Fraction of C. d. collilineatus venom containing crotapotin protects PC12 cells against MPP + toxicity by activating the NGF-signaling pathway.

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease. There is no effective treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. Snake venoms are a cocktail of proteins and peptides with great therapeutic potential and might be useful in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Crotapotin is the acid chain of crotoxin, the major component of Crotalus durissus collilineatus venom. PD is characterized by low levels of neurotrophins, and synaptic and axonal degeneration; therefore, neurotrophic compounds might delay the progression of PD. The neurotrophic potential of crotapotin has not been studied yet. Methods: We evaluated the neurotrophic potential of crotapotin in untreated PC12 cells, by assessing the induction of neurite outgrowth. The activation of the NGF signaling pathway was investigated through pharmacological inhibition of its main modulators. Additionally, its neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects were evaluated by assessing neurite outgrowth and cell viability in PC12 cells treated with the dopaminergic neurotoxin MPP+ (1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium), known to induce Parkinsonism in humans and animal models. Results: Crotapotin induced neuritogenesis in PC12 cells through the NGF-signaling pathway, more specifically, by activating the NGF-selective receptor trkA, and the PI3K/Akt and the MAPK/ERK cascades, which are involved in neuronal survival and differentiation. In addition, crotapotin had no cytotoxic effect and protected PC12 cells against the inhibitory effects of MPP+ on cell viability and differentiation. Conclusion: These findings show, for the first time, that crotapotin has neurotrophic/neuroprotective/neurorestorative potential and might be beneficial in Parkinson's disease. Additional studies are necessary to evaluate the toxicity of crotapotin in other cell models.

Correlation between chest computed tomography findings and pulmonary function test results in the post-recovery phase of COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: The radiological and functional lung sequelae in COVID-19 survivors remain unclear. We compared the chest computed tomography findings of COVID-19 patients with normal and abnormal pulmonary function test results in the post-recovery phase. METHODS: The data of consecutive patients who underwent pulmonary function tests and chest computed tomography within 14 days after recovery from COVID-19 at two medical centers between May and October 2020 were collected retrospectively. Two thoracic radiologists who were blinded to the clinical information and pulmonary function test results classified the patients according to the computed tomography features, evidence of fibrotic-like changes, and semi-quantitative quantification of the extent of pulmonary abnormalities. The clinical characteristics and computed tomography findings of patients with normal pulmonary function test results were compared with those of patients with abnormal results. RESULTS: A total of 101 COVID-19 survivors, comprising 48 ambulatory and 53 hospitalized patients, were included at a median of 95 days from initial symptom onset. Computed tomography revealed fibrotic-like changes in 10.9% of patients. A reduction in the diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide was the most common lung function abnormality (19.8%). Abnormal diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide was associated with the presence and extension of lung opacities on chest computed tomography scans and fibrotic pulmonary abnormalities. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of reduced diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide for detecting fibrotic-like pulmonary changes on chest computed tomography scans were 72.7%, 87.8%, and 86.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that the presence of an abnormal diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide in the post-recovery phase of COVID-19 is associated with a greater risk of long-term parenchymal lung disease, as evidenced by the presence of fibrotic-like changes on chest computed tomography scans, such as traction bronchiectasis and architectural distortion.

Correlation between chest computed tomography findings and pulmonary function test results in the post-recovery phase of COVID-19

ABSTRACT Objective The radiological and functional lung sequelae in COVID-19 survivors remain unclear. We compared the chest computed tomography findings of COVID-19 patients with normal and abnormal pulmonary function test results in the post-recovery phase. Methods The data of consecutive patients who underwent pulmonary function tests and chest computed tomography within 14 days after recovery from COVID-19 at two medical centers between May and October 2020 were collected retrospectively. Two thoracic radiologists who were blinded to the clinical information and pulmonary function test results classified the patients according to the computed tomography features, evidence of fibrotic-like changes, and semi-quantitative quantification of the extent of pulmonary abnormalities. The clinical characteristics and computed tomography findings of patients with normal pulmonary function test results were compared with those of patients with abnormal results. Results A total of 101 COVID-19 survivors, comprising 48 ambulatory and 53 hospitalized patients, were included at a median of 95 days from initial symptom onset. Computed tomography revealed fibrotic-like changes in 10.9% of patients. A reduction in the diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide was the most common lung function abnormality (19.8%). Abnormal diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide was associated with the presence and extension of lung opacities on chest computed tomography scans and fibrotic pulmonary abnormalities. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of reduced diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide for detecting fibrotic-like pulmonary changes on chest computed tomography scans were 72.7%, 87.8%, and 86.1%, respectively. Conclusion Our study suggests that the presence of an abnormal diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide in the post-recovery phase of COVID-19 is associated with a greater risk of long-term parenchymal lung disease, as evidenced by the presence of fibrotic-like changes on chest computed tomography scans, such as traction bronchiectasis and architectural distortion.

