Controlling methylene blue aggregation: a more efficient alternative to treat Candida albicans infections using photodynamic therapy.

Methylene Blue (MB) has been widely used in antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT), however, the mechanisms of action (Type I or Type II) are defined by its state of aggregation. In this sense, the identification of the relationships between aggregation, the mechanisms of action and the effectiveness against microorganisms, as well as the establishment of the means and the formulations that may favor the most effective mechanisms, are essential. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the in vitro aPDT efficacies against Candida albicans, by using MB in vehicles which may influence the aggregation and present an oral formulation (OF) containing MB, to be used in clinical aPDT procedures. The efficacy of MB at 20 mg L-1 was tested in a range of vehicles (water, physiological solution - NaCl 0.9%, phosphate saline buffer - PBS, sodium dodecyl sulfate 0.25% - SDS and urea 1 mol L-1) in a C. albicans planktonic culture, when using 4.68 J cm-2 of 640 ± 12 nm LED for the irradiations, as well as 5 minutes of pre-irradiation time, together with measuring the UFC mL-1. Based upon these analyses, an OF containing MB in the most effective vehicle was tested in the biofilms, as a proposal for clinical applications. When comparing some of the vehicles, sodium dodecyl sulfate was the only one that enhanced an MB aPDT efficacy in a planktonic C. albicans culture. This OF was tested in the biofilms and 50 mg L-1 MB was necessary, in order to achieve some reduction in the cell viabilities after the various treatments. The light dosimetries still need further adaptations, in order for this formulation to be used in clinical applications. The present research has indicated that the development of this formulation for the control of MB aggregations may result in more effective clinical protocols.

Evaluation of fungal burden and aflatoxin presence in packed medicinal plants treated by gamma radiation.

This study was developed to evaluate the fungal burden, toxigenic molds, and mycotoxin contamination and to verify the effects of gamma radiation in four kinds of medicinal plants stored before and after 30 days of irradiation treatment. Eighty samples of medicinal plants (Peumus boldus, Camellia sinensis, Maytenus ilicifolia, and Cassia angustifolia) purchased from drugstores, wholesale, and open-air markets in São Paulo city, Brazil, were analyzed. The samples were treated using a (60)Co gamma ray source (Gammacell) with doses of 5 and 10 kGy. Nonirradiated samples were used as controls of fungal isolates. For enumeration of fungi on medicinal plants, serial dilutions of the samples were plated in duplicate onto dichloran 18% glycerol agar. The control samples revealed a high burden of molds, including toxigenic fungi. The process of gamma radiation was effective in reducing the number of CFU per gram in all irradiated samples of medicinal plants after 30 days of storage, using a dose of 10 kGy and maintaining samples in a protective package. No aflatoxins were detected. Gamma radiation treatment can be used as an effective method for preventing fungal deterioration of medicinal plants subject to long-term storage.

Effects of aflatoxin B(1) and fumonisin B(1) on the viability and induction of apoptosis in rat primary hepatocytes.

The present study evaluated the effect of aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)) and fumonisin B(1) (FB(1)) either alone, or in association, on rat primary hepatocyte cultures. Cell viability was assessed by flow cytometry after propidium iodine intercalation. DNA fragmentation and apoptosis were assessed by agarose gel electrophoresis and acridine orange and ethidium bromide staining. At the concentrations of AFB(1) and FB(1) used, the toxins did not decrease cell viability, but did induce apoptosis in a concentration and time-dependent manner.

Evaluation of sphingolipids in Wistar rats treated to prolonged and single oral doses of fumonisin b1.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate sphingolipid levels (sphingosine-So and sphinganine-Sa) and to compare the Sa/So ratio in liver, serum and urine of Wistar rats after prolonged administration (21 days) of fumonisin B(1) (FB(1)). In parallel, the kinetics of sphingolipid elimination in urine was studied in animals receiving a single dose of FB(1). Prolonged exposure to FB(1) caused an increase in Sa levels in urine, serum and liver. The most marked effect on sphingolipid biosynthesis was observed in animals treated with the highest dose of FB(1). Animals receiving a single dose of FB(1) presented variations in Sa and So levels and in the Sa/So ratio.

Urinary lithiasis in civil construction workers as a management indicator for health and improvement in personnel.

INTRODUCTION: Empirical information provided by health care professionals acting in the first line of care report a constant increase in the number of civil construction workers that present painful acute conditions, in most cases associated with the existence of urinary tract calculi. AIMS: Evaluating the prevalence of urinary lithiasis in civil construction workers, as a means to identify indicators for the management of health and personnel. METHODS: Observational study based on directed questionnaire. RESULTS: From the 94 participants, 18 (19%) were lithiasic, mostly due to overweight and reduced fluid intake. CONCLUSION: The observed prevalence appeared to be two times greater than that of the general population. Thus, prevention for such condition gains relevance, in order to avoid discomfort for the worker, and also reduce costs due to absenteeism, improving productivity, benefiting the workers by performance and creating the perspective of an improved quality of life.

