Ligninolytic enzyme potential of Trametes spp. associated with leaf litter in riparian forest of the Amazônia region.

The present study explored the potential of leaf litter as a source of fungi able to produce ligninolytic enzymes for the biodegradation of anthraquinone dyes. Within the colonies isolated from the leaf litter, only three colonies of two species Trametes were selected based on the detection of oxidation and decolorization halos in Petri dishes with PDA (potato-dextrose-agar) + Guaicol and PDA + RBBR (Remazol Brilliant Blue R). The identification of the colonies was done through sequencing of the ITS region. The enzymatic activity of Lac (lacase), MnP (manganês peroxidase) and LiP (lignina peroxidase) was analyzed by spectrophotometry during fermentation in PD+RBBR imedium. Isolates A1SSI01 and A1SSI02 were identified as Trametes flavida, while A5SS01 was identified as Trametes sp. Laccase showed the highest enzymatic activity, reaching 452.13 IU.L-1 (A1SSI01, 0.05% RBBR) after 96h. Isolate A1SSI02 reached the highest percentage of decolorization, achieving 89.28% in seven days. The results imply that these Trametes isolates can be highly effective in waste treatment systems containing toxic anthraquinone dyes. Keywords: laccase, peroxidases, basidiomycete, litter and biodecolorization.

Hemorrhagic adenoma mimicking anterior communicating artery aneurysm. / Adenoma hemorrágico que imita a un aneurisma de la arteria comunicante anterior.

TITLE: Adenoma hemorrágico que imita a un aneurisma de la arteria comunicante anterior.

Trapping Microparticles in a Structured Dark Focus.

We experimentally demonstrate stable trapping and controlled manipulation of silica microspheres in a structured optical beam consisting of a dark focus surrounded by light in all directions-the dark focus tweezer. Results from power spectrum and potential analysis demonstrate the nonharmonicity of the trapping potential landscape, which is reconstructed from experimental data in agreement to Lorentz-Mie numerical simulations. Applications of the dark tweezer in levitated optomechanics and biophysics are discussed.

The importance, prevalence and determination of vitamins B6 and B12 in food matrices: A review.

Vitamins are a vast group of fundamental organic compounds, which are not produced by the human body but are essential for the living organisms' good health. Vitamins B6 and B12 belong to the same group of hydrophilic vitamins. Structurally unrelated, they share the same purpose as essential components for normal cellular operation, growth and development. Vitamin B6 is an enzymatic co-factor that is vital for countless biochemical reactions, and is also important in sugar and fatty acid metabolization. It encompasses three natural and inter-convertible pyridine-derivatives: pyridoxine, pyridoxal and pyridoxamine. Vitamin B12 is a cobalt organometallic complex also indispensable in numerous human physiological functions. It has four bioactive forms: cyanocobalamin, methylcobalamin, hydroxocobalamin and 5'-deoxyadenosylcobalamin, and only a few prokaryotes have the ability to biosynthesize cobalamin. This work reviews the significant aspects of vitamins B6 and B12: their vital roles, consequences of deficit; food sources; and methods of determination and respective matrices, with heavy emphasis on chromatographic techniques developed within the last two decades.

Comparación del bloqueo del grupo de nervios pericapsulares (PENG) y la analgesia epidural después de una artroplastia total de cadera: análisis retrospectivo / Comparison of pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block and epidural analgesia following total hip arthroplasty: a retrospective analysis