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Psidium Species from Restinga: A Coastal and Disturbed Ecosystem of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

The Atlantic Forest is one of the most threatened biomes in the world. Here, we use a common set of microsatellite markers to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of three species from the genus Psidium (P. guajava, P. macahense, and P. guineense), located in a disturbed environment of the Atlantic Forest, the restinga, in Espírito Santo, Brazil. Psidium guajava populations presented the highest number of alleles (95) followed by P. guineense (81) and P. macahense (68). The genetic variability was high (P. guajava = 0.71; P. guineense = 0.74; P. macahense = 0.63), with greater variation within populations (72 to 84%) than among populations (15 to 27%), reflecting elevated values of genetic differentiation (P. guajava, FST: 0.15; P. macahense, ØST: 0.27; P. guineense, ØST: 0.21). The populations were clustered into two main groups and considered moderately structured. This is the first report of genetic studies and evidence of polyploidy to P. macahense. Our results may provide information that can be used in management and conservation strategies, to preserve the diversity of Psidium populations.

Genetic diversity of Euterpe edulis martius based on fruit traits / Diversidade genética de Euterpe edulis martius com base em características de frutos

Juçara (Euterpe edulis Martius) is a palm species from the Atlantic Forest whose fruits are important as a source of food to several individuals from the fauna of the region. Despite its ecological importance, juçara is found in the list of endangered species, due to the fragmentation of the forests and the illegal extraction of the heart of palm. We aimed to evaluate the inter- and intra-populational genetic diversity of E. edulis based on fruit and seed traits in forest fragments of the Espírito Santo State in Brazil. The aim was to generate information to be used in E. edulis breeding programs, or in the delineation of more efficient management and reforestation strategies. The study was carried out in 20 forest fragments and 198 fruit plants were sampled. Positive genetic association was observed between the evaluated traits, with the longitudinal diameter of the fruit (LDF) and the seed mass (SM) greatly affecting fruit mass (FM). The existence of inter- and intra-populational genetic divergence was proved. The genetic divergence found in E. edulis suggests that there is genetic material that can be explored in breeding programs and this information may also contribute to management strategies that can increase the species genetic diversity

Juçara (Euterpe edulis Martius) é uma espécie de palmeira da Mata Atlântica, que é importante como fonte de alimento para vários indivíduos da fauna. Apesar de sua importância ecológica, juçara é encontrada na lista de espécies ameaçadas à extinção, devido à fragmentação florestal e à extração ilegal do palmito. Nós tivemos como objetivo avaliar a diversidade genética inter e intra populacional de E. edulis com base em caracteres de frutos e sementes, em fragmentos florestais do Estado do Espírito Santo no Brasil, com o objetivo de gerar informações a serem utilizadas nos programas de melhoramento de E. edulis ou na delimitação de estratégias de manejo e reflorestamento mais eficientes. O estudo foi realizado em 20 fragmentos florestais e 198 plantas frutíferas foram amostradas. Foi observada uma grande associação genética positiva entre os caracteres avaliados, com as características diâmetro longitudinal dos frutos (LDF) e massa de sementes (SM) apresentando efeitos maiores do que a massa característica da fruta (FM). A existência de divergência genética inter e intrapopulacional foi comprovada. A divergência genética encontrada neste trabalho para E. edulis sugere a presença de material genético que vale a pena ser explorado em programas de melhoramento e essa informação também pode contribuir com estratégias de manejo para aumentar a diversidade genética das espécies.

A Synthetic Snake-Venom-Based Tripeptide Protects PC12 Cells from the Neurotoxicity of Acrolein by Improving Axonal Plasticity and Bioenergetics.

The synthetic peptide p-BTX-I is based on the native peptide (formed by glutamic acid, valine and tryptophan) isolated from Bothrops atrox venom. We have previously demonstrated its neuroprotective and neurotrophic properties in PC12 cells treated with the dopaminergic neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+). Now, we have investigated the neuroprotective effects and mechanisms of p-BTX-I against the toxicity of acrolein in PC12 cells. Studies have demonstrated that acrolein might play an important role in the etiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is characterized by neuronal and synaptic loss. Our results showed that not only acrolein reduced cell differentiation and cell viability, but also altered the expression of markers of synaptic communication (synapsin I), energy metabolism (AMPK-α, Sirt I and glucose uptake), and cytoskeleton (ß-III-tubulin). Treatment with p-BTX-I increased the percentage of differentiation in cells treated with acrolein and significantly attenuated cell viability loss, besides counteracting the negative effects of acrolein on synapsin I, AMPK-α, Sirt I, glucose uptake, and ß-III-tubulin. Additionally, p-BTX-I alone increased the expression of apolipoprotein E (apoE) gene, associated with the proteolytic degradation of ß-amyloid peptide aggregates, a hallmark of AD. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that p-BTX-I protects against acrolein-induced neurotoxicity and might be a tool for the development of novel drugs for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Phytochemical analysis and effect of the essential oil of Psidium L. species on the initial development and mitotic activity of plants.

