Bioactives of Melipona rufiventris Propolis: Exploring its Antimicrobial, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antioxidant Activities.

This study explores the potential of propolis, a resinous substance produced by bees, from Melipona rufiventris species. With its composition encompassing resin, wax, pollen, and soil, propolis holds historical significance in traditional medicine within tropical regions. This research is driven by the scarcity of information surrounding M. rufiventris propolis, prompting an investigation into its chemical constituents, in vivo toxicity, and antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This exploration could potentially uncover novel applications for this natural product, bolstering both meliponiculture practices and the preservation of native bee populations. The propolis was sampled in Cabo Verde-MG and underwent ethanolic extraction to yield an extract (EEP) for analysis. Chemical assessments (Folin-Ciocalteau, and UHPLC-HRMS) revealed the presence of polyphenols, including flavonoids. The EEP demonstrated higher antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and exhibited efficacy against multiresistant strains isolated from complex wounds. Synergistic interactions with commercial antibiotics were also observed. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory evaluations showcased the EEP's potential in reducing NF-kB activation and TNF-α release at non-toxic concentrations. Despite these promising biological activities, the EEP exhibited no antiproliferative effects and demonstrated safety in both the MTS assay and the G. mellonella model. Collectively, these findings highlight the M. rufiventris propolis extract as a valuable reservoir of bioactive compounds with multifaceted potential.

Mental Health and Emotional Disorders During the COVID-19 Pandemics: Prevalence and Extent in PICU Staff.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of burnout, anxiety and depression symptoms, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in PICU workers in Brazil during the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. To compare the results of subgroups stratified by age, gender, professional category, health system, and previous mental health disorders. DESIGN: Multicenter, cross-sectional study using an electronic survey. SETTING: Twenty-nine public and private Brazilian PICUs. SUBJECTS: Multidisciplinary PICU workers. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Self-reported questionnaires were used to measure burnout (Maslach Burnout Inventory), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition [PCL-5]) in 1,084 respondents. Subjects were mainly young (37.1 ± 8.4 yr old) and females (85%), with a median workload of 50 hours per week. The prevalence of anxiety and depression was 33% and 19%, respectively, whereas PTSD was 13%. The overall median burnout scores were high in the emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment dimensions (16 [interquartile range (IQR), 8-24] and 40 [IQR, 33-44], respectively) whereas low in the depersonalization one (2 [IQR, 0-5]), suggesting a profile of overextended professionals, with a burnout prevalence of 24%. Professionals reporting prior mental health disorders had higher prevalence of burnout (30% vs 22%; p = 0.02), anxiety (51% vs 29%; p < 0.001), and depression symptoms (32.5% vs 15%; p < 0.001), with superior PCL-5 scores for PTSD ( p < 0.001). Public hospital workers presented more burnout (29% vs 18.6%, p < 0.001) and more PTSD levels (14.8% vs 10%, p = 0.03). Younger professionals were also more burned out ( p < 0.05 in all three dimensions). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of mental health disorders in Brazilian PICU workers during the first 2020 peak of COVID-19 was as high as those described in adult ICU workers. Some subgroups, particularly those reporting previous mental disorders and younger professionals, should receive special attention to prevent future crises.

Maternal-Child Health Indicators Associated with Developmental Defects of Enamel in Primary Dentition.

Purpose: To assess the prevalence and severity of developmental defects of enamel (DDE) in primary teeth and maternal-associated factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 336 two- to four-year-old children who attended the National Day of Children's Vaccination in São Paulo State, Brazil. The modified DDE index was used for diagnosis. Mothers completed sociodemographic and health questionnaires. Descriptive and Poisson regression analyses were performed. Results: The prevalence of DDE was 50.6 percent. The most frequent defects were demarcated opacities (45.0 percent), diffuse (36.0 percent) opacities, and hypoplasia (5.8 percent). White opacities were predominant (64.8 percent) in the teeth with defects, followed by cream (20.4 percent), yellow (5.2 percent), and brown (1.9 percent). Most defects involved less than one-third of the tooth surface (80.2 percent). The prevalence of DDE was associated with maternal-child factors such as alcohol consumption during pregnancy (prevalence ratio [PR] equals 1.27; 95 percent confidence interval [95% CI] equals 1.03 to 1.55), child hospitalization for infectious disease in the first year of life (PR equals 1.32; 95% CI equals 1.05 to 1.67), and breastfeeding for the first 12 months of life (PR equals 0.53; 95% CI equals 0.45 to 0.62). Conclusions: Developmental defects of enamel showed high prevalence and mild severity in the primary dentition. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy and child hospitalization for infectious diseases in the first year of life were associated with an increased prevalence of DDE. Moreover, children who breastfed for 12 months had a lower prevalence of DDE in primary teeth.

