Combined effect of SAR-endolysin LysKpV475 with polymyxin B and Salmonella bacteriophage phSE-5.

Endolysins are bacteriophage (or phage)-encoded enzymes that catalyse the peptidoglycan breakdown in the bacterial cell wall. The exogenous action of recombinant phage endolysins against Gram-positive organisms has been extensively studied. However, the outer membrane acts as a physical barrier when considering the use of recombinant endolysins to combat Gram-negative bacteria. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the SAR-endolysin LysKpV475 against Gram-negative bacteria as single or combined therapies, using an outer membrane permeabilizer (polymyxin B) and a phage, free or immobilized in a pullulan matrix. In the first step, the endolysin LysKpV475 in solution, alone and combined with polymyxin B, was tested in vitro and in vivo against ten Gram-negative bacteria, including highly virulent strains and multidrug-resistant isolates. In the second step, the lyophilized LysKpV475 endolysin was combined with the phage phSE-5 and investigated, free or immobilized in a pullulan matrix, against Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium ATCC 13311. The bacteriostatic action of purified LysKpV475 varied between 8.125 µg ml-1 against Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, 16.25 µg ml-1 against S. enterica Typhimurium ATCC 13311, and 32.50 µg ml-1 against Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC BAA-2146 and Enterobacter cloacae P2224. LysKpV475 showed bactericidal activity only for P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 (32.50 µg ml-1) and P. aeruginosa P2307 (65.00 µg ml-1) at the tested concentrations. The effect of the LysKpV475 combined with polymyxin B increased against K. pneumoniae ATCC BAA-2146 [fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) 0.34; a value lower than 1.0 indicates an additive/combined effect] and S. enterica Typhimurium ATCC 13311 (FICI 0.93). A synergistic effect against S. enterica Typhimurium was also observed when the lyophilized LysKpV475 at ⅔ MIC was combined with the phage phSE-5 (m.o.i. of 100). The lyophilized LysKpV475 immobilized in a pullulan matrix maintained a significant Salmonella reduction of 2 logs after 6 h of treatment. These results demonstrate the potential of SAR-endolysins, alone or in combination with other treatments, in the free form or immobilized in solid matrices, which paves the way for their application in different areas, such as in biocontrol at the food processing stage, biosanitation of food contact surfaces and biopreservation of processed food in active food packing.

Cannabinoid products for pain management: recommendations from the São Paulo State Society of Anesthesiology.

There is growing interest in using cannabinoids across various clinical scenarios, including pain medicine, leading to the disregard of regulatory protocols in some countries. Legislation has been implemented in Brazil, specifically in the state of São Paulo, permitting the distribution of cannabinoid products by health authorities for clinical purposes, free of charge for patients, upon professional prescription. Thus, it is imperative to assess the existing evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of these products in pain management. In light of this, the São Paulo State Society of Anesthesiology (SAESP) established a task force to conduct a narrative review on the topic using the Delphi method, requiring a minimum agreement of 60% among panelists. The study concluded that cannabinoid products could potentially serve as adjuncts in pain management but stressed the importance of judicious prescription. Nevertheless, this review advises against their use for acute pain and cancer-related pain. In other clinical scenarios, established treatments should take precedence, particularly when clinical protocols are available, such as in neuropathic pain. Only patients exhibiting poor therapeutic responses to established protocols or demonstrating intolerance to recommended management may be considered as potential candidates for cannabinoids, which should be prescribed by physicians experienced in handling these substances. Special attention should be given to individual patient characteristics and the likelihood of drug interactions.

High-power laser in the treatment of gingival pigmentation: an integrative review of the literature / Laser de alta potência no tratamento da pigmentação gengival: uma revisão integrativa da literatura

