Biochemical Characterization of a Novel Thermostable 1,4-α-Glucoamylase from Aspergillus brasiliensis Strain Isolated in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

Glucoamylases are exo-enzymes that cleave the ends of the starch chain, releasing glucose units. In the current work, we described a novel 1,4-α-glucoamylase from an A. brasiliensis strain isolated from an environmental sample. The purified glucoamylase, GlaAb, has a molecular mass of 69 kDa and showed a starch binding domain. GlaAb showed a similar sequence to other fungal glucoamylases, and the molecular 3D model analysis of GlaAb suggests an overall structure as described in the literature, except by elongation in the loop connecting the 4th and 5th α-helices. The enzyme showed activity over a wide range of pH and temperature, with maximum activity at pH 4.5 and 60 °C. GlaAb was stable at 50 °C for 7 h, maintaining 67% residual activity, and it was not inhibited by glucose up to 0.1 M. The glucoamylase was 65% more active in the presence of Mn2+ and showed a Km of 2.21 mg mL-1, Vmax of 155 U mg-1, Kcat 179 s-1, and Kcat/Km 81.06 mg mL-1 s-1 using potato starch as substrate. The results obtained are promising and provide the basis for the development of applications of GlaAb in the industrial process.

Spatial analysis of hospital-related mortality due to COVID-19 among children and adolescents in Brazil.

The objective was to perform a spatial analysis of the hospital mortality rate (HMR) due to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) attributed to COVID-19 among children and adolescents in Brazil from 2020 to 2021. A cluster method was used to group federal units (FUs) based on HMR. In 2020, clusters with high HMRs were formed by north/northeast FUs. In 2021, there was a reduction in HMR. Clusters with higher rates remained in the N/NE region. Regional differences were observed in the HMR. The findings may reflect social inequalities and access to hospital care, especially in the under 1-year-old age group due to the severity of the disease in this group.

Spatial analysis of hospital-related mortality due to COVID-19 among children and adolescents in Brazil / Análise espacial da mortalidade hospitalar por COVID-19 em crianças e adolescentes no Brasil

Abstract The objective was to perform a spatial analysis of the hospital mortality rate (HMR) due to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) attributed to COVID-19 among children and adolescents in Brazil from 2020 to 2021. A cluster method was used to group federal units (FUs) based on HMR. In 2020, clusters with high HMRs were formed by north/northeast FUs. In 2021, there was a reduction in HMR. Clusters with higher rates remained in the N/NE region. Regional differences were observed in the HMR. The findings may reflect social inequalities and access to hospital care, especially in the under 1-year-old age group due to the severity of the disease in this group.

Resumo Objetivou-se realizar uma análise espacial da taxa de mortalidade hospitalar (TMH) por síndrome respiratória aguda grave (SRAG) atribuída à COVID-19 em crianças e adolescentes no Brasil no período de 2020 a 2021. Utilizou-se o método de cluster para agrupar as unidades federativas (UFs) com base na TMH. Em 2020, clusters com altas TMHs foram formados por UFs Norte/Nordeste. Em 2021, houve redução na TMH. Os clusters com maiores taxas permaneceram na região N/NE. Diferenças regionais foram observadas nas TMHs. Os achados podem refletir as desigualdades sociais e o acesso à atenção hospitalar, principalmente na faixa etária de menores de 1 ano pela gravidade da doença neste grupo.

Highlighting the Benefits of AlpaWash in Wound Care: Case Reports in Small Animals.

Several studies have reported the potential of utilizing natural extracts in wound care, emphasizing those with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. In veterinary medicine, dermal-lesion treatment can be very challenging considering the patient's compliance and awareness of their condition. In this article, six veterinary case reports have been presented to elucidate the advantages of AlpaWash, a topical application utilized in combination with the prescribed medications of the patients, for the purpose of addressing the process of wound healing in three cats and three dogs. All animals were admitted to the veterinary clinic and treated under the supervision of a veterinarian. The cats and dogs were rescued from streets by people who lived in the neighborhood of Cão Bento´s Veterinary. They were admitted for the purpose of receiving medical care due to recent minor injuries or wounds due to a pet fight, preexisting condition, or accident. A veterinarian performed the anamnesis and monitored the animals during the period of treatment with AlpaWash. In each case report, the veterinarian observed significant improvement in the wound closures, and lesions healed within a couple of weeks to a couple of months depending on the case. The outcomes demonstrate the benefits of AlpaWash topical application and suggest that AlpaWash may be an alternative vehicle for compounded preparations in wound management.

