Avaliação de colonização por Streptococcus agalactiae em gestantes atendidas em um laboratório de análises clínicas da Serra Gaúcha/Rio Grande do Sul

Introduction: Streptococcus agalactiae is a gram-positive bacterium, coccoid bacterium, arranged in chains or pairs that colonizes the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts, and may become a causative agent of diseases. Newborns are the most affected by S. agalactiae colonization, with clinical manifestations of pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis, but pregnant women are also susceptible to infection caused by this bacterium. Methods: Data were collected using the computerized system of the co-participating laboratory. The following variables were select: period from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020, Streptococcus B screening with collection of vaginal an anorectal swabsand age of the pregnant women. After data were obtained, the results were tabulated in Excel 2016 spreadsheets for further analysis. Results: The percentage of positive S. agalactiae colonizacion in pregnant women was 18.6% of a total of 1,385 pregnant women. The year 2016 had the lowest colonization Salame et al. 28 Clin Biomed Res 2022;42(1) http://seer.ufrgs.br/hcpa rate with 14.5% (32/220), and the year 2020 had the highest rate with 26.3% (84/319). The age of the participants ranged from 13 to 54 years, with a mean of 29.08 years and a median of 29 years.Conclusion: The present study showed a high rate of S. agalactiae colonization among pregnant women  attending the co-participating laboratory during the study period. It also demonstrated the importance of S. agalactiae colonization screening in pregnant women during prenatal care, as this allows to correct prophylaxis to avoid future complications in both newborns and mothers.Introdução: O Streptococcus agalactiae é uma bactéria Gram-positiva, cocoide, disposta em cadeias ou aos pares e coloniza o trato gastrointestinal e geniturinário,podendo se tornar um agente causador de patologias. Recém-nascidos são os mais afetados pela colonização do S. agalactiae, com manifestações clínicas de pneumonia, meningite a sepse, porém gestantes também são suscetíveis a infecção por esta bactéria.Métodos: A coleta de dados foi realizada através do sistema informatizado do laboratório coparticipante. Foi selecionado o período de 01 de janeiro de 2016 a 31 de dezembro de 2020, exame Pesquisa de Streptococcus B (PEB) com coleta por swab em região vaginal e anorretal e idade das gestantes. Após obtenção dos dados, os resultados foram tabulados em planilhas do Excel 2016 para posterior análise. Resultados: O percentual de positividade de colonização por S. agalactiae entre asgestantes foi de 18,6% de um total de 1385 gestantes. O ano de 2016 apresentou os menores índices de colonização com 14,5% (32/220) e o ano de 2020, os maiores, com 26,3% (84/319). A idade das participantes variou de 13 a 54 anos, com média de 29,08 anos e mediana de 29 anos. Conclusão: O presente estudo pôde evidenciar um alto índice de colonização porS. agalactiae entre as gestantes atendidas pelo laboratório coparticipante durante os anos pesquisados. Como também demonstrar a importância da pesquisa de colonização por S. agalactiae em gestantes durante o pré-natal, pois assim se torna possível a correta profilaxia para evitar futuras complicações nos recém-nascidos como também nas mães

Estudo retrospectivo sobre a prevalência de Streptococcus agalactiae em gestantes em um município do interior do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

Introdução: O Streptococcus agalactiae, também conhecido como estreptococo do grupo B (EGB), é uma bactéria pertencente à microbiota de seres humanos e encontra-se aderido às membranas das mucosas, colonizando principalmente os tratos gastrointestinal e geniturinário. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo que envolveu a coleta de dados do Laboratório de Análises Clínicas de Veranópolis (RS), no período de abril de 2014 a fevereiro de 2017. Resultados: No período estudado, realizaram o exame no referido laboratório 109 gestantes que se encontravam a partir da 27ª semana de gestação, das quais 92 (84,4%) apresentaram resultado negativo e 17 (15,6%) apresentaram resultado positivo para S. agalactiae. Conclusão: Os resultados demonstram a importância de realizar a pesquisa de S. agalactiae antes do parto, para manter o recém-nascido e a mãe em segurança e sem complicações. Palavras-chave: Streptococcus agalactiae; gestante

