Cellular Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antiproliferative Activities from the Flowers, Leaves and Fruits of Gallesia integrifolia Spreng Harms.

Gallesia integrifolia, a notable species in the Atlantic Forest, has been traditionally employed in folk medicine for treating rheumatism, asthma, and worms. This study investigated the cellular antioxidant, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory activities of the essential oils (EOs) and crude extracts (CEs) from G. integrifolia flowers, fruits, and leaves. The chemical identification of EOs was performed by GC-MS and CEs by UHPLC-MS. Cellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were assessed through mouse macrophage cell culture. In addition, the antiproliferative potential was evaluated in gastric, colorectal, breast, and lung tumor cell lines and non-tumor VERO cells. EOs predominantly contained organosulfur compounds in flowers (96.29%), fruits (94.94%), and leaves (90.72%). We found the main compound is 2,2'-Disulfanediyldiethanethiol in the EOs of flowers (47.00%), leaves (41.82%), and fruits (44.39%). Phenolic compounds were identified in CEs. The EOs and CEs demonstrated potential against the tumor cell lines tested (GI50 between 51 and 230 µg/mL). The selectivity index values were greater than 1.0 (1.01 to 3.37), suggesting a relative safety profile. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory activity IC50 ranged from 36.00 to 268 µg/mL, and the cellular oxidation inhibition ranged from 69% to 82%. The results suggest that oils and extracts derived from G. integrifolia have potential for use in various industrial sectors.

Antimicrobial resistance profile of gram-positive isolates belonging to the microbiota of non-human primates.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this work was to identify gram-positive bacteria and their respective resistance profiles of free-living capuchin monkeys. METHODS: For this, 15 Sapajus nigritus were captured in a municipal urban park in the northern region of the state of Paraná, Brazil, and under pharmacological restraint, samples were collected with sterile swabs from the oral, rectal, ocular, nasal, and auricular regions. After isolation of the 22 gram-positive bacteria, each isolate was subjected to the catalase and coagulase tests for presumptive identification. Subsequently, phenotypic tests for bacterial resistance were performed using the agar diffusion disc method. The samples resistant to oxacillin were submitted to the PCR technique to search for the mecA gene. RESULTS: Of the 22 gram-positive cocci of these two (9.09%) are Streptococcus spp. and twenty (90.91%) Staphylococcus spp. Among Staphylococcus spp. three (13.64%) were coagulate-negative (CoNS) and seventeen (86.36%) coagulate-positive (CoPS). Of the antimicrobials tested, enrofloxacin had the best performance, with only one (04.54%) isolate resistant to it, on the other hand, the antimicrobials with the lowest performance were cefotaxime and penicillin with 19 (82.36%) and 18 (81.81%) resistant isolates, respectively. Only five isolates had MAR less than 0.2, being one ocular, one oral, and three nasal, they had multiple resistance index varied between 0.07 and 0.92, with an average of 0.45 and a mode of 0.3. Among the samples with the highest resistance index, a positive coagulase Staphylococcus stood out, being intermediate to gentamicin and resistant to other antibiotics and an intermediate streptococcus to gentamicin, enrofloxacin, and resistant to other antibiotics. No sample was positive to mecA gene. CONCLUSIONS: Future studies should be conducted to identify the Staphylococcus species, the high rate of antimicrobial resistance of the monkeys in this study suggests that Grooming's behavior may be contributing to the sharing of the resistant microorganism among the members of this group of primates.

Malathion insecticide resistance in Aedes aegypti: laboratory conditions and in situ experimental approach through adult entomological surveillance.

OBJECTIVE: In Brazil, the most common method of controlling outbreaks of arbovirus is by the use of chemical sprays, which kill the insect vector, Aedes aegypti. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the resistance of Ae. aegypti to the insecticide, malathion, in situ. The location of this study was the municipality of Foz do Iguaçu, in the state of Paraná, Brazil. METHODS: Ultra-low-volume (ULV) fogging equipment was used, by vehicle, to apply the insecticide in situ, and mosquito populations after treatment were compared with those of control areas. The resistance of strains collected from the municipality was compared to the Rockefeller strain under laboratory conditions. RESULTS: We found 220 adult female specimens and 7423 eggs of Ae. aegypti in the areas subjected to UBV treatment, whereas 245 adult females and 10 557 eggs were found in the control areas. The UBV treatment area showed no significant difference compared to the control area, for all the indices. Mortality of the Rockefeller colony varied more quickly when there were slight variations in malathion concentration than the Foz do Iguaçu population.