The use of allelopathic compounds is an alternative for weeds control, since they present low toxicity when compared with the synthetic herbicides, that may cause several damages, as the contamination of the environment. Our objective was to determine the chemical composition and allelopathic properties of the essential oils of Psidium cattleianum, P. myrtoides, P. friedrichsthalianum, and P. gaudichaudianum on the germination and root growth of Lactuca sativa and Sorghum bicolor, and to evaluate their action on the cell cycle of root meristematic cells of L. sativa. The main compound found in all the studied species was (E)-caryophyllene (P. cattleianum-23.4 %; P. myrtoides-19.3%; P. friedrichsthalianum-24.6% and P. gaudichaudianum-17.0%). The different essential oils were tested at different concentrations on L. sativa and S. bicolor, reducing germination, germination speed index, and root and shoot growth of lettuce and sorghum seedlings. The cytotoxicity and aneugenic potential of these oils were evidenced by the reduction of the mitotic index and increase of the frequency of chromosomal alterations in L. sativa. The essential oils of the species of Psidium studied have potential to be used in weeds control.

Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) Protects PC12 Cells Against Cisplatin-Induced Neurotoxicity by Activating the AMPK/SIRT1, MAPK/Erk, and PI3k/Akt Signaling Pathways.

Peripheral sensory neuropathy (PSN) is a well-known side effect of cisplatin characterized by axonal damage. In the early stage of neurotoxicity, cisplatin affects proteins that modulate neurite outgrowth and neuroplasticity, without inducing mitochondrial damage or apoptosis. There are no preventive therapies for cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy; therefore, measures to improve axonal growth and connectivity would be beneficial. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a bioactive component of propolis with neurotrophic and neuroprotective activities. We have recently showed that CAPE protects against cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity by activating NGF high-affinity receptors (trkA) and inducing neuroplasticity. We have now assessed other potential early targets of cisplatin and additional mechanisms involved in the neuroprotection of CAPE. Cisplatin reduced axonal cytoskeletal proteins (F-actin and ß-III-tubulin) without inducing oxidative damage in PC12 cells. It also reduced energy-related proteins (AMPK α, p-AMPK α, and SIRT1) and glucose uptake. At this stage of neurotoxicity, glutamate excitotoxicity is not involved in the toxicity of cisplatin. CAPE attenuated the downregulation of the cytoskeleton and energy-related markers as well as SIRT1 and phosphorylated AMPK α. Moreover, the neuroprotective mechanism of CAPE also involves the activation of the neurotrophic signaling pathways MAPK/Erk and PI3k/Akt. The PI3K/Akt pathway is involved in the upregulation of SIRT1 induced by CAPE, but not in the upregulation of cytoskeletal proteins. Altogether, these findings suggest that the neuroprotective effect of CAPE against cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity involves both (a) a neurotrophic mechanism that mimics the mechanism triggered by the NGF itself and (b) a non-neurotrophic mechanism that upregulates the cytoskeletal proteins.

Repeatability analysis of guava fruit and leaf characteristics / Análise de repetibilidade de características de frutos e folhas de goiaba

Psidium guajava L. (guava) is an important species that presents high genetic variability due to its mixed reproductive system, which is desired in breeding programs. Repeatability is an important tool for the selection of genotypes in pre-breeding studies. When genetic variability is present, the knowledge regarding the number of samples to be used in repeatability studies is indispensable. This study aims to determine the number of necessary measures while optimizing resources and maintaining the reliability of the results for the variables evaluated in P. guajava. The experiment was carried out with genotypes from three Brazilian States: Espírito Santo, São Paulo, and Minas Gerais, and a total of 79 P. guajava genotypes were collected. The following characteristics were evaluated: young leaf length and width; developed leaf length and width; fruit length; fruit diameter and fruit cavity diameter; and fruit weight and pulp weight. For the evaluated characteristics, deviance, permanent phenotypic and temporary environment variance, coefficients of repeatability and determination, accuracy and the number of estimated measurements required were determined. We established that the number of measurements required in repeatability analysis for a coefficient of repeatability with a reliability of 80% is four, for the measurements of developed leaf width, pulp weight, fruit diameter, and fruit cavity diameter