Prevalence of serological ineligibility among blood donors of a hemotherapy center in Caxias do Sul, Southern Brazil

Introduction: Blood donation should be voluntary, anonymous and altruistic, and the donor should not, directly or indirectly, receive any remuneration or benefit by virtue of donating blood. Like any other therapeutic method, transfusion procedures are not risk free and can expose the patient to a several complications. Serological screening is of great importance to ensure transfusion safety. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of serological ineligibility among blood donors from a Hemotherapy Center in Caxias do Sul (RS). Method: An exploratory, descriptive and quantitative study was conducted on data from July 2010 to December 2015 collected at a Hemotherapy Center in Caxias do Sul (RS). Results: During the study period, 14,267 blood donors attended the Hemotherapy Center, of which 9,332 (65.40%) were males and 4,935 (34.60%) were female. Considering only the suitable donors, 12,702 blood donations were performed, 144 (1.13%) presented positive serological tests. The most prevalent positive serology was for hepatitis B (anti-HBc) with 98 cases (0.77%), followed by syphilis with 19 cases (0.15%); Chagas disease, with 10 (0.08%); hepatitis C, with nine (0.07%); and HIV and HTLV, with four (0.03%) reactive samples each. Conclusion: The results presented are important for health surveillance and make it possible to take measures to ensure safe blood stocks. Keywords: Serology, blood donors, communicable diseases

Amphibian transition to the oxidant terrestrial environment affects the expression of glutathione S-transferases isoenzymatic pattern

AbstractIt has been postulated that glutathione S-transferases (GST; EC 2.5.1.18) may play a role in protecting against oxidative stress.In previous studies, we have purified and characterised from Bufo bufo embryos a GST isoenzyme (BbGSTP1-1), which falls at very low level in the adult liver, where a novel isoform (BbGSTP2-2), starts to be highly expressed. During transition to adult life, B. bufo leaves the aquatic environment to live predominantly in the terrestrial environment, characterised by higher oxygen concentration.It has been found that BbGSTP2-2 is more efficient in scavenging from organic hydroperoxides.Therefore, the appearance of BbGSTP2-2 may respond to the necessity of providing the adult toad with a more suitable protection against oxygen toxic by-products. In this work, we performed experiments aimed at verifying if oxidative stress (hyperoxic and H2O2 treatments) could act as a modulator of BbGSTP2-2 expression. Results show that: (a) BbGSTP2 mRNA starts to be expressed in the late embryonic period, while protein appears during metamorphosis; (b) oxidative stress induces anticipation of BbGSTP2 gene expression at both transcriptional and translational levels.These findings seem to indicate that the appearance of BbGSTP2-2 is aimed at endowing the adult toad with more efficient antioxidant defence in the terrestrial atmosphere

Identificação do BVDV em bovinos pela técnica de imunoistoquímica

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Surface modification by metal ion implantation forming metallic nanoparticles in insulating matrix.

There is special interest in the incorporation of metallic nanoparticles in a surrounding dielectric matrix for obtaining composites with desirable characteristics such as for surface plasmon resonance, which can be used in photonics and sensing, and controlled surface electrical conductivity. We investigated nanocomposites produced through metallic ion implantation in insulating substrate, where the implanted metal self-assembles into nanoparticles. During the implantation, the excess of metal atom concentration above the solubility limit leads to nucleation and growth of metal nanoparticles, driven by the temperature and temperature gradients within the implanted sample including the beam-induced thermal characteristics. The nanoparticles nucleate near the maximum of the implantation depth profile (projected range), that can be estimated by computer simulation using the TRIDYN. This is a Monte Carlo simulation program based on the TRIM (Transport and Range of Ions in Matter) code that takes into account compositional changes in the substrate due to two factors: previously implanted dopant atoms, and sputtering of the substrate surface. Our study suggests that the nanoparticles form a bidimentional array buried few nanometers below the substrate surface. More specifically we have studied Au/PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate), Pt/PMMA, Ti/alumina and Au/alumina systems. Transmission electron microscopy of the implanted samples showed the metallic nanoparticles formed in the insulating matrix. The nanocomposites were characterized by measuring the resistivity of the composite layer as function of the dose implanted. These experimental results were compared with a model based on percolation theory, in which electron transport through the composite is explained by conduction through a random resistor network formed by the metallic nanoparticles. Excellent agreement was found between the experimental results and the predictions of the theory. It was possible to conclude, in all cases, that the conductivity process is due only to percolation (when the conducting elements are in geometric contact) and that the contribution from tunneling conduction is negligible