OBJECTIF: Au Brésil, la méthode la plus courante de lutte contre les épidémies d'arbovirus consiste à utiliser des pulvérisations chimiques qui tuent l'insecte vecteur, Aedes aegypti. L'objectif principal de cette étude était d'évaluer la résistance de Ae. aegypti à l'insecticide, le malathion, in situ. Le lieu de cette étude était la municipalité de Foz do Iguaçu, dans l'état du Paraná, au Brésil. MÉTHODES: Un équipement de brumisation à très faible volume (ULV) a été utilisé, par véhicule, pour appliquer l'insecticide in situ et les populations de moustiques après le traitement ont été comparées à celles des zones témoins. La résistance des souches collectées dans la municipalité a été comparée à la souche Rockefeller dans des conditions de laboratoire. RÉSULTATS: Nous avons trouvé 220 spécimens femelles adultes et 7.423 œufs d'Ae. aegypti dans les zones soumises au traitement ULV, alors que 245 femelles adultes et 10.557 œufs ont été trouvés dans les zones témoins. La zone de traitement ULV n'a montré aucune différence significative par rapport à la zone témoin, pour tous les indices. La mortalité de la colonie de Rockefeller variait plus rapidement lorsqu'il y avait de légères variations dans la concentration de malathion que la population de Foz do Iguaçu.

Molecular docking to Toxoplasma gondii thymidylate synthase-dihydrofolate reductase and efficacy of raltitrexed in infected mice.

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis of worldwide distribution. Currently, two drugs, pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine, are used as a reference in the treatment of toxoplasmosis, but the resistance of Toxoplasma gondii appears as a relevant public health problem. In order to identify new drugs to toxoplasmosis treatment, we performed a molecular docking of raltitrexed to T. gondii thymidylate synthase-dihydrofolate reductase (TS-DHFR) and also evaluated its efficacy in infected mice. Initially, raltitrexed was docked on the crystallographic structures of TS-DHFR from T. gondii and Mus musculus. Then, 48 h after infection with the T. gondii RH strain, different groups of mice received an oral dose of raltitrexed (0.15, 0.75, and 1.5 mg kg-1). Two days after treatments, raltitrexed was able to prevent mortality and reduce the number of tachyzoites in the peritoneal fluid and liver imprints from infected mice. The results showed that raltitrexed has important protective activities against the T. gondii RH strain. Molecular docking still suggests that the effects against the parasite may be dependent on the inhibition of T. gondii thymidylate synthase. This study opens new perspectives for the use of raltitrexed in patients infected with T. gondii, especially when conventional treatments do not exhibit the expected efficacy.

Effects of extracts from Echinacea purpurea (L) MOENCH on mice infected with different strains of Toxoplasma gondii.

In recent years, due to the growing concern about recurrent epidemics by Toxoplasma gondii and other pathogens in Brazil, there has been an increase in the use of different preparations obtained from Echinacea purpurea in order to test their effectiveness against these infections. Although studies have suggested the beneficial effects of this species against the influenza virus, no data are available on the use of E. purpurea aqueous extract in T. gondii infections. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the effect of its administration in Swiss mice submitted to acute and prolonged infection with different T. gondii strains. This study showed that E. purpurea extract induced a significant reduction in the number of tachyzoites in the peritoneal fluid and liver imprints from mice infected by the RH strain. Moreover, prolonged treatment significantly increased the number of brain cysts of animals infected with ME 49 strain. The results obtained in this study suggest that the crude extract obtained from E. purpurea has important protective activities against infection with different T. gondii strains.