Validation of SmartVA using conventional autopsy: A study of adult deaths in Brazil.

Background: Accurate cause of death data are essential to guide health policy. However, mortality surveillance is limited in many low-income countries. In such settings, verbal autopsy (VA) is increasingly used to provide population-level cause of death data. VAs are now widely interpreted using the automated algorithms SmartVA and InterVA. Here we use conventional autopsy as the gold standard to validate SmartVA methodology. Methods: This study included adult deaths from natural causes in São Paulo and Recife for which conventional autopsy was indicated. VA was conducted with a relative of the deceased using an amended version of the SmartVA instrument to suit the local context. Causes of death from VA were produced using the SmartVA-Analyze program. Physician coded verbal autopsy (PCVA), conducted on the same questionnaires, and Global Burden of Disease Study data were used as additional comparators. Cause of death data were grouped into 10 broad causes for the validation due to the real-world utility of VA lying in identifying broad population cause of death patterns. Findings: The study included 2,060 deaths in São Paulo and 1,079 in Recife. The cause specific mortality fractions (CSMFs) estimated using SmartVA were broadly similar to conventional autopsy for: cardiovascular diseases (46.8% vs 54.0%, respectively), cancers (10.6% vs 11.4%), infections (7.0% vs 10.4%) and chronic respiratory disease (4.1% vs 3.7%), causes accounting for 76.1% of the autopsy dataset. The SmartVA CSMF estimates were lower than autopsy for "Other NCDs" (7.8% vs 14.6%) and higher for diabetes (13.0% vs 6.6%). CSMF accuracy of SmartVA compared to autopsy was 84.5%. CSMF accuracy for PCVA was 93.0%. Interpretation: The results suggest that SmartVA can, with reasonable accuracy, predict the broad cause of death groups important to assess a population's epidemiological transition. VA remains a useful tool for understanding causes of death where medical certification is not possible.

Vivências de agentes comunitários de saúde no cuidado da pessoa consumidora de drogas / Experiencias de agentes comunitarios de salud en el cuidado de personas consumidoras de drogas / Experiences of community health agents in the care of drug users

Objetivo: desvelar vivências de agentes comunitários de saúde no cuidado da pessoa consumidora de drogas. Materiais e métodos: estudo fundamentado na fenomenologia merleau-pontyana, realizado no primeiro semestre de 2018, em um município de médio porte no interior da Bahia, Brasil. Participaram do estudo sete agentes comunitários de saúde, a partir de três encontros de grupo focal. As descrições vivenciais foram gravadas, transcritas e submetidas à técnica analítica da ambiguidade. Resultados: os participantes vivenciam uma condição conflituosa, na qual, ao mesmo tempo que reconhecem a necessidade de assistir as pessoas que fazem o consumo de drogas, são tomados por um sentimento de impotência que dificulta a prática do cuidado. A impotencialidade parece ser motivada por questões amplas e complexas, a exemplo do preconceito ante os consumidores de drogas e a convivência com o "sucateamento" da atenção básica. Conclusões: evidenciou-se que os agentes comunitários de saúde vivenciam desmotivações para o cuidado das pessoas consumidoras de drogas, motivadas por diferentes e complexas questões, que vão desde a associação do consumo à imoralidade, à violência e ao narcotráfico, até a convivência com o "sucateamento" da estratégia saúde da família e a precarização da categoria desses agentes.

