Scintigraphic and Echocardiographic Study of Patients with Pathogenic or Probably Pathogenic Variants of the TTR Gene without Overt Cardiac Involvement. / Avaliação Cintilográfica e Ecocardiográfica em Portadores de Variantes Patogênicas ou Provavelmente Patogênicas do Gene TTR sem Envolvimento Cardíaco Manifesto.

BACKGROUND: Transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is an infiltrative disease caused by abnormal protein deposition mainly in the heart and peripheral nervous system. When it affects the heart, the disease presents as restrictive cardiomyopathy; when it affects the peripheral and autonomic nervous system, it manifests as polyneuropathy, and is called familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP). There are two ATTR subtypes: wild-type ATTR, where there is no mutation, and mutant ATTR (ATTRm), which is characterized by a mutation in the gene encoding the transthyretin protein (TTR). In both subtypes, cardiac involvement is the major marker of poor prognosis. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of subclinical cardiac involvement in a sample of patients with TTR gene mutation by using pyrophosphate scintigraphy and strain echocardiography; to compare scintigraphy and strain findings; to evaluate the association between neurological manifestations (FAP) and subclinical cardiac involvement; and to analyze whether there is an association between any specific mutation and cardiac involvement. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with carriers of the TTR gene mutation, without cardiovascular symptoms or changes in electrocardiographic or conventional echocardiographic parameters. All patients underwent pyrophosphate scintigraphy and strain echocardiography. Subclinical cardiac involvement was defined as a Perugini score ≥ 2, heart-to-contralateral lung (H/CL) ratio ≥ 1.5 at 1 h, H/CL ≥1.3 at 3 h, or global longitudinal strain (GLS) ≤ -17%. Descriptive and analytical analyses were performed and Fisher's exact test and Mann-Whitney test were applied. A value of p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The 23 patients evaluated had a median age of 51 years (IQR 37-57 years), 15 (65.2%) were female, 12 (52.2%) were Pardo, nine (39.1%) had systemic arterial hypertension, and nine (39.1%) had a previous diagnosis of FAP. Of the nine patients with FAP, 8 (34.8%) were on tafamidis. The associated mutations were Val142IIe, Val50Met, and IIe127Val. The median GLS in the sample was -19% (-16% to -20%). Of the 23 patients, nine (39.1%; 95% CI = 29-49%) met criteria for cardiac involvement, six (26%) by the GLS-based criteria only. There was no association between having FAP and being an asymptomatic carrier, as assessed by strain echocardiography and pyrophosphate scintigraphy (p = 0.19). The prevalence of systemic arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, smoking, and reduced GLS did not differ between groups. Septal e' wave velocity was the only variable that significantly differed between individuals with and without reduced GLS, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.80 (95% CI = 0.61-0.98, p = 0.027). The best diagnostic accuracy was achieved with a septal e' velocity ≤ 8.5 cm/s. There was no association between mutation type and preclinical cardiac involvement, nor between tafamidis use and lower degree of cardiac involvement (37.5% versus 40.0%, p = 0.90). CONCLUSION: Subclinical cardiac involvement was common in a sample of TTR mutation carriers without cardiac involvement. Reduced left ventricular GLS was the most frequent finding. There was no association between the presence of amyloid polyneuropathy and subclinical cardiac involvement. Type of mutation was not associated with early cardiac involvement. In this sample, the use of tafamidis 20 mg/day was not associated with a lower prevalence of subclinical cardiac involvement.

