Antimicrobial resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae: mechanisms and current epidemiology

Infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae are a worrisome public health problem worldwide. Young children and elderly are the main age group affected and the highest burden of the disease are among developing countries. Pneumococcal infections cause 11% of the total of infant deaths, representing the leading cause of child death currently preventable by vaccination. Epidemiologic information about pneumococci in Brazil is somehow restrict, but available data reinforce the worrisome occurrence of pneumococcal diseases, which are commonly treated empirically. Limitations in the diagnostic methods, along with the severity of disease contribute to this behavior. Thus, surveillance studies are crucial to define the prevalence of resistant strains both globally or in a particular region, as these strains may compromise empirical therapeutical choices. However, although different clones of PNSP are internationally distributed, and considering diseases other than meningitis, the prevalence to penicillin is quite low, making this old, safe, and inexpensive drug an attractive first choice to treat pneumococcal infections. The widespread use of conjugate vaccines among children, influencing the circulation of resistant clones and the distribution of serotypes reinforces the need of surveillance studies to define prevalence of resistance.Infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae are a worrisome public health problem worldwide. Young children and the elderly are the main age groups affected and the highest burden of the disease is found in developing countries. Pneumococcal infections cause 11% of the total infant deaths, representing the leading cause of child death currently preventable by vaccination. Epidemiologic information about pneumococci in Brazil is somehow restricted, but available data reinforce the worrisome occurrence of pneumococcal diseases, which are commonly treated empirically. Limitations in the diagnostic methods, along with the severity of disease contribute to this behavior. Thus, surveillance studies are crucial to define the prevalence of resistant strains both globally and in a particular region, as these strains may compromise empirical therapeutic choices. However, although different clones of penicillin non-susceptible pneumococci are internationally distributed, and considering diseases other than meningitis, the prevalence of resistance to penicillin is quite low, making this old, safe, and inexpensive drug an attractive first choice to treat pneumococcal infections. The widespread use of conjugate vaccines among children, influencing the circulation of resistant clones and the distribution of serotypes reinforces the need of surveillance studies to define the prevalence of resistance

O método Montessori e o desenvolvimento cognitivo da criança

RESUMOA pesquisa apresenta um estudo sobre o Método Montessori e o desenvolvimento cognitivo da criança, demonstrando quais as atribuições do método para esse desenvolvimento. O objetivo central do estudo é apresentar as principais características do Método Montessori e identificar o processo de desenvolvimento cognitivo das crianças da Educação Infantil em que o método é aplicado. Optou-se por apresentar seus benefícios para as crianças e apontar elementos relacionados ao seu desenvolvimento cognitivo a partir da especificidade do Método Montessori. A escolha do tema pesquisado decorre de questões levantadas ao longo da formação acadêmica da pesquisadora, que relata as conquistas cognitivas através dos exercícios citados na pesquisa. A metodologia usada foi bibliográfica e como fontes de pesquisa foram utilizados referenciais teóricos como os estudos de Montessori e Machado, que abordam assuntos sobre o tema. Foi possível perceber as conquistas cognitivas alcançadas por meio dos exercícios sugeridos pelo método.Palavras-chave: Método Montessori. Educação Infantil. Cognição.ABSTRACTThe research presents a study about the Montessori Method and the child cognitive development, demonstrating the method attributions for this development. The main objective of the study is to present the main characteristics of the Montessori Method and to identify the cognitive development process of children on Early Childhood Education in which the method is applied. The option was to present its benefits to children and to point out elements related to their cognitive development based on the specificity of the Montessori Method. The choice of the researched theme derives from questions raised during the researcher's academic formation, which reports the cognitive achievements through the exercises mentioned in the research. The methodology used was bibliographic and theoretical references such as the studies of Montessori and Machado, were used as sources. It was possible to realize the cognitive achievements reached through the exercises suggested by the method.Keywords: Montessori Method. Early Childhood Education. Cognition.RESUMENEste artículo presenta un estudio sobre el Método Montessori y el desarrollo cognitivo del niño; demuestra cuales son las atribuciones del método para ese desarrollo. El objetivo central del estudio es presentar las principales características del Método Montessori e identificar el proceso de desarrollo cognitivo de los niños de la Educación Infantil a quienes se les aplica el método. Se optó por presentar sus beneficios para los niños y apuntar elementos relacionados con su desarrollo cognitivo a partir de las especificidades del Método Montessori. La selección del tema de estudio viene de cuestiones presentadas a lo largo de la formación académica de la investigadora, quien relata los logros cognitivos obtenidos por la aplicación de los ejercicios citados en la investigación. La metodología usada fue de tipo bibliográfico; como fuentes de investigación se usaron referencias teóricas como los estudios de Montessori y Machado, quienes tratan temas relacionados con el método. Fue posible constatar logros cognitivos luego de la aplicación de los ejercicios sugeridos por el método.Palabras-clave: Método Montessori. Educación Inicial. Cognición