Objetivo: dar a conocer las experiencias de los agentes comunitarios de salud en el cuidado de personas consumidoras de drogas. Materiales y métodos: estudio basado en la fenomenología de Merleau-Ponty, realizado en el primer semestre de 2018 en un municipio intermedio al interior del estado de Bahía, Brasil. Siete agentes comunitarios de salud participaron en el estudio, para el cual se desarrollaron tres reuniones bajo la modalidad de grupos focales. Las descripciones experimentales fueron registradas, transcritas y sometidas a la técnica de análisis de ambigüedad. Resultados: los participantes experimentan una condición conflictiva, pues, aunque reconocen la necesidad de ayudar a las personas que usan drogas, al mismo tiempo se sienten abrumados por un sentimiento de impotencia que les dificulta practicar la atención. Este sentimiento parece estar motivado por factores diversos y complejos, como los prejuicios hacia los consumidores de drogas y barreras dentro de la atención primaria en salud. Conclusiones: se evidencia que los agentes comunitarios de salud experimentan desmotivación hacia la atención de personas consumidoras de drogas como consecuencia de factores diversos y complejos, que van desde la asociación del consumo con la inmoralidad, la violencia y el narcotráfico, hasta el debilitamiento de las estrategias de salud para la familia y la precariedad de sus condiciones como agentes de salud.

Objective: To reveal the experiences of community health agents in the care of drug users. Materials and methods: Study based on Merleau-Ponty phenomenology carried out in the first semester of 2018 in a medium-sized municipality in the interior of the state of Bahia, Brazil. Seven community health agents participated in the study, which included three focus group meetings. The experiential descriptions were recorded, transcribed, and submitted to ambiguity analysis. Results: Participants reported experiencing a conflictive condition since they recognize the need to assist drug users while at the same time they are overrun by a feeling of helplessness that makes it difficult for them to practice care. Such feeling seems to be motivated by broad and complex issues, such as prejudices toward drug users and living with the scrapping of primary health care. Conclusions: Community health agents experience demotivation toward drug users' care due to different and complex issues, ranging from the association of drug consumption with immorality, violence and drug trafficking, up to living with the scrapping of drugs in the family health strategy and the precariousness of the community health agent category

Antinociceptive activity of puberulin and choisyine from ethanol extract of Choisya ternata Kunth var. Sundance.

Choisya ternata Kunth variety Sundance (CTS) is a plant used in traditional medicine in North America, especially in Mexico. The present study evaluated the antinociceptive activity of the crude ethanolic extract of CTS leaves and tested its isolated compounds puberulin (Pu) and choisyine (Ch). An antinociceptive effect was observed after treatment with CTS extract and the isolated compounds Pu and Ch. Mice orally pre-treated with CTS extract (10, 30 or 100 mg/kg), Pu or Ch (0.3, 1 or 3 mg/kg) were less sensitive to chemical and thermal algesic agents in different animal models (formalin-, glutamate- and capsaicin-induced licking response tests and hot plate test). In addition, an antagonist of the opioid receptor was able to reverse the antinociceptive effect observed for the CTS extract and the isolated substance Ch, but it did not inhibit the effect of Pu. The cholinergic pathway was found to be involved in this antinociceptive effect for the CTS extract and Ch but has no participation in the Pu antinociceptive activity.

Inclusion of initial caries lesions in a population-based sample of Brazilian preschool children: Impact on estimates and treatment needs.

This study aimed to assess changes in epidemiological estimates and treatment needed when initial caries lesions are included in a population-based survey of preschool children. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a Brazilian municipality, collecting data of preschool children in 16 health centers. Caries detection used the merged codes (epi-codes) for ICDAS/ICCMS. An option for treatment, according to ICCMS, was chosen during the examination. Caries experience (dmft/dmfs) and prevalence were estimated considering three thresholds (A- initial, moderate, and severe lesions, B- only moderate and severe lesions and C- severe lesions). Incremental need for non-operative care was also verified. The sample consisted of 663 children aged 2-4 years (response rate of 99.85%). Including initial lesions, a 2-fold increase in dmft was observed (A: 3.36, B: 1.02, p<0.001). With the inclusion, the caries prevalence increased to 75% compared to threshold B only (28%). The majority (76%) of children who required any intervention (56%) should be scheduled for non-operative care. We suggest that including initial caries lesions in an epidemiological survey may significantly impact assessment of population caries experience.

A comprehensive characterization of polyphenols by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS from Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides geopropolis and their antibacterial, antioxidant and antiproliferative effects.

The geopropolis is a unique type of propolis produced by some stingless bee species. This product is known in folk medicine for its pharmacological properties, mainly antimicrobial and antioxidant, but there are few scientific studies that prove these properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the phenolic composition and the antimicrobial, antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of Melipona quadrifasciata geopropolis. The phenolic characterization of the geopropolis ethanolic extract was evaluated by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS. The antimicrobial activity was carried out against Gram-positive (including multiresistant microorganisms), negative and yeast. The synergistic effect was evaluated in association with Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim. DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, ORAC and HPLC on-line were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity. Antiproliferative activity was assessed by the sulforhodamine B assay. Flavonoids and phenolic acids were identified in the extract, which showed promising antimicrobial activity, partially synergistic effect and antioxidant activity.

