Synthetic Peptides Selected by Immunoinformatics as Potential Tools for the Specific Diagnosis of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis.

Diagnosing canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) in Brazil faces challenges due to the limitations regarding the sensitivity and specificity of the current diagnostic protocol. Therefore, it is urgent to map new antigens or enhance the existing ones for future diagnostic techniques. Immunoinformatic tools are promising in the identification of new potential epitopes or antigen candidates. In this study, we evaluated peptides selected by epitope prediction for CVL serodiagnosis in ELISA assays. Ten B-cell epitopes were immunogenic in silico, but two peptides (peptides No. 45 and No. 48) showed the best performance in vitro. The selected peptides, both individually and in combination, were highly diagnostically accurate, with sensitivities ranging from 86.4% to 100% and with a specificity of approximately 90%. We observed that the combination of peptides showed better performance when compared to peptide alone, by detecting all asymptomatic dogs, showing lower cross-reactivity in sera from dogs with other canine infections, and did not detect vaccinated animals. Moreover, our data indicate the potential use of immunoinformatic tools associated with ELISA assays for the selection and evaluation of potential new targets, such as peptides, applied to the diagnosis of CVL.

Compressive taping to prevent postmastectomy seroma: patient adherence and satisfaction.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate patient adherence and satisfaction concerning postmastectomy compressive taping. METHODS: This comprises a preintervention and postintervention study carried out with women ≥18 years old who underwent taping during the first 7 postoperative days at the Cancer Hospital III/National Cancer Institute. Good adherence was considered as taping maintenance for 7 days. Satisfaction levels were classified as satisfied and dissatisfied. RESULTS: A total of 124 women with a mean age of 56.54 (±11.24) were included in the study. Most lived without a partner (58.1%), had more than 8 years of study (59.7%), referred to themselves as white (68.5%) and considered their health status to be good or very good (69.4%). Regarding treatment adherence, 90.3% patients displayed adherence. Patients with no bullous lesions were more likely to adhere to taping (OR 7.00; 95% CI 1.98 to 24.74; p=0.003). Regarding satisfaction, 78.2% of the patients felt satisfied. The absence of local discomfort (OR 4.51; 95% CI 1.73 to 11.74; p=0.002) and non-existence of self-reported oedema (OR 5.81; 95% CI 1.81 to 18, 66; p=0.003) were associated with greater patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Patients exhibited good adherence and felt very satisfied with the use of postmastectomy compressive taping. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04471142.

Gestão da informação e tradução do conhecimento no trabalho de enfermeiros(as) da atenção primária à saúde no estado da Paraíba - Nordeste do Brasil / Information management and knowledge translation in the work of primary health care nurses in the state of Paraíba - Northeast Brazil / Gestión de la información y traducción del conocimiento en el trabajo de enfermeras de atención primaria de salud en el estado de Paraíba - Nordeste de Brasil

Objetivo: Analisar a gestão da informação e tradução do conhecimento, considerando diferentes variáveis do acesso à informação, no processo de trabalho, dos(as) Enfermeiros(as) da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) em atuação no estado da Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil. Material e Métodos: Estudo de métodos mistos; integração de dados quantitativos e dados qualitativo. Utilizou-se a estratégia "Transformativa Concomitante", em que os dados quantitativos e qualitativos, foram coletados concomitantemente. Pesquisa realizada no estado da Paraíba entre novembro de 2019 a agosto de 2021, nos serviços da Atenção Primária à Saúde do modelo tradicional de Unidades Básicas de Saúde e os do modelo da Estratégia Saúde da Família. Dos(as) 1.635 enfermeiras(as) em atuação nesses modelos de atenção na Paraíba, 462 participaram do estudo quantitativo. Na pesquisa qualitativa 45 profissionais foram selecionados: 09 no município intermediário adjacente; 21 nos municípios rurais adjacentes e 15 no município urbano, selecionado nesta tipologia, o município de João Pessoa. Foram incluídos enfermeiros(as) que desenvolviam práticas de assistência ou gestão na APS e na ESF. Excluídos, enfermeiros(as) na APS há menos de três anos; que não exercessem preceptoria nos serviços, consultoria; e sem vínculo formal de trabalho e aqueles ausentes do trabalho por férias ou licença de qualquer natureza. Os dados quantitativos foram processados através do software SPSS®, versão 21. No processamento dos qualitativos, utilizou-se o software NVivo®; e adotou-se a técnica de análise de conteúdo temática. Para os estudos de métodos mistos, fez-se a integração dos resultados quantitativos e qualitativos, favorecendo as análises das evidências da pesquisa. O projeto de pesquisa teve aprovação do Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade de Brasília, sob Parecer nº 3.619.308 e do Certificado de Apresentação de Apreciação Ética - CAAE nº 20814619.2.0000.0030. Resultados: A maioria, dos(as) profissionais pesquisados(as), acessa informações relativas à Atenção Primária à Saúde/Estratégia Saúde da Família. O principal meio de acesso é digital. Os lugares de acesso, prevaleceram a casa e o trabalho. As fontes governamentais, são acessadas por 330 profissionais, seguidas das mídias sociais. As revistas científicas, foram referidas por 187 (40,5%) participantes da pesquisa. Os livros especializados são acessadas por menos da metade dos(as) pesquisados(as): apenas 155 (33,5%). Mais da metade dos(as) pesquisados(as), 235 (50,9%), registraram não terem participado de seminários e/ou encontros científicos de sua área de atuação, nos últimos dois anos. Apenas 28 profissionais, 6,1%; dos enfermeiros(as) estão associados(as) à Associação Brasileira de Enfermagem; e apenas 1 (0,2%) afirmou estar associado(a) à Associação Brasileira de Enfermagem de Família e Comunidade. Mais de 90% (418 profissionais) revelaram a necessidade de aprimorar seus conhecimentos em Atenção Primária à Saúde/Estratégia Saúde da Família. Conclusão: O estudo evidenciou que os profissionais em atuação na Atenção Primária à Saúde na Paraíba, avançam no que concerne à gestão da informação e tradução do conhecimento, uma vez que a maioria dos pesquisado(as) relataram acessar as informações. Embora predomine o acesso às fontes governamentais, as publicações cientificas e livros especializados, ainda são referenciais adotas pelos profissionais. Quase a totalidade dos pesquisados(as), demonstraram necessidade de aprimorar seus conhecimentos no que tange à sua área atuação ­ a Atenção Primária à Saúde/Estratégia Saúde da Família. Criticamente, há de se ressaltar, a baixa participação dos profissionais quando se busca investigar a sua associação a entidades representativas da Enfermagem. (AU)