Introducción y objetivos: La artroplastia total de cadera (THA) es un procedimiento traumatológico cada vez más común, que comporta dolor postoperatorio de moderado a severo. El bloqueo del grupo de nervios pericapsulares (PENG) es un bloqueo reciente que parece aportar analgesia adecuada sin bloqueo motor significativo. El objeto de este estudio es comparar retrospectivamente la eficacia analgésica y la seguridad del bloqueo PENG y la analgesia epidural, en pacientes sometidos a THA. Material y métodos: Se trata de un estudio retrospectivo observacional durante un periodo de un año de los pacientes sometidos a THA primaria, utilizando analgesia epidural o bloqueo PENG ecoguiado con inyección única. Los datos relativos a las características demográficas, técnicas quirúrgicas y anestésicas, puntuaciones de dolor, consumo de opioides, complicaciones y tiempo hasta el alta hospitalaria se recopilaron de los registros institucionales, comparándose entre los dos grupos (analgesia epidural vs. bloqueo PENG). Resultados: No se encontraron diferencias significativas en cuanto a las puntuaciones de dolor, el consumo de opioides y el tiempo medio hasta el alta hospitalaria entre los dos grupos. Las puntuaciones de dolor en reposo (1,2 epidural vs. 1,67 PENG) o con movimiento (3,95 epidural vs. 3,72 PENG) fueron similares entre ambos grupos. El número total de complicaciones fue superior en el grupo de analgesia epidural (50% epidural vs. 5% PENG). Se reportó parestesia en ambos grupos. Solo se reportaron bloqueo motor, sedación, náuseas y complicaciones relacionadas con el catéter en el grupo de analgesia epidural. Conclusiones: El bloqueo PENG parece ser equivalente a la analgesia epidural en cuanto a calidad de la analgesia postoperatoria para los pacientes sometidos a THA primaria, lo cual respalda el uso rutinario de este bloqueo en estos pacientes. La baja tasa de complicaciones reportadas limita las conclusiones sobre esta cuestión.(AU)

Introduction and objectives: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is an increasingly common orthopedic pro-cedure, with moderate to severe postoperative pain. Pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block is a recent block that seems to provide adequate analgesia without significant motor blockade. The aim of this study is to retrospectively compare the analgesic efficacy and safety of PENG block with those of epidural analgesia, in patients undergoing THA. Material and methods: This is a retrospective observational study of patients who underwent primary THA, submitted to epidural analgesia or single-shot ultrasound-guided PENG block, during a one-year period. Data regarding demographic characteristics, surgery and anesthesia techniques, pain scores, opioid consumption, complications and time to hospital discharge were retrieved from institutional records and compared between the 2 groups (epidural analgesia vs PENG block). Results: No significant difference was found regarding pain scores, opioid consumption, and mean time to hospital discharge between the 2 groups. Pain scores at rest (1.20 epidural vs 1.67 PENG) or with movement (3.95 epidural vs 3.72 PENG) were similar between groups. Total number of complications was higher in the epidural analgesia group (50% epidural vs 5% PENG). Paresthesia was reported in both groups. Motor block, sedation, nausea and catheter-related complications were only found in the epidural analgesia group. Conclusions: PENG block seems to be equivalent to epidural analgesia regarding quality of postop-erative analgesia for patients subject to primary THA, supporting routine use of this block in these patients. The low rate of reported complications limits conclusions on this topic.(AU)

Comparison of pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block and epidural analgesia following total hip arthroplasty: A retrospective analysis.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is an increasingly common orthopaedic procedure, with moderate to severe postoperative pain. Pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block is a recent block that seems to provide adequate analgesia without significant motor blockade. The aim of this study is to retrospectively compare the analgesic efficacy and safety of PENG block with those of epidural analgesia, in patients undergoing THA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study of patients who underwent primary THA, submitted to epidural analgesia or single-shot ultrasound-guided PENG block, during a one-year period. Data regarding demographic characteristics, surgery and anaesthesia techniques, pain scores, opioid consumption, complications and time to hospital discharge were retrieved from institutional records and compared between the 2 groups (epidural analgesia vs PENG block). RESULTS: No significant difference was found regarding pain scores, opioid consumption, and mean time to hospital discharge between the 2 groups. Pain scores at rest (1.20 epidural vs 1.67 PENG) or with movement (3.95 epidural vs 3.72 PENG) were similar between groups. Total number of complications was higher in the epidural analgesia group (50 % epidural vs 5% PENG). Paresthesia was reported in both groups. Motor block, sedation, nausea and catheter-related complications were only found in the epidural analgesia group. CONCLUSIONS: PENG block seems to be equivalent to epidural analgesia regarding quality of postoperative analgesia for patients subject to primary THA, supporting routine use of this block in these patients. The low rate of reported complications limits conclusions on this topic.