Percepção de familiares sobre a reabilitação psicossocial de alcoolistas / Percepción de la familia sobre la rehabilitación psicosocial de los alcohólicos / Family Perception about Psychosocial Rehabilitation of Alcoholic Patients

RESUMO Introdução: No contexto da Reforma Psiquiátrica Brasileira, a família tem sido convocada a ser corresponsável pela assistência aos usuários de álcool e outras drogas. Objetivo: Compreender a percepção de familiares sobre a reabilitação psicossocial de alcoolistas. Métodos: Estudo fenomenológico, fundamentado no referencial de Maurice Merleau-Ponty, desenvolvido no período de outubro a novembro do ano de 2013, por meio de entrevistas semi-estruturada com sete familiares de alcoolistas usuários de um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial Álcool e outras Drogas (CAPS ad), no estado da Bahia, Brasil. Utilizou-se a técnica Analítica da Ambiguidade para a compreensão dos dados. Resultados: Os resultados evidenciam que a família ao mesmo tempo em que espera a reabilitação e reinserção do alcoolista, não se identifica como corresponsável pelo cuidado; e a depender da postura, poderá tanto contribuir como interferir na efetivação do processo. Conclusões: É imprescindível o desenvolvimento de ações que reforcem a ruptura com a exclusão social nos planos de intervenção frente ao Alcoolismo, o que deve incluir o contexto familiar(AU)

RESUMEN Introducción: En el contexto de la Reforma Psiquiátrica Brasileña, la familia ha sido convocada a ser corresponsable por la asistencia a los usuarios del alcohol y otras drogas. Objetivo: Comprender la percepción de los familiares sobre la rehabilitación psicosocial de los alcohólicos. Métodos: Estudio fenomenológico basado en el studio de Maurice Merleau-Ponty, desarrollado en el periodo de octubre a noviembre de 2013, a través de entrevistas semi-estructuradas con siete familiares de pacientes alcohólicos atendidos en el Center for Psychosocial Care Alcohol and Other Drugs en el estado de Bahía, Brasil. Se usó la técnica analítica de ambigüedad para comprender los datos. Resultados: Los resultados evidencian que la familia al mismo tiempo que espera la rehabilitación y reinserción de su familiar alcohólico, no se identifica como corresponsable por el cuidado; y en dependencia de la postura, podrá tanto contribuir como interferir en la efectividad del proceso. Conclusiones: Es imprescindible el desarrollo de acciones que refuercen la ruptura con la exclusión social en los planes de intervención frente al alcoholismo, lo que debe incluir el contexto familiar(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: In the context of the Brazilian Psychiatric Reform, the family has been summoned to be co-responsible for providing assistance to consumers of alcohol and other drugs. Objective: To understand the perception of family members about the psychosocial rehabilitation of alcoholic patients. Methods: Phenomenological study based on the Maurice Merleau-Ponty study, developed in the period from October to November 2013, through semi-structured interviews with seven relatives of alcoholic patients who received care in the Center for Psychosocial Care Alcohol and Other Drugs in the state of Bahia, Brazil. The analytical technique of ambiguity was used to understand the data. Results: The results show that the family, while waiting for the rehabilitation and reintegration of their alcoholic relative, does not identify itself as co-responsible for the care; and depending on the position, it can both contribute and interfere in the effectiveness of the process. Conclusions: It is essential to develop actions that reinforce breaking with social exclusion as part of intervention plans against alcoholism, which should include the family context(AU)

Gallic Acid-Loaded Gel Formulation Combats Skin Oxidative Stress: Development, Characterization and Ex Vivo Biological Assays.

Oxidative stress, which is a result of overproduction and accumulation of free radicals, is the main cause of several skin degenerative diseases, such as aging. Polyphenols, such as gallic acid, are an important class of naturally occurring antioxidants. They have emerged as strong antioxidants that can be used as active cosmetics. The purpose of this study was to develop a gallic acid-loaded cosmetic gel formulation and characterize it using rheological, mechanical, and bioadhesive tests. Its antioxidant effect in the stratum corneum was evaluated by a non-invasive method. According to the characterization tests, the formulation exhibited skin adhesiveness and pseudoplastic behavior without thixotropy, rendering it suitable for use as a cosmetic formulation. Furthermore, the non-invasive method indicated the antioxidant effect in the stratum corneum, with the global lipid peroxide reduction being 33.97 ± 11.66%. Thus, we were able to develop a promising gallic acid-loaded gel formulation that could reduce lipid peroxides and thus combat skin oxidative stress.

