Profile of Facial Trauma Victims of Motorcycle Accidents: A Prospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: To outline the profile of patients with facial trauma, victims of motorcycle accidents, treated at the Hospital da Restauração, Recife/PE, Brazil, from December 2020 to July 2021. METHODS: The collection was carried out through questionnaire and analysis of medical records. Data were analyzed descriptively, as well as Pearson's chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Among the patients, 88.6% were male, 47.5% were between 18 and 29 years old, and 59.6% lived in rural areas; 72.15% of the victims used the motorcycle for work and 43.52% were working at the time of the accident. Most victims did not have a national motorcycle license (62%) and were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident (60%), with 37.6% wearing a full-face helmet, 16.5% an open helmet, and 5.9% an articulated full-face helmet. Soft tissue injuries were the most prevalent. Zygomatic complex fractures were the most common facial fractures and were significantly associated with helmet use and type. CONCLUSIONS: Most victims of motorcycle accidents are young adult men, without a regular driver's license and residing in rural areas. Preventive and educational actions and continuous traffic inspections are necessary to minimize these accidents.

Effectiveness of Elastic Therapeutic Tape in Reducing Edema, Pain and Trismus following Surgery for Facial Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Facial fractures cause postoperative morbidity, including edema, pain, and trismus. Elastic therapeutic tapes are used for optimizing recovery. Background: The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of elastic tape Kinesio taping (KT) in reducing postoperative morbidity in facial fractures surgeries. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Searches were conducted in the Cochrane, Medline, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science databases using a pre-established search strategy. Results: A total of 811 studies were retrieved after the duplicates were removed, and only randomized clinical trials were included. Eight trials, involving 319 participants, were deemed eligible. One study solely investigated the effect on edema, while the others analyzed at least two of the variables of interest. Results from two RCTs, where qualitative analysis was applicable, suggest a potential reduction in edema in the KT group compared to the control group on the second (RR -0.55, 95% CI -0.89 to -0.22; p = 0.01; I2 = 0%) and third postoperative days (RR -0.71, 95% CI -1.01 to -0.40; p < 0.00001; I2 = 0%). Conclusions: KT is effective in controlling postoperative edema following surgery for facial fractures. However, the effects on pain and trismus should be explored further in studies with standardized methods.

A destructive sinonasal organizing hematoma mimicking malignancy.

Sinonasal organizing hematomas (SOH) are rare, benign lesions that can be mistaken for malignancies due to their unfamiliarity among clinicians and aggressive appearance on imaging, which can lead to aggressive and unnecessary therapeutic interventions. Herein, we report an unusual case of SOH in an 87-year-old female patient who sought care at a maxillofacial surgery service due to persistent right nasal obstruction and imaging findings that suggested the possibility of sinonasal malignancy. We highlight the importance of recognizing these lesions to ensure adequate treatment through a conservative approach.

Volunteers' experiences building relationships with long-term care residents who have advanced dementia.

Healthcare volunteers make important contributions within healthcare settings, including long-term care. Although some studies conducted in long-term care have shown that volunteers contribute positively to the lives of people living with advanced dementia, others have raised questions about the potential for increasing volunteers' involvement. The purpose of this study is to understand volunteers' perspectives on their work and relationships with long-term care residents with advanced dementia. A total of 16 volunteers participated in semi-structured interviews about their experiences. Interview data were analyzed using an inductive approach to thematic analysis. In this analysis, a central concept, relationships in dementia care volunteering, enveloped four related themes: mutuality and empathy as the foundation for dementia care relationships with residents, family as the focus of volunteer relationships, relationships shaped by grief, and staff support for volunteer relationships. We conclude that in long-term care settings, volunteer roles and relationship networks are more robust than they are often imagined to be. We recommend that long-term care providers looking to engage volunteers consider training and supporting volunteers to cultivate relationships with residents, family, and staff; navigate experiences of loss; and be considered as members of dementia care teams.

