Hematological and anthelminthic responses of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) supplemented with Artrhospira platensis and Chlorella vulgaris.

The present study evaluated the hematological, antiparasitic and growth responses in tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) fed with diets supplemented with the microalgae Arthrospira platensis and Chlorella vulgaris (0%; 10% A. platensis; 10% C. vulgaris; and 5% A. platensis+5% C. vulgaris). Tambaqui (n=60, 62.57 ± 8.76 g) were fed for 20 days with experimental diets. Blood samples collection was done to determine hematological parameters, and gills were removed to identify and count monogenetic parasites. Supplementation with A. platensis 10% reduced red blood cells count, in consequence mean corpuscular volume and mean hemoglobin concentration increased. Total leukocyte, monocyte, eosinophil, and basophil counts reduced with the use of A. platensis. Higher monocytes, eosinophil, and basophil numbers in tambaqui fed with diet supplemented with 10% C. vulgaris were observed and may have been due to the presence of immunostimulants in this microalga composition. Reduction on total cholesterol in tambaqui that received both microalgae (A. platensis 5%+C. vulgaris 5%) may indicate that combined supplementation presented greater benefits to the health for C. macropomum than separately. Both microalgae were efficient against monogenetic parasites of tambaqui. Thus, the dietary use of the microalgae A. platensis and C. vulgaris provided immunostimulant and antiparasitic efficacy in C. macropomum.

Inorganic Phosphate Effect in a Hydrogen Peroxide-based Bleaching Agent: Physicochemical, Mechanical, and Morphological Properties of Dental Enamel.

OBJECTIVES: This in vitro study aimed to assess the impact of incorporating calcium glycerophosphate (CaGP) and sodium fluoride (NaF) in addition to 35% hydrogen peroxide concerning the enamel mechanical and morphological properties. METHODS: Specimens of bovine enamel were chosen based on their initial surface hardness (SHi) and subsequently divided into five gel groups (n=12): 1) 35% Hydrogen Peroxide (HP) Gel; 2) HP + 0.1% NaF Gel (HP/NaF); 3) HP + 0.25% CaGP Gel (HP/CaGP); 4) HP + 0.1% NaF + 0.25% CaGP Gel (HP/NaF/CaGP) and 5) HP Blue 35% Gel (HP Blue). The bleaching gels were applied thrice, for 40 min, at intervals of 7 days each. After 21 days, the final surface hardness (SHf), integrated hardness (IH), Polydispersity Index (PdI) and Zeta Potential (Zp), surface roughness (Ra, after and before), and surface/structural analysis by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were determined. The data were submitted to ANOVA (one-way and two-way) followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls test (α=0.05). RESULTS: The addition of NaF to HP reduced demineralization by 11.5% in relation to HP (p<0.05). The NaF/CaGP association reduction is 22.8 and 20% higher in comparison to HP/NaF/CaGP and HP Blue, respectively. The IH when the PH/NaF/CaGP bleaching gel was applied, was 14% higher compared to HP and HP Blue groups. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that the association of NaF and CaGP with the 35% hydrogen peroxide gel (HP/NaF/CaGP) significantly changed tooth enamel demineralization in terms of surface, depth, roughness, and enamel morphology.

Are sleep disorders associated with traumatic dental injuries in school children? A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate whether the prevalence of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) in permanent anterior teeth among school children is associated with sleep behaviours and disorders. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with a representative sample of schoolchildren aged 8 to 10 years (n = 1402) from Florianopolis, Brazil. Clinical examinations for TDIs were performed according to the classification proposed by Andreasen. Parents/caregivers completed a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic characteristics and sleep behaviours/disorders (sleep duration, insomnia, sleep rhythmic movement, snoring, and signs of sleep apnoea). Descriptive analysis and Poisson regression were performed. RESULTS: The prevalence of TDIs was 10.9%. Insomnia was observed in 3.0% of the children, snoring in 42.8%, sleep rhythmic movement in 27.9%, and signs of obstructive sleep apnoea in 33.6% of the schoolchildren. Most children (75.2%) slept less than eight hours a day. The prevalence of TDIs was higher among schoolchildren with an increased overjet (PR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.15-2.35; P < 0.01), after adjusting for monthly family income, caregiver's schooling, and sleep behaviours. The prevalence of TDIs was not associated with sleep behaviours/disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Parent-reported sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep rhythmic movement, snoring and signs of sleep apnoea were not associated with the prevalence of TDIs in schoolchildren. © 2024 Australian Dental Association.

