Cytotoxic, Antitumor and Toxicological Profile of Passiflora alata Leaf Extract.

Passiflora alata or passion fruit is a native flowering plant from Amazon, geographically spread from Peru to Brazil. The plant has long been used in folks medicine for its pharmacological properties and is included in the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia since 1929. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential cytotoxic and antitumor activities of Passiflora alata leaf extract (PaLE) in S180-tumor bearing mice. The percentage of cell proliferation inhibition (% CPI) and IC50 in relation to 4 tumor cell lines were determined in PC3, K-562, HepG2 and S180 cell lines using the MTT assay. PaLE showed a CPI > 75% and greater potency (IC50 < 30 µg/mL) against PC3 and S180 cell lines. PaLE showed antitumor activity in treatments intraperitoneally (36.75% and 44.99% at doses of 100 and 150 mg/kg/day, respectively). Toxicological changes were shown in the reduced body mass associated with reduced food consumption, increased spleen mass associated with histopathological increase in the white pulp of the spleen and increased number of total leukocytes with changes in the percentage relationship between lymphocytes and neutrophils. Our outcomes corroborate the conclusion that PaLE has antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo with low toxicity.

Undeserving mothers? Shifting rationalities in the maternal healthcare of undocumented Nicaraguan migrants in Costa Rica.

The case of Nicaraguan migrants in Costa Rica is emblematic of the issues that immigration generates in host countries. Undocumented Nicaraguan women seeking maternal care constitute a key challenge to the universal coverage of Costa Rica's health system. Can the long-standing commitment to universality, solidarity and equality expressed in the legislation be translated into practice? Discourses of health professionals in Costa Rica reveal a contradiction between merit and prejudice in prenatal and delivery care. Here, I present qualitative research based on semi-structured interviews with physicians and nurses at a Costa Rican National Hospital. The data show that migrant women, rejected from primary care, do find help in emergency services, but not without difficulties, as they must engage in individual negotiations centred on their bodies. The discourses of health providers reflect an ambivalence between the perceived undeservingness of undocumented migrant women and the medical realisation that two lives are at risk. While the foetus often evokes compassion, the mother commonly provokes repression, as specific and shifting rationalities reflect new moral regimes that are applied to this population. Women are perceived as being 'illegal', 'immoral' and 'irrational', and the baby, although legally Costa Rican due to jus solis policy, embodies 'the other'. Ultimately, otherness frames perceptions of deservingness of maternal care for undocumented migrant women in Costa Rica.

Advancing nursing education through wearable electronic devices: A scoping review.

AIM: To examine the incorporation of wearable electronic devices in the education of undergraduate nursing students. BACKGROUND: The advancement of technology has influenced nursing education and will continue to do so in the future. Wearable technologies are electronic devices that can be worn as an accessory and expand the possibilities in nursing education with increased engagement in the learning process. DESIGN: A scoping review was conducted following JBI and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. METHODS: The search was performed on August 25th, 2023, in the databases: MEDLINE via PubMed, ISI Web of Science, ERIC, EBSCOhost CINAHL, EBSCOhost Academic Search Premier, EBSCOhost Health Source Nursing, EMBASE, Scopus, BVShost LILACS and ProQuest. Literature that examined the application of wearable electronic devices in the education of undergraduate nursing students was included. RESULTS: This scoping review study included a total of 21 records published between 2014 and 2023. The analysis showed that smart glasses are the most common wearable electronic device used in nursing education, followed by smartwatches. The devices provide an opportunity for competencies development, especially when applied in the simulation environment, such as physical examination and medication administration. Wearable technologies are potentially useful and feasible as learning tools in nursing education, increasing nursing students' motivation, confidence and satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: In the technological revolution, educators must consider the potential of innovative teaching strategies, such as wearable electronic devices, to advance nursing education. Wearables can contribute to developing competencies required for the professionalism of undergraduate nursing students.

Toxicogenetic, biochemical, and physiological effects of azoxystrobin and carbendazim fungicides over Lactuca sativa L. and Phaseolus vulgaris L.

