The yeast-like fungus Aureobasidium thailandense LB01 produces a new biosurfactant using olive oil mill wastewater as an inducer

In this study, the biosurfactant production by an Aureobasidium thailandense LB01 was reported for the first time. Different agro-industrial by-products (corn steep liquor, sugarcane molasses, and olive oil mill wastewater) were evaluated as alternative low-cost substrates. The composition of the culture medium was optimized through response surface methodology. The highest biosurfactant production (139 ± 16 mg/L) was achieved using a culture medium containing yeast extract (2 g/L); olive oil mill wastewater (1.5%, w/w); glucose (6 g/L) and KH2PO4 (1 g/L) after 48 h of fermentation. The partially purified biosurfactant exhibited a critical micelle concentration of 550 mg/L, reducing the surface tension of water up to 31.2 mN/m. Its molecular structure was found to be similar to a lauric acid ester. The biosurfactant exhibited a better performance than the chemical surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in oil dispersion assays, thus suggesting its potential application in bioremediation.The authors acknowledge the Biotechnology laboratory (UFC) and Doctor Tatiana Nunes, as well as CAPES, CNPq and FUNCAP for the financial support. This study was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the scope of the strategic funding of UID/BIO/04469/2013 unit and COMPETE 2020 (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006684) and under the scope of the Project RECI/BBB-EBI/0179/2012 (FCOMP-01-0124-FEDER-027462) and the Project MultiBiorefinery − Multi-purpose strategies for broadband agro-forest and fisheries by-products valorisation: a step forward for a truly integrated biorefinery (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-016403). The authors also acknowledge financial support from BioTecNorte operation (NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000004) and Project BioInd − Biotechnology and Bioengineering for improved Industrial and Agro-Food processes (NORTE-07–0124-FEDER-000028) funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the scope of Norte2020 − Programa Operacional Regional do Norte.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Synthesis, characterization, antibacterial and antitumoral activities of mononuclear zinc complexes containing tridentate amine based ligands with N3 or N2O donor groups

The synthesis and characterization of the four zinc(II) complexes [Zn(HL1)Cl-2] (1), [Zn(H2L2)Cl-2](2), [Zn(H2L3)Cl-2] (3) and[Zn(H2L4)Cl-2] (4), where HL1 = (bis-2-pyridylmethyl)amine, H2L2 = (2-hydroxybenzyl- 2-pyridylmethyl) amine, H2L3 = N-2[(pyridine-2-ylmethyl)amino)ethanol, H2L4 = 1-[(pyridine-2-ylmethyl)- amino]-propan-2-ol are reported; (3) and (4) are new while (2) was reported previously but its structure had not been determined. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV-Vis and NMR spectroscopic, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI(+)-MS) and tandem mass spectrometry ESI(+)-MS/MS). X-ray diffraction studies were performed for complexes (1)-(3) revealing the presence of mononuclear structures in the solid state. The X-ray analyses of (1) and (3) demonstrate that HL1 and HL2 act as tridentate ligands, while the ligand H2L2 in (2) is bidentate. The cytotoxic properties of the ligands and of all the complexes were examined using human leukemia THP-1, U937 and Molt-4 cells. Complex (4) exhibited the highest cytotoxicity in this series with an IC50 value of 75 +/- 1 mu mol L (1) against U937 cells. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveals ultrastructural changes typical of apoptotic cells. The induction of apoptosis was confirmed by the annexin V assay. The antimicrobial activity of complexes (1)-(4) was also investigated in vitro against four Gram-positive bacteria (ATCC10832, ATCC25923, COL) and the clinical Staphylococcus aureus isolate LSA88 (SEC/SEF/ TSST-1+). Complex (2) showed the most potent inhibitory activity, reaching almost 100% of inhibition against all strains tested. Morphological investigations using TEM indicate that the antibacterial activity of complex (2) may be associated with the inhibition of cell wall and therefore cell division. (C) 2014 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved

Cárie dentária e fatores relacionados em crianças Brasileiras de região com água fluoretada e não fluoretada