Psidium guajava L. (goiaba) é uma espécie importante que apresenta alta variabilidade genética devido ao seu sistema reprodutivo misto, o que é desejado em programas de melhoramento. A repetibilidade é uma ferramenta importante para a seleção de genótipos em estudos de pré-melhoramento.Quando a variabilidade genética está presente, o conhecimento sobre o número de amostras a serem usadas em estudos de repetibilidade é indispensável. Este estudo tem como objetivo determinar o número de medidas necessárias, otimizando recursos e mantendo a confiabilidade dos resultados para as variáveis avaliadas em P. guajava. O experimento foi conduzido com genótipos de três estados brasileiros: Espírito Santo, São Paulo e Minas Gerais, e um total de 79 genótipos de P. guajava foram coletados. As seguintes características foram avaliadas: comprimento e largura das folhas jovens; comprimento e largura das folhas desenvolvidas; comprimento do fruto; diâmetro do fruto e diâmetro da cavidade do fruto; e peso do fruto e peso da polpa. Para as características avaliadas, foram determinados os desvios, a variância fenotípica permanente e temporária do ambiente, os coeficientes de repetibilidade e determinação, a precisão e o número estimado de medidas necessárias. Foi estabelecido que o número de medições necessárias na análise de repetibilidade para um coeficiente de repetibilidade com uma confiabilidade de 80% é igual a quatro, para as medidas de largura de folha desenvolvida, peso da polpa, diâmetro do fruto e diâmetro da cavidade do fruto.

BjSP, a novel serine protease from Bothrops jararaca snake venom that degrades fibrinogen without forming fibrin clots.

Snake venom serine proteases (SVSPs) are commonly described as capable of affecting hemostasis by interacting with several coagulation system components. In this study, we describe the isolation and characterization of BjSP from Bothrops jararaca snake venom, a serine protease with distinctive properties. This enzyme was isolated by three consecutive chromatographic steps and showed acidic character (pI 4.4), molecular mass of 28 kDa and N-carbohydrate content around 10%. Its partial amino acid sequence presented 100% identity to a serine protease cDNA clone previously identified from B. jararaca venom gland, but not yet isolated or characterized. BjSP was significantly inhibited by specific serine protease inhibitors and showed high stability at different pH values and temperatures. The enzyme displayed no effects on washed platelets, but was able to degrade fibrin clots in vitro and also the Aα and Bß chains of fibrinogen differently from thrombin, forming additional fibrinopeptides derived from the Bß chain, which should be related to its inability to coagulate fibrinogen solutions or platelet-poor plasma. In the mapping of catalytic subsites, the protease showed high hydrolytic specificity for tyrosine, especially in subsite S1. Additionally, its amidolytic activity on different chromogenic substrates suggests possible effects on other factors of the coagulation cascade. In conclusion, BjSP is a serine protease that acts nonspecifically on fibrinogen, generating different Bß fibrinopeptides and thus not forming fibrin clots. Its distinguished properties in comparison to most SVSPs stimulate further studies in an attempt to validate its potential as a defibrinogenating agent.

Proposta de índice de salubridade ambiental domiciliar para comunidades rurais: aspectos conceituais e metodológicos / Household environmental health index proposal for rural communities: conceptual and methodological aspects

RESUMO O presente artigo apresenta a construção do índice de salubridade ambiental domiciliar focado no meio rural (ISA/DR) como instrumento para diagnóstico e avaliação das condições de saúde-ambiente em meio rural, assim como sua aplicação em comunidades ribeirinhas da Amazônia. A construção do ISA/DR foi realizada com base em três referenciais: a teoria do índice de salubridade ambiental urbana para áreas de ocupações espontâneas; os aspectos teóricos e conceituais da relação saneamento e saúde; e as informações resultantes de diagnósticos de saneamento e pesquisas socioeconômicas realizadas em comunidades ribeirinhas. Para quantificar os diferentes níveis de salubridade ambiental domiciliar rural, foi efetuada a aplicação do ISA/DR aos domicílios de oito comunidades localizadas em duas unidades de conservação de uso sustentável no estado do Amazonas, Brasil. Apesar das comunidades apresentarem características sociais, econômicas, culturais e ambientais relativamente semelhantes, o ISA/DR, como instrumento de representação de fenômenos da realidade vivenciada (salubridade ambiental domiciliar), teve sensibilidade suficiente para captar a variação da situação de salubridade dos domicílios entre as comunidades estudadas. Dessa forma, recomenda-se o ISA/DR como instrumento que permite apontar cenários que direcionariam as prioridades de investimentos e ações de políticas públicas voltadas à reversão da realidade de saúde e salubridade ambiental de domicílios do meio rural brasileiro.

ABSTRACT This paper aims to present the construction of a household environmental health index focused on rural areas (ISA/DR) as a tool for diagnosis and assessment of the rural health-environment conditions, as well as its application for Amazon rural communities. The ISA/DR construction was conducted based on three benchmarks: the theory of environmental health index for spontaneous urban areas occupations; the theoretical and conceptual aspects of the relation between water supply, sanitation and health; and the information from sanitation and socioeconomic surveys in Amazon rural communities. To quantify the different levels of environmental health situation of rural household, we applied the ISA/DR to households in eight communities located in two protected areas for sustainable use in the state of Amazonas, Brazil. Although the communities present relatively homogeneous social, economic, cultural and environmental characteristics, the use of ISA/DR as a tool for representing the phenomena of the experienced reality (household environmental health) was sensitive enough to capture the variation in the environmental health status among households of the studied communities. Therefore, we conclude that ISA/DR could be used as a tool that could direct investment priorities and public policies actions that aim at reversing the reality of environmental health of Brazilian rural households.