Objective: To analyze information management and knowledge translation, considering different variables of access to information, in the work process, of Primary Health Care (PHC) Nurses working in the state of Paraíba, Northeast of Brazil. Brazil. Material and Methods: Mixed methods study; integration of quantitative data and qualitative data. The "Transformative Concomitant" strategy was used, in which quantitative and qualitative data were collected concomitantly. Research carried out in the state of Paraíba between November 2019 and August 2021, in the Primary Health Care services of the traditional model of Basic Health Units and those of the Family Health Strategy model. Of the 1,635 nurses working in these care models in Paraíba, 462 participated in the quantitative study. In the qualitative research, 45 professionals were selected: 09 in the adjacent intermediate municipality; 21 in the adjacent rural municipalities and 15 in the urban municipality, selected in this typology, the municipality of João Pessoa. Nurses who developed care or management practices in PHC and ESF were included. Excluded, nurses in PHC for less than three years; who did not exercise preceptorship in services, consultancy; and without formal employment relationship and those absent from work on vacation or leave of any kind. Quantitative data were processed using SPSS® software, version 21. In the processing of qualitative data, NVivo® software was used; and the thematic content analysis technique was adopted. For mixed methods studies, quantitative and qualitative results were integrated, favoring the analysis of research evidence. The research project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, under Opinion nº 3.619.308 and the Certificate of Presentation of Ethical Appreciation - CAAE nº 20814619.2.0000.0030. Results: Most of the professionals surveyed access information related to Primary Health Care/Family Health Strategy. The main means of access is digital. The places of access, home and work prevailed. Government sources are accessed by 330 professionals, followed by social media. Scientific journals were mentioned by 187 (40.5%) research participants. Specialized books are accessed by less than half of those surveyed: only 155 (33.5%). More than half of those surveyed, 235 (50.9%), reported not having participated in seminars and/or scientific meetings in their area of expertise in the last two years. Only 28 professionals, 6.1%; of nurses are associated with the Brazilian Nursing Association; and only 1 (0.2%) claimed to be associated with the Brazilian Association of Family and Community Nursing. More than 90% (418 professionals) revealed the need to improve their knowledge in Primary Health Care/Family Health Strategy. Conclusion: The study showed that professionals working in Primary Health Care in Paraíba, advance in terms of information management and knowledge translation, since most respondents reported accessing information. Although access to government sources predominates, scientific publications and specialized books are still references adopted by professionals. Almost all of those surveyed demonstrated the need to improve their knowledge regarding their area of activity ­ Primary Health Care/Family Health Strategy. Critically, it should be noted the low participation of professionals when seeking to investigate their association with representative entities of Nursing. (AU)