The relationship between the number of weekly physical education classes with morphological, physical, motor and executive functions profiles: a cross-sectional study. Physical Education class morphological, physical, motor and executive functions / Número de sesiones de Educación Física escolar y perfil morfológico, funciones ejecucitivas y aptitud física. Clase de educación físicamorfológicas, físicas, motrices y función ejecutiva

Introducción: La Educación Física Escolar se presenta como un interesante instrumento en la mejora de los dominios de las funciones físicas, motoras y ejecutivas en los niños. Estudios recientes indican la relación positiva de un mayor comportamiento motory aptitud física con ganancias en las capacidades de la función ejecutiva, todas estas capacidades se pueden desarrollar en Educación Física Escolar. Se conoce el beneficio de la Educación Física Escolar en el desarrollo infantil, pero aún es necesario investigar si el número de clases de Educación Física Escolar puede influir en estos aspectos. Objetivo: Verificar el efecto del número de clases de educación física en la escuela sobre indicadores antropométricos, físicos, motores y cognitivos. Métodos: se trata de un estudio descriptivo transversal. Se realizaron tres visitas aleatorias a las instalaciones de la escuela para aplicar los instrumentos de investigación, divididas en tres bloques. 1) Prueba de cancelación de atención y Prueba de carriles A y B (aplicada colectivamente); 2) Prueba de recuperación intermitente -nivel 1 (Yo-Yo IR1); 3) Prueba de anamnesis, composición corporal y Körperkoordination für Kinder (KTK). Resultados: los niños que participaron en dos clases semanales de Educación Física en la escuela lograron valores más bajos de composición corporal y mayores dominios motores y flexibilidad cognitiva en comparación con los niños que asistieron solo a una clase semanal. (AU)

Introduction: School Physical Education presents itself as an interesting instrument in the improvement of physical, motor, and executive functions domains in children. Recent studies indicate the positive relationship of increased motor behavior and physical fitness with gains in executive function capacities, all these capacities can be developed in School Physical Education. It is known about the benefit of School Physical Education in child development, but it is still necessary to investigate whether the number of School Physical Education classes can influence these aspects.Objective: To verify the effect of the number of physical education classes in school on anthropometric, physical, motor and cognitive indicators.Methods: this is a descriptive cross-sectional study. Three random visits were carried out on the school premises to apply the research instruments, divided into three blocks. 1) Attention cancellation test and Test of lanes A and B (collectively applied); 2) Intermittent recovery test -level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1); 3) Anamnesis, body composition and Körperkoordination für Kinder (KTK) test.Results: children who participated in two weekly Physical Education classes at school achieved lower values of body composition and greater motor domains and cognitive flexibility compared to children who attended only one weekly class. (AU)

Introdução:A Educação Física Escolar se apresenta como um instrumento interessante na melhoria dos domínios físico, motores e das funções executivas em crianças. Estudos recentes indicam a relação positiva do aumento do comportamento motor e da aptidão física com ganhos nas capacidades das funções executivas, todas estas capacidades podem ser desenvolvidas na Educação Física Escolar. Sabe-se sobre o benefício da Educação Física Escolar no desenvolvimento infantil, mas, ainda é necessário investigar se o número de aulas de Educação Física Escolar pode influenciar nestes aspectos. Objetivo:Verificar o efeito do número de aulas de educação física escolar nos indicadores antropométricos, físicos, motores e cognitivos. Métodos:trata-se de um estudo transversal descritivo. Foram realizadas três visitas aleatórias nas dependências da escola para aplicação dos instrumentos de pesquisa, divididos em três blocos. 1) Teste de atenção por cancelamento e Teste das faixas A e B (aplicadas coletivamente); 2) Teste de recuperação intermitente -nível 1 (Yo-Yo IR1); 3) Anamnese, composição corporal e teste de Körperkoordination für Kinder (KTK). Resultados:as crianças que participaram de duas aulas semanais de Educação Física na escola alcançaram valores mais baixos de composição corporal e maiores domínios motores e flexibilidade cognitiva em relação às crianças com apenas uma aula semanal. (AU)

Ombrohydrochory in Thismia panamensis (Standley) Jonk: a mycoheterotrophic species in Brazilian Cerrado forests.