Floral Morphometry and Sexual System Determination in Pink Pepper (Schinus terebinthifolia - Anacardiaceae).

The increasing global importance of pink peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia, Anacardiaceae) as a high-value commercial crop and its potential for expansion in production demand appropriate management due to uncertainties regarding its sexual system. This study focused on evaluating the morphology of sterile and fertile floral whorls, as well as analyzing the sexual system of pink pepper in two populations in northeastern Brazil. The results revealed no significant differences in the morphological characteristics of the flowers between the studied areas, suggesting that the species possesses notable adaptability to environmental conditions. However, a significant difference in the proportion of staminate individuals was observed in both areas, representing over 88% and 72%, respectively. A correlation was observed between the size of the stamens and the presence of apparently atrophied pistils (r=0.275; df=178; p<0.001), along with the occurrence of fruits in these hermaphroditic plants. In this context, the species should be considered gynodioecious due to the presence of plants with hermaphroditic flowers and plants with pistillate flowers. However, further research is essential to elucidate the role of pollinators, especially bees and wasps, and to better understand the fruiting process in hermaphroditic flowers. These insights have the potential to significantly enhance management aiming for efficient fruit production, promoting its economic and ecological relevance.

Solid-state continuous time crystal in a polariton condensate with a built-in mechanical clock.

Time crystals (TCs) are many-body systems that display spontaneous breaking of time translation symmetry. We demonstrate a TC by using driven-dissipative condensates of microcavity exciton-polaritons, spontaneously formed from an incoherent particle bath. The TC phases are controlled by the power of a continuous-wave nonresonant optical drive exciting the condensate and the interaction with cavity phonons. Those phases are, for increasing power, Larmor-like precession of the condensate pseudo-spins-a signature of continuous TC; locking of the frequency of precession to self-sustained coherent phonons-stabilized TC; and doubling of TC's period by phonons-a discrete TC with continuous excitation. These results establish microcavity polaritons as a platform for the investigation of time-broken symmetry in nonhermitian systems.

Temporal trends and spatial clusters of high risk for maternal death due to COVID-19 pre and during COVID-19 vaccination in Brazil: a national population-based ecological study.

OBJECTIVE: This study comprehensively analyzed the temporal and spatial dynamics of COVID-19 cases and deaths within the obstetric population in Brazil, comparing the periods before and during mass COVID-19 vaccination. We explored the trends and geographical patterns of COVID-19 cases and maternal deaths over time. We also examined their correlation with the SARS-CoV-2 variant circulating and the social determinants of health. STUDY DESIGN: This is a nationwide population-based ecological study. METHODS: We obtained data on COVID-19 cases, deaths, socioeconomic status, and vulnerability information for Brazil's 5570 municipalities for both the pre-COVID-19 vaccination and COVID-19 vaccination periods. A Bayesian model was used to mitigate indicator fluctuations. The spatial correlation of maternal cases and fatalities with socioeconomic and vulnerability indicators was assessed using bivariate Moran. RESULTS: From March 2020 to June 2023, a total of 23,823 cases and 1991 maternal fatalities were recorded among pregnant and postpartum women. The temporal trends in maternal incidence and mortality rates fluctuated over the study period, largely influenced by widespread COVID-19 vaccination and the dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant. There was a significant reduction in maternal mortality due to COVID-19 following the introduction of vaccination. The geographical distribution of COVID-19 cases and maternal deaths exhibited marked heterogeneity in both periods, with distinct spatial clusters predominantly observed in the North, Northeast, and Central West regions. Municipalities with the highest Human Development Index reported the highest incidence rates, while those with the highest levels of social vulnerability exhibited elevated mortality and fatality rates. CONCLUSION: Despite the circulation of highly transmissible variants of concern, maternal mortality due to COVID-19 was significantly reduced following the mass vaccination. There was a heterogeneous distribution of cases and fatalities in both periods (before and during mass vaccination). Smaller municipalities and those grappling with social vulnerability issues experienced the highest rates of maternal mortality and fatalities.

The impact of sputum quality on Xpert positivity in active case-finding for TB.