ABSTRACT Objective: To perform an integrative literature review about effectiveness of high-power laser in the treatment of gingival melanin pigmentation. Methods: This research consists of an integrative review conducted from September 2021 to May 2022 seeking to answer the following question: "What is the clinical effectiveness of laser in the treatment of gingival melanin pigmentation?". The articles were analyzed by two researchers and the information about these was collected with emphasis on the following data: authors, year of publication, study objectives, methodology, results and conclusion. Results: Of the 16 articles initially selected, 08 were excluded (3 literature reviews, 4 internship reports and 1 monography). Thus, 8 articles were selected. Conclusion: Among several types of lasers and techniques for its use, laser, especially diode laser, was the most used technique and presented better aesthetic results, less pain, faster healing, preference and patient satisfaction after treatment. More good quality randomized control trials are needed in different techniques currently used to generate conclusions with high scientific evidence.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo desta pesquisa é avaliar se há efetividade do laser de alta potência no tratamento da pigmentação melânica gengival. Métodos: Esta pesquisa constitui-se de uma revisão integrativa realizada no período de setembro de 2021 a maio de 2022 buscando responder à seguinte pergunta: "Qual é a efetividade clínica do laser no tratamento da pigmentação melânica gengival?". Os artigos foram analisados por duas pesquisadoras e as informações dos artigos foram coletadas com ênfase nos seguintes dados: autores, ano de publicação, objetivos do estudo, metodologia, resultados e conclusão. Resultados: Dos 16 artigos selecionados inicialmente, 08 foram excluídos, sendo 03 revisões da literatura, 04 relatórios de estágio e 1 trabalho de conclusão de curso. Desta forma, 08 artigos foram selecionados. Conclusão: Dentre diversos tipos de lasers e técnicas para sua utilização, o laser, especialmente o laser de diodo, foi a técnica mais utilizada e apresentou melhores resultados estéticos, menos dor, cicatrização mais rápida, preferência e satisfação dos pacientes após o tratamento. São necessários mais ensaios de controle randomizado de boa qualidade em diferentes técnicas usadas atualmente para gerar conclusões com alta evidência cientifica.

Quadratus Lumborum block as primary anesthetic technique for colostomy procedure: a case report

Abstract An elderly patient was admitted to the hospital due to an enterovesical fistula and a terminal colostomy was proposed. The patient had a high anesthetic risk and thus a quadratus lumborum block was chosen as the sole anesthetic technique. This block has been described to provide both somatic and visceral analgesia to the abdomen. In fact, it yielded good anesthetic conditions to perform the procedure and allowed the patient to be hemodynamically stable and comfortable throughout the case. The postoperative period was uneventful.

Extraction, identification and antitumor activity in cell cultures of cubebin isolated from dry seeds Piper cubeba (Piperaceae).

The Pipercubeba, it is one spice, widely consumed in Europe, which has several bioactive molecules, between those a lignan named cubebin. Cubebin has several known biological activities, such as analgesic activity and anti-inflammatory, trypanocidal activity, leishmanicidal and antitumor activity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antiproliferative activity "in vitro" cubebin in eight different human tumor cell lines. It was fully characterized by IR analysis, NMR, mass spectrometry, DSC, TGA, residual solvent and elemental analysis. The antitumor activity of cubebin was evaluated "in vitro" on eight different human tumor cell lineages. Cubebin showed GI50≤30µg/mL for lineage cell U251 (glioma CNS), 786-0 (kidney), PC-3 (prostate), HT-29 (colon rectum). For K562 cells (leukemia), cubebin presented GI50≤to 4.0mg/mL. For the other lineages cells, MCF-7 (breast) and NCI-H460 to cubebin can be considered inactive because of GI50>250mg/mL. Analyzing the selectivity index for cubebin, it can be observed that high selectivity of cubebin to K562 lineage cells (leukemia). Analyzing the cytotoxic potential of cubebin was observed that probably acts cubebin altering metabolism, inhibiting cell growth - a cytostatic effect, showing no cytocidal effect on any lineage cell.

Purple tea: chemical characterization and evaluation as inhibitor of pancreatic lipase and fat digestion in mice.