Análise do teor de cloro ativo e ph de soluções de hipoclorito de sódio / Analysis of the active chlorine content and ph of sodium hypochlorite solutions

O objetivo do presente estudo é verificar o teor de cloro ativo e pH das soluções de hipoclorito de sódio nas concentrações de 0,5%, 1% e 2,5% adquiridas em lojas de material odontológico de Teresina - PI. Analisou-se 11 amostras medindo o teor de cloro ativo através do método da titulometria e pH utilizando pHmetro eletrônico. Observou-se que as substâncias analisadas se encontravam com o teor de cloro acima do especificado nos rótulos e pH alcalino, sendo apenas uma das amostras com o teor abaixo do especificado e pH menor que 9. De acordo com os resultados, conclui-se que as amostras avaliadas com soluções de hipoclorito de sódio dotam de concentrações de cloro diferentes daquelas especificadas nos rótulos.

One of the most important stages of endodontic treatment is the chemical-mechanical preparation that aims to generate cleaning, with the use of chemical irrigation solutions and instruments that help to sanitize the canal. The objective of the present study is to verify the active chlorine content and pH of the sodium hypochlorite solutions at the concentrations of 0.5%, 1% and 2.5% obtained at dental material stores in Teresina - PI. The 11 samples were analyzed by measuring the active chlorine content using the titration method and pH using electronic pH meter. It was observed that the substances analyzed were chlorine content higher than specified on the labels and alkaline pH, being only one of the samples with chlorine content below the specified and pH less than 9. According to the results, it was concluded that samples tested with sodium hypochlorite solutions were contained chlorine concentrations different from those specified on the labels.

Enterococci from Wild Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) as an Indicator of Marine Ecosystem Health and Human Impact.

Enterococci are commensals that proliferated as animals crawled ashore hundreds of millions of years ago. They are also leading causes of multidrug-resistant hospital-acquired infections. While most studies are driven by clinical interest, comparatively little is known about enterococci in the wild or the effect of human activity on them. Pharmaceutical pollution and runoff from other human activities are encroaching widely into natural habitats. To assess their reach into remote habitats, we investigated the identity, genetic relatedness, and presence of specific traits among 172 enterococcal isolates from wild Magellanic penguins. Four enterococcal species, 18 lineage groups, and different colonization patterns were identified. One Enterococcus faecalis lineage, sequence type 475 (ST475), was isolated from three different penguins, making it of special interest. Its genome was compared to those of other E. faecalis sequence types (ST116 and ST242) recovered from Magellanic penguins, as well as to an existing phylogeny of E. faecalis isolated from diverse origins over the past 100 years. No penguin-derived E. faecalis strains were closely related to dominant clinical lineages. Most possessed intact CRISPR defenses, few mobile elements, and antibiotic resistances limited to those intrinsic to the species and lacked pathogenic features conveyed by mobile elements. Interestingly, plasmids were identified in penguin isolates that also had been reported for other marine mammals. Enterococci isolated from penguins showed limited anthropogenic impact, indicating that they are likely representative of those naturally circulating in the ecosystem inhabited by the penguins. These findings establish an important baseline for detecting the encroachment of human activity into remote planetary environments.IMPORTANCE Enterococci are host-associated microbes that have an unusually broad range, from the built hospital environment to the guts of insects and other animals in remote locations. Despite their occurrence in the guts of animals for hundreds of millions of years, we know little about the properties that confer this range or how anthropogenic activities may be introducing new selective forces. Magellanic penguins live at the periphery of human habitation. It was of interest to examine enterococci from these animals for the presence of antibiotic resistance and other markers reflective of anthropogenic selection. Diverse enterococcal lineages found discount the existence of a single well-adapted intrinsic penguin-specific species. Instead, they appear to be influenced by a carnivorous lifestyle and enterococci present in the coastal sea life consumed. These results indicate that currently, the penguin habitat remains relatively free of pollutants that select for adaptation to human-derived stressors.