BACKGROUND: Studies evaluating sputum quality and Xpert® MTB/RIF positivity in the context of active case finding are scarce. We aimed to determine whether sputum quality is associated with Xpert positivity and whether the association differed according to demographic and clinical characteristics.METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis using data from a mass screening programme in Brazilian prisons was conducted from 2017 to 2021. We administered a standardised questionnaire, obtained a chest X-ray and collected a spot sputum sample for Xpert testing. Sputum quality was classified as 'salivary', 'mucoid/mucopurulent' or 'blood-stained'. We used log binomial regressions to estimate the relationship between sputum quality and Xpert positivity, assessing interactions with participant characteristics.RESULTS: Among 4,368 participants for whom sputum quality was assessed, 957 (21.9%) produced salivary specimens, 3,379 (77.4%) had mucoid/mucopurulent sputum and 32 (0.7%) had blood-stained sputum. Xpert positivity was higher among those with mucoid/mucopurulent sputum than among those with salivary samples (12.0% vs. 3.7%). Mucopurulent sputum independently predicted Xpert positivity among individuals with and without symptoms, current smoking and abnormal chest radiographs on CAD4TB.CONCLUSIONS: In our study, sputum appearance independently predicted Xpert positivity, and could be used together with chest X-ray and symptom screening to inform use of Xpert in individual or pooled testing.

Isolation and molecular characterization of Cordyceps sp. from Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and pathogenic to Glycaspis brimblecombei (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae) / Isolamento e caracterização molecular de Cordyceps sp. de Bemisia tabaci e patogênico para Glycaspis brimblecombei (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae)

The Brazilian forestry sector stands out for its technology, forestry management practices, social and environmental responsibility and, mainly, for its high productivity and exotic pests can reduce it. The red gum lerp psyllid Glycaspis brimblecombei (Moore, 1964) (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae) is an important pest in Eucalyptus plantations. The parasitoid Psyllaephagus bliteus (Riek, 1962) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), predatory bugs and entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae are the natural enemies and used in the biological control of the red gum lerp psyllid. The use of entomopathogenic fungi against exotic pests is increasing in the forestry sector and the prospecting and identification of fungus isolates is important for integrated pest management. The objective of this work was the isolation and molecular identification of Cordyceps spp. And to evaluate the pathogenicity of isolates, obtained from Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius, 1889) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) adults, against to the red gum lerp psyllid G. brimblecombei. The fungi were isolated from B. tabaci adults found in soybean and tomato crops and molecularly identified. The conidia obtained were suspended in solution with Tween 80 (0.1%) at a concentration of 1.0 × 108 conidia/mL and sprayed on ten G. brimblecombei nymphs per Eucalyptus leaf cut and placed on a hydroretentive gel inside per Petri dishes as a replication. The number of dead insects was quantified, daily, for seven days, and transferred to humid chambers. Cordyceps javanica (LCBPF 11) and C. fumosorosea (LCBPF 12 and LCBPF 63) were identified with a molecular analysis and all isolates were pathogenic to the insects and indicates that they could be used to manage G. brimblecombei and adds to reports that, normally, fungi cause greater mortality on insects of the same order as that from which they were isolated.

O setor florestal brasileiro se destaca pela tecnologia, práticas de manejo florestal, responsabilidade social e ambiental e, principalmente, alta produtividade, mas pragas exóticas podem reduzir isto. O parasitoide Psyllaephagus bliteus (Riek, 1962) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), percevejos predadores e fungos entomopatogênicos como Beauveria bassiana e Metarhizium anisopliae são inimigos naturais usados no controle biológico do psilídeo-de-concha do eucalipto Glycaspis brimblecombei (Moore, 1964) (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae), praga em plantios de eucalipto. A utilização de fungos entomopatogênicos contra pragas exóticas vem aumentando no setor florestal e a prospecção e identificação de isolados fúngicos é importante para o manejo integrado de pragas. O objetivo deste estudo foi o isolamento e identificação molecular de Cordyceps spp. e avaliar a patogenicidade dos isolados de Cordyceps javanica (LCBPF 11) e Cordyceps fumosorosea (LCBPF 12 e LCBPF 63), obtidos de adultos de Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), ao psilídeo-de-concha G. brimblecombei. Os fungos foram isolados de adultos de B. tabaci encontrados em culturas de soja e tomate e identificados molecularmente. Os conídios foram suspensos em solução com Tween 80 (0,1%) na concentração de 1,0 x 108 conídios/mL e pulverizados sobre dez ninfas de G. brimblecombei por folha de Eucalyptus cortada e colocada sobre gel hidrorretentor no interior de placas de Petri por repetição. O número de insetos mortos foi quantificado, diariamente, por sete dias e transferidos para câmaras úmidas. Cordyceps javanica (LCBPF 11) e C. fumosorosea (LCBPF 12 e LCBPF 63) foram identificados por análise molecular e todos os isolados foram patogênicos para os insetos. Isto indica serem importantes para o manejo de G. brimblecombei e confirma relatos de que, normalmente, fungos causam maiores mortalidades em insetos da mesma ordem daquela da qual foram isolados.