A variety of the classic green tea plant, Camellia sinensis, was developed and is exclusive to Kenya. Due to high content of anthocyanin polyphenols in its leaves, the beverage obtained from this variety is purple in color and is the origin of the name purple tea. This work had two main purposes. The first one was to identify and quantify the major anthocyanin polyphenols in a hot water aqueous extract of the purple tea leaves. The second one was to test the hypothesis if this extract is capable of inhibiting triglyceride absorption considering that anthocyanin polyphenolics have been frequently associated to antilipidemic effects. Parallel experiments were always done with a similar green tea extract for comparison purposes. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities of both tea varieties are similar. The purple tea extract, however, was strongly inhibitory toward the pancreatic lipase (minimal IC50 = 67.4 µg mL-1), whereas the green tea preparation was a weak inhibitor. Triglyceride digestion in mice was inhibited by the purple tea extract starting at 100 mg kg-1 dose and with a well-defined dose dependence. Green tea had no effect on triglyceride digestion at doses up to 500 mg kg-1. The latter effect is probably caused by several components in the purple tea extract including non-anthocyanin and anthocyanin polyphenols, the first ones acting solely via the inhibition of the pancreatic lipase and the latter by inhibiting both the lipase and the transport of free fatty acids from the intestinal lumen into the circulating blood. The results suggest that the regular consumption of Kenyan purple tea can be useful in the control of obesity.

Quadratus Lumborum block as primary anesthetic technique for colostomy procedure: a case report.

An elderly patient was admitted to the hospital due to an enterovesical fistula and a terminal colostomy was proposed. The patient had a high anesthetic risk and thus a quadratus lumborum block was chosen as the sole anesthetic technique. This block has been described to provide both somatic and visceral analgesia to the abdomen. In fact, it yielded good anesthetic conditions to perform the procedure and allowed the patient to be hemodynamically stable and comfortable throughout the case. The postoperative period was uneventful.

Practical aspects of the use of medicinal cannabis in chronic pain / Aspectos práticos do uso da cannabis medicinal em dor crônica

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Evidence has revealed an important role in the use of medical cannabis, and the interaction of the endocannabinoid system with other drugs for the treatment of chronic neuropathic and nociplastic pain. The objective of this review is to bring an update on published data on doses and care with the use of cannabinoids that demonstrate the interaction in the pathophysiology of chronic pain and its treatment. CONTENTS: A research-based review was carried out in the MEDLINE, PUBMED database using the keywords "cannabis and pain", "endocannabinoid"; "neuropathic pain"; "nociplastic pain"; "drug interactions". CONCLUSION: Drug interaction with cannabinoids requires further scientific knowledge and doses are individual, which makes it difficult to create a protocol for treatment.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: As evidências têm revelado um papel importante sobre o uso da cannabis medicinal e da interação do sistema endocanabinoide com outros fármacos para o tratamento de dor crônica neuropática e nociplástica. O objetivo deste estudo foi prover atualização sobre os dados publicados quanto a doses e cuidados com o uso dos canabinoides que mostrem interação na fisiopatologia da dor crônica e seu tratamento. CONTEÚDO: Foi realizada uma revisão baseada em pesquisa na base de dados Medline, Pubmed com uso dos unitermos "cannabis e dor", "endocannabinoid", "neuropathic pain", "nociplastic pain" e "drug interactions". CONCLUSÃO: A interação farmacológica com os canabinoides requer aprofundamento do conhecimento científico e as doses são individuais, o que dificulta a criação de um protocolo para tratamento.

Cannabinoids for the treatment of autism and childhood epilepsy / Canabinoides no tratamento do autismo e epilepsia infantil

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are diseases with neuropsychiatric impairment, which, depending on their clinical presentation, can be treated with medical cannabis. The objective of this work is to present a brief review of the literature on the use of cannabinoids (CNB) in the management of ASD and epilepsy. CONTENTS: The elaboration of this review was made from search and selection. Searches were carried out in the following databases: LILACS, Medline via Pubmed, Scielo and Cochrane Library, published from January 2010 to December 2022. CONCLUSION: The use of CNB, both for epilepsy and for ASD, has been shown to be safe, however actual effectiveness has yet to be proven.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A epilepsia e o transtorno do espectro do autismo (TEA) são doenças com comprometimento neuropsiquiátrico, os quais, dependendo da sua apresentação clínica, podem ser tratados com a cannabis medicinal. O objetivo deste estudo foi apresentar uma breve revisão da literatura sobre o uso de canabinoides (CNB) no manejo do TEA e da epilepsia. CONTEÚDO: A elaboração desta revisão foi feita a partir de busca e seleção. Foram realizadas buscas nas bases de dados: LILACS, Medline via Pubmed, Scielo e Cochrane Library, publicados no período de janeiro de 2010 a dezembro de 2022. CONCLUSÃO: O uso dos CNB, tanto para epilepsia quanto para o TEA, tem se mostrado seguro, porém a real eficácia ainda não foi comprovada.