Maize seeds submitted to thermotherapy and analyzed by dynamic speckle

The quality of the seeds used for sowing is fundamental for a high productivity and quality of the crop. Therefore, eradicating pathogens is essential for the plant to develop in the best possible way. The eradication of those pathogens can be accomplished by means of treatments that consist of the application of substances to the seeds or by performing physical procedures. Thermotherapy is a physical treatment, in which the seed is exposed to a given thermal energy, such as heated air or steam, and can be highly efficient for controlling those pathogens, in addition to reducing environmental damage and costs. The present work aimed to evaluate the efficiency of thermotherapy in two ways: wet heat (water) and dry heat (water vapor), both at 60 °C, alternating the exposure time to the thermal sources. The treatment with humid heat with a time of exposure of 5 min was the most efficient, since it presented higher germination percentages (83%) and less occurrence of Fusarium sp. (33%). It was observed that the most efficient thermotherapy is in the control of Fusarium, the most aggressive is for the quality of the seed. The quality of the treatments was evaluated through standard methodologies, according to the rules for seed analysis, such as germination and sanitation tests. Biospeckle laser was used to identify the microbial activity in these seeds, through activity maps generated by laser speckle contrast analysis (LASCA) processing. In this way, the research involving thermotherapy can be done by varying the temperature and the time of exposure to obtain values that considerably reduce the pathogenic agents and preserve the quality, in order to maintain the values of germination and vigor acceptable for commercialization.811512

Métodos alternativos para controle de doenças fúngicas na cultura de jambu (Spilanthes oleraceae L.) através de Equisetum spp e preparado biodinâmico 501.

A ocorrência do fungo do carvão ou galha (Tecaphora spilanthes) e da flor preta do jambu (Alternaria solani) constituem sério problema fitossanitário na cultura intensiva do jambu (Spilanthes oleraceae L.). Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho do método de controle alternativo das doenças causadas por estes fungos através da atuação do preparado de Equisetum spp. O delineamento utilizado foi em blocos ao acaso com seis tratamentos e cinco repetições, em condições de campo na área agrícola de um produtor rural em Botucatu/SP. Os tratamentos utilizados foram: 1–Sem aplicação; 2–Água; 3–Preparado de Equisetum arvense; 4–Preparado de Equisetum hyemale; 5–Preparado de Equisetum giganteum; 6–Preparado Biodinâmico 501 (chifre-sílica). Observou-se maior eficiência do Preparado Biodinâmico 501 no controle da doença. O Preparado de Equisetum hyemale apresentou menor influência em relação aos tratamentos 3, 5 e 6. Portanto, o preparado biodinâmico 501 com alto conteúdo de sílica, teve maior efetividade no controle do carvão ou galha Tecaphora spilanthes e de Alternaria solani

ANÁLISE DA PARTICIPAÇÃO SOCIAL: ESTUDO DE CASO SOBRE A IMPLANTAÇÃO DO CURSO DE GRADUAÇÃO EM LICENCIATURA EM EDUCAÇÃO DO CAMPO DA UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE SANTA CATARINA

Atender as singularidades da educação no campo e outras necessidades específicas de regiões caracterizadas pela diversidade social é um ato social urgente. Nesse sentido, este estudo de caso apresenta uma análise de como aconteceu o processo da participação social na implantação do Curso de Graduação em Licenciatura em Educação no Campo, da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC). Trata-se de uma pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa e quanto ao objetivo é descritiva. Em relação às técnicas de coleta de dados, foram utilizadas a bibliográfica, a documental e entrevistas semiestruturadas, com seis atores sociais envolvidos diretamente com o curso. Como categorias de análise utilizaram-se os critérios de avaliação da qualidade democrática dos processos participativos, de Castellà e Parés (2012), com foco nas dimensões “Quem participa?” e “Sobre o que se Participa?”. Os resultados da pesquisa apontaram que os critérios citados foram contemplados no momento de implantação do curso. No entanto, constatou-se que atualmente ocorre um distanciamento dos movimentos sociais em relação ao acompanhamento das políticas e ações inerentes ao curso

Diabetes and vaginal surgery are associated with mixed urinary incontinence in patients treated in a tertiary unit of Rio de Janeiro public healthcare system

Introduction: Urinary incontinence (UI) is prevalent in women, and the frequency of its clinical subtypes varies according to the population studied and the choice of diagnostic criteria. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of the most common subtypes – stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) – and their correlation with demographic, clinical and reproductive factors of patients seen at the university hospital of Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a referral service of a tertiary care center. A retrospective analysis of records of 770 women referred to the urogynecologic outpatient clinic was performed. The clinical diagnosis of UI subtype was established in accordance with international standardization. Women presenting with SUI and MUI were compared in terms of age, reproductive history, comorbidities, medications used and gynecological surgeries. The effect of independent variables was assessed through multiple regression analyses. Results: The frequency of the clinical diagnosis of MUI and SUI was, respectively, 54.6% and 31.8%. Factors associated with MUI when compared with SUI were diabetes mellitus (odds ratio, OR = 1.75; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI = 1.08; 2.85) and perineoplasty (OR = 1.79; 95% CI = 1.18; 2.72). Age showed a borderline significance (p = 0.05). Conclusion: The distribution of UI subtypes was different from the distribution found in populational studies, which shows the specific aspects of women referred for specialized care. MUI was the most common subtype and was associated with previous vaginal surgery and diabetes mellitus when compared with SUI. Keywords: Urinary incontinence; Urge; urinary incontinence; stress; women’s health; epidemiolog

