Unusual dimeric flavonoids (brachydins) induce ultrastructural membrane alterations associated with antitumor activity in cancer cell lines.

Notwithstanding the advances in molecular target-based drugs, chemotherapy remains the most common cancer treatment, despite its high toxicity. Consequently, effective anticancer therapies with fewer adverse effects are needed. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the anticancer activity of the dichloromethane fraction (DCMF) isolated from Arrabidae brachypoda roots, whose components are three unusual dimeric flavonoids. The toxicity of DCMF was investigated in breast (MCF-7), prostate (DU145), and cervical (HeLa) tumor cells, as well as non-tumor cells (PNT2), using sulforhodamine B (cell viability), Comet (genotoxicity), clonogenicity (reproductive capacity) and wound healing (cell migration) assays, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) for ultrastructural cell membrane alterations. Molecular docking revealed affinity between albumin and each rare flavonoid, supporting the impact of fetal bovine serum in DCMF antitumor activity. The IC50 values for MCF7, HeLa, and DU145 were 2.77, 2.46, and 2.51 µg/mL, respectively, and 4.08 µg/mL for PNT2. DCFM was not genotoxic to tumor or normal cells when exposed to twice the IC50 for up to 24 h, but it inhibited tumor cell migration and reproduction compared to normal cells. Additionally, AFM revealed alterations in the ultrastructure of tumor nuclear membrane surfaces, with a positive correlation between DCMF concentration and tumor cell roughness. Finally, we found a negative correlation between roughness and the ability of DCMF-treated tumor cells to migrate and form colonies with more than 50 cells. These findings suggest that DCFM acts by causing ultrastructural changes in tumor cell membranes while having fewer toxicological effects on normal cells.

Association between the total of falls reported and the number of home ergonomic barriers / Associação entre o total de quedas relatadas e o número de barreiras ergonômicas domiciliares

Objective: To investigate the association between the total number of falls in the last year and the number of home ergonomic barriers (HEB). Method: Cross-sectional study, Volunteers aged ≥60 years were included in the study. The history of falls and the number of HEBs were evaluated via a questionnaire. vulnerability through the Vulnerable Elders Survey 13 (VES-13) and fear of falling observed by the Falls Efficacy Scale - International- Brazilian (FES-I-BR). Data normality was verified with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, the correlation between total falls and the number of ergonomic barriers was verified with the Spearman test and the association between ergonomic barriers and groups with and without a history of falls, in the last year, through bivariate logistic regression and the chi-square test, the significance level of p≤ 0.05 was adopted. Results: Of the 123 individuals evaluated, 48% had a history of falls, with a mean of 3.83±1.96. The lack of support bars was considered protective [OR= 0.30; p= 0.042] and the absence of uniform floors and well-fixed mats were considered as risk factors for falls [OR= 3.71; p= 0.004]. Elderly people with a history of falls with ≥ 04 HEB, presented a greater risk of falls [OR= 5.98 p<0.0001]. Conclusion: The amount ≥ 04 HEB is associated with a history of falls, the absence of handrails is a protective factor, and uneven or slippery floors are risk factors for falls.

Objetivo: Investigar a associação entre o número total de quedas no último ano e o número de barreiras ergonômicas domiciliares (BED). Método: Estudo transversal, voluntários com idade ≥60 anos foram incluídos no estudo. A história de quedas e o número de BED foram avaliados por meio de um questionário, a vulnerabilidade através do Vulnerable Elders Survey 13 (VES-13) e o medo de cair observado pela Falls Efficacy Scale - International- Brazilian (FES-I-BR). A normalidade dos dados foi verificada com o teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov, a correlação entre total de quedas e a quantidade de barreiras ergonômicas foi verificada com teste de Spearman e associação entre as barreiras ergonômicas e os grupos com e sem histórico de quedas no último ano, através da regressão logística bivariada e pelo teste de Qui-quadrado, o nível de significância de p≤ 0,05 foi adotado. Resultados: Dos 123 indivíduos avaliados, 48% tinham histórico de quedas, com média de 3,83±1,96. A falta de barras de apoio foi considerada protetora [OR= 0,30; p= 0,042] e a ausência de pisos uniformes e tapetes bem fixados foram considerados fatores de risco para quedas [OR= 3,71; p= 0,004]. Idosos com histórico de quedas com ≥ 04 BED, apresentaram maior risco de quedas [OR= 5,98 p<0,0001]. Conclusão: A quantidade ≥ 04 BED está associada a histórico de quedas, a ausência de corrimão é fator de proteção e pisos irregulares ou escorregadios são fatores de risco para quedas.