Causes and prevention practices of food waste in fruit and vegetable supply chains: How is Brazil dealing with these issues?

This study aims to identify the main causes of food waste (especially fruit and vegetables) and their relationship with prevention practices at supermarket and supplier levels. To do so, we conducted case studies in four Brazilian supermarket chains and their suppliers. Our findings show that although supermarkets seem to be concerned about avoiding food waste, they mostly focus on internal prevention actions, reflecting the lack of collaboration and information between supermarkets and suppliers. The low investment of supermarkets in actions to prevent food waste is focused only on their internal operations and, despite this, training is inefficient due to the high level of staff turnover and lack of involvement of suppliers in participating in this training. The use of technologies such as packaging, traceability, refrigeration, and transport equipment is insufficient, it increases production costs. A lack of strict legislation in Brazil makes it difficult for supermarkets and suppliers to donate food. Cultural issues specific to Brazil, such as consumer overhandling fruit and vegetables before buying these products, generate a great deal of waste. The paper contributes to the literature by identifying the main root causes of food waste and providing a list of prevention practices that supermarkets and suppliers can benefit from. Managerially, it can help supermarket managers spot the causes of food waste within their operations, and hence change, improve or implement practices and behavior to prevent food waste.

Pseudomonas-tailed lytic phages: genome mechanical analysis and putative correlation with virion morphogenesis yield.

Aim: To unveil a putative correlation between phage genome flexibility and virion morphogenesis yield. Materials & methods: A deeper analysis of the mechanical properties of three Pseudomonas aeruginosa lytic phage genomes was undertaken, together with full genome cyclizability calculations. Results & conclusion: A putative correlation was established among phage genome flexibility, eclipse timeframe and virion particle morphogenesis yield, with a more flexible phage genome leading to a higher burst size and a more rigid phage genome leading to lower burst sizes. The results obtained are highly relevant to understand the influence of the phage genome plasticity on the virion morphogenesis yield inside the infected bacterial host cells and assumes particular relevance in the actual context of bacterial resistance to antibiotics.

Isolation and Molecular Characterization of a Novel Lytic Bacteriophage That Inactivates MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains.

The worldwide increase in serious infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) K. pneumoniae emphasizes the urgent need of new therapeutic strategies for the control of this pathogen. There is growing interest in the use of bacteriophages (or phages) to treat K. pneumoniae infections, and newly isolated phages are needed. Here, we report the isolation and physical/biological/molecular characterization of a novel lytic phage and its efficacy in the control of MDR K. pneumoniae. The phage vB_KpnS_Uniso31, referred to hereafter as phage Kpn31, was isolated from hospital wastewater using K. pneumoniae CCCD-K001 as the host. Phage Kpn31 presents a siphovirus-like morphotype and was classified as Demerecviridae; Sugarlandvirus based on its complete genome sequence. The 113,444 bp Kpn31 genome does not encode known toxins or antimicrobial resistance genes, nor does it encode depolymerases related sequences. Phage Kpn31 showed an eclipse time of 15 min and a burst size of 9.12 PFU/host cell, allowing us to conclude it replicates well in K. pneumoniae CCCD-K001 with a latency period of 30 min. Phage Kpn31 was shown to be effective against at least six MDR K. pneumoniae clinical isolates in in vitro antibacterial activity assays. Based on its features, phage Kpn31 has potential for controlling infections caused by MDR K. pneumoniae.

Linkage strategy and vulnerabilities in the barriers to HIV/AIDS treatment for men who have sex with men. / Estratégia de linkagem e vulnerabilidades nas barreiras ao tratamento de HIV/Aids para homens que fazem sexo com homens.

This study aims to analyze the linkage to HIV/AIDS treatment among Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) of the project "A Hora é Agora" in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. The concept of vulnerability with its three axes, namely, the individual, social, and programmatic, was the theoretical framework. The barriers from testing up to the onset of the treatment were mapped through linkage registration and minutes from supervisory meetings. In the individual axis, the data revealed that the MSM struggled to address the HIV diagnosis, besides psychological problems that could cause the delay in starting treatment. Considering the social axis, stigma/discrimination was identified in the service at the Basic Health Care Network and within the families, delaying the disclosure of serology. Lastly, in the programmatic axis, the MSM found barriers in accessing the health services due to requests to repeat the HIV test, changing doctors due to poor service, and difficulties in conducting further tests, which adversely reflected on health care. In order to overcome these barriers, it is recommended not only a macro-structural work within this group, but also an investment in the micropolitics, which will enable a real change of attitude, continued care, and a stance related to approaches of care and the defense of life.