Bioactives of the essential oil from the leaves of Eugenia pyriformis Cambess (Myrtaceae) on the effects of tobacco.

Introduction: Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed and the main cause of cancer death, usually related to cigarette smoking. Furthermore, the microbiota of people exposed to cigarette smoke can be modified, making it difficult to eliminate opportunistic microorganisms. The leaves of Eugenia pyriformis are a by-product of fruit production and, to date, there have been no studies addressing the antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. Objective: Investigate the antimicrobial, Nitric Oxide (NO)-production inhibition, and antiproliferative activities of the essential oil from E. pyriformis leaves and its possible effect on the treatment and prevention of damage caused by tobacco. Methods: The essential oil (EO) was obtained by hydrodistillation (3 h). Its chemical composition was investigated by GC-MS. It was proposed to investigate antiproliferative activity against human tumor cell lines, namely, breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), lung (NCI-H460), cervical (HeLa), and hepatocellular (HepG2) carcinomas. A non-tumor primary culture from pig liver (PLP2) was also tested. The EO capacity to inhibit nitric oxide (NO) production was evaluated by a lipopolysaccharide stimulated murine macrophage cell line. Antibacterial and antifungal activities against opportunistic pathogens were investigated against seven strains of bacteria and eight fungi. Results: The results indicated the presence of 23 compounds in the essential oil, the majority were spathulenol (45.63%) and ß-caryophyllene oxide (12.72%). Leaf EO provided 50% inhibition of nitric oxide production at a concentration of 92.04 µg mL-1. The EO also demonstrated antiproliferative activity against all human tumor cell lines studied, with GI50 values comprised between 270.86 and 337.25 µg mL-1. The essential oil showed antimicrobial potential against the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes (Murray et al.) Pirie (NCTC 7973) and Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 13311 (MIC 1870 µg mL-1) and fungi Aspergillus versicolor ATCC 11730, Aspergillus ochraceus ATCC 12066, Penicillium ochrochloron ATCC 90288, Penicillium verrucosum var. cyclopium (Westling) Samson, Stolk & Hadlok (food isolate) (MIC 1870 µg mL-1) and Trichoderma viride Pers. IAM 5061 (1,400 µg mL-1). Conclusion: The demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and antimicrobial activities in the leaves of E. pyriformis can add value to the production chain of this plant, being a possible option for preventing and combating cancer, including lung cancer.

Formulation and Characterization of Nanoemulsion Incorporating Chamomilla recutita L. Extract Stabilized with Hyaluronic Acid.

Skin lesions are an important health concern, exposing the body to infection risks. Utilizing natural products containing chamomile (Chamomilla recutita L.) holds promise for curative purposes. Additionally, hyaluronic acid (HA), an active ingredient known for its tissue regeneration capacity, can expedite healing. In this study, we prepared and characterized an extract of C. recutita and integrated it into a nanoemulsion system stabilized with HA, aiming at harnessing its healing potential. We assessed the impact of alcoholic strength on flavonoid extraction and chemically characterized the extract using UHPLC/MS while quantifying its antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity. We developed a nanoemulsion loaded with C. recutita extract and evaluated the effect of HA stabilization on pH, droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and viscosity. Results indicated that 70% hydroalcoholic extraction yielded a higher flavonoid content. The extract exhibited antioxidant capacity in vitro, a desirable trait for skin regeneration, and demonstrated efficacy against key microbial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) associated with skin colonization and infections. Flavonoids spireoside and apiin emerged as the most abundant bioactives. The addition of HA led to increased viscosity while maintaining a suitable pH for topical application. Zeta potential, droplet size, and PDI met acceptable criteria. Moreover, incorporating C. recutita extract into the nanoemulsion enhanced its antimicrobial effect. Hence, the nanoemulsion system loaded with C. recutita and HA stabilization exhibits favorable characteristics for topical application, showing promise in aiding the healing processes.

Antioxidant Activity, Antiproliferative Activity, Antiviral Activity, NO Production Inhibition, and Chemical Composition of Essential Oils and Crude Extracts of Leaves, Flower Buds, and Stems of Tetradenia riparia.