Salivary biomarkers for caries susceptibility and mental stress in individuals with facial pain.

Objective: To assess salivary biomarkers for dental caries susceptibility and mental stress in young adults with perceived facial pain.Methods: Males and females who reported facial pain and pain-free controls participated in this study. Facial pain was investigated using the RDC/TMD. Unstimulated saliva was then collected for the evaluation of salivary flow rate (SFR), pH, Streptococcus mutans counts, morning cortisol, and S-IgA.Results: Women with facial pain had significantly lower SFR values, and the facial pain group showed different correlations among biomarkers for caries susceptibility and cortisol levels when compared to controls. Notably, higher SFR values were associated with a lower likelihood of having facial pain.Conclusion: Differences in SFR values, particularly in women, and markedly distinct interactions among the salivary biomarkers analyzed were observed between individuals with facial pain and pain-free controls. Hence, a connection between the dynamics of saliva, stress response, and facial pain perception might exist.

Medo de cair em idosos classificados como vulneráveis de um centro de referência à atenção da saúde do idoso / Fear of falling among elderly people classified as vulnerable in a referral center for elderly health care

Objetivo: Correlacionar o medo de cair com a vulnerabilidade em idosos. Método: A vulnerabilidade foi avaliada por meio da Pesquisa sobre Idosos Vulneráveis (VES-13) e o medo de cair pela Escala de Eficácia de Quedas - Internacional ­ Brasileira (FES-I-BR), participaram idosos de ambos os sexos e idade (60-85 anos), foram excluídos voluntários com limitações cognitivas e os que não participavam do grupo de convivência. Foram aplicado os testes de Kolmogorov-Smirnov, de Mann-Whitney, de Spearman, de regressão logística binária e para análise de sensibilidade e especificidade da FES-I-BR, empregou-se a curva da característica do operador receptor (ROC), a análise foi realizada em 95% nível de confiança e p<0,05 foi adotado. Resultados: Entre os n= 123 idosos, foi observado que (33,3%) são vulneráveis, n= 120 (97,6%) apresentaram alguma preocupação em cair. Entre as atividades analisadas na FES-I-BR, 21,1% estão extremamente preocupados em cair ao andar em superfícies escorregadias e foi observada uma correlação positiva e significativa entre a pontuação do VES-13 com a pontuação da FES-I-BR, a FES-I-BR foi um previsor significativo para a vulnerabilidade. A FES-I-BR de forma aceitável mostrou-se capaz de discriminar o medo de cair de vulneráveis de não vulneráveis em uma área de 0,656 (p<0,005), sensibilidade de 53,7% e especificidade de 69,5%. Conclusão: O medo de cair está correlacionado com a vulnerabilidade, os idosos vulneráveis apresentaram mais medo de cair, o medo de cair é fator preditor de vulnerabilidade e a FES-I-BR foi capaz de discriminar o medo de cair de idosos vulneráveis e não vulneráveis

