Green synthesis of silver nanoparticle using pollen extract from Tetragonisca angustula a stingless bee.

This study explores the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using a methanolic extract of fermented pollen from Tetragonisca angustula, a species of stingless bees. The AgNPs exhibit spherical morphology, low charge values, and suspension stability, with their unique composition attributed to elements from the pollen extract. Antioxidant assays show comparable activity between the pollen extract and AgNPs, emphasizing the retention of antioxidant effects. The synthesized AgNPs demonstrate antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria, highlighting their potential in combating bacterial resistance. The AgNPs exhibit no toxic effects on Drosophila melanogaster and even enhance the hatching rate of eggs. The study underscores the innovative use of stingless bee pollen extract in green synthesis, offering insights into the varied applications of AgNPs in biomedicine.

Bacteria, yeasts, and fungi associated with larval food of Brazilian native stingless bees.

Stingless bees are a diverse group with a relevant role in pollinating native species. Its diet is rich in carbohydrates and proteins, by collecting pollen and nectar supplies the development of its offspring. Fermentation of these products is associated with microorganisms in the colony. However, the composition of microorganisms that comprise this microbiome and its fundamental role in colony development is still unclear. To characterize the colonizing microorganisms of larval food in the brood cells of stingless bees Frieseomelitta varia, Melipona quadrifasciata, Melipona scutellaris, and Tetragonisca angustula, we have utilized molecular and culture-based techniques. Bacteria of the phyla Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and fungi of the phyla Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Mucoromycota, and Mortierellomycota were found. Diversity analysis showed that F. varia had a greater diversity of bacteria in its microbiota, and T. angustula had a greater diversity of fungi. The isolation technique allowed the identification of 189 bacteria and 75 fungi. In summary, this research showed bacteria and fungi associated with the species F. varia, M. quadrifasciata, M. scutellaris, and T. angustula, which may play an essential role in the survival of these organisms. Besides that, a biobank with bacteria and fungus isolates from LF of Brazilian stingless bees was created, which can be used for different studies and the prospection of biotechnology compounds.

Antimicrobial activity of supernatants produced by bacteria isolated from Brazilian stingless bee's larval food.

BACKGROUND: The discovery of new molecules with antimicrobial properties has been a promising approach, mainly when related to substances produced by bacteria. The use of substances produced by bees has evidenced the antimicrobial action in different types of organisms. Thus, the use of bacteria isolated from larval food of stingless bees opens the way for the identification of the new molecules. The effect of supernatants produced by these bacteria was evaluated for their ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria of clinical interest. Furthermore, their effects were evaluated when used in synergy with antibiotics available in the pharmaceutical industry. RESULTS: A few supernatants showed an inhibitory effect against susceptible and multiresistant strains in the PIC assay and the modulation assay. Emphasizing the inhibitory effect on multidrug-resistant strains, 7 showed an effect on multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli (APEC), Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC), multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the PIC assay. Of the supernatants analyzed, some presented synergism for more than one species of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Nine had a synergistic effect with ampicillin on E. coli (APEC) or S. aureus (MRSA), 5 with penicillin G on E. coli (APEC) or KPC, and 3 with vancomycin on KPC. CONCLUSION: In summary, the results indicate that supernatants produced from microorganisms can synthesize different classes of molecules with potent antibiotic activity against multiresistant bacteria. Thus, suggesting the use of these microorganisms for use clinical tests to isolate the molecules produced and their potential for use.

Efficacy of different interaction devices using non-immersive virtual tasks in individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: a cross-sectional randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a rapid progressive neurodegenerative disease, characterized by a selective loss of motor neurons, brain stem and spinal cord which leads to deterioration of motor abilities. Devices that promote interaction with tasks on computers can enhance performance and lead to greater independence and utilization of technology. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate performance on a computer task in individuals with ALS using three different commonly used non-immersive devices. METHOD: Thirty individuals with ALS (18 men and 12 women, mean age 59 years, range 44-74 years) with a mean score of 26, (minimum score of 14 and maximum 41) on the Revised Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) and 30 healthy controls matched for age and gender, participated. All participants were randomly divided into three groups, each using a different device system (motion tracking, finger motion control or touchscreen) to perform three task phases (acquisition, retention and transfer). RESULTS: Both the ALS and control group (CG) showed better performance on the computer task when using the touchscreen device, but there was limited transfer of performance onto the task performed on the Finger Motion control or motion tracking. However, we found that using the motion tracking device led to transfer of performance to the touchscreen. CONCLUSION: This study presents novel and important findings when selecting interaction devices for individuals with ALS to access technology by demonstrating immediate performance benefits of using a touchscreen device, such as improvement of motor skills. There were possible transferable skills obtained when using virtual systems which may allow flexibility and enable individuals to maintain performance overtime. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registration name: Virtual Task in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; Registration number: NCT03113630 ; retrospectively registered on 04/13/2017. Date of enrolment of the first participant to the trial: 02/02/2016.

Percepção dos usuários de um centro de saúde acerca de sua participação no grupo de ginástica chinesa Lian Gong: uma análise compreensiva / Perception of users of a health center about their participation in the group of chinese gymnastics Lian Gong: a comprehensive analysis / Percepción de los usuarios de um puesto de salud sobre su participación em um grupo de gimnasia China- Lian Gong: un análisis global

Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, que teve como objetivo compreender os significados da prática do Lian Gong para os participantes do grupo de ginástica terapêutica chinesa do Centro de Saúde São Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. Como trajetória metodológica, utilizamos a fenomenologia que, como um caminho, permitiu apreender a essência do fenômeno a partir dos discursos de nove usuárias. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de entrevista guiada pela pergunta: "Conte para nós o que é, para você, participar da ginástica chinesa". Os discursos das participantes convergiram para duas categorias de análise: a) melhoria da saúde física e mental; b) convivência em grupo. Acredita-se que esta pesquisa possa contribuir para fortalecer e sedimentar essa atividade nas unidades de saúde, em especial na atenção primária, visando cumprir os preceitos da promoção à saúde também por meio de práticas complementares e integrativas.

This was a qualitative research that aimed to understand the meanings of practicing Lian Gong for participants in the group of therapeuticChinese gymnastics at the São Paulo Health Center, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. We used Phenomenology as the methodological trajectory,which as a pathway, allowed capturing the essence of the phenomenon from the speeches of nine users. The data were collected through aninterview guided by the question: “Tell us what it is for you to participate in the Chinese gymnastics?” The participants’ speeches convergedinto two categories of analysis: a) improvement of physical and mental health; b) coexistence in a group. It is believed that this research willhelp to strengthen and settle this activity in health units, especially in primary care, aiming to fulfill the precepts of health promotion throughcomplementary and integrative practices.

Se trata de una investigación cualitativa con el objetivo de comprender los significados de la práctica de Lian Gong para los participantes de ungrupo de gimnasia terapéutica china del puesto de Salud São Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. Como trayectoria metodológica, usamos la fenomenologia que, como camino, nos permitió captar la esencia del fenomeno a partir de los discursos de nueve usuarias. La recogida de datos fue realizada por medio de una entrevista guiada por la pregunta: “Cuéntenos qué significa para usted participar en la gimnasia china”. Los discursosde las participantes se agruparon en dos categorías de análisis: 1. Mejora de la salud física y mental; y 2. Convivencia en grupo. Creemos que esta investigación pueda ayudar a fortalecer y sedimentar aun más esta actividad en las unidades de salud, en especial en atención básica, con mirasa cumplir con los preceptos de la promoción de la salud a través de prácticas complementarias e integradas.