Boron-containing coating yields enhanced antimicrobial and mechanical effects on translucent zirconia.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the mechanical and antimicrobial properties of boron-containing coating on translucent zirconia (5Y-PSZ). METHODS: 5Y-PSZ discs (Control) were coated with a glaze (Glaze), silver- (AgCoat), or boron-containing (BCoat) glasses. The coatings' antimicrobial potential was characterized using S. mutans biofilms after 48 h via viable colony-forming units (CFU), metabolic activity (CV) assays, and quantification of extracellular polysaccharide matrix (EPS). Biofilm architectures were imaged under scanning electron and confocal laser scanning microscopies (SEM and CLSM). The cytocompatibility was determined at 24 h via WST-1 and LIVE&DEAD assays using periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs). The coatings' effects on properties were characterized by Vickers hardness, biaxial bending tests, and fractography analysis. Statistical analyses were performed via one-way ANOVA, Tukey's tests, Weibull analysis, and Pearson's correlation analysis. RESULTS: BCoat significantly decreased biofilm formation, having the lowest CFU and metabolic activity compared with the other groups. BCoat and AgCoat presented the lowest EPS, followed by Glaze and Control. SEM and CLSM images revealed that the biofilms on BCoat were thin and sparse, with lower biovolume. In contrast, the other groups yielded robust biofilms with higher biovolume. The cytocompatibility was similar in all groups. BCoat, AgCoat, and Glaze also presented similar hardness and were significantly lower than Control. BCoat had the highest flexural strength, characteristic strength and Weibull parameters (σF: 625 MPa; σ0: 620 MPa; m = 11.5), followed by AgCoat (σF: 464 MPa; σ0: 478 MPa; m = 5.3). SIGNIFICANCE: BCoat is a cytocompatible coating with promising antimicrobial properties that can improve the mechanical properties and reliability of 5Y-PSZ.

The INFORMAS healthy food environment policy index in Brazil: Benchmarking, current policies, and determining priorities for the future.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity and non-communicable diseases are the most important cause of death and inability in Brazil and worldwide. Public policies are an important strategy to prevent obesity. This study analysed the scope of Brazilian public policies for preventing and controlling obesity using the INFORMAS/Food-EPI protocol. METHODS: The public policies evaluation was conducted based on the INFORMAS/Food-EPI protocol. Experts from academia, civil society, and government assessed the level of implementation of food policies compared with international best practices and proposed new actions to be developed nationally. The protocol consisted of five phases: (1) A comprehensive review of the implementation of food environment-related public policies; (2) validation with experts; (3) comparison of the national actions with the international best practice and due to the level of implementation; (4) list a set of actions to improve the current policies; and (5) evaluation of the actions due to their importance and achievability. RESULTS: Brazilian actions were focused on monitoring, leadership, governance, and resources and financing domains. CONCLUSION: The results will provide elements to support and improve the national policies that aim at the promotion of a healthy food environment and obesity prevention.

Infecções urinárias e processo do cuidado: perfil etiológico e de sensibilidade no setor de clínica médica de um hospital público da Paraíba / Urinary infections and care process: etiological profile and sensitivity in the medical clinic sector of a public hospital in Paraiba / Infecciones urinarias y proceso asistencial: perfil etiológico y de sensibilidad en el sector clínico de un hospital público de Paraíba

Introdução: Há alguns fatores preditores para ocorrência de Infecção de Trato Urinário (ITU) no processo do cuidado na Clínica Médica (CM) de um Hospital Universitário (HU) como idade e tempo de internamento sendo o controle um desafio para a saúde pública. Objetivo: Descrever os principais agentes microbiológicos de ITU hospitalar na CM nos anos de 2015-16 e avaliar a suscetibilidade aos antimicrobianos. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo seccional e de busca na base de dados da CCIH do HU. Resultados: Em 2015 obteve se uma prevalência de 6,5% de ITU hospitalar, o agente biológico mais comum foi Klebsiella pneumoniae. Já em 2016, a prevalência foi de 5,3%; os agentes microbiológicos foram Candida spp. e Escherichia coli. Conclusão: A ITU hospitalar demonstra ser uma condição ainda bastante prevalente no HU, tendo como principal agente em 2015 a Klebsiella pneumoniae e em 2016 a Escherichia coli, ambos com uma maior susceptibilidade aos carbapenêmicos.