Chemotype diversity of Psidium guajava L.

The essential oil of Psidium guajava L. has been studied for pharmacological and industrial purposes, without considering the plant's genotype regarding the heterogeneity of its composition. The present study aimed to characterize the chemotype diversity of the essential oil extracted from the leaves of 22 genotypes of P. guajava grown in two different environments in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, and to identify the different chemical markers present in these plants. Essential oil from the leaves of the P. guajava genotypes was extracted by hydrodistillation, and its chemical composition was analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Thirty-three compounds were identified, comprising 87.5-99.0% of the total composition, with a prevalence of sesquiterpenes in all samples. The major compounds identified consisted of (E)-trans-Caryophyllene, α-Humulene, trans-Nerolidol, ß-Bisabolene, ß-Bisabolol, and Hinesol, the first of which was identified as a possible chemical marker for the species. Multivariate factor analysis of the chemical composition of P. guajava oil identified three chemotypes: Commercial - PAL, SEC, PS, PET, C7, C11, and C17MI, characterized by high levels of ß-Selinene, α-Selinene, Hinesol, and 14-hydroxy-epi-(E)-caryophyllene, with ß-Selinene and α-Selinene as the chemical markers; C10 and C13, exhibiting high levels of Elemol, trans-Nerolidol, trans-ß-Eudesmol, and (2Z, 6Z)-Farnesol, which were indicated as chemical markers, and Cortibel - C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C8, C9, C12, C14, C15, C16, C17LI, which retained high levels of α-Cedrene, cis-α-Bergamotene, α-Humulene, Humulene epoxide, epi-α-Cadinol, ß-Bisabolol, and α-Bisabolol, with ß-Bisabolol and α-Bisabolol as the chemical markers. The use of guava genotypes with different chemotypes, that are agronomically favorable to fruit production and essential oil exploitation adds value to the crop and renders it more sustainable. Given guava crops produce large amounts of leaf biomass, resulting from successive prunings, the extraction of their essential oil, which retains commercially valuable compounds, can be feasible.

Construção e validação de uma escala de crenças dos trabalhadores da equipe de enfermagem frente ao acidente de trabalho com fluido biológico / Construction and Validation of a Beliefs Scale of the nursing team workers against the biological fluid work accident

Introdução: Os trabalhadores da equipe de enfermagem estão expostos as cargas de trabalho durante a realização de suas atividades no ambiente laboral. O acidente de trabalho é a expressão do desgaste do trabalhador em que há exposição às cargas biológicas e mecânicas. Os fatores intrínsecos aos indivíduos, as crenças em relação aos acidentes, influenciam diretamente suas atitudes, favorecendo a ocorrência de exposições. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo construir e validar uma escala de medida de crenças de trabalhadores de enfermagem frente ao acidente de trabalho com fluido biológico. Método: Estudo metodológico, baseado na teoria de elaboração de instrumental psicológico. Para validação do instrumento foram realizados dois procedimentos: Procedimentos teóricos- composto pela validação de conteúdo por meio da submissão do questionário inicial de 51 itens, para a análise, por um painel de 7 juízes, cujas respostas foram analisadas segundo a relevância, precisão, clareza e objetividade dos itens, em seguida para validação semântica o questionário foi submetido a uma amostra de 40 trabalhadores da equipe de enfermagem de um Hospital Universitário localizado na cidade de São Paulo. Finalizada a validação de conteúdo, iniciou-se os procedimentos experimentais, em que a versão prévia do instrumento construído foi aplicada em uma amostra de 320 trabalhadores da equipe de enfermagem de um Hospital Universitário. Os procedimentos analíticos foram representados pela avaliação da validade de construto testada, e pela confiabilidade da escala, pelo alpha de Cronbach.Resultados: A análise fatorial indicou um instrumento composto por sete fatores e 27 itens com uma consistência interna, alpha de Cronbach, com um valor de alpha igual a 0,84. Conclusão: A versão final da escala apresenta propriedades psicométricas adequadas, revelando a possibilidade de sua utilização em estudos futuros para mensurar as crenças frente ao acidente com fluido biológico.

Introduction: Health workers are exposed to workloads while performing their activities in the work environment. The work accident is the expression of the wear and tear of the worker in which the biological and mechanical loads are exposed. The factors intrinsic to individuals, beliefs about accidents, directly influence their attitudes, favoring the occurrence of exposures. Objective: The purpose of this study was to construct and validate a nursing workforce belief scale in relation to the work accident with biological fluid. Method: Methodological study, based on the theory of psychological instrumentation. For the validation of the instrument, three procedures were performed: Theoretical Procedures - composed by the validation of content by means of the submission of the initial questionnaire of 51 items, for the analysis, by a panel of 7 judges, whose answers were analyzed according to relevance, precision, clarity and objectivity of the items, then for semantic validation the questionnaire was submitted to a sample of 40 workers of the nursing team of a University Hospital located in the city of São Paulo. After the validation of content, the experimental procedures were started, in which the previous version of the built instrument was applied to a sample of 320 workers of the nursing team of a University Hospital. The analytical procedures were represented by the evaluation of the tested construct validity and by the reliability of the scale by the cronbach alpha. Results: The factorial analysis indicated an instrument composed of seven dimensions and 27 items with an internal consistency, Cronbach's alpha, with a alpha value equal to 0.84. Conclusion: The final version of the scale presents adequate psychometric properties, revealing the possibility of its use in future studies to measure the beliefs about the accident with biological fluid.