Evaluation of antibacterial and antifungal activity of antimicrobial soaps / Avaliação da atividade antibacteriana e antifúngica de sabonetes antimicrobianos

Soaps play an important role in our hygiene and health, as they not only have a bactericidal effect but also remove dirt from the human body. To evaluate the effectiveness of soaps with antimicrobial activity from different commercial brands sold in Brazil. Tests of the antimicrobial activity of different soaps were carried out through diffusion in agar against the microorganisms Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloacae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Proteus mirabilis, and Candida albicans. All commercial soaps tested transfer antimicrobial inhibition halo formation against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa bacteria. Only two commercial soaps inhibit the species A. baumannii and C. albicans. None of the seven products studied showed inhibition of E. cloacae, P. mirabilis, and E. coli bacteria. When comparing the information contained in the packaging of the products with the results obtained during a survey, divergences were observed. The soaps that provide greater efficiency against the tested microorganisms were presented in presentations 1 and 2, which become useful against the bacteria species S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and A. baumannii and a fungus species C. albicans. Marks 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 parallel the same sensitivity result opposite as bacteria of the species S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, with quantitative variation only of the inhibition halo. There was a divergence between the information contained in the packaging of the seven products under study and the results of the experimental tests.

Os sabonetes têm um papel importante para a nossa higiene e saúde, pois eles além de ter efeito bactericida, também removem as sujeiras presentes no corpo humano. Avaliar a eficácia de sabonetes com atividade antimicrobiana de diferentes marcas comerciais vendidas no Brasil. Foram realizados ensaios da atividade antimicrobiana dos diferentes sabonetes através do método difusão em ágar frente aos microrganismos Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloacae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Proteus mirabilis e Candida albicans. Todos os sabonetes comerciais testados apresentaram formação de halo de inibição antimicrobiana frente às bactérias S. aureus e P. aeruginosa. Apenas dois sabonetes comerciais apresentaram inibição das espécies A. baumannii e C. albicans. Nenhum dos sete produtos estudados apresentou inibição das bactérias E. cloacae, P. mirabilis e E. coli. Na comparação das informações contidas nas embalagens dos produtos com os resultados obtidos durante a pesquisa realizada foram observadas divergências. Os sabonetes que apresentaram maior eficiência contra os microrganismos testados foram aqueles das apresentações 1 e 2, que se mostraram eficazes contra as espécies de bactérias S. aureus, P. aeruginosa e A. baumannii e contra a espécie de fungo C. albicans. As marcas 3, 4, 5, 6 e 7 apresentaram o mesmo resultado de sensibilidade frente as bactérias das espécies S. aureus e P. aeruginosa, com variação quantitativa apenas do halo de inibição. Houve divergência entre as informações contidas nas embalagens dos sete produtos em estudo e os resultados dos testes experimentais.

Acute toxicity of essential oils of Aloysia triphylla (L'Hér.) Britton, Lippia gracilis Schauer, and Piper aduncum L. in Colossoma macropomum (Cuvier, 1818).

