Nutritional, chemical and functional potential of Inga laurina (Fabaceae): A barely used edible species.

Inga laurina is a plant species which produces edible fruits, and until now there is little information available concerning its nutritional, chemical and bioactive composition. In this study, we evaluated for the first time the proximate composition and mineral contents in its fruit (peel, pulp and seed), that is the traditionally consumed part. The seeds obtained the highest protein (19.52 g/100 g), carbohydrate (22.5 g/100 g) and mineral contents, mainly Cu, Cr, P, Mn, Se and Zn. The peel and pulp were excellent sources of fiber (4.5 and 11.05 g/100 g) as well as mineral content, with Cr and Cu standing out in the pulp. This study is notably the first to provide a detailed assessment of the nutritional compositions of traditionally consumed and not consumed parts of this fruit. Sensory analysis of the pulp was also performed, which indicated good acceptance. The antioxidant properties were characterized in the fruit, peels and leaves. The ABTS test showed that leaf supernatant hydroethanolic crude extract (EC50 = 2.70 µg/mL) and its corresponding ethyl acetate (EC50 = 1.68 µg/mL) and butanol (EC50 = 2.48 µg/mL) partitions presented higher antioxidant potential compared to the control Ginkgo biloba (EC50 = 12.17 µg/mL). The most active precipitate extract regarding DPPH was from the peel (EC50 = 13.30 µg /mL) and the most active partition was the ethyl acetate (EC50 = 13.37 µg/mL), both with better activity compared to the control Ginkgo biloba (EC50 = 46.97 µg/mL). The ethyl acetate partition (EC50 = 13.45 µg/mL) and butanol partition (EC50 = 7.97 µg/mL) from the leaves showed the highest antioxidant capacity. Thus, extracts and partitions from the peels and leaves were studied from a phytochemical point of view due to presenting the best results for antioxidant capacity. The presence of phenolic compounds such as myricetin-3-O-rhamnopyranoside, myricetin-3-O-(2″-O-galloyl)-rhamnopyranoside and myricetin-3-O-(2″,4″-di-O-galloyl)-arabinopentoside-methyl ether were observed in the leaf crude extract and polar partitions, being reported for the first time in the Inga genus and Fabaceae family. Moreover, quercetin, quercetin-3-O-galatoctoside, quercetin-3-O-rhamnopyranoside, quercetin-3-O-(2″-O-galloyl)-rhamnoside, and quercetin tri-hexose were identified in the peel crude extract and ethyl acetate partition, in which the galloyl derivative of quercetin was identified for the first time in I. laurina fruit peels. GC-MS enabled separating and identifying substances such as palmitic and stearic acids, and ethyl oleate. It is possible to conclude that I. laurina pulp can be a supplementary food as a source of phenolic compounds, and the other organs of the plant (leaves and peel) are rich in flavonoids with great antioxidant capacity, making this species a promising source of antioxidants.

Total Mercury Content in the Tissues of Freshwater Chelonium (Podocnemis expansa) and a Human Health Risk Assessment for the Amazon Population in Brazil.

Researchers recognize the silent, negative and deleterious effects caused by mercury pollution in gold mining areas. Freshwater turtles are culturally part of the diet of riverside populations in the Amazon region and this area presents mercury (Hg) pollution issues mainly due to gold mining activities. Thus, this research aimed to evaluate the total mercury (THg) content in the different organs of Amazonian giant river turtle (Podocnemis expansa) and carry out a human health risk assessment associated with the consumption of these animals. This study was conducted in the Vila Balbina, municipality of Presidente Figueiredo, state of Amazonas, Brazil. Skin (n = 28), muscle (n = 19) and brain (n = 2) samples were analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (TDA-AAS) and a DMA-80™ mercury analyzer was used for the total mercury determinations. The average values found for THg in the skin, muscle and brain samples were, respectively, 0.1045 mg·kg-1, 0.1092 mg·kg-1 and 0.0601 mg·kg-1. Thus, THg was observed even though the P. expansa were kept in captivity, possibly due to previous contamination by air, water and food. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) was calculated considering a 9.07 g·day-1 intake dose of P. expansa and the consumption of turtles once a week showed an HQ = 2.45, which may cause long-term injuries to human health. Although the muscle concentrations were below the maximum limit established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Brazilian regulatory agencies, it is important to evaluate consumption factors such as amount ingested, frequency and animal gender, which may cause a potential risk to regular consumers due to mercury bioaccumulation. The WHO may consider various aspects in order to warn the Amazon population about the severity and silent hazard of this metal, especially due to the importance of this matrix in the region. This region urgently needs government actions to inhibit clandestine mining and to prevent future serious, chronic health problems of the entire population.

