Epifluorescence microscope methods for bacterial enumeration in a 4-chlorophenol degrading consortium

Epifluorescence microscope methods, namely BacLight, direct epifluorescence filter technique and Rhodamine 123, consistently underestimated plate bacterial counts in a 4-chlorophenol degrading consortium. Cells capable of passing through 0.2 mgrm filters, referred as `ultramicrocells', were found. Although cell counts were higher when traditional methods were used, BacLight and direct epifluorescence filter technique were convenient techniques for the systematic monitoring of bacteria involved in biodegradation processes, as results were consistent and available within a short time

Caracterização molecular de espécies de Enterococci resistentes à vancomicina oito anos após seu primeiro isolamento em São Paulo, Brasil

E. faecium was the first reported VRE species, carrying the vanA gene in Brazil. In spite of this, vancomycin-resistant E. faecalis has become the predominant species in Brazilian hospitals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic relatedness of VREs isolated in a Brazilian teaching hospital eight years apart from its first isolation. We analyzed 38 VRE strains obtained from 81 surveillance cultures of patients admitted to the four largest intensive care units in Hospital São Paulo in February, 2006. Presence of the vanA gene was assayed by PCR and PFGE analysis was used for molecular characterization. All VRE strains carried the vanA gene. Two distinct clonal groups were observed among vancomycin-resistant E. faecalis. Vancomycin-resistant E. faecium belonged to five distinct clones were demonstrated by molecular typing. All of these clones were different from the first vancomycin-resistant enterococci clone isolated eight years ago in our hospital.E. faecium contendo o gene vanA foi a primeira espécie de VRE descrita, no Brasil. Apesar disto, E. faecalis resistente a vancomicina tem se tornado a espécie predominante nos hospitais brasileiros.O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a relação genética de VREs isolados em um hospital de ensino brasileiro após oito anos de seu primeiro isolamento. Analisamos 37 isolados de VRE obtidos de 81 culturas de vigilância de pacientes admitidos nas quatro maiores Unidades de Tratamento Intensivo em Fevereiro de 2006. A presença do gene vanA foi analisada por PCR e a caracterização molecular por PFGE. Todas as amostras VRE carreavam o gene vanA. Entre os E. faecalis vancomicina-resistentes, dois distintos grupos clonais foram observados. E. faecium resistente a vancomicina pertencentes a cinco clones distintos foram demonstrados por tipagem molecular. Todos esses clones foram diferentes do primeiro clone de enterococo resistente a vancomicina isolado oito anos atrás em nosso hospital

Detection and molecular characterisation of Cryptosporidium parvum in British European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus)

Surveillance was conducted for the occurrence of protozoan parasites of the genus Cryptosporidium in European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) in Great Britain. In total, 108 voided faecal samples were collected from hedgehogs newly admitted to eight wildlife casualty treatment and rehabilitation centres. Terminal large intestinal (LI) contents from three hedgehog carcasses were also analysed. Information on host and location variables, including faecal appearance, body weight, and apparent health status, was compiled. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) targeting the 18S ribosomal RNA gene, confirmed by sequencing, revealed an 8% (9/111) occurrence of Cryptosporidium parvum in faeces or LI contents, with no significant association between the host or location variables and infection. Archived small intestinal (SI) tissue from a hedgehog with histological evidence of cryptosporidiosis was also positive for C. parvum by PCR and sequence analysis of the 18S rRNA gene. No other Cryptosporidium species were detected. PCR and sequencing of the glycoprotein 60 gene identified three known zoonotic C. parvum subtypes not previously found in hedgehogs: IIdA17G1 (n=4), IIdA19G1 (n=1) and IIdA24G1 (n=1). These subtypes are also known to infect livestock. Another faecal sample contained C. parvum IIcA5G3j which has been found previously in hedgehogs, and for which there is one published report in a human, but is not known to affect livestock. The presence of zoonotic subtypes of C. parvum in British hedgehogs highlights a potential public health concern. Further research is needed to better understand the epidemiology and potential impacts of Cryptosporidium infection in hedgehogs

A importância da biópsia líquida no diagnóstico oncológico: The importance of liquid biopsy in cancer diagnosis