Functional Characterisation of ClpP Mutations Conferring Resistance to Acyldepsipeptide Antibiotics in Firmicutes.

Acyldepsipeptide (ADEP) is an exploratory antibiotic with a novel mechanism of action. ClpP, the proteolytic core of the caseinolytic protease, is deregulated towards unrestrained proteolysis. Here, we report on the mechanism of ADEP resistance in Firmicutes. This bacterial phylum contains important pathogens that are relevant for potential ADEP therapy. For Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, enterococci and streptococci, spontaneous ADEP-resistant mutants were selected in vitro at a rate of 10-6 . All isolates carried mutations in clpP. All mutated S. aureus ClpP proteins characterised in this study were functionally impaired; this increased our understanding of the mode of operation of ClpP. For molecular insights, crystal structures of S. aureus ClpP bound to ADEP4 were determined. Well-resolved N-terminal domains in the apo structure allow the pore-gating mechanism to be followed. The compilation of mutations presented here indicates residues relevant for ClpP function and suggests that ADEP resistance will occur at a lower rate during the infection process.

Antimicrobial resistance and genetic relationships of enterococci from siblings and non-siblings Heliconius erato phyllis caterpillars.

BACKGROUND: Studies evaluating bacteria in insects can provide information about host-microorganism-environment interactions. The gut microbial community has a profound effect on different physiological functions of insects. Enterococcus spp. are part of the gut community in humans and other animals, as well as in insects. The presence and antimicrobial resistance profile of enterococci are well studied in different animals; however, data for Heliconius erato phyllis (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) do not yet exist. Therefore, the aims of this study were to evaluate the distribution of enterococcal species, their antimicrobial resistance profile and virulence genes, and the genetic relationships between enterococci isolated from fecal samples from sibling and non-sibling H. erato phyllis caterpillars collected from different sites in South Brazil. METHODS: Three H. erato phyllis females were captured (two from a forest fragment and one from an urban area), and kept individually in open-air insectaries. Eggs were collected and caterpillars (siblings and non-siblings) were fed daily with Passiflora suberosa leaves. Fecal samples (n = 12) were collected from fifth-instar caterpillars, inoculated in selective medium, and 15 bacterial colonies were randomly selected from each sample. Enterococci were identified by PCR and MALDI-TOF, analyzed by disk diffusion antimicrobial susceptibility tests, and screened for resistance and virulence genes by PCR. The genetic relationships between the strains were determined using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). RESULTS: A total of 178 enterococci strains were identified: E. casseliflavus (74.15%; n = 132), E. mundtii (21.34%; n = 38), E. faecalis (1.12%; n = 2) and Enterococcus sp. (3.37%; n = 6). High rates of resistance to rifampicin (56%) and erythromycin (31%) were observed; 120 (67.41%) of the isolates showed resistance to at least one antibiotic and six (3.37%) were multidrug-resistant.None of the erythromycin-resistant strains was positive for the erm(B) and msrC genes. The virulence genes esp, ace, and gelE were observed in 35%, 7%, and 1% of the strains, respectively. PFGE separated the enterococci into 22 patterns, four being composed of strains from sibling caterpillars. CONCLUSION: Enterococcus casseliflavus was the dominant species in fecal samples of fifth-instar caterpillars. Resistant enterococci strains may be related to environmental pollution or the resistome. The PFGE analysis showed genetic relationships between some strains, suggesting that the enterococci isolated from fecal samples of the sibling caterpillars might have come from common sources, e.g., via diet (herbivory) and/or vertical transmission (through the egg surface). Further studies will be conducted to better understand the role of Enterococcus in the microbial community of the gastrointestinal tract of these insects, and the mechanisms involved in acquisition and maintenance of enterococci.