Este estudo tem por objetivo analisar a vinculação ao tratamento de HIV/Aids de Homens que fazem Sexo com Homens (HSH) no Projeto A Hora é Agora, na cidade de Curitiba, Paraná. O conceito de vulnerabilidade com seus três eixos: individual, social e programático foi considerado o marco teórico. Realizou-se levantamento das barreiras enfrentadas pelos sujeitos da testagem até o início do tratamento, por meio de registro da linkagem e atas das reuniões de supervisão. Os dados revelaram que, no plano individual, os HSH tiveram dificuldade em aceitar o diagnóstico de HIV, além de problemas psicológicos que podem ter acarretado na demora de início do tratamento. No eixo social, o estigma/discriminação foi identificado no atendimento nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde e na família, protelando a revelação da sorologia. Por fim, no eixo programático, os HSH encontraram entraves no acesso aos serviços de saúde em função: dos pedidos para repetirem o teste de HIV; mudança de médico pelo mau atendimento; e obstáculos na realização de outros exames, refletindo negativamente no cuidado da saúde. Para a superação dessas barreiras recomenda-se uma atuação não apenas macroestrutural frente a esse grupo, mas um investimento na micropolítica, possibilitando uma mudança real de atitude, cuidado contínuo e postura frente a abordagem do cuidador e a defesa da vida.

Estratégia de linkagem e vulnerabilidades nas barreiras ao tratamento de HIV/Aids para homens que fazem sexo com homens / Linkage strategy and vulnerabilities in the barriers to HIV/AIDS treatment for men who have sex with men

Resumo Este estudo tem por objetivo analisar a vinculação ao tratamento de HIV/Aids de Homens que fazem Sexo com Homens (HSH) no Projeto A Hora é Agora, na cidade de Curitiba, Paraná. O conceito de vulnerabilidade com seus três eixos: individual, social e programático foi considerado o marco teórico. Realizou-se levantamento das barreiras enfrentadas pelos sujeitos da testagem até o início do tratamento, por meio de registro da linkagem e atas das reuniões de supervisão. Os dados revelaram que, no plano individual, os HSH tiveram dificuldade em aceitar o diagnóstico de HIV, além de problemas psicológicos que podem ter acarretado na demora de início do tratamento. No eixo social, o estigma/discriminação foi identificado no atendimento nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde e na família, protelando a revelação da sorologia. Por fim, no eixo programático, os HSH encontraram entraves no acesso aos serviços de saúde em função: dos pedidos para repetirem o teste de HIV; mudança de médico pelo mau atendimento; e obstáculos na realização de outros exames, refletindo negativamente no cuidado da saúde. Para a superação dessas barreiras recomenda-se uma atuação não apenas macroestrutural frente a esse grupo, mas um investimento na micropolítica, possibilitando uma mudança real de atitude, cuidado contínuo e postura frente a abordagem do cuidador e a defesa da vida.

Abstract This study aims to analyze the linkage to HIV/AIDS treatment among Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) of the project "A Hora é Agora" in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. The concept of vulnerability with its three axes, namely, the individual, social, and programmatic, was the theoretical framework. The barriers from testing up to the onset of the treatment were mapped through linkage registration and minutes from supervisory meetings. In the individual axis, the data revealed that the MSM struggled to address the HIV diagnosis, besides psychological problems that could cause the delay in starting treatment. Considering the social axis, stigma/discrimination was identified in the service at the Basic Health Care Network and within the families, delaying the disclosure of serology. Lastly, in the programmatic axis, the MSM found barriers in accessing the health services due to requests to repeat the HIV test, changing doctors due to poor service, and difficulties in conducting further tests, which adversely reflected on health care. In order to overcome these barriers, it is recommended not only a macro-structural work within this group, but also an investment in the micropolitics, which will enable a real change of attitude, continued care, and a stance related to approaches of care and the defense of life.