Introduction: There are some predictive factors for the occurrence of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in the care process at the Medical Clinic (CM) of a University Hospital (HU) such as age and length of stay, being control a challenge for public health. Objective: To describe the main microbiological agents of hospital UTI in CM in the years 2015-16 and to assess susceptibility to antimicrobials. Methodology: It is a descriptive and sectional study with research through the database of hospital infection control committee (HICC). Results: In 2015, there was a 6.5% prevalence of hospital UTI, the most common biological agent was Klebsiella pneumoniae. In 2016, the prevalence was 5.3%; the microbiological agents were Candida spp. and Escherichia coli. Conclusion: Hospital UTI proves to be still a very prevalent condition in HU, having Klebsiella pneumoniae as its main agent in 2015 and Escherichia coli in 2016, both with greater susceptibility to carbapenems.

Introducción: Existen algunos factores predictores de aparición de Infección del Tracto Urinario (ITU) en el proceso asistencial en la Clínica Médica (CM) de un Hospital Universitario (HU), como la edad y el tiempo de estancia, y su control es un reto para la salud pública. Objetivo: Describir los principales agentes microbiológicos de ITU de adquisición hospitalaria en la CM en 2015-16 y evaluar la susceptibilidad antimicrobiana. Metodología: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, transversal, basado en una búsqueda en la base de datos CCIH del HU. Resultados: En 2015, la prevalencia de ITU adquirida en el hospital fue del 6,5%, y el agente biológico más frecuente fue Klebsiella pneumoniae. En 2016, la prevalencia fue del 5,3%; los agentes microbiológicos fueron Candida spp. y Escherichia coli. Conclusión: La ITU hospitalaria sigue siendo una patología muy prevalente en la UH, siendo Klebsiella pneumoniae el principal agente en 2015 y Escherichia coli en 2016, ambos con mayor susceptibilidad a carbapenems.

Evolution of nutritional status and associated factors among formula-fed infants with cow's milk protein allergy in a government program.

BACKGROUND: Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is a common allergy in infants and can affect proper growth and development. This study verified factors associated with the evolution of the nutritional status (NS) among infants with CMPA fed with hypoallergenic formulas (HF). METHODS: This is a longitudinal study of infants (n = 1036) participating on a governmental program in Brazil. Researchers assessed Nutritional status before HF treatment (T1) and after HF treatment (T2). The causality of exposure variables on the evolution of NS was verified by Multinomial Logistic Regression (MLR). RESULTS: We observed an increase in anthropometric indexes analyzed with statistically significant results (p < 0.01). The weight/age and height/age scores showed a significant reduction in infants with nutritional deficit. The Body Mass Index (BMI) showed a decrease in the number of infants with nutritional deficit (< -2 z-score). On the other hand, there was an increase in those classified as at risk of overweight, overweight and obese. MLR showed that those who remained < 12 months in the program had a lower odds ratio (95% CI = 0.355-0.906; p = 0.018) to have inadequate NS with increasing BMI. Preterm infants were 4 times more likely (CI 95% = 1.520-10.694; p = 0.005) to have their BMI decreased and those who received nutritional counseling had a lower odds ratio (CI 95% = 0.411-0.953; p = 0.029) to maintain adequate NS. CONCLUSION: The program has a significant impact on the NS of infants with CMPA. The constant management and implementation of differentiated criteria according to the evolution of NS for the supply of HF is fundamental in the continuity of this public policy.

Food Consumption of People with Sickle Cell Anemia in a Middle-Income Country.

