Antimicrobial potential of a biosurfactant gel for the prevention of mixed biofilms formed by fluconazole-resistant C. albicans and methicillin-resistant S. aureus in catheters.

Dual-species biofilms formed by Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus have high virulence and drug resistance. In this context, biosurfactants produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa have been widely studied, of which a new derivative (RLmix_Arg) stands out for possible application in formulations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antibiofilm activity of RLmix_Arg, both alone and incorporated in a gel prepared with Pluronic F-127, against dual-species biofilms of fluconazole-resistant C. albicans (FRCA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in impregnated catheters. Broth microdilution tests, MTT reduction assays of mature biofilms, impregnation of RLmix_Arg and its gel in peripheral venous catheters, durability tests and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed. RLmix_Arg showed antimicrobial activity against Candida spp. and S. aureus, by reducing the cell viability of mixed biofilms of FRCA and MRSA, and preventing their formation in a peripheral venous catheter. The incorporation of this biosurfactant in the Pluronic F-127 gel considerably enhanced its antibiofilm activity. Thus, RLmix_Arg has potential application in gels for impregnation in peripheral venous catheters, helping to prevent development of dual-species biofilms of FRCA and MRSA.

Primary standardization and Monte Carlo modeling of (243Am + 239Np) by means of a 4π(PC)-γ coincidence counting system.

The procedure followed by the Nuclear Metrology Laboratory (LMN) at the IPEN for the primary standardization of a (243Am + 239Np) solution, in secular equilibrium, is described. The measurement was carried out in a 4π(PC) (α,ß)-γ coincidence system. The total activity per unit mass of the solution was determined by the extrapolation technique, using a software coincidence counting systsem. The extrapolation curves were compared with Monte Carlo calculations by means of Code ESQUEMA, used in previous works, which, was improved and applied in order to calculate the alpha, beta, gamma, X-rays and coincidence spectra.

Human milk fortification and use of infant formulas to support growth in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Newborn infants require adequate nutrition to achieve full potential growth and development. Early life nutrition and health impacts long-term outcomes through adulthood. Human milk is the optimal source of nutrition during the first 6 months of life. However, infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) often have comorbidities that create more or different nutrition demands than healthy newborns. There are different strategies to meet the nutrition needs of sick newborns, including use of parenteral nutrition, human milk fortifiers (HMFs), and infant formulas. Multinutrient HMFs are frequently used to achieve the higher nutrition demands of preterm infants. They are available in various presentations, such as human milk- or cow milk-derived, liquid or powder, and acidified or nonacidified, each of which has different risks and benefits associated with its use. Infant formulas are available to meet a demand when mother's own milk or donor breast milk is not available or sufficient, and there are also specialty formulas for infants with certain diseases that present unique nutrition needs. This review is focused on the use of HMFs to support the unique nutrition requirements of preterm infants for healthy growth, as well as the indications for the use of formulas among infants in the NICU.

Production of Escovopsis weberi (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) Mycelial Pellets and Their Effects on Leaf-Cutting Ant Fungal Gardens.

The maintenance of the symbiosis between leaf-cutting ants and their mutualistic fungus Leucoagaricus gongylophorus Singer (Moller) is vital for the survival of both species. The specialist fungal parasite Escovopsis weberi Muchovej & Della Lucia is a threat to this symbiosis, causing severe damage to the fungal garden. Mycelial pellets are resistant fungal structures that can be produced under laboratory conditions. These structures were studied for use in biological pest control, but the production of mycelial pellets has not previously been documented in Escovopsis. One of the aims of this study was to induce Escovopsis weberi to produce mycelial pellets and investigate the potential of these pellets for the control of leaf-cutting ants. We compared the pathogenicity of Escovopsis weberi mycelial pellets and conidia against mini-colonies of Acromyrmex subterraneus subterraneus Forel when applied in the form of baits. Worker ants were able to distinguish mycelial pellets from conidia, as baits with mycelial pellets were more attractive to workers than those with conidia, causing a greater negative impact on colony health. All types of baits containing Escovopsis weberi influenced the foraging activity but only treatments with viable fungal propagules resulted in an increase in the quantity of waste material, with a significant negative impact on the fungal garden biomass. The results provided novel information regarding Escovopsis recognition by worker ants and differences between conidia and mycelial pellet dynamics in leaf-cutting ant colonies, with new perspectives for the biological control of these important pests.