Undernutrition risk is independently associated with worsened indicators of hospital rehabilitation in COVID-19 patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to analyze the association between the risk of undernutrition and indicators of hospital rehabilitation in patients with COVID-19 while controlling for confounding variables. METHODS: This was an analytical study conducted by analyzing the medical records of patients with COVID-19. A total of 562 adult patients were eligible for the study. In addition to the risk of undernutrition (independent variable), indicators of hospital rehabilitation (dependent variables) were evaluated. These indicators included the length of hospital stay, clinical outcome (discharge or death), food intake, mobility (bedridden status), the use of mechanical ventilation, and the need for enteral nutrition. Pre-existing comorbidities (confounding/control variables) were grouped into cardiovascular, metabolic/endocrine, neurological, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other categories (neoplasms, multiple sclerosis, and kidney disease). A dichotomization model was applied for data analysis. The Chi-Square test was used to verify the association between the risk of undernutrition and the dependent variables. Associations with a significance level of P < 0.05 were subjected to Poisson regression to identify the prevalence ratio. RESULTS: Patients at risk of undernutrition had a 90% higher chance of being bedridden and were 35 times more likely to experience a decrease in food intake. They also had an 89% higher chance of using invasive mechanical ventilation and a 91% higher chance of requiring enteral nutrition. Additionally, individuals at risk of undernutrition had a 73% higher chance of death. Adjustment for comorbidities did not alter these associations, demonstrating that the risk of undernutrition is independently associated with indicators of hospital rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: The risk of undernutrition is independently associated with worsened indicators of hospital rehabilitation in patients with COVID-19, including higher prevalence of mortality.

COVID-19 severe acute respiratory syndrome in Brazilian newborns in 2020-2021.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical characteristics of cases of COVID-19 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in Brazilian newborns (NBs) in 2020 and 2021, recorded in the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System (Sistema de Informação da Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe - SIVEP-Gripe). METHODS: The variables analyzed were gender, race/skin color, hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, use of ventilatory support, signs and symptoms (fever, cough, O2 saturation<95%, dyspnea, respiratory distress, diarrhea, and vomiting), progress (death or cure), risk factors/comorbidities. Categorical variables were expressed as absolute and relative frequencies. RESULTS: We found 1,649 records of COVID-19 SARS in NBs, with a predominance of multiracial babies in both years. The most frequent symptoms in 2020 and 2021 were, respectively: respiratory distress (67.0 and 69.7%), fever (46.3 and 46.2%), and cough (37.0 and 46.3%). In 2020, 30.5% of patients received invasive ventilatory support; in 2021, this number was 41.6%. In addition, more than 55% of cases required ICU admission, and over 16% died. CONCLUSION: We emphasize the high proportion of cases that required intensive care and progressed to death.

A economia criativa enquanto prática de espaço no contexto das cidades criativas do sul global: o caso do Poço da Draga / La economía creativa como práctica espacial en el contexto de las ciudades creativas del sur global: el caso de Poço da Draga / Creative economy as a space practice in the context of creative cities of the global south: the case of Poço da Draga