Fungicides are pesticides that are frequently used in agriculture because of their action against fungal diseases. However, the widespread application of pesticides around the world raises environmental and public health concerns, since these compounds are toxic and can pose risks to ecosystems and human health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytotoxic, cytogenotoxic, and biochemical effects of azoxystrobin and carbendazim on Lactuca sativa L. and their physiological effects on Phaseolus vulgaris L. by analyzing the cell cycle and chromosomal and nuclear alterations in L. sativa; the biochemical effects of azoxystrobin and carbendazim on Phaseolus vulgaris L. and their physiological effects on Phaseolus vulgaris L. by analyzing the cell cycle and chromosomal and nuclear alterations in L. sativa; the biochemical effects by analyzing the activity of antioxidant enzymes in L. sativa; and the physiological effects by analyzing chlorophyll content and chlorophyll a fluorescence in P. vulgaris. It was observed that both fungicides were phytotoxic and cytotoxic, reducing root growth and the mitotic index, cytogenotoxic, increasing the occurrence of chromosomal alterations, as well as inducing oxidative stress and an increase in chlorophyll fluorescence emission and altered energy absorption in the plants used as a test system. In view of this, studies such as the one presented here indicate that the use of pesticides, even in small quantities, can lead to damage to the metabolism of plant organisms.

Requirement of UNC93B1 reveals a critical role for TLR7 in host resistance to primary infection with Trypanosoma cruzi.

UNC93B1 associates with TLR3, 7, and 9, mediating their translocation from the endoplasmic reticulum to the endolysosome, thus allowing proper activation by microbial nucleic acids. We found that the triple-deficient 3d mice, which lack functional UNC93B1 as well as functional endosomal TLRs, are highly susceptible to infection with Trypanosoma cruzi. The enhanced parasitemia and mortality in 3d animals were associated with impaired proinflammatory response, including reduced levels of IL-12p40 and IFN-γ. Importantly, the phenotype of 3d mice was intermediary between MyD88(-/-) (highly susceptible) and TLR9(-/-) (moderately susceptible), indicating the involvement of an additional UN93B1-dependent TLR(s) on host resistance to T. cruzi. Hence, our experiments also revealed that TLR7 is a critical innate immune receptor involved in recognition of parasite RNA, induction of IL-12p40 by dendritic cells, and consequent IFN-γ by T lymphocytes. Furthermore, we show that upon T. cruzi infection, triple TLR3/7/9(-/-) mice had similar phenotype than 3d mice. These data imply that the nucleic acid-sensing TLRs are critical determinants of host resistance to primary infection with T. cruzi.

Influence of hypovitaminosis D during pregnancy on glycemic and lipid profile, inflammatory indicators and anthropometry of pregnant and newborn.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Hypovitaminosis D currently represents a public health problem and is related to the emergence of chronic diseases. Furthermore, this vitamin deficiency has been associated with pregnancy complications, and it can also influence newborn's growth and development. The purpose of this review is to understand the effects of vitamin D nutritional status on women during pregnancy, as well as its impact on newborn's health. METHODS: Review of observational studies, published between 2020 and 2021. The research was carried out in the following databases: Pubmed and SciELO. The search terms used to select the articles were: vitamin D, 25(OH)D, serum levels, pregnancy, lactation, gene expression, maternal results, complications, pre-eclampsia, obesity, gestational diabetes, and children. As inclusion criteria, were considered observational studies that addressed the topic and answered the review aims. RESULTS: 52 articles were identified and at the end of the selection process, 19 articles were considered, in which they met all the established eligibility criteria. According to the findings in this review, hypovitaminosis D is related to gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and gestational weight gain, changes in laboratory parameters as well as outcomes in newborns. CONCLUSIONS: Hypovitaminosis D can adversely influence pregnancy and newborn's health, evidencing the need to assess the nutritional status of vitamin D, as well as the existence, or not, of a clinic during pregnancy. It is important that new scientific evidence is published to support this hypothesis.

Recovery of complete genomes of canine parvovirus from clinical samples.