Significado do uso da prótese peniana de silicone no seguimento da braquiterapia pélvica

Objective: to describe the meaning of the use of silicone penile prosthesis for vaginal dilation in the follow-up of brachytherapy in women with gynecological cancer. Method: narrative research conducted at the Centro de Pesquisas Oncológicas, Brazil, with 34 women after pelvic brachytherapy, under follow-up at the physical therapy service. Data collection through semi-structured interviews, including sociodemographic and clinical data and the significance of the use of penile prosthesis in vaginal dilation, submitted to content analysis and discussed in the light of the study From 'sex toy' to intrusive imposition. Results: the meaning permeates the vaginal dilation exercise; difficulties related to vaginal conditions, disease, treatment, pain, sex, constraints, prejudices, failures in health education; motivations are related to the search for quality of life, support of partners and professionals. Conclusion: the approach of possible emotional, psychological, social and physical barriers should be planned and executed for prevention of vaginal stenosis and better reception.Objetivo: describir el significado del uso de una prótesis peneana de silicona para la dilatación vaginal posterior a la braquiterapia en mujeres con cáncer ginecológico. Método: investigación narrativa, realizada en el Centro de Pesquisas Oncológicas, Brasil, con 34 mujeres, después de braquiterapia pélvica, en seguimiento en el servicio de fisioterapia. Recopilación de datos a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas, incluyendo datos sociodemográficos y clínicos y el significado del uso de prótesis peneana en la dilatación vaginal, sometidos a análisis de contenido y discutidos a la luz del estudio From 'sex toy' to intrusive imposition. Resultados: el significado impregna el ejercicio de dilatación vaginal; dificultades relacionadas con condiciones vaginales, enfermedad, tratamiento, dolor, sexo, vergüenza, prejuicios, fallas en la educación para la salud; las motivaciones están relacionadas con la búsqueda de calidad de vida, apoyo de la pareja y profesionales. Conclusión: se debe planificar y ejecutar el abordaje de las posibles barreras emocionales, psicológicas, sociales y físicas para prevenir la estenosis vaginal y una mejor recepción.Objetivo: descrever o significado do uso da prótese peniana de silicone para dilatação vaginal no seguimento da braquiterapia em mulheres com câncer ginecológico. Método: pesquisa narrativa, realizada no Centro de Pesquisas Oncológicas, Brasil, com 34 mulheres, após braquiterapia pélvica, em seguimento no serviço de fisioterapia. Coleta de dados por entrevistas semiestruturadas, incluindo dados sociodemográficos, clínicos e o significado do uso da prótese peniana na dilatação vaginal, submetidas à análise de conteúdo e discutidas à luz do estudo From 'sex toy' to intrusive imposition. Resultados: o significado perpassa o exercício de dilatação vaginal; as dificuldades relacionadas às condições vaginais, doença, tratamento, dor, sexo, constrangimentos, preconceitos, falhas na educação em saúde; as motivações relacionam-se à busca por qualidade de vida, apoio dos companheiros e profissionais. Conclusão: a abordagem de possíveis barreiras emocionais, psicológicas, sociais e físicas deve ser planejada e executada para prevenção da estenose vaginal e melhor acolhimento

Susceptibility profiles and correlation with pneumococcal serotypes soon after implementation of the 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in Brazil

SummaryObjectivesTo evaluate the susceptibility patterns among Streptococcus pneumoniae recovered during the years 2010–2012 and to correlate these with serotypes.MethodsPneumococci from invasive sites were serotyped by sequential multiplex PCR and/or Quellung reaction. Etest strips were used to determine the minimal inhibitory concentrations, and the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines were used for interpretation. Genetic determinants of macrolide resistance were assessed by PCR, and the occurrence of the D phenotype was analyzed following the recommendations of the CLSI.ResultsOne hundred fifty-nine S. pneumoniae were studied; most were recovered from blood and were associated with serotypes 14, 3, 4, 23F, 20, 7F, 12F, 19A, and 19F. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine PCV7, PCV10, and PCV13 and 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine serotypes represented 38.2%, 48.7%, 64.5%, and 85.5%, respectively. β-Lactam non-susceptibility (non-meningitis) was basically related to serotype 19A. For meningitis, it was observed in 21.4% (serotypes 14, 3, 9V, 23F, and 24F). Resistance to erythromycin occurred in 8.2% and mefA was the most common macrolide genetic determinant. One isolate was resistant to levofloxacin. Non-susceptibility to trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole was 37.7% and to tetracycline was 22.0%.ConclusionsOur population of pneumococci represents a transition era, soon after the introduction of PCV10. Non-susceptible patterns were found to be associated with classical PCV serotypes (especially serotype 14), which is still highly prevalent, and non-PCV10 ones (19A), which may disseminate, occupying the biological niche left by the vaccine serotypes