FUNDAMENTO: A amiloidose por transtirretina (ATTR) é uma doença infiltrativa causada pela deposição anormal de proteína principalmente no coração e no sistema nervoso periférico. Quando acomete o coração, a doença manifesta-se como uma cardiomiopatia restritiva e, quando afeta o sistema nervoso periférico e autônomo, apresenta-se como uma polineuropatia, podendo ser chamada de Polineuropatia Amiloidótica Familiar (PAF). Existem dois subtipos de ATTR, a ATTR selvagem, em que não há variantes genéticas, e a ATTR hereditária, caracterizada por uma variante no gene que codifica a proteína transtirretina (T\TR). Em ambos os subtipos, o envolvimento cardíaco é o principal marcador prognóstico. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a prevalência do envolvimento cardíaco subclínico em uma amostra de pacientes com variantes genéticas no gene TTR usando a cintilografia com pirofosfato e o ecocardiograma com strain; comparar os achados cintilográficos e as medidas de strain; avaliar a associação entre PAF e o envolvimento subclínico; e analisar se existe uma associação entre uma variante genética específica e o envolvimento cardíaco. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com carreadores de variantes no gene TTR sem sintomas cardiovasculares e sem alterações nos parâmetros da eletrocardiografia ou do ecocardiograma convencional. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à cintilografia com pirofosfato e à ecocardiografia com análise de strain. O envolvimento cardíaco subclínico, definido como um escore de Perugini ≥ 2, razão Coração (C)/ Hemitórax Contralateral (CL) ≥ 1,5 em uma hora, C/CL ≥ 1,3 na terceira hora, ou um strain longitudinal global (SGL) ≤ −17%. Realizadas análises descritiva e analítica, e aplicados o teste exato de Fisher e o teste de Mann-Whitney. Um valor de p<0,05 foi considerado significativo. RESULTADOS: Os 23 pacientes avaliados apresentavam uma idade mediana de 51 (37-57) anos, 15 (65,2%) eram do sexo feminino, 12 (52,2%) eram pardos, nove (39,1%) apresentavam hipertensão arterial sistêmica, e nove (39,1%) tinham um diagnóstico prévio de PAF. Dos nove pacientes com PAF, oito (34,8%) usavam tafamidis. As variantes genéticas identificadas foram Val142IIe, Val50Met e IIe127Val. O valor mediano do SGL foi −19% (-16% ­ −20%). Dos 23 pacientes, nove (39,1%; 95% CI = 29­49%) preencheram os critérios de envolvimento cardíaco, seis (26%) somente pelo critério do SGL. Não houve associação entre PAF e um carreador assintomático avaliado por ecocardiograma com análise de strain e pela cintilografia com pirofostato (p=0,19). A prevalência de hipertensão arterial sistêmica, diabetes mellitus, dislipidemia, tabagismo e SGL reduzido não foi diferente entre os grupos. A velocidade da onda e' septal foi a única variável que apresentou diferença significativa entre os indivíduos com e sem SGL reduzido, com uma área sob a curva ROC de 0,80 (IC95% = 0,61­0,98, p = 0,027). A melhor acurácia diagnóstica foi alcançada com uma velocidade e' septal ≤ 8,5 cm/s. Não houve associação entre o tipo de variante genética e o envolvimento cardíaco pré-clínico, nem entre o uso de tafamidis e este mesmo envolvimento (37,5% versus 40,0%, p = 0,90). CONCLUSÃO: O envolvimento cardíaco subclínico foi frequente em uma amostra de carreadores da variante genética do gene TTR. Um valor do SGL reduzido foi o achado mais comum. Não houve associação entre a presença de polineuropatia amiloidótica e o envolvimento subclínico. O tipo de variante genética não foi associado com envolvimento cardíaco precoce. Nesta amostra, o uso de tafamidis (20mg/dia) não foi associado com uma menor prevalência de envolvimento cardíaco subclínico.

Avaliação Cintilográfica e Ecocardiográfica em Portadores de Variantes Patogênicas ou Provavelmente Patogênicas do Gene TTR sem Envolvimento Cardíaco Manifesto / Scintigraphic and Echocardiographic Study of Patients with Pathogenic or Probably Pathogenic Variants of the TTR Gene without Overt Cardiac Involvement

Resumo Fundamento: A amiloidose por transtirretina (ATTR) é uma doença infiltrativa causada pela deposição anormal de proteína principalmente no coração e no sistema nervoso periférico. Quando acomete o coração, a doença manifesta-se como uma cardiomiopatia restritiva e, quando afeta o sistema nervoso periférico e autônomo, apresenta-se como uma polineuropatia, podendo ser chamada de Polineuropatia Amiloidótica Familiar (PAF). Existem dois subtipos de ATTR, a ATTR selvagem, em que não há variantes genéticas, e a ATTR hereditária, caracterizada por uma variante no gene que codifica a proteína transtirretina (T/TR). Em ambos os subtipos, o envolvimento cardíaco é o principal marcador prognóstico. Objetivos: Avaliar a prevalência do envolvimento cardíaco subclínico em uma amostra de pacientes com variantes genéticas no gene TTR usando a cintilografia com pirofosfato e o ecocardiograma com strain; comparar os achados cintilográficos e as medidas de strain; avaliar a associação entre PAF e o envolvimento subclínico; e analisar se existe uma associação entre uma variante genética específica e o envolvimento cardíaco. Métodos: Estudo transversal com carreadores de variantes no gene TTR sem sintomas cardiovasculares e sem alterações nos parâmetros da eletrocardiografia ou do ecocardiograma convencional. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à cintilografia com pirofosfato e à ecocardiografia com análise de strain. O envolvimento cardíaco subclínico, definido como um escore de Perugini ≥ 2, razão Coração (C)/ Hemitórax Contralateral (CL) ≥ 1,5 em uma hora, C/CL ≥ 1,3 na terceira hora, ou um strain longitudinal global (SGL) ≤ −17%. Realizadas análises descritiva e analítica, e aplicados o teste exato de Fisher e o teste de Mann-Whitney. Um valor de p<0,05 foi considerado significativo. Resultados: Os 23 pacientes avaliados apresentavam uma idade mediana de 51 (37-57) anos, 15 (65,2%) eram do sexo feminino, 12 (52,2%) eram pardos, nove (39,1%) apresentavam hipertensão arterial sistêmica, e nove (39,1%) tinham um diagnóstico prévio de PAF. Dos nove pacientes com PAF, oito (34,8%) usavam tafamidis. As variantes genéticas identificadas foram Val142IIe, Val50Met e IIe127Val. O valor mediano do SGL foi −19% (-16% - −20%). Dos 23 pacientes, nove (39,1%; 95% CI = 29-49%) preencheram os critérios de envolvimento cardíaco, seis (26%) somente pelo critério do SGL. Não houve associação entre PAF e um carreador assintomático avaliado por ecocardiograma com análise de strain e pela cintilografia com pirofostato (p=0,19). A prevalência de hipertensão arterial sistêmica, diabetes mellitus, dislipidemia, tabagismo e SGL reduzido não foi diferente entre os grupos. A velocidade da onda e' septal foi a única variável que apresentou diferença significativa entre os indivíduos com e sem SGL reduzido, com uma área sob a curva ROC de 0,80 (IC95% = 0,61-0,98, p = 0,027). A melhor acurácia diagnóstica foi alcançada com uma velocidade e' septal ≤ 8,5 cm/s. Não houve associação entre o tipo de variante genética e o envolvimento cardíaco pré-clínico, nem entre o uso de tafamidis e este mesmo envolvimento (37,5% versus 40,0%, p = 0,90). Conclusão: O envolvimento cardíaco subclínico foi frequente em uma amostra de carreadores da variante genética do gene TTR. Um valor do SGL reduzido foi o achado mais comum. Não houve associação entre a presença de polineuropatia amiloidótica e o envolvimento subclínico. O tipo de variante genética não foi associado com envolvimento cardíaco precoce. Nesta amostra, o uso de tafamidis (20mg/dia) não foi associado com uma menor prevalência de envolvimento cardíaco subclínico.