Objective: Was to correlate the fear of falling with vulnerability in the elderly. Method: Vulnerability was assessed using the Vulnerable Elderly Survey (VES-13) and the fear of falling using the Falls Efficacy Scale - International - Brazilian (FES-I-BR), elderly people of both sexes and age (60- 85 years old), volunteers with cognitive limitations and those who did not participate in the coexistence group were excluded. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann-Whitney, Spearman, binary logistic regression tests were applied and for the sensitivity and specificity analysis of the FES-I-BR, the Receiver Operator Characteristic Curve (ROC) was used, analysis was performed at 95% confidence level and p <0.05 was adopted. Results: Among the n = 123 elderly, it was observed that (33.3%) are vulnerable, n = 120 (97.6%) had some concern about falling. Among the activities analyzed at FES-I-BR, 21.1% are extremely concerned about falling when walking on slippery surfaces and a positive and significant correlation was observed between the VES-13 score and the FES-I-BR score, FES-I-BR was a significant predictor for the vulnerability. In the present study, the FES-I-BR in an acceptable way proved to be able to discriminate the fear of falling from vulnerable to non-vulnerable in an area of 0.656 (p <0.005), sensitivity of 53.7% and specificity of 69, 5%. Conclusion: Fear of falling is correlated with vulnerability, vulnerable elderly people were more afraid of falling, fear of falling is a predictor of vulnerability and FES-I-BR was able to discriminate between the fear of falling of vulnerable and non-vulnerable elderly people

High frequency of chlamydia pneumoniae and risk factors in children with acute respiratory infection

This study was performed as a contribution for a better understanding of Chlamydia pneumoniae frequency in children with respiratory infections. A total of 416 children were recruited from two clinical centers in Sao Luis, Brazil. Of these patients, 165 children had upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), 150 had community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), and 101 were asymptomatic volunteer children. Clinical and epidemiological data from the participants were recorded. Nasopharyngeal swab samples were collected to extract DNA. C. pneumoniae DNA positivity and copy numbers were obtained by an absolute quantitative real-time PCR method. RESULTS: Positivity for C. pneumoniae DNA was higher in samples from URTI children (38.2%) and from CAP children (18.0%) than in those from the control group (7.9%; p < 0.001). Moreover, C. pneumoniae DNA was denser in children with URTI than in asymptomatic children. Considering the cutoff, the highest value of C. pneumoniae DNA found in asymptomatic children of the 3.98 log10 copies/mL, 8.5% (14/165) of the children with URTI, and 3.3% (5/150) with CAP presented high copy numbers of C. pneumoniae DNA. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these results revealed a high frequency of C. pneumoniae in both children with URTI and CAP.

High frequency of Chlamydia pneumoniae and risk factors in children with acute respiratory infection.

This study was performed as a contribution for a better understanding of Chlamydia pneumoniae frequency in children with respiratory infections. A total of 416 children were recruited from two clinical centers in Sao Luis, Brazil. Of these patients, 165 children had upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), 150 had community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), and 101 were asymptomatic volunteer children. Clinical and epidemiological data from the participants were recorded. Nasopharyngeal swab samples were collected to extract DNA. C. pneumoniae DNA positivity and copy numbers were obtained by an absolute quantitative real-time PCR method. RESULTS: Positivity for C. pneumoniae DNA was higher in samples from URTI children (38.2%) and from CAP children (18.0%) than in those from the control group (7.9%; p < 0.001). Moreover, C. pneumoniae DNA was denser in children with URTI than in asymptomatic children. Considering the cutoff, the highest value of C. pneumoniae DNA found in asymptomatic children of the 3.98 log10 copies/mL, 8.5% (14/165) of the children with URTI, and 3.3% (5/150) with CAP presented high copy numbers of C. pneumoniae DNA. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these results revealed a high frequency of C. pneumoniae in both children with URTI and CAP.

Molecular detection of human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 in pregnant women from Maranhão state, Brazil.