The aim of this study was to determine the acute toxicity of the essential oils (EOs) of Aloysia triphylla, Lippia gracilis and Piper aduncum in juvenile tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum), and evaluate the possible histopathological alterations in their gills. For the acute toxicity tests, juvenile tambaqui (n=24/treatment) were distributed in six treatments with three replicates, which comprised the control and five EO concentrations of A. triphylla (60, 80, 100, 120 and 140 mg L-1), L. gracilis (35, 40, 45, 50 and 55 mg L-1) and P. aduncum (42.5, 45, 47.5, 50 and 52.5 mg L-1), with an exposure period of 4 h. The mortality rate and severity of damage to the tambaqui gills were proportional to the increase in the concentration of the EO, with LC50-4 h values estimated at 109.57 mg L -1 for A. triphylla, 41.63 mg L -1 for L. gracilis and 48.17 mg L -1 for P. aduncum. The main morphological damages observed in the gills of the tambaqui exposed to the three EOs, were Grade I: hypertrophy and hyperplasia of lamellar epithelial cells, lamellar fusion, epithelial detachment, capillary dilation and constriction, proliferation of chloride cells and mucosal cells and edema; in low frequency Grade II damage as epithelial rupture and lamellar aneurysm. Necrosis (Grade III damage) was observed only in gill lamellae exposed to P. aduncum EO (47.5, 50.0 and 52.5 mg L-1). Concentrations of EOs below LC50-4 h can be used sparingly, for short periods of exposure for the treatment of diseases in tambaqui breeding.

Semen collection using electroejaculation and sperm parameters in pacas (Cuniculus paca, Linnaeus, 1766) / Coleta de sêmen com uso da eletroejaculação e parâmetros espermático em pacas (Cuniculus paca, Linnaeus, 1766)

Pacas (Cuniculus paca) are highly hunted animals because of the flavor of their meat, and commercial breeding is recommended. However, this species has a relatively low reproductive rate. This study aimed to collect semen from pacas through electroejaculation and obtain the sperm parameters of this species for the first time. Seven male pacas were used, submitted to an anesthetic protocol before stimulation by an electroejaculator appropriate for the species. The stimulus protocol was performed in three series: series I, 10 stimuli with 1 and 2 V; series II, 10 stimuli with 3 and 4 V; and series III, 10 stimuli with 5 V and interval between series of 2 s. The collected material was evaluated for color, volume, motility, vigor, and concentration. The sperm parameters collected showed a mean volume of 0.43±0.33 mL, concentration of 45.5±42.44×106 sperm/mL, motility of 33.33±32.14%, and mean vigor of 2.6±1.15. In this study, the anesthetic protocol did not seem to favor semen collection by electroejaculation in the pacas. The electrical stimulation protocol was able to stimulate all animals in the study; however, there were few samples with sperm cells and a low rate of motility and vigor in most ejaculates.

Pacas (Cuniculus paca) são animais altamente caçados devido ao sabor de sua carne, sendo a criação comercial delas, recomendada. Entretanto, é uma espécie com baixa taxa reprodutiva. O objetivo deste estudo foi efetuar coleta de sêmen em pacas por meio da eletroejaculação e da obtenção, pela primeira vez, dos parâmetros espermáticos dessa espécie. Foram utilizadas sete pacas machos, as quais, antes dos estímulos por eletroejaculador apropriado para a espécie, foram submetidas a protocolo anestésico. O protocolo de estímulo foi realizado em três séries: série I, 10 estímulos com 1 e 2V; série II, 10 estímulos com 3 e 4V; série III, 10 estímulos com 5V, e intervalo entre as séries de dois segundos. O material coletado foi avaliado quanto à cor, ao volume, à motilidade, ao vigor e à concentração. Os parâmetros espermáticos coletados demonstraram volume médio de 0,43±0,33mL, concentração de 45,5±42,44x106 espermatozoides/mL, motilidade de 33,33±32,14% e vigor médio de 2,6±1,15. Neste estudo, o protocolo anestésico parece não ter favorecido a coleta de sêmen por eletroejaculação em pacas. Entretanto, o protocolo de estímulos elétricos foi capaz de estimular todos os animais do estudo. Assim, chegou-se ao resultado de poucas amostras com a presença de células espermáticas, bem como baixo índice de motilidade e vigor na maioria dos ejaculados.

Asynchronous locking in metamaterials of fluids of light and sound.