The chemical composition of extracts (CEs) and essential oils (EOs) from Tetradenia riparia leaves, flower buds, and stems was analyzed. Antiproliferative activity against tumor cell lines, NO production inhibition, and antioxidant and antiviral activities were assessed. The CEs contained flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins, and saturated fatty acids. The EOs included monoterpenes, oxygenated sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes. NO production inhibition ranged from 76 to 247 µg mL-1, and antiproliferative activity exhibited GI50 between 20 and >204 µg mL-1, with low cytotoxicity (SI: 1.08 to 4.75). Reactive oxygen species inhibition ranged from 45 to 82%. Antioxidant activity varied when determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay (IC50: 0.51 to 8.47 mg mL-1) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (0.35 to 0.81 µM ferrous sulfate per mg). The reduction in ß-carotene-linoleic acid co-oxidation varied between 76.13 and 102.25%. The total phenolic content of CEs and EOs was 10.70 to 111.68 µg gallic acid mg-1. Antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) showed an EC50 between 9.64 and 24.55 µg mL-1 and an SI between 8.67 and 15.04. Leaf EOs exhibited an EC50 of 9.64 µg mL-1 and an SI of 15.04. Our study unveils the diverse chemical composition and multifaceted pharmacological properties of T. riparia, demonstrating its potential as a valuable source of bioactive compounds for therapeutic applications.

SARS-CoV-2 Research in Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and Felines (Felis silvestris catus) Domiciled in an International Border Region (Paraguay and Brazil).

Introduction: COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 that has become a serious threat to public health owing to its rapid spread from aerosols from infected people. Despite being considered a strictly human disease, there are reports in the literature about animals with confirmed presence of the virus. Aim: Owing to the scarcity of scientific literature on the potential for infection of animals and their importance for One Health, the objective of this work was to research SARS-CoV-2 RNA in felines (Felis silvestris catus) and dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) domiciled. Materials and Methods: Oropharyngeal swabs were collected from domestic dogs and cats belonging to patients diagnosed with COVID-19 from August to October 2021 and residents of the northwest and west regions of Paraná, Brazil. Results: Of the 34 samples collected, 14 were from dogs and 20 from cats. Three of these samples tested positive in real-time PCR, and two of them were also positive in the immunochromatographic test. After testing positive in real-time PCR, the samples underwent genetic sequencing using the Illumina COVIDSeq test. Of the 34 samples collected, three (9%), all of them female and from the feline species, tested positive in real-time PCR, with two of these (67%) also testing positive in the immunochromatographic test. Regarding sequencing, it was possible to sequence the three samples aligned with the AY.101 lineage, corresponding to the Delta variant. Conclusion: The occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in dogs and cats is seen as an unintended event with significant implications for public health, including its potential transmission to other animal species. Further research is required to enhance our understanding of how this disease spreads among these animals and its broader impact on One Health initiatives.

Zoonoses in humans from small rural properties in Jataizinho, Parana, Brazil.

The aim of this study was to conduct a serological survey for Lyme diseases, brucellosis, leptospirosis and toxoplasmosis and identify the risk variables related to these zoonoses in humans living in the rural area of Jataizinho, state of Parana, Brazil. A total of 63 rural properties were surveyed. Additionally, 207 serum samples collected from these rural area inhabitants were tested for indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) and western blots (WB) were performed to detect Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato); a tamponated acidified antigen test (AAT) and 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) were used to detect antibodies of Brucella abortus; the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was carried out to detect antibodies anti-Leptospira spp. and IFI was used to find antibodies of Toxoplasma gondii. Two of the samples (0.96%) were reactive for Lyme borreliosis, three (1.4%) for brucellosis, 25 (12.1%) for leptospirosis and 143 (69.1%) for toxoplasmosis. Although the town of Jataizinho has a human development index (IDH) that was considered to be average (0.733) in the state of Parana, the low social, economic and cultural conditions of the population from small rural properties have resulted in lack of basic information on animal health and direct or indirect contact with the various species of domestic animals, wildlife and ticks have probably contributed to the prevalence levels found. These results show the need for additional regional studies in order to determine the epidemiological characteristics of these diseases as well as their respective vectors and reservoirs so that effective prophylaxis can be administered in the human population.

