Culturable bacterial diversity from a feed water of a reverse osmosis system, evaluation of biofilm formation and biocontrol using phages.

Biofilm formation on reverse osmosis (RO) systems represents a drawback in the application of this technology by different industries, including oil refineries. In RO systems the feed water maybe a source of microbial contamination and thus contributes for the formation of biofilm and consequent biofouling. In this study the planktonic culturable bacterial community was characterized from a feed water of a RO system and their capacities were evaluated to form biofilm in vitro. Bacterial motility and biofilm control were also analysed using phages. As results, diverse Protobacteria, Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes were identified. Alphaproteobacteria was the predominant group and Brevundimonas, Pseudomonas and Mycobacterium the most abundant genera. Among the 30 isolates, 11 showed at least one type of motility and 11 were classified as good biofilm formers. Additionally, the influence of non-specific bacteriophage in the bacterial biofilms formed in vitro was investigated by action of phages enzymes or phage infection. The vB_AspP-UFV1 (Podoviridae) interfered in biofilm formation of most tested bacteria and may represent a good alternative in biofilm control. These findings provide important information about the bacterial community from the feed water of a RO system that may be used for the development of strategies for biofilm prevention and control in such systems.

Elastic chitosan/chondroitin sulfate multilayer membranes.

Freestanding multilayered films were obtained using layer-by-layer (LbL) technology from the assembly of natural polyelectrolytes, namely chitosan (CHT) and chondroitin sulfate (CS). The morphology and the transparency of the membranes were evaluated. The influence of genipin (1 and 2 mg ml(-1)), a naturally-derived crosslinker agent, was also investigated in the control of the mechanical properties of the CHT/CS membranes. The water uptake ability can be tailored by changing the crosslinker concentration that also controls the Young's modulus and ultimate tensile strength. The maximum extension tends to decrease upon crosslinking with the highest genipin concentration, compromising the elastic properties of CHT/CS membranes: nevertheless, when using a lower genipin concentration, the ultimate tensile stress is similar to the non-crosslinked one, but exhibits a significantly higher modulus. Moreover, the crosslinked multilayer membranes exhibited shape memory properties, through a simple hydration action. The in vitro biological assays showed better L929 cell adhesion and proliferation when using the crosslinked membranes and confirmed the non-cytotoxicity of the developed CHT/CS membranes. Within this research work, we were able to construct freestanding biomimetic multilayer structures with tailored swelling, mechanical and biological properties that could find applicability in a variety of biomedical applications.

Antibacterial bioadhesive layer-by-layer coatings for orthopedic applications.

In this study, thin LbL films were produced by combining the adhesive properties of the hyaluronic acid-dopamine conjugate with the bioactivity and bactericidal properties of silver doped bioactive glass nanoparticles. The build-up of these films was investigated by quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring. LbL coatings were then constructed on a glass substrate for further characterization. We found that these antimicrobial bioinspired films display enhanced adhesive strength. In vitro bioactivity tests were performed by immersing them in simulated body fluid solution for 14 days where the constructed films promoted the formation of a bone-like apatite layer. From microbiological assays, it was found that coatings containing silver doped nanoparticles exhibited a remarkable antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli cultures. Finally, in vitro cellular behavior tests showed enhanced cell adhesion, proliferation and viability for these antibacterial bioadhesive films. Therefore, the constructed thin films showed promising properties and evidenced great potential to be used as coatings for orthopedic implants.

High performance free-standing films by layer-by-layer assembly of graphene flakes and ribbons with natural polymers.

