization of Some Neoponera (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Populations Within the foetida Species Complex.

The foetida species complex comprises 13 Neotropical species in the ant genus Neoponera. Neoponera villosa Fabricius (1804) , Neoponera inversa Smith (1858), Neoponera bactronica Fernandes, Oliveira & Delabie (2013), and Neoponera curvinodis (Forel, 1899) have had an ambiguous taxonomic status for more than two decades. In southern Bahia, Brazil, these four species are frequently found in sympatry. Here we used Bayesian Inference and maximum likelihood analyses of COI and 16S mtDNA sequence data and conventional cytogenetic data together with observations on morphology to characterize sympatric populations of N. villosa, N. inversa, N. bactronica, and N. curvinodis. Our results showed marked differences in the karyotype of these ants. Both N. curvinodis and N. inversa have chromosome number of 2n = 30. Their chromosome composition, however, is distinct, which indicates that N. curvinodis is more closely related to N. bactronica. These four species clustered into three distinct groups. The close relationship between N. bactronica and N. curvinodis deserves further investigation since it has not been fully resolved here. Our results confirm that N. inversa, N. villosa, N. bactronica + N. curvinodis indeed represent four distinct taxa within the foetida species complex.

Lifestyle and sleep patterns among people living with and without HIV/AIDS

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Negative lifestyles affect the health and quality of sleep of those living with and without HIV/AIDS. METHODS: Individuals were divided into two groups based on whether or not they were living with HIV/AIDS. RESULTS: Among the 20 participants, 95% displayed a poor lifestyle, and both groups demonstrated low-quality sleep with significant differences between groups in the early sleep variables, total sleep time, and sleep patterns. CONCLUSIONS: Both groups demonstrated similar behavior with unsatisfactory lifestyles, poor sleep quality, and irregular sleep patterns.

Not endemic after all: Imparipecten Freeman, 1961 (Diptera: Chironomidae) described from the Neotropical Region.

Imparipecten, a previously monotypic genus, was considered endemic to Australia. Here, we report Imparipecten from the Neotropical region for the first time and describe Imparipecten sychnacanthus sp. n. from Brazil. The association between larvae and adults was established by sequencing a fragment of one ribosomal gene (28S), two fragments of a nuclear protein-coding gene (CAD1 and CAD4), and one mitochondrial protein-coding gene (COI). We also show the close molecular proximity with Imparipecten pictipes through analyses of genetic distances and Bayesian phylogenetics.

Investigação da infecção subclínica por Neisseria Meningitidis em populações indígenas no Amazonas / Investigation of subclinical infection by Neisseria meningitidis in indigenous populations in the Amazon

A doença meningocócica é causada por Neisseria meningitidis, a qual é uma bactéria de transmissão respiratória que coloniza a nasofaringe humana em cerca de 5-10% da população em geral, normalmente, de forma assintomática. O portador assintomático é o principal elemento na cadeia de transmissão e manutenção em natureza desta bactéria, mesmo durante períodos epidêmicos. Não existem estudos epidemiológicos sobre a infecção por N. meningitidis em populações indígenas no Brasil. Realizamos um estudo epidemiológico de campo do tipo transversal com o objetivo de investigar a infecção assintomática por N. meningitidis em três aldeias indígenas na região do Rio Madeira, no estado do Amazonas: mura (n = 260), Munduruku (n = 268) e mura-pirahã (n = 172).Nas três aldeias incluídas (de acordo com a proximidade e contato com pessoas de centros urbanos), foram examinados com swab da nasofaringe e entrevistados 210 (19% de perda), 268 (0,8% de perda) e 108 (37% de perda) indivíduos, respectivamente. A tipagem fenotípica e genética dos isolados de portadores foi realizada pela técnica de soroaglutinação e de multilocus sequence typing (MLST), respectivamente. O perfil de resistência aos antimicrobianos foi determinado pelo método de E-teste. Na Aldeia São Félix, etnia Mura (bastante contato), encontramos uma prevalência de portadores de N. meningitidis de 2,4% (5/210) e de Neisseria lactamica de 6% (12/210)

Na Aldeia Fronteira, etnia Munduruku (pouco contato), encontramos uma prevalência de portadores de N. meningitidis de 1,5% (4/268), enquanto na Aldeia Pirahã do Maicí etnia mura-pirahã (quase nenhum contato), encontramos uma prevalência de portadores de N. meningitidis de 1,9% (2/108). Registro de doença meningocócica, com evolução para óbito, foi reportado apenas na aldeia São Félix, em 2014, em uma criança que estudava na escola, mas não residia na aldeia. A infecção assintomática foi associada ao deslocamento para fora da aldeia ou ao contato íntimo com quem se desloca com frequência nas três aldeias visitadas. A caracterização fenotípica identificou o sorogrupo B em todas as amostras de N. meningitidis isoladas dos portadores. A genotipagem por MLST identificou dois novos tipos sequenciados (ST): ST-13111 (complexo clonal [cc] 1136) e ST-13110 (-). Uma única cepa foi identificada como ST-11406 (-). O ST-13111 (cc1136) foi identificado nas três aldeias incluídas neste estudo. Os portadores foram tratados com azitromicina em dose única: crianças e adultos