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a genetic and hemolytic disease globally characterized by social vulnerability. Food consumption has been insufficiently analyzed in SCA. Secondary iron overload is often observed. This leads to unreliable recommendations for dietary iron restriction. We assessed food consumption and iron intake among adults with SCA. Considering the guidelines for healthy eating, foods were grouped according to the NOVA classification. This transversal study included 74.4% of eligible patients who were registered in the reference center for SCA treatment in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2019. Data on food consumption were collected through 24 h recall. The monthly household income of 82.3% of patients was less than $770. The consumption of fresh or minimally processed foods was directly associated with monthly household income (p < 0.0001; η2 = 0.87). Ultra-processed foods provided more than one-third of the total energy intake (35.2%). The prevalence of inadequate iron intake was about 40% among women, while that of iron intake above the tolerable upper limit was 0.8%. People from lower socioeconomic classes had the lowest iron intake. Strategies to encourage the consumption of fresh or minimally processed foods are needed considering the requirement of an antioxidant diet in SCA. These findings highlight the need for health equity to ensure food security and healthy eating in SCA.

Applying mucosal barrier injury laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection criteria in patients with solid tumors and hematologic malignancies: A retrospective cohort study looking for the real source of infection.

We evaluated the interference of the mucosal barrier injury (MBI) laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection (MBI-LCBI) criteria on the central-line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) incidence density, and the proportion of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) among those classified as MBI. We detected 339 CLABSIs: 15.0% were classified as MBI-LCBIs, and among these, 19.6% were classified as CRBSIs.

Long-term treatment with roflumilast improves learning of fear extinction memory and anxiety-like response in a type-1 diabetes mellitus animal model.

Diabetic encephalopathy is related to serious damage to the Central Nervous System leading to several disturbances in memory processing and emotions. It is known that the cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) responsive element-binding protein (CREB) pathway participates in neuronal plasticity and prevention of neuroinflammation, as well as the mediation of learning/memory processes and emotions in brain areas such as the hippocampus (HIP) and prefrontal cortex (PFC). We aimed to investigate the effect of acute (one injection) and long-term treatment (21 days) with roflumilast (ROF; i.p.; 0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.1 mg/kg), a drug able to inhibit the enzyme phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) responsible for cAMP hydrolysis, on parameters related to the acquisition of fear extinction memory and anxiety-like responses in animals with type-1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) induced through one injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg; ip; STZ animals). When we performed acute treatment, no difference was observed between all the groups when resubmitted to the same context paired with an aversive stimulus (footshock) or to a neutral context. In contrast, long-term treatment was able to improve learning of extinction fear memory and discriminating between a conditioned and neutral context. Moreover, this treatment decreased the pronounced anxiety-like response of STZ animals. In addition, there was an increase in the product of the CREB signaling pathway, the pro brain-derived neurotrophic factor, in the HIP and PFC of these animals. The treatment did not impair glycemic control, whereas it decreased the animal's blood glucose levels. To conclude, these findings suggest that ROF treatment repositioning has potential for future translational investigations involving diabetic patients considering its beneficial effects on emotional processes related to fear memory and anxiety, in addition to improvement of glycemic control.

BROAD PECTUS EXCAVATUM TREATMENT: LONG TERM RESULTS OF A BRAZILIAN TECHNIQUE.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims the treatment results of broad pectus excavatum after a long-term follow-up and skeletal maturity. METHODS: Eighty-four children and adolescents with broad-type pectus excavatum were selected for evaluation after treatment with a dynamic orthosis that applies compression to the lower rib projections and prescription of exercises. The broad pectus excavatum was defined as a deformity that the depressed area was greater and covered the area above and below the nipple line. All patients were evaluated for more than 1 year after the end of treatment and skeletal maturity. Post-treatment results were categorized as mild, moderate and severe. Statistic correlations between results and deformity flexibility, deformity severity, and adherence to treatment were assessed. RESULTS: The mean age at the beginning of treatment was 13.3 years, and the follow-up duration was 25.7 months after suspension of orthosis use. Forty-eight percent of patients showed good results. With regular use of orthoses and performance of exercises, this rate increased to 70% (p < 0,001). Mild cases showed more success than severe cases (p = 0,007). Initial flexibility didn't influence the results (p = 0,63). CONCLUSION: Treatment of broad pectus excavatum with orthoses and exercises led to good definitive results in most resilient patients, especially in those with mild deformities. Level of Evidence V, Expert Opinion.