Resumo Em 2019, Fortaleza, capital do Ceará, recebeu a chancela da Organização das Nações Unidas para a Educação, a Ciência e a Cultura (UNESCO) de cidade criativa do design. Com isso, a prefeitura vem atuando na organização de um distrito criativo entre os espaços de dois bairros contíguos. Nas margens urbanas que circundam esses espaços está situada a comunidade Poço da Draga, que vem organizando um conjunto de ações em prol da economia criativa. Este estudo propõe uma discussão sobre a economia criativa como prática, lançando luzes sobre perspectivas críticas alternativas de análise de políticas públicas relacionadas à organização de distritos criativos em cidades do Sul global. Para isso, considerou-se o conceito de "prática do espaço" como retórica ambulante, um modo de ser e fazer de quem habita a cidade. O objetivo é discutir como a economia criativa pode atuar como prática de espaço. A metodologia de natureza qualitativa envolveu levantamentos bibliográficos e documentais, complementados por entrevistas e procedimentos de observação nos espaços sob estudo. A análise se baseou no exame temático das práticas de espaço identificadas à luz do objetivo da pesquisa. Os principais resultados evidenciam um conjunto de práticas de espaço, emancipatórias e de resistência perpassadas pela criatividade, colocadas em ato pelos habitantes da comunidade do Poço da Draga. Sugere-se que as políticas públicas para as cidades criativas do Sul global considerem os "fazeres" potenciais de seus habitantes, visando à organização das práticas de espaços urbanos marginalizados.

Resumen En 2019, la ciudad de Fortaleza, capital del estado de Ceará, recibió el sello de la Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Educación, la Ciencia y la Cultura (UNESCO) como ciudad creativa del diseño. Con eso, la municipalidad de Fortaleza viene trabajando para organizar un distrito creativo en los espacios colindantes de dos barrios. En los márgenes urbanos que rodean estos espacios se ubica la comunidad de Poço da Draga que viene organizando un conjunto de acciones a favor de la economía creativa. Este estudio propone una discusión sobre la economía creativa como práctica, arrojando luz sobre perspectivas críticas alternativas para el análisis de políticas públicas relacionadas con la organización de distritos creativos en las ciudades del sur global. Se consideró el concepto de "práctica de espacio" como retórica ambulante, una forma de ser y hacer de quien vive en la ciudad. El objetivo fue discutir cómo la economía creativa puede actuar como una práctica de espacio. La metodología cualitativa y exploratoria implicó levantamientos bibliográficos y documentales, complementados con entrevistas y procedimientos de observación en los espacios en estudio. El análisis se basó en el examen temático de las prácticas de espacio identificadas a la luz del objetivo de la investigación. Los principales resultados mostraron un conjunto de prácticas de espacio, emancipadoras y de resistencia permeadas por la creatividad, puestas en acción por los habitantes de la comunidad de Poço da Draga. Se sugiere que las políticas públicas para las ciudades creativas del sur global consideren los "haceres" potenciales de sus habitantes, con el objetivo de organizar prácticas en espacios urbanos marginados.

Abstract In 2019, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized the capital of the Brazilian state of Ceará, Fortaleza, as a creative city of design. Since then, Fortaleza has been working to organize a Creative District between the spaces of two contiguous neighborhoods. On the urban margins surrounding these spaces is located the Poço da Draga community, which has been organizing a set of actions in favor of the creative economy. This study proposes a discussion about the creative economy as a practice, shedding light on alternative critical perspectives for analyzing public policies related to the organization of creative districts in cities of the global south. The concept of "practice of space" was considered as walking rhetoric, a way of being and doing for those living in the city. The objective was to discuss how the creative economy can act as a practice of space. The qualitative and exploratory methodology involved bibliographical and documentary surveys, complemented by interviews and observation procedures in the spaces under study. The analysis was based on the thematic examination of the identified practices of space, considering the research objective. The main results showed a set of practices of space, emancipatory and resistance permeated by creativity, put into action by the inhabitants of Poço da Draga. It is suggested that public policies for creative cities in the global south consider the potential "doings" of their inhabitants, aiming at organizing practices in marginalized urban spaces.