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a highly pathogenic virus that affects dogs, especially puppies. CPV is believed to have evolved from feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), eventually giving rise to three antigenic types, CPV-2a, 2b, and 2c. CPV-2 is recognized for its resilience in contaminated environments, ease of transmission among dogs, and pathogenicity for puppies. Despite the relevance of the virus, complete genome sequences of CPV available at GenBank, to date, are scarce. In the current study, we have developed a methodology to allow the recovery of complete CPV-2 genomes directly from clinical samples. For this, seven fecal samples from Gurupi, Tocantins, North Brazil, were collected from puppies with clinical signals of viral enteritis, and submitted to viral DNA isolation and amplification. Two multiplex PCR strategies were designed including primers targeting fragments of 400 base pairs (bp) and 1,000 bp along the complete genome. Sequencing was performed with the Nanopore® technology and results obtained with the two approaches were compared. Genome assembly revealed that the 400 bp amplicons generated larger numbers of reads, allowing a more reliable coverage of the whole genome than those attained with primers targeting the larger (1000 bp) amplicons. Nevertheless, both enrichment methodologies were efficient in amplification and sequencing. Viral genome sequences were of high quality and allowed more precise typing and subtyping of viral genomes compared to the commonly employed strategy relying solely on the analysis of the VP2 region, which is limited in scope. The CPV-2 genomes recovered in this study belong to the CPV2a and CPV-2c subtypes, closely related to isolates from the neighboring Amazonian region. In conclusion, the technique reported here may contribute to increase the number of full CPV genomes available, which is essential for understanding the genetic mechanisms underlying the evolution and spread of CPV-2.

Toxicogenetic, biochemical, and anatomical effects of the herbicide Clethodim on Allium cepa L.

Pesticides are compounds with several chemical or biological agents developed to potentiate the biocide action. Their use is associated with increased economic and agricultural productivity worldwide but can harm health and the environment, damaging existing biota. Clethodim is a systemic post-emergent herbicide for grasses, highly selective for cotton, coffee, onions, carrots, soybeans, etc. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the harmful effect of the herbicide Clethodim with the model plant Allium cepa. A series of tests were conducted to evaluate the effects of the herbicide under study. Germination tests, root growth, cell, and nucleolar cycle analysis, as well as oxidative stress assessment and histological analysis of the roots, were performed. The results indicated that the herbicide demonstrated phytotoxicity, inhibiting germination at C1 (1.92 g/L) and C3 (0.84 g/L), and root growth at all concentrations, presenting mutagenicity at C1 (1.92 g/L) and C4 (0.24 g/L), evidenced by the increased frequency of micronuclei. In addition, changes were observed in the enzymatic activity of the enzymes catalase at concentrations C1 (1.92 g/L) and C2 (0.96 g/L) and ascorbate peroxidase at concentrations C1 (1.92 g/L), C2 (0. 96 g/L), and C3 (0.48 g/L) and in cell elongation at concentrations C1 (1.92 g/L) and C3 (0.48 g/L), demonstrated in histological analyses of the root apex.

Oil spill environmental sensitivity mapping of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The current case study focuses on the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) mapping of Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - a region at risk from petroleum sector pollution. By mapping 981.5 km of coastline and classifying it in 10 oil sensitivity indices, we integrated biotic resources, socioeconomic attributes, and geoenvironmental diversity into a georeferenced database. Results reveal a high oil sensitivity of the bay, with approximately 89 % of the mapped coast scoring ESI 8 and ESI 10. These scores comprise, respectively, estuarine and solid substrate habitats that are sheltered from wave action. Notably, numerous manufacturing and oil handling plants, along with intensive urbanization, also contribute to the bay's oil sensitivity. Additionally, the rich biotic diversity in the study area, particularly in protected areas housing 79 conservation units, further amplifies its environmental vulnerability. This study aims to serve as a reference for detailed ESI mapping of coastal areas in tropical rainy zones with significant environmental diversity, industrial development, and a dense population.

Selective sorption and desorption of DOM in Podzol horizons - DOC and aluminium contents of leachates from a column experiment.