Food neophobia, risk perception and attitudes associations of Brazilian consumers towards non-conventional edible plants and research on sale promotional strategies.

Non-conventional edible plants (NCEP) are plants or parts of plants that are not usually consumed by the population and have limited geographic distribution. This study investigated the consumption of NCEP, the influence of Food Neophobia and risk perception on Brazilian consumers attitudes as well as purchase preferences to determinate the best sale promotional strategy. Participants (n = 271) answered the online questionnaire that consisted of socio-demographic questions, items about consumption (open questions), Food Neophobia Scale, risk perception (to assign the level risk) and attitudes towards NCEP (using 5-point Likert scale). Fisher's exact test was used to investigate possible associations. Task purchase choice was evaluated using the Best-Worst Scale. The most consumed conventional leafy vegetables were collard greens (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala D.C) (95.6%) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa) (88.5%). As for NCEP, taioba (Xanthosoma taioba E.G) (26.7%), bertalha (Basela alba L.) (23.3%) and beldroega (Portulaca oleracea L.) (14.1%) were the most cited leafy vegetables. High food neophobia individuals demonstrated to try NCEP if its nutritional value and safety are proven, showing a demand for such strategy, this would increase the consumption of these vegetables. The perception of a high risk was also associated with the inclusion of NCEP in the diet. The inclusion of NCEP at the moment of purchase, even at a higher price, presented higher scores when compared to the purchase of only conventional vegetables, at lower prices. Despite this, the price can still be a limiting factor and the search for promotional strategies should be reinforced to increase the commercialization of NCEP at street markets.

Discriminant Analysis of Brazilian Stingless Bee Honey Reveals an Iron-Based Biogeographical Origin.

Stingless bee honey (SBH) is gaining attention due to its nutritional, sensorial, and medicinal characteristics. This study focuses on the combination of physicochemical properties, antioxidant capacity, mineral profile, and mass spectrometry-based fingerprints, using a chemometric approach to differentiate SBH (n = 18) from three different Brazilian biogeographical zones (Caatinga, Cerrado, and Atlantic Forest). The physicochemical properties of SBH varied, resulting in a wide range of water activity, moisture, total soluble solids, pH, and total and free acidity. The Caatinga honey showed the highest and the lowest contents of phenolics and flavonoids, respectively. The antioxidant free-radical scavenging assays demonstrated that the Brazilian SBH has a high antioxidant potential. The mineral profile of honey samples from the Atlantic Forest revealed higher contents of Ca and Fe while the Cerrado and Caatinga honey showed the highest P contents. Partial Least-Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) analysis separated the samples into three groups based on the biogeographical zones of harvest. The main separation factors between groups were the m/z 326 ion and the Fe content. Univariate analysis confirmed that Fe content is important for SBH discrimination. The present results indicate that the origin of SBH can be determined on the basis of mineral profile, especially Fe content.

Behavioral and neuroinflammatory changes caused by glyphosate: Base herbicide in mice offspring.

BACKGROUND: Glyphosate is a pesticide considered of low toxicity, but scientific evidences show it can be harmful to health. This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity in mice offspring exposed to glyphosate-based herbicide (GBH) during the intrauterine period. METHODS: Female matrices received glyphosate 0.3 mg/kg daily per oral throughout the gestational period, which was variable between 18 and 22 days. From the 25th until the 28th days post-birth, mice offspring were subjected to behavioral tests, and the prefrontal cortex was processed for immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: Two significant behavioral changes were observed: anxiety in the GLIF0.3 group, increase in the behavior burying marbles in the marble-burying test and hyperactivity, expressed by the significant increase of the crossing number in the open field test. The increased microglia, TNF-alpha, and astrocyte expression were also observed in the prefrontal cortex of offspring treated with GLIF0.3. CONCLUSION: Exposure to GBH during mice intrauterine development induces hyperactive and anxious behavior, evidencing neuroinflammation.