COVID-19 severe acute respiratory syndrome in Brazilian newborns in 2020-2021 / Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave por COVID-19 em recém-nascidos no Brasil em 2020-2021

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics of cases of COVID-19 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in Brazilian newborns (NBs) in 2020 and 2021, recorded in the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System (Sistema de Informação da Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe — SIVEP-Gripe). Methods: The variables analyzed were gender, race/skin color, hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, use of ventilatory support, signs and symptoms (fever, cough, O2 saturation<95%, dyspnea, respiratory distress, diarrhea, and vomiting), progress (death or cure), risk factors/comorbidities. Categorical variables were expressed as absolute and relative frequencies. Results: We found 1,649 records of COVID-19 SARS in NBs, with a predominance of multiracial babies in both years. The most frequent symptoms in 2020 and 2021 were, respectively: respiratory distress (67.0 and 69.7%), fever (46.3 and 46.2%), and cough (37.0 and 46.3%). In 2020, 30.5% of patients received invasive ventilatory support; in 2021, this number was 41.6%. In addition, more than 55% of cases required ICU admission, and over 16% died. Conclusion: We emphasize the high proportion of cases that required intensive care and progressed to death.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever as características clínicas dos casos de Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave (SRAG) por COVID-19 em recém-nascidos (RNs) em 2020 e 2021, no Brasil, registrados no Sistema de Informação da Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe (SIVEP-Gripe). Métodos: As variáveis analisadas foram: sexo, raça/cor, hospitalização, internação em unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI), uso de suporte ventilatório, sinais e sintomas (febre, tosse, saturação de O2<95%, dispneia, desconforto respiratório, diarreia e vômitos), evolução (óbito ou cura), fatores de risco/comorbidades. As variáveis categóricas foram apresentadas em frequências absolutas e relativas. Resultados: Houve 1.649 registros de SRAG por COVID-19 em RNs, com predomínio de pardos nos dois anos. Os sintomas mais frequentes foram, respectivamente, em 2020 e 2021: desconforto respiratório (67,0 e 69,7%), febre (46,3 e 46,2%) e tosse (37,0 e 46,3%). Em 2020, 30,5% dos pacientes receberam suporte ventilatório invasivo, e 41,6% em 2021. Além disso, mais de 55% dos casos precisaram de internação em UTI, e acima de 16% morreram. Conclusão: Destaca-se a elevada proporção de casos que precisou de cuidados intensivos e que evoluíram para óbito.

Structural model and functional properties of an exo-polygalacturonase from Neosartorya glabra.

A purified exo-polygalacturonase of Neosartorya glabra (EplNg) was successfully characterized. EplNg native presented 68.2 kDa, with 32% carbohydrate content. The deglycosylated form showed 46.3 kDa and isoelectric point of 5.4. The identity of EplNg was confirmed as an exo-polygalacturonase class I (EC 3.2.1.67) using mass spectrometry and Western-Blotting. Capillary electrophoresis indicated that only galacturonic acid was released by the action of EplNg on sodium polypectate, confirming an exoenzyme character. The structural model confers that EplNg has a core formed by twisted parallel ß-sheets structure. Among twelve putative cysteines, ten were predicted to form disulfide bridges. The catalytic triad predicted is composed of Asp223, Asp245, and Asp246 aligned along with a distance in 4-5 Å, suggesting that EplNg probably does not perform the standard inverting catalytic mechanism described for the GH28 family. EplNg was active from 30 to 90 °C, with maximum activity at 65 °C, pH 5.0. The Km and Vmax determined using sodium polypectate were 6.9 mg·mL-1 and Vmax 690 µmol·min-1.mg-1, respectively. EplNg was active and stable over a wide range of pH values and temperatures, confirming the interesting properties EplNg and provide a basis for the development of the enzyme in different biotechnological processes.

Increased Malbranchea pulchella ß-glucosidase production and its application in agroindustrial residue hydrolysis: A research based on experimental designs.

