Biofilm formation by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius on titanium implants.

Osteomyelitis often involves Staphylococcus spp. as the isolated genus in domestic animal cases. Implant-related infections, frequently associated with biofilm-forming microorganisms like staphylococci species, necessitate careful material selection. This study assessed biofilm formation by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius on titanium nuts used in veterinary orthopaedic surgery. Biofilm quantification employed safranin staining and spectrophotometric measurement, while bacterial counts were determined in colony-forming units (CFU). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) evaluated the biofilm morphology on the surface of titanium nuts. All samples had CFU counts. Absorbance values that evidence biofilm formation were observed in seven of the eight samples tested. SEM images revealed robust bacterial colonization, and significant extracellular polymeric substance production, and the negative control displayed surface irregularities on the nut. Whole genome sequencing revealed accessory Gene Regulator (agr) type III in six samples, agr IV and agr II in two each. Genes encoding hlb, luk-S, luk-F, siet, se_int, and the icaADCB operon were identified in all sequenced samples. Other exfoliative toxins were absent. Biofilm formation by S. pseudintermedius was detected in all samples, indicating the susceptibility of orthopaedic titanium alloys to adhesion and biofilm formation by veterinary species. The biofilm formation capacity raises concerns about potential post-surgical complications and associated costs.

Lifelong exercise training promotes the remodelling of the immune system and prostate signalome in a rat model of prostate carcinogenesis.

This work aimed to understand how lifelong exercise training promotes the remodelling of the immune system and prostate signalome in a rat model of PCa. Fifty-five male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control sedentary, control exercised, induced PCa sedentary and induced PCa exercised. Exercised animals were trained in a treadmill for 53 weeks. Pca induction consisted on the sequential administration of flutamide, N-methyl-N-nitrosourea and testosterone propionate implants. Serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) were not different among groups. Peripheral levels of γδ T cells were higher in Pca exercised group than in the PCa sedentary group (p < 0.05). Exercise training also induced Oestrogen Receptor (ESR1) upregulation and Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase 13 (MAPK13) downregulation, changed the content of the phosphorylated (at Ser-104) form of this receptor (coded by the gene ESR1) and seemed to increase Erα phosphorylation and activity in exercised PCa rats when compared with sedentary PCa rats. Our data highlight the exercise-induced remodelling of peripheral lymphocyte subpopulations and lymphocyte infiltration in prostate tissue. Moreover, exercise training promotes the remodelling prostate signalome in this rat model of prostate carcinogenesis.

Characterizing biofilm formation of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in different suture materials.

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is the primary cause of pyoderma and surgical site infection (SSI) in dogs, and biofilm formation is the main reason for persistent SSI. The presence of biofilm in medical devices can directly impact treatment. Methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) emerged rapidly in companion animals, limiting treatment options. MRSP is a public health problem since zoonotic transmission can occur. The study seeks to evaluate biofilm formation capacity via Staphylococcus pseudintermedius collected from dogs affected by topical infections, in suture materials commonly used in companion animal surgery. We tested segments of four types of sutures. Biofilm production was measured by staining with safranin and colorimetric absorbance measurement. We calculated colony-forming units (CFUs) for each type of sutures and visualized biofilm via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images. The genes associated with biofilm formation (icaA and icaD) were identified using PCR. The colorimetric tests showed that the biofilm is most abundantly formed on the cotton sutures and polyglactin 910. The ability to form biofilm on polypropylene and nylon sutures has also been demonstrated, although at varying intensities. PCR revealed the presence of the two genes (icaA and icaD) in all the isolates. We used a positive control using a reference strain and negative control without bacteria for comparisons. Suture material allowing biofilm formation makes it difficult to prevent and treat surgical site infections. Therefore, it is important to know which suture thread is more susceptible to biofilm formation by bacteria to prevent possible secondary infections at surgical sites.