Avaliação do perfil de sensibilidade de C. Albicans e C. glabrata frente a fluconazol e micafungina pelos métodos de disco difusão e "drop-out" / Evaluation of the sensitivity profile of C. albicans and C. glabrata against fluconazole and micafungin by disc diffusion and drop-out methods

A evolução da medicina tem sido um dos motivos que facilitaram as infecções por microrganismos menos virulentos. Como consequência disto, houve um aumento da prevalência de infecções causadas por agentes oportunistas como, por exemplo, candidíases causadas pelo gênero Candida. As principais espécies de Candida spp. que levam à candidíase em humanos são Candida albicans, Candida glabrata e Candida parapsilosis. Devido ao surgimento de cepas de Candida spp. resistentes a determinadas drogas, faz-se necessário a aplicação de testes de sensibilidade a antifúngicos para que médicos possam utilizar os medicamentos corretos no tratamento de doenças fúngicas. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar os perfis de sensibilidade, através da estimativa dos MICs, das cepas de Candida albicans e Candida glabrata frente...

Investigating possible biological targets of Bj-CRP, the first cysteine-rich secretory protein (CRISP) isolated from Bothrops jararaca snake venom.

Cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs) are commonly described as part of the protein content of snake venoms, nevertheless, so far, little is known about their biological targets and functions. Our study describes the isolation and characterization of Bj-CRP, the first CRISP isolated from Bothrops jararaca snake venom, also aiming at the identification of possible targets for its actions. Bj-CRP was purified using three chromatographic steps (Sephacryl S-200, Source 15Q and C18) and showed to be an acidic protein of 24.6kDa with high sequence identity to other snake venom CRISPs. This CRISP was devoid of proteolytic, hemorrhagic or coagulant activities, and it did not affect the currents from 13 voltage-gated potassium channel isoforms. Conversely, Bj-CRP induced inflammatory responses characterized by increase of leukocytes, mainly neutrophils, after 1 and 4h of its injection in the peritoneal cavity of mice, also stimulating the production of IL-6. Bj-CRP also acted on the human complement system, modulating some of the activation pathways and acting directly on important components (C3 and C4), thus inducing the generation of anaphylatoxins (C3a, C4a and C5a). Therefore, our results for Bj-CRP open up prospects for better understanding this class of toxins and its biological actions.

Purification procedure for the isolation of a P-I metalloprotease and an acidic phospholipase A2 from Bothrops atrox snake venom

Background Snake venoms are complex mixtures of inorganic and organic components, mainly proteins and peptides. Standardization of methods for isolating bioactive molecules from snake venoms is extremely difficult due to the complex and highly variable composition of venoms, which can be influenced by factors such as age and geographic location of the specimen. Therefore, this study aimed to standardize a simple purification methodology for obtaining a P-I class metalloprotease (MP) and an acidic phospholipase A2 (PLA 2 ) from Bothrops atroxvenom, and biochemically characterize these molecules to enable future functional studies.Methods To obtain the toxins of interest, a method has been standardized using consecutive isolation steps. The purity level of the molecules was confirmed by RP-HPLC and SDS-PAGE. The enzymes were characterized by determining their molecular masses, isoelectric points, specific functional activity and partial amino acid sequencing.Results The metalloprotease presented molecular mass of 22.9 kDa and pI 7.4, with hemorrhagic and fibrin(ogen)olytic activities, and its partial amino acid sequence revealed high similarity with other P-I class metalloproteases. These results suggest that the isolated metalloprotease is Batroxase, a P-I metalloprotease previously described by our research group. The phospholipase A 2 showed molecular mass of 13.7 kDa and pI 6.5, with high phospholipase activity and similarity to other acidic PLA2 s from snake venoms. These data suggest that the acidic PLA2 is a novel enzyme from B. atrox venom, being denominated BatroxPLA 2 .Conclusions The present study successfully standardized a simple methodology to isolate the metalloprotease Batroxase and the acidic PLA 2 BatroxPLA2 from the venom of B. atrox, consisting mainly of classical chromatographic processes. These two enzymes will be used in future studies to evaluate their effects on the complement system and the inflammatory process, in addition to the thrombolytic potential of the metalloprotease.(AU)