ß-Glucosidases are a limiting factor in the conversion of cellulose to glucose for the subsequent ethanol production. Here, ß-glucosidase production by Malbranchea pulchella was optimized using Composite Central Designs and Response Surface Methodologies from a medium designed. The coefficient of determination (R2 ) was 0.9960, F-value was very high, and the lack of fit was found to be non-significant. This indicates a statistic valid and predictive result. M. pulchella enzymatic extract was successfully tested as an enzymatic cocktail in a mixture design using sugarcane bagasse, soybean hull and barley bagasse. We proved that the optimization of the ß-glucosidase production and the application in hydrolysis using unexpansive biomass and agricultural wastes can be accomplished by means of statistical methodologies. The strategy presented here can be useful for the improvement of enzyme production and the hydrolysis process, arising as an alternative for bioeconomy.

Efeitos da realidade virtual em crianças e adolescentes com paralisia cerebral baseada na Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde: revisão sistemática / Effects of virtual reality in children and teenagers with cerebral paralysis based on International Classification of Functionality, Disability and Health: a systematic review

Objetivo: Abordar os efeitos da terapia com realidade virtual em crianças e adolescentes com Paralisia Cerebral de acordo com a Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde (CIF). Com intuito de reunir dados que elucidem como a aplicação da CIF pode resultar em melhor compreensão das características apresentadas em uma situação de saúde. Métodos: Os artigos foram pesquisados nas plataformas MEDLINE (Pubmed), PEDro, LILACS e SCIELO, publicados até maio de 2019. A escala de qualidade PEDro (Physioterapy Evidence Database) foi utilizada como método de avaliação de qualidade dos artigos, sendo incluídos artigos com nota ≥ 6 (seis) no PEDro. Resultados: Seis artigos foram incluídos nesta revisão. De maneira geral, observou-se resultados significantes quanto às "Funções corporais" relacionadas à melhora da função de membros superiores e inferiores, após intervenção com RV, quando comparados a terapia convencional. No domínio "Atividade" observou-se resultados na marcha, equilíbrio e habilidades motoras globais de crianças com PC após intervenção com RV. Conclusão: Os efeitos da Realidade Virtual em crianças com PC relacionados a CIF são positivos, mas foram encontrados mais resultados associados ao domínio "Funções corporais" e "Atividade", assim, sugere-se que sejam feitos mais estudos para verificar os efeitos da RV quanto à "Participação" e "Fatores ambientais"

Objective: This review aimed to address the effects of therapy with virtual reality in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy according to International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), with the intention of gathering data that elucidate how the application of ICF can result in better understanding of the characteristics presented in a health situation. Methods: The articles were searched in the MEDLINE (Pubmed), PEDro, LILACS e SCIELO platforms, published until May 2019. Physiotherapy Evidence Database - PEDro was used as a method for evaluating, was included articles with a score ≥ 6 (six) in PEDro. Results: Six articles were included in this review. In general, significant results were observed regarding "Body functions" related to the improvement of upper and lower limb function after intervention with VR when compared to conventional therapy. In the "Activity" domain, we observed results in gait, balance and overall motor skills of children with CP after VR intervention. Conclusion: The effects of Virtual Reality in children with CP related to ICF are positive, but more results were found associated with the domain "Body functions" and "Activity", so it is suggested that further studies be done to verify the effects of VR on "Participation" and "Environmental Factors"

Trametes versicolor laccase production using agricultural wastes: a comparative study in Erlenmeyer flasks, bioreactor and tray.

Laccases are very interesting biocatalysts of recognized importance for several industrial applications. Its production by Trametes versicolor, a white-rot fungus, was induced by a combination of cotton gin wastes (1%), a lignocellulosic waste, and vinasse (15%), an industrial by-product from sugarcane industry. The use of these agro-industrial wastes are interesting, since it helps in reducing the enzyme production costs, due to their low cost and wide availability, as well as the environmental contamination issues, due to their improper disposal. Thus, laccase production was studied in submerged fermentation of T. versicolor using these agro-industrial wastes (cotton gin waste and vinasse) as carbon source and an additional nitrogen source (0.1% peptone). Three different bioreactors were evaluated for laccase production, such as BioFlo 310 bioreactor, aluminium tray and Erlenmeyer flasks to achieve high levels of laccase production. The highest specific production of laccase was found in BioFlo 310 bioreactor with 12 days of fermentation (55.24 U/mg prot.), which has been shown to be closely related to the oxygen supply to the microorganism through aeration of the fermentation medium. This study brings new insights into green biotechnology regarding vinasse utilization, which is frequently discharged in soils, rivers, and lakes causing adverse effects on agricultural soils and biota, as well as the cotton gin waste recovery.