Species of the genus Thismia Griff. are small herbs, considered mycoheterotrophic due to an intimate relationship with fungi. They are achlorophyllous, with complex floral structure but little information on reproductive strategies. This study evaluated structural and ecological aspects associated with the dispersal of seeds of Thismia panamensis (Standley) Jonk. The study was carried out in a forest fragment in the Brazilian Cerrado. During the reproductive period, 36 individuals were monitored for spatial distribution of the population and their fruits were collected. Samples were subjected to light microscopy and microtomography techniques, in addition to an experiment to evaluate seed dispersal by water droplets. Thismia panamensis is up to 8-cm tall, with a tuberous root and stem, without leaves. Its fruit is dehiscent, cup-shaped, 5 ± 1 mm in diameter, containing 219.33 ± 106.70 seeds, with an average length of 0.55 ± 0.07 mm. The seeds are exposed, and their coat has a thin and lignified wall. Accumulation of secretions was observed inside the fruits. The innermost cell layer of the ovary showed typical characteristics of aquiferous parenchyma. Water splash experiments showed that the seeds reached an average distance of 44.04 ± 26.58 cm. Each splash contained, on average, 1.50 ± 1.23 seeds, with 75% of the splashes containing a single seed. A total of 239 seeds were counted in the 163 splashes evaluated. The data show potential seed dispersal by ombrohydrochory in T. panamensis, favouring its maintenance in the study area and reflecting its clumped spatial distribution.

Correction to: α-Phellandrene attenuates tissular damage, oxidative stress, and TNF-α levels on acute model ifosfamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in mice.

The published online version contains figure in poor quality.

Antinociception induced by artemisinin nanocapsule in a model of postoperative pain via spinal TLR4 inhibition.

Artemisinin (ART) was initially described for the control of inflammation and pain. However, the mechanisms involved with its antinociceptive effect are still poorly understood. Thus, this present study aimed to investigate the effect of ART in both free and nanocapsulated form on postoperative pain, as well as the participation of the spinal Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in this process. Postoperative pain was induced using the skin/muscle incision retraction (SMIR) model in male Swiss mice. After 3 and 28 days of SMIR, the animals received an intrathecal injection of free or nanocapsulated ART, and the nociceptive threshold was evaluated by von Frey filament test. To evaluate the involvement of the microglia, astrocytes, and TLR4, minocycline (a microglia inhibitor), fluorocitrate (an astrocyte inhibitor), and Lipopolysaccharide Rhodobacter sphaeroides (LPS-RS), a TLR4 antagonist, were intrathecally injected on the third day of SMIR. The levels of spinal TLR4 protein and proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-1-beta (IL-1ß) were quantified by western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The results showed that free ART reduced postoperative pain (P < 0.001, F5,30 = 7.49, 16.66% for 1000 ng dose; and P < 0.01, F5,30 = 7.49, 14.58% for 500 ng dose) on the 3rd day of SMIR; while the ART nanocapsule had this effect on both the third (P < 0.001; F5,30 = 4.94; 43.75, 39.58 and 72.91% for the 250, 500 and 1000 ng doses, respectively) and 28th (P < 0.05; F5,30 = 7.71; 29.16 and 33.33% for the 500 and 1000 ng doses, respectively) day. The ART nanocapsule had a more potent and longer antinociceptive effect than free ART or morphine. Postoperative pain was also reduced by minocycline and LPS-RS. The ART nanocapsule also reduced the increased levels of TLR4, TNF-α, and IL-1ß induced by SMIR. These data suggest that the ART nanocapsule has a potent analgesic effect on postoperative pain at the spinal level, and this response involves the inhibition of TLR4 and the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1ß.

α-Phellandrene attenuates tissular damage, oxidative stress, and TNF-α levels on acute model ifosfamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in mice.

Hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) is the major dose-limiting adverse effect of the clinical use ifosfamide (IFOS). The incidence of this side effect can be as high as 75%. Mesna has been used to reduce the risk of HC, although 5% of patients who get IFOS treatment may still suffer from HC. In previous studies, our group demonstrated that α-phellandrene (α-PHE) possesses anti-inflammatory activity, which opens the door for its study in the attenuation of HC. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential uroprotective effect of the α-PHE in the mouse model of IFOS-induced HC. In order to analyze the reduction of the urothelial damage, the bladder wet weight, hemoglobin content, and the Evans blue dye extravasation from the bladder matrix were evaluated. To investigate the involvement of neutrophil migration and lipid peroxidation and involvement of enzymatic and endogenous non-enzymatic antioxidants, the tissue markers myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde, nitrite/nitrate (NOx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were evaluated. TNF-α and IL-1ß were measured by ELISA immunoassay technique. The results show that pretreatment with α-PHE significantly reduced urothelial damage that was accompanied by a decrease in the activity of MPO, MDA, and NOx levels and prevention of the depletion of SOD and GSH in bladder tissues. In the assessment of cytokines, α-PHE was able to significantly reduce TNF-α level. However, it does not affect the activities of IL-1ß. These data confirm that α-PHE exerts potent anti-inflammatory properties and demonstrates that α-PHE represents a promising therapeutic option for this pathological condition.