OBJETIVO: Estudar os resultados de longo prazo e com seguimento até a maturidade esquelética do tratamento do pectus excavatum amplo. MÉTODOS: 84 crianças e adolescentes foram tratados com uma órtese que aplicacompressão nas saliências costais inferiores, associada a exercícios específicos. A deformidade foi classificada como ampla quando a depressão tem maior extensão e abrange uma área acima e abaixo da linha mamilar. Os resultados foram categorizados em ruim, regular ou bom, sendo correlacionados estatisticamente com a flexibilidade, a gravidade da deformidade e a adesão ao tratamento, com avaliação um ano após o fim do tratamento e na maturidade esquelética. RESULTADOS: A idade média no início do tratamento foi de 13,7 anos e o seguimento médio foi de 25.7 meses após a suspensão do uso da órtese. 48% dos casos apresentaram sucesso com o tratamento, mas quando os exercícios e o uso da órtese foram regulares, esta taxa aumentou para 70% (p < 0,001). Os casos mais leves tiveram maior sucesso que os de maior gravidade (p = 0,007), mas a flexibilidade inicial não influenciou os resultados (p = 0,63). CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento do pectus excavatum amplo com o uso de órtese e exercícios apresentou bons resultados definitivos na maioria dos pacientes resilientes, em especial nos casos mais leves. Nível de Evidência V, Opinião do Especialista.

Evaluation of Growth, Viability, Lactic Acid Production and Anti-Infective Effects of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus ATCC 9595 in Bacuri Juice (Platonia insignis).

Fruit juices have been emerging as excellent vehicles for development of probiotic products due to their nutritional properties and presence of bioactive compounds. This work evaluated the growth and viability of Limosilactobacillus fermentum ATCC 23271 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus ATCC 9595 in bacuri juice (Platonia insignis Mart., Clusiaceae). Both strains were able to grow in bacuri juice, without any supplementation. Viability was kept after 28 days of storage; however, growth was significantly higher for L. rhamnosus ATCC 9595 (7.40 ± 0.04 Log CFU/mL). Following this, the effects of bacterial inoculum and pulp concentration on growth and lactic acid production by L. rhamnosus ATCC 9595 were investigated using a central composite rotational design. The inoculum concentration was the main factor for obtaining the most favorable relation between growth and organic acid production (G/pH ratio). Among the tested conditions, those used in assay 6 allowed the best G/pH ratio (2.13) and higher lactic acid production (4.14 g/L). In these conditions, L. rhamnosus ATCC 9595 grown in bacuri juice showed the same resistance towards acidification or addition of lysozyme than when cultivated in MRS. Finally, the anti-infective effects of fermented and non-fermented juices were analyzed using Tenebrio molitor larvae infected by enteroaggregative Escherichia coli 042. The pre-treatment with supernatants of both fermented and non-fermented juices significantly increased the survival of E. coli-infected larvae. However, only the L. rhamnosus-fermented juice had protective effects when inoculated 2 h after infection. Collectively, the results obtained in this research allowed the basis for the development of a non-dairy probiotic product from bacuri juice.

Obesity agenda in Brazil, conflicts of interest and corporate activity.

Obesity is a social and health problem of global dimensions that demands coordinated solutions from different sectors as well as intersectoral efforts to overcome it. However, policies to overcome obesity affect the interests of the commercial private sector. In Brazil, the Intersectoral Strategy for Obesity Prevention and Control (EIPCO) is the result of participative public action and integrates a set of policies in the field of food and nutrition security. Based on the premise that EIPCO expresses public interests to be protected, promoted and guaranteed by the federal government, this article aims to analyze corporate political activity (CPA) and conflict of interest (COI) situations involving the private commercial sector in the food and nutrition field in Brazil, using EIPCO as a reference. The methods include document analysis and identification of cases reported by the Brazilian civil society organizations that are part of the National Council on Food and Nutrition Security. The results highlighted the actors, actions, ideas and interests addressed by EIPCO and also indicated that EIPCO does not question the private commercial sector's practices in regard to obesity and some of its recommended actions reflect disputes about the concept of healthy eating. All cases analyzed involved CPA to promote ultra-processed food consumption, including lobbying and funding researchers. Those practices and goals are in the opposite direction from the objectives of EIPCO to overcome obesity which indicates potential COI once these representatives of the private sector are directly influencing the governmental political process and policies.