Activity of essential oils from leaves, flower buds and stems of Tetradenia riparia on Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus larvae.

Around the world, the main problems of livestock are caused by ectoparasites, however, commercial acaracide are toxic to the environment and detrimental to One Health. Therefore, research has increasingly focused on development of natural products as alternatives for tick control. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the larvicidal effect on Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, through use of essential oils (EOs) extracted from the leaves, flower buds and stems of Tetradenia riparia. The chemical composition of these EOs was determined through gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). They were tested on larvae at concentrations of 100.000 to 40 µg/mL, using the larval packet test and under semi-natural conditions. The main class of compounds in the chemical composition was sesquiterpenes (both oxygenates and hydrocarbons), whereas the predominant compounds in the leaves, flower buds and stems were 14-hydroxy-9-epi-caryophyllene, T-cadinol and 6-7-dehydroroyleanone, respectively. The leaves proved to be the most effective, with highest larvicidal activity (LC99.9 = 83.53 µg/mL). When tested under semi-natural conditions, the oils obtained efficiency above 98% in all compound tests. The results indicated that these EOs were effective against R. (B.) microplus larvae in vitro and ex-situ, proving that this plant has bioactive molecules with significant larvicidal activity.

Presence of Staphylococcus spp. carriers of the mecA gene in the nasal cavity of piglets in the nursery phase.

The presence of Staphylococcus spp. resistant to methicillin in the nasal cavity of swine has been previously reported. Considering the possible occurrence of bacterial resistance and presence of resistance genes in intensive swine breeding and the known transmissibility and dispersion potential of such genes, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of resistance to different antibiotics and the presence of the mecA resistance gene in Staphylococcus spp. from piglets recently housed in a nursery. For this, 60 nasal swabs were collected from piglets at the time of their housing in the nursery, and then Staphylococcus spp. were isolated and identified in coagulase-positive (CoPS) and coagulase-negative (CoNS) isolates. These isolates were subjected to the disk-diffusion test to evaluate the bacterial resistance profile and then subjected to molecular identification of Staphylococcus aureus and analyses of the mecA gene through polymerase chain reaction. Of the 60 samples collected, 60 Staphylococcus spp. were isolated, of which 38 (63.33%) were classified as CoNS and 22 (36.67%) as CoPS. Of these, ten (45.45%) were identified as Staphylococcus aureus. The resistance profile of these isolates showed high resistance to different antibiotics, with 100% of the isolates resistant to chloramphenicol, clindamycin, and erythromycin, 98.33% resistant to doxycycline, 95% resistant to oxacillin, and 85% resistant to cefoxitin. Regarding the mecA gene, 27 (45%) samples were positive for the presence of this gene, and three (11.11%) were phenotypically sensitive to oxacillin and cefoxitin. This finding highlights the importance of researching the phenotypic profile of resistance to different antimicrobials and resistance genes in the different phases of pig rearing to identify the real risk of these isolates from a One Health perspective. The present study revealed the presence of samples resistant to different antibiotics in recently weaned production animal that had not been markedly exposed to antimicrobials as growth promoters or even as prophylactics. This information highlights the need for more research on the possible sharing of bacteria between sows and piglets, the environmental pressure within production environments, and the exposure of handlers during their transport, especially considering the community, hospital, and political importance of the presence of circulating resistant strains.

Presence and Resistance Profile of Staphylococcus spp. Isolated from Slaughtered Pigs.

