Serum Epidemiological Analysis and Risk Factors Associated with Leptospira spp. in Cattle in the State of Piauí

Background: Leptospirosis is a cosmopolitan zoonosis caused by pathogenic spirochetes of the genus Leptospira spp. and it is considered one of the main causes of reproductive problems in cattle. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of anti-Leptospira antibodies and identify the prevalent serovars and risk factors associated with infection in cattle herds, in the microregion of Floriano, Piaui State, Brazil.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 414 bovine sera samples were collected (390 females aged over 24 months and 24 bulls) from 22 properties (farms) in the municipalities that compose the study area. The samples were analyzed using the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) to detect anti-Leptospira antibodies from 23 pathogenic serovars. An epidemiological questionnaire was applied in each farm to evaluate the risk factors, using a univariate analysis of the variables of interest, by Pearson’s Chi-square test (χ2) or Fisher’s exact test, when it was necessary. Then, each independent variable was crossed with the dependent variable and those that presented statistical significance 1: 100) in the 22 evaluated farms; all of them had at least one positive animal, resulting in a prevalence of 34.54%, with 32,8% females (136) and 1,7% males (07), and 8,93% (37) of co-agglutination. Nineteen of the 23 tested serovars were identified; among them, Icterohaemorrhagiae (42.48%), Hardjo (31.2%), Pomona (4.3%), and Castellonis (4.3%) stood out. Absence of quarantine (OR = 16.172, P = 0.024), vaccination (OR = 0.090, P = 0.037) and isolation of diseased animals (OR = 0.006, P = 0.030) were identified, by the multivariate logistic regression analysis, as risk factors for any serovar of Leptospira spp.Discussion: The results of the present study showed that leptospirosis is present in all studied municipalities, in which the prevalence may be related to the variety of factors that influence the occurrence of the disease, such as climatic and environmental conditions, transit of animal, practices of management adopted in the herd, and the lack of information about the disease. The occurrence of co-agglutination can be explained by the possibility of multiple and concomitant contaminations with several serovars. Icterohaemorrhagiae was the most prevalent serovar, which has significant importance to public health since it is considered the main serovar of leptospirosis in humans, associated with the presence of rodents. On the other hand, the serovar Hardjo is related to the chronic leptospirosis in cattle, demonstrated through reproductive problems. The serovars Castellonis and Pomona were also observed in bovine herds, suggesting a possible transmission of the microorganism between animal species, probably due to exposure to the same sources of infection. In fact, the large number of serovarieties of Leptospira spp. indicates the presence of one or more maintenance hosts, which are natural reservoirs of this infection. The risk factors confirmed in the logistic regression analysis probably occur due to failures in sanitary management. It is concluded that Leptospira spp. is disseminated in cattle in the studied region, with the presence of several serovars, which reinforces the need for intensifying the prevention and control measures, such as vaccination

AÇÃO MODULADORA DE EXTRATOS ETANÓLICOS DE PLANTAS MEDICINAIS SOBRE ANTIBIÓTICOS EM CEPA DE Staphylococcus aureus METICILINA-RESISTENTE

É crescente o aumento de casos de micro-organismos resistentes a múltiplos fármacos, principalmente bactérias, o que tem sensibilizado pesquisadores do mundo inteiro a buscar nas plantas, recursos que possam mitigar as consequências causadas por estes micro-organismos. Uma das estratégias atuais tem sido associar plantas com antimicrobianos já licenciados e utilizados na terapêutica, na tentativa de encontrar ações sinérgicas que possam driblar os mecanismos de resistência bacteriana. O presente trabalho buscou avaliar o efeito modulador de plantas medicinais sobre a atividade de dois antibióticos betalactâmicos, ampicilina e cefriaxona, e um aminoglicosídeo, a gentamicina; através da técnica da microdiluição em placas, utilizando-se uma cepa de Staphylococcus aureus meticilina-resistente - MRSA. Os resultados apontam para um provável sinergismo entre Schinus terebinthifolius e Punica granatum com o aminoglicosídeo gentamicina, o que oferece novas oportunidades para futuros estudos em busca do composto ativo destas plantas e assim melhorar a atividade e eficácia de tratamentos terapêuticos envolvendo os aminoglicosídeos em infecções causadas por micro-organismos multirresistentes

Caracterização toxicológica e investigação da atividade antifúngica do isoeugenol frente a Penicillium citrinum

The loss of food caused by a variety of microorganisms has been recognized as an inconvenience and one of the major concerns of the food industry, mainly because of the economic impact. In addition, with the increasing prevalence of drug-resistant pathogens occurs at a time when the discovery and development of new antimicrobial agents occur slowly. In this way, the present study aims to investigate in vitro and in silico the antifungal activity of isoeugenol against strains Penicillium citrinum and its toxic effects. In order to evaluate the bioactivities and toxicological risk in silico, the online PASS, Molinspiration and Osíris software were used. To investigate the antifungal activity in vitro, the microdilution, checkerboard and ergosterol and sorbitol tests were used. The cytotoxic effect was demonstrated using human erythrocytes. The phytoconstituent had satisfactory oral bioavailability parameters and a reproductive and mutagenic toxicological risk after in silico analysis, but it was not cytotoxic. It presented antifungal action in the strains tested with fungicide effect, causing disturbance in the antifungal plasma membrane. In this way, isoeugenol has been shown to be a possible candidate for biocide and / or antifungal drug for the treatment of fungal infections.Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPESA perda de alimentos causada por uma variedade de micro-organismos tem sido reconhecida como inconveniente e uma das maiores preocupações das indústrias de alimentos, principalmente, pelo impacto econômico. Além disso, com o aumento da prevalência de agentes patogênicos resistentes às drogas ocorre em um momento em que a descoberta e o desenvolvimento de novos agentes antimicrobianos ocorrem lentamente. Desta forma, o presente estudo tem como objetivo investigar in vitro e in silico a atividade antifúngica do isoeugenol frente a cepas Penicillium citrinum e seus efeitos tóxicos. Para avaliar as bioatividades e risco toxicológico in silico, foram utilizadas os softwares PASS on-line, Molinspiration e Osíris. Para investigar a atividade antifúngica in vitro, foram utilizadas as técnicas de microdiluição, checkerboard e os ensaios com ergosterol e sorbitol. O efeito citotóxico foi demonstrado utilizando eritrócitos humanos. O fitoconstituinte apresentou parâmetros de biodisponibilidade oral satisfatórios e risco toxicológico reprodutivo e mutagênico na análise in silico, mas não foi citotóxico. Apresentou ação antifúngica nas cepas testadas com efeito fungicida, causando perturbação na membrana plasmática antifúngica. Desta forma, o isoeugenol demonstrou ser um possível candidato a biocida e/ou droga antifúngica para tratamento de infecções fúngicas

Investigação dos efeitos antimicrobiano, citotóxico e genotóxico do óleo essencial das partes aéreas de Croton tricolor Klotsch ex Baill (Euphorbiaceae)

The use of plant products for the treatment, prevention and cure of diseases , is one of the oldest forms of medical practice of humanity , and although great advances observed in modern medicine are natural products still contribute considerably in care health . Among the therapeutic actions of medicinal plants, antimicrobial activity is one of the most important front of the existing rate of mortality and antimicrobial resistance. Although plants possess many therapeutic uses that are traditionally known, the human being unaware of the fact that they can be toxic both for humans and for animals. Croton tricolor ex Klotsch Baill, popularly known as silvery quince is native caatinga of Northeast Brazil. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the biological effects of essential oil from leaves of Croton tricolor Klotsch ex Baill (Ct-OE). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25925 was 6.7 mg/ml, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25619 3.35 mg/ml Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 8539 was 1.68 mg/mL and E. coli ATCC 25922 was 3.35 mg/mL. For E. coli strains of clinical origin MIC ranged from 1.67 to 3.35 mg/ml. In cytotoxicity against human erythrocytes, the essential oil exhibited a low level of hemolysis in blood A + and B +, but caused in type O + erythrocytes. The Ct -OE showed a slight increase in oxidation in erythrocytes, but a value much lower than phenylhydrazine (Ph). However, the Ct-OE could protect erythrocytes from oxidation by Ph more efficiently than vitamin C. The Ct -OE did not cause structural chromosomal damage and/or number of erythrocytes in mice in vivo.Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPESO uso de produtos de origem vegetal para o tratamento, cura e prevenção de doenças, é uma das mais antigas formas da prática medicinal da humanidade e, embora grandes avanços sejam observados na medicina moderna, os produtos naturais continuam contribuindo de maneira considerável nos cuidados com a saúde. Entre as ações terapêuticas das plantas medicinais, a atividade antimicrobiana é uma das mais relevantes frente à taxa de mortalidade existente e à resistência antimicrobiana. Apesar das plantas possuírem muitos usos terapêuticos que são conhecidos tradicionalmente, o ser humano desconhece o fato de que elas podem apresentar toxicidade tanto para o homem quanto para os animais. Croton tricolor Klotsch ex Baill, conhecido popularmente como marmeleiro prateado, é nativo da caatinga do Nordeste do Brasil. Sendo assim, o presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar os efeitos biológicos do óleo essencial das folhas de Croton tricolor Klotsch ex Baill (Ct-OE). A concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) para a cepa Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25925 foi de 6,7 mg/mL, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25619 3,35 mg/mL, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 8539 foi de 1,68 mg/mL e Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 foi de 3,35 mg/mL. Para as linhagens de E. coli de origem clínica a CIM variou de 1,67 a 3,35 mg/mL. Na avaliação da citotoxicidade frente a eritrócitos humanos, o óleo essencial apresentou um baixo nível de hemólise no sangue A+ e B+, mas não causou em eritrócitos tipo O+. O Ct-OE apresentou um leve aumento da oxidação em eritrócitos, mas a um valor muito inferior a fenilhidrazina (Ph). Entretanto, o Ct-OE conseguiu proteger os eritrócitos da oxidação pela Ph de forma mais eficiente que a vitamina C. O Ct-OE não promoveu dano cromossômico estrutural e/ou numérico em eritrócitos de camundongos in vivo

Antimicrobial Potential of Hydroxymethylglutaryl-Coa Reductases Inhibitors

This study proposes the contemplation of an ecumenical scenario on the antimicrobial potential of statins, based on a scientific narrative review, providing subsidies for research and possibilities in the face of this public health problem. To start the investigation, a guiding question was elaborated to conduct the entire research process, using the PICo strategy (population/interest/context). The results reveal the antimicrobial potential of statins against different strains. The activity appears to be statin-specific/ bacteria-specific, with an emphasis on simvastatin and atorvastatin, and Gram-positive bacteria, as well as an adjuvant activity to rifampicin in the fight against mycobacteria

In Silico Analysis Applied to the Study of Cytotoxicity in Natural Products

With the emergence of technological advances, computational analysis in research has become promising by enabling the emergence of scientific production without the need for an experimental laboratory, and it has therefore begun to be used in various sectors, including cytotoxicity. From this perspective, the main objective of this study is to understand the importance of computational analysis for the study of cytotoxicity in natural products in addition to understanding scientific advances on this topic. Thus, this is a narrative-type bibliographic review, carried out between March and September 2022, through the digital databases of Pubmed, SciELO, and the Virtual Health Library with the adoption of the search formula configured with the available descriptors: “in silico analysis”, “cytotoxic”, and “natural products”. This work reaffirmed the importance of computer simulations on cytotoxicity in natural products and provided verification that these types of analyses are a source of knowledge about the structures of natural products, emphasizing the use of in silico analysis of cytotoxic agents, anticancer action, and the treatment of other pathologies. With regard to effectiveness, it is clear that the software reflects results that are similar to studies carried out in vivo. It is noteworthy that the in silico method has an accentuated scientific importance as it allows for a greater adaptability and a lower cost of time and space for research. Thus, such methodology becomes essential in the process of cytotoxicity analysis, obtaining great potential in pharmacological research

Cytotoxic Effects of Aminotriles with Bioactive Potential: An Integrative Review

Aminonitriles are pharmacological-interest bioactive due to their promising antimicrobial and antitumor activity. Since cytotoxicity tests are inherent to the new drug development process, this work aimed to verify reports in the scientific literature on the cytotoxic effects of aminonitriles. The method adopted was an integrative review of works published in the last 10 years in the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Virtual Health Library (VHL) databases. Three articles that matched the selection and eligibility criteria were included in this review. A total of 33 aminonitriles were used in the cytotoxicity experiments, and of the nine molecules based on pyridine, two exerted moderate cytotoxic activity, of the twelve synthesized from benzimidazole, none showed cytotoxic activity, and of the twelve derived from renieramycins, all showed considerable cytotoxic activities. The studies used in this research evaluated the cytotoxic effects of aminonitriles with evident anticancer and antimicrobial activity. The importance of evaluating the cytotoxicity of aminonitriles is emphasized, as well as the need for investigative research that explores other evaluation methods in pre-clinical tests that may corroborate the existing findings, with a view to the development of therapies against emerging health problems

Potential Antibacterial Action of α-Pinene

The indiscriminate use of antibiotics generates several problems for human health, the main one being bacterial resistance. The abuse of antibiotics is responsible for reducing the effectiveness of medicines, making it difficult to treat diseases and representing a major obstacle for researchers and health professionals. Natural alternatives have been widely studied, such as essential oils and their phyto-constituents, in order to verify their antibacterial action. This research aimed to identify the antibacterial activity of α-pinene. This is a descriptive study, using a qualitative approach, with methodological experience based on an integrative review. The bibliographic survey was carried out in the LILACS and MEDLINE, though the Virtual Health Library, PubMed and Web of Science databases, using the following search strategies: Anti-bacterial agents AND α-pinene for the PubMed and VHL databases, and (Antibacterial agents AND pinene) and (Antimicrobial AND α-pinene) on the Web of Science. After reading the articles in full, 10 works were selected. α-pinene was relatable, including its positive mix and its association with antimicrobials. The article points out that α-pinene has wide potential in antimicrobial therapy in order to inhibit the growth of bacteria as an isolated result or as a synergist of antibiotics. However, they are bactericidal and bacteriostatic when against bacterial strains. Therefore, it is concluded that it is relevant to develop scientific research to analyze the effectiveness of this compound to the most diverse microorganisms that affect human health