Ofensa sexual cometida por adolescentes/jovens adultos / Sexual offense committed by adolescents/young adults

RESUMO O objetivo deste artigo é discutir a ofensa sexual cometida por adolescentes/jovens adultos e as implicações sociais e jurídicas decorrentes. A adolescência é um período em que ocorrem mudanças significativas e a ofensa sexual é uma questão de saúde pública, complexa e multideterminada. Cometer ofensa sexual na faixa etária entre 16-21 anos traz a necessidade de compreensão contextualizada, pois envolve dimensões jurídicas diferenciadas. Trata-se de uma pesquisa documental com os prontuários de cinco adolescentes atendidos em uma instituição de saúde pública. Os dados foram analisados a partir de categorias que conectam as vitimizações a aspectos sociofamiliares e implicações jurídicas. Os resultados apresentaram a polivitimização na história de vida e um ponto limite de virem a lidar com conjunto de regras de criminalização ou de proteção, de enfrentarem contextos jurídicos com legislações diferentes, quando ainda pertencem ao mesmo contexto familiar e à mesma comunidade. A responsabilização não pode ser a única resposta.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this article is to discuss the sexual offense committed by adolescents/young adults and social and legal implications. Adolescence is a period that significant changes occur and sexual offense is a complex and multi-determined public health issue. Committing sexual offense between 16-21 years old brings the need for contextualized understanding because it involves different legal dimensions. This is a documental research with the records of five adolescents treated at a public health institution. The data were analyzed with categories that connect victimization to social and family aspects and legal implications. The results presented polyvictimization in life history and a limiting point of coming to deal with a set of rules of criminalization or protection, of facing legal contexts with different laws, when they still belong to the same family context and the same community. Criminal liability cannot be the only answer.

White matter hyperintensities: initial assessments / Hiperintensidades da substância branca: avaliações iniciais

The white matter hyperintensities (WMH, leucoaraiosis) represent the most common kind of ischemic vascular lesion of the white matter due to small vessel diseases, and occurs frequently in the elderly. Consequent to the neuroimaging identification arouse the need for their assessment. The group of Fazekas proposed a systematized semi-quantitative visual scale to score such lesions where two parameters were considered, extent and localization. The original scale was further modified, to a simplified version. Although other more complex scales have appeared, researchers remarked that the relatively simple Fazekas scale, in comparison to the complex ones and to volumetric measures, appeared to be sufficient when analyzing relationships between clinical parameters and WMH load in a clinical setting.

As hiperintensidades da substância branca (HSB, leucoaraiose) representam o tipo de lesão isquêmica mais comum da substância branca decorrente de doenças de pequenos vasos e ocorre frequentemente em idosos. Consequente à identificação por neuroimagem surgiu a necessidade de sua avaliação. O grupo de Fazekas propos uma escala visual semiquantitativa sistematizada para pontuar tais lesões, onde foram considerados dois parâmetros, extensão e localização. A escala original foi modificada para constituir uma versão mais simplificada. Embora outras escalas mais complexas tenham aparecido, pesquisadores comentaram que a relativamente simples escala de Fazekas, em comparação às mais complexas e a método volumétrico, mostrou-se suficiente quando é analisada a relação entre parâmetros clínicos e a carga de HSB em um cenário clínico.

Psychosocial intervention in sexual violence against children: reflexivity and psychodramatic resource / Intervenção psicossocial na violência sexual contra crianças: reflexividade e recurso psicodramático / Intervención psicosocial en la violencia sexual contra la niñez: reflexividad y recurso psicodramático

This study aims to discuss the reflexivity of female children victims of sexual violence during a psychosocial intervention with a psychodramatic orientation, seeking out to understand the meanings present in the dialogues and plays. The research participants were 13 girls victims of sexual violence perpetrated by an adolescent close relative. Two group sessions records were used to focus on the interpretation of reflexivity on the theme of protection. The results describe the sessions in the organization: warm-up, dramatization and sharing. The discussion focuses on the earnings that play and dramatic plays bring to reflexivity about a topic such as arduous as sexual violence. The creation of a playful environment favors a dialogue between victims and adolescent offenders.