Evaluation and Comparison of Wound Healing Properties of an Ointment (AlpaWash) Containing Brazilian Micronized Propolis and Peucedanum ostruthium Leaf Extract in Skin Ulcer in Rats.

Several previous studies have demonstrated improved wound healing associated with natural-based formulations. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of a topical formulation containing both a Brazilian micronized propolis extract and a Peucedanum ostruthium leaf extract for the treatment of wounds created by surgical punch in rats. The study was conducted for 14 days and animals were treated as follows: gauze group (G), polyethylene glycol base ointment (Control), AlpaWash (an ointment containing a Brazilian micronized propolis extract and Peucedanum ostruthium leaf extract [Treatment]), and polysporin (one of the most commonly used topical antibiotic ointments, based on bacitracin zinc and polymyxin B sulfate [Reference Standard]). In general, the results demonstrated that ointments, due to occlusiveness and the ability to maintain moisture under the damaged area, offered improvements when compared to lesions without any treatment. Additionally, the presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, as well as antioxidants and antimicrobials, offered improved stimulation and could accelerate wound healing. The Control, Treatment, and Reference Standard groups were able to close the lesion, as measured by the wound healing rate determination and follow-up photographs. However, AlpaWash and Polysporin presented some additional benefits- anti-inflammatory activity, measured using myeloperoxidase and histological count, as well as fibroplasia and hydroxyproline production, suggesting that skin with a better quality could be formed following these two treatments. Therefore, based on the current concern of antibiotic overuse in wound healing, the emergence of multi-resistant organisms and the decrease in newer antibiotics, AlpaWash is considered a prominent formulation to be employed in wound-healing applications.

Antimicrobial Activity of Copaiba (Copaifera officinalis) and Pracaxi (Pentaclethra macroloba) Oils against Staphylococcus Aureus: Importance in Compounding for Wound Care.

The Amazon rainforest is the largest reserve of natural products in the world. Its rich biodiversity of medicinal plants has been utilized by local populations for hundreds of years for the prevention and treatment of various diseases and ailments. Oil extracts from plant species such as Copaifera officinalis and Pentaclethra macroloba are used in compounded formulations for their antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, emollient, moisturizing, and wound-healing activities. The objective of this study was to investigate the in vitro bacteriostatic effect of two Amazonian oils, Copaiba and Pracaxi, against Staphylococcus aureus, a clinically important microorganism responsible for wound infection, to support the use of these oils as novel natural products for compounded wound-treatment modalities. The antibacterial activity of Copaiba and Pracaxi oils against a standard strain of Staphylococcus aureus was assessed using broth microdilution to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration of the oil extracts. Copaiba oil demonstrated antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, with a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of 0.3125 mg/mL and a Minimum Bactericidal Concentration of 0.3125 mg/mL. Conversely, Pracaxi oil failed to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus growth. While additional studies are required to further evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Pracaxi oil, even low concentrations of Copaiba oil effectively inhibited Staphylococcus aureus growth, supporting its potential use as a promising adjuvant in compounded topical formulations for wound and scar healing.

Karyoevolution in Potamorhina (Cope, 1878) (Ostariophysi, Curimatidae): Using Repetitive DNA for the Elucidation of Genome Organization.