Is colorectal neoplasia more aggressive in the young? A look at shifting guidelines.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare factors associated with CRC in patients younger than 50 and in those 50 and older, that required surgical resection due to malignancy or premalignant conditions. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted looking at patients who had bowel resection due to CRC or advanced polyps; individuals found to have hereditary tumors and inflammatory bowel disease were excluded. Data was analyzed with chi square test of association comparing proportions of patients in the two age groups. RESULTS: A significantly higher proportion of the younger population had advanced stages of CRC. Data from this and other studies suggests that the colorectal tumors seen in patients under 50 have a higher virulence, and perhaps this is due to different tumor biology. CONCLUSION: These findings illustrate how changes in screening guidelines reinforced by proper support from insurance providers/payors and a widespread aggressive educational campaign for patients and providers can benefit this increasingly vulnerable population.

Whole-grain pan bread with the addition of jabuticaba peel flour / Pães de forma integrais com adição de farinha de casca de jabuticaba

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to analyze the potential of the jabuticaba peel flour (JPF) as an ingredient in whole-grain bread. Pan bread formulations with different concentrations of jabuticaba peel flour were made: 0% (T0), 5% (T1), 10% (T2), and 15% (T3). Proximate composition, pH, water activity, color, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of bread were determined. The addition of JPF to the bread formulations led to a reduction of carbohydrate levels (51.14 to 46.55 g 100 g-1), lipids (4.79 to 3.35 g 100 g-1) and an increase in moisture (31.06 to 37.31 g 100 g-1) and ash (0.22 to 0.35 g 100 g-1). The fiber content increased up to three times, and the phenolic compounds up to seven times, thus increasing the antioxidant activity of the JPF-based bread when compared to the control. Bread made with the addition of JPF presented lower L* values (46.72 to 36.07) and higher a* values (3.10 to 9.07) compared to the control. Therefore, jabuticaba peel flour can be considered a potential ingredient for addition to whole-grain pan bread with desirable nutritional and functional characteristics.

RESUMO: Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar o potencial da farinha de casca de jabuticaba (FCJ) como ingrediente em pães de forma integrais. Foram elaboradas formulações de pães com diferentes concentrações de farinha de casca de jabuticaba: 0% (T0), 5% (T1), 10% (T2) e 15% (T3). Foram realizadas análises de composição centesimal, pH, atividade de água, cor, compostos fenólicos e atividade antioxidante dos pães. A adição de FCJ às formulações de pão levou a uma redução dos níveis de carboidratos (51,14 a 46,55 g 100 g-1), lipídios (4,79 a 3,35 g 100 g-1) e aumento da umidade (31,06 a 37,31 g 100 g-1) e minerais (0.22 a 0.35 g 100 g-1). O teor de fibras aumentou até três vezes e os compostos fenólicos até sete vezes, aumentando a atividade antioxidante do pão à base de FCJ quando comparado ao controle. O pão elaborado com a adição de FCJ apresentou menores valores de L* (46,72 a 36,07) e maiores valores de a* (3,10 a 9,07) em relação ao controle. Portanto, a farinha de casca de jabuticaba pode ser considerada um ingrediente potencial para a adição ao pão de forma integral com características nutricionais e funcionais desejáveis.

Efficiency of a cleaning protocol for the removal of enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus strains in dairy plants.