Flexible, dense and porous chitosan and alginate membranes containing the standardized extract of Arrabidaea chica Verlot for the treatment of skin lesions.

The combination of chitosan (C) with alginate (A) has been explored for the production of dressings due to the positive results on wound healing. CA films can show a dense or porous flexible structure, with characteristics tunable for different applications. Porosity and flexibility can be achieved, respectively, by the addition of surfactants such as Kolliphor® P188 (P) and silicone-based compounds as Silpuran® 2130 A/B (S). Furthermore, composite matrices of these polysaccharides have potential applications as devices for releasing bioactive compounds to skin lesions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical and biological characteristics of flexible dense and porous CA membranes incorporating the standardized extract of Arrabidaea chica Verlot (A. chica), and also to analyze the release mechanism of the extract from different membrane formulations. The results show that the inclusion of P in the formulation allows obtaining porous matrices, promotes greater homogeneity of the mixture of the silicone gel with the suspension of polysaccharides, and increases the swelling of the polymer matrix. All formulations presented high stability, reaching a maximum mass loss of 18% after seven days. The formulations with S showed the best performance in terms of flexibility and strain at break. The presence of A. chica standardized extract did not affect negatively the characteristics of the membranes. Incorporation efficiencies of the bioactive compound above 87% were achieved, and the addition of P and S to the membrane formulation changed the release of the A. chica extract kinetics. In addition, the developed formulations did not significantly affect Vero cells proliferation.

Avaliação de anti-inflamatórios não esteroidais no tratamento da dor de ovinos submetidos à implantação de cânula ruminal e orquiectomia / Assessment of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in treatment of pain in sheep submitted to ruminal cannulation and orchiectomy

O presente trabalho objetivou comparar o efeito do flunixin meglumine, cetoprofeno e meloxicam no tratamento da dor pós-operatória de ovinos submetidos à implantação de cânula ruminal e orquiectomia. Foram utilizados 32 ovinos, machos, pesando em média 35,5±3,5kg, distribuídos em três grupos: GFlu (flunixin meglumine 1,1mg/kg i.v.), GCet (cetoprofeno 3,0mg/kg i.v.) e GMel (meloxicam 0,5mg/kg i.v.). Exame clínico e coletas de sangue foram realizados no M0 (pré-avaliação), M1 (10 minutos após a pré-avaliação), M2 (início da sutura para fixação da cânula ruminal), M3 (logo após o término da cirurgia) e em duas, 12, 23, 25, 48 e 72 horas após a cirurgia (M2h, M12h, M23h, M25h, M48h e M72h), quando foram avaliados cortisol, glicose, proteína total, albumina, γ-glutamiltransferase (GGT), aspartato aminotransferase (AST), creatina quinase (CK), ureia, creatinina e hemograma. Nos M2h, M12h, M23h, M25h e M48h, foi realizada avaliação comportamental. O GFlu apresentou maior concentração de cortisol no M12h e no M48h e maior escore de dor na fístula e no testículo no M12h, quando comparado ao GMel. Os animais do GCet apresentaram menor interação com outros membros da baia no M23h. A ação analgésica do meloxicam foi maior em animais submetidos à implantação de cânula ruminal e orquiectomia, quando comparado ao flunixin meglumine e ao cetoprofeno.(AU)