Introdução: A biópsia Líquida veio para auxiliar  na ampliação dos  estudos de vários cânceres, pois esta doença é uma das que mais causa mortes no mundo. Essa nova metodologia vem para detectar células e fragmentos de origem tumoral. Objetivo: É descrever a técnica de diagnóstico por biópsia líquida para os cânceres existentes e aprofundado na definição da importância da biópsia líquida na detecção de uma gama  de biomarcadores tumorais. Metodologia: Este é um estudo do tipo transversal qualitativo  através de uma revisão bibliográfica  sobre “Biópsia Líquida”. Existe uma vasta bibliografia com fontes seguras nas informações sobre esse assunto. Que amplia o conhecimento de profissionais da área da saúde e principalmente ajudar pacientes com câncer. Conclusão: Esse artigo mostra como a Biópsia Líquida é relevante nas pesquisas de diversos cânceres, a partir da coleta de sangue para a detecção de analitos como CTC’s, cfDNA, exossomos entre outros, pois esses biomarcadores esclarecem melhor os tumores do que na Biópsia Tradicional, que é um método menos específico e  bem mais desconfortável.Introdução: A biópsia Líquida veio para auxiliar  na ampliação dos  estudos de vários cânceres, pois esta doença é uma das que mais causa mortes no mundo. Essa nova metodologia vem para detectar células e fragmentos de origem tumoral. Objetivo: É descrever a técnica de diagnóstico por biópsia líquida para os cânceres existentes e aprofundado na definição da importância da biópsia líquida na detecção de uma gama  de biomarcadores tumorais. Metodologia: Este é um estudo do tipo transversal qualitativo  através de uma revisão bibliográfica  sobre “Biópsia Líquida”. Existe uma vasta bibliografia com fontes seguras nas informações sobre esse assunto. Que amplia o conhecimento de profissionais da área da saúde e principalmente ajudar pacientes com câncer. Conclusão: Esse artigo mostra como a Biópsia Líquida é relevante nas pesquisas de diversos cânceres, a partir da coleta de sangue para a detecção de analitos como CTC’s, cfDNA, exossomos entre outros, pois esses biomarcadores esclarecem melhor os tumores do que na Biópsia Tradicional, que é um método menos específico e  bem mais desconfortável

The Influence Of Assistive Technology Devices On The Performance Of Activities By Visually Impaired

Objective: To establish the influence of assistive technology devices (ATDs) on the performance of activities by visually impaired schoolchildren in the resource room. Methods: A qualitative study that comprised observation and an educational intervention in the resource room. The study population comprised six visually impaired schoolchildren aged 12 to 14 years old. The participants were subjected to an eye examination, prescribed ATDs comprising optical and non-optical devices, and provided an orientation on the use of computers. The participants were assessed based on eye/object distance, font size, and time to read a computer screen and printed text. Results: The ophthalmological conditions included corneal opacity, retinochoroiditis, retinopathy of prematurity, aniridia, and congenital cataracts. Far visual acuity varied from 20/200 to 20/800 and near visual acuity from 0.8 to 6 M. Telescopes, spherical lenses, and support magnifying glasses were prescribed. Three out of five participants with low vision after intervention could decrease the font size on the screen computer, and most participants (83.3%) reduced their reading time at the second observation session. Relative to the printed text, all the participants with low vision were able to read text written in smaller font sizes and reduced their reading time at the second observation session. Conclusion: Reading skills improved after the use of ATDs, which allowed the participants to perform their school tasks equally to their classmates.732103107Resnikoff, S., Pascolini, D., Etya'ale, D., Kocur, I., Pararajasegaram, R., Pokharel, G.P., Global data on visual impairment in the year 2002 (2004) Bull World HealthOrgan., 82 (11), pp. 844-851Visual standards: aspects and ranges of vision loss with emphasis on population surveys. (2002) 29th International Congress of Ophthalmology., , www.icoph.org/pdf/visualstandardsreport.pdf, International Council of Ophthalmology [Internet]. Sydney, Australia, April. Available fromAmorim, A., Paraguay, A.I., Barbosa, E.M., Spelta, L.L., Martinelli, M.A., Bersch, R.C., Comissão temática 1:conceituação e estudo de normas. (2009), pp. 13-39. , http://www.pessoacomdeficiencia.gov.br/app/sites/default/files/publicacoes/livro-tecnologia-assistiva.pdf, In: Brasil. Subsecretaria Nacional de Promoção dos Direitos da Pessoa com DeficiênciaTecnologia Assistiva. Brasília: Corde;Burton, M., Nieuwenhuijsen, E.R., Epstein, M.J., Computer-related assistivetechnology: satisfaction and experiences among users with disabilities (2008) AssistTechnol., 20 (2), pp. 99-106. , quiz 84-85Fok, D., Polgar, J.M., Shaw, L., Jutai, J.W., Low vision assistive technology deviceusage and importance in daily occupations (2011) Work., 39 (1), pp. 37-48Alves, C.C., Monteiro, G.B., Rabello, S., Gasparetto, M.E., de Carvalho, K.M., Assistivetechnology applied to education of students with visual impairment (2009) Rev Panam Salud Publica., 26 (2), pp. 148-152Carvalho, K.M., Freitas, C.C., Kimolto, E.M., Gasparetto, M.E., [Assessment and management of low vision students attended in a room with resources for visual deficiency] (2002) Arq Bras Oftalmol., 65 (4), pp. 445-449. , Portuguesehttp://www.prg.unicamp.br/auxiliosopticos/, Auxílios ópticos Faculdade de Ciências Médicas Universidade Estadual de Campinas. [Optical aids]. Available fromArrigucci Jr., D., Os melhores contos de Rubem Braga. (1997), São Paulo: Global;Pacheco, J., Quando eu for grande quero ir à primavera e outras histórias. (2003), São Paulo: Didática Suplegraf;Montilha, R.C., Temporini, E.R., Nobre, M.I., Gasparetto, M.E., Kara-José, N., [Utilization of optical devices and equipments by students with visual impairment] (2006) Arq Bras Oftalmol., 69 (2), pp. 207-211. , PortugueseHerrero, M.J., Mateus, G.G., García, M., Ramón, M.P., Moasquete, M.J., Characteristics of reading in people with low vision. (1997), Madrid: Once;Freire, F.M., Escrita/leitura e computadores: o uso do editor de texto na escolar. (2003), In: Valente JA, Prado ME, Almeida ME, editors. Educação a distância via internet. São Paulo: AvercampChiang, M.F., Cole, R.G., Gupta, S., Kaiser, G.E., Starren, J.B., Computer and World WideWeb accessibility by visually disabled patients: problems and solutions (2005) SurvOphthalmol., 50 (4), pp. 394-405. , ReviewWatson, A.H., Ito, M., Smith, R.O., Andersen, L.T., Effect of assistive technology in apublic school setting (2010) Am J Occup Ther., 64 (1), pp. 18-2