Complexation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) with cations and minerals contributes to the stabilization of carbon in soils, and can enable the transport of metals in the environment. Hence, a proper understanding of mechanisms that control DOM binding properties in the soil is important for major environmental challenges, such as climate change and stream pollution. However, the role of DOM source in those mechanisms remains understudied. Here, we consider poorly drained tropical Podzols as a model environment to isolate effects of aluminium and DOM on sorption and desorption processes in podzolisation. We collected E- and Bh-horizons from a Brazilian coastal Podzol under tropical rainforest to conduct a column experiment, and percolated the columns with DOM collected from a stream (Stream), peat water (Peat), litter (Litter) and charred litter (Char). To quantify sorption and desorption from the columns, leachates were analysed for DOC content, aluminium content, pH, and the amount of fulvic acid relative to humic acid. The results showed large differences in DOC retention between DOM-types, which were consistent over all columns. Retention of DOC in the column varied between 25 % and 92 % for DOM-type Stream, between 33 % and 63 % for DOM-type Peat, between 22 % and 47 % for DOM-type Litter, and between 8 % and 49 % for DOM-type Char. Similarly, desorption from columns with B-horizon material highly differed between DOM-types. Percolation with DOM-types Stream and Peat caused a release of native DOC from B columns that was higher than in those percolated with water only. On the other hand, percolation of B columns with DOM-types Litter and Char caused a net DOC retention. These differences reflect that certain DOM-types hindered desorption, while other DOM-types caused active desorption. The large differences in sorption/desorption between DOM-types implies that changes in environmental conditions may highly influence the fate of soil carbon in Podzols.

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Selective sorption and desorption of DOM in podzol horizons - FTIR and Py-GC/MS of leachates from a column experiment.

The sorption of dissolved organic matter (DOM) depends on its interaction with the soil matrix. In hydromorphic podzols, DOM reacts mainly with aluminium (Al), which is responsible for the formation of the Bh-horizon in the subsoil. In this work, we investigated whether the retention of DOM in the soil during the podzolization process is selective in relation to the molecular composition of DOM. A column experiment was conducted to study the selective retention of sorption and desorption processes under controlled conditions. Materials used in the column experiment were representative for Brazilian coastal podzols under tropical rainforest. Materials were collected from this tropical coastal podzol ecosystem, and included soil from E- and Bh-horizons, and DOM from a stream (Stream), peat water (Peat), litter (Litter) and charred litter (Char). To evaluate selective retention of DOM, both the initial DOM and its leachates were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectra absorption (FTIR) and pyrolysis gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). The results showed preferential retention of DOM associated with biopolymers for soil columns with E-horizon material (E), E with Al nitrate (E-n), E with kaolinite (E-k) and E with gibbsite (E-h), except for Char. The composition of leachates after percolation through B horizon columns was mainly determined by desorption, and had a relatively large contribution from phenolic and carboxylic groups associated with Al and low molecular weight aromatic and N-containing pyrolysis products, while products from macromolecular materials such as cellulose were selectively retained in the columns for all DOM types. DOM from the Stream (taken during the rainy season) resembled that of desorbed OM from the B columns, reinforcing substantial desorption in the field as well. Our results suggest that sorption and desorption of OM in the hydromorphic Bh-horizon is continuous and that the selectivity of sorption is dependent on DOM source.

CNS-associated T-lymphocytes in a mouse model of Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia type 11 (SPG11) are therapeutic targets for established immunomodulators.

Pharmacological targeting of neuroinflammation in distinct models of genetically mediated disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) has been shown to attenuate disease outcome significantly. These include mouse models mimicking distinct subtypes of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCL, CLN diseases) as well as hereditary spastic paraplegia type 2 (HSP/SPG2). We here show in a model of another, complicated HSP form (SPG11) that there is neuroinflammation in distinct compartments of the diseased CNS. Using a proof-of-principle experiment, we provide evidence that genetically targeting the adaptive immune system dampens disease progression including gait disturbance, demonstrating a pathogenic impact of neuroinflammation. Translating these studies into a clinically applicable approach, we show that the established immunomodulators fingolimod and teriflunomide significantly attenuate the neurodegenerative phenotype and improve gait performance in the SPG11 model, even when applied relatively late during disease progression. Particularly abnormalities in gait coordination, representing ataxia, could be attenuated, while features indicative of reduced strength during walking did not respond to treatment. Our study identifies neuroinflammation by the adaptive immune system as a robust and targetable disease amplifier in a mouse model of SPG11 and may thus pave the way for a translational approach in humans implicating approved immunomodulators.

Left Atrial Septal Pouch and Acute Thromboembolic Ischemia of the Upper Limb.