Abstract Background: Transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is an infiltrative disease caused by abnormal protein deposition mainly in the heart and peripheral nervous system. When it affects the heart, the disease presents as restrictive cardiomyopathy; when it affects the peripheral and autonomic nervous system, it manifests as polyneuropathy, and is called familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP). There are two ATTR subtypes: wild-type ATTR, where there is no mutation, and mutant ATTR (ATTRm), which is characterized by a mutation in the gene encoding the transthyretin protein (TTR). In both subtypes, cardiac involvement is the major marker of poor prognosis. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of subclinical cardiac involvement in a sample of patients with TTR gene mutation by using pyrophosphate scintigraphy and strain echocardiography; to compare scintigraphy and strain findings; to evaluate the association between neurological manifestations (FAP) and subclinical cardiac involvement; and to analyze whether there is an association between any specific mutation and cardiac involvement. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with carriers of the TTR gene mutation, without cardiovascular symptoms or changes in electrocardiographic or conventional echocardiographic parameters. All patients underwent pyrophosphate scintigraphy and strain echocardiography. Subclinical cardiac involvement was defined as a Perugini score ≥ 2, heart-to-contralateral lung (H/CL) ratio ≥ 1.5 at 1 h, H/CL ≥1.3 at 3 h, or global longitudinal strain (GLS) ≤ −17%. Descriptive and analytical analyses were performed and Fisher's exact test and Mann-Whitney test were applied. A value of p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The 23 patients evaluated had a median age of 51 years (IQR 37-57 years), 15 (65.2%) were female, 12 (52.2%) were Pardo, nine (39.1%) had systemic arterial hypertension, and nine (39.1%) had a previous diagnosis of FAP. Of the nine patients with FAP, 8 (34.8%) were on tafamidis. The associated mutations were Val142IIe, Val50Met, and IIe127Val. The median GLS in the sample was −19% (−16% to −20%). Of the 23 patients, nine (39.1%; 95% CI = 29-49%) met criteria for cardiac involvement, six (26%) by the GLS-based criteria only. There was no association between having FAP and being an asymptomatic carrier, as assessed by strain echocardiography and pyrophosphate scintigraphy (p = 0.19). The prevalence of systemic arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, smoking, and reduced GLS did not differ between groups. Septal e' wave velocity was the only variable that significantly differed between individuals with and without reduced GLS, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.80 (95% CI = 0.61-0.98, p = 0.027). The best diagnostic accuracy was achieved with a septal e' velocity ≤ 8.5 cm/s. There was no association between mutation type and preclinical cardiac involvement, nor between tafamidis use and lower degree of cardiac involvement (37.5% versus 40.0%, p = 0.90). Conclusion: Subclinical cardiac involvement was common in a sample of TTR mutation carriers without cardiac involvement. Reduced left ventricular GLS was the most frequent finding. There was no association between the presence of amyloid polyneuropathy and subclinical cardiac involvement. Type of mutation was not associated with early cardiac involvement. In this sample, the use of tafamidis 20 mg/day was not associated with a lower prevalence of subclinical cardiac involvement.