In this work, novel free-standing (FS) films based on chitosan, alginate and graphene oxide (GO) were developed through layer-by-layer assembly. First, GO was synthesized from graphite and multi-walled carbon nanotubes using a modified Hummer's method, yielding oxidized graphene flakes (o-GFs) and oxidized graphene nanoribbons (o-GNRs), respectively, which were then characterized. Then FS films were produced and their morphological, thermal and mechanical properties, as well as the o-GF and o-GNR dispersion along the films were assessed. Their degradation and swelling profiles as well as their biological behavior were evaluated. Graphite and nanotubes were successfully oxidized and exfoliated forming stable suspensions that could be combined with chitosan (CHI) and alginate (ALG) solutions by layer-by-layer processing. The addition of o-GFs and o-GNRs resulted in rougher, hydrophilic FS films with significantly improved mechanical properties relative to CHI/ALG films. The presence of o-GFs or o-GNRs did not affect the thermal stability and the addition of o-GFs resulted in films with enhanced cytocompatibility. The results demonstrate the high potential of the GO reinforced films for biomedical applications, in particular o-GF films, for wound healing, and cardiac and bone engineering applications.

A double-blind comparison of tianeptine, imipramine and placebo in the treatment of major depressive episodes.

In the course of the international development of tianeptine (T), depressed patients were recruited by 18 centres from Belgium, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland in a double-blind parallel group study versus placebo (P) and imipramine (I). Efficacy and safety of tianeptine were evaluated in 187 depressed inpatients (56% female, 44% male), who fulfilled criteria for either major depression, single episode (24.6%) or recurrent (66.8%), or depressed bipolar disorder (8.6%). After a seven-day run-in placebo pre-inclusion period, patients were treated in double-blind conditions with tianeptine (37.5 mg/d) or imipramine (150 mg/d) or placebo for 14 days, including an increasing daily dose period of three days. After the fourteenth day and until the end of the sixth week of treatment, a flexible dosage was introduced in accordance with the therapeutic efficacy and/or the potential adverse events (T: 25-50 mg/d; I: 100-200 mg/d; P; 2-4 capsules). Discontinuation of treatment occurred in 57 patients (30.5%) with more inefficacy on placebo and tianeptine (P: 16/23; T: 11/17; I: 7/17), and more side-effects on imipramine (P: 1/23; T: 1/17; I: 7/17). Final MADRS scores in intention-to-treat analysis were 22.3 +/- 1.5, 17.3 +/- 1.6 and 18.4 +/- 1.5 for placebo, tianeptine and imipramine, respectively. Statistical analysis demonstrated the antidepressive efficacy of tianeptine and imipramine versus placebo (P = 0.012 and P = 0.034, respectively), and no difference between tianeptine and imipramine. In patients treated for 42 days (n = 129) the MADRS scores dropped from 62.3% on tianeptine, 54.2% on imipramine and 48.5% on placebo. These results confirmed the efficacy of tianeptine (37.5 mg/d) in the treatment of major depression and depressed bipolar disorder when compared to placebo. No difference was found between tianeptine and imipramine (150 mg/d) for the efficacy and between tianeptine and placebo for all safety criteria. The following adverse events were significantly more frequent with imipramine than with tianeptine or placebo: dry mouth (P < 0.001), constipation (P = 0.007), and hot flushes (P = 0.011). No difference in adverse events was found between tianeptine and placebo. While the usual cardiovascular signs of tricyclic antidepressants were observed in the imipramine group, no difference between tianeptine and placebo was shown in respect to heart rate or blood pressure (supine or standing). The assessment of haematological, renal, metabolic and hepatic parameters confirmed the safety of tianeptine.

[Suicide in Portugal]. / Le suicide au Portugal.

Firstly suicide and parasuicide are defined and their respective characteristics are described. Some classifications of suicide and suicidal behaviors are analysed, mainly those which emphasize the clinical aspects. Certain models which undertake to explain the suicide are briefly reviewed, namely those which see the suicide as a deviant behaviour as well as those which see the suicide as a disease. Some epidemiologic features of suicide and parasuicide in Europe are reported, with special emphasis on Portugal. Suicidal risk factors, namely biomedical, psychological, social, cultural, environmental and symptomatic are analysed. The predictive evaluation of suicide is pointed out and some suicide prevention strategies are discussed. Finally the dependence of suicide on individual life cycles, on psychological, social and cultural conditions and on cultures and societies cycles is considered.