The human T cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) has a worldwide distribution. HTLV is endemic in some states in the northeastern region of Brazil. This study investigated the prevalence of HTLV-1/2 in 713 pregnant women attended at the Central Laboratory of Public Health of Maranhão (LACEN-MA) between February 2015 and May 2017. Serological screening was performed by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA), and reactive sera were subsequently confirmed by Western blot (WB) analysis. Five samples were determined to be HTLV-1/2-reactive by CMIA analysis, while in the WB analysis, three sera were positive for HTLV-1, and two were indeterminate. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis used to detect HTLV-1 proviral DNA showed a specific 336 base pair fragment for HTLV-1 in all CMIA-reactive serum samples. PCR products were purified and sequenced. We observed a 0.7% molecular prevalence of HTLV-1 infection. The average age of the HTLV-1-positive pregnant women was 25.6 ± 8.2 years, and the average age of the HTLV-1-negative pregnant women was 24.3 ± 6.2 (p = 0.60). We observed that there was no association of HTLV-1 infection with age, ethnicity, marital status, educational level, family income, age of first sexual intercourse, previous pregnancy, breastfeeding, intravenous drug use by partner, history of blood transfusions, or use of condoms. The prevalence of HTLV-1 observed in pregnant women demonstrated the need to implement public health policies for the screening of HTLV-1/2 in prenatal care and counseling to avoid breastfeeding by infected women; this approach could control vertical transmission and reduce the spread of this virus in the population.

Sickle Cell Anaemia Prevalence Among Newborns in the Brazilian Amazon-Savanna Transition Region.

Sickle cell anaemia is one of the most common hemoglobinopathies worldwide and an important public health problem in Brazil. This study evaluated the prevalence of sickle cell anaemia and its traits in newborns from the Amazon-Savanna Transition Region in the state of Maranhão, Brazil. A cross-sectional study was carried out, based on data from neonatal screening tests performed in 2013-2015 in Maranhão. The Hardy-Weinberg theorem was applied to analyse the frequency of expected homozygotes based on HbSS phenotype. A spatial-temporal distribution analysis was performed to delimit the regions with the greatest number of newborn cases with sickle cell anaemia. Of 283,003 newborns, 162 were found to have sickle cell anaemia, while 10,794 had a sickle cell trait, with a prevalence of 0.05% and 3.8%, respectively. The prevalence of expected homozygotes was higher in the North Region and in the state capital of Maranhão. This study may contribute to existing social and public health actions or the creation of new strategies for sickle cell disease in endemic areas in Brazil to improve the quality of life.

Virulence properties and sensitivity profile of Candida parapsilosis complex species and Kodamaea ohmeri isolates from onychomycosis of HIV/AIDS patients.

Cutaneous fungal infections include onychomycosis, an infection of the nail that affects both healthy and immunocompromised patients. This study investigated the in vitro hydrolytic enzymes production, adhesion and biofilm formation capacity of Candida parapsilosis complex species and Kodamaea ohmeri isolates from onychomycoses of HIV/AIDS patients and also established the antifungal sensitivity profiles of these isolates. Onychomycosis in HIV/AIDS patients showed a high prevalence of emerging yeasts, among which C. parapsilosis complex species and K. ohmeri were the most frequent. Three C. parapsilosis sensu stricto and two C. orthopsilosis isolates were resistant to amphotericin B and 83% of isolates were resistant to terbinafine. All three different species evaluated were proteinase and hemolysin producers. All isolates adhered to stainless steel and siliconized latex surfaces, and carbohydrates intensified adhesion of all isolates. Isolates adhered to keratinous nail and 50% formed biofilms with strong intensity. In multispecies or polymicrobial biofilms, C. albicans and Staphylococcus aureus regulated the biofilm formation of the analyzed species, decreasing the number of their cells in biofilms. The isolation of emerging yeast species from onychomycosis which are great producers of hydrolytic enzymes and with high adhesion and biofilm formation capacity is a result that should be considered relevant in clinical practice. In addition, half of the isolates was resistant to at least one of the tested antifungals. Taken together these data corroborate the infectious capacity and viability of these isolates under favorable conditions.

Adhesion and biofilm formation of Candida parapsilosis isolated from vaginal secretions to copper intrauterine devices.

