Bioleaching of hexavalent chromium from soils using acidithiobacillus thiooxidans

The continuous and growing degradation of the environment, due to several anthropogenic activities, is a main concern of the scientific community. Consequently, the development of low cost techniques to clean air, water and soils are under intense investigation. In this study, the focused problem is the soil contamination by hexavalent chromium, which is known for its several industrial applications - production of stainless steel, textile dyes, wood preservation and leather tanning - its high toxicity and mobility. Bioleaching has been presented as a low cost effective technique to decontaminate soils polluted with heavy metals. Sulphur oxidizing bacteria, like Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans, were already applied with this technique as they produce sulphuric acid, lowering the pH and promoting the dissolution of heavy metals [1, 2]. On the other hand, it also known that polythionates, generated during the oxidation process, have high reducing power. Considering this information and since few studies have been made concerning the bioleaching of hexavalent chromium from soils, this work pretended to investigate this matter. Specifically, eighteen Erlenmeyers flasks (250 mL) with a working volume of 150 mL, containing 10% ( V / V ) of inoculum (Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans DSM 504), 90% ( V / V ) of growing medium (DSM 35) and 3% ( W / V ) of contaminated soil were agitated in a rotary shaker, at 150 rpm, for 70 days. Also three controls were undertaken by sterilizing the soil and/or suppressing the inoculum. Two levels of soil contamination were evaluated within this work. This study presented bioleaching as a competitive technique in soil cleaning, as it is efficient and inexpensive

Halistanol sulfate A and rodriguesines A and B are antimicrobial and antibiofilm agents against the cariogenic bacterium Streptococcus mutans

AbstractIn the present investigation we report the antibacterial activity of halistanol sulfate A isolated from the sponge Petromica ciocalyptoides, as well as of rodriguesines A and B isolated from the ascidian Didemnum sp., against the caries etiologic agent Streptococcus mutans. The transcription levels of S. mutans virulence genes gtfB, gtfC and gbpB, as well as of housekeeping genes groEL and 16S, were evaluated by sqRT-PCR analysis of S. mutans planktonic cells. There were no alterations in the expression levels of groEL and 16S after antimicrobial treatment with halistanol sulfate A and with rodriguesines A and B, but the expression of the genes gtfB, gtfC and gbpB was down-regulated. Halistanol sulfate A displayed the most potent antimicrobial effect against S. mutans, with inhibition of biofilm formation and reduction of biofilm-associated gene expression in planktonic cells. Halistanol sulfate A also inhibited the initial oral bacteria colonizers, such as Streptococcus sanguinis, but at much higher concentrations. The results obtained indicate that halistanol sulfate A may be considered a potential scaffold for drug development in Streptococcus mutans antibiofilm therapy, the main etiologic agent of human dental caries