BACKGROUND A left atrial septal pouch (LASP) was first described in 2010 as a new anatomical entity with potential for embolic events. The prevalences of left, right, and double septal pouches are 40.8%, 5.1%, and 3.7%, respectively. There is a concern about the risk of embolic events due to formation of thrombi in a LASP (especially stroke). CASE REPORT A 60-year-old man presented with sudden onset of right arm pain associated with sweating and neck pain radiating to his left upper extremity. On physical examination, his right arm was cyanotic and he had pain, paresthesia, and no radial pulse. The patient was diagnosed with acute arterial occlusion of his right upper extremity. An arterial embolectomy was performed with a Fogarty catheter at the level of the brachial artery, which resulted in immediate reperfusion. The patient had an embolic event and after efforts to identify the possible etiology, only an LASP was found. Therefore, we hypothesized that he experienced an embolic event in which a thrombus had formed at the site of the LASP. CONCLUSIONS The present case report is designed to raise awareness of the thrombogenic potential of LASP and the possibility of an embolic event to the upper limb of patients with it. LASP can be the source of a thrombus in a patient with a non-stroke embolic event.

Evaluation of the specific uptake of radiolabeled Staphylococcus aureus aptamers in the infectious foci.

The specific uptake of 99mTc radiolabeled Staphylococcus aureus aptamers in the infectious foci was evaluated by scintigraphic imaging of infection-bearing mice. The radiotracer uptake was inhibited by non-radiolabeled aptamers in a competition assay. In addition, when a different number of bacterial cells was used to infect mice an increase in the target/non-target ratios of images correlated with the increase of CFU per gram of tissue was verified. These results confirmed that 99mTc-aptamers were specific to bacterial focus and the level of uptake was dependent on the number of bacterial cells.

Prevalence and trends of mental disorders requiring inpatient care in the city of Porto Alegre: a citywide study including all inpatient admissions due to mental disorders in the public system from 2013-2017.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the 5-year prevalence of patients admitted to public inpatient care units due to a mental disorder, stratifying them by age group and diagnosis, and to assess trends of admissions over this time period in Porto Alegre. METHODS: All admissions to the public mental health care system regulated by the city-owned electronic system Administração Geral dos Hospitais (AGHOS) were included in the analysis. The total population size was obtained by estimations of Fundação de Economia e Estatística (FEE). General information about 5-year prevalence of inpatient admissions, time-series trends e prevalence by age groups and diagnosis were presented. RESULTS: There were 32,608 admissions over the 5-year period analyzed. The overall prevalence of patients was 1.62% among the total population, 0.01% among children, 1.12% among adolescents, 2.28% among adults and 0.93% among the elderly. The most common diagnosis was drug-related, followed by mood, alcohol-related and psychotic disorders. There was a linear trend showing an increase in the number of admissions from 2013 to the midst of 2014, which dropped in 2015. CONCLUSIONS: Admissions due to mental disorders are relatively common, mainly among adults and related to drug use and mood disorders. Time trends varied slightly over the 5 years. Prevalence rates in real-world settings might be useful for policymakers interested in planning the public mental health system in large Brazilian cities.

Occurrence and partitioning of antifouling booster biocides in sediments and porewaters from Brazilian Northeast.

Fouling organisms attach and grow on submerged surfaces causing several economic losses. Thus, biocides have been introduced in antifouling paints in order to avoid this phenomenon, but their widespread use became a global problem, mainly in ports, leisure and fishing boat harbors, since these substances can be highly toxic to non-target organisms. The occurrence and environmental behavior of antifouling biocides are especially unknown in some peculiar regions, such as Amazon areas. Thus, the aim of this work was to evaluate, for the first time, levels and the partitioning behavior of the antifouling organic biocides irgarol, diuron and also stable degradation products of dichlofluanid and diuron (DMSA and DCPMU, respectively) in sediments and porewaters from a high boat traffic area located in the Northeast of Brazil, a pre-Amazon region. Our results showed high concentrations of irgarol (<1.0-89.7 µg kg-1) and diuron (<5.0-55.2 µg kg-1) in sediments. In porewater, DCPMU (<0.03-0.67 µg L-1) and DMSA (<0.008-0.263 µg L-1) were the mainly substances detected. High Kd and Koc obtained for both irgarol and diuron showed a partitioning preference in the solid phase. This work represents one of the few registers of contamination by antifouling substances in Amazonian areas, despite their environmental relevance.