Antimicrobial (ESBL) resistance genes in faecal E. coli of calves fed waste milk with antimicrobial residues.

This research paper aimed to evaluate the association between feeding waste milk to calves and the occurrence of antimicrobial multi-resistance by extended spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL) enzymes through determining their production by E. coli isolates from 32 dairy farms. Among ß-lactamase enzymes, ESBL provide resistance to a wide variety of ß-lactam antimicrobials including penicillin and 2nd, 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins. Feeding waste milk to calves has been observed to lead to increased antimicrobial resistance in faecal isolates of calves. In each farm included in this study, faecal samples were collected from the rectum of five healthy calves in the first month of life and pooled into a single container. Five isolates from each pool were selected and confirmed to be E. coli by amplification of the 16S rRNA gene. ESBL production was confirmed phenotypically on 148 isolates from 31 farms by use of the double-disk synergy test. Genotypic confirmation of ESBL production was performed by PCR for the genes blaCTX-M-1, -2, -8, -9 and blaCMY-2. A questionnaire was also performed and a mixed logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors for the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance. A negative binomial regression model was also used, in order to assess whether there was any association between certain farm management practices and the number of ESBL-producing E. coli isolates from each farm. Phenotypic confirmation of ESBL production was obtained on 40 E. coli isolates from 15 farms (48.4%), whereas genotypic confirmation was obtained on 55 isolates from 20 farms (64.5%). The use of three or more different intramammary antimicrobials to treat mastitis within the previous year significantly impacted the number of ESBL-producing E. coli isolates; on farms that did so, there were more isolates in which ESBL-producing E. coli was present, when compared to farms that had used less formulations within the same time span.

Antimicrobial resistance and virulence profiles of Enterobacterales isolated from two-finger and three-finger sloths (Choloepus hoffmanni and Bradypus variegatus) of Costa Rica.

Background: Wildlife has been recently recognized as an environmental reservoir for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). However, less information on this topic is available in animals released back into the wild after rehabilitation in wildlife facilities, compared with studies performed exclusively in captive or free-ranging wildlife. This study aimed to evaluate the potential influence of captivity and/or treatment while in captivity of wild sloths on the AMR and virulence profiles of sloths' Enterobacterales. Methods: Oral and rectal swab samples were collected from 39 two-finger (Choloepus hoffmanni) and three-finger sloths (Bradypus variegatus) of Costa Rica (n = 78) and analyzed using conventional bacteriological techniques. A generalized linear mixed model was applied to estimate the isolates' multiple antimicrobial resistance and virulence indices as a function of animal status. Results: A considerable level of resistance was detected, especially for Citrobacter youngae and Escherichia coli, with 17.5% of isolates classified as multidrug-resistant. Virulence indices of isolates from rehabilitated sloths were significantly higher than the ones from sloths being hand-reared for shorter periods. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first description of sloths' antimicrobial resistant Enterobacterales, suggesting that sloths' rehabilitation and consequent exposure to humans, may promote the selection of bacteria with higher virulence. Ultimately, these bacteria may represent a threat to human and animal health due to their zoonotic potential and AMR and virulence profiles.

Study of inorganic elements in different organs and tissues of Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis) from Brazil.

Multielement concentrations (P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, and Rh) and total mercury (T-Hg) were analyzed in different organs and tissues of Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis). Samples of 27 T. inunguis specimens, maintained in the collection of the Amazonian Center for the Research and Preservation of Aquatic Mammals, were used, situated in an area highly impacted by gold mining in the northern region of the Brazilian Amazon. Samples of aquatic plants used as food by the animals were also analyzed. The elements S, Cl, K, Cr, and Mn accumulated mainly in the musculature, while Fe and Cu were more concentrated in the liver. Trace elements, such as rubidium (Rb) and rhodium (Rh), not previously reported in the organs of animals of the family Trichechidae, were also identified. The averages for T-Hg in the skin, muscle, encephalon, liver, kidney, and lung samples were, respectively, 0.1540 ± 0.1332, 0.0593 ± 0.1044, 0.0517 ± 0.0467, 0.0486 ± 0.0543, 0.0237 ± 0.0336, and 0.0013 ± 0.0032 µg.g-1. The values obtained for the vibrissae samples were below the limit of quantification, which allows for the conclusion that this tissue cannot be used as a contamination marker. It was observed that even when kept in a conservation breeding site, these animals were exposed to non-essential trace elements. Differences in the accumulation of elements were observed between the different organs and tissues analyzed. The presence of contaminants in animals that live in a preservation center, even at low levels, deserves attention.