Association between maloclusion and self-perception of oral aesthetics in adolescents

Aim: To evaluate the aesthetic self-perception capacity of adolescents from public schools regarding the presence of oral alterations from malocclusions. Methods: Cross-sectional and quantitative study with 374 adolescents between 16 and 18 years old, belonging to public schools in the city of Parnaíba, Piauí. The adolescents were separated by gender (male and female) and examined for malocclusions. The problem identified for each participant was recorded for later comparison of the influence of its presence with aesthetic self-perception. Then, all adolescents, including those who demonstrated normal occlusion during the clinical evaluation, answered a questionnaire containing eight questions about their perception of their own smile and its impact on their interpersonal relationships. Self-perception was also analyzed by comparing the responses of those with normal occlusion with that of malocclusion individuals. Student's t-tests were used to verify if there was a difference between the groups. Results: The most prevalent malocclusions after clinical examination were midline deviations, crowding and diastemas, and the ones that most scored in the adolescents' perception were crowding, misalignment and diastemas. Conclusion: The adolescents were able to perceive the aesthetic alterations resulting from malocclusions, being determinants of dissatisfaction when smiling. They were not ashamed to smile, did not consider that the ideal smile would improve their self-esteem and that misaligned teeth would not interfere with flirting and interpersonal relationships

Neural gliding and neural tensioning differently impact flexibility, heat and pressure pain thresholds in asymptomatic subjects: A randomized, parallel and double-blind study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of neural gliding and tensioning on hamstring flexibility, nerve function (heat and cold thresholds) and pain sensitivity (pain intensity and pressure pain threshold) of the mobilized and non-mobilized lower limbs at post-intervention and 24 h follow up. DESIGN: Randomized, parallel and double blinded trial. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Forty-eight asymptomatic participants. INTERVENTION(S): Participants received neural gliding (n = 23) or tensioning (n = 25). Main Outcome Measures - Straight leg raising (SLR; in degrees), heat and cold threshold (ºC), pressure pain threshold (PPT; in Kgf) and pain intensity (visual analogue scale), taken at baseline, post-intervention and at 24 h follow up. RESULTS: There was a significant interaction between time, intervention and limb for SLR (F2,45 = 3.83; p = 0.029). A significant interaction between time and intervention for PPT (F2,45 = 3.59; p = 0.036) and heat threshold (F2,45 = 5.10; p = 0.01). A significant effect of time (F2,45 = 9.42; p < 0.001) and of limb (F1,46 = 4.78; p = 0.035) for pain intensity during SLR, and a significant effect of time (F2,45 = 3.65; p = 0.034) for pain intensity during PPT. CONCLUSION: Gliding and tensioning had similar and positive effects for flexibility in the mobilized limb, but tensioning was superior for the non-mobilized limb. Gliding was superior to tensioning for pressure pain and heat thresholds.

Perfil de competências de preceptores para a Atenção Primária em Saúde / Profile of competences of preceptors for Primary Health Care

A integração ensino-serviço propõe uma nova forma de pensar a formação. O papel do preceptor é fundamental, mediando o aprendizado do estudante a partir de vivências nos serviços. O presente estudo transversal objetivou avaliar o perfil de competências dos cirurgiões dentistas (CD) atuantes na Atenção Primária em Saúde no município de Campina Grande quanto ao exercício da preceptoria, entendendo a importância desses resultados para as instituições repensarem a formação e proporcionar à gestão o conhecimento do perfil de profissionais que integram sua rede de assistência. Os dados foram coletados por meio de questionário e então submetidos a análise estatística descritiva, bem como empregou-se a análise de diferença de proporções (teste qui-quadrado de Pearson ou teste exato de Fisher, quando apropriado) para investigar associações entre as variáveis qualitativas estudadas. A maior parte assinalou que a integração ensino-serviço na formação do CD é extremamente importante (n = 19; 44,2%). Uma parcela expressiva ainda não participou de formação para preceptores (n = 31; 72,1%), constatou-se associação estatisticamente significativa entre já ter participado de alguma formação e relato de sentir-se preparado para a função (p = 0,005). Foram relatadas dificuldades no processo de desenvolvimento da preceptoria (n = 32; 74,4%), destacandose falta de programa de capacitação (n = 29; 67,4%). Os resultados apontam para a necessidade de processos formativos para os preceptores, que contribuam para uma reflexão consistente sobre o modelo de atenção à Saúde e formação de novos profissionais (AU).