Exposições ocupacionais aos fluidos biológicos, repensando estratégias de intervenção: estudo qualitativo / Occupational exposures to biological fluids - rethinking intervention strategies: a qualitative study / Exposiciones ocupacionales a los fluidos biológicos, repensando estrategias de intervención: estudio cualitativo

OBJETIVO: Desvelar o fenômeno a experiência do acidente com fluido biológico segundo os trabalhadores de enfermagem, com vistas à reorganização do processo de trabalho. MÉTODO: estudo qualitativo com abordagem da fenomenologia existencial. Oito trabalhadores de enfermagem que se acidentaram com fluido biológico responderam a questão norteadora: "Como foi para você ter se acidentado com fluido biológico?". Os discursos foram analisados segundo o referencial da filosofia existencial de Martin Heidegger. RESULTADOS: A análise evidenciou duas categorias: "'Ser-no-mundo' vivenciando o acidente com fluido biológico" e "A transcendência por meio da reorganização do trabalho", que descrevem a vivência dos trabalhadores de enfermagem que se acidentaram com fluido biológico, além do contexto em que os acidentes ocorrem, marcado pela sobrecarga de trabalho. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados apontam estratégias de intervenção para a reorganização do processo de trabalho, fundamental para a redução dos acidentes com fluidos biológicos.

AIM: To understand the phenomenon of the experience of an accident with biological fluids according to the nursing staff, with a view to reorganizing the work process. METHOD: This is a qualitative study using the approach of existential phenomenology. Eight nursing workers who had accidents with biological fluids answered the guiding question: "How was your experience of having had an accident with biological fluids?" Their comments were analyzed according to the existential philosophy framework of Martin Heidegger. RESULTS: The analysis revealed two categories: "'Being-in-the-world', experiencing an accident with biological fluids" and "Transcendence through work reorganization," which describe the experience of the nursing workers who had accidents with biological fluids, in addition to the context in which accidents occur, marked by work-overload. CONCLUSION: The results indicate intervention strategies for the reorganization of the work process, fundamental to the reduction of accidents with biological fluids.

OBJETIVO: Revelar el fenómeno la experiencia del accidente con fluido biológico según los trabajadores de enfermería, buscando la reorganización del proceso de trabajo. MÉTODO: estudio cualitativo con enfoque en la fenomenología existencial. Ocho trabajadores de enfermería que se accidentaron con fluido biológico respondieron a la cuestión norteadora: "¿Cómo fue para usted haberse accidentado con fluido biológico?". Los discursos fueron analizados según el referencial de la filosofía existencial de Martin Heidegger. RESULTADOS: El análisis mostró dos categorías: "'Ser-en el-mundo' experimentando el accidente con fluido biológico" y "La transcendencia por medio de la reorganización del trabajo", que describen la experiencia de los trabajadores de enfermería que se accidentaron con el fluido biológico, además del contexto en que los accidentes suceden, marcado por la sobrecarga de trabajo. CONCLUSIÓN: Los resultados apuntan estrategias de intervención para la reorganización del proceso de trabajo, fundamental para la reducción de los accidentes con fluidos biológicos.

Purification procedure for the isolation of a P-I metalloprotease and an acidic phospholipase A2 from Bothrops atrox snake venom.

BACKGROUND: Snake venoms are complex mixtures of inorganic and organic components, mainly proteins and peptides. Standardization of methods for isolating bioactive molecules from snake venoms is extremely difficult due to the complex and highly variable composition of venoms, which can be influenced by factors such as age and geographic location of the specimen. Therefore, this study aimed to standardize a simple purification methodology for obtaining a P-I class metalloprotease (MP) and an acidic phospholipase A2 (PLA2) from Bothrops atrox venom, and biochemically characterize these molecules to enable future functional studies. METHODS: To obtain the toxins of interest, a method has been standardized using consecutive isolation steps. The purity level of the molecules was confirmed by RP-HPLC and SDS-PAGE. The enzymes were characterized by determining their molecular masses, isoelectric points, specific functional activity and partial amino acid sequencing. RESULTS: The metalloprotease presented molecular mass of 22.9 kDa and pI 7.4, with hemorrhagic and fibrin(ogen)olytic activities, and its partial amino acid sequence revealed high similarity with other P-I class metalloproteases. These results suggest that the isolated metalloprotease is Batroxase, a P-I metalloprotease previously described by our research group. The phospholipase A2 showed molecular mass of 13.7 kDa and pI 6.5, with high phospholipase activity and similarity to other acidic PLA2s from snake venoms. These data suggest that the acidic PLA2 is a novel enzyme from B. atrox venom, being denominated BatroxPLA2. CONCLUSIONS: The present study successfully standardized a simple methodology to isolate the metalloprotease Batroxase and the acidic PLA2 BatroxPLA2 from the venom of B. atrox, consisting mainly of classical chromatographic processes. These two enzymes will be used in future studies to evaluate their effects on the complement system and the inflammatory process, in addition to the thrombolytic potential of the metalloprotease.