Gold ion implantation into alumina using an “inverted ion source” configuration.

We describe an approach to ion implantation in which the plasma and its electronics are held at\ud ground potential and the ion beam is injected into a space held at high negative potential, allowing\ud considerable savings both economically and technologically. We used an “inverted ion implanter”\ud of this kind to carry out implantation of gold into alumina, with Au ion energy 40 keV and dose\ud (3–9) × 1016 cm−2. Resistivity was measured in situ as a function of dose and compared with predictions\ud of a model based on percolation theory, in which electron transport in the composite is\ud explained by conduction through a random resistor network formed by Au nanoparticles. Excellent\ud agreement is found between the experimental results and the theory.FAPESPCNP

Detec??o e quantifica??o de c?lulas vi?veis de Bacillus sporothermodurans e de Bacillus cereus em leite atrav?s de PCR convencional e de PCR em tempo real associadas ao prop?dio monoazida

Made available in DSpace on 2015-04-14T14:51:22Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 445049.pdf: 985835 bytes, checksum: 6999f9525f1cf085ddde3a6a0fb67e0b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-10-31The presence of Bacillus spp. in milk is an important problem for the dairy industry due to their capability of sporulation and the possibility of spore resistance to heat treatment by ultra high temperature (UHT). Bacillus sporothermodurans survive to the UHT system, germinating and growing in stored milk and, if not correctly identified and quantified, can exceed the criterion established for mesophilic aerobic, besides altering the quality of dairy products when in high concentrations. On the other hand, contamination of milk by Bacillus cereus is not only an important cause of deterioration, but is also associated with the occurrence of diarrhea and emetic syndromes. Traditionally, these microorganisms are identified and quantified in food using conventional microbiological techniques, but the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) based methods have been widely used for the same purpose. However, PCR cannot distinguish between viable and dead cells, which can be overcame with the use of DNA intercalating, such as propidium monoazide (PMA). PMA binds to DNA derived from cells with damaged membranes, preventing their amplification by PCR, allowing, thus, the selective detection of viable cells. Therefore, this thesis aimed to characterize the thermal resistance of B. sporothermodurans and to develop methods of detection and quantificatification of viable cells of B. sporothermodurans and B. cereus in milk samples by qPCR associated with PMA. Isothermal and non-isothermal treatments allowed the determination of the profile of heat resistance of B. sporothermodurans spores to heat UHT process, predicting that to 121?C was found a D value between 2 a 4 min. The selective detection and quantification of B. sporothermodurans and B. cereus by PMA-qPCR were developed targeting 16S rRNA gene and hemolysin gene, respectively.The treatment with PMA from pure culture and artificially contaminated UHT milk were standardized by end-point PCR for the detection of viable cells of these microorganisms. The inhibition of amplification of DNA from dead cells was obtained at a concentration of 30μg/mL PMA. The standardization of qPCR assays were performed using hydrolysis probes (TaqMan? system) specific to each target gene. The quantification limit from UHT milk artificially contaminated was 2.5 x 102 CFU/mL for B. sporothermodurans and 7.5 x 102 CFU/mL for B. cereus. The assays were applied to 135 samples of UHT milk of different commercial brands, comparing with the conventional method of cultivation for each microorganism. B. sporothermodurans and B. cereus were respectively detected in 14 (10.4%) and 44 (32.6%) of the samples by molecular methods developed, and in 11 (8.1%) and 15 (11.1%) by conventional culturing methods. The PMA-qPCR methods developed in this study were specific and sensitive for the detection and quantification of viable B. sporothermodurans and B. cereus cells, being applicable for the evaluation of milk samples, reducing the time for the analysis of this product. Furthermore, the results showed that B. cereus can be found in UHT milkA presen?a de Bacillus spp. em leite representa um importante problema para a ind?stria de latic?nios devido ? sua capacidade de esporula??o e ? possibilidade de resist?ncia do esporo ao tratamento t?rmico por ultra alta temperatura (UAT). O Bacillus sporothermodurans sobrevive ao sistema UHT, germinando e se multiplicando no leite estocado e, caso n?o seja corretamente quantificado e identificado, pode ultrapassar o limite estabelecido pela legisla??o para microrganismos mes?filos aer?bios, al?m de alterar a qualidade dos produtos l?cteos quando em altas concentra??es. Por outro lado, a contamina??o de leite por Bacillus cereus constitui n?o somente uma importante causa de deteriora??o, mas tamb?m est? associada com a ocorr?ncia das s?ndromes em?tica e diarreica. Tradicionalmente, estes microrganismos s?o identificados e quantificados em alimentos atrav?s de t?cnicas cl?ssicas de cultivo, mas m?todos baseados na Rea??o em Cadeia pela Polimerase (PCR) tamb?m t?m sido amplamente utilizados. Entretanto, a PCR n?o distingue c?lulas mortas de c?lulas vi?veis, o que pode ser contornado com o emprego de intercalantes de DNA, como o prop?dio monoazida (PMA). O PMA se liga ao DNA derivado de c?lulas com membranas rompidas, impedindo suas amplifica??es na PCR, permitindo, assim, a detec??o seletiva de c?lulas vi?veis. Portanto, a presente tese teve por objetivo caracterizar a resist?ncia t?rmica de B. sporothermodurans, bem como desenvolver m?todos de detec??o e quantifica??o de c?lulas vi?veis de B. sporothermodurans e de B. cereus em amostras de leite atrav?s de PCR associada ao PMA. Tratamentos isot?rmicos e n?o isot?rmicos permitiram a determina??o do perfil de resist?ncia t?rmica de esporos de B. sporothermodurans ao processo UHT, predizendo que a 121?C foi encontrado um valor D entre 2 a 4 min.A detec??o e quantifica??o seletivas de B. sporothermodurans e de B. cereus atrav?s de PMA-qPCR foram desenvolvidas utilizando o gene RNAr 16S e o gene da hemolisina como alvos, respectivamente. O tratamento com PMA a partir de cultura pura e leite UHT artificialmente contaminado foi padronizado atrav?s da PCR convencional para a detec??o de c?lulas vi?veis destes microrganismos. A inibi??o da amplifica??o de DNA de c?lulas mortas foi obtida na concentra??o de 30μg/mL de PMA. A padroniza??o dos ensaios de qPCR foram realizados utilizando sondas de hidr?lise (sistema TaqMan?) espec?ficas para cada gene alvo. O limite de quantifica??o a partir de leite UHT artificialmente contaminado foi de 2,2 x 102 UFC/mL para B. sporothermodurans e de 7,5 x 102 UFC/mL para B. cereus. As t?cnicas foram aplicadas a 135 amostras de leite UHT de diferentes marcas comerciais, comparando com a metodologia cl?ssica de cultivo para cada microrganismo. B. sporothermodurans e B. cereus foram, respectivamente, detectados em 14 (10,4%) e 44 (32,6%) das amostras analisadas pelos m?todos moleculares desenvolvidos, e em 11 (8,1%) e 15 (11,1%) pelos m?todos convencionais de cultivo. Os m?todos de PMA-qPCR desenvolvidos neste estudo foram espec?ficos e sens?veis para a detec??o e quantifica??o de c?lulas vi?veis de B. sporothermodurans e de B. cereus, mostrando-se aplic?veis para serem utilizados na avalia??o de amostras de leite, reduzindo o tempo de an?lise deste produto. Al?m disso, os resultados demonstraram que B. cereus pode ser encontrado em leite tratado pelo sistema de UH