Objetivo: Analizar la gestión de la información y la traducción del conocimiento, considerando diferentes variables de acceso a la información en el proceso de trabajo de Enfermeras de Atención Primaria a la Salud (APS) que actúan en la provincia de Paraíba, región Nordeste de Brasil. Material y métodos: Estudio de métodos mixtos; integración de datos cuantitativos y datos cualitativos. Se utilizó la Estrategia Transformativa Concomitante, en la que se recolectaron datos cuantitativos y cualitativos de manera concomitante. Investigación realizada en Paraíba, entre noviembre de 2019 y agosto de 2021, en los servicios de APS del modelo tradicional de Unidades Básicas de Salud (UBS) y de Estrategia de Salud de la Familia (ESF). De los 1.635 enfermeros que actúan en esos modelos de atención en Paraíba, 462 participaron del estudio cuantitativo. En la investigación cualitativa fueron seleccionados 45 profesionales: nueve en el municipio intermedio colindante; 21 en municipios rurales adyacentes; y 15 en el municipio urbano seleccionado en esta tipología, João Pessoa. Se incluyeron enfermeros que desarrollaron prácticas de cuidado o gestión en la APS y en la ESF. Excluidos: enfermeros en APS por menos de tres años; que no ejercieron preceptoría en servicios/consultoría; que no tenían relación laboral formal; y que estaban ausentes del trabajo por vacaciones o licencias de cualquier tipo. Los datos cuantitativos se procesaron a través del software SPSS®, versión 21. En el procesamiento cualitativo se utilizó el software NVivo® y se adoptó la técnica de análisis de contenido temático. Para los estudios de métodos mixtos, se realizó la integración de los resultados cuantitativos y cualitativos, favoreciendo el análisis de las evidencias de la investigación. El proyecto fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética en Investigación de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud de la Universidad de Brasilia, bajo el Dictamen nº 3.619.308 y el Certificado de Presentación de Apreciación Ética - CAAE nº 20814619.2.0000.0030. Resultados: la mayoría de los profesionales encuestados accede a información relacionada con la APS/ESF. El principal medio de acceso es digital. Los lugares de acceso que prevalecieron son el hogar y el trabajo. Las fuentes gubernamentales son consultadas por 330 profesionales, seguidas de las redes sociales. Las revistas científicas fueron mencionadas por 187 (40,5%) participantes de la investigación. A los libros especializados acceden menos de la mitad de los encuestados: sólo 155 (33,5%). Más de la mitad de los encuestados, 235 (50,9%), informaron no haber participado en seminarios y/o reuniones científicas en su área de especialización en los últimos dos años. Sólo 28 profesionales (el 6,1%) de los enfermeros están asociados a la Asociación Brasileña de Enfermería; y sólo 1 (0,2%) está asociado a la Asociación Brasileña de Enfermería Familiar y Comunitaria. Más del 90% (418 profesionales) revelaron la necesidad de mejorar sus conocimientos en Atención Primaria de Salud/Estrategia de Salud de la Familia. Conclusión: el estudio mostró que los profesionales que actúan en la Atención Primaria de Salud de Paraíba avanzan en términos de gestión de la información y traducción del conocimiento, una vez que la mayoría de los encuestados informaron tener acceso a la información. Si bien predomina el acceso a fuentes gubernamentales, las publicaciones científicas y los libros especializados siguen siendo referencias adoptadas por los profesionales. Casi todos los encuestados demostraron la necesidad de mejorar su conocimiento sobre su área de actuación ­ Atención Primaria de Salud/Estrategia de Salud de la Familia. Críticamente, se destaca la baja participación de los profesionales cuando se busca investigar su vinculación con entidades representativas de la Enfermería. (AU)

Surveillance of Tahyna Orthobunyavirus in Urban Areas in Croatia-The "One Health" Approach.

BACKGROUND: Tahyna orthobunyavirus (TAHV) is a neglected mosquito-borne bunyavirus. Although the virus is widespread in continental Europe, TAHV infections are rarely reported. We analyzed the prevalence of TAHV in humans and different animal species as well as mosquitoes collected in urban areas of Zagreb and its surroundings in the period from 2020 to 2022. METHODS: The study included 32 patients with neuroinvasive disease (NID), 218 asymptomatic individuals, 98 horses, 94 pet animals (dogs and cats), and 4456 Aedes vexans mosquitoes. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and urine samples of patients with NID were tested for the TAHV RNA using a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Human and animal serum samples were tested for TAHV-neutralizing (NT) antibodies using a virus-neutralization test (VNT). Mosquito pools were tested for TAHV RNA using an RT-qPCR. RESULTS: TAHV NT antibodies were detected in 3/9.4% of patients with NID, 8/3.7% of asymptomatic individuals, 29/29.6% of horses, and 11/11.7% of pet animals. There was no difference in the seroprevalence according to age, sex, and area of residence in asymptomatic individuals. In addition, TAHV seropositivity did not differ according to age and sex in pet animals. None of the tested mosquito pools was TAHV RNA-positive. CONCLUSIONS: The presented results highlight the importance of interdisciplinary surveillance ("One Health") of this neglected viral zoonosis.

O Uso da Bandagem Compressiva no Pós-Operatório Imediato Não Está Associado à Dor Aguda Pós-Mastectomia / Use of Compression Bandage in the Immediate Postoperative Period is Not Associated with Post-Mastectomy Acute Pain / El Uso de Vendaje Compresivo en el Postoperatorio Inmediato No se Asocia con Dolor Agudo tras Mastectomía

Introdução: A bandagem cinesiológica é um tratamento não farmacológico de baixo custo, simples e de fácil aplicação, que tem como função atuar na redução da dor, no edema local e na melhora da atividade muscular. Objetivo: Avaliar a associação entre o uso da bandagem compressiva na ocorrência de dor pós-operatória em mulheres submetidas à mastectomia no Hospital do Câncer III do Instituto Nacional de Câncer (HC III/INCA). Método: Ensaio clínico randomizado com 106 mulheres submetidas à mastectomia entre março e novembro de 2021. As pacientes, após sorteio, foram designadas para um grupo controle de cuidados de rotina da instituição e para um grupo intervenção, em que foi acrescida, aos cuidados de rotina, a aplicação da bandagem compressiva na região do plastrão no primeiro dia (D1) do pós-operatório. Foram avaliadas dor, parestesia, amplitude de movimento e síndrome da rede axilar no D1, na primeira semana (D7) e no primeiro mês (D30) após a cirurgia. Resultados: Os dois grupos foram similares com relação aos dados demográficos e clínicos. Não houve diferença significativa na presença de dor no local da aplicação (nas avaliações D7 e D30) sendo 24,1% e 27,8% para o grupo da bandagem compressiva (p=0,102) e 11,8% e 17,6% para o grupo controle (p=0,217). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa para qualquer desfecho avaliado. Conclusão: O uso da bandagem compressiva no pós-operatório imediato não esteve associado à dor e a outras complicações nas avaliações de sete e 30 dias de pós-operatório de mastectomias