Spillover events of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 (recombinant GI.4P-GI.2) from Lagomorpha to Eurasian badger.

Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) is a major threat to domestic and wild European rabbits. Presently, in Europe, the disease is caused mainly by Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2/b or Lagovirus europaeus GI.2), the origin of which is still unclear, as no RHDV2 reservoir hosts were identified. After the RHDV2 emergence in 2010, viral RNA was detected in a few rodent species. Furthermore, RHDV2 was found to cause disease in some hare species resembling the disease in rabbits, evidencing the ability of the virus to cross the species barrier. In this study, through molecular, histopathologic, antigenic and morphological evidences, we demonstrate the presence and replication of RHDV2 in Eurasian badgers (Meles meles) found dead in the district of Santarém, Portugal, between March 2017 and January 2020. In these animals, we further classify the RHDV2 as a Lagovirus europaeus recombinant GI.4P-GI.2. Our results indicate that Meles meles is susceptible to RHDV2, developing systemic infection, and excreting the virus in the faeces. Given the high viral loads seen in several organs and matrices, we believe that transmission to the wild rabbit is likely. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy data show the presence of calicivirus compatible virions in the nucleus of hepatocytes, which constitutes a paradigm shift for caliciviruses' replication cycle.

Antibiotic Resistance and Virulence Profiles of Gram-Negative Bacteria Isolated from Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta) of the Island of Maio, Cape Verde.

Previous studies revealed high levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), describing this species as prime reservoir of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. This study aimed to characterise, for the first time, the AMR and virulence profiles of Gram-negative bacteria isolated from 33 nesting loggerhead turtles of the island of Maio, Cape Verde. Cloacal, oral, and egg content swab samples (n = 99) were collected and analysed using conventional bacteriological techniques. Shewanella putrefaciens, Morganella morganii, and Vibrio alginolyticus were isolated from the samples under study. The isolates obtained from this loggerhead subpopulation (North-East Atlantic) revealed lower levels of AMR, compared with the results of studies performed in other subpopulations (e.g., Mediterranean). However, the detection of resistance to carbapenems and multiple antimicrobial resistance indices higher than 0.20, raises concern about the potential association of these animals to points of high antimicrobial exposure. Furthermore, virulence phenotypic characterisation revealed that the isolates presented complex virulence profiles, including the ability to produce biofilms. Finally, due to their pathogenic potential, and considering the evidence of illegal consumption of turtle-related products on the island of Maio, the identified bacteria may represent a significant threat to public health.

A polymicrobial biofilm model for testing the antimicrobial potential of a nisin-biogel for canine periodontal disease control.

BACKGROUND: Periodontal disease (PD) in dogs is prompted by the establishment of a polymicrobial biofilm at the tooth surface and a subsequent host inflammatory response. Several strategies may be used for PD control, including dental hygiene home care procedures, like toothbrushing, special diet and chew toys that reduce dental plaque accumulation, or professional periodontal treatments. Aiming at PD control, a biogel composed by nisin and guar-gum was previously developed. This work aimed to establish an in vitro model mimicking the PD-associated biofilms and to evaluate the nisin-biogel inhibitory activity against this polymicrobial biofilm by determining its Minimum Biofilm Inhibitory (MBIC) and Eradication Concentrations (MBEC). Bacterial species tested included Neisseria zoodegmatis CCUG 52598T, Corynebacterium canis CCUG 58627T, Porphyromonas cangingivalis DSMZ VPB 4874, Peptostreptococcus canis CCUG 57081 and an Enterococcus faecalis isolate belonging to a collection of oral bacteria obtained from dogs with PD. Before establishing the biofilm, coaggregation between species was determined by optical density measurement after 2 and 24 hours. Nisin-biogel MBIC and MBEC values regarding the polymicrobial biofilm were determined using a modified version of the Calgary biofilm pin lid device, after confirming the presence of the five bacterial species by Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization. RESULTS: Only 40% of the bacterial dual suspensions were able to coaggregate at 2 hours, but all species tested exhibited a coaggregation percentage higher than 30% at 24 hours. It was possible to establish a 48 h polymicrobial biofilm model composed by the five bacterial species selected. This model was used to determine nisin-biogel MBIC (26.39 ± 5.89 µg/mL) and MBEC (62.5 ± 27.73 µg/mL) values. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that the nisin-biogel can inhibit and eradicate PD multispecies biofilms. As this in vitro model mimics an in vivo periodontal polymicrobial biofilm, our results reinforce the potential of the application of nisin-biogel for canine PD control.