PURPOSE: To compare the caries prevalence, saliva buffering capacity (SBC), oral hygiene (OH), dietary habits, family income (FI) and frequency of visits to a dental office (Do) between Brazilian children living in areas with and without fluoridated public water supply. METHODS: Forty-six 5-7-year-old preschoolers were selected in Itatiba, SP, Brazil; 19 were from a fluoridated area, and 27 were from a non-fluoridated area. The caries index was determined according to the World Health Organization criteria, and the SBC was assessed by titration with hydrochloric acid. The FI, frequency of OH and visits to Do were estimated by questionnaire. The dietary habits were assessed with a diet chart. The differences between the groups were analyzed with Mann-Whitney-U tests (α=0.05). RESULTS: Children from the non-fluoridated area showed significantly higher dmft/DMFT than those from the fluoridated area, but they showed significantly lower SBC, OH frequency and FI. No significant differences were observed between the areas for dietary habits and visits to Do. CONCLUSION: Children from fluoridated areas showed higher salivary buffering capacity, family income and oral hygiene frequency as well as lower caries prevalence, supporting the beneficial effect of fluoride in the tap water for caries prevention.OBJETIVO: Comparar prevalência de cárie, capacidade tamponante da saliva (CTS), higiene bucal (HB), hábitos dietéticos, renda familiar (RF) e frequência de visita a consultórios odontológicos (Co) entre crianças brasileiras residentes em áreas de água de abastecimento público fluoretadas e não fluoretadas. METODOLOGIA: Quarenta e seis crianças entre 5-7 anos foram selecionadas em Itatiba-SP-Brasil, sendo 19 pertencentes à área fluoretada e 27 à área não fluoretada. O índice de cárie foi determinado de acordo com o critério da Organização Mundial de Saúde e a CTS foi medida por titulação com ácido clorídrico. A RF, frequência de HB e visita ao Co foram estimadas por questionário. Os hábitos dietéticos foram avaliados com diário de dieta. As diferenças entre as variáveis foram analisadas pelo teste de Mann Whitney (α=0,05). RESULTADOS: As crianças da área não fluoretada apresentaram significativamente maior ceod/CPOD que àquelas da área fluoretada, porém significativamente menor CTS, HB e RF. Com relação a hábitos dietéticos e visitas ao Co, não foi observada diferença significativa entre as áreas. CONCLUSÃO: As crianças da área fluoretada apresentaram maior capacidade tamponante da saliva, renda familiar e frequência de higiene bucal, assim como menor prevalência de cárie, reforçando o efeito benéfico do flúor nas águas de abastecimento para prevenir a cárie

High rates of physical inactivity and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with resistant hypertension

Background: Hypertension.is a multifactorial disease of high prevalence in Brazil and the world’s population and is the major treatable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Objectives: To investigate the prevalence, according to sex, of risk behaviors and comorbidities associated with Hypertension.in the treated patients in Hiperdia Center Viçosa, MG. Methods: Cross-sectional study that evaluated 172 medical records of hypertensive patients greater than 18 years, nondiabetic, referred to the center of Viçosa Hiperdia. Among the data evaluated from analysis of medical records are the factors and behaviors of cardiovascular risk as overweight / obesity, dyslipidemia, smoking, drinking and physical inactivity, as well as medical conditions or comorbidities associated with hypertension. For data analysis were used the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Mann-Whitney test and the Pearson correlation test. The level of significance was 5%. Results: There was a higher prevalence of men among the patients and rates of alcoholism and smoking were significantly higher in this group. Women had a higher rate of obesity. Physical inactivity and dyslipidemia were present in 77% and 44% of patients, respectively, with no difference between sexes. Resistant Hypertension.was found in 71% of patients. Lower education was also very present among the hypertensive. Among the clinical conditions related to hypertension, there was a predominance of left ventricular hypertrophy, followed by kidney disease and cerebrovascular disease. Conclusions: The study showed that 71% of patients were classified as resistant Hypertension.and that, beyond this serious condition, they still showed a combination of behaviors and risk factors that confer a high risk of cardiovascular complicationsFundamento: A hipertensão arterial sistêmica é uma doença multifatorial, de alta prevalência na população brasileira e mundial e constitui o principal fator de risco tratável para as doenças cardiovasculares. Objetivos: Verificar a prevalência, de acordo com o sexo, dos comportamentos de risco e das comorbidades associadas à hipertensão nos pacientes atendidos no Centro Hiperdia de Viçosa, MG Métodos: Estudo transversal que avaliou 172 prontuários de hipertensos maiores de 18 anos, não diabéticos, encaminhados ao Centro Hiperdia de Viçosa. Entre os dados avaliados a partir de análise de prontuários estão os fatores e comportamentos de risco cardiovascular como sobrepeso/obesidade, dislipidemia, tabagismo, etilismo e sedentarismo, bem como condições clínicas ou comorbidades associadas à HAS. Para análise dos dados foram empregados os testes de Kolmogorov-Smirnov, o teste de Mann-Whitney e o teste de correlação de Pearson. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. Resultados: Observou-se uma prevalência maior de homens entre os hipertensos analisados e as taxas de etilismo e tabagismo foram significativamente maiores neste grupo. As mulheres apresentaram uma taxa maior de obesidade. O sedentarismo e a dislipidemia estiveram presentes em 77% e 44% dos pacientes, respectivamente, sem diferença entre os sexos. Hipertensão arterial resistente foi encontrada em 71% dos pacientes. Dentre as condições clínicas relacionadas à hipertensão, houve um predomínio da hipertrofia do ventrículo esquerdo, seguida pela doença renal e pela doença cerebrovascular. Conclusões: O estudo mostrou que 71 % dos pacientes eram classificados como hipertensos resistentes e que, além desta séria condição, os mesmos ainda apresentavam uma combinação de comportamentos e fatores de risco que conferem um alto risco de complicações cardiovasculare