Antimicrobial action of NeoMTA Plus on mono- and dual-species biofilms of Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans: An in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antimicrobial action of NeoMTA Plus on mono- and dual-species biofilms of Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 171 sterile dentin blocks, measuring 4 mm × 4 mm × 1 mm, were incubated in media containing E. faecalis (3.1 × 108 cells/mL) and/or C. albicans (1 × 107 cells/mL) for 2 d. These blocks were randomly divided into three groups: the control (no treatment with biomaterials), MTA (treated with an MTA sample with width and thickness same as those of the dentin block after the material was set), and NeoMTA Plus (treated with NeoMTA Plus in a fashion similar to the treatment of the MTA group) groups. The biomaterials remained in contact with the biofilms for 24 h. Quantitative analyses of the number of colony-forming units (CFUs) and metabolic activity (XTT), were performed. Furthermore, qualitative analysis of biofilm structure was performed by scanning electron microscopy. Data were statistically analyzed considering a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: XTT and the number of CFUs were similar among the groups (p > 0.05). The type of biofilm (mono- or dual-species) or the biomaterial used (MTA or NeoMTA Plus) did not affect the results. Biofilm structure exhibited a robust architecture composed of yeast and bacterial cell multilayers and was homogeneous among the groups. CONCLUSION: NeoMTA Plus was not effective against mono- and dual-species biofilms of E. faecalis and C. albicans. Further research investigating biofilm removal methods including those involving the use of biomaterials with antiseptics and other supporting therapies is warranted.

HYPOALBUMINEMIA IN MICROSURGICAL FLAPS OF THE MUSCULOSKELETAL APPARATUS.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if the levels of serum total protein and serum albumin are risk factors for surgical complications of free flap limb reconstruction. METHODS: Consecutive inclusion of all patients undergoing microsurgical flaps for limb reconstruction of complex injuries. We recorded epidemiological and laboratory data, including total proteins and fractions, for descriptive and analytical statistics. RESULTS: Our study analyzed one microsurgical flap from 35 patients that underwent complex injuries of the limbs. In total, 23 patients were men, and mean age of all patients was 35 years. After statistical analysis, no influence of pre or postoperative hypoalbuminemia was observed on the incidence of complications. Patients with hypoalbuminemia had a higher length of stay than those with normal albumin levels (p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: We observed that 71% of patients had hypoalbuminemia in early postoperative period and we suggest a nutritional support for patients requiring complex traumatic limb reconstruction. Hypoalbuminemia in patients subjected to microsurgical flaps for the treatment of complex traumatic limb injuries did not influence the complications that required surgical reintervention; However, it was associated with prolonged hospital stay. Level of Evidence II, Retrospective study.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência dos níveis totais de proteína sérica e albumina como fator de risco para complicações de retalhos microcirúrgicos para reconstrução de membros. MÉTODOS: Inclusão consecutiva de todos os pacientes submetidos a retalhos microcirúrgicos para reconstrução de membros de lesões complexas. Foram registrados dados epidemiológicos e laboratoriais, incluindo proteínas e frações totais, para fins estatísticos descritivos e analíticos. RESULTADOS: 35 retalhos microcirúrgicos foram estudados em 35 pacientes com lesões complexas dos membros. A idade média dos pacientes foi de 35 anos, e 23 pacientes eram do sexo masculino. Após análise estatística, não foi observada influência da hipoalbuminemia pré ou pós-operatória na incidência de complicações. Pacientes com hipoalbuminemia permaneceram mais tempo hospitalizados do que aqueles com níveis normais de albumina (p = 0,008). CONCLUSÃO: Observamos 71% dos pacientes com hipoalbuminemia no início do período pós-operatório e sugerimos fornecer suporte nutricional para pacientes que necessitam de reconstrução traumática complexa dos membros. A presença de hipoalbuminemia em pacientes submetidos a retalhos microcirúrgicos para o tratamento de lesões traumáticas complexas nos membros não influenciou a presença de complicações que exigiam reintervenção cirúrgica, mas foi associada ao tempo de hospitalização prolongado. Nível de Evidência II, Estudo retrospectivo .