Staphylococci are considered a major concern in dairy plants mainly due to the intensive production flow, automation of processing plants and increased demand in the microbiological quality of dairy products. This study aimed to identify S. aureus strains isolated from three Brazilian dairy plants, evaluate the influence of time, temperature and contact surface on the bacterial adhesion process, as well as the efficiency of simulated hygiene and sanitation protocol in removing adhered cells. For genotypic analyses, the presence of icaA and icaD in strains was evaluated. Adherence assays were performed in biofilm reactor, comparing the influence of 2 temperatures (5°C and 35°C), 2 surfaces (stainless steel and polypropylene) and 4 contact times (3, 6, 12h and post-sanitization). To evaluate the process effectiveness in removing adhered cells, neutral detergent and sanitizing agent based on sodium hypochlorite were used in order to simulate the situation observed in one of the dairy plants analyzed. The presence of icaA and icaD genes was determined in 75.3% and 77.6% of strains, respectively; 70.6% of isolates showed both genes, whereas 17.6% showed no genes. Genes for enterotoxin production were found in all samples, relating to SEG and SEH toxins. The number of cells adhered on both surfaces was about 3 and 6 log10 CFU/cm2 at temperatures of 5°C and 35°C, respectively, for most situations evaluated, with significant increase over the evaluation period. In general, the temperature of 35°C favored greater adherence of S. aureus. At 5°C, there was a considerable number of adhered cells, but in populations significantly lower than those observed at 35°C. The cleaning and sanitizing protocol was ineffective in removing adhered cells; better performance of sodium hypochlorite was observed at 5°C, which should be related to lower adherence observed at this temperature. Thus, the process was not able to reduce the number of S. aureus bacteria adhered on both surfaces to safe levels under the conditions evaluated.

Cuidados paliativos no manejo da insuficiência cardíaca / Palliative care in the management of heart failure

Introdução: a insuficiência cardíaca (IC) é uma condição que determina grande sofrimento aos pacientes. Entretanto, a prática de cuidados paliativos (CP) no seu manejo ainda é bastante incipiente. Objetivos: analisar a distribuição territorial dos serviços de CP no Brasil e discutir o papel destes no manejo de pacientes com IC. Metodologia: estudo exploratório documental, com informações demográficas e epidemiológicasobtidas do DATASUS e do IBGE. A relação dos serviços de CP foi obtida da Associação Brasileira de Cuidados Paliativos (ABCP), da Academia Nacional de Cuidados Paliativos (ANCP) e do Ministério da Saúde (MS). A revisão bibliográfica foi realizada nas bases PubMed, LILACS e Scielo, usando os descritores insuficiência cardíaca, cuidados paliativos,qualidade de vida e assistência terminal. Resultados: entre 1996 e 2013 houve mais de 500 mil óbitos por IC no país. Em 2014, os custos hospitalares para tratamento de IC foram superiores a R$ 315 milhões. Embora os CP sejam eficazes no manejo da IC, há baixa disponibilidade desses serviços, que se concentram principalmente no Sudeste, vinculados a instituições oncológicas. Conclusão: a IC é uma síndrome clínica complexa que exige abordagem interdisciplinar. A atenção holística provida pelos CPs mostra-se eficaz na redução de internações por doença descompensada, na incidência de depressão e na melhoria da qualidade de vida do paciente.

Introduction: Heart failure (HF) is a condition that results in great suffering to patients. However, the practice of palliative care in their management is still incipient. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the territorial distribution of palliative care services in Brazil and discuss their role in the treatment of patients with HF. Methods: This is a documental exploratory study, with information obtained from DATASUS, IBGE, the Brazilian Association of Palliative Care (ABCP) and the National Palliative Care Academy (ANCP). A literature review was conducted on PubMed, LILACS and Scielo, using the descriptors Heart Failure, Palliative Care, Quality of Life and Terminal Care. Results: Between 1996 and 2013 there were over than 500.000 deaths due to HF in Brazil. In 2014, hospital costs for treating HF were higher than R$ 315 million. Despite the evidence of the effectiveness of palliative care in heart failure?s management, there is low availability of these services, which is mainly concentrated in the southeast of the country, linked to oncological institutions. Conclusion: The HF is a clinical syndrome that requires an interdisciplinary approach. The holistic care provided by palliative care is effective in reducinghospitalizations for complications of the HF, the incidence of depression and in improving the patient?s quality of life.