Floral Origin and Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Honey from Africanized Bees in Apiaries of Ubiratã and Nova Aurora, State of Paraná

Physical and chemical characteristics of honey may vary due to the diversity of flora and soil characteristics, or seasonal factors. This study was carried out in two counties, Nova Aurora and Ubiratã, located in the West and Center-West regions of the State of Paraná. The objective of the study was to verify if the physical and chemical parameters of Apis mellifera (L.) honey are in accordance with the national standard, as well as to verify how the 21 samples collected in the two localities are grouped, based on the physical, chemical and pollen characteristics. Honey was analyzed for sugar, ash, protein, moisture, color, electrical conductivity, formaldehyde index, diastase and viscosity. Samples of honey containing the dominant pollen types Glycine max (L.) Merr. and Eucalyptus sp. formed groupings similar to those based on physical and chemical characteristics, however, the multivariate classification of honey samples in groups based on pollen types was not an efficient method to group samples of polyfloral honey

The Gaia-ESO Survey: radial metallicity gradients and age-metallicity relation of stars in the Milky Way disk

We study the relationship between age, metallicity, and alpha-enhancement of FGK stars in the Galactic disk. The results are based upon the analysis of high-resolution UVES spectra from the Gaia-ESO large stellar survey. We explore the limitations of the observed dataset, i.e. the accuracy of stellar parameters and the selection effects that are caused by the photometric target preselection. We find that the colour and magnitude cuts in the survey suppress old metal-rich stars and young metal-poor stars. This suppression may be as high as 97% in some regions of the age-metallicity relationship. The dataset consists of 144 stars with a wide range of ages from 0.5 Gyr to 13.5 Gyr, Galactocentric distances from 6 kpc to 9.5 kpc, and vertical distances from the plane 0 < |Z| < 1.5 kpc. On this basis, we find that i) the observed age-metallicity relation is nearly flat in the range of ages between 0 Gyr and 8 Gyr; ii) at ages older than 9 Gyr, we see a decrease in [Fe/H] and a clear absence of metal-rich stars; this cannot be explained by the survey selection functions; iii) there is a significant scatter of [Fe/H] at any age; and iv) [Mg/Fe] increases with age, but the dispersion of [Mg/Fe] at ages > 9 Gyr is not as small as advocated by some other studies. In agreement with earlier work, we find that radial abundance gradients change as a function of vertical distance from the plane. The [Mg/Fe] gradient steepens and becomes negative. In addition, we show that the inner disk is not only more alpha-rich compared to the outer disk, but also older, as traced independently by the ages and Mg abundances of stars.Comment: accepted for publication in A&