INTRODUCTION: Candida parapsilosis is one of the main species that is able to adhere to forming biofilms on inert materials. Adhesion is the first step towards the colonization and invasion of host cells during the infectious process. Among the infections, vulvovaginal candidiasis is increasingly common. The objective was to evaluate the profile of adherence and biofilm formation of eight isolates of C. parapsilosis on the metal used in intrauterine devices (IUDs). METHODS: Eight strains of C. parapsilosis presenting strong adhesion and biofilm formation properties were isolated from vaginal secretions in a previous study. To assay the adhesion and biofilm formation, copper fragments were made and cultivated in tubes containing 3 mL of phosphate-buffered saline and incubated for 6 and 24 h at 37 °C to evaluate biofilm formation. After incubation, the intensity of adherence and of biofilm formation on copper fragments were determined by performing a colony count. RESULTS: All isolates were able to form biofilms and the isolate Cp62 showed many cells joined in a planktonic mode forming biofilms. The use of an IUD is one of the main factors that favors vulvovaginal candidiasis, and the presence of copper in this device increases the chance of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (CVVR) due to the ease with which species of the genus Candida can adhere to inert surfaces. CONCLUSION: This research showed that the clinical isolates studied adhered to IUD copper fragments and formed biofilms, further increasing their virulence.

Phenotypic and molecular detection of the bla KPC gene in clinical isolates from inpatients at hospitals in São Luis, MA, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Bacteria that produce Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemases (KPCs) are resistant to broad-spectrum ß-lactam antibiotics. The objective of this study was to phenotypically and genotypically characterize the antibiotic susceptibility to carbapenems of 297 isolates recovered from clinical samples obtained from inpatients at 16 hospitals in São Luis (Maranhão, Brazil). METHODS: The study was conducted using phenotypic tests and molecular methods, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sequencing and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC)-PCR. The nonparametric chi-square test of independence was used to evaluate the associations between the bacterial bla KPC gene and the modified Hodge test, and the chi-square adherence test was used to assess the frequency of carbapenemases and their association with the bla KPC gene. RESULTS: The most frequently isolated species were Acinetobacter baumannii (n = 128; 43.0%), K. pneumoniae (n = 75; 25.2%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 42; 14.1%). Susceptibility assays showed that polymixin B was active against 89.3% of the bacterial isolates. The Acinetobacter spp. and K. pneumoniae strains were susceptible to amikacin and tigecycline, and Pseudomonas spp. were sensitive to gentamicin and amikacin. Among the 297 isolates, 100 (33.7%) were positive for the bla KPC gene, including non-fermentative bacteria (A. baumannii) and Enterobacteriaceae species. Among the isolates positive for the bla KPC gene, K. pneumoniae isolates had the highest positivity rate of 60.0%. The bla KPC gene variants detected included KPC-2, which was found in all isolates belonging to species of the Enterobacteriaceae family. KPC-2 and KPC-3 were observed in A. baumannii isolates. Importantly, the bla KPC gene was also detected in three Raoultella isolates and one isolate of the Pantoea genus. ERIC-PCR patterns showed a high level of genetic diversity among the bacterial isolates; it was capable of distinguishing 34 clones among 100 strains that were positive for bla KPC and were circulating in 11 of the surveyed hospitals. CONCLUSIONS: The high frequency of the bla KPC gene and the high degree of clonal diversity among microorganisms isolated from patients from different hospitals in São Luis suggest the need to improve the quality of health care to reduce the incidence of infections and the emergence of carbapenem resistance in these bacteria as well as other Gram-negative pathogens.

Morning salivary cortisol with regard to gender in individuals with perceived facial pain / Cortisol salivar matutino em relação ao sexo em indivíduos com sintomas de dor facial