Genomic and proteomic characterization of vB_SauM-UFV_DC4, a novel Staphylococcus jumbo phage.

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most relevant mastitis pathogens in dairy cattle, and the acquisition of antimicrobial resistance genes presents a significant health issue in both veterinary and human fields. Among the different strategies to tackle S. aureus infection in livestock, bacteriophages have been thoroughly investigated in the last decades; however, few specimens of the so-called jumbo phages capable of infecting S. aureus have been described. Herein, we report the biological, genomic, and structural proteomic features of the jumbo phage vB_SauM-UFV_DC4 (DC4). DC4 exhibited a remarkable killing activity against S. aureus isolated from the veterinary environment and stability at alkaline conditions (pH 4 to 12). The complete genome of DC4 is 263,185 bp (GC content: 25%), encodes 263 predicted CDSs (80% without an assigned function), 1 tRNA (Phe-tRNA), multisubunit RNA polymerase, and an RNA-dependent DNA polymerase. Moreover, comparative analysis revealed that DC4 can be considered a new viral species belonging to a new genus DC4 and showed a similar set of lytic proteins and depolymerase activity with closely related jumbo phages. The characterization of a new S. aureus jumbo phage increases our understanding of the diversity of this group and provides insights into the biotechnological potential of these viruses. KEY POINTS: • vB_SauM-UFV_DC4 is a new viral species belonging to a new genus within the class Caudoviricetes. • vB_SauM-UFV_DC4 carries a set of RNA polymerase subunits and an RNA-directed DNA polymerase. • vB_SauM-UFV_DC4 and closely related jumbo phages showed a similar set of lytic proteins.

A new genus and new species of Cyclocoelidae (Digenea), a parasite in spotted rail, Pardirallus maculatus (Gruiformes: Rallidae), in the Pampa biome, southern Brazil.

Seventeen specimens of the spotted rail, Pardirallus maculatus (Boddaert) (Gruiformes: Rallidae), from the southern Brazil were examined for helminths. Three birds were positive for specimens of Cyclocoelidae (Digenea), which were found in both nasal and abdominal cavities. Helminths were described as Nasuscoelum pampensis n. gen., n. sp. The new genus has an intertesticular ovary forming a triangle with the testis, characterizing the Cyclocoelinae. Nasuscoelum pampensis n. gen., n. sp. is similar to Cyclocoelum mutabile (Zeder, 1800), however it differs from the latter by the presence of vitelline follicles confluence in the posterior region. A revised key to the Cyclocoelinae was proposed to include the new genus.

Before Direct-Acting Antivirals for Hepatitis C Virus: Evaluation of Core Protein R70Q and L/C91M Substitutions in Chronically Infected Brazilian Patients Unresponsive to IFN and/or RBV.

Although chronic hepatitis C has been effectively treated with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), the use of conventional therapy with peg-interferon (Peg-IFN) or (predominantly) ribavirin (RBV), remains widespread. R70Q/H and L/C91M amino acid substitutions in the hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein may modulate responses to IFN and/or RBV, and are associated with cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), insulin resistance, and liver steatosis. We evaluated the R70Q/H and L/C91M substitutions, clinical and epidemiological profiles, and risk factors of Brazilian patients chronically infected with HCV subgenotypes 1a and 1b (HCV-GT1a and HCV-GT1b) unresponsive to IFN and/or RBV therapy. Sequencing and pyrosequencing analyses and sociodemographic and clinical predictive variables were used to assess the relationship between R70Q/H and L/C91M substitutions. Leukocyte counts, ALT levels, and ALT/AST ratios were significantly reduced in treated individuals, but more of these patients had advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. L91M was more prevalent (19.7%), occurring only in HCV-GT1b, followed by R70Q/P (11.5%) and R70P (1.4%). R70Q/P exhibited higher mean AST, ALT, and GGT values, whereas L91M showed higher mean GGT values. Pyrosequencing of the L91M position revealed mutant subpopulations in 43.75% of samples.

Rational design of large flat nitrogen-doped graphene oxide quantum dots with green-luminescence suitable for biomedical applications.

Rational synthesis and simple methodology for the purification of large (35-45 nm in lateral size) and flat (1.0-1.5 nm of height) nitrogen-doped graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs) are presented. The methodology allows robust metal-free and acid-free preparation of N-GOQDs with a yield of about 100% and includes hydrothermal treatment of graphene oxide with hydrogen peroxide and ammonia. It was demonstrated that macroscopic impurities can be separated from N-GOQD suspension by their coagulation with 0.9% NaCl solution. Redispersible in water and saline solutions, particles of N-GOQDs were characterized using tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS), photoluminescent, XPS, and UV-VIS spectroscopies. The size and morphology of N-GOQDs were studied by dynamic light scattering, AFM, SEM, and TEM. The procedure proposed allows nitrogen-doped GOQDs to be obtained, having 60-51% of carbon, 34-45% of oxygen, and up to 7.2% of nitrogen. The N-GOQD particles obtained in two hours of synthesis contain only pyrrolic defects of the graphene core. The fraction of pyridine moieties grows with the time of synthesis, while the fraction of quaternary nitrogen declines. Application of TERS allows demonstration that the N-GOQDs consist of a graphene core with an average crystallite size of 9 nm and an average distance between nearest defects smaller than 3 nm. The cytotoxicity tests reveal high viability of the monkey epithelial kidney cells Vero in the presence of N-GOQDs in a concentration below 60 mg L-1. The N-GOQDs demonstrate green luminescence with an emission maximum at 505 nm and sedimentation stability in the cell culture medium.