Some families of Characiformes present the tendency toward stability of the karyotypic macrostructure as Curimatidae, which contains species with a 2n = 54 karyotype and metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes, however, some Potamorhina species contradict to this tendency. Some species of the central Amazon exhibit different diploid number and show intraspecific variation in the location of heterochromatin. By performing cytogenetic characterization by localization of heterochromatin and the nucleolus organizer region, as well as physical chromosome mapping using probes targeting 5S and 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA), retroelement of Xiphophorus 1 (Rex1), Rex3, telomeres, and tropomyosin 1 (TPM1), we attempted to understand the evolutionary mechanisms involved in the differentiation of the Potamorhina species. The analyses showed that the heterochromatic regions of the examined species are distinct and transposable elements are involved in this evolutionary process, considering that the dynamic regions of the genome appear to include the terminal regions and particularly the heterochromatin-rich centromeric regions, which are involved in fission and fusion processes and promote the differentiation of chromosome pairs that bear ribosomal sites; these pairs were similar in the central Amazon species. Thus, we propose a phylogeny for this genus.

Evaluation of the Antibacterial Activity of Green Propolis Extract and Meadowsweet Extract Against Staphylococcus aureus Bacteria: Importance in Would Care Compounding Preparations.

The use of natural products in compounded wound care formulas is an exciting avenue to pursue for compounding pharmacists since these natural products may contain compounds that promote healing on their own. The use of these natural extracts as an alternative therapy for wound care may also provide several benefits, such as decreased inflammation, infection, side effects, and treatment costs. Thus far, several studies have demonstrated antimicrobial activity for various natural product extracts, including green propolis and meadowsweet. The antimicrobial properties of these extracts make them particularly interesting for wound care because the healing process is significantly delayed by bacterial infection and colonization at the site of injury. Therefore, to further investigate the antimicrobial properties of green propolis and meadowsweet extracts, we performed minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration assays against Staphylococcus aureus, a microorganism known to cause wound infections. The antimicrobial activity of green propolis and meadowsweet extracts was tested in vitro against a standard strain of Staphylococcus aureus in brain heart infusion broth and Mueller-Hinton agar plates. Green propolis extract demonstrated antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 1.25 mg/mL and a minimum bactericidal concentration of 1.25 mg/mL. In contrast, meadowsweet extract failed to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus growth at the highest concentration tested (30 mg/mL). Green propolis was more effective than meadowsweet extract at inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, suggesting that the addition of green propolis extract in wound care formulas might be more beneficial for the treatment of wounds. Therefore, we propose that green propolis extract is a promising natural product for wound care formulations.

Development of ciclopirox olamine topical formulations: evaluation of drug release, penetration and cutaneous retention.

With the aim of reducing system absorption and consequently, the side effects, and simultaneously select a penetration enhancing, three topical formulations with 0.5% ciclopirox olamine (CO) and 15% of propylene glycol (PG), ethoxydiglycol or oleic acid were developed and evaluated regarding the skin penetration and cutaneous retention of the drug using Franz diffusion cells. Release experiments were performed through synthetic membrane while dermatomed pig ear skin was used to evaluate CO skin penetration and skin retention. Retention studies were carried out applying tape stripping method and dosing CO in stratum corneum and in epidermis and dermis. A HPLC method was validated for quantifying CO. All formulations tested with synthetic membrane presented no retention of the drug. Permeation data suggested that there was no systemic absorption of ciclopirox olamine from the studied formulations, even when the skin penetration enhancers were applied. Higher concentrations of the drug were found in the stratum corneum (SC) and also in epidermis and dermis, for all of the developed formulations. The addition of enhancers improved the penetration and cutaneous retention of CO, and propylene glycol promoted higher concentrations in epidermis and dermis, probably because its cumulative effect on the skin and by an efficient solvent power.

The Organization of Repetitive DNA in the Genomes of Amazonian Lizard Species in the Family Teiidae.

Repetitive DNA is the largest fraction of the eukaryote genome and comprises tandem and dispersed sequences. It presents variations in relation to its composition, number of copies, distribution, dynamics, and genome organization, and participates in the evolutionary diversification of different vertebrate species. Repetitive sequences are usually located in the heterochromatin of centromeric and telomeric regions of chromosomes, contributing to chromosomal structures. Therefore, the aim of this study was to physically map repetitive DNA sequences (5S rDNA, telomeric sequences, tropomyosin gene 1, and retroelements Rex1 and SINE) of mitotic chromosomes of Amazonian species of teiids (Ameiva ameiva, Cnemidophorus sp. 1, Kentropyx calcarata, Kentropyx pelviceps, and Tupinambis teguixin) to understand their genome organization and karyotype evolution. The mapping of repetitive sequences revealed a distinct pattern in Cnemidophorus sp. 1, whereas the other species showed all sequences interspersed in the heterochromatic region. Physical mapping of the tropomyosin 1 gene was performed for the first time in lizards and showed that in addition to being functional, this gene has a structural function similar to the mapped repetitive elements as it is located preferentially in centromeric regions and termini of chromosomes.