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Facial pain seems to be related to physiological responses to stress and sexual dimorphism. However, the relationship among facial pain, cortisol secretion and gender has been poorly investigated. This study aimed to investigate differences in morning salivary cortisol profile between males and females either with or without perceived facial pain symptoms. METHODS: Participated in the study 39 individuals reporting facial pain and 33 painless controls of both genders. Facial pain symptoms were evaluated with Axis II Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders, which has supplied chronic pain scores. Saliva was collected in the morning to obtain cortisol peaks, being stored for further use. Salivary cortisol levels were evaluated by immunosorbent assay. Statistical analysis has included hypotheses tests and ANOVA with significance level of 5% and a binary logistic regression, which has tested the association between gender, cortisol and each facial pain symptom. RESULTS: There has been no association between facial pain and gender. Cortisol levels were similar among individuals with and without facial pain, regardless of gender. The adjusted model has shown that most symptoms were not associated to gender, regardless of cortisol levels. CONCLUSION: In individuals with and without facial pain symptoms, morning salivary cortisol levels regulation has been similar for both genders.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A percepção da dor facial parece estar relacionada com respostas fisiológicas ao estresse e com o dimorfismo sexual. No entanto, a relação entre dor facial, secreção de cortisol e o sexo ainda foi pouco investigada. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar as diferenças nos perfis de cortisol salivar matutino em homens e mulheres com ou sem sintomas de dor facial. MÉTODOS: Trinta e nove indivíduos que relataram dor facial e 33 controles sem dor, de ambos os sexos, participaram deste estudo. Os sintomas de dor facial foram avaliados utilizando o Eixo II do Critério de Diagnóstico para Pesquisa das Disfunções Temporomandibulares, que forneceu os escores de dor crônica. A saliva foi coletada dos participantes no turno matutino a fim de obter os picos de cortisol, sendo armazenada até utilização posterior. Os níveis salivares de cortisol foram avaliados por ensaio imunoenzimático. A análise estatística incluiu testes de hipóteses e ANOVA com nível de significância de 5%, e uma regressão logística binária que testou a associação entre o sexo, cortisol, e cada sintoma de dor facial. RESULTADOS: Não foi observada associação entre dor facial e o sexo. Os níveis de cortisol foram semelhantes entre indivíduos com ou sem dor facial, independentemente do sexo. O modelo ajustado mostrou que a maioria dos sintomas não teve associação com o sexo, independentemente dos níveis de cortisol. CONCLUSÃO: Nos indivíduos com e sem dor facial, a regulação dos níveis de cortisol salivar matutino ocorreu de forma semelhante em ambos os sexos.

Resistant tuberculosis in Maranhão, Brazil: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Mycobacterium tuberculosis multidrug resistance, especially against rifampicin and isoniazid, places pulmonary tuberculosis in the list of emerging diseases. The misuse of therapeutic regimens is one of its main predisposing factors. CASE PRESENTATION: Four clinical cases (three were brown and one black) with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, treated in a reference hospital in the state of Maranhão, Brazil, were reported to evaluate the importance of radiological framework on disease evolution. CONCLUSION: The clinical framework showed a bad evolution and drug resistance, while radiology showed lung lesions, ranging from exudative infiltrates to lung parenchyma disintegration.

Phenotypic detection of metallo-ß-lactamases in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from hospitalized patients in São Luis, State of Maranhão, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Acquired metallo-ß-lactamases (MßL) are emerging determinants of resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. The objectives of this study were to phenotypically detect MßL in imipenem-resistant P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii, to investigate the association between MßL-positive strains and hospitals, and to compare the resistance profiles of MßL-producing and non-MßL-producing strains. METHODS: The approximation disk and combined disk assay methods were used in this study. RESULTS: A total of 18 (38.3%) P. aeruginosa isolates and 1 (5.6%) A. baumannii isolate tested positive for the presence of MßL. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate the need for strict surveillance and for the adoption of preventive measures to reduce the spread of infection and potential outbreaks of disease caused by MßL-producing microorganisms.

Prevalence and production of enzymes by Candida isolates from vaginal secretion samples

A candidíase vulvovaginal (VVC) ocupa o segundo lugar entre as vaginites, sendo Candida albicans responsável pela maioria dos episódios sintomáticos de VVC. Entretanto, um fato a ser considerado é o aumento de infecções por espécies de C. não albicans, o que contribui para as elevadas taxas de recidiva e resistência. Os objetivos deste estudo foram isolar Candida spp. de amostras de secreção vaginal, determinar a prevalência das espécies e verificar a produção de enzimashidrolíticas (proteases, fosfolipases, hemolisinas, catalases e gelatinases) nos isolados clínicos. Foram analisadas 144 amostras de pacientes atendidas em um hospital público em São Luís-MA.A produção de enzimas hidrolíticas foi conduzida em triplicata usando-se métodos específicos. A análise estatística foi realizada por meio dos testes c2, Kruskal-Wallis e Student-Newman-Keuh. Apresentaram cultura positiva para Candida spp. 90 pacientes. A principal espécie isolada (43,3por cento) foi Candida parapsilosis e 43 pacientes (47,8por cento) apresentaram manifestações clínicas sugestivas de VVC.al quando em condições apropriadas.