Terapia Ocupacional na infância: atuação com estudantes do ensino fundamental na escola pública / Occupational therapy in childhood: performance with students of fundamental education at public school / Terapia ocupacional en la infancia: actuación con estudiantes de la educación secundária en la escuela publica

Contextualização: O presente trabalho busca analisar atividades desenvolvidas por um terapeuta ocupacional com estudantes do primeiro ciclo do Ensino Fundamental em uma escola pública municipal no interior de Alagoas. Processo de Intervenção: Aqui são destacadas ações ao longo do ano de 2020, tendo como foco as atividades para o desenvolvimento de relações saudáveis de convivência, participação no ambiente escolar e construção democrática. Análise Crítica da Prática: Essas ações possibilitaram o envolvimento e a participação de professores, coordenadores e estudantes na elaboração e execução de atividades, permitindo o compartilhamento de saberes e a construção coletiva de espaços de sociabilidade e convivência. Síntese das Considerações: A presente experiência oferece uma breve descrição de ações que poderão ampliar as temáticas abordadas por terapeutas ocupacionais no campo da educação e contribui para o fortalecimento de uma área de atuação em crescimento na terapia ocupacional.(AU) Palavras-chave: Terapia Ocupacional. Educação. Escola Pública. Infância

Contextualization: The present work seeks to analyze activities developed by an occupational therapist with students of the first cycle of elementary school in a municipal public school in the interior of Alagoas. Intervention Process: Here, actions throughout 2020 are highlighted, focusing on activities for the development of healthy relationships of coexistence, participation in the school environment and democratic construction. Critical Analysis of Practice: These actions enabled the involvement and participation of teachers, coordinators and students in the elaboration and execution of activities, allowing the sharing of knowledge and the collective construction of spaces for sociability and coexistence. Summary of Considerations: The present experience offers a brief description of actions that may expand the themes addressed by occupational therapists in the field of education and contribute to the strengthening of a growing area of activity in occupational therapy.(AU) Keywords: Occupational Therapy. Education. Public School. Childhood.

Contextualización: El presente trabajo busca analizar las actividades desarrolladas por un terapeuta ocupacional con alumnos del primer ciclo de la enseñanza fundamental en una escuela pública municipal del interior de Alagoas. Proceso de Intervención: Aquí se destacan las acciones a lo largo del 2020, enfocándose en actividades para el desarrollo de relaciones sanas de convivencia, participación en el ámbito escolar y construcción democrática. Análisis Crítico de la Práctica: Estas acciones posibilitaron el involucramiento y participación de docentes, coordinadores y estudiantes en la elaboración y ejecución de actividades, permitiendo el intercambio de saberes y la construcción colectiva de espacios de sociabilidad y convivencia. Resumen de Consideraciones: La presente experiencia ofrece una breve descripción de acciones que pueden ampliar las temáticas abordadas por los terapeutas ocupacionales en el campo de la educación y contribuir al fortalecimiento de un área de actuación creciente en la terapia ocupacional.(AU) Palabras clave: Terapia Ocupacional. Educación. Escuela Pública. Infancia.

Effectiveness of Steinernema rarum PAM 25 (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) Against Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae).

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura 1931) represents one of the main pests of small fruits. The use of biological agents is very promising for insect control. In the present study, the nematode Steinernema rarum PAM 25 was evaluated for the control of D. suzukii pupae, this species has not been evaluated previously. First, we evaluated the pathogenicity of S. rarum PAM 25 at the concentration of 1,000 infective juveniles (IJs) inoculated into D. suzukii pupae. In the second bioassay, we evaluated the influence of 1,500; 2,000; 2,500; 3,000; 4,000 IJs/ml nematode concentration and temperature on D. suzukii mortality. In the third bioassay, we evaluated the influence of the isolate S. rarum PAM 25 on D. suzukii adult lifespan following pupal infection, using the concentrations with the highest mortality rate of pupae at each temperature as determined in the second experiment. The S. rarum PAM 25 isolate is pathogenic to D. suzukii. The most effective temperature for S. rarum PAM 25 activity was 14°C at a concentration of 4,000 IJs/ml. Adults infected with S. rarum PAM 25 showed a significant reduction in longevity. The results confirmed the potential of S. rarum PAM 25 for the control of D. suzukii.