Introduction: Kinesiological bandage is a low-cost, simple and easy-to-apply non-pharmacological treatment that aims to reduce pain, local edema and improvement of muscle activity. Objective: To evaluate the association between the use of compressive bandage in the occurrence of postoperative pain in women undergoing mastectomy at Cancer Hospital III of the National Cancer Institute (HC III/INCA). Method: One hundred and six women who underwent mastectomy between March and November 2021 participated of this randomized clinical trial. The patients were randomly assigned to a routine care group at the institution and an intervention group, in which the application of a compressive bandage in the breast plastron in the first postoperative day (D1) was added to the routine care. Pain, paresthesia, range of motion and axillary web syndrome were evaluated on the D1, the first week (D7) and the first month (D30) after surgery. Results: The two groups were similar with respect to demographic and clinical data. There was no significant difference in the presence of local pain (at D7 and D30) in 24.1% and 27.8% for the compressive bandage group (p=0.102) and 11.8% and 17.6% for the control group (p=0.217). There were no other statistically significant differences for any outcome assessed. Conclusion: The use of compressive bandage in the immediate postoperative period was not associated with pain and other complications in the 7th and 30th days after mastectomies

Introducción: El vendaje kinesiológico es un tratamiento no farmacológico de bajo costo, sencillo y fácil de aplicar, cuya función es disminuir el dolor, el edema local y mejorar la actividad muscular. Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación entre el uso de vendaje compresivo y la aparición de dolor posoperatorio en mujeres sometidas a mastectomía en el Hospital del Cáncer III del Instituto Nacional del Cáncer (HC III/INCA). Método: Ciento seis mujeres sometidas a mastectomía entre marzo y noviembre de 2021 participaron en este ensayo clínico aleatorizado. Los pacientes fueron asignados aleatoriamente a un grupo de atención de rutina en la institución y a un grupo de intervención, en los que se agregó a la atención de rutina la aplicación de un vendaje compresivo en la región del plastrón en el primer día (D1) del postoperatorio. El dolor, las parestesias, el rango de movimiento y el síndrome de red axilar se evaluaron el D1, la primera semana (D7) y el primer mes (D30) después de la cirugía. Resultados: Los dos grupos fueron similares con respecto a los datos demográficos y clínicos. No hubo diferencia significativa en la presencia de dolor en el sitio de aplicación (en las evaluaciones D7 y D30) con 24,1% y 27,8% para el grupo de vendaje compresivo (p=0,102) y 11,8% y 17,6% para el grupo control (p=0,217). No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas para ninguno de los resultados evaluados. Conclusión: El uso de vendaje compresivo en el posoperatorio inmediato, no se asoció con dolor y otras complicaciones en las evaluaciones de 7 y 30 días después de mastectomías

'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemoalbiventris' and tick-borne pathogens screening in white-eared opossums (Didelphis albiventris) from Curitiba and Foz do Iguaçu Cities, Paraná State, southern Brazil.

Hemoplasmas are epierythrocytic bacteria that infect mammals. 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemoalbiventris' was detected in white-eared opossums (Didelphis albiventris) from southern and central-western Brazil. The present study aimed at: i) screening opossums for tick-borne (TBP) pathogens (Piroplasmida and Anaplasmataceae) and ii) detecting and characterizing hemoplasma species infecting opossums from Curitiba and Foz do Iguaçu cities in the Paraná State, southern Brazil. Thirty blood samples from white-eared opossums were evaluated by PCR assays. Animals were not infested by ectoparasites. The mammalian endogenous gapdh gene was consistently amplified in all samples. All opossums tested negative for Theileria/Babesia spp. and Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp. by PCR based on 18S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes, respectively. A genus-specific PCR assay based on the 16S rRNA gene of hemoplasmas showed that three/13 (23.08%; CI 95%: 8.18-50.26%) opossums from Foz do Iguaçu were positive for hemotropic Mycoplasma sp. All opossums from Curitiba tested negative for hemoplasmas. Sequencing of both the 16S and 23S rRNA genes revealed that the animals were infected by 'Ca. M. haemoalbiventris'. Although 'Ca. M. haemoalbiventris' is prevalent in opossums in Brazil, clinical signs associated with its infection and its putative vectors remain unknown.

Immune response in acute respiratory syndrome induced by the new coronavirus / Resposta imunológica na síndrome respiratória aguda induzida pelo novo coronavírus

Coronaviruses (CoVs) belong to the family Coronaviridae, which are enveloped and have a single-stranded RNA genome. The new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is the seventh known coronavirus that can infect humans and cause serious illness, such as acute respiratory syndrome. The coronaviruses already identified have contributed to the understanding of the clinical manifestations caused by SARSCoV-2, as well as their associations with the immune system. The aim of the present study was to carry out a narrative review of the literature on the host's immune response to infection by the new coronavirus. The review contains basic and summarized information on the main mechanisms involved in the immune response to SARS-CoV-2. The characteristics of the infection were considered according to the following: from the initial contact with the host through binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2); the recognition of the pathogen by innate immunity cells; its containment mechanisms, including the production of effector cytokines and chemokines important in the development of the inflammatory process; and the participation of the complement system until the activation of the adaptive immune response. The probable occurrence of a host dysfunctional immune response and the escape mechanisms of the virus were also addressed. Despite numerous studies on the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, knowledge about the host's immune response in COVID-19 is not fully understood. The present work established the relationship between the new coronavirus and the immune system, but further studies are needed for all the mechanisms of the process to be elucidated.