Antimicrobial, antibiofilm and cytotoxic effects of a colloidal nanocarrier composed by chitosan-coated iron oxide nanoparticles loaded with chlorhexidine.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects of a colloidal nanocarrier for chlorhexidine (CHX) on Candida glabrata and Enterococcus faecalis, as well as tested its cytotoxic effect on murine fibroblasts. METHODS: Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) were coated with chitosan (CS) and loaded with CHX at 31.2, 78 and 156 µg/mL. Antimicrobial effects were assessed by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), using the broth microdilution method, and fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI). Preformed biofilms (48 h) were treated with different concentrations of the nanocarrier (24 h) and quantified by colony-forming units (CFUs), total biomass and metabolic activity. For cytotoxicity, the viability of L929 cells was evaluated by MTT assay after 24 and 48 h of exposure to the nanocarrier. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Fisher LSD or Tukey post-hoc tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: MIC and FICI results showed an indifferent interaction among the components of the nanocarrier for all strains evaluated. CHX alone and nanocarrier containing 156 µg/mL CHX did not differ from each other in reducing the number of CFUs. However, the nanocarrier containing 156 µg/mL CHX promoted the highest reductions in total biofilm biomass and metabolism, surpassing the effect of CHX alone. After 24 and 48 h of exposure, the nanocarrier reduced CHX toxicity to the L929 cell at low concentrations. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the CHX nanocarrier has potential to be used in the control of oral diseases associated with C. glabrata and E. faecalis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: CHX has improved the antibiofilm effect and reduced the cytotoxicity (at low concentrations) when conjugated to CS-coated IONPs. This new colloidal formulation has potential as an alternative antimicrobial agent to pure CHX for the control of biofilm-related oral diseases, such as oral candidiasis and endodontic infections.

Products Derived from Buchenavia tetraphylla Leaves Have In Vitro Antioxidant Activity and Protect Tenebrio molitor Larvae against Escherichia coli-Induced Injury.

The relevance of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of several diseases (including inflammatory disorders) has traditionally led to the search for new sources of antioxidant compounds. In this work, we report the selection of fractions with high antioxidant action from B. tetraphylla (BT) leaf extracts. In vitro methods (DPPH and ABTS assays; determination of phenolic and flavonoid contents) were used to select products derived from B. tetraphylla with high antioxidant action. Then, the samples with the highest potentials were evaluated in a model of injury based on the inoculation of a lethal dose of heat-inactivated Escherichia coli in Tenebrio molitor larvae. Due to its higher antioxidant properties, the methanolic extract (BTME) was chosen to be fractionated using Sephadex LH-20 column-based chromatography. Two fractions from BTME (BTFC and BTFD) were the most active fractions. Pre-treatment with these fractions protected larvae of T. molitor from the stress induced by inoculation of heat-inactivated E. coli. Similarly, BTFC and BTFD increased the lifespan of larvae infected with a lethal dose of enteroaggregative E. coli 042. NMR data indicated the presence of aliphatic compounds (terpenes, fatty acids, carbohydrates) and aromatic compounds (phenolic compounds). These findings suggested that products derived from B. tetraphylla leaves are promising candidates for the development of antioxidant and anti-infective agents able to treat oxidative-related dysfunctions.

Reproducibility and validity of portable haemoglobinometer for the diagnosis of anaemia in children under the age of 5 years.

Portable haemoglobinometers have been used in order to estimate the prevalence of anaemia in diverse settings. However, few studies have been conducted to evaluate their performance in children of different age groups in distinct epidemiological contexts. To evaluate the reproducibility and reliability of a portable haemoglobinometer for the diagnosis of anaemia in children <5 years Hb was measured in the venous blood of 351 children <5 years by an automated system (standard method) and in three capillary blood samples, using a portable haemoglobinometer (HemoCue®; test method). The reproducibility of the device and of the test method was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (Hb in its continuous form), κ and prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted κ (PABAK) (categorised variable: anaemia: yes/no). For test method validation, Bland-Altman analyses were performed and sensitivity, specificity, accuracy rate, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) were calculated. The haemoglobinometer presented good device reproducibility (ICC = 0·79) and reasonable method reproducibility (puncture, collection and reading) (ICC = 0·71). Superficial and fair agreement (κ) and good agreement (PABAK) were observed among the diagnoses obtained through the test method. The prevalence of anaemia was 19·1 and 19·7 % using the standard and the test method, respectively, with no statistically significant differences. The test method presented higher specificity (87·7 %) and NPV (88·3 %) than sensitivity (50·7 %) and PPV (49·3 %), and intermediary accuracy rate (57·8 %). HemoCue® showed good device reproducibility and reasonable method reproducibility, as well as good performance in estimating the prevalence of anaemia. Nevertheless, it showed a fair reliability and low individual diagnostic accuracy.