Campylobacter portucalensis sp. nov., a new species of Campylobacter isolated from the preputial mucosa of bulls.

A new species of the Campylobacter genus is described, isolated from the preputial mucosa of bulls (Bos taurus). The five isolates obtained exhibit characteristics of Campylobacter, being Gram-negative non-motile straight rods, oxidase positive, catalase negative and microaerophilic. Phenotypic characteristics and nucleotide sequence analysis of 16S rRNA and hsp60 genes demonstrated that these isolates belong to a novel species within the genus Campylobacter. Based on hsp60 gene phylogenetic analysis, the most related species are C. ureolyticus, C. blaseri and C. corcagiensis. The whole genome sequence analysis of isolate FMV-PI01 revealed that the average nucleotide identity with other Campylobacter species was less than 75%, which is far below the cut-off for isolates of the same species. However, whole genome sequence analysis identified coding sequences highly homologous with other Campylobacter spp. These included several virulence factor coding genes related with host cell adhesion and invasion, transporters involved in resistance to antimicrobials, and a type IV secretion system (T4SS), containing virB2-virB11/virD4 genes, highly homologous to the C. fetus subsp. venerealis. The genomic G+C content of isolate FMV-PI01 was 28.3%, which is one of the lowest values reported for species of the genus Campylobacter. For this species the name Campylobacter portucalensis sp. nov. is proposed, with FMV-PI01 (= LMG 31504, = CCUG 73856) as the type strain.

Commonality of Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae ST348 Isolates in Horses and Humans in Portugal.

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae is considered a major global concern by the World Health Organization. Evidence is growing on the importance of circulation of MDR bacterial populations between animals and humans. Horses have been shown to carry commensal isolates of this bacterial species and can act as human MDR bacteria reservoirs. In this study, we characterized an extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing K. pneumoniae sequence type (ST) 348 isolate from a horse, an ST reported for the first time in an animal, using next-generation sequencing. We compared it with six other MDR K. pneumoniae ST348 human isolates previously identified in health-care facilities in Portugal using a core genome multi-locus sequence typing approach to evaluate a possible genetic link. The horse isolate was resistant to most of the antimicrobials tested, including 3rd generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, and aminoglycosides, and presented several antimicrobial resistance genes, including bla ESBL. Twenty-one allele differences were found between the horse isolate and the most similar human isolate, suggesting a recent common ancestor. Other similarities were observed regarding the content on antimicrobial resistance genes, plasmid incompatibility groups, and capsular and somatic antigens. This study illustrates the relevance of the dissemination of MDR strains, and enhances that identification of these types of bacterial strains in both human and veterinary settings is of significant relevance in order to understand and implement combined control strategies for MDR bacteria in animals and humans.

Successful treatment of severe perianal Crohn's disease with infliximab in an HIV-positive patient.

We present the case of a woman infected with the HIV type 1, controlled with highly active antiretroviral therapy. In the meantime, she developed a severe perianal disease, with complex fistulae and chronic anal fissures. After developing a severe chronic diarrhea, a total ileocolonoscopy with biopsies was performed, showing multiple ileal and segmental colonic erosions. Histology favoured a Crohn's disease diagnosis. Despite the limited experience of anti-tumour necrosis factor agents in the HIV-infected population, infliximab was started in this patient, due to her severe and symptomatic Crohn's disease, with a controlled HIV infection. No side effects were reported and her bowel movements and perianal disease improved right after induction regimen with infliximab. 1 year after starting this therapy she is in clinical and endoscopic remission. The CD4+ T-cell count remained stable, the HIV-RNA undetectable and no opportunistic infections were reported during follow-up period. Data concerning the use of anti-tumour necrosis factor drugs is limited in patients with both inflammatory bowel disease and HIV infection. Only three cases of Crohn's disease and concomitant HIV infection treated with infliximab were reported in the literature. This case report might help future decisions in patients with a similar clinical situation.