Background: The objective of this study was to isolate Staphylococcus spp. and to characterize the resistance profile in nasal samples from pigs slaughtered for consumption. Material and Methods: Intranasal swabs were collected from 100 pigs immediately after bleeding in a slaughterhouse located in the largest pork production region in Brazil, these samples were cultured and isolated to identify Staphylococcus spp. in coagulase positive (CoPS) and coagulase negative (CoNS) and molecular identification of Staphylococcus aureus and then subjected to the disk-diffusion test to identify the bacterial resistance profile and search for the mecA gene. Results: Of the 100 samples collected, it was possible to isolate 79 Staphylococcus spp., of these, 72.15% were classified as CoNS and 27.85% of the isolates classified as CoPS. Among the CoPS isolates, 77.27% were identified as S. aureus. Through the disk-diffusion test, it was possible to verify isolates resistant to clindamycin and erythromycin (98.73%), chloramphenicol (93.67%), and doxycycline (89.87%). There was amplification of the mecA gene in 30.38% of Staphylococcus spp. Conclusion: The results of this study highlight the need for the careful use of antibiotics in swine production, in addition to aiming at continuous surveillance in relation to the rate of multiresistant microorganisms within these environments, focused on large industrial centers; such results also indicate the importance of understanding, through future studies, possible pathways to transmission of these microorganisms directly, or indirectly, through meat products derived from these pigs, which can be considered neglected diffusers of variants of Staphylococcus spp. resistant to antibiotics or carriers of important resistance genes related to One Health.

Self-Curing Glass Ionomer Cement Covered by Photopolymerizable Adhesive for Protection of Mucoperiosteal or Gingival Flap Sutures in Canine Oral Surgery.

Periodontal disease is one of the main affections of the oral cavity of dogs. Its main complication is the formation of periapical abscess, which, when affecting the maxillary canine teeth, can lead to the formation of oronasal fistulae. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of self-curing glass ionomer cement, covered by photopolymerizable adhesive, as a protective element for mucoperiosteal or gingival flap sutures in oral surgery of dogs. We studied 15 dogs from the clinical routine of the dental service of a teaching veterinary hospital, which needed oral surgeries to correct oronasal fistulae, defects or oral cavity communications, regardless of the causal agent. Group one (G1) was composed of seven animals that presented oronasal fistulae after the extraction of maxillary canine teeth compromised by severe periodontal disease. These fistulae were reduced by the double-mucoperiosteal-flap technique, 15 days after the dental extraction. Group two (G2) was composed of five other dogs that presented oronasal fistulae after the extraction of maxillary canine teeth compromised by severe periodontal disease. In this group, the fistulae were reduced by the single-flap technique, immediately after the dental extraction. Group three (G3) was composed of three animals, two of which presented oronasal fistulae due to maxillary fracture and the third one after excision of oral neoplasia. In all groups, simple interrupted sutures were used with 3.0 nylon, and a thin layer of self-curing glass ionomer cement was applied immediately over the operated area. After cement's settling time, a thin layer of photopolymerizable adhesive was applied to the already polymerized cement. In G1, the protective cement was removed on average at 15 (±2) postoperative days, in G2 at 6 (±1) days and in G3 at 11 (±9) days. In the postoperative period, the animals received antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, and they received their usual dry dog food diet. No Elizabethan collar or any other protective measure was used for suturing or the surgical wound. The result was healing of 100% of the oronasal fistulae, without suture dehiscence or the need for new surgical interventions. Thus, it was concluded that the use of self-curing glass ionomer cement covered by photopolymerizable adhesive was fully satisfactory, providing protection of sutures and surgical wounds and showing the potential for routine use in oral surgery in dogs.

COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) in Children Attended-to in the Health UNIC System (HUS) With flu and Respiratory Symptoms in Three Brazilian Municipalities in an International Border Region.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of the disease and research risk factors through sociodemographic data of children aged 0 to 15 years, with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 in 3 Brazilian municipalities in an international border region. METHODS: Epidemiological and RT-PCR test results were collected from the COVID-19 notification records in suspected children and adolescents from March 1 to August 31, 2020, in municipalities (Assis Chateaubriand, Tupãssi, and Formosa do Oeste) located in an international border region. The results obtained and the variables associated were subjected to statistical analysis using the Chi-Square Test (x2) or Fisher's Exact Test, using the statistical program SPSS v. 21.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, USA) at the 5% significance level. RESULTS: Among the 147 children from the 3 municipalities, 20 (13.60%) were diagnosed as positive. The predominance of cases was in male children (60.00%) and in children living in urban areas (80%). The most frequent symptoms observed in children were fever (65.00% of the cases), followed by headache (60.00%), cough (55.00%), and nasal congestion, as well as sore throat, both found in 35.00% of the cases. CONCLUSION: All these data highlight the importance and the need for more epidemiological studies, especially in children and adolescents, as COVID-19 becomes part of the child health panorama worldwide, with serious direct and indirect impacts for humans, animals, and the environment.

