Effect of a propolis extract on Streptococcus mutans counts in vivo

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antibacterial action of an extract of geopropolis produced by the bee Melipona compressipes fasciculata on the concentration of Streptococcus mutans colonizing the oral cavity of young patients. Forty-one young volunteers performed 21 mouth rinses divided into three rinses per day for 7 days, with no other changes in their oral hygiene and dietary habits. Saliva was collected at three time points: before the first rinse, and one hour and 7 days after the first rinse. A reduction in the concentration of S. mutans was observed in 49% of all samples collected after use of the extract, 26% showed no alterations, and an increasing in S. mutans was observed in 25%. Was performed with the Statistica for Windows 5.9 program using the Kruskal-Wallis test for analysis of variance and the Mann-Whitney U test, with the level of significance set at 5%. The propolis extract possesses in vivo antimicrobial activity against S. mutans present in the oral cavity and might be used as an alternative measure to prevent dental caries

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing enterobacteriaceae in community-acquired urinary tract infections in São Luís, Brazil

The number of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in community-acquired urinary tract infections worldwide is probably underestimated because of the technical difficulties encountered with their detection. In this study, out of 5,672 urine samples analyzed, 916 were positive for uropathogens, 472 of them being enterobacteria of which 7.6% produced β-lactamases. Analysis of the isolated from 36 patients showed a high level of antibiotic resistance, with 52.7% and 80.5% of isolates expressing blaTEM and blaCTX-M, respectively

Conhecimentos e atitudes da população sobre dengue no Município de São Luís, Maranhão, Brasil, 2004 Public knowledge and attitudes concerning dengue in the Municipality of São Luís, Maranhão, Brasil, 2004

Trata-se de uma investigação amostral com 843 entrevistados, realizado no Município de São Luís, Maranhão, Brasil. Avaliou-se o conhecimento da população sobre dengue, assim como suas condições sócio-econômicas, sanitárias e ambientais. Verificaram-se criadouros potenciais em toda a área pesquisada. A mídia (TV, rádio etc.) foi o meio de comunicação mais importante como fonte de informação sobre a doença para a população. No entanto, observou-se uma lacuna entre o conhecimento e a prática de atitudes voltadas para evitar a proliferação do mosquito do dengue. Os resultados indicam que se deve buscar estratégias que visem a envolver a população de São Luís para uma participação mais efetiva para evitar a proliferação do vetor e, assim, ajudar no controle do dengue.<br>A sample survey with 843 interviews in São Luís, Maranhão State, Brazil was conducted to assess community knowledge and concepts regarding dengue. The population's understanding and its socioeconomic, health, and environmental conditions were evaluated. Potential vector breeding sites were found in all the areas surveyed. Media (TV, radio, etc.) were the most important source of public information on the disease. However, a gap was observed between knowledge and attitudes towards vector prevention. Strategies are also needed to involve the population in more effective prevention of vector proliferation, thus helping control the disease in São Luís