O objetivo do estudo é discutir a reflexividade de crianças do sexo feminino vítimas de violência sexual durante uma intervenção psicossocial de orientação psicodramática, buscando apreender a perspectiva dos significados presentes nos diálogos e brincadeiras. As participantes da pesquisa foram 13 meninas vítimas de violência sexual perpetrada por adolescente parente próximo. Utilizou-se o registro de duas sessões grupais com foco na interpretação da reflexividade sobre o tema da proteção. Os resultados descrevem as sessões segundo organização de aquecimento, dramatização e compartilhamento. A discussão foca os ganhos que a brincadeira e o jogo dramático trazem para a reflexividade, sobre tema tão árduo como o da violência sexual. A criação de ambiente lúdico favorece o diálogo entre vítimas e adolescentes ofensores.

El objetivo del estudo es discutir la reflexividad de las niñas víctimas de violencia sexual durante una intervención psicosocial con orientación psicodramática, buscando aprehender la perspectiva de los significados presentes en los diálogos y juegos. Los participantes de la investigación fueron 13 niñas víctimas de violencia sexual perpetrada por un familiar cercano adolescente. Se utilizaron dos sesiones grupales para centrarse en la interpretación de la reflexividad sobre el tema de la protección. Los resultados describen las dos sesiones en su organización de calentamiento, dramatización y compartilhamento. La discusión se centra en las ganancias que el juego y el juego dramático aportan a la reflexividad, sobre un tema tan arduo como la violencia sexual. La creación de un ambiente lúdico favorece el diálogo entre víctimas y adolescentes infractores.

Efeito da acupuntura nos níveis de força de preensão em atletas de jiu-jitsu ­ estudo experimental / Effect of acupuncture on levels of handgrip strength in jiu-jitsu athletes ­ an experimental study

O Jiu-jitsu é um esporte de contato direto com o adversário, que exige dos atletas torções e movimentos musculares rápidos e com grande esforço muscular. Durante a luta de Jiu-Jitsu, o atleta encontra-se em contato com o adversário na maior parte do tempo e, para manter essa posição, necessita de realizar movimentos sucessivos de preensão, o que demonstra a importância de uma função muscular adequada para esse movimento específico. A acupuntura está se expandindo, com uma demanda crescente no ambiente esportivo não só como método de tratamento, mas também como terapia de melhoria no desempenho físico. O objetivo foi avaliar o efeito imediato da acupuntura nos níveis de força de preensão manual em atletas de Jiu-Jitsu. O estudo foi do tipo ensaio clinico-experimental, cego por parte de um dosavaliadores, com avaliação quantitativa. Participaram deste estudo 16 atletas, com idades variando de 18 a 45 anos, de ambos os sexos. Os voluntários foram alocados de forma aleatória em alternância sequencialem um dos dois grupos: Grupo 1: Intervenção (GI n=8) e Grupo 2: Controle (GC n=8). Os acupontos selecionados neste estudo foram IG4 (Hegu) e TA5 (Waiguan). Todos os participantes realizaram o teste de dinamometria antes e após a intervenção. Foram utilizadas agulhas filiformes descartáveis 0,25X30mm. Os resultados mostraram que houve variação na força entre os momentos antes versus pós intervenção, sendo maior no GI de 2,83 (kgf) para a força da preensão na mão direita (p=0,01) e 1,44 (Kgf) para a preensão da mão esquerda (p= 0,25) e o GC apresentou variação de 0,44(kgf) (p=0,79) na preensão da mão direita e 0,31(kgf) (p=0,82) para a preensão da mão esquerda. Conclui-se que o grupo que recebeu agulhamento nos acupontos selecionados apresentou alteração na força (kgf) da preensão de ambas as mãos de forma mais significativa que o grupo que não recebeu acupuntura....(AU)