Modulation of antibiotic resistance by the essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum L. in association with light-emitting diodes (LED) lights.

This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial and antibiotic-enhancing effects of the essential oil obtained from Ocimum gratissimum L. (OEOg) alone or in association with light-emitting diodes (LED) lights. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and its chemical composition analysed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The antibacterial and antibiotic-enhancing activities against multiresistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were evaluated by the gaseous contact method. The analysis of the photoinductive effect on the antibacterial activity of the OEOg and antibiotics was assessed through exposure to different LED lights (red, blue and yellow). The phytochemical analysis identified five compounds, including eugenol, as the major constituent. The OEOg caused a significant inhibition of the halo, indicating a direct antibacterial effect. Exposure to the LED lights significantly enhanced the activity of the OEOg against E. coli. On the other hand, the action of the essential oil against S. aureus was enhanced by exposure to both blue and yellow lights. The effects of LED light exposure on the activity of conventional antibiotics varied significantly according to the drug and the bacterial strain. However, most combinations of LED lights and the OEOg presented synergistic effects against resistant bacterial strains, indicating enhanced antibacterial activity. Thus, these in vitro findings suggest that both OEOg and LED lights have promising antibacterial effects. Nevertheless, further research is required to evaluate in vivo the potential of these therapies for the treatment of infectious skin diseases.

Rotavirus A shedding and HBGA host genetic susceptibility in a birth community-cohort, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2014-2018.

Recent studies have investigated whether the human histo-blood group antigen (HBGAs) could affect the effectiveness of the oral rotavirus vaccines, suggesting secretor positive individuals develop a more robust response. We investigated the Rotavirus A (RVA) shedding in association with the host susceptibility profile in children from a birth community-cohort in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 2014 to 2018. A total of 132 children were followed-up between 0 to 11-month-old, stool samples were collected before/after the 1st/2nd RV1 vaccination doses and saliva samples were collected during the study. RVA shedding was screened by RT-qPCR and G/P genotypes determined by multiplex RT-PCR and/or Sanger nucleotide sequencing. The sequencing indicated an F167L amino acid change in the RV1 VP8* P[8] in 20.5% of shedding follow-ups and these mutant subpopulations were quantified by pyrosequencing. The HBGA/secretor status was determined and 80.3% of the children were secretors. Twenty-one FUT2 gene SNPs were identified and two new mutations were observed. The mutant F167L RV1 VP8* P[8] was detected significantly more in Le (a+b+) secretors (90.5%) compared to non-secretors and even to secretors Le (a-b+) (9.5%). The study highlights the probable association between RV1 shedding and HBGAs as a marker for evaluating vaccine strain host susceptibility.

Perfil clínico e epidemiológico de reações hansênicas* / Clinical and epidemiological profile of leprosy reactions*

Objetivo: analisar o perfil clínico e epidemiológico de pacientes com reações hansênicas. Metodologia: tratase de um estudo de base documental do tipo descritivo com abordagem quantitativa, foram analisados dados consolidados de uma unidade de referência no tratamento de hanseníase no período de 2013-2016. A população total foi de 371 indivíduos, para amostra do presente estudo optou-se por incluir apenas os casos com reações, que foram 94. Resultados: quanto a classificação operacional a mb teve o maior percentual, com 86 (91,5%). Dentre os casos, a forma clínica virchowiana foi a mais frequente nos estados reacionais, com 48 (51,1%) pacientes, em segundo lugar fica a dimorfa com 38 (40,4%). Os dados mostram que a reação tipo i foi a mais comum, com 77 (81,9%). Em relação a reação tipo i, a forma clínica dimorfa foi a mais corriqueira, com 35 (45,5%), e subsequentemente a virchowiana com 34 (44,2%) pacientes. No tipo i e ii a frequência maior foi na virchowiana, que acometeu cerca de 13 (81,2%), e a dimorfa apenas 3 (18,8%). Conclusão: infere-se que ainda existem falhas no diagnóstico precoce e controle da cura, ocasionado pela escassez de informações.

Objective: to analyze the clinical and epidemiological profile of patients with leprosy reactions. Methodology: this is a documentary based study of the descriptive type with a quantitative approach consolidated data for a reference unit for the treatment of leprosy was analysed in the period 2013-2016. The total population was of 371 individuals, to sample this study was optioned to include only the cases with reactions, which were 94. Results: when the operational classification mb had the highest percentage, with 86 (91.5%). Virchowian clinical form was more frequent in reactive states, with 48 (51.1%) patients, in second place dimorph is with 38 (40.4%). The data show that type i reaction was most common, with 77 (81.9%). In relation to the type i reaction, the clinical form dimorph was the most frequent, with 35 (45.5%), and subsequently virchowiana with 34 (44.2%) patients. In type i and ii the higher frequency was in virchowiana, which accompanied about 13 (81.2%), and dimorphen only 3 (18.8%). Conclusion: infers that still have fails in early diagnosis and cure control.