ANTEGRADE X RETROGRADE NAILING IN FEMORAL FRACTURES: A STUDY ON CONSOLIDATION AND INFECTION.

OBJECTIVE: Osteosynthesis with intramedullary nailing is considered the method of choice to treat diaphyseal femur fractures in adults. The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the bone healing time and incidence of infection in patients with diaphyseal femur fractures treated surgically with retrograde and antegrade intramedullary nailing. METHODS: The medical records of 123 patients from two university hospitals dated 2011-2013 were evaluated, with 126 diaphyseal femur fractures having been found. The most frequent treatment was antegrade intramedullary nailing (51%), of which 38% involved reaming (n=25). RESULTS: We found evidence of 92% healed fractures at 12 months postoperatively. Complications included chronic osteomyelitis in one patient and femoral neck fracture in another patient, both after reamed antegrade nailing. Pyoarthritis of the knee associated with osteomyelitis affected two patients after reamed retrograde nailing and one patient after unreamed retrograde nailing. CONCLUSION: We did not observe a significant difference in bone healing rates with the use of reamed or unreamed antegrade or retrograde nailing. Complications included the presence of infection with an incidence similar to that reported in the literature, and of particular significance, unrelated to the type of approach. Level of evidence III, Retrospective comparative study.

OBJETIVO: A osteossíntese com haste intramedular é considerada o método de escolha para tratamento das fraturas diafisárias do fêmur em adultos. O objetivo deste estudo retrospectivo foi avaliar o tempo até a consolidação e a incidência de infecção em pacientes com fratura diafisária do fêmur, operados com haste intramedular retrógrada e anterógrada. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados os prontuários de 123 pacientes de dois hospitais universitários entre os anos de 2011 e 2013, tendo sido encontradas 126 fraturas diafisárias do fêmur. O tratamento mais frequente foi com haste intramedular anterógrada (51%), das quais 38% (n=25) eram fresadas. RESULTADOS: Com 12 meses de pós-operatório, evidenciamos 92% de consolidação. Entre as complicações, observamos um paciente com osteomielite crônica e um com fratura do colo do fêmur, ambos submetidos à haste intramedular anterógrada fresada e pioartrite do joelho, associada à osteomielite em dois pacientes submetidos à haste intramedular retrógrada fresada e em um paciente após a utilização de haste intramedular retrógrada não fresada. CONCLUSÃO: Não observamos diferença significativa entre a taxa de consolidação com o emprego das hastes retrógradas e anterógradas, fresadas ou não fresadas. Dentre as complicações, observamos a presença de infecção em incidência similar à da literatura e particularmente sem relação com a via de acesso escolhida. Nível de evidência III, estudo retrospectivo comparativo.

History and challenges of Brazilian social movements for the achievement of the right to adequate food.

The historical struggles that Brazil faced to overcome malnutrition coincided with the empowerment of civil society and social movements which played a crucial role in the affirmation of health and food as social rights. After two decades under military dictatorship, Brazil went through a redemocratization process in the 1980s when activism emerged to demand spaces to participate in policy-making regarding the social agenda, including food and nutrition security (FNS). From 1988 onward institutional structures were established: the National Council of FNS (CONSEA) convenes government and civil society sectors to develop and monitor the implementation of policies, systems and actions. Social participation has been at the heart of structural changes achieved since then. Nevertheless, the country faces multiple challenges regarding FNS such as the double burden of disease, increasing use of pesticides and genetically modified seeds, weak regulation of ultra-processed products, and marketing practices that affect the environment, population health, and food sovereignty. This article aims at examining the development of the participatory political system and the role played by Brazilian social movements in the country's policies on FNS, in addition to outlining challenges faced by those policies.