Programa de intervenção comunitária: "A outra face do cuidar" / Community intervention program: "The other face of caring" / Programa de intervención comunitaria: "La otra cara de la atención"

Introdução: O cuidador informal (CI) presta cuidados a pessoas dependentes, não sendo recompensado economicamente. São inúmeros os fatores de estresse inerentes à tarefa de cuidar, com consequente desgaste físico e emocional. Estudos indicam que as abordagens que englobam a realização de atividade física apresentam um impacto positivo na diminuição da depressão, estresse, raiva e sobrecarga apresentados pelo CI. Objetivo: Reduzir a sobrecarga do CI, com vista à capacitação da tarefa de cuidar, pela aquisição de ferramentas na gestão da sobrecarga. Métodos: De uma listagem de 90 utentes com a codificação "demência" e 50 com "atraso mental" realizou-se o diagnóstico de situação através da aplicação da escala de Zarit que avalia a sobrecarga dos CI. Destes, 13 mostraram interesse em participar na intervenção, que consistiu em sessões de educação para a saúde, sessões de yoga e dinamização de um grupo de apoio. Foi avaliado o grau de sobrecarga dos participantes e a sua satisfação. Resultados: Os CI eram maioritariamente mulheres (92%), com idade média de 62 anos. Foram realizadas 100% das sessões previstas, com 23% de desistência dos participantes. A sobrecarga moderada a severa ou severa diminuiu de 92.3% para 60% no final da intervenção. Todos os CI classificaram o projeto como "bom" ou "muito bom". Discussão: O projeto cumpriu a planificação inicial, tendo-se verificado uma diminuição do grau de sobrecarga do CI como evidenciado em outros estudos. Destaca-se como limitação a dificuldade do CI na realização de outras atividades além de cuidar do seu dependente. Conclusão: A intervenção teve um impacto positivo nos CI, tendo cumprido os objetivos inicialmente propostos. A equipa de saúde deu continuidade a este projeto através de uma parceria com uma cooperativa de solidariedade social local.

Introduction: The informal caregiver (IC) provides assistance to disabled people without any financial gratification. Many stress factors are associated with the task of taking care of others, leading to physical and emotional deterioration. Studies indicate that approaches involving physical activity have a positive impact on the reduction of depression, stress, anger and overload presented by the IC. Objective: To reduce IC overload with a view to enabling the task of caring by acquiring tools for overload management. Methods: The data collection of ICs overload was made using Zarit scale from a previous database of 90 patients classified as "dementia" and 50 as "mental retardation". 13 IC's express their interest to be part of the project. The intervention consisted in health education sessions; yoga classes; establishment of a support group. The participant's degree of overload and their satisfaction were assessed. Results: IC were mainly women (92%), with average age of 62 years. All scheduled sessions took place, with 23% participants withdrawing. Moderate to severe or severe overload level reduced from 92.3% to 60% at the end of the intervention and all participants classified the project as "good" or "very good". Discussion: The project fulfilled the initial planning. Decrease of the IC overload was noted as evidenced in other studies. The limitation is the difficulty of IC in performing other activities besides then taking care of its dependent. Conclusions: The intervention had a positive impact in the ICs and the main goals were achieved. The health team continued this project through a partnership with a local social solidarity cooperative.

Introducción: El cuidador informal (CI) presta cuidados a las personas dependientes, no siendo recompensado económicamente. Son innumerables los factores de estrés inherentes a la tarea de cuidar, con consiguiente desgaste físico y emocional. Los estudios indican que los enfoques que incluyen la actividad física tienen un impacto positivo en la reducción de la depresión, el estrés, la ira y la sobrecarga que presenta el CI. Objetivo: Reducir la sobrecarga del CI, con miras a la capacitación de la tarea de cuidar y la adquisición de herramientas en la gestión de la sobrecarga. Métodos: De una lista de 90 pacientes con la clasificación "demencia" y 50 con "retraso mental" se realizó el diagnóstico de sobrecarga del CI, aplicándose la escala de Zarit. De ellos, 13 mostraron interés en participar en la intervención, que consistió en sesiones de educación para la salud, sesiones de yoga y dinamización de un Grupo de Apoyo. Se evaluó el grado de sobrecarga de los participantes y su satisfacción. Resultados: Los CI fueron en su mayoría mujeres (92%), con una edad promedio de 62 años. El 100% de las sesiones se llevaron a cabo, y el 23% de los participantes se rindieron. La sobrecarga moderada a severa o severa disminuyó del 92,3% al 60% al final de la intervención. Todos los CIs calificaron el proyecto como "bueno" o "muy bueno". Discusión: El proyecto cumplió la planificación inicial, habiéndose comprobado una disminución del grado de sobrecarga del CI como lo demuestran otros estudios. Se destaca como limitación la dificultad del CI en la realización de otras actividades además de cuidar de su dependiente. Conclusión: La intervención tuvo un impacto positivo en los CI, habiendo cumplido los objetivos inicialmente propuestos. El equipo de salud continuó este proyecto a través de una asociación con una cooperativa de solidaridad social local.