Os coronavírus (CoVs) pertencem à família Coronaviridae, são envelopados com genoma de RNA (Ácido Ribonucleico) de fita simples e de sentido positivo. O novo coronavírus (SARS-CoV-2) é o sétimo coronavírus conhecido com capacidade de infectar seres humanos e pode provocar doença grave, como a síndrome respiratória aguda. Os coronavírus já identificados contribuíram para o entendimento das manifestações clínicas causadas pelo SARS-CoV-2, bem como suas correlações com o sistema imune. O presente trabalho teve o propósito de realizar uma revisão narrativa de literatura sobre a resposta imune do hospedeiro à infecção pelo novo coronavírus. A revisão contém informações básicas e resumidas dos principais mecanismos envolvidos na resposta imune ao SARS-CoV-2. Foram consideradas as características da infecção desde o contato inicial com o hospedeiro, por meio da ligação da Enzima Conversora de Angiotensina 2 (ECA2), o reconhecimento do patógeno pelas células da imunidade inata, seus mecanismos de contenção, incluindo a produção de citocinas efetoras e quimiocinas importantes no desenvolvimento do processo inflamatório, a participação do sistema complemento até a ativação da resposta imune adaptativa. Foram abordados também a provável ocorrência de uma resposta imune disfuncional do hospedeiro e os mecanismos de escape do vírus. Apesar dos inúmeros trabalhos sobre a patogenia da infecção pelo SARS-CoV-2, o conhecimento sobre a resposta imune do hospedeiro na COVID-19 não está totalmente esclarecido. O presente trabalho estabeleceu as relações do novo coronavírus com o sistema imunológico, entretanto, mais estudos ainda são necessários para que todos os mecanismos do processo sejam elucidados.

'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemoalbiventris' and tick-borne pathogens screening in white-eared opossums (Didelphis albiventris) from Curitiba and Foz do Iguaçu Cities, Paraná State, southern Brazil / 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemoalbiventris' e triagem para patógenos transmitidos por carrapatos em gambás de orelha branca (Didelphis albiventris) das cidades de Curitiba e Foz do Iguaçu, Estado do Paraná, sul do Brasil

Abstract Hemoplasmas are epierythrocytic bacteria that infect mammals. 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemoalbiventris' was detected in white-eared opossums (Didelphis albiventris) from southern and central-western Brazil. The present study aimed at: i) screening opossums for tick-borne (TBP) pathogens (Piroplasmida and Anaplasmataceae) and ii) detecting and characterizing hemoplasma species infecting opossums from Curitiba and Foz do Iguaçu cities in the Paraná State, southern Brazil. Thirty blood samples from white-eared opossums were evaluated by PCR assays. Animals were not infested by ectoparasites. The mammalian endogenous gapdh gene was consistently amplified in all samples. All opossums tested negative for Theileria/Babesia spp. and Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp. by PCR based on 18S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes, respectively. A genus-specific PCR assay based on the 16S rRNA gene of hemoplasmas showed that three/13 (23.08%; CI 95%: 8.18-50.26%) opossums from Foz do Iguaçu were positive for hemotropic Mycoplasma sp. All opossums from Curitiba tested negative for hemoplasmas. Sequencing of both the 16S and 23S rRNA genes revealed that the animals were infected by 'Ca. M. haemoalbiventris'. Although 'Ca. M. haemoalbiventris' is prevalent in opossums in Brazil, clinical signs associated with its infection and its putative vectors remain unknown.

Resumo Hemoplasmas são bactérias epieritrocíticas que infectam mamíferos. 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemoalbiventris' foi detectado previamente em gambás-de-orelha-branca (Didelphis albiventris) das regiões sul e centro-oeste do Brasil. O presente estudo objetivou: i) triar os gambás para as doenças transmitidas por carrapatos (Piroplasmida e Anaplasmataceae); e ii) detectar e caracterizar as espécies de hemoplasma que infectam gambás nas cidades de Curitiba e Foz do Iguaçu, no Estado do Paraná, sul do Brasil. Trinta amostras de sangue de gambás-de-orelha-branca foram analisadas por PCR. Os animais não estavam infestados por ectoparasitos. O gene endógeno de mamífero gapdh foi amplificado em todas as amostras. Todos os gambás testaram negativos para Theileria/Babesia spp. e Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp. por PCR, respectivamente, para os genes 18S rRNA e 16S rRNA. Uma PCR gene-específica, baseada no gene 16S rRNA de hemoplasmas, mostrou que três/13 (23,08%; CI 95%: 8,18-50,26%) gambás de Foz do Iguaçu foram positivos para Mycoplasma sp. hemotrópico. Todos os gambás de Curitiba testaram negativos para hemoplasmas. O sequenciamento de fragmentos dos genes 16S e 23S rRNA revelou que os animais estavam infectados pelo 'Ca. M. haemoalbiventris'. Embora 'Ca. M. haemoalbiventris' seja prevalente em gambás no Brasil, os sinais clínicos associados à infecção e os prováveis vetores permanecem desconhecidos.

Comparative Analysis of Lycopene Content from Different Tomato-Based Food Products on the Cellular Activity of Prostate Cancer Cell Lines.