Lattices of exciton-polariton condensates represent an attractive platform for the study and implementation of non-Hermitian bosonic quantum systems with strong non-linear interactions. The possibility to actuate on them with a time dependent drive could provide for example the means to induce resonant inter-level transitions, or to perform Floquet engineering or Landau-Zener-Stückelberg state preparation. Here, we introduce polaromechanical metamaterials, two-dimensional arrays of µm-sized traps confining zero-dimensional light-matter polariton fluids and GHz phonons. A strong exciton-mediated polariton-phonon interaction induces a time-dependent inter-site polariton coupling J(t) with remarkable consequences for the dynamics. When locally perturbed by continuous wave optical excitation, a mechanical self-oscillation sets-in and polaritons respond by locking the energy detuning between neighbor sites at integer multiples of the phonon energy, evidencing asynchronous locking involving the polariton and phonon fields. These results open the path for the coherent control of dissipative quantum light fluids with hypersound in a scalable platform.

Pathways between verbal bullying and oral conditions among school children.

PURPOSE: To investigate the direct and indirect pathways between verbal bullying and adverse oral conditions among school-aged children. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 8- to 10-year-old children, enrolled in public schools in Southern Brazil. Verbal bullying was collected by self-reports. Independent variables included sociodemographic characteristics (sex, age, household income, and caregivers' educational level) and oral conditions (anterior open bite, anterior teeth crowding, upper anterior diastema, large overjet, untreated dental caries, and PUFA index). The pathways between verbal bullying and the independent variables were analysed through structural equation modelling. RESULTS: 1369 children were included. The prevalence of verbal bullying was 26.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 23.9-28.6%). Verbal bullying was directly influenced by large overjet (standard coefficient [SC] 0.13, P < 0.01), untreated dental caries (SC 0.63, P = 0.01) and PUFA index (SC 0.75, P = 0.02). Sex (SC - 0.005, P = .04) and age (SC - 0.006, P < 0.01) indirectly influenced verbal bullying via untreated dental caries. CONCLUSIONS: Verbal bullying was directly influenced by large overjet, untreated dental caries and PUFA index. Sex and age indirectly impacted verbal bullying through untreated dental caries.

ESBL in positive hemoculture of a Southern-Brazil Teaching Hospital's Intensive Care Units.

Bloodstream infections are among the most serious and frequent infections, and the people most exposed are patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). ESBL (extended-spectrum beta-lactate) are resistant bacteria to penicillins, cephalosporins and monobactams. It´s necessary to know how often and which microorganisms are involved, checking their susceptibility. This study was carried out at the University Hospital. Data collection was performed in the Adult and Newborn ICUs, with assessment of microorganisms and their resistance profile. During six-month period, 156 samples were studied, and 42 were positive with microorganism isolation. Isolated species include Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Many resistant to carbapenem.

Extraction and characterization of collagen from the skin of Amazonian freshwater fish pirarucu.

The need to fully exploit fishing resources due to increasing production and consequent waste generation requires research to promote the sustainability of the fishing industry. Fish waste from the industry is responsible for relevant environmental contamination. However, these raw materials contain high amounts of collagen and other biomolecules, being attractive due to their industrial and biotechnological applicability. Thus, to reduce the waste from pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) processing, this study aimed to obtain collagen from pirarucu skin tissue. The extraction process used 0.05 M sodium hydroxide, 10% butyl alcohol, and 0.5 M acetic acid, with extraction temperature of 20°C. The obtained yield was 27.8%, and through sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), it was determined that the collagen obtained was type I. This study showed that collagen solubility was highest at pH 3 and the lowest solubility was at concentrations of 3% sodium chloride. The denaturation temperature of collagen was 38.1°C, and its intact molecular structure was observed using the Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry technique with an absorption radius of 1. The results showed that it was possible to obtain collagen from pirarucu skin at 20°C, which has the typical characteristics of commercial type I collagen. In conclusion, the procedures used may be considered to be an interesting alternative for collagen extraction, a new product obtained from the processing of fish waste.

Unequal Impact of COL1A1 and COL1A2 Variants on Dentinogenesis Imperfecta.