Relations Between Guardians and Domestic Animals During the Sars-Cov-2 Pandemic in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate how relationships between guardians and domestic animals were established and their possible effects during the COVID-19 pandemic period in Brazil. METHODS: Data were collected by completing an online questionnaire. Throughout the national territory, 2002 people completed the questionnaire, while respecting social distancing from January 20, 2021, to March 20, 2021. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were 'to own pets' or 'those who had them during the period of quarantine' in Brazil. The data obtained were treated qualitatively through discourse analysis and content analysis, while the quantitative data were tabulated by the questionnaire application platform itself. RESULTS: The results showed that 97% of the participants were affected by the coronavirus pandemic in Brazil and that of these, 95.5% stated that their pet was important to overcome and bear bad feelings during the period of social isolation. It was possible to observe through the participants' reports through the online questionnaire that the relationships with their pets were deepened during the pandemic period, and that these had an important role in overcoming bad emotions caused by social distancing. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that due to these relationships, behaviors such as anxiety and sadness were reduced and the pets themselves also showed an increase in affective behaviors in relation to their guardians.

Effect of an organic acid blend in Nile tilapia growth performance, immunity, gut microbiota, and resistance to challenge against francisellosis.

Organic acids (OAs) are a class of feed additives that have prophylactic and inhibitory properties against pathogenic bacteria. In this study, we investigated growth performance, innate immune response, gut microbiota, and disease resistance against Francisella orientalis F1 in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed different doses of Bacti-nil®Aqua, a blend of short- and medium-chain OAs. For 21 days, 680 juvenile tilapias were fed a control diet or diets supplemented with a 0.3% (D3) or 0.5% (D5) OA blend. The feed conversion rate of fish fed the 0.5% enriched diet was considerably lower (p < 0.05) than that of the fish fed the basal diet. Lysozyme and serum bactericidal activities were significantly elevated following OA administration. After infection, no differences in the diversity and composition of gut microbiota were observed between the groups. After the bacterial challenge, the mortality was significantly lower in group D5 (p < 0.01). The diet supplemented with Bacti-nil®Aqua (Adisseo) improved the immune response and resistance of tilapia juveniles against F. orientalis infection. Thus, this OA blend could serve as a feed additive with good activity against F. orientalis.

Resistance Profile of Bovine Mastitis Isolates, Presence of the mecA Gene and Identification of ESBL Producing Strains from Small Rural Dairy Properties.

Bovine mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland in response to invasion by opportunistic agents. Due to the high economic importance of dairy production and the complexity related to animal health, the objective of this work was to identify and evaluate the antibacterial resistance profile of samples of mastitis milk, milking hand and milking equipment from small rural dairy farms belonging to the northwest region of the state of Paraná, Brazil. Five small, non-technical dairy farms in the municipalities of Boa Esperança, Juranda and Tapejara, all belonging to the northwest region of the state of Paraná, Brazil, were selected. The properties had Holstein and/or crossbred herds, carried out a bucket-by-foot milking system and all had the presence of animals with subclinical mastitis confirmed by the California Mastitis Test. Samples of sterile swabs from the milking insufflators, the milking hand and milk samples were collected-and later, isolation tests and phenotypic characterization of the samples, sensitivity tests to antimicrobials and phenotypic tests for the detection of beta-producing strains were performed with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), molecular identification of Staphylococcus aureus isolates and mecA gene research. Of the 199 samples collected from the 15 selected properties in the municipalities of Boa Esperança, Tapejara and Juranda, 72 (36.20%) were classified as multiresistant. Isolated from milkers' hands and milking machines, which phenotypically produce extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), the presence of the mecA gene was also observed in 11 isolates of Staphylococcus spp. of milk samples, machines and milking hands. Mastitis can be spread to the herd through the milking process by the milkers' instruments and hands, and adequate management measures can prevent its transmission and the conscious use of antibiotics decreases the prevalence of multidrug-resistant pathogens. In this work, different pathogenic bacteria were detected in mastitic milk, milking equipment and milking hand with a high percentage (36.20%) of isolates classified as multidrug resistant. In addition, the presence phenotypically (ESBL) and molecularly (mecA gene) of isolates carrying resistance genes was also verified. These results directly reflect on the health of the animals, the health of the workers and the health of the respective environment, which can enable the continuity of the propagation of the etiological agents involved in the mastitis infection. The awareness of producers and workers on these properties about the disease, transmission, sanitary aspects and adequate management and treatment are essential for improving milk production and production efficiency.