Lycopene is more bioavailable in processed tomato products than in raw tomatoes, since arrangement of cis-isomers of lycopene during food processing and storage may increase its biological activity. The aim of the study is evaluate the influence of lycopene content from different tomato-based food products (extract, paste, ketchup and sauce) on cell proliferation, cell cycle, and rate of apoptosis of human prostate cancer cell lines. DU-145 and PC-3 cell lines were treated with lycopene content from different tomato-based food products (500-5000 µg/mL) for 96 h. The data showed a decrease in cell viability in both DU-145 and PC-3 cells after treatment with all lycopene extracts from tomato-based food products. Analysis of cell cycle revealed a decrease in the percentage of prostate cancer cells in G0/G1 and G2/M phases after 96 h of treatment when using lycopene content from tomato paste and tomato extract. However, lycopene extracted from tomato sauce and ketchup promoted a decrease in the percentage of cells in G0/G1 phase and an increase in S and G2/M phases after 96 h of treatment. Lycopene content from all of those tomato-based food products also increased apoptosis in both prostate cancer cell lines. In this regard, lycopene has proved to be a potent inhibitor of cell viability, arrest cell cycle and increase the apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells, suggesting an effect in the balance of human prostate cancer cell lines growth.

Moenkhausia restricta, a new species from the upper Rio Negro, Amazon basin, northwestern Brazil (Characiformes: Characidae).

A new shallow-bodied species of Moenkhausia is described from the upper Rio Negro, Amazon basin, Brazil. The new species is diagnosed from all congeners by the combination of a body depth not surpassing 33% in SL in adult specimens, seven scale rows between dorsal-fin origin and lateral line, five scale rows between pelvic-fin insertion and lateral line, a single conspicuous vertically elongated humeral blotch, and a conspicuous caudal peduncle blotch extending to the distal margin of the median caudal-fin rays. The new species was collected together with Jupiaba zonata, with which it shares a very similar color pattern. The similarity between these two taxa is interpreted as an additional case of Batesian mimicry between Moenkhausia and Jupiaba.

Pharmacokinetic, Antiproliferative and Apoptotic Effects of Phenolic Acids in Human Colon Adenocarcinoma Cells Using In Vitro and In Silico Approaches.

Colon cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the USA and Europe. Despite aggressive therapies, many tumors are resistant to current treatment protocols and epidemiological data suggest that diet is a major factor in the etiology of colon cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity and the influence of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic (3,4-DHPAA), p-coumaric (p-CoA), vanillic (VA) and ferulic (FA) acids on cell viability, cell cycle progression, and rate of apoptosis in human colon adenocarcinoma cells (HT-29). The results showed that all compounds tested reduce cell viability in human colon cancer cells. 3,4-DHPAA promoted the highest effect antiproliferative with an increase in the percentage of cells in G0/G1 phase, accompanied by a reduction of cells in G2/M phase. Cell cycle analysis of VA and FA showed a decrease in the proportion of cells in G0/G1 phase (10.0 µM and 100.0 µM). p-CoA and FA acids increased the percentage of apoptotic cells and non-apoptotic cells. 3,4-DHPAA seems to be the substance with the greatest potential for in vivo studies, opening thus a series of perspectives on the use of these compounds in the prevention and treatment of colon cancer.

Validação de instrumento para avaliação do conhecimento de adolescentes sobre hanseníase / Validación del instrumento para la evaluación del conocimiento de los adolescentes sobre la hanseniasis / Validation of an instrument for the evaluation of adolescents' knowledge about Hansen's disease

Resumo Objetivo: Construir e validar instrumentos para avaliação do conhecimento de adolescentes sobre hanseníase e caracterização dos sujeitos. Métodos: Pesquisa metodológica, desenvolvida em três etapas, a saber: construção dos instrumentos; validação de face e conteúdo com sete juízes; e validação semântica com 20 adolescentes, de 10 a 14 anos. Resultados: Houve concordância superior a 80% entre os juízes quanto a todos os domínios, itens e componentes avaliados. A concordância geral entre os juízes para o instrumento de avaliação do conhecimento de adolescentes sobre hanseníase, com 14 itens, foi de 89% e do instrumento para caracterização dos participantes, com 17 itens, foi de 93%. Na validação semântica, os instrumentos foram considerados com boa compreensão, e não houve dificuldades para seu preenchimento. Entre os adolescentes, 10% afirmaram ter ou ter tido casos de hanseníase na família. A maioria dos adolescentes (55%) nunca tinha ouvido falar ou tinha recebido informações sobre hanseníase, assim como a maioria (60%) afirmou não saber o que era a hanseníase. Conclusão: Os instrumentos construídos para avaliar o conhecimento de adolescentes sobre hanseníase e caracterizar a população estudada foram considerados válidos quanto à face, ao conteúdo e à semântica. Ambos os instrumentos apresentaram aparência, compreensão e relevância consideradas muito boas ou excelentes, podendo ser aplicados ao público de estudo.

Resumen Objetivo: Construir y validar instrumentos para evaluar el conocimiento de adolescentes sobre hanseniasis y caracterización de los sujetos. Métodos: Investigación metodológica desarrollada en tres etapas, a saber: construcción de los instrumentos, validación de cara y contenido con siete jueces y validación semántica con 20 adolescentes de 10 a 14 años. Resultados: Hubo correspondencia superior al 80% entre los jueces en cuanto a todos los elementos, ítems y componentes evaluados. La correspondencia general entre los jueces para el instrumento de evaluación del conocimiento de adolescentes sobre hanseniasis, con 14 ítems, fue del 89%, y del instrumento para caracterización de los participantes, con 17 ítems, fue del 93%. En la validación semántica los instrumentos fueron considerados con buena comprensión y no hubo dificultades para su diligenciamiento. Entre los adolescentes, el 10% afirmó tener o haber tenido casos de hanseniasis en la familia. La mayoría de los adolescentes (55%) nunca había oído hablar o había recibido información sobre la hanseniasis, así como la mayoría (60%) afirmó no saber lo que era la hanseniasis. Conclusión: Los instrumentos construidos para evaluar el conocimiento de adolescentes sobre hanseniasis y caracterizar a la población estudiada fueron considerados válidos en cuanto a la cara, el contenido y la semántica. Ambos instrumentos presentaron apariencia, comprensión y relevancia consideradas muy buenas o excelentes, por lo que se pudieron aplicar al público estudiado.