Osseo-gingival pathology as sequelae of dental trauma to the primary upper incisor: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Osseo-gingival pathology (OGP) may be observed in traumatized primary teeth, and its knowledge is essential for treatment decision. AIM: To describe the occurrence and treatment of OGP in traumatized primary upper incisors. DESIGN: One examiner collected data from patients' charts of the Clinic of Trauma in Primary Teeth of the University of Sao Paulo. OGP was divided into apical fenestration (AF), total gingival recession (TGR), and partial gingival recession (PGR). RESULTS: From 2516 charts, 61 patients (2.4%) presented 73 teeth with OGP (9.6% AF, 19.2% TGR and 71.2% PGR). OGP was observed in 63% of male and 43.8% of children aged 4-5 years old. Mean time between trauma and diagnosis was 15 months AF, 23.5 months TGR, and 7.5 months PGR. Periodontal trauma occurred in 86.3% of teeth with OGP. Pulp necrosis was observed in all cases of AF and 92.9% of TGR; however, 76.9% of PGR were vital. All teeth with AF and 85.7% of TGR were extracted, and 44.2% of PGR were monitored. CONCLUSIONS: Osseo-gingival pathology has low occurrence in traumatized primary upper incisors. The treatment for AF and TGR is tooth extraction, and for PGR is tooth monitoring or extraction depending on the case severity.

Quinoline Alkaloids Isolated from Choisya Aztec-Pearl and Their Contribution to the Overall Antinociceptive Activity of This Plant.

Choisya 'Aztec-Pearl', a hybrid of Choisya ternata and Choisya dumosa var. arizonica, had the antinociceptive activity in the ethanol extract (EECA) of its leaves evaluated. Two quinoline alkaloids, anhydroevoxine (A) and choisyine (C), isolated from these leaves were also tested. The results obtained pointed out to a very high antinociceptive activity measured by the hot plate model for EECA (at doses of 10, 30 and 100 mg/kg) as well as for A and C (at doses of 1, 3 and 10 mg/kg). The magnitude of the activity was two-fold higher than the one observed for the morphine treated animals for the higher doses of extracts/compounds (30, 100 mg/kg and 3, 10 mg/kg respectively). The mechanism of action for this activity was also investigated and it seems that for EECA as well as A and C, the opiate system plays an important role. Results have also shown that the nitric oxide (NO) system also play a pivotal role in the case of EECA and A while for C it seems that the cholinergic system have some involvement. The acute toxicity was evaluated for EECA with results showing no important toxic effect.

Importance and Implications of the Production of Phenolic Secondary Metabolites by Endophytic Fungi: A Mini-Review.

In the natural products research, a valuable approach is the prospection of uncommon sources and unexplored habitat. Special attention has been given to endophytic fungi because of their ability to produce new and interesting secondary metabolites, which have several biological applications. The endophytes establish exclusive symbiotic relationships with plants and the metabolic interactions may support the synthesis of some similar valuables compounds. Among secondary metabolites, phenol-derived structures are responsible for several bioactivities such as antioxidant, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, among others. Phenolic compounds might be biosynthesized from the shikimate pathway. Although shikimic acid is a common precursor in plants, it is described as rare in microorganisms. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review about phenolic compounds produced by endophytic fungi and a comparison has been made with those produced by the plant host. This review covers 124 phenolic secondary metabolites produced by endophytic fungi. Considering the data analyzed by us, only seven of such compounds were isolated from fungi and from their hosts. These observations claim for more attention to phenolic compounds produced by endophytic fungi with a view to understand the real importance of these compounds to endophytes survival.