A correlação entre a presença de espécies de Candida e a presença ou ausência de sintomas não foi estatisticamente significante (x igual 3,22 , p igual 0,073). Verificou-se a expressão de enzimas pelos isolados de Candida spp. nas seguintes porcentagens: hemolisinas (80por cento), fosfolipases (8,9por cento), proteinases (17,8por cento), catalases (64,4por cento) e gelatinases (10,0por cento). Diferenças estatisticamentesignificativas foram observadas entre os isolados em relação à expressão de fosfolipases (p igual 0,0005), sendo C. albicans a espécie mais produtora, e de catalases (p igual 0,0045), em que C. parapsilosis e C. albicans foram as espécies com expressão mais elevada. Este estudo mostrou uma predominânciade espécies não albicans em amostras vulvovaginais e a maioria dos isolados revelou-se produtora de hemolisinas e catalases, o que pode contribuir para a virulência das linhagens de Candida e para o desenvolvimento de infecção vaginal quando em condições apropriadas.

[Coverage of the basic immunization schedule in the first year of life in State capitals in Northeast Brazil]. / Cobertura vacinal do esquema básico para o primeiro ano de vida nas capitais do Nordeste brasileiro.

Vaccination coverage in the so-called "developing countries" is still lower than expected. Such coverage is an important indicator of population health and the quality of care provided by the health care system. The current study describes the results of a household survey to estimate coverage of the basic immunization schedule in the first year of life in State capitals in Northeast Brazil, for the 2005 birth cohort. The methodology used was that recommended by the Pan American Health Organization for surveys on vaccination coverage. According to the data, vaccination coverage fell short of the goals set by the National Immunization Program for this age group, at high risk of acquiring vaccine-preventable diseases. The lowest coverage rates were found at the two extremes of socioeconomic strata. Assessment of vaccination coverage indicates whether the infant population is immunized and helps identify weak points in vaccination activities.

Cobertura vacinal do esquema básico para o primeiro ano de vida nas capitais do Nordeste brasileiro / Coverage of the basic immunization schedule in the first year of life in State capitals in Northeast Brazil / Cobertura de vacunación de esquema básico durante el primer año de vida en las capitales del nordeste brasileño

A cobertura vacinal nos chamados "países em desenvolvimento" ainda está aquém da esperada. Ela é um importante indicador de saúde das populações e da qualidade da atenção dispensada pelos serviços. O presente estudo descreve os resultados de um inquérito domiciliar para estimar a cobertura vacinal do esquema básico para o primeiro ano de vida nas capitais do Nordeste brasileiro, da coorte nascida em 2005. A metodologia usada é a preconizada pela Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde para a realização de inquéritos de cobertura vacinal. Os dados obtidos no presente estudo de cobertura vacinal demonstram que é baixa a proporção de crianças vacinadas, ao se considerarem as metas preconizadas pelo Programa Nacional de Imunização, na faixa etária de maior risco para as doenças imunizáveis. Para os estratos nas capitais do Nordeste, encontramos as piores coberturas nos dois extremos dos estratos socioeconômicos. A avaliação da cobertura vacinal contribui para detectar se a população infantil encontra-se imunizada, além da identificação de pontos frágeis das atividades de vacinação.

Vaccination coverage in the so-called "developing countries" is still lower than expected. Such coverage is an important indicator of population health and the quality of care provided by the health care system. The current study describes the results of a household survey to estimate coverage of the basic immunization schedule in the first year of life in State capitals in Northeast Brazil, for the 2005 birth cohort. The methodology used was that recommended by the Pan American Health Organization for surveys on vaccination coverage. According to the data, vaccination coverage fell short of the goals set by the National Immunization Program for this age group, at high risk of acquiring vaccine-preventable diseases. The lowest coverage rates were found at the two extremes of socioeconomic strata. Assessment of vaccination coverage indicates whether the infant population is immunized and helps identify weak points in vaccination activities.