In situ analysis of a composting plant located in São Paulo city: fungal ecology in different composting phases

The National Plan for Solid Waste has set out to reduce by 25% the amount of organic waste disposed of in landfills, mostly food residues from street fairs, besides determining the implementation of municipal composting plants, and it also mentions improving the capacity of plants already installed. The purpose of the study was to analyze which decomposing fungi are involved in the different composting phases, in a plant located in the city of São Paulo. Data was collected in four composting seasons from 2016 to 2017 and the analysis of 49 samples showed twelve genera belonging to the Ascomycetes and Zygomycetes phyla, but only at the mesophilic phase. In all seasons, yeasts and Aspergillus fumigatus were predominant with a total count of 1.0 x 109 cfu g-1 and 7.4 x 108 cfu g-1, respectively. These fungi can be applied in future studies of biostimulation to optimize the cycle at the municipal plant.

Resistência aos antimicrobianos: uma revisão dos desafios na busca por novas alternativas de tratamento / Antimicrobial resistance: a review of the challenges in the search for new treatment alternatives / Resistencia a los antimicrobianos: una revisión de los desafíos en la búsqueda de nuevas alternativas de tratamiento

Justificativa e Objetivos: Os antimicrobianos correspondem a uma classe de fármacos mundialmente empregados no tratamento de inúmeras patologias desencadeadas por microrganismos. Nos últimos anos, em decorrência do aumento da resistência bacteriana, principalmente por patógenos potencialmente nocivos para a saúde, têm-se despertado gradativamente a necessidade pela busca de novas substâncias com o intuito de conter as infecções desencadeadas nos ambientes hospitalares e na comunidade. Em razão disso, o desafio é a busca por novas pesquisas relativas às novas substâncias com atividades antimicrobianas ou sob a averiguação que demonstraram notória efetividade quando testados frente às bactérias, comparando-as aos já empregados. Conteúdo: A revisão bibliográfica, pertinente ao assunto, baseada em artigos publicados nas revistas indexadas no Scielo, Science Direct, Bireme, Medline e Pubmed, apontou novos estudos e evidenciaram que há novas substâncias em desenvolvimento ou já disponíveis com significativa atividade antimicrobiana capaz de reduzir, de forma seletiva, alguns microrganismos emergentes ou multirresistentes em um curto periodo de tempo, bem como ao longo prazo. Conclusão: Visto que há novas fontes naturais sendo exploradas e que podem contribuir para a síntese de novos fármacos com propriedades antimicrobianas, vislumbram-se novos antimicrobianos a serem inseridos no mercado e na prática clínica.(AU)

Background and Objectives: The antimicrobials correspond to a class of drugs worldwide used in the treatment of numerous pathologies triggered by microorganisms. In recent years, due to the increase in bacterial resistance, mainly by potentially harmful pathogens for health, the need for the search for new substances has been gradually awakened in order to contain the infections triggered in hospital settings and in the community. Therefore, the challenge is the search for new research regarding the new substances with antimicrobial activities or under the investigation that demonstrated a remarkable effectiveness when tested against the bacteria, comparing them to those already employed. Content: The bibliographic review, relevant to the subject, based on articles published in the journals indexed in Scielo, Science Direct, Bireme, Medline and Pubmed, pointed out new studies and evidenced that there are new substances in development or already available with significant antimicrobial activity capable of reducing , selectively, some emerging or multiresistant microorganisms in a short period of time, as well as in the long term. Conclusion: Since new natural sources are being explored and may contribute to the synthesis of new drugs with antimicrobial properties, new antimicrobial agents can be inserted in the market and clinical practice.(AU)

Justificación y objetivos: Los antimicrobianos corresponden a una clase de fármacos a nivel mundial empleados en el tratamiento de numerosas patologías desencadenadas por microorganismos. En los últimos años, debido al aumento de la resistencia bacteriana, principalmente por patógenos potencialmente nocivos para la salud, se ha despertado gradualmente la necesidad por la pesquisa de nuevas sustancias con el fin de contener las infecciones desencadenadas en los ambientes hospitalarios y en la comunidad. En consecuencia, el desafío es la búsqueda de nuevas pesquisa relativas a las nuevas sustancias con actividades antimicrobianas o bajo la investigación que demostraron notoria efectividad cuando son probadas frente a las bacterias, comparándolas a los ya empleados. Contenido: La revisión bibliográfica, pertinente al tema, basada en artículos publicados en las revistas indexadas en Scielo, Science Direct, Bireme, Medline y Pubmed, apuntó nuevos estudios y evidenciaron que hay nuevas sustancias en desarrollo o ya disponibles con significativa actividad antimicrobiana capaz de reducir, de forma selectiva, algunos microorganismos emergentes o multirresistentes en un corto período de tiempo, así como a largo plazo. Conclusión: Dado que existen nuevas fuentes naturales que se explotan y que pueden contribuir a la síntesis de nuevos fármacos con propiedades antimicrobianas, se vislumbran nuevos antimicrobianos a ser insertados en el mercado y en la práctica clínica.(AU)

Percepção de estudantes de enfermagem sobre o treinamento virtual segundo a American Heart Association / Perception of nursing students on virtual training according to the American Heart Association