Síndrome de burnout entre profissionais de enfermagem: revisão integrativa / Burnout Syndrome among Nursing Professionals: Integrative Literature Review / Síndrome de desgaste profesional entre los enfermeros profesionales: revisión integradora

Objetivos: Caracterizar e sintetizar as evidências científicas sobre a síndrome de burnout entre profissionais de enfermagem provenientes da produção científica nacional e internacional publicada entre 2010 e 2014. Método: Revisão integrativa realizada nas bases de dados Lilacs, Medline, BDENF e IBECS. Aceitaram-se artigos na íntegra, publicados entre 2010 e junho de 2014. Em um universo de 3.467 estudos, 24 foram selecionados. O foco de análise foram as conclusões extraídas a partir da análise empreendida, e agrupadas e reagrupadas de forma interpretativa, por semelhanças em categorias temáticas. Resultados: A análise reafirma que a síndrome é uma doença multidimensional, implica em consequências para o profissional, cliente e organização, e que são necessárias estratégias focadas no ambiente de trabalho. Conclusão: Demonstrou-se que se trata de um problema psicossocial da atualidade que merece atenção e abordagens que permitam o desenvolvimento de mecanismos de minimização do sofrimento psíquico do profissional de enfermagem.

Objectives: To characterize and summarize the scientific evidence on the Burnout Syndrome among nursing professionals from the national and international scientific literature published between 2010 and 2014. Method: Integrative review conducted on the Lilacs, Medline, BDENF, and IBECS. Accepted up full articles, published between 2010 and June 2014. In a universe of 3467 studies, 24 were selected. The focus of analysis were the conclusions drawn from the analysis undertaken, and grouped and regrouped interpretively, by similarities in thematic categories. Results: The analysis confirms that the syndrome is a multidimensional disease, imply consequences for the professional, client and organization, and are necessary strategies focused on the desktop. Conclusion: It was shown that it is a today's psychosocial problem that deserves attention and approaches to the development of mechanisms to minimize the psychological suffering of the nursing professional.

Objetivos: Caracterizar y resumir la evidencia científica acerca del síndrome de desgaste profesional entre los profesionales de enfermería de la literatura científica nacional e internacional publicada entre 2010 y 2014. Método: Revisión integrativa realizada sobre las bases de datos Lilacs, Medline, BDENF e IBECS. Se aceptaron artículos completos, publicados entre 2010 y junio de 2014. En un universo de 3467 estudios, se seleccionaron 24. A partir del análisis de tales artículos, la información extraída se reagrupó interpretativamente por similitudes en categorías temáticas. Resultados: El análisis confirma que este síndrome es una enfermedad multidimensional que implica consecuencias para el profesional, el cliente y la organización, y son necesarias estrategias centradas en el ambiente de trabajo. Conclusión: Se demostró que es un problema psicosocial que merece atención y se acerca al desarrollo de mecanismos para minimizar el sufrimiento psicológico de los profesionales de enfermería.

The oil-resin of the tropical rainforest tree Copaifera langsdorffii reduces cell viability, changes cell morphology and induces cell death in human endometriotic stromal cultures.

OBJECTIVES: The hormonal treatment for endometriosis frequently fails to completely eradicate endometriotic implants. A new therapeutic treatment is needed. This study investigates the in-vitro effect of Copaifera langsdorffii oil-resin on human eutopic and ectopic endometrium stromal cell cultures (EuESCs and EctESCs). METHODS: A nanocomposite system containing the copaiba oil-resin (NanoCOR) was developed and acute toxicity test was performed. Endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) from non-endometriotics controls (CESCs), EuESCs and EctESCs were isolated and treated with different concentrations of NanoCOR, at different time intervals to evaluate its effect on cell morphology, proliferation, viability, necrosis and apoptosis induction. KEY FINDINGS: When treated with 50 µg/ml of NanoCOR, the morphology of EctESCs changed, as the actin microfilaments were disorganized, disassembled or disrupted. Moreover, at 24 h of treatment with NanoCOR, the EctESCs viability was inhibited, and a significant number of these cells underwent apoptosis. In EuESCs, these effects were observed only at 48 h. Finally, the treatment of EctESCs with NanoCOR increased the lactate dehydrogenase release into the extracellular medium more than in EuESCs. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that NanoCOR has a greater impact on the behaviour of human endometriotic stromal cells than on the eutopic endometrium stromal cells, supporting the idea that NanoCOR should be further investigated as a novel and valuable alternative to treat endometriosis.

Antimicrobial resistance profile of Vibrio species isolated from marine shrimp farming environments (Litopenaeus vannamei) at Ceará, Brazil.