The teaching-service integration proposes a new way of thinking about training. The role of the preceptor is fundamental, mediating the student's learning from experiences in health services. This cross - sectional study aimed to evaluate the profile of competences of dental surgeons (DS) working in the Primary Health Care in the city of Campina Grande regarding the exercise of preceptorship, understanding the importance of these results for institutions to rethink training and provide management with knowledge of the profile of professionals that integrate their assistance network. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire and submitted to descriptive statistical analysis, and analysis of proportional difference (Pearson's chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, when appropriate) was used to investigate associations between qualitative variables. Most indicated that the teachingservice integration in DS formation is extremely important (n = 19, 44.2%). A significant proportion have not yet participated in training for preceptors (n = 31; 72.1%); statistically significant association was found between having participated in some training and reporting feeling prepared for the function (p = 0.005). Difficulties were reported in the development of preceptorship (n = 32; 74.4%), highlighting lack of training programs (n = 29; 67.4%). Results point to the need for training processes for preceptors, which contribute to a consistent reflection on the health care model and the training of new professionals (AU).

Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles in Enterococcus spp. Isolates From Fecal Samples of Wild and Captive Black Capuchin Monkeys (Sapajus nigritus) in South Brazil.

The environment, human, and animals play an important role in the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Enterococci are members of the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and animals and represent important reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes. Until today, few studies have examined antibiotic susceptibility in enterococci isolated from primates. Therefore, the present study investigated species distribution, antibiotic susceptibility, and resistance genes in enterococci isolated from wild and captive black capuchins monkeys (Sapajus nigritus) in Rio Grande do Sul, South Brazil. A total of 24 swabs/fecal samples were collected, including 19 from wild monkeys living in two forest fragments [São Sebastião do Caí (SSC) and Santa Cruz do Sul (SCS)], and five in captive [Parque Zoológico da Fundação Zoobotânica (ZOO)], between August 2016 and November 2017. Fifteen colonies were randomly selected from each sample. Enterococci were identified by MALDI-TOF, tested for susceptibility to 12 antibiotics; and screened for tet(S), tet(M), tet(L), msrC, and erm(B) genes by PCR. Two-hundred ninety-six enterococci were isolated (SSC n = 137; SCS n = 86; ZOO n = 73) and differences in Enterococcus species distribution were detected on three monkey groups, with low abundance in SCS (1 - D = 0.2), followed by ZOO (1 - D = 0.68), and SSC (1 - D = 0.73). The enterococci frequently recovered include the following: Enterococcus faecalis (42.6%), E. hirae (29.1%), and E. faecium (15.9%). Antibiotic-nonsusceptible was observed in 202 (67.9%) strains. The rate of non-susceptibility to rifampicin, tetracycline, erythromycin, nitrofurantoin, chloramphenicol, and ampicillin was 46%, 26%, 22% and 19%, 13%, 0.3%, and 0.3%, respectively. All strains were susceptible to vancomycin, streptomycin, gentamycin, and linezolid. Forty-three (14.52%) isolates were identified as multidrug resistant (MDR), and the highest number of MDR enterococci were E. faecium recovered from wild monkeys living close to a hospital and water treatment plant. Elevated rates of antibiotic resistance genes msrC and tet(L) were isolates from ZOO. In conclusion, differences in the frequency of enterococci species, antibiotic-nonsusceptible and antibiotic resistance genes in all groups of monkeys were identified. These data suggest that anthropogenic activities could have an impact in the resistome of primate gut enterococci communities.