Pet dogs as reservoir of oxacillin and vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus spp.

The aim of this study was to verify the bacterial resistance profile and detect the presence of mecA gene in Staphylococcus spp. isolated from the nasal microbiota of domiciled dogs. For this purpose 100 nasal swabs from 100 domiciled dogs were collected from the central area of the city of Umuarama (PR), along with a questionnaire answered by their owners. After the isolation all Staphylococcus spp. isolates were submitted to the diffusion disc test by the Kirby-Bauer method, and only oxacillin-resistant samples were submitted to the PCR technique to search for the mecA gene and the results were then submitted to statistical analysis to verify possible risk variables. The 100 Staphylococcus spp. and coagulase negative, among which 41 isolates were resistant to oxacillin, no samples were positive for the mecA gene presence, however, 12 resistant to vancomycin were found. It can be concluded that the domiciled dogs are carriers of Staphylococcus spp. multiresistant, being these a possible source of human contamination.

Ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological investigations of Baccharis dracunculifolia DC. (ASTERACEAE).

Baccharis dracunculifolia DC (Lamiaceae) (Asteraceae) is found in South America, mainly in Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay. Folk medicine is used as a sedative, hypotensive, bronchodilator, cardiovascular disorders, anti-flu, and also in skin wounds. Considered the main source of green propolis, which increases the pharmacological interest in this species. It is also known as a "benefactor" plant facilitating the development of other plant species around it, being indicated for the recovery of degraded areas. This species has been studied for decades in order to isolate and identify the active principles present in the aerial parts (leaves and flowers) and roots. The present study consists of a review of the scientific literature addressing the ethnobotanical, ethnomedicinal, phytochemical, pharmacological and potential cytotoxic effects of the B. dracunculifolia species. In this survey, we sought to investigate issues related to the botanical and geographic description of the species, the ethnobotanical uses, as well as the phytochemical studies of the essential oil, extracts and green propolis obtained from the aerial parts and roots of B. dracunculifolia. Using high precision analytical tools, numerous compounds have already been isolated and identified from leaves and flowers such as the flavonoids: naringenin, acacetin, dihydrokaempferol, isosakuranetin and kaempferide; phenolic acids: p-coumaric, dihydrocoumaric, ferulic (E)-cinnamic, hydroxycinnamic, gallic, caffeic, and several caffeoylquinic acids derivatives; phenolic acids prenylated: artepillin C, baccharin, drupanin; the glycosides dracuculifosides and the pentacyclic triterpenoids: Baccharis oxide and friedelanol. The predominant class in the essential oil of leaves and flowers are terpenoids comprising oxygenated monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, highlighting the compounds nerolidol, spathulenol, germacrene D and bicyclogermacrene. These compounds give the species high antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumor, analgesic, immunomodulatory and antiparasitic potential, making this species a promising herbal medicine. In vitro toxicity assays with B. dracunculifolia extract showed low or no cytotoxicity. However, in vivo analyses with high doses of the aqueous extract resulted in genotoxic effects, which leads us to conclude that the toxicity of this plant is dose-dependent.