Dentinogenesis imperfecta (DI) is the main orodental manifestation of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) caused by COL1A1 or COL1A2 heterozygous pathogenic variants. Its prevalence varies according to the studied population. Here, we report the molecular analysis of 81 patients with OI followed at reference centers in Brazil and France presenting COL1A1 or COL1A2 variants. Patients were submitted to clinical and radiographic dental examinations to diagnose the presence of DI. In addition, a systematic literature search and a descriptive statistical analysis were performed to investigate OI/DI phenotype-genotype correlation in a worldwide sample. In our cohort, 50 patients had COL1A1 pathogenic variants, and 31 patients had COL1A2 variants. A total of 25 novel variants were identified. Overall, data from a total of 906 individuals with OI were assessed. Results show that DI was more frequent in severe and moderate OI cases. DI prevalence was also more often associated with COL1A2 (67.6%) than with COL1A1 variants (45.4%) because COL1A2 variants mainly lead to qualitative defects that predispose to DI more than quantitative defects. For the first time, 4 DI hotspots were identified. In addition, we showed that 1) glycine substitution by branched and charged amino acids in the α2(I) chain and 2) substitutions occurring in major ligand binding regions-MLRB2 in α1(I) and MLBR 3 in α2(I)-could significantly predict DI (P < 0.05). The accumulated variant data analysis in this study provides a further basis for increasing our comprehension to better predict the occurrence and severity of DI and appropriate OI patient management.

Resistance profile and biofilm production of Enterococcus spp., Staphylococcus sp., and Streptococcus spp. from dairy farms in southern Brazil.

Milk is a high nutritional value food that helps in human development and growth. However, it can also harbor microorganisms. Therefore, the objective of this study was to isolate, identify and evaluate the resistance profile and pathogenicity factors of gram-positive cocci isolated from liners in milking rooms in the south of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Biochemical and molecular tests were performed for the identification. The following were isolated: Enterococcus faecalis (10), Enterococcus faecium (4), Staphylococcus intermedius (1), Streptococcus uberis (1), and Streptococcus dysgalactiae (1). The susceptibility of isolated microorganisms to eight antibiotics was evaluated according to CLSI, and the genus that proved to be resistant to most of those was Enterococcus. In addition, all 17 isolates were able to form biofilm, which remained viable after the use of neutral, alkaline and alkaline-chlorinated detergent. The only product that was effective against biofilm of all microorganisms was chlorhexidine 2%. The results obtained highlight the importance of pre- and post-dipping tests on dairy properties, in which chlorhexidine is one of the disinfectants used. As observed, products indicated for cleaning and descaling pipes were not effective on biofilms of the different species tested.

Acute toxicity of essential oils of Aloysia triphylla (L'Hér) Britton, Lippia gracilis Schauer, and Piper aduncum L. in Colossoma macropomum (Cuvier, 1818) / Toxicidade aguda dos óleos essenciais de Aloysia triphylla (L'Hér) Britton, Lippia gracilis Schauer e Piper aduncum L. em Colossoma macropomum (Cuvier, 1818)

The aim of this study was to determine the acute toxicity of the essential oils (EOs) of Aloysia triphylla, Lippia gracilis and Piper aduncum in juvenile tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum), and evaluate the possible histopathological alterations in their gills. For the acute toxicity tests, juvenile tambaqui (n=24/treatment) were distributed in six treatments with three replicates, which comprised the control and five EO concentrations of A. triphylla (60, 80, 100, 120 and 140 mg L-1), L. gracilis (35, 40, 45, 50 and 55 mg L-1) and P. aduncum (42.5, 45, 47.5, 50 and 52.5 mg L-1), with an exposure period of 4 h. The mortality rate and severity of damage to the tambaqui gills were proportional to the increase in the concentration of the EO, with LC50-4 h values estimated at 109.57 mg L -1 for A. triphylla, 41.63 mg L -1 for L. gracilis and 48.17 mg L -1 for P. aduncum. The main morphological damages observed in the gills of the tambaqui exposed to the three EOs, were Grade I: hypertrophy and hyperplasia of lamellar epithelial cells, lamellar fusion, epithelial detachment, capillary dilation and constriction, proliferation of chloride cells and mucosal cells and edema; in low frequency Grade II damage as epithelial rupture and lamellar aneurysm. Necrosis (Grade III damage) was observed only in gill lamellae exposed to P. aduncum EO (47.5, 50.0 and 52.5 mg L-1). Concentrations of EOs below LC50-4 h can be used sparingly, for short periods of exposure for the treatment of diseases in tambaqui breeding.