Qualidade do sono e fatores de risco para hipertensão arterial entre universitários / Quality of sleep and risk factors for arterial hypertension between university members

Objetivo: analisar a relação entre a qualidade do sono e a presença fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de hipertensão entre universitários. Metodologia: Estudo descritivo, quantitativo, desenvolvido entre fevereiro e dezembro de 2018 em uma Instituição de ensino superior, localizada em Picos ­ Piauí. A coleta de dados ocorreu através da aplicação do questionário de avaliação da qualidade do sono de Pittsburg e de formulário para avaliar a presença de fatores de risco para hipertensão e medidas antropométricas. Os dados foram analisados a partir do programa IBM SPSS Statistics versão 20.0, calculando-se as frequências absolutas e relativas, médias e desvios-padrão. O projeto foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Universidade Federal do Piauí. Resultados: Participaram da pesquisa 68 acadêmicos, sendo 41 ingressantes e 27 concludentes, destes 85,3% eram do sexo feminino. A faixa etária média foi de 19,05 anos para os ingressantes e 23,33 anos para os concludentes. Apenas 32,4% praticar atividade física, 51,5% afirmara fazer uso de álcool e 73,5% obtiveram resultado da qualidade do sono como ruim. Conclusão: Os estudantes estão sob alto risco de desenvolver sobrepeso, devido à inatividade física, consumo de álcool e qualidade do sono, e consequentemente suscetíveis ao desenvolvimento de hipertensão arterial futuramente.

Objective: to analyze the relationship between sleep quality and the presence of risk factors for the development of hypertension among university students. Methodology: it is a descriptive, quantitative study, developed between February and December 2018 in a higher education institution, located in Picos - Piauí. Data were collected through the application of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Questionnaire and a form to evaluate the presence of risk factors for hypertension and anthropometric measurements. The data were analysed from the IBM SPSS Statistics version 20.0 program, calculating the absolute and relative frequencies, averages and standard deviations. The Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Piauí approved the project. Results: Participated in the study 68 academics, being 41 newcomers and 27 concluders, of whom 85.3% were female. The average age of the participants was 19.05 years for the participants and 23.33 years for the participants. Only 32.4% stated, 51.5% said they were using alcohol and 73.5% had poor sleep quality. Conclusion: Students are at high risk of developing overweight due to physical inactivity, alcohol consumption and sleep quality, and consequently susceptible to the development of hypertension in the future.

Oviposition preferences of the mosquito Aedes aegypti Linnaeus, 1762 (Culicidae): an urban environment bioassay.

The establishment of an invasive species depends on reproductive success and dispersion capability in the new environment. One of the striking examples of invasion in urban environments is the mosquito Aedes aegypti Linnaeus, 1762 (Culicidae). The success of this species is primarily attributed to its ability to colonize urban environments, and some of the important adaptive strategies associated with this ability is the preference for humans as a blood source and intense occupation of residential (indoor) environments. This study evaluated the effects of location (indoor vs. outdoor) and water nutrient level (% organic matter) on the oviposition preference of A. aegypti in an urban environment. We used oviposition choice experiments to evaluate mosquito oviposition in containers holding 1:1 vs 1:0 ratios of water: organic matter placed indoors and outdoors. Eggs were sampled once per week for nine weeks. Our results revealed a strong oviposition preference for outdoor containers, with a significant preference for containers with higher concentrations of organic matter during the fifth to ninth weeks. However, mosquitoes occupying indoor environments did not prefer to lay eggs in containers with lower levels of organic matter. A better understanding of the preferences of A. aegypti regarding the nutrient level and location of oviposition containers can increase our understanding of the behavioral factors allowing mosquitoes to utilize anthropogenic environments.

Chemical Profile, Antibacterial Activity and Antibiotic-Modulating Effect of the Hexanic Zea Mays L. Silk Extract (Poaceae).

The present study aimed to determine the chemical profile and to evaluate the antibacterial activity and antibiotic-modulating action of the hexanic Zea mays silk extract in association with aminoglycosides. Standard Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 strains, as well as multi-resistant Escherichia coli 27, Staphylococcus aureus 35, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 31 strains, were used in this study. Phytochemical prospection revealed the presence of the following secondary metabolites: tannins, flavones, flavonoids, and xanthones, with the main chemical constituents being identified in plant extracts obtained with apolar organic solvents such as hexane. The extract presented a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ≥1024 µg/mL against all the tested strains. The association of the extract with aminoglycoside antibiotics showed significant synergistic effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, except for amikacin, which was antagonized by the extract against E. coli. These results indicate the Zea mays silk presents bioactive compounds with antibiotic-modulating properties. However, further research is required to characterize the effects of isolated compounds and determine their potential for drug development.