Aplicação do teste de lateralização sonora em idosos / Application of the lateralization sound test in elderly individuals

TEMA: a habilidade de determinar a direção da fonte sonora está baseada no fato de que os sons chegam às duas orelhas em tempo, fase, intensidade e/ ou freqüência diferentes. A percepção da direção da fonte sonora favorece a inteligibilidade de fala em ambientes ruidosos. OBJETIVO: identificar o menor tempo de atraso interaural, que é capaz de produzir lateralização para a orelha em que o estímulo chegou primeiro, por meio das técnicas ascendente e descendente, utilizando-se o Teste de Lateralização Sonora, em indivíduos idosos, com audição normal nas freqüências mais importantes para a compreensão da fala. MÉTODO: foi aplicado o Teste de Lateralização Sonora em 30 indivíduos acima de 60 anos de idade, que possuíam limiares de audibilidade até 25dBNA nas freqüências de 500, 1000 e 2000Hz, sem gap aéreo-ósseo. RESULTADOS: os tempos médios de atraso interaural de lateralização sonora foram: a) técnica ascendente: 125,56s (sexo feminino) e 83,61 s (sexo masculino); b) técnica descendente: 95,06 s (sexo feminino) e 61,68s (sexo masculino). CONCLUSÃO: não há diferença entre o tempo médio de atraso interaural de lateralização sonora, obtido com a técnica ascendente e descendente segundo a variável lado de início do teste (orelha direita ou orelha esquerda); o tempo médio de atraso interaural de lateralização sonora é menor nos indivíduos do sexo masculino, em ambas as técnicas, descendente e ascendente; o tempo de atraso interaural médio obtido por meio da técnica descendente é menor que o obtido na técnica ascendente; os indivíduos que apresentam perda de audição à partir da freqüência de 3000Hz têm tempo médio de atraso interaural de lateralização sonora menor que os indivíduos com audição normal, tanto na técnica ascendente quanto na técnica descendente.

BACKGROUND: the ability to determine the direction of a sound source is based on the fact that sounds reach both ears at different times, phase, intensity and/or frequency. The perception of a sound source favors speech intelligibility in noisy environments. AIM: to identify the minimum time of interaural delay - produces lateralization to the ear which the stimulus reached first - through ascendant and descendent techniques, using the Sound Lateralization Test in elderly individuals with normal hearing thresholds in the frequencies which are most important for speech comprehension. METHOD: the Lateralization Test was used in 30 individuals with ages above 60 years, who presented hearing thresholds up to 25 dBHL in 500, 1000 e 2000Hz and with no air-bone gap. RESULTS: mean times of interaural delay in sound lateralization were: a) ascending technique: 125.56sec. (female) and 83.61sec. (male); b) descending technique: 95.06sec. (female) and 61.68sec (male). CONCLUSION: there is no difference between the mean time of interaural delay in sound lateralization obtained with the ascending or descending technique regarding the variable initial tested ear (right or left ear); the mean time of interaural delay in sound lateralization is smaller in males, when considering both ascendant and descendent techniques; the mean time of interaural delay in sound lateralization obtained with the descendent technique is smaller than that obtained with the ascendant technique; individuals who present hearing losses beginning at 3000Hz have smaller mean times of interaural delay in sound lateralization than normal hearing individuals in both techniques.

Efeito da prótese de palato na análise acústica vocal de pacientes disártricos / The effect of palatal lift in the vocal acoustic analysis of dysarthric patients

Tema: a prótese de palato elevadora é indicada para a incompetência velofaríngea, de origem neurológica. Objetivo: investigar o efeito da mesma na análise acústica vocal. Método: a voz de um grupo de 7 adultos disártricos foi avaliada instrumental e perceptivamente. Resultados: a análise acústica näo demonstrou diferença significante entre os indivíduos, nas condiçöes com e sem prótese, enquanto a análise perceptivo-auditiva demonstrou melhora significante apenas na inteligibilidadfe e ressonância de fala. Conclusä: a prótese de palato produziu efeito na fala, mas näo na voz dos indivíduos disártricos.