Infectivity of seropositive dogs, showing different clinical forms of leishmaniasis, to Lutzomyia longipalpis phlebotomine sand flies.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a growing zoonosis with an increasing number of new cases and a rapid geographical spreading of the disease. In the present study, a canine survey was carried out in the city of Montes Claros (320,000 inhabitants), an endemic area of American visceral leishmaniasis in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. A total number of 4795 dogs were examined by serology, which showed a rate of seropositivity of 5%. Isoenzymatic analysis confirmed Leishmania infantum chagasi as the local aetiological agent of CVL. Canine tissues were assayed for the presence of Leishmania parasite DNA using different techniques. The infectivity of asymptomatic, oligosymptomatic and symptomatic seropositive dogs was tested by xenodiagnosis using laboratory reared Lutzomyia longipalpis. Rates of infection of 5.4%, 5.1% and 28.4% were found for the phlebotomine sand flies that fed in asymptomatic, oligosymptomatic and symptomatic dogs, respectively. Our results indicate that, under experimental conditions, symptomatic dogs are about four times more infective to VL vectors than oligosymptomatic or asymptomatic animals. The lower infectivity rates of dogs displaying any of the last two clinical forms of leishmaniasis, however, must be taken into account in the epidemiology of CVL.

Novel Pemulen/Pullulan blended hydrogel containing clotrimazole-loaded cationic nanocapsules: Evaluation of mucoadhesion and vaginal permeation.

In this work, hydrogels containing clotrimazole-loaded nanocapsules were developed through the innovative association of two mucoadhesive polymers: Pemulen® TR1 and Pullulan. Furthermore, the hydrogels macroscopic characteristics, pH and spreadability were evaluated. The formulations showed homogeneous appearance and pH compatible with vaginal application (around 5.0). Similar spreadability profiles were found in hydrogels containing clotrimazole-loaded nanocapsules and in the free drug as well. Hydrogels were evaluated considering their mucoadhesive potential by the falling liquid film method and the permeation/penetration capacity through cow vaginal mucosa in Franz cell. The results showed that the concentration of 3% Pullulan was important to increase the adhesive strength on the layer used (mucin gel or animal mucosa). The results of the permeation/penetration study showed that the hydrogel containing clotrimazole-loaded nanocapsules remained on the vaginal mucosa surface, what is ideal for the treatment of superficial vaginal infections. This way, the Pemulen/Pullulan blended hydrogel is a promising alternative for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Detection of bacterial infection by a technetium-99m-labeled peptidoglycan aptamer.

Nuclear medicine clinicians are still waiting for the optimal scintigraphic imaging agents capable of distinguishing between infection and inflammation, and between fungal and bacterial infections. Aptamers have several properties that make them suitable for molecular imaging. In the present study, a peptidoglycan aptamer (Antibac1) was labeled with 99mTc and evaluated by biodistribution studies and scintigraphic imaging in infection-bearing mice. Labeling with 99mTc was performed by the direct method and the complex stability was evaluated in saline, plasma and in the molar excess of cysteine. The biodistribution and scintigraphic imaging studies with the 99mTc-Antibac1 were carried out in two different experimental infection models: Bacterial-infected mice (S. aureus) and fungal-infected mice (C. albicans). A 99mTc radiolabeled library, consisting of oligonucleotides with random sequences, was used as a control for both models. Radiolabeling yields were superior to 90% and 99mTc-Antibac1 was highly stable in presence of saline, plasma, and cysteine up to 6h. Scintigraphic images of S. aureus infected mice at 1.5 and 3.0h after 99mTc-Antibac1 injection showed target to non-target ratios of 4.7±0.9 and 4.6±0.1, respectively. These values were statistically higher than those achieved for the 99mTc-library at the same time frames (1.6±0.4 and 1.7±0.4, respectively). Noteworthy, 99mTc-Antibac1 and 99mTc-library showed similar low target to non-target ratios in the fungal-infected model: 2.0±0.3 and 2.0±0.6for 99mTc-Antibac1 and 2.1±0.3 and 1.9 ± 0.6 for 99mTc-library, at the same times. These findings suggest that the 99mTc-Antibac1 is a feasible imaging probe to identify a bacterial infection focus. In addition, this radiolabeled aptamer seems to be suitable in distinguishing between bacterial and fungal infection.