Auriculoterapia no tratamento da lombalgia / Auriculotherapy in low back pain treatment

A lombalgia é definida como dor de característica mecânica, localizada entre a parte mais baixa do dorso (última costela) e a prega glútea. A referida patologia representa uma das queixas mais comuns da população. Dentre as técnicas terapêuticas da Medicina Tradicional Chinesa (MTC) está a auriculoterapia, que pode ser utilizada como forma de tratamento para a lombalgia. Reunir dados acerca da auriculoterapia no tratamento da lombalgia, a fim de conhecer os efeitos terapêuticos dessa técnica no tratamento da referida patologia. Este estudo trata-se de uma revisão de literatura narrativa elaborada com base em livros sobre o conteúdo abordado e em levantamento de artigos, publicados entre 1999 e 2016. Estudos demonstram que a auriculoterapia tem papel significativo na redução da dor lombar e na diminuição da utilização de medicamentos. Os artigos analisados destacaram a importância de identificar a localização correta da dor, a fim de se utilizar os pontos auriculares corretamente. A auriculoterapia, aliada ou não a outras técnicas, é considerada como uma ferramenta terapêutica acessível e eficaz no tratamento da lombalgia, reduzindo a dor e melhorando a qualidade de vida do paciente.

Do container size and predator presence affect Culex (Diptera: Culicidae) oviposition preferences?

ABSTRACT Organisms with complex life cycles typically do not exhibit parental care. Hence, the ability of adult females to choose quality oviposition sites is critical for offspring success. Gravid females of many insect taxa have the capability to detect environmental conditions in water-holding containers (e.g., resource level, presence of competitors or predators) and to choose the sites that are most suitable for offspring growth and development. Mosquitoes may also detect physical container characteristics related to water permanence such as surface area, volume, or container size, and some species such as those in the genus Culex have been shown to prefer larger containers. However, predators may also preferentially colonize larger containers; thus, ovipositing females may face decisions based on cues of site quality that balance the costs and benefits for offspring. We used a field experiment to evaluate the oviposition preferences of two Culex species in response to experimental container size and predator abundances within the containers. We found that both species avoided ovipositing in the largest containers, which have high abundances of Chaoborus sp. and dragonfly larvae (predators). However, the container size most commonly chosen for oviposition (15-L buckets) also had high mean abundance per liter of dragonfly larvae. These results suggest either prey naiveté or reduced vulnerability of these species to dragonflies compared to Chaoborus sp. Other potential mechanisms for the observed patterns are discussed.

Exercise training on cardiovascular diseases: Role of animal models in the elucidation of the mechanisms

Abstract Cardiovascular diseases, which include hypertension, coronary artery disease/myocardial infarction and heart failure, are one of the major causes of disability and death worldwide. On the other hand, physical exercise acts in the preventionand treatment of these conditions. In fact, several experiments performed in human beings have demonstrated the efficiency of physical exercise to alter clinical signals observed in these diseases, such as high blood pressure and exercise intolerance. However, even if human studies demonstrated the clinical efficiency of physical exercise, most extensive mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon still have to be elucidated. In this sense, studies using animal models seem to be a good option to demonstrate such mechanisms. Therefore, the aims of the present study are describing the main pathophysiological characteristics of the animal models used in the study of cardiovascular diseases, as well as the main mechanismsassociated with the benefits of physical exercise.(AU)

Use of betahistine in the treatment of peripheral vertigo.

CONCLUSION: Clinical studies and meta-analyses demonstrated that betahistine is effective and safe in the treatment of Ménière's disease, BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), vestibular neuronitis, and other types of peripheral vertigo. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this paper is to review the pharmacological profile of betahistine and the evidence for its effectiveness and safety in the treatment of peripheral vertigo. METHODS: Selection criteria for the publications on betahistine included randomized clinical trials that evaluated the effectiveness and safety of betahistine vs placebo or active control in the treatment of peripheral vertigo. Recent meta-analyses were also included. Databases searched included PubMed, the Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group Trials Register, and ICTRP. The review also presents an update on the mechanisms of action, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics of betahistine. RESULTS: Efficacy and safety of betahistine has been demonstrated in numerous clinical trials. The precise mechanism of action of betahistine is still not completely understood, but the clinical experience demonstrated the benefit of betahistine in different types of peripheral vertigo. In more than 40 years of clinical use, betahistine has shown an excellent safety profile with the usual dose range from 8-48 mg daily. According to clinical studies, betahistine 48 mg daily during 3 months is an effective and safe option for the treatment of peripheral vertigo.

Occult infection with HBV intergenotypic A2/G recombinant following acute hepatitis B caused by an HBV/A2 isolate.

Viral and host factors leading to occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (OBI) are not fully understood. Whether HBV genotype may influence the occurrence and course of OBIs is unknown. Here, we describe the case of a patient infected with HBV genotype A2 who developed symptomatic acute hepatitis and did not seroconvert after loss of HBsAg and HBeAg. The acute phase of hepatitis B was followed by a period of more than 2 years during which the DNA of an intergenotypic HBV/A2/G recombinant was intermittently detected in serum.