Introdução: O ensino virtual é uma ferramenta importante na capacitação de futuros profissionais da área de saúde. Objetivo: O presente estudo propôs a criação de um vídeo aula, sobre a prática correta da mensuração de pressão arterial (PA), como um treinamento para estudantes do curso de enfermagem, ingressantes em um ambulatório integrado ao Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Métodos: Foi aplicado um questionário semiestruturado para 200 alunos, após a apresentação da técnica em vídeo, quanto à percepção da mensuração conforme os critérios da American Heart Association (AHA). Resultados: Do total de estudantes, 70% conhecia os padrões da AHA e 43% referiu não conhecer os sons de Korotkoff. O vídeo foi considerado esclarecedor por 91,5% e 94% afirmou ter mais segurança para realizar o procedimento. Conclusão: A revisão em vídeo sobre a técnica, antes do início dos trabalhos de rotina nos ambulatórios, foi positiva na percepção dos graduandos de enfermagem.

Introduction: Virtual education is an important tool in the qualification of future health professionals. Objective: This study proposed the creation of a video lesson about the correct practice of blood pressure (BP) measurement as training for students of the nursing course, beginners in an integrated clinic to the Unified Health System (UHS). Methods: A semi-structured questionnaire was applied to 200 students after the technique presentation in a video form regarding the perception of measurement according to the criteria of the American Heart Association (AHA). Results: Of all students, 70% knew the AHA standards and 43% reported not knowing the Korotkoff sounds. The video was enlightening for 91.5% and 94% claimed to have more security to perform the procedure. Conclusion: The technical review video before the start of the routine work in clinics was positive in the perception of nursing undergraduates.

Urinary lithiasis in civil construction workers as a management indicator for health and improvement in personnel / Litíase urinária em trabalhadores da construção civil como indicador para a gestão em saúde e melhoria na gestão de pessoas

Introduction: Empirical information provided by health care professionals acting in the first line of care report a constant increase in the number of civil construction workers that present painful acute conditions, in most cases associated with the existence of urinary tract calculi. Aims: Evaluating the prevalence of urinary lithiasis in civil construction workers, as a means to identify indicators for the management of health and personnel. Methods: Observational study based on directed questionnaire. Results: From the 94 participants, 18 (19%) were lithiasic, mostly due to overweight and reduced fluid intake. Conclusion: The observed prevalence appeared to be two times greater than that of the general population. Thus, prevention for such condition gains relevance, in order to avoid discomfort for the worker, and also reduce costs due to absenteeism, improving productivity, benefiting the workers by performance and creating the perspective of an improved quality of life.

Informações empíricas fornecidas por profissionais de saúde que atuam no setor de pronto atendimento relatam aumento constante do número de trabalhadores da construção civil que apresentam quadros dolorosos agudos, na sua maioria associados à presença de cálculos no trato urinário. O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar a prevalência de litíase urinária em funcionários da construção civil, buscando identificar indicadores para a gestão em saúde e de pessoas. Método: Estudo observacional realizado com a aplicação de um questionário direcionado. Dos 94 participantes, 18 (19%) eram litiásicos, fato este associado principalmente ao sobrepeso e à reduzida ingestão hídrica. A prevalência observada mostrou-se o do dobro da população em geral. Desta forma, é importante prevenir os riscos desta condição, evitando assim o desconforto do trabalhador, reduzindo os custos do SUS com o tratamento e também os das empresas com o absenteísmo, gerando melhoria na produtividade, beneficiando o empregado pelo desempenho e criando perspectiva na melhoria da qualidade de vida.

Evaluation of viability of Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxins degradation in irradiated samples of maize

Um dos fungos mais importantes atualmente em grãos armazenados é o Aspergillus flavus, o qual produz aflatoxinas. Este fungo pode crescer em diversos substratos e representa uma séria preocupação em saúde pública e nutrição animal. Portanto, o estudo de técnicas que possam ser aplicadas no controle das aflatoxinas é de grande importância. Assim sendo, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi estudar os efeitos da radiação gama no crescimento de Aspergillus flavus Link e na degradação das aflatoxinas B1 e B2, (AFB1 e AFB2) em umidade relativa (UR) de 97-99% e atividade de água (Aa) de 0,88-0,94. Amostras de grãos de milho foram irradiadas, utilizando-se uma fonte de Cobalto 60, emissora de raios gama, com as doses de 2; 5 e 10 kGy. A irradiação foi efetiva na redução do número de Unidades Formadoras de Colônias de A. flavus, por grama, nas amostras de milho analisadas. Adicionalmente, o teste de viabilidade fluorescente (solução de diacetato de fluoresceína e brometo de etídio) revelou diminuição no número de células viáveis com o aumento das doses de irradiação e três diferentes padrões de fluorescência. Além disso, a irradiação induziu a uma parcial redução dos níveis de AFB1 e AFB2, nas doses de 2 e 5 kGy, ao passo que uma completa degradação das aflatoxinas foi observada no ensaio empregado com 10 kGy.