Brazilian shrimp culture industry has a great economic importance mainly to the northeast region. However, the accelerated development of this activity has resulted in the emergency of outbreaks of diseases from farming shrimp, and as a consequence the use of antimicrobial drugs to minimize the potential adverse effect under the shrimp production. The inappropriate use of antibiotics in aquaculture is one of the causes for the high incidence of antimicrobial resistant bacteria isolated from aquatic environments that represent a danger for aquatic organisms and human health. There is little information available on the level of antimicrobial resistance in pathogenic bacteria from shrimp farming environment. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the phenotypic resistance profile among Vibrio isolates from hatcheries water samples and from cultivated marine shrimp hepatopancreas (L. vannamei). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out by a standard disc diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of oxytetracycline (OTC) for resistant Vibrio isolates was determinate by broth dilution method. The results showed a high incidence of resistance to ampicillin (45.2%) and to the tetracycline class (38.7%). Florfenicol and nitrofurantoin were 100% effective against Vibrio isolates. In this study, the OTC-resistant Vibrio spp. showed MIC values of more than 400mg/L and the presence of seawater did not influence the oxytetracycline bioactivity. The occurrence of antimicrobial multiresistance patterns was observed in 29% of Vibrio isolates. Fifty-five percent of multiresistant isolates of Vibrio lost one or more antibiotic resistance phenotype after procedure to curing of resistance plasmids. The oxytetracycline resistance was the phenotype most often lost among plasmid-cured isolates.

Killer yeasts inhibit the growth of the phytopathogen Moniliophthora perniciosa, the causal agent of Witches' Broom disease.

Fruit and soil yeasts isolated from the Amazon, Atlantic Rainforests and an organic farm were screened for killer activity against yeasts. Killer yeasts were then tested against the phytopathogen Moniliophthora perniciosa (syn. Crinipellis perniciosa) and a Dipodascus capitatus strain and a Candida sp strain inhibited its growth.

[Labeling of vitamin and mineral supplements: a revision of the federal normative regulations]. / Rotulagem de suplementos vitamínicos e minerais: uma revisão das normas federais.

In Brazil, there is a steadily increasing offer and demand for products on the basis of vitamins and minerals. According to Brazilian law, the differences in the dosages offered to the consumer in each product are the parameter for its classification as alimentary supplement or medicament. The limit between these two concepts, however, is confusing and lacks clearness. Considering the risk posed by imprudent consumption of such products and seeking to facilitate the interpretation and consolidation of the norms dealing with vitamin and mineral products as well as to create the basis for a master's degree dissertation, a bibliographical survey and evaluation of the entire juridical basis regarding the labeling of these products was conducted. It was concluded that the normative regulations are extensive, complex and of difficult understanding, with a great number of norms dealing with the same subject issued by different authorities. These norms are not consolidated leading to difficult interpretation by retailers, health professionals and consumers and even to failures in the application of these norms by the control authorities. Suggestions are made for helping to correct the failures identified in the study.

[Socio-political aspects of the implantation of the Transplant Center of Piauí]. / Aspectos sócio-políticos da implantação da Central de Transplantes do Piauí.

A qualitative study aiming at understanding the socio-political aspects that mediate the implantation of the Transplant Center of Piauí, identify the social topics involved in this implantation and analyze the participation of the organized civil society. Ten people directly related to the implantation of the transplant center were involved in the study, selected through the "snowball" technique. A loosely structured interview, taped, transcribed and submitted for thematic analysis was used. It was concluded that the implantation of the transplant center in Piauí was the fruit of a complex series of negotiations and interests among the State and organized civil society, as there was no political project for action in the area of transplants. This distancing from the responsibility of the public sector characterizes the importance that was given to this implantation.

[Analysis of after-vacination side-effects occurred in Teresina]. / Análise dos eventos adversos pós-vacinais ocorridos em Teresina.

This study focuses the profile of the adverse events after-vaccine occurrences in Teresina in 2006. The data had been collected by means of the form application with 73 participants in 18 Basic Units of Health. The results show that the vaccines that had more produced events adverse had been tetravalente, BCG and DPT The events most frequent had been: fever, hiporresponsivo hipotonic episode, moderate irritability and local manifestations. Amongst the behaviors adopted for the health professionals, 80% had been approximately adjusted. The year minors had been accomitted by the events. All the events had evolved for the cure. It was concluded that the action of vaccination still continues requiring constant qualification of the professionals of the area. It is suggested to deepen the knowledge with relation to the handling, diagnosis, inquiry and treatment.