Genetic divergence between pumpkin accessions for morphoagronomic characters

The objective of this work was to evaluate the diversity between accessions of Cucurbita moschata from the Northeast of Brazil and preserved at the Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA) in Mossoró-RN. The experiment was carried out in complete randomized blocks, with two replications and three plants per plot. The treatments consisted of 51 accessions of C. moschata Duch and a commercial cultivar of Cucurbita maximum Duch. After ripening, the fruits were harvested (one fruit per plant) and evaluated for morpho-agronomic descriptors. Univariate and multivariate variance analyzes were performed. From the dissimilarity matrices, accessions were hierarchically grouped by the UPGMA method. The relative contribution of quantitative characters to the divergence was also estimated. There was an effect of accessions (p <0.01 or p <0.05) for all characters in univariate analyzes, indicating that there is heterogeneity between the accessions evaluated. Considering the quantitative descriptors, the accessions formed eight groups and for the qualitative six groups. When considering the two sets of descriptors, the accessions were distributed in eight groups but presenting a greater distribution of accessions. The descriptors that most contributed to the discrimination of accessions were the firmness of the pulp and the length of the fruit.

Characterization and in vitro testing of newly isolated lytic bacteriophages for the biocontrol of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Aim: Two lytic phages were isolated using P. aeruginosa DSM19880 as host and fully characterized. Materials & methods: Phages were characterized physicochemically, biologically and genomically. Results & conclusion: Host range analysis revealed that the phages also infect some multidrug-resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa clinical isolates. Increasing MOI from 1 to 1000 significantly increased phage efficiency and retarded bacteria regrowth, but phage ph0034 (reduction of 7.5 log CFU/ml) was more effective than phage ph0031 (reduction of 5.1 log CFU/ml) after 24 h. Both phages belong to Myoviridae family. Genome sequencing of phages ph0031 and ph0034 showed that they do not carry toxin, virulence, antibiotic resistance and integrase genes. The results obtained are highly relevant in the actual context of bacterial resistance to antibiotics.

Sexualidade, sociabilidade, trabalho e prevenção do HIV entre populações vulneráveis na pandemia da Covid-19 / Sexuality, sociability, work, and HIV prevention among vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic

RESUMO O advento da pandemia da Covid-19 restringiu o acesso à prevenção e aos serviços de HIV/AIDS, ocasionando efeitos nas condições de vida e saúde dos indivíduos. O objetivo foi analisar o acesso de Homens que fazem Sexo com Homens (HSH) e mulheres trans/travestis às tecnologias de prevenção do HIV, suas práticas sexuais, de sociabilidade e de trabalho no contexto da Covid-19 em Curitiba/PR. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas virtuais, e utilizado o referencial conceitual da vulnerabilidade. A análise foi viabilizada pelo software MaxQDA. Os resultados apontaram que muitos HSH conseguiram se isolar socialmente, restringindo as parcerias sexuais, alguns perderam o emprego, e a diminuição da renda girou entre os autônomos ou profissionais liberais. As mulheres trans/travestis profissionais do sexo tiveram que interromper o isolamento social para retornarem ao trabalho sexual, expondo-se ao novo coronavírus. A Profilaxia Pré-Exposição (PrEP) foi utilizada entre aqueles(as) que já estavam em uso. A oferta da PrEP e da Profilaxia Pós-Exposição (PEP) foram mantidas, mas sofreram mudanças. Os serviços especializados adequaram o atendimento, mas geraram exposição dos(as) usuários(as) e revelação do status sorológico. Como conclusão, destaca-se a necessidade de serviços de HIV contínuos em emergências de saúde pública, entendidos como um direito que deve ser garantido pelo Estado.

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic has restricted access to HIV/AIDS prevention and services, affecting individual living and health conditions. We aimed to analyze the access of Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) and transgender women to HIV prevention technologies, their sexual, sociability, and work practices during the COVID-19 pandemic in Curitiba (PR), Brazil. We implemented virtual semi-structured interviews and adopted the conceptual framework of vulnerability. The MaxQDA software facilitated the analysis. The results showed that many MSM managed to isolate themselves socially, restricting sexual partnerships while some lost their jobs, and income decline revolved among self-employed or freelancers. Female/trans sex workers had to stop social distancing to return to sex work, exposing themselves to the coronavirus. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) was adopted by those already using it. The of PrEP and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) offer was preserved but modified. Specialized services adapted the attendance but generated users' exposure and serological status disclosure. In conclusion, we highlight the need for continuous HIV services in public health emergencies, a State-guaranteed right.