La cobertura de las vacunas en los denominados "países en desarrollo" todavía está por debajo de lo esperado. Se trata de un importante indicador de salud de la población y de la calidad de la atención dispensada por los servicios de salud. El presente estudio describe los resultados de una encuesta domiciliaria para estimar la cobertura de vacunación en el esquema básico de salud durante el primer año de vida, concretamente en la cohorte nacida en 2005, en las capitales del nordeste brasileño. La metodología usada es la preconizada por la Organización Pan-Americana de la Salud para la realización de encuestas de cobertura de vacunación. Los datos obtenidos en el presente estudio de cobertura de vacunación demuestran que es baja la proporción de niños vacunados, al ser consideradas las metas preconizadas por el Programa Nacional de Inmunización, en la franja de edad de mayor riesgo para las enfermedades inmunizables. En lo que se refiere a los estratos en las capitales del Nordeste, encontramos las peores coberturas en los dos extremos de los estratos socioeconómicos. La evaluación de la cobertura de vacunación contribuye a detectar si la población infantil se encuentra inmunizada, además de permitir la identificación de puntos frágiles en las actividades de vacunación.

Classification of capacity of membership isolated from clinical candida spp patterns in different cell arrangements

A adesão às células do hospedeiro é considerada uma propriedade de virulência essencial para o desenvolvimento da candidíase, uma vez que é a etapa inicial do processo infeccioso em mucosa, especialmente em pacientes imunocomprometidos. O presente estudo avaliou a adesão à lamínula de 118 isolados clínicos de Candida de diversos sítios anatômicos e classificou os arranjos celulares em padrões de aderência distintos. Foram estudadas quatro espécies de Candida (C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis e C. glabrata). Em um total de 93 (79 por cento) isolados foi identificada a propriedade de aderência e, destes, 51 (43,3 por cento) mostraram capacidade fraca de aderência; 25 (21,2 por cento), intensidade moderada e 17 (14,4 por cento), forte. Isolados de C. glabrata mostraram os menores níveis de adesão e os de C. tropicalis, os maiores. Entre os isolados com capacidade de aderir, 44 (47,3 por cento) apresentaram o padrão de aderência localizado, 24 (25,8 por cento) mostraram um padrão agregativo e 9 (9,7 por cento), o tipo pseudo-hifal. Nos isolados de C. parapsilosis, verificou-se maior variabilidade em termos de padrões de adesão às lamínulas. Em síntese, esta pesquisa mostra que os isolados de espécies de Candida não C. albicans foram mais aderentes que os de C. albicans sugerindo maior expressão desta propriedade naquelas amostras...

Classification of adherence ability of clinical isolates of Candida spp in different patterns of cellarrangementsAdhesion has been identified as a potential virulence factor for developing candidiasis, since it isa primary mechanism of infection, especially in immunocompromised patients. The present studyreports on an in vitro adherence assay and the establishment of patterns of adhesion of clinicalisolates of Candida from many different anatomical sites, with the goal of comparing this virulenceproperty among these isolates. Adherence ability was quantified in 118 strains of Candida. Theresults showed that all isolates adhered to coverslips in a species- and strain-dependent mannerwith C. glabrata showing the lowest and C. tropicalis the highest levels of adhesion. From 93(79%) isolates with the ability to adhere, 51 (43.3%) showed weak adherence, 25 (21.2%) moderateadherence and 17 (14.4%), a strong adherence ability. Among the strains with the ability to adhere,44 (47.31%) presented a pattern of localized adherence, 24 (25.8%) showed an aggregative patternand only 9 (9.7%) had a pseudo-hyphal type. It was found that non C. albicans strains were moreadherent than isolates of C. albicans, suggesting higher expression of this property in those species...