Abstract Objective: To construct and validate instruments for the evaluation of adolescents' knowledge about Hansen's disease and characterization of these subjects. Methods: Methodological study developed in three steps, namely: construction of instruments; face and content validation with seven judges; and semantic validation with 20 adolescents aged from 10 to 14 years. Results: There was more than 80% agreement among judges in all domains, items and components evaluated. The general agreement among judges for the instrument for evaluation of adolescents' knowledge on Hansen's disease with 14 items was 89%, and for the instrument for characterization of participants with 17 items, agreement was 93%. In the semantic validation, the instruments were considered of good understanding, and there were no difficulties for completing them. Among adolescents, 10% reported having or having had cases of Hansen's disease in the family. Most adolescents (55%) had never heard of or received information about Hansen's disease, and most (60%) also said they did not know what Hansen's disease was. Conclusion: The instruments constructed to evaluate adolescents' knowledge about Hansen's disease and to characterize the studied population were considered valid regarding face, content and semantics. The appearance, comprehension and relevance were considered as very good or excellent in both instruments, and they can be applied to the target population.

Lycopene Extracts from Different Tomato-Based Food Products Induce Apoptosis in Cultured Human Primary Prostate Cancer Cells and Regulate TP53, Bax and Bcl-2 Transcript Expression

Carotenoids are the main tomato components, especially lycopene. Lycopene is more bioavailable in tomato processed products than in raw tomatos, since formation of lycopene cis-isomers during food processing and storage may increase its biological activity. In the current study, we evaluated the influence of lycopene extracts (5 mg / mL) from different tomato-based food products (paste, sauce, extract and ketchup) on cell viability and apoptosis on primary human prostate cancer cells (PCa cels) for 96h. Using MTT assay, we observed a significant decrease on primary PCa cell viability upon treatment with lycopene extracted from either 4 tomato-based food products. Flow cytometeric analysis revealed that lycopene from tomato extract and tomato sauce promoted up to fifty-fold increase on the proportion of apoptotic cells, when compared to the control group. Using real time PCR assay, we found that lycopene promoted an upregulation of TP53 and Bax transcript expression and also downregulation of Bcl-2 expression in PCa cells. In conclusion, our data demostrate that cis-lycopene promoted a significant inhibition on primary PCa cell viability, as well as an increase on their apoptotic rates, evidencing that cis-lycopene contained in tomato sauce and extract cain mainly modulate of primary human prostate cancer cell survival.

Influence of the manipulation technique of acrylic resin on mechanical strength of orthodontic plates / Influencia da técnica de manipulação de resina acrilica sobre a resistencia mecanica de placas ortodonticas

The focus of this study was to test the fracture resistance of upper arch dental retainers, made by two different manipulation techniques of acrylic resin. 84 plates Wraparound type retainers were made by two different manipulation techniques forming two groups (n = 42): Group 1 (Addition Technique) and Group 2 (Pressing Technique). All the retainers were duly shaped in U form with the aid of standardized plaster cast models. During the confection process the standardizing of the retainers was conducted carefully regarding their thickness and dimensions with the aid of a gauge and a straight caliper. After confection they remained immersed in water for 24 hours at 37°C. Next, they were tested through mechanical compression until fracture in a universal mechanical testing machine. Data were analyzed by Student's t test. The significance level was set at 5% ( = 0.05). It was found that the average was of 79.12 N for Group 1 and of 77.07 N for Group 2 with a standard deviation of 17.30 N and 16.31, respectively, showing that there is no significant difference in resistance for the retainers when made through any of the two methods (P=0.788). The addition and pressure techniques of acrylic resin do not influence the resistance to compression of the upper dental retainers.

O foco deste estudo foi testar a resistência à fratura de retentores odontológicos do arco superior, feito por duas diferentes técnicas de manipulação de resina acrílica. 84 placas de retentores tipo Wraparound foram feitas por duas diferentes técnicas de manipulação que formam dois grupos (n = 42): Grupo 1 (técnica de adição) e Grupo 2 (técnica de prensagem). Todos os retentores foram devidamente moldado em forma de U, com o auxílio de modelos de gesso padronizados. Durante o processo de confecção a padronização dos retentores foi conduzida cuidadosamente em relação à sua espessura e dimensões, com o auxílio de um medidor e um compasso de calibre linear. Após a confecção eles permaneceram imersos em água por 24 horas a 37 °C. Em seguida, eles foram testados através de compressão mecânica até a fratura em uma máquina universal de ensaios mecânicos. Os dados foram analisados pelo teste t de Student. O nível de significância foi de 5% ( = 0,05). Verificou-se que a média foi de 79,12 N para o Grupo 1 e de 77,07 N para o Grupo 2, com um desvio padrão de 17,30 N e 16,31, respectivamente, indicando que não há diferença significativa na resistência para os retentores, quando feita através de qualquer um dos dois métodos (P = 0,788). As técnicas de adição e pressão de resina acrílica não influenciaram a resistência à compressão dos retentores dentárias superiores.

Anticancer properties of carotenoids in prostate cancer. A review.