O atendimento em saúde através do olhar da pessoa surda: avaliação e propostas / Health care from the deafs' point of view: evaluations and proposals

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Encontros entre profissionais de saúde e pacientes surdos costumam ser marcados por barreiras na comunicação. O principal objetivo deste estudo foi ouvir das pessoas surdas os fatores que podem tornar inadequada a comunicação com os profissionais de saúde e também suas sugestões para melhorar essa comunicação. MÉTODO: Foram entrevistados surdos que se comunicam através da língua de sinais, leitura labial ou ambos. Pediu-se que dessem exemplos de comunicação que consideraram adequadas e inadequadas, quando procuraram por atendimento à saúde, bem como sugestões para melhorar essa comunicação. As entrevistas foram gravadas em VHS; as fitas foram transcritas literalmente para análise. RESULTADOS: Dezoito surdos foram entrevistados (10 usuários de língua de sinais; quatro que fazem leitura labial e quatro que se comunicam de ambas as formas). Alguns exemplos de comunicação inadequada foram: médicos falarem ao paciente enquanto escrevem; chamar o paciente de outra sala esquecendo que se trata de um surdo; e dificuldade do paciente em compreender quando tomar os medicamentos. Os entrevistados sugeriram que os profissionais de saúde deveriam conhecer as particularidades das pessoas surdas e as diferentes formas adequadas de se comunicar com eles; e haver disponibilidade de intérpretes de língua de sinais nos hospitais e outros serviços de saúde. CONCLUSÃO: Os profissionais de saúde precisam conhecer sobre as pessoas surdas evitando má compreensão por parte dos pacientes sobre como cuidar de si próprios, e como usar a medicação,o que pode colocar em risco a segurança do paciente. Os serviços de saúde devem ser planejados considerando o paciente surdo. Entretanto, as queixas dos pacientes surdos são semelhantes às dos ouvintes. Melhorar a comunicação para lidar com pacientes surdos resultará em melhor comunicação com todos os pacientes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Interactions between health professionals and deaf patients use to be marked by barriers in communication. The principal aim of this study was to hear from deaf persons, factors they think may contribute to turn communication with health professionals inadequate, and also their suggestions to improve this communication. METHOD: Deaf persons communicating by sign language, lipreading or both were interviewed. They were asked to give examples of adequate and inadequate communication they found searching for health care, and what they suggest to improve this communication. Interviews were recorded using a VHS camera; tapes of interviews were transcribed verbatim for analysis. RESULTS: Eighteen deaf persons were interviewed (ten sign language users; four lipreading and four other communicating by both ways). Some examples of inadequate communication were: physician talking to the patient while writing his notes; call the patient's name, from another room, forgetting he/she is deaf; difficult patient comprehension about when they have to take the medicine, and so for. Interviewers suggested health professionals should know particularities of deaf persons and what can turn communication easier. CONCLUSION: Health professionals need to know about deaf people avoiding patient's misinterpretation on how to take care of themselves, and how to use a medicin, putting the patients'safety at risk. Health services shall be planned considering deaf patients. Nevertheless, deaf patients' claims are similar to those of hearing patients. Improving communication to deal with deaf patients will result in a better communication with all other patients.

Postscription: The Compounding Pharmacy in Brazil: A Pharmacist's Perspective.

This is the first of a series of articles from compounders from around the world who explain their perspective on compounding pharmacy within their country. In this article, the authors have provided a brief synopsis of compounding pharmacy in Brazil.