Class A ß-lactamases and inhibitors: In silico analysis of the binding mode and the relationship with resistance.

ß-lactams are one of the most common antimicrobials used to treat bacterial infections. However, bacterial resistance has compromised their efficacy, mainly due to the ß-lactamase enzyme production. To overcome this resistance, ß-lactamase inhibitors can be used in association with these antimicrobials. Herein, we analyzed the structural characteristics of ß-lactamases and their interactions with classical inhibitors, such as clavulanic acid (CA), sulbactam (SB) and tazobactam (TZ) to gain insights into resistance. The homology models of five class A ß-lactamases, namely CARB-3, IMI-1, SFO-1, SHV-5 and TEM-10, were constructed and validated and revealed an overall 3D structural conservation, but with significant differences in the electrostatic potential maps, especially at important regions in the catalytic site. Molecular dockings of CA, SB and TZ with these enzymes revealed a covalent bond with the S70 in all complexes, except Carb-3 which is in agreement with experimental data reported so far. This is likely related to the less voluminous active site of Carb-3 model. Although few specific contacts were observed in the ß-lactamase-inhibitor complexes, all compounds interacted with the residues in positions 73, 130, 132, 236 and 237. Therefore, this study provides new perspectives for the design of innovative compounds with broad-spectrum inhibitory profiles against ß-lactamases.

Preceptoria nos serviços públicos especializados como cenário de aprendizagem na formação em Odontologia / Preceptory practice in specialized public services as a learning scenario in dentistry training

A preceptoria é um dos pilares no processo da integração ensino-serviço, oportunizando a prática de diversas competências profissionais e propondo uma nova forma de pensar a formação. Partilhar experiências, articular teoria e prática de forma dinâmica e participativa, incentivar o estudante induzindo-o a uma abordagem integral do paciente e comprometimento com a equipe de saúde, o serviço e o SUS, são práticas que proporcionam ganhos no processo de aprendizagem. Esta pesquisa objetivou traçar o perfil de competências e habilidades dos cirurgiões-dentistas que atuam nos serviços públicos de atenção secundária e terciária à saúde na cidade de Campina Grande/PB a fim de identificar as características e expectativas acerca do exercício da preceptoria. Tratou-se de uma pesquisa observacional, quantitativa, descritiva, do tipo transversal, desenvolvida por meio de pesquisa de campo, com levantamento de dados por meio de aplicação de questionário. A maioria dos profissionais tinha até 37 anos de idade (55,9%), sexo masculino (52,9%), com tempo de formação igual ou inferior há 13 anos, assinalando que a integração ensino-serviço é extremamente importante (70,6%), nunca participou de formação para preceptores (67,6%). Todos os profissionais com menor tempo de formação relataram sentir-se preparados para a função de preceptoria e, nesse aspecto, a maioria que desejou atuar como preceptor (92,0%) afirmou sentir-se preparado para a função. Os participantes compreendem a integração ensino-serviço como potencial estratégia colaboradora do processo de mudança de práticas na formação em saúde, demonstrando desejo de atuar na preceptoria e participar de programas de capacitação em educação permanente (AU).

The preceptory practice is one of the pillars in the process of teaching-service integration, allowing the practice of various professional skills and proposing a new way of thinking about training. Sharing experiences, bringing together theory and practice in a dynamic and participative way, leading the student to perceive the integral approach of the patient and commitment to the health team, the SUS service (Brazilian Unified Health Service), are practices that provide gains in the learning process. This research aimed to outline the profile of skills and abilities of dentists who work in public secondary and tertiary health care services in the city of Campina Grande / PB in order to identify the characteristics and expectations about the preceptory practice. This is an observational, quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study developed through field research with data collection through questionnaire application. The majority of professionals aged up to 37 years (55.9%), males (52.9%), with graduation time of 13 years or less, who reported that teachingservice integration is extremely important (70.6%), or never participated in training for preceptors (67.6%). All professionals with shorter graduation time reported feeling prepared for the preceptory function and, in this aspect, the majority who wanted to act as preceptor (92.0%) reported that they felt prepared for the activity. Participants understand the teaching-service integration as a potential collaborative strategy of the process of changing practices in health education, demonstrating the desire to work as preceptors and participate in training programs in lifelong education (AU).