Medical error in the portuguese press: when patients are part of the news

Esta investigação aborda a qualidade da produção noticiosa sobre o erro médico, como um fator essencial na construção do conhecimento público sobre o tema, com o objetivo de compreender que características definem tal produção e até que ponto poderão ser explicadas pela periodicidade e orientação editorial dos jornais; que conceito de erro médico é veiculado pela produção noticiosa sobre o tema; e quais são os protagonistas no discurso jornalístico sobre o erro médico. Foram analisadas as edições de três jornais portugueses, de 2008 a 2011, resultando num corpus de 266 (4,2%) artigos, que foram classificados de acordo com as seguintes variáveis: as fontes de informação citadas (o seu estatuto e especialidade, no caso dos médicos); os temas que são tratados; as características de enquadramento da informação publicada (tom, género jornalístico; e a presença e número de fontes de informação). Pela análise de conteúdo quantitativa, apurou-se que esse tema está em crescimento, essencialmente com notícias de tom negativo e fontes de informação habitualmente identificadas. Não há evidência para afirmar que a periodicidade e a orientação editorial expliquem as variações dessas características, a não ser relativamente ao número de fontes citadas. Vigoram as notícias centradas nos resultados dos erros (mortes ou lesões), provocados por "erros de omissão" e por "erros de comissão", envolvendo uma diversidade de protagonistas: são, tal como acontece na informação sobre saúde em geral, fontes oficiais e especializadas do campo da saúde. Destacam-se os médicos e os juristas e é dado relevo aos pacientes.This research addresses the quality of news production on medical error, as an essential factor in building public knowledge on the subject, in order to understand which characteristics define the news production of medical error and to what extent can they be explained by the periodicity and editorial orientation of the newspaper; which concept of medical error is transmitted by the news production on the subject; and who are the main actors in the journalistic discourse about medical error. The editions of three Portuguese newspapers were analyzed, from 2008 to 2011, resulting in a corpus of 266 (4.2%) articles, which were classified according to the following variables: the sources of information quoted (their status and specialty, in the case of doctors); the issues covered; and characteristic framework of the published information (tone, journalistic style, and the presence and number of information sources). Through quantitative content analysis, it was found that this topic is growing, essentially with negative news and information sources usually being identified. There is no evidence to support that periodicity and editorial orientation explain the variations in these characteristics, except for the number of cited sources. News focused on the results of errors (death or injury), caused by "errors of omission" and "commission errors", prevail, involving a variety of actors: they are, such as it happens in health information, in general, official sources and experts in health. Doctors and lawyers stand out, and special attention is given to patients

Social distancing measures to control the COVID-19 pandemic: potential impacts and challenges in Brazil.

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged researchers and policy makers to identify public safety measures forpreventing the collapse of healthcare systems and reducingdeaths. This narrative review summarizes the available evidence on the impact of social distancing measures on the epidemic and discusses the implementation of these measures in Brazil. Articles on the effect of social distancing on COVID-19 were selected from the PubMed, medRXiv and bioRvix databases. Federal and state legislation was analyzed to summarize the strategies implemented in Brazil. Social distancing measures adopted by the population appear effective, particularly when implemented in conjunction with the isolation of cases and quarantining of contacts. Therefore, social distancing measures, and social protection policies to guarantee the sustainability of these measures, should be implemented. To control COVID-19 in Brazil, it is also crucial that epidemiological monitoring is strengthened at all three levels of the Brazilian National Health System (SUS). This includes evaluating and usingsupplementary indicators to monitor the progression of the pandemic and the effect of the control measures, increasing testing capacity, and making disaggregated notificationsand testing resultstransparentand broadly available

Case Report Anatomical Variation of the Maxillary Sinus in Cone Beam Computed Tomography

properly cited. Purpose. The aim of this paper is to report a case in which the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was important for the confirmation of the presence of maxillary sinus septum and, therefore, the absence of a suspected pathologic process. Case Description. A 27-year-old male patient was referred for the assessment of a panoramic radiograph displaying a radiolucent area with radiopaque border located in the apical region of the left upper premolars. The provisional diagnosis was either anatomical variation of the maxillary sinuses or a bony lesion. Conclusion. The CBCT was important for an accurate assessment and further confirmation of the presence of maxillary septum, avoiding unnecessary surgical explorations