The Jiu-Jitsu is a sport of direct contact with the opponent, which requires of the athletes twists and muscle movements fast and with great muscular effort. During the Jiu-Jitsu fight, the athlete is in contact with the opponent most of the time and, in order to maintain this position, he needs to perform successive movements of prehension, which demonstrates the importance of a muscular function suitable for this movement. Acupuncture is expanding, with a growing demand in the sports environment not only as a treatment method but also as a therapy for improving physical performance. The objective was to evaluate the immediate effect of acupuncture on handgrip strength levels in Jiu-Jitsu athletes. The study was of the clinical-experimental type, blind by one of the evaluators, with quantitative evaluation. Sixteen athletes, ranging in ages from 18 to 45 years, of both sexes, participated in this study. The volunteers were randomly allocated in sequential alternation in one of two groups: Group 1: Intervention (GI n = 8) and Group 2: Control (GC n = 8). The acupoints selected in this study were IG4 (Hegu) and TA5 (Waiguan). All participants performed the dynamometry test before and after the intervention. Was used 0.25X30mm disposable filiform needles. The results showed that there was a variation in the force between the moments before and after the intervention, superior with a GI of 2.83 (kgf) for the right-hand prehension strength (p = 0.01) and 1.44 (Kgf) for the prehension of the left hand (p = 0.25) and the CG presented a variation of 0.44 (kgf) (p = 0.79) in the right-hand prehension and 0.31 (kgf) (p = 0.82) for the prehension of the left hand. It was concluded that the group that received needlework in the selected acupoints showed a change in the grip strength (kgf) of both hands more significantly than the group that did not receive acupuncture....(AU)

The fornix: from real to virtual dissection / O fornix: da dissecção real para a virtual

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Percheron thalamopeduncular syndrome with cervical dystonia: A case report.

Bilateral thalamic infarctions are usually caused by occlusion of the "Artery of Percheron" (AoP). Thalamopeduncular syndrome is among the most common presentations of AoP occlusion. A 59-year-old male presented abrupt decreased level of consciousness. After several weeks, on regaining consciousness, he exhibited oculomotor abnormalities, ataxic gait, cervical dystonia, and cognitive and behavioral changes. Magnetic resonance imaging disclosed thalamic, subthalamic, mammillary and midbrain infarction. Clinical features suggestive of bilateral thalamopeduncular syndrome were identified. Besides the presence of cognitive impairment and behavioral symptoms, cervical dystonia was evident, possibly resulting from interruption of the interconnections among basal ganglia, thalamus, subthalamus, midbrain and cerebellum.

Infartos talâmicos bilaterais são em geral ocasionados por oclusão da "Artéria de Percheron" (AdP). A síndrome talamopeduncular está entre as apresentações clínicas mais comuns da oclusão da AdP. Um homem de 59 anos apresentou rebaixamento abrupto do nível de consciência. Após algumas semanas, ao recobrar a consciência, apresentava anormalidades oculomotoras, marcha atáxica, distonia cervical e alterações cognitivas e comportamentais. A imagem por ressonância magnética evidenciou infartos talâmico, subtalâmico, mamilar e mesencefálico. O quadro clínico foi sugestivo de síndrome talamopeduncular. Além da presença de comprometimento cognitivo e transtornos de comportamento, estava presente distonia cervical, que pode resultar da interrupção das interconexões entre gânglios da base, tálamo, subtálamo, mesencéfalo e cerebelo.

Subcortical Vascular Cognitive Impairment staged through cdr's functional subsum (cdr-func): Preliminary results from an outpatient sample.