Prostate cancer is the most common noncutaneous cancer of men in the world. Several epidemiological studies have linked increased carotenoids consumption with decreased prostate cancer risk. These findings are supported by in vitro and in vivo experiments showing that carotenoids not only enhance the antioxidant response of prostate cells, but that they are able to inhibit proliferation, induce apoptosis and decrease the metastatic capacity of prostate cancer cells. However, clear clinical evidence supporting the use of carotenoids in prevention or treatment of prostate cancer is not available, due to the limited number of published randomized clinical trials, and the varying protocols used in the existing studies. The scope of the present review is to discuss the potential impact of carotenoids on prostate cancer by giving an overview of the molecular mechanisms and in vitro / in vivo effects.

Effects of caffeic and 5-caffeoylquinic acids on cell viability and cellular uptake in human colon adenocarcinoma cells.

Colorectal cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Issues related to the role of diet in cancer prevention and treatment are featured each year, and, in this context, consumption of hydroxycinanmic acids is associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases including cancer. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the cellular uptake of caffeic and 5-caffeoylquinic acids and their effects on cell viability, cell cycle, and apoptosis in human colon adenocarcinoma cells (HT-29). HT-29 cells were incubated with different concentrations of caffeic and 5-caffeoylquinic acids (1.25 µM to 80.0 µM) from 0.5 to 96 h. Cellular uptake was analyzed by HPLC and LCMS. Cell viability, cell cycle, and apoptosis was measured, respectively, using MTT method and flow cytometry. Caffeic and 5-caffeoylquinic acids are absorbed, isomerized, and metabolized by HT-29 cells. Both compounds were able to reduce HT-29 cell viability, promoting specific changes in the cell cycle and increased the apoptosis rate. Caffeic acid and 5-caffeoylquinic acid showed inhibitory effects on cell growth, suggesting a modulation of the cell cycle with an increase in apoptosis in human colon adenocarcinoma cells.

Lycopene and beta-carotene induce cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in human breast cancer cell lines.

Lycopene and beta-carotene are carotenoids widely distributed in fruits and vegetables, with potential anticancer activity. Epidemiological trials rarely provide evidence for the mechanisms of action of these compounds, and their biological effects at different times of treatment are still unclear. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of carotenoids on the cell cycle and cell viability in human breast cancer cell lines. Human breast cell lines were treated with carotenoids (0.5-10 µM) for 48 and 96 h. Cell viability was monitored using the MTT method (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide; thiazolyl blue). The cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry, and apoptotic cells were identified by annexin/propidium iodide (PI) biomarkers. Our data showed a significant decrease in the number of viable breast cancer cells on treatment with carotenoids. Carotenoids also promoted cell-cycle arrest followed by decreased cell viability in the majority of cell lines after 96 h, compared to controls. Furthermore, an increase in apoptosis was observed in cell lines when cells were treated with carotenoids. Our findings show the capacity of lycopene and beta-carotene to inhibit cell proliferation, arrest the cell cycle in different phases, and increase apoptosis. These findings indicate that the effect was cell type-dependent and that carotenoids are potential agents for biological interference with cancer.

Influence of lycopene on cell viability, cell cycle, and apoptosis of human prostate cancer and benign hyperplastic cells.

Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in men and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in men of the Western world. Lycopene has received attention because of its expcted potential to prevent cancer. In the present study, we evaluated the influence of lycopene on cell viability, cell cycle, and apoptosis of human prostate cancer cells and benign prostate hyperplastic cells. Using MTT assay, we observed a decrease of cell viability in all cancer cell lines after treatment with lycopene, which decreased the percentage of cells in G0/G1 phase and increased in S and G2/M phases after 96 h of treatment in metastatic prostate cancer cell lineages. Flow citometry analysis of cell cycle revealed lycopene promoted cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase after 48 and 96 h of treatment in a primary cancer cell line. Using real time PCR assay, lycopene also induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cells with altered gene expression of Bax and Bcl-2. No effect was observed in benign prostate hyperplasia cells. These results suggest an effect of lycopene on activity of human prostate cancer cells.

Lycopene and beta-carotene induce growth inhibition and proapoptotic effects on ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma cells.

Pituitary adenomas comprise approximately 10-15% of intracranial tumors and result in morbidity associated with altered hormonal patterns, therapy and compression of adjacent sella turcica structures. The use of functional foods containing carotenoids contributes to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and vascular disorders. In this study, we evaluated the influence of different concentrations of beta-carotene and lycopene on cell viability, colony formation, cell cycle, apoptosis, hormone secretion, intercellular communication and expression of connexin 43, Skp2 and p27(kip1) in ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma cells, the AtT20 cells, incubated for 48 and 96 h with these carotenoids. We observed a decrease in cell viability caused by the lycopene and beta-carotene treatments; in these conditions, the clonogenic ability of the cells was also significantly decreased. Cell cycle analysis revealed that beta-carotene induced an increase of the cells in S and G2/M phases; furthermore, lycopene increased the proportion of these cells in G0/G1 while decreasing the S and G2/M phases. Also, carotenoids induced apoptosis after 96 h. Lycopene and beta-carotene decreased the secretion of ACTH in AtT20 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Carotenoids blocked the gap junction intercellular communication. In addition, the treatments increased the expression of phosphorylated connexin43. Finally, we also demonstrate decreased expression of S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2) and increased expression of p27(kip1) in carotenoid-treated cells. These results show that lycopene and beta-carotene were able to negatively modulate events related to the malignant phenotype of AtT-20 cells, through a mechanism that could involve changes in the expression of connexin 43, Skp2 and p27(kip1); and suggest that these compounds might provide a novel pharmacological approach to the treatment of Cushing's disease.