Promoção da qualidade de vida no trabalho: relato de experiência de um workshop envolvendo os trabalhadores de enfermagem / Promoting quality of life at work: experience report of a workshop involving nursing staff / Promoción de la cualidad de vida en el trabajo: relato de experiencia de un workshop con trabajadores de enfermería

The aim of the report is to describe the experience of a workshop focused on the Promotion of Quality of Life at Work with nursing staff. This is an experience report about the performance of a workshop with nursing staff of a university hospital. Participants in the workshop were 60 nursing staff, with six workstations for the Promotion of Quality of Life at Work. Six workstations were carried out, simultaneously, with approximately 10 workers in each and an average duration of 30 minutes. The stations were conducted by nurses and physiotherapists with the support of a professor, covering themes relevant to the Health of the worker. The report aims to contribute to broadening the discussions on the subject, offering subsidies to rethink the work process and possible interventions aimed at improving working conditions, empowering workers in relation to self-care and preventing accidents and diseases (AU).

O objetivo do relato é descrever a experiência da realização de um workshop direcionado à Promoção da Qualidade de Vida no Trabalho com trabalhadores de enfermagem. Trata-se de relato de experiência sobre a realização de um workshop com trabalhadores de enfermagem de um hospital universitário. Participaram do workshop 60 trabalhadores de enfermagem em seis estações de trabalho destinadas à Promoção da Qualidade de Vida no Trabalho. Foram realizadas seis estações de trabalho, simultaneamente, com aproximadamente 10 trabalhadores em cada uma e duração média de 30 minutos. As estações foram conduzidas por enfermeiros e fisioterapeutas com o apoio de docente e temáticas relevantes para a Saúde do trabalhador. O relato visa contribuir para ampliação das discussões sobre o tema, oferecendo subsídios para repensar o processo de trabalho e as possíveis intervenções com vistas à melhoria das condições de trabalho, empoderamento dos trabalhadores no tocante ao autocuidado e prevenção de acidentes e doenças (AU).

El objetivo del estudio fue describir la experiencia de la realización de un workshop para la Promoción de la Cualidad de Vida en el Trabajo con trabajadores de enfermería. Es un relato de experiencia acerca de la realización de un workshop con trabajadores de enfermería de un hospital universitario. Participaron del workshop 60 trabajadores de enfermería en seis estaciones de trabajo destinadas a la Promoción de la Cualidad de Vida en el Trabajo. Fueron realizadas seis estaciones de trabajo, de modo simultáneo, con aproximadamente 10 trabajadores en cada una y duración media de 30 minutos. Las estaciones fueron conducidas por enfermeros y fisioterapeutas con el apoyo de docente y temáticas relevantes para la Salud del trabajador. El relato pretende contribuir para ampliación de las discusiones acerca del tema, ofrecendo subsidios para repensar el proceso de trabajo y las posibles intervenciones a fin de mejorar las condiciones de trabajo, empoderamiento de los trabajadores acerca del autocuidado y prevención de accidentes y enfermedades (AU).

Purification procedure for the isolation of a P-I metalloprotease and an acidic phospholipase A 2 fromBothrops atrox snake venom

Background Snake venoms are complex mixtures of inorganic and organic components, mainly proteins and peptides. Standardization of methods for isolating bioactive molecules from snake venoms is extremely difficult due to the complex and highly variable composition of venoms, which can be influenced by factors such as age and geographic location of the specimen. Therefore, this study aimed to standardize a simple purification methodology for obtaining a P-I class metalloprotease (MP) and an acidic phospholipase A2 (PLA 2 ) from Bothrops atroxvenom, and biochemically characterize these molecules to enable future functional studies.Methods To obtain the toxins of interest, a method has been standardized using consecutive isolation steps. The purity level of the molecules was confirmed by RP-HPLC and SDS-PAGE. The enzymes were characterized by determining their molecular masses, isoelectric points, specific functional activity and partial amino acid sequencing.Results The metalloprotease presented molecular mass of 22.9 kDa and pI 7.4, with hemorrhagic and fibrin(ogen)olytic activities, and its partial amino acid sequence revealed high similarity with other P-I class metalloproteases. These results suggest that the isolated metalloprotease is Batroxase, a P-I metalloprotease previously described by our research group. The phospholipase A 2 showed molecular mass of 13.7 kDa and pI 6.5, with high phospholipase activity and similarity to other acidic PLA2 s from snake venoms. These data suggest that the acidic PLA2 is a novel enzyme from B. atrox venom, being denominated BatroxPLA 2 .Conclusions The present study successfully standardized a simple methodology to isolate the metalloprotease Batroxase and the acidic PLA 2 BatroxPLA2 from the venom of B. atrox, consisting mainly of classical chromatographic processes. These two enzymes will be used in future studies to evaluate their effects on the complement system and the inflammatory process, in addition to the thrombolytic potential of the metalloprotease.(AU)