Análise de crescimento de Bixa orellana L. sob efeito da inoculação micorrízica e adubação fosfatada / Analyses of Bixa orellana L. growth under the effects of mycorrhizal inoculation and phosphate fertilization

Este estudo objetivou avaliar o desenvolvimento de Bixa orellana L. em condições de viveiro sob efeito da inoculação micorrízica e adubação fosfatada. As plantas foram cultivadas em sacos de polietileno com 0,18 X 0,30 m e capacidade de 1,3 kg de substrato. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado com seis tratamentos e trinta repetições. As dosagens de fósforo utilizadas foram 0, 4.200 e 8.400 g m-3 de substrato. O fungo micorrízico arbuscular (FMA) da espécie Glomus clarum, foi utilizado em metade dos tratamentos (com e sem micorrizas) com inoculação de 2 g do fungo. As avaliações ocorreram 30, 60, 90 e 120 dias após a emergência das plântulas. Determinou-se a massa seca de folhas, área foliar, massa seca total, razão de área foliar, área foliar específica, taxa assimilatória líquida, taxa de crescimento relativo e taxa de crescimento absoluto. O fungo micorrízico facilita a absorção de fósforo pelo urucum, atendendo a sua exigência em relação ao nutriente. A dose de fósforo de 4.200 g m-3 em associação com FMA Glomus clarum ou 8.400 g m-3, com ou sem essa associação, são indicadas para o crescimento de plantas de urucum em viveiro, por promoverem adequadas respostas dos índices fisiológicos, contribuindo com seu desenvolvimento.

This study aimed to evaluate the development of Bixa orellana L. under nursery conditions and subjected to the effects of mycorrhizal inoculation and phosphate fertilization. The plants were grown in polyethylene bags with dimensions of 0.18 x 0.30 m and capacity of 1.3 kg substrate. The adopted experimental design was completely randomized with six treatments and thirty replicates. The used phosphorus levels were 0, 4.200 and 8.400 g m-3 substrate. The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) of the species Glomus clarum was used in half of the treatments (with and without mycorrhizae) with inoculation of 2 g of the fungus. Evaluations occurred at 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after the emergence of seedlings. Leaf dry mass, leaf area, total dry mass, leaf area ratio, specific leaf area, net assimilation rate, relative growth rate and absolute growth rate were determined. The mycorrhizal fungus facilitates phosphorus uptake by annatto, fulfilling its requirement for the nutrient. The phosphorus level of 4.200 g m-3 in association with Glomus clarum or 8.400 g m-3, with or without this association, are indicated for annatto plant growth in nurseries since they promote appropriate responses of physiological indexes, contributing to the plant development.

Escarificação ácida, temperatura e luz no processo germinativo de sementes de Senna alata (L.) Roxb / Acid scarification, temperature and light on the germination process of Senna alata (L.) Roxb. seeds

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o tempo ótimo de escarificação das sementes de Senna alata em ácido sulfúrico e verificar o efeito da temperatura, em condição de luz e escuro, na germinação de sementes dessa espécie. As sementes foram imersas em ácido sulfúrico concentrado por períodos de 0, 15, 30 e 60 minutos, e o teste de germinação realizado em BOD a 25ºC, utilizando quatro repetições de 50 sementes em cada período de tempo, sendo o delineamento estatístico inteiramente casualizado com 4 tratamentos. No segundo experimento, para verificar o efeito da temperatura e da condição de luz mais adequada a germinação, utilizou-se temperaturas de 10 a 45ºC, com intervalos de 5ºC, em condição de luz fluorescente branca ou escuro contínuo (gerbox preto). Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, disposto em esquema fatorial 8x2, com 4 repetições, de 50 sementes cada. Em todos os testes as avaliações da porcentagem e índice de velocidade de germinação foram feitas diariamente, durante 10 dias, onde as sementes foram consideradas germinadas quando apresentaram 2 mm de raiz. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5 por cento de probabilidade. A escarificação do tegumento com ácido sulfúrico durante 60 minutos, foi ideal para as sementes de Senna alata, por proporcionar maiores valores na porcentagem e velocidade de germinação. A germinação ocorre entre 15 e 40ºC, sendo consideradas fotoblásticas neutras entre 20 e 40ºC e fotoblásticas negativas preferenciais a 15ºC. O melhor desempenho germinativo foi obtido nas temperaturas de 25, 30 e 35ºC, onde ocorreram maior porcentagem e velocidade de germinação.