Marine Diterpenes: Molecular Modeling of Thrombin Inhibitors with Potential Biotechnological Application as an Antithrombotic.

Thrombosis related diseases are among the main causes of death and incapacity in the world. Despite the existence of antithrombotic agents available for therapy, they still present adverse effects like hemorrhagic risks which justify the search for new options. Recently, pachydictyol A, isopachydictyol A, and dichotomanol, three diterpenes isolated from Brazilian marine brown alga Dictyota menstrualis were identified as potent antithrombotic molecules through inhibition of thrombin, a key enzyme of coagulation cascade and a platelet agonist. Due to the biotechnological potential of these marine metabolites, in this work we evaluated their binding mode to thrombin in silico and identified structural features related to the activity in order to characterize their molecular mechanism. According to our theoretical studies including structure-activity relationship and molecular docking analysis, the highest dipole moment, polar surface area, and lowest electronic density of dichotomanol are probably involved in its higher inhibition percentage towards thrombin catalytic activity compared to pachydictyol A and isopachydictyol A. Interestingly, the molecular docking studies also revealed a good shape complementarity of pachydictyol A and isopachydictyol A and interactions with important residues and regions (e.g., H57, S195, W215, G216, and loop-60), which probably justify their thrombin inhibitor effects demonstrated in vitro. Finally, this study explored the structural features and binding mode of these three diterpenes in thrombin which reinforced their potential to be further explored and may help in the design of new antithrombotic agents.

Resistance to antimicrobial agents among enterococci isolated from fecal samples of wild marine species in the southern coast of Brazil.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate species distribution, antimicrobial resistance profiles, and presence of resistance genes in enterococci isolated from fecal samples of wild marine species, including seabirds (n=12), sea turtles (n=8), and mammals (n=3) found alive or dead in southern coast of Brazil. Enterococci were classified based on phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, tested for antibiotic susceptibility, and the presence of tet(S), tet(M), tet(L), mrsC, and erm(B) genes by PCR. Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium were the most common species. Single (37.09%), double (25.80%), and multiple (16.12%) antibiotic resistance patterns were observed. Resistance to rifampicin occurred most frequently. The msrC, tet(M), and/or tet(L) genes were detected in 60.15%, 73.07%, and 23.07% of the resistant strains, respectively. In conclusion, the presence of antibiotic resistant strains in these species could be related to food web interactions and aquatic pollutants or linked to environmental resistome.

Complete Genome Sequence of Enterococcus faecalis Strain P8-1 Isolated from Wild Magellanic Penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) Feces on the South Coast of Brazil.

Enterococcus faecalis strains have a ubiquitous nature that allows them to survive in different niches. Studies involving enterococci isolated from marine animals are scarce. Therefore, in this study, we report the complete genome sequence of E. faecalis strain P8-1 isolated from feces of a Magellanic penguin on the south coast of Brazil.

Antimicrobial resistance and virulence factor gene profiles of Enterococcus spp. isolates from wild Arctocephalus australis (South American fur seal) and Arctocephalus tropicalis (Subantarctic fur seal).