Relatos sobre um livro com experiências de estigma/discriminação de Pessoas Vivendo com HIV/AIDS no Brasil / Reports on a book with situations of stigma/discrimination of People Living With HIV/ AIDS in Brazil

RESUMO Ao longo de 2021, no âmbito de atividades da Associação Brasileira Interdisciplinar de AIDS, foi desenvolvido o projeto 'E se fosse com você? Histórias vividas de estigma e discriminação em 40 anos de HIV/AIDS'. O projeto buscou reunir histórias reais de estigma e discriminação, bem como mostrar traumáticas experiências vividas pelas pessoas com HIV/AIDS, para estimular a empatia e a solidariedade em torno do grupo. Este texto é um relato sobre a experiência do projeto, realizado por chamada de voluntários nas redes sociais da Associação. Entre estes, foram selecionados dez indivíduos, considerando tipos de situações vividas, faixas etárias, gêneros, raças, orientações sexuais e regiões de origem, para tentar mostrar diferentes aspectos de viver com HIV/AIDS no Brasil. No intuito de nortear as entrevistas, foi preparado roteiro semiestruturado, com dezenas de perguntas adaptadas a individualidades de cada participante, para abordar diferentes histórias. A partir das entrevistas, foram escritas dez histórias diferentes, pontuando situações de estigma e discriminação em distintos momentos da vida, assim como quadros de enfrentamento e resistência. Por ocasião do Dia Mundial de Luta contra a AIDS em 2021, o livro foi lançado no seminário 'Refazendo a Prevenção', da mesma Associação, e está disponível para baixar gratuitamente.

ABSTRACT Related to the activities of the Brazilian Interdisciplinary AIDS Association in 2021, the project 'What if it was with you? Lived Stories of Stigma and Discrimination in 40 Years of HIV/AIDS' was developed. The project aimed gathering real stories of stigma and discrimination, but also presenting the traumatic experiences lived by people with HIV/AIDS, and stimulating empathy and solidarity around the group. This article is a report on the experience of the project, carried out by calling volunteers on the social networks of the Association. Among the volunteers, ten individuals were selected, considering types of situations experienced, age groups, genders, races, sexual orientations, and origin, trying to show different aspects of living with HIV/AIDS in Brazil. To guide the interviews, a semi-structured script was prepared, with dozens of questions adapted to the individualities of each participant, to address different life stories. From the interviews, ten different stories were written, punctuating situations of stigma and discrimination, in different moments of life, as well as frames of confrontation and resistance. On the occasion of World AIDS Day in 2021, the book was launched at the same Association's seminar 'Refazendo a Prevenção', and it is available for free download.

Use of nanoencapsulated curcumin against vegetative cells and spores of Alicyclobacillus spp. in industrialized orange juice.

Pathogenic and deteriorating bacteria are a great concern to food safety. In this sense, the present study evaluated the fight against microbial contamination through the use of nanoparticles containing curcumin, in addition to analyzing the physical properties of these nanoparticles. Efficient curcumin encapsulation was determined by Fourier transform infrared spectra evaluation and differential scanning calorimetry. Transmission electron microscopy images showed irregular shaped nanoparticles with broad size distribution (20-250 nm). The antibacterial activity was considered satisfactory, since curcumin in the form of nanoparticles demonstrated antimicrobial and antibacterial activity superior to curcumin in its free form, against both pathogenic bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 125 µg/mL), and deteriorates, such as Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris (MIC 62.5 µg/mL). Since curcumin nanoparticles may be consumed as a food additive, the bioactive properties of the nanoencapsulated curcumin were also evaluated in relation to antioxidant capacity (Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and oxidative hemolysis inhibition assays) and cytotoxicity against four carcinoma cell lines, as well as two non-tumor cells. As a proof of concept, nanoparticles were incorporated in orange juice, with the juice maintaining satisfactory pH, °Brix, and color stability, during three days of storage (8 °C).