On the influence of Streptococcus salivarius on the wear response of dental implants: An in vitro study.

This study aims to understand microorganisms' effect and relevance of aseptic conditions on wear performance of dental materials. Tribocouple zirconia/titanium was submitted to tribological tests in the presence of Streptococcus salivarius biofilm, the most abundant bacteria in the oral cavity. Reciprocating ball-on-plate tests were carried out at 37°C, pH 7, 2 N, and 1 Hz, during 2 h, using Ti6Al4V balls as pins and Y-TZP plates. Simultaneous OCP readings assessed corrosion tendency. Tested lubricants were artificial saliva, artificial saliva plus glucose, and artificial saliva plus glucose and S. salivarius. Wear volume and worn surfaces were analyzed after test. S. salivarius proliferation was enhanced in artificial saliva plus glucose. When a highly populated biofilm was present at the zirconia/titanium interface, titanium wear decreased by ~60% compared to artificial saliva and artificial saliva plus with glucose, respectively, with 0.0060 and 0.0053 mm3 loss. Wear was not observed in zirconia under any tested condition. Presence of S. salivarius also decreased corrosion activity during wear. Lowest free OCP value reached during sliding was -260 mV in artificial saliva, -246 mV in artificial saliva plus glucose, and -196 mV in artificial saliva plus glucose and bacteria. This decreased to -147 mV when a highly-populated S. salivarius biofilm was present at the interface. Overall, obtained results show that the presence of S. salivarius clearly changes the corrosion-wear performance of the tested dental materials, confirming that it must be recognized, and that asepsis level and conditions during wear test of dental materials must be clearly established and controlled to ensure reproducible results and supported conclusions. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1393-1399, 2019.

Skin asepsis protocols as a preventive measure of surgical site infections in dogs: chlorhexidine-alcohol versus povidone-iodine.

BACKGROUND: Most of surgical site infections (SSI) are caused by commensal and pathogenic agents from the patient's microbiota, which may include antibiotic resistant strains. Pre-surgical asepsis of the skin is one of the preventive measures performed to reduce SSI incidence and also antibiotic resistance dissemination. However, in veterinary medicine there is no agreement on which biocide is the most effective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of two pre-surgical skin asepsis protocols in dogs. A total of 46 animals were randomly assigned for an asepsis protocol with an aqueous solution of 7.5% povidone-iodine or with an alcoholic solution of 2% chlorhexidine. For each dog, two skin swab samples were collected at pre-asepsis and post-asepsis, for bacterial quantification by conventional techniques and isolation of methicillin-resistant species. RESULTS: Most samples collected at the post-asepsis did not present bacterial growth, both for the animals subjected to the povidone-iodine (74%) or to the chlorhexidine (70%) protocols. In only 9% of the cases a significant bacterial logarithmic reduction was not observed, indicating possible resistance to these agents. Also, the logarithmic reduction of the bacterial quantification from pre- and post-asepsis time, was not statistically different for povidone-iodine (6.51 ± 1.94 log10) and chlorhexidine (6.46 ± 2.62 log10) protocol. From the 39% pre-asepsis swabs which showed bacterial growth in MRSA modified chromogenic agar medium, only one isolate was identified as Staphylococcus aureus and one as S. epidermidis. False positives were mainly other staphylococci species, as well as Enterobacteriaceae. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-surgical skin asepsis protocols with povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine showed similar efficacy in the elimination of methicillin resistant bacteria and preventing surgical site infections in dogs undergoing surgery.