Análise das notificações de eventos adversos em um hospital privado

Introduction: patient safety, in the current context, began to be investigated in the different health fields, aiming to reduce the incidence of damages and adverse events to patients. Objective: to identify and analyze adverse events that compromise patient safety during nursing care in a private hospital. Methods: exploratory, documentary and retrospective research. The instrument of data collection was the report of adverse event notification used by the hospital composed of open and closed questions. Results: the researchers analyzed 262 reports of adverse/incident events that occurred in the period 2015 to 2016. The contributing factors for the occurrence of adverse events were caused by human failure. Of the total number of forms analyzed, 161 (61.83%) reported carelessness and distraction. The omission was highlighted with 11 (4.20%) cases. The lack of attention with the patient led to 116 (44.27%) errors in medication administration, 46 (17.56%) failures during the typing and transcription of the medical prescription and 35 (13.36%) failures in care. Conclusion: the incidents are caused by human factors, with possible reversion. When investigated, they can be minimized, which contributes to quality and safety in patient care.Introducción: La seguridad del paciente, en el contexto actual, pasó a ser investigada en los diversos campos de la salud, con el objetivo de reducir la incidencia de daños y eventos adversos a los pacientes. Objetivo: Identificar y analizar los eventos adversos que comprometen la seguridad del paciente durante la asistencia de enfermería en un hospital privado. Métodos: Investigación exploratoria, documental y retrospectiva. El instrumento de recolección de datos fue el informe de notificación de eventos adversos utilizado por el hospital compuesto por cuestiones abiertas y cerradas. Resultados: Se analizaron 262 informes de notificación de eventos adversos / incidentes que ocurrieron en el período de 2015 a 2016. Se demuestra que los factores contribuyentes para la ocurrencia de los eventos adversos fueron causados por fallo humano. Del total de formularios analizados, 161 (61,83%) indicaron descuido y distracción. La omisión se destacó con 11 (4,20%) casos. La falta de atención con el paciente propició 116 (44,27%) errores en la administración de medicamentos, 46 (17,56%) fallos durante la digitación y transcripción de la prescripción médica y 35 (13,36%) fallos en la asistencia. Conclusión: Se percibe que los incidentes son causados por factores humanos y de posible reversión. Cuando son investigados, pueden ser minimizados, lo que contribuye a la calidad y seguridad en el cuidado al paciente.Introdução: A segurança do paciente, no contexto atual, passou a ser investigada nos diversos campos da saúde, com o objetivo de reduzir a incidência de danos e eventos adversos aos pacientes. Objetivo: Identificar e analisar os eventos adversos que comprometem a segurança do paciente durante a assistência de enfermagem em um hospital privado. Métodos: Pesquisa exploratória, documental e retrospectiva. O instrumento de coleta de dados foi o relatório de notificação de eventos adversos utilizado pelo hospital composto por questões abertas e fechadas. Resultados: Analisaram-se 262 relatórios de notificação de eventos adversos/incidentes que ocorreram no período de 2015 a 2016. Demonstra-se que o fatores contribuintes para a ocorrência dos eventos adversos foram causados por falha humana. Do total de formulários analisados, 161 (61,83%) apontaram descuido e distração. A omissão se destacou com 11 (4,20%) casos. A falta de atenção com o paciente propiciou 116 (44,27%) erros na administração de medicamentos, 46 (17,56%) falhas durante a digitação e transcrição da prescrição médica e 35 (13,36%) falhas na assistência. Conclusão: Percebe-se que os incidentes são causados por fatores humanos e de possível reversão. Quando investigados, podem ser minimizados, o que contribui para a qualidade e segurança no cuidado ao paciente

Prevalence of antibodies against Chlamydophila spp. in herds with bovine abortion of Paraná state, Brazil

Chlamydophila abortus é o agente etiológico do aborto epizoótico bovino, cujas manifestações clínicas mais freqüentes são aborto, nascimento de bezerros prematuros e de animais fracos, natimorto e repetição de cio em intervalos irregulares. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar a prevalência de anticorpos anti-Chlamydophila spp. em fêmeas bovinas de propriedades rurais com histórico de aborto, selecionadas dentro do delineamento amostral do Plano Nacional de Controle e Erradicação da Brucelose e Tuberculose no estado do Paraná. Foram testadas pela prova de fixação de complemento 3.102 amostras de soro de fêmeas bovinas (idade > 24 meses), provenientes de 373 propriedades. Ao total, 44 (1,42%) animais foram positivos com títulos > 32. A prevalência de focos foi de 8,82% (6,15%-12,17%). Animais confinados ou semi-confinados (OR=3.339, P=0.004), propriedade com menos de 35 matrizes (OR=3.339, P=0.017), presença de produtos do aborto na pastagem (OR=2.372, P=0.037) e aluguel de pasto (OR=3.398, P=0.006) foram considerados fatores de risco para Chlamydophila spp. A infecção por Chlamydophila spp. acometeu um número pequeno de animais, oriundos de propriedades com histórico de aborto. A importância deste agente como causa de aborto em bovinos no estado do Paraná, se existir, é muito pequena.Chlamydophila abortus is a recognized cause of bovine epizootic abortion. Abortion, premature birth and weak lamb/calf, stillbirth and repeat breeding in irregular intervals are the most frequent disease manifestations. The complement fixation test is the recommended by the World Organization of Animal Health (OIE) for Chlamydophila spp. serologic diagnosis. The aim of this study was estimate the prevalence of antibodies against Chlamydophila spp. in cattle herds with abortion, selected inside the sampling design of National Program of Control and Erradication of Brucellosis in Paraná state. Serum samples of 3,102 cows (age > 24 months) from 373 herds were analyzed by complement fixation test. Totally, 44 (1.42%) animal were positive with titers > 32. The seroprevalence of Chlamydophila spp. in the herds was 8.82% (6.15%-12.17%). Four variables were associated with seroprevalence for Chlamydophila spp. in the final model of logistic regression: confined or semi-confined breeding (OR=3.339, P=0.004), farms with less than 35 cows (OR=3.339, P=0.017), abortion in the pasture (OR=2.372, P=0.037) and pasture rent (OR=3.398, P=0.006) were risk factors for Chlamydophila spp. This bacterium infected a small number of cattle from herds with abortion in Paraná state. Chlamydophila spp impact as abortion cause is reduced in this state