In vitro antibacterial and time-kill assay of ethanolic extract of Davilla nitida bark on multidrug resistant bacteria isolated from diabetic foot lesions.

This study reported the antimicrobial activity of the bark extract of Davilla nitida on multidrug resistant bacteria isolated from Diabetic Foot Infections. Antibacterial activity of the bark extract was evaluated by agar Disk-Diffusion (DD), Broth Dilution (BD), Checkerboard and Time-kill methods. The extract showed a significant antibacterial activity against all groups of bacteria tested. BD was more sensitive for determining the antibacterial activity of the bark extract than the DD method. The bark extract inhibited the growth of bacteria with high-levels of antibiotic-resistance, such as Pseudomonas spp. (100.0%), Enterobacer spp. (88.89%), Staphylococcus aureus (54.55%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (75.0%), Staphylococcus saprophyticus (92.86%). The combination of extract with antibiotics resulted in an additive effect against most of the strains tested. Time-kill kinetics profiles of bark extract showed bactericidal and time-dependent properties. Our results suggest that the bark extract of Davilla nitida is a source of bioactive compounds, which may be useful against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Application of Venn's diagram in the diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis using IFN-γ, IP-10 and adenosine deaminase.

BACKGROUND: Pleural tuberculosis (PlTB) is the most common extrapulmonary manifestation of this infectious disease which still presents high mortality rates worldwide. Conventional diagnostic tests for PlTB register multiple limitations, including the lack of sensitivity of microbiological methods on pleural specimens and the need of invasive procedures such as pleural biopsy performance. In this scenario, the search for biological markers on pleural fluid (PF) has been the target of several studies as a strategy to overcome the limitations of PlTB diagnosis. This study aims to evaluate the use either isolated or in combination with adenosine deaminase (ADA), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interferon-gamma inducible protein of 10-kD (IP-10) levels on PF in order to guide an accurate anti-TB treatment in microbiologically non-confirmed cases. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Eighty patients presenting pleural effusion under investigation were enrolled in a cross-sectional study conducted at Pedro Ernesto University Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. Peripheral blood (PB) and PF samples collected from all patients were applied to the commercial IFN-γ release assay, QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube, and samples were analyzed for IFN-γ and IP-10 by immunoassays. ADA activity was determined on PF by the colorimetric method. Based on microbiological and histological criteria, patients were categorized as follow: confirmed PlTB (n = 16), non-confirmed PlTB (n = 17) and non-PlTB (n = 47). The Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen-specific production of IFN-γ and IP-10 on PB or PF did not show significant differences. However, the basal levels of these biomarkers, as well as the ADA activity on PF, were significantly increased in confirmed PlTB in comparison to non-PlTB group. Receiver operating characteristics curves were performed and the best cut-off points of these three biomarkers were estimated. Their either isolated or combined performances (sensitivity [Se], specificity [Sp], positive predictive value [PPV], negative predictive value [NPV] and accuracy [Acc]) were determined and applied to Venn's diagrams among the groups. Based on the confirmed PlTB cases, IFN-γ showed the best performance of them at a cut-off point of 2.33 IU/mL (Se = 93.8% and Sp = 97.9%) followed by ADA at a cut-off of 25.80 IU/L (Se = 100% and Sp = 84.8%) and IP-10 (Cut-point = 4,361.90 pg/mL, Se = 75% and Sp = 82.6%). IFN-γ plus ADA (cut-point: 25.80 IU/L) represent the most accurate biomarker combination (98.4%), showing Se = 93.7%, Sp = 100%, PPV = 100% and NPV = 97.9%. When this analysis was applied in non-confirmed PlTB, 15/17 (88.2%) presented at least two positive biomarkers in combination. CONCLUSION: IFN-γ, IP-10, and ADA in PlTB effusions are significantly higher than in non-PlTB cases. IFN-γ is an excellent rule-in and rule-out test compared to IP-10 and ADA. The combination of IFN-γ and ADA, in a reviewed cut-off point, showed to be particularly useful to clinicians as their positive results combined prompts immediate treatment for TB while both negative results suggest further investigation.