Todas as cepas foram sensíveis à penicilina, ampicilina, ceftriaxona e cloranfenicol, as quais são utilizadas no tratamento da doença invasiva, além de rifampicina, ciprofloxacina e azitromicina, as quais são utilizadas para o tratamento dos portadores. A investigação identificou uma prevalência de portadores de N. meningitidis semelhante àquela encontrada para indivíduos que não são contatos íntimos de casos de doença meningocócica. Apenas o deslocamento para fora da aldeia como estudar, trabalhar, viajar esteve associado ao estado de portador. A prevalência de N. lactamica, uma espécie não patogênica e comensal da nasofaringe humana, também foi semelhante ao que já foi descrito anteriormente. Os STs identificados são, geralmente, isolados da nasofaringe humana e, raramente, de doença invasiva, o que pode justificar a ausência de casos de doença nas aldeias investigadas. No entanto, ficou demonstrado a introdução e circulação de N. meningitidis nas aldeias indígenas investigadas e, consequentemente, a possibilidade de introdução de cepas hiperinvasivas, as quais podem causar doença invasiva de início abrupto rapidamente progressivo e potencialmente fatal. Assim, o uso de vacinas antimeningocócicas fica justificado como a melhor forma de controle da doença meningocócica nas populações de áreas remota. (AU)

Agentes Comunitários de Saúde: perfil sociodemográfico, emprego e satisfação com o trabalho em um município do semiárido baiano / Community Health Agents: sociodemographic profile, employment and satisfaction with work in a city of Bahia's semiarid

Resumo Introdução O Agente Comunitário de Saúde (ACS) é elo entre o serviço de saúde e a comunidade, sendo imprescindível para a implementação de ações de Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS). As condições de emprego e de insatisfação com o trabalho podem ter reflexos sobre a saúde deste trabalhador. O objetivo do estudo foi conhecer o perfil sociodemográfico, as características do emprego e a satisfação com o trabalho de ACS de Juazeiro, na Bahia. Método Foi realizado um inquérito epidemiológico com dados de 145 ACS, coletados por meio de questionário estruturado, aplicado por entrevistador. Resultados A maioria era do sexo feminino (81,38%), com até 40 anos de idade (51,72%), cor parda (60,69%), casada/união estável (66,21%), do quadro permanente do município (95,77%) e com 6-12 anos na mesma unidade (55,86%). A maioria mostrou-se segura em querer candidatar-se novamente ao emprego (52,08%) e satisfeita/muito satisfeita com a capacidade para o trabalho (77,93%). Quanto à satisfação com o trabalho, 28,28% declaram-se insatisfeitos/muito insatisfeitos, 60%, indiferentes, e 11,72%, satisfeitos/muito satisfeitos. Conclusão A consolidação de políticas de organização e de gestão dos processos do trabalho do ACS e a valorização deste profissional são fundamentais para modificar o quadro de insatisfação existente, contribuindo para o fortalecimento da APS.

Abstract Introduction The Community Health Agent (CHA) is a link between health service and community, being an indispensable professional to implement Primary Health Care actions. Employment conditions and dissatisfaction with the job can affect the worker's health. The aim of this study was to identify the sociodemographic profile, employment characteristics and job satisfaction in CHA work of Juazeiro, Bahia. Method An epidemiological survey was performed to collect data of 145 CHA, using a structured questionnaire, applied by interviewer. Results Most participants were women (81.38%), up to 40 years old (51.72%), brown skin color (60.69%), married/common-law marriage (66.21%), city staff (95.77%), and working six to twelve years in the same unit (55.86%). Just over half proved showed interest in reapplying for the job (52.,08%) and most reported as satisfied/very satisfied with the work capacity (77.93%). As for work capacity, 28.28% declared themselves dissatisfied/very dissatisfied, 60.00% indifferent and 11.72% satisfied/very satisfied. Conclusion The consolidation of organizational policies and management of CHA work processes and appreciation of these professionals is fundamental to modify the existing dissatisfaction frame, contributing to the strengthening of Primary Health Care.

Rhaphiodon echinus (Nees & Mart.) Schauer: Chemical, toxicological activity and increased antibiotic activity of antifungal drug activity and antibacterial.

The association of herbal products with standard antimicrobial drugs has recently gained more attention as a hope to overcome infectious diseases caused by multidrug-resistant microorganisms. Here, we investigated for the first time the antimicrobial (antifungal and antibacterial) activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of R. echinus against multiresistant strains of bacteria (E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus) and fungi (C. albicans, C. krusei and C. tropicalis), as well as potential to enhance the activity of antibiotics drugs. In addition, both extract were chemically characterized and their toxicity was assessed in Artemia salina. Our results demonstrate that aqueous extract of R. echinus caused a significant increase in the activity of antibiotics gentamicin and imipenem, while the ethanolic extract strongly enhanced the antibiotic activity of gentamicin, amikacin, imipenem and ciprofloxacin against P. aeruginosa. However, neither the ethanolic nor the aqueous extracts significantly affect the antibiotic activity of the drugs when tested against S. aureus. Phytochemical analysis of the extracts indicated ellagic acid, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid as the major components which can be at least in part responsible for the enhanced activity of antibiotics. None of the extracts showed toxicity in A. salina even at the highest concentration tested (1000 µg/mL). All together, our results suggest that the leaf extract of R. echinus can be an effective source of modulating agents.