BACKGROUND: Staging vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) might be useful for sample selection in clinical trials and for guiding clinical decision-making. Clinical dementia rating (CDR) has been applied for staging cognitive impairments of different etiologies, but it may underestimate severity of non-Alzheimer's disease cognitive deficits. METHODS: Out of a total of 147 elderly subjects, 23 (mean age: 72.95 ± 7.51 years; 56% female; mean schooling: 9.52 ± 5.11 years) fulfilled clinical and neuroimaging criteria for VCI. Correlations among cognitive and functional status and scores in CDR and its subsums (CDR Sum of Boxes - CDR-SoB - and CDR Functional Subsum - CDR-FUNC) were performed. RESULTS: Both CDR-SoB and CDR-FUNC correlated with global cognitive performance, functional status, CLOX 2, working memory and abstraction tests. CDR global score only correlated with functional status. DISCUSSION: CDR-FUNC, as well as CDR-SoB, appear to be better indexes of severity in VCI than CDR global score.

Neuroimaging criteria and cognitive performance in vascular mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review / Critérios de neuroimagem e desempenho cognitivo no comprometimento cognitivo leve vascular: uma revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT The recognition of Cerebrovascular Disease (CVD) at earlier clinical stages may favor the control of vascular risk factors and prevention of dementia. However, operational criteria for symptomatic phases at non-dementia stages are often difficult, as the current criteria normally require the evidence of extensive subcortical disease. OBJECTIVE To identify the neuroimaging profile of Vascular Mild Cognitive Impairment (VaMCI), the impact of those aspects over cognition and the neuropsychological tests that distinguished VaMCI from other groups. METHODS Searches were performed in Scopus, ISI and PsycINFO, using the following key terms: "vascular mild cognitive impairment" OR "vascular cognitive impairment no dementia" OR "vascular cognitive impairment not demented" OR "subcortical mild cognitive impairment". RESULTS Of 249 papers, 20 studies were selected. Ten of those included only patients with severe White Matter Hyperintensities (WMH), whereas 10 others admitted subjects with moderate-to-severe WMH. Both groups showed poor performances in Executive Function (EF) tasks in comparison to normal controls and other diagnostic groups. Among EF tests, those assessing "complex" EF abilities consistently distinguished VaMCI from other groups, regardless of the severity of WMH. VaMCI subjects with severe or moderate-to-severe WMH showed cognitive deficits in comparison with other groups. "Complex" EF tests were the most useful in differentiating those patients from the other groups. CONCLUSION The occurrence of VaMCI may be associated with the presence of CVD at moderate levels; the detection of vascular damage at earlier stages may allow the adoption of therapeutic actions with significant effect-sizes.

RESUMO O reconhecimento precoce da Doença Cerebrovascular (DCV) pode permitir o controle de fatores de risco e a prevenção de demência. Contudo, critérios operacionais em seus estágios sintomáticos não-demenciais apresentam problemas, já que critérios atuais requerem a presença de extensa doença isquêmica subcortical. OBJETIVO Identificar o perfil de neuroimagem do Comprometimento Cognitivo Leve Vascular (CCLV), o impacto destes aspectos sobre a cognição e os testes neuropsicológicos que distinguem CCLV de outros grupos. MÉTODOS Foram realizadas buscas no Scopus, ISI e PsycINFO, usando a estratégia: "vascular mild cognitive impairment" OR "vascular cognitive impairment no dementia" OR "vascular cognitive impairment not demented" OR "subcortical mild cognitive impairment". RESULTADOS De 249 artigos, 20 foram selecionados. 10 destes incluíram apenas pacientes com hiperintensidades de substância branca (HSB) graves, enquanto 10 outros admitiram pacientes com HSB moderadas-a-graves. Ambos os grupos apresentaram desempenho pobre em tarefas de Função Executiva (FE) em comparação com controles normais e outras categorias diagnósticas. Dentre os testes de FE, aqueles que avaliam FE "complexas" diferiram consistentemente CCLV de outros grupos, independentemente da gravidade de HSB. Sujeitos com CCLV e HSB graves ou moderadas-a-graves apresentaram dificuldades cognitivas quando comparados aos demais grupos. Testes que avaliam FE "complexa" foram os mais úteis na diferenciação destes pacientes dos outros grupos. CONCLUSÃO A ocorrência de VaMCI pode estar associada à presença de HSB moderadas; a detecção precoce do dano vascular permitiria a adoção de medidas terapêuticas com tamanhos de efeito significativos.