Antibacterial modified diketopiperazines from two ascidians of the genus Didemnum

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)The chemical investigation of the crude extract of an ascidian of the genus Didemnumled to the isolation of the modified diketopiperazine rodriguesines A (1) and (2) as a mixture of homologues, which could be identified by analysis of spectroscopic data including MS/MS experiments. The investigation of a second Didemnumsp. led to the isolation of N-acetyl-rodriguesine A (3) and N-acetyl-rodriguesine B (4). The absolute configuration of compounds 1and 2could be established by hydrolysis and Marfey's analysis and comparison with literature data reported for compound 3, previously obtained as a synthetic product. The mixture of 1and 2displayed moderate antibiotic activity against a clinical isolate of Streptococcus mutansand against S. mutansUA159 and Staphylococcus aureusATCC6538.A investigação química do extrato bruto de uma ascidia do gênero Didemnumlevou ao isolamento das dicetopiperazinas modificadas rodriguesinas A (1) e B (2) na forma de uma mistura de homólogos, os quais puderam ser identificados pela análise de seus dados espectroscópicos inclusive experimentos MS/MS. A investigação de uma segunda ascídia do gênero Didemnumforneceu a N-acetil-rodriguesina A (3) e a N-acetil-rodriguesina B (4). A configuração absoluta dos compostos 1e 2pode ser estabelecida por hidrólise e análise de Marfey e por comparação com dados da literatura do composto 3,previamente obtido como produto de síntese. A mistura de 1e 2apresentou atividade antibiótica moderada contra um isolado clínico de Streptococcus mutans, contra S. mutans UA159 e S. aureusATCC6538.204704711American Society of PharmacognosyFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)FulbrightConselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)CNPq_BrasilFAPESP_BrasilCAPES_Brasi

Avaliação do consumo de suplementação protéica em desportistas com foco em hipertrofia

Introduction: the practice of physical activity associated with an adequate diet improves the quality and life expectancy of individuals. Among the various types of physical exercises that exist strength training, for those who have as objective or gain muscle mass. Objective: to verify the prevalence of consumption of protein-based supplements, as well as to analyze the percentage of contribution of the diet via consumption of protein dietary supplements among physical activity practitioners that aim to hypertrophy in a gym in Natal-RN. Materials and Methods: carried out a cross-sectional and observational study involving physical exercise participants from a gym in Natal-RN. A questionnaire on the use of supplements was applied. Results: The sample was made up of 94 age groups from 20 to 59 years old with an average age of 30.2 years, 51.1% being male. Among the interviewees, 30.8% declared to use protein supplements. The most used protein supplement was Whey protein (96.5%). The daily recommendation for the analyzed population was 113g per day, with the consumption of supplements that reached 28g, equivalent to 25% of the HV. It can be concluded that the present study verified 30.8% of the use of protein supplements, with men using it more as women. An amount of protein consumed via a supplement of the study population is within the reference values ​​found for the purposes of sports practitioners.Introdução: a prática da atividade física associada a uma alimentação adequada melhora a qualidade e expectativa de vida dos indivíduos. Dentre os vários tipos de exercícios físicos que existem está o treinamento de força, para aqueles que têm como objetivo o ganho de massa muscular. Objetivo: verificar a prevalência do consumo de suplementos à base de proteínas, bem como analisar o percentual de contribuição de proteína diária via consumo de suplementos alimentares proteicos entre os praticantes de atividade física que tem como objetivo a hipertrofia em uma academia de ginástica em Natal-RN. Materiais e Métodos: realizou-se um estudo do tipo transversal e observacional cujos participantes foram praticantes de exercício físico de uma academia em Natal-RN. Foi aplicado um questionário sobre o uso de suplementos.  Resultados: A amostra foi composta de 94 indivíduos de faixa etária de 20 a 59 anos com média de idade de 30,2 anos, sendo 51,1% do sexo masculino. Entre os entrevistados, 30,8% afirmaram fazer uso suplementos proteicos. O suplemento proteico mais utilizado foi o Whey protein (96,5%). Quanto à recomendação diária para a população analisada foi 113g ao dia, com o consumo de suplementos foi possível atingir 28g, equivalente a 25% do VD. Pode-se concluir que o presente estudo verificou 30,8% da amostra fazia uso de suplementos proteicos, sendo que os homens utilizam mais do que as mulheres. A quantidade de proteína consumida via suplemento pela população do estudo situa-se dentro dos valores de referência encontrados para o objetivo dos desportistas avaliados