Enterococci are natural inhabitants of the gastrointestinal tracts in humans and animals. Epidemiological data suggest that enterococci are important reservoirs of antimicrobial resistant genes that may be transmitted from other bacterial species The aim of this study was to investigate the species composition, antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes in enterococci recovered from fecal samples of wild Arctocephalus australis and A. tropicalis found dead along the South Coast of Brazil. From a total of 43 wild fur seals, eleven were selected for this study. Phenotypic and genotypic characterizations were used to classify Enterococcus species. Strains were tested for susceptibility to 10 antibiotics, presence of ace, gelE, asa, cylA, tet(L), tet(M) and erm(B) genes by PCR, and genetic variability using RAPD-PCR. Among the 50 enterococci isolated, 40% were Enterococcus faecalis, 40% E. hirae, 12% E. casseliflavus and 8 % other enterococcal species. Resistance profiles were observed to erythromycin, nitrofurantoin, tetracycline, norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin. The prevalence of virulence genes was ace (68%), gelE (54%), asa (22%) and cylA (4%). In erythromycin- and tetracycline strains, erm(B) and tet(M) were detected, respectively. The RAPD-PCR demonstrated a close phylogenetic relationship between the enterococci isolated from A. australis and A. tropicalis. In conclusion, different enterococcus species showing antimicrobial resistance and virulence determinates were isolated from fecal samples of fur seals. Antibiotic resistant strains in these animals could be related within food chain and aquatic pollutants or linked to environmental resistome, and demonstrates the potential importance of these animals as reservoirs and disseminators of such determinants in marine environmental.

Condições físicas e acondicionamento de escovas dentais de pré-escolares / Physical conditions and conditioning of toothbrushes for preschool children

Objetivo: Observar macroscopicamente as condições físicas, higiênico-sanitárias e de acondicionamento das escovas dentais de pré-escolares regularmente matriculados em creches municipais de Campina Grande- PB. Material e Métodos: Foi um estudo transversal com análise de 407 escovas dentais, considerando identificação, condições físicas, presença de elementos residuais sólidos e locais de acondicionamento. Os dados foram coletados por meio de formulário específico e analisados por estatística descritiva. A concordância intraexaminador de diagnóstico das condições físicas das escovas foi aferida pelo teste estatístico Kappa (0,90). Resultados: Verificou-se que 92,6% das escovas apresentaram identificação individual, sendo legível em 83,3%, feitas principalmente, com caneta esferográfica e esparadrapo (32,1%). Grande parte das escovas apresentou resíduos (69,5%), sendo que 84,0% eram sugestivos de dentifrício. Com relação às condições físicas, 44,7% das escovas foram consideradas de pouco uso. O acondicionamento das escovas era realizado, em sua maioria, em porta escovas coletivos (99,5%), de plástico (37,5%) e abertos (52,3%), havendo contato entre as cerdas e os porta escovas (75,4%). Conclusão: A maioria das escovas analisadas apresentou boas condições físicas, no entanto, considerando as condições higiênico-sanitárias, observou-se a necessidade de orientações aos cuidadores das creches quanto ao adequado acondicionamento e controle dos resíduos das escovas.(AU)

Aim: To macroscopically observe the physical, sanitary-hygienic, and packaging conditions of toothbrushes of preschool children enrolled in municipal daycare centers in Campina Grande, PB, Brazil. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed 407 toothbrushes, considering identification, physical conditions, the presence of solid waste, and packaging sites. Data were collected by means of a specific form and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The intrarater agreement diagnosis of the physical conditions of the brushes was measured by the Kappa statistical test (0.90). Results: It was found that 92.6% of the toothbrushes presented an individual identification, of which 83.3% were legible, made primarily with a ballpoint pen and medical tape (32.1%). Many of the brushes presented residues (69.5%), and 84.0% were suggestive of toothpastes. Regarding the physical conditions, 44.7% of the toothbrushes were considered to have been used very little. The packaging of the toothbrushes was conducted mostly in collective (99.5%), plastic (37.5%) and open (52.3%) toothbrush carriers, with contact between the bristles and the toothbrush carrier (75.4%). Conclusion: Most of the analysed toothbrushes showed a good physical condition; however, considering the sanitary conditions, there is a need for advice to caregivers of day care centers as regards the proper packaging and control of waste from toothbrushes.(AU)