The aim of this study was to establish the optimum scarification time for Senna alata seeds in sulfuric acid, as well as to verify the effect of temperature on seed germination for this species under conditions of light and darkness. Seeds were immersed in concentrated sulfuric acid for periods of 0, 15, 30 and 60 minutes, and the germination test was carried out in a BOD chamber at 25ºC, using four replicates of 50 seeds for each time period. Experimental design was completely randomized with 4 treatments. In the second experiment, temperatures from 10 to 45ºC, with 5ºC intervals, were used under conditions of fluorescent white light or continuous darkness (black "gerbox") in order to verify the temperature effect and the most suitable light condition for germination. Experimental design was completely randomized, in an 8x2 factorial arrangement, with 4 replicates of 50 seeds each. In all tests, germination percentage and speed index were daily evaluated for 10 days. Seeds were considered germinated when the radicle length was 2 mm. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and means were compared by Tukey's test at 5 percent significance. The tegument scarification with sulfuric acid for 60 minutes was optimal for Senna alata seeds since it led to higher values of germination percentage and speed. Germination occurs between 15 and 40ºC, and seeds are considered neutral photoblastic between 20 and 40ºC and negative photoblastic especially at 15ºC. The best germination performance was observed at 25, 30 and 35ºC, at which germination percentage and speed were higher.

[Postpartum contraception]. / Contracepcao pos-parto.

PIP: Postpartum depression often occurs with symptoms of dysphoria, emotional instability, anxiety, insomnia, headache, loss of appetite reaching its peak 3-6 days after childbirth, with an incidence of 26-85% of women giving birth being affected. Postpartum contraception requires medical consultation during the puerperal period when the time of return of ovulation is also discussed. Oral contraceptives pose some risk of thromboembolism, especially in the first 10 days postpartum and also have an effect on lactation, but help faster return of menstruation and the diminution of menstrual flow. OCs should be prescribed 10-15 days postpartum. For women who nurse OCs containing progestational hormones could be prescribed which have a 99% effectiveness in the first year of use. Injectables also containing progestational hormones are commenced 7 days postpartum and are effective for 8-12 weeks. Implants are implanted 4 weeks postpartum and are effective for 5 years. The IUD could be inserted after the return of menstruation to avoid any risk of uterine perforation. Tubal ligation is usually performed 24-48 postpartum by periumbilical minilaparotomy. Natural methods are not recommended because of their low efficacy and difficulty of interpretation during this period, while barrier methods (both the male and female condom) using spermicides are more effective.^ieng

[Comparative study of three psychotropics for treatment of depressions]. / Etude comparative de trois psychotropes dans le traitement des dépressions

The effect of three anti-depressive psychotropes (Clorimipramine, Doxepine and Dibenzepine) was studied in 107 depressed patients. In each patient the mean value of twelve symptoms was evaluated and compared weekly (for 4 weeks), by statistical methods. In addition, the effect of each drug was analysed in personality stratus. A thymeretic and thymoanaleptic rapid action on 'corporality' and 'endotimic-vital' layer was found with Clorimipramine. Doxepine acts rapidly with sedative and anxiolitic actions on reactive symptoms related with personality super-structures having long term anti-depressive effects. Dibenzepine has a thymeretic rapid and intensive action and a slow thymoanaleptic effect on the same personality stratus of Clorimipramine.