Integrative multi-kinase approach for the identification of potent antiplasmodial hits

Malaria is a tropical infectious disease that affects over 219 million people worldwide. Due to the constant emergence of parasitic resistance to the current antimalarial drugs, the discovery of new antimalarial drugs is a global health priority. Multi-target drug discovery is a promising and innovative strategy for drug discovery and it is currently regarded as one of the best strategies to face drug resistance. Aiming to identify new multi-target antimalarial drug candidates, we developed an integrative computational approach to select multi-kinase inhibitors for Plasmodium falciparum calcium-dependent protein kinases 1 and 4 (CDPK1 and CDPK4) and protein kinase 6 (PK6). For this purpose, we developed and validated shape-based and machine learning models to prioritize compounds for experimental evaluation. Then, we applied the best models for virtual screening of a large commercial database of drug-like molecules. Ten computational hits were experimentally evaluated against asexual blood stages of both sensitive and multi-drug resistant P. falciparum strains. Among them, LabMol-171, LabMol-172, and LabMol-181 showed potent antiplasmodial activity at nanomolar concentrations (EC50 15 folds. In addition, LabMol-171 and LabMol-181 showed good in vitro inhibition of P. berghei ookinete formation and therefore represent promising transmission-blocking scaffolds. Finally, docking studies with protein kinases CDPK1, CDPK4, and PK6 showed structural insights for further hit-to-lead optimization studies.7CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQCOORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIOR - CAPESFUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESP405996/2016-0; 400760/2014-2Sem informação2018/05926-2; 2017/02353-9; 2012/16525-2; 2017/18611-7; 2018/07007-4; 2013/13119-6; 2018/24878-9; 2015/20774-

Density estimation of sound-producing terrestrial animals using single automatic acoustic recorders and distance sampling

Financial support was provided by the NSF award #1345247 to D. Price, P. Hart, E. Stacy, and M. Takabayashi. ESG is funded by the Juan de la Cierva program from the Spanish Government (IJCI-2015-24947). TAM thanks partial support by CEAUL (funded by FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Portugal, through the project UID/MAT/00006/2013). RJC is partially funded through the U.S. Geological Survey and the University of St. Andrews.Obtaining accurate information on the distribution, density, and abundance of animals is an important first step toward their conservation. Methodological approaches using automatic acoustic recorders for species that communicate acoustically are gaining increased interest because of their advantages over traditional sampling methods. In this study, we created and evaluated a protocol to estimate population density, which can be used to compute abundance of terrestrial sound-producing animals from single automatic acoustic recorders and using an automatic detection algorithm. The protocol uses cue rates from the target species, environmental conditions, and an estimate of the distance of the individual to the recorder based on the power of the received sound. We applied our protocol to estimate the density of a Hawaiian forest bird species (Hawaiˊi ˊAmakihi [Chlorodrepanis virens]) on the island of Hawaiˊi, USA. We validated our approach by comparing our density estimates with those calculated at the same stations using a traditional point-transect distance sampling method based on human observations. Overall density estimates based on recorded signals were lower than those based on human observations, but 95% confidence intervals of the two density estimates overlapped. This study presents a relatively simple but effective protocol for estimating animal density using single automatic acoustic recorders. Our protocol may easily be adapted to other sound-emitting terrestrial animals.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe