Evaluation of Quaternary Ammonium Surfactants as prophylactic options for Streptococcus agalactiae infections

Streptococcus agalactiae is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates. Vertical trans mission during labor and delivery, is currently prevented by intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP). However, resistance to the antibiotics used in IAP has been emerging and increasing. With no vaccine available, it is important to find new alternatives. Previous studies have showed that the cationic surfac tant dodecyl-pyridinium bromide (C12PB) is bactericide against S. agalactiae at concentrations that do not affect the commensal flora and epithelial cells of the vaginal mucosa. To get a step further in vali dating C12PB as a good prophylactic compound, this work aimed to evaluate its ability to induce anti microbial resistance against S. agalactiae. Isogenic clones were continuously propagated without and under C12PB sub-inhibitory concentrations. Phenotypic tests coupled with Whole Genome Sequencing of the populations exposed to such conditions were used to identify the emergence and putative mech anisms of resistance. As a proof-of-concept, the same procedure was performed with erythromycin, an antibiotic used in S. agalactiae intrapartum prophylaxis. In addition, the toxicity and pro-inflammatory potential of C12PB towards epithelial cells were also evaluated by the MTT assay and ELISA, respec tively. Contrarily to erythromycin, where the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (0.125 µg/ml) doubled after 7 passages and increased up to >2000-times after 56 passages (end point), the appearance of re sistance to C12PB was not observed during the assay, which was also confirmed at the genome level. On the other hand, for erythromycin, genome comparison against the original clone revealed multiple mu tations on ribosome-associated genes (including the 23S rRNA m5U1939 methyltransferase, ribosomal protein L22 and 23S rRNA) associated with resistance acquisition. Additionally, overall toxicity and inflammation were low. In conclusion, together with the previous results, these findings highlight C12PB as a promising candidate for the prevention of S. agalactiae vertical transmitted infections.O Streptococcus agalactiae é uma das principais causas de morbilidade e mortalidade em recém-nasci dos. A transmissão vertical no parto é prevenida pela administração intraparto de antibióticos. No entanto, a resistência aos antibióticos utilizados tem vindo a surgir e aumentar. Com a ausência de uma vacina, é importante encontrar alternativas. Estudos anteriores revelaram que o surfactante catiónico brometo de dodecil-piridínio (C12PB) é bactericida contra S. agalactiae em concentrações que não afe tam a flora comensal e as células epiteliais da mucosa vaginal. Para estudar o C12PB como um bom composto profilático, este trabalho visou avaliar a sua capacidade de induzir resistência antimicrobiana contra S. agalactiae. Para este fim, clones isogénicos foram continuamente propagados na presença e ausência de concentrações sub-inibitórias de C12PB. Para identificar a emergência e os mecanismos putativos de resistência, foram utilizados testes fenotípicos e sequenciação do genoma inteiro das popu lações expostas a estas condições. Como prova de conceito, o mesmo procedimento foi realizado com a eritromicina, um antibiótico utilizado na profilaxia intraparto de S. agalactiae. A toxicidade e o po tencial pró-inflamatório do C12PB para células epiteliais foram também avaliados através do ensaio do MTT e ELISA, respetivamente. Contrariamente à eritromicina, onde a Concentração Mínima Inibitória (0,125 µg/ml) duplicou após 7 passagens e aumentou até >2000 vezes após 56 passagens (final do en saio), o aparecimento da resistência ao C12PB não foi observado, o que foi confirmado a nível genómico. Por outro lado, para a eritromicina, a comparação de genomas contra o clone original revelou mutações no rRNA 23S, metiltransferase m5U1939 do rRNA 23S e proteína ribossómica L22, alvos associados à aquisição de resistência. Além disso, os níveis de toxicidade e inflamação foram baixos na generalidade. Concluindo, juntamente com os resultados anteriores, estas descobertas destacam o C12PB como uma opção promissora para a prevenção de infeções neonatais causadas por S. agalactiae

A novela “Lado a Lado” e as narrativas negras sobre o passado, o presente e o futuro do Brasil

O presente artigo tem como objetivo compreender as potenciais relações entre a telenovela “Lado a Lado” (Rede Globo, 2012) e o ano de 2012, tendo em vista a responsividade da telenovela como enunciado e considerando-a como uma obra de arte que se emprenha de sentidos em sua relação com a dimensão extra-verbal mais ampla (VOLOCHÍNOV [BAKHTIN], 2009; BAKHTIN, 2011; VOLOCHÍNOV, 2013). Assim, em se tratando de uma telenovela de época, ambientada, na maior parte da narrativa em 1910, compreendemos em que medida a trama estabelece pontes com discursos em circulação na sociedade brasileira de 2012; e, sobretudo, ao tratar o racismo e as desigualdades raciais, produz dizeres tanto sobre os prejuízos históricos atuais da população negra brasileira, como também refere-se a uma ordem social futura

Social capital and self-rated health among adolescents in Brazil: an exploratory study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Social capital may influence health and the patterns of association differ according its dimension such as cognitive, behavioral, bridging or bonding. There is a few numbers of studies in Latin America which comprise these aspects of social capital and health. The aim of this study was to examine the association between social capital and self-rated health among youth, and distinguish between the different forms of social capital - cognitive versus behavioral, and bonding versus bridging.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2009 among working adolescents supported by a Brazilian NGO. The sample comprised 363 individuals and data were collected using a validated structured questionnaire. The outcome, self-rated health, was measured as a dichotomous variable (poor/good health) and fourteen social capital indicators were investigated (cognitive, behavioral and bonding/bridging). Data were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Cognitive (social support and trust), behavioral (civic participation) and bridging social capital were associated with good self-rated health after adjustment of all the other social capital indicators and confounders (sex, age, skin color and educational background).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Social capital was associated with self-rated health and the patterns of association differed according its specific dimensions. Cognitive, behavioral and bridging social capitals were protective for adolescents health living in a developing country context..</p

Studies of Gene Variants Related to Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, Dyslipidemia, and Obesity: Implications for a Nutrigenetic Approach

Obesity is currently considered a serious public health issue due to its strong impact on health, economy, and quality of life. It is considered a chronic low-grade inflammation state and is directly involved in the genesis of metabolic disturbances, such as insulin resistance and dyslipidemia, which are well-known risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, there is evidence that genetic variation that predisposes to inflammation and metabolic disturbances could interact with environmental factors, such as diet, modulating individual susceptibility to developing these conditions. This paper aims to review the possible interactions between diet and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes implicated on the inflammatory response, lipoprotein metabolism, and oxidative status. Therefore, the impact of genetic variants of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-(PPAR-)gamma, tumor necrosis factor-(TNF-)alpha, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, apolipoprotein (Apo) A1, Apo A2, Apo A5, Apo E, glutathione peroxidases 1, 2, and 4, and selenoprotein P exposed to variations on diet composition is described

Oficina de tinta de terra: contextualizando pigmentos na disciplina de História da Química na LEdoC/UFMA

ABSTRACT. In addition to being an environmentally healthy and inexpensive technique, the production of land ink can be a facilitator in the teaching-learning process in science. This work presents an experience in the History of Chemistry, in a course in Licentiate in Rural Education, Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA-Bacabal), in which the central theme "the chemistry of pigments" was worked in a contextualized way. The contextualization of the content was carried out through the three categories of the contextualization process (punctual exemplification and motivational character, teaching-learning strategy, formation of critical citizen in decision-making), culminating in the development of a critical-reflective consciousness in the CTSA perspective. As methodological procedures were used: expository class; reading and interpretation of scientific articles; debates; land ink office; painting and exposition of ceramic artifacts; and evaluation. In this context, the land ink workshop gains featured because it brought scientific, technological and social contexts, contributing to the valorization and recovery of facts and experiences of everyday life, discussing and experiencing the meaning of sustainability, with technology and technique environmentally healthy and low thus increasing the potential of the teaching-learning process.ABSTRACT. In addition to being an environmentally healthy and inexpensive technique, the production of land ink can be a facilitator in the teaching-learning process in science. This work presents an experience in the History of Chemistry, in a course in Licentiate in Rural Education, Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA-Bacabal), in which the central theme "the chemistry of pigments" was worked in a contextualized way. The contextualization of the content was carried out through the three categories of the contextualization process (punctual exemplification and motivational character, teaching-learning strategy, formation of critical citizen in decision-making), culminating in the development of a critical-reflective consciousness in the CTSA perspective. As methodological procedures were used: expository class; reading and interpretation of scientific articles; debates; land ink office; painting and exposition of ceramic artifacts; and evaluation. In this context, the land ink workshop gains featured because it brought scientific, technological and social contexts, contributing to the valorization and recovery of facts and experiences of everyday life, discussing and experiencing the meaning of sustainability, with technology and technique environmentally healthy and low thus increasing the potential of the teaching-learning process.RESUMEN. Además de ser una técnica ambientalmente sana y de bajo costo, la producción de tinta de tierra puede ser facilitadora en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje en ciencias. Este trabajo presenta un relato vivenciado en la disciplina Historia de la Química, en un curso de Licenciatura en Educación del Campo de la Universidad Federal de Maranhão (UFMA-Bacabal), en la cual la temática central "la química de los pigmentos" fue trabajada de forma contextualizada. La contextualización del contenido se dio traspasando las tres categorías del proceso de contextualización (ejemplificación puntual y carácter motivacional, estrategia de enseñanza-aprendizaje, formación de ciudadano crítico en la toma de decisiones), culminando con el desarrollo de una conciencia crítico-reflexiva en la perspectiva CTSA. Como procedimientos metodológicos se utilizó: clase expositiva; lectura e interpretación de artículos científicos; debates; taller de pintura de tierra; pintura y exposición de los artefactos cerámicos; y evaluación. En este contexto el taller de pintura de tierra gana destaque pues trajo contextos científicos, tecnológicos y sociales, contribuyendo a la valorización y el rescate de hechos y experiencias de lo cotidiano, discutiendo y vivenciando el significado de sustentabilidad, con tecnología ambientalmente saludable y técnica de bajo costo, ampliando el potencial del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje.Além de ser uma técnica ambientalmente saudável e de baixo custo, a produção de tinta de terra pode ser facilitadora no processo de ensino-aprendizagem em ciências. Este trabalho apresenta um relato vivenciado na disciplina História da Química, em um curso de Licenciatura em Educação do Campo da Universidade Federal do Maranhão (UFMA-Bacabal), na qual a temática central “a química dos pigmentos” foi trabalhada de forma contextualizada. A contextualização do conteúdo se deu perpassando as três categorias do processo de contextualização (exemplificação pontual e caráter motivacional; estratégia de ensino-aprendizado; formação de cidadão crítico na tomada de decisões), culminando com o desenvolvimento de uma consciência crítico-reflexiva na perspectiva CTSA. Como procedimentos metodológicos utilizou-se: aula expositiva; leitura e interpretação de artigos científicos; debates; oficina de Tinta de Terra; pintura e exposição dos artefatos cerâmicos; e avaliação. Neste contexto a oficina de tinta de terra ganha destaque, pois trouxe contextos científicos, tecnológicos e sociais, o que contribuiu para a valorização e o resgate de fatos e experiências do cotidiano, ao discutir e vivenciar o significado de sustentabilidade, com tecnologia ambientalmente saudável e técnica de baixo custo, portanto, ampliando o potencial do processo de ensino-aprendizagem. Palavras chave: Ensino de Ciências, História da Química, Sustentabilidade, Ensino Contextualizado, Educação do Campo. &nbsp; Workshop of Land Ink: contextualizing pigments in the discipline of History of Chemistry in LEdoC/UFMA ABSTRACT. In addition to being an environmentally healthy and inexpensive technique, the production of land ink can be a facilitator in the teaching-learning process in science. This work presents an experience in the History of Chemistry, in a course in Licentiate in Rural Education, Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA-Bacabal), in which the central theme "the chemistry of pigments" was worked in a contextualized way. The contextualization of the content was carried out through the three categories of the contextualization process (punctual exemplification and motivational character, teaching-learning strategy, formation of critical citizen in decision-making), culminating in the development of a critical-reflective consciousness in the CTSA perspective. As methodological procedures were used: expository class; reading and interpretation of scientific articles; debates; land ink office; painting and exposition of ceramic artifacts; and evaluation. In this context, the land ink workshop gains featured because it brought scientific, technological and social contexts, contributing to the valorization and recovery of facts and experiences of everyday life, discussing and experiencing the meaning of sustainability, with technology and technique environmentally healthy and low thus increasing the potential of the teaching-learning process. Keywords: Science Teaching, History of Chemistry, Sustainability, Contextualized Teaching, Education of Countryside. &nbsp; Taller de tinta de tierra: contextualizando pigmentos en la disciplina de Historia de la Química en la LEdoC/UFMA RESUMEN. Además de ser una técnica ambientalmente sana y de bajo costo, la producción de tinta de tierra puede ser facilitadora en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje en ciencias. Este trabajo presenta un relato vivenciado en la disciplina Historia de la Química, en un curso de Licenciatura en Educación del Campo de la Universidad Federal de Maranhão (UFMA-Bacabal), en la cual la temática central "la química de los pigmentos" fue trabajada de forma contextualizada. La contextualización del contenido se dio traspasando las tres categorías del proceso de contextualización (ejemplificación puntual y carácter motivacional, estrategia de enseñanza-aprendizaje, formación de ciudadano crítico en la toma de decisiones), culminando con el desarrollo de una conciencia crítico-reflexiva en la perspectiva CTSA. Como procedimientos metodológicos se utilizó: clase expositiva; lectura e interpretación de artículos científicos; debates; taller de pintura de tierra; pintura y exposición de los artefactos cerámicos; y evaluación. En este contexto el taller de pintura de tierra gana destaque pues trajo contextos científicos, tecnológicos y sociales, contribuyendo a la valorización y el rescate de hechos y experiencias de lo cotidiano, discutiendo y vivenciando el significado de sustentabilidad, con tecnología ambientalmente saludable y técnica de bajo costo, ampliando el potencial del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. Palabras clave: Enseñanza de Ciencias, Historia de La Química, Sostenibilidad, Sostenibilidad, Enseñanza Contextualizada, Educación del Campo

Avaliação preliminar da abordagem da Síndrome de Abstinência Neonatal por opióides na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva da Maternidade Odete Valadares em Belo Horizonte

Introduction: In order to treat pain and psychomotor agitation, which are common symptoms in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU), sedatives/opioid analgesics are used. However, its prolonged use, mainly in the continuous base, can provoke the Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). Objectives: Evaluate the approach of NAS by opioids in newborns (NB) admitted in a NICU of Odete Valadares Maternity (OVM) in Belo Horizonte. Methods: Analysis of the medical records from the OVM pharmacy of the NB who have used methadone in between June 2013 to July 2014, additionally with diagnosis or risk of abstinence by opioids, confirmed clinically by the Finnegan scoring system. Results: All of the NB who have received methadone during the study time were evaluated. From the total of 17 NB, 6 were eliminated as they have been transferred to other services or evolved towards death, making it impossible to complete the data analysis. From 11 NB included, 7 were premature with gestational age under 28 weeks. There was a prevalence of the male gender (72,7%). All the infants received fentanyl continuously, which period of use was 37 days in average in the preterm NB, whereas being 25 days in the mature NB. The time spent to reach the control dose of methadone, meaning the sufficient dosage to avoid abstinence symptoms (Finnegan score &lt; 8 in 3 consecutive evaluations) was in average 6 days and the time for drug suspension ranged from 10 to 159 days. From 11 NB, 8 presented signs of abstinence after the beginning of methadone with the need of dose adjustment. Conclusion: The study allowed a preliminary evaluation of the NAS protocol along with the use of methadone in the service where it was held. There was a relation between the use of methadone and continuous sedation, which duration was prolonged in the NB of male gender and premature ones. Although a more detailed approach should be accomplished, considering the amount of ventilated NB in the period (256 NB), the number of NB with possible abstinence was relatively small (6.6%), which may mean a judicious use of opioids in this population.Introdução: Para tratar a dor e a agitação psicomotora,sintomas comuns em unidades de cuidados intensivos neonatais,são utilizados sedativos/analgésicos opióides. Contudo, seu usoprolongado, principalmente na forma contínua, pode provocar aSíndrome de Abstinência Neonatal (SAN). Objetivo: Avaliar aabordagem da Síndrome de Abstinência Neonatal por opióidesem recém nascidos (RN) internados na unidade neonatal daMaternidade Odete Valadares em Belo Horizonte. Métodos:Análise dos prontuários de RN que usaram metadona no períodode junho de 2013 a junho de 2014, a partir do levantamento feitona Farmácia da unidade, portanto com diagnóstico ou risco deabstinência por opióide, confirmada clinicamente pela escalade Finnegan. Resultados: Foram avaliados todos os RN que,no período de estudo, receberam metadona. Do total de 17 RN,6 foram eliminados pois receberam alta para outros serviçosou evoluíram para óbito, impossibilitando a análise completados dados. Dos 11 RN incluídos, 7 foram prematuros, comidade gestacional inferior a 28 semanas. Houve prevalênciado sexo masculino (72,7%). Todos os RN receberam fentanilcontinuamente, cujo período de uso foi, em média, 37 dias nosRN prematuros e 25 dias nos RN a termo. O tempo gasto para quese atingisse a dose controle da metadona, ou seja, dose suficientepata evitar os sintomas de abstinência (Escala de Finnegan &lt;8 em3 avaliações consecutivas), em média, foi de 6 dias e o tempopara suspensão da mesma variou de 10 a 159 dias. Dos 11 RNacompanhados, 8 apresentaram sinais de abstinência após o inícioda metadona com necessidade de ajuste da mesma. Conclusão:O estudo permitiu uma avaliação preliminar do protocolo deabordagem da SAN e do uso da metadona no serviço em questão.Houve relação do uso da metadona com a sedação contínua, cujaduração foi prolongada nestes RN, com o gênero masculino e coma prematuridade. Considerando o número total de RN ventiladosno período (256 RN), o número de RN com possível S.A.Nfoi relativamente pequeno (6.6%), podendo significar um usocriterioso de opióides nesta população, embora uma abordagemmais detalhada deva ser realizada

Reproductive Biology, Mating Behavior, and Vibratory Communication of the Brown-Winged Stink Bug, Edessa meditabunda

We describe different aspects of the reproductive biology, mating behavior, and vibratory communication of the pentatomid Edessa meditabunda (Fabr.). This species shows lower copulation frequency and reproductive potential with longer sexual maturation period compared to other species of pentatomids. Females with multiple mating show increased fecundity when compared with single-mated females and both increased fecundity and reduced longevity when compared with virgin females. Courtship and mating behavior and vibratory signals are typical and similar to what was observed in other species of pentatomids, except that males started the courtship. These results constitute the first paper on biology, behavior, and vibratory communication among species of the subfamily Edessinae

Trichogramma pretiosum attraction due to the Elasmopalpus lignosellus damage in maize

The objective of this work was to evaluate if corn plants damaged by the lesser cornstalk borer (Elasmopalpus lignosellus) larvae release volatile organic compounds capable of attracting the egg parasitoid Trichogramma pretiosum. The treatments consisted of plants subjected to harm caused by E. lignosellus larvae, plants subjected to mechanical damage, and undamaged plants. The parasitoid was more attracted by the volatiles released by the insect damaged plants than to those released by undamaged corn plants, after 24 and 72 hours. The volatiles (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, β-pinene, β-myrcene, (E)-4,8-dimethylnona-1,3,7-triene, and benzothiazole were released in significantly larger quantities by damaged plants. Volatiles released by corn plants damaged by E. lignosellus larvae may act as an indirect defense, attracting by T. pretiosum.O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar se plantas de milho danificadas por lagartas da broca-do-colo (Elasmopalpus lignosellus) liberam compostos orgânicos voláteis capazes de atrair o parasitoide de ovos Trichogramma pretiosum. Os tratamentos consistiram de plantas submetidas a dano por lagartas de E. lignosellus, plantas submetidas a dano mecânico e plantas sem danos. O parasitoide foi mais atraído pelos voláteis emitidos por plantas danificadas pela lagarta do que pelos liberados pelas plantas sem danos, após 24 e 72 horas. Os volatéis (Z)-3-acetato de hexenila, β-pineno, β-mirceno, (E)-4,8-dimetilnona-1,3,7-trieno e benzotiazol foram liberados em quantidades significativamente maiores pelas plantas danificadas. Os voláteis liberados pelas plantas de milho danificadas por lagartas de E. lignosellus podem agir como defesa indireta, por meio da atração a T. pretiosum