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a toxicidade aguda dos óleos essenciais (OEs) de Aloysia triphylla, Lippia gracilis e Piper aduncum em juvenis de tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum), e avaliar as possíveis alterações histopatológicas em suas brânquias. Para os testes de toxicidade aguda, juvenis de tambaqui (n=24/tratamento) foram distribuídos em 6 tratamentos, com três repetições, sendo o controle e cinco concentração do OE de A. triphylla (60, 80, 100, 120 e 140 mg L-1), L. gracilis (35, 40, 45, 50 e 55 mg L-1) e P. aduncum (42,5, 45, 47,5, 50 e 52,5 mg L-1), com exposição de 4 h. A taxa de mortalidade e a severidade dos danos nas brânquias de tambaqui foram proporcionais ao aumento da concentração do OE, com os valores de CL50-4 h estimados em 109,57 mg L-1 para A. triphylla, em 41,63 mg L-1 para L. gracilis e em 48,17 mg L-1 para P. aduncum. Os principais danos morfológicos observados nas brânquias de tambaqui, expostos aos três OEs, foram os de grau I: hipertrofia e hiperplasia das células do epitélio lamelar, fusão lamelar, descolamento epitelial, dilatação e constrição capilar, proliferação de células de cloreto e de células mucosas e edema; em baixa frequência os de grau II como ruptura epitelial e aneurisma lamelar. Necrose (dano de grau III) foi observado somente nas lamelas branquiais expostas ao OE de P. aduncum (47,5, 50,0 e 52,5 mg L-1). Concentrações do OEs abaixo dos valores de CL50-4 h podem ser utilizados com parcimônia, em curtos períodos de exposição para o tratamento de doenças na criação de tambaqui.

ESBL in positive hemoculture of a Southern-Brazil Teaching Hospital's Intensive Care Units / ESBL em hemoculturas positivas das Unidades de Terapia Intensiva de um Hospital Universitário do sul do Brasil

Bloodstream infections are among the most serious and frequent infections, and the people most exposed are patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). ESBL (extended-spectrum beta-lactate) are resistant bacteria to penicillins, cephalosporins and monobactams. It´s necessary to know how often and which microorganisms are involved, checking their susceptibility. This study was carried out at the University Hospital. Data collection was performed in the Adult and Newborn ICUs, with assessment of microorganisms and their resistance profile. During six-month period, 156 samples were studied, and 42 were positive with microorganism isolation. Isolated species include Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Many resistant to carbapenem.

ESBL in Positive Hemoculture of a Southern-Brazil Teaching Hospital's Intensive Care Units As infecções da corrente sanguínea estão entre as infecções mais graves e frequentes, e os indivíduos mais expostos são os pacientes da Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI). As ESBL (Beta-Lactamase de Espectro Estendido) são bactérias resistentes a penicilinas, cefalosporinas e monobactâmicos. Se faz necessário saber com que frequência e quais microrganismos estão envolvidos, verificando sua suscetibilidade. Este estudo foi realizado no Hospital Universitário. A coleta de dados foi realizada nas UTIs Adulto e Neonatal, com avaliação dos microrganismos e seu perfil de resistência. Durante o período de seis meses, foram estudadas 156 amostras, sendo 42 positivas com isolamento dos microrganismos. As espécies isoladas incluem Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis e Klebsiella pneumoniae. Muitos resistentes aos carbapenêmicos.

Extraction and characterization of collagen from the skin of Amazonian freshwater fish pirarucu

The need to fully exploit fishing resources due to increasing production and consequent waste generation requires research to promote the sustainability of the fishing industry. Fish waste from the industry is responsible for relevant environmental contamination. However, these raw materials contain high amounts of collagen and other biomolecules, being attractive due to their industrial and biotechnological applicability. Thus, to reduce the waste from pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) processing, this study aimed to obtain collagen from pirarucu skin tissue. The extraction process used 0.05 M sodium hydroxide, 10% butyl alcohol, and 0.5 M acetic acid, with extraction temperature of 20°C. The obtained yield was 27.8%, and through sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), it was determined that the collagen obtained was type I. This study showed that collagen solubility was highest at pH 3 and the lowest solubility was at concentrations of 3% sodium chloride. The denaturation temperature of collagen was 38.1°C, and its intact molecular structure was observed using the Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry technique with an absorption radius of 1. The results showed that it was possible to obtain collagen from pirarucu skin at 20°C, which has the typical characteristics of commercial type I collagen. In conclusion, the procedures used may be considered to be an interesting alternative for collagen extraction, a new product obtained from the processing of fish waste.