This study aimed to compare the effect of flunixin meglumine, ketoprofen, and meloxicam in the treatment of postoperative pain in sheep submitted to ruminal cannulation and orchiectomy. 32 sheep were submitted to implantation of rumen cannula and orchiectomy, divided into three groups: GFlu (Flunixin meglumine 1,1mg/kg i.v.); GCet (Ketoprofen 3,0mg/kg i.v.); GMel (Meloxicam 0,5mg/kg i.v.). Clinical examination and blood samples were performed at M0 (pre-evaluation), M1 (10 minutes after pre-evaluation), M2 (beginning ruminal cannula), M3 (immediately post-surgery), and M2h, M12h, M23h, M25h, M48h and M72h (2h, 12h, 23h, 25h, 48h and 72 hours post-surgery) with the evaluation of cortisol, glucose, total protein, albumin, γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), urea, creatinine and blood count. At M2h, M12h, M23h, M25h and M48h a behavioral evaluation was performed. The GFlu showed higher concentration of cortisol at M12h and M48h and greater pain score related with fistula and testis procedures at M12h when compared to GMel. Animals in the GCet group presented lower interaction with other animals in the same M23h paddock. The analgesia provided by Meloxicam was higher than flunixin meglumine and ketoprofen in animals submitted to placement of ruminal cannula and orchiectomy.(AU)

Prevalence of children exposed to secondhand smoke at home and in the car in Azores (Portugal).

OBJECTIVES: To identify the prevalence of exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) at home and in the car among children attending the 4th grade in Azores. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study that assessed children's exposure to SHS in a convenience sample of school children attending the 4th grade in all primary schools of Azores. The entire population of 4th graders from all elementary schools in Azores were asked to participate in the study (n=2463) in 2017. A validated self-reported questionnaire was administered to 2092 students who delivered the signed informed consent form. We analyzed frequencies, contingency tables, and performed Chi-square tests. RESULTS: Results showed that 56.1% (95% CI 54.0-58.2) children reported having, at least, one smoking parent. Overall exposure to SHS at home was 38.4% (95% CI 36.3-40.6), and overall exposure to SHS in the car was 27.6% (95% CI 25.8-29.3). Children whose parents were smokers reported being more exposed to SHS at home (63.6%; 95% CI 58.6-68.3) than children whose parents were non-smokers (32.3%; 95% CI 30.2-34.6). CONCLUSION: The results showed that the children's exposure to SHS in Azores is high and it tends to be higher than the prevalence found in mainland Portugal. Having parents who smoke is a major risk factor for children's exposure to SHS at home. These data justify a population-wide intervention plan for preventing tobacco consumption and children's exposure to SHS in Azores.

Echovirus 30 detection in an outbreak of acute myalgia and rhabdomyolysis, Brazil 2016-2017.

OBJECTIVES: To describe an outbreak of acute myalgia accompanied by elevated levels of muscle enzymes that occurred in the northeast region of Brazil from December 2016 through to May 2017. METHODS: Clinical data were analysed and laboratory tests were performed in 86 specimens obtained from 52 individuals with suspected acute myalgia. A broader reactive enterovirus real-time RT-PCR followed by a semi-nested PCR amplification of partial VP1 gene were performed to identify the causative agent. RESULTS: Eighty-six clinical samples were received in our laboratory during the myalgia outbreak. Median age of individuals was 39 years. Sudden acute myalgia and dark urine were the most common symptoms. Creatine phosphokinase levels were elevated with mean value ∼16 893 U/L. Human enterovirus was detected in 67% (58/86) of the patient's specimens (urine, serum, faeces and rectal swab). The enterovirus positivity per patient was 82.7% (43/52). Echovirus 30 (E-30) (82% of the typed specimens, 18/22; 76.4% (13/17) of the typed specimens per patient) was the main enterovirus identified. In addition to E-30, CV-A16 (1/22) and E-6 (3/22) were detected in 4% and 14% of the typed specimens, respectively. No deaths occurred. CONCLUSION: The 2016-2017 outbreak of acute myalgia that occurred in the northeast region of Brazil can be associated with E-30. Despite the clinical manifestations, a favourable outcome was observed for all patients.

Targeting STEAP1 Protein in Human Cancer: Current Trends and Future Challenges.

Cancer is a global health issue that impairs the life quality of patients and origins thousands of deaths annually worldwide. Six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate (STEAP1) was identified to be overexpressed in several types of cancers, namely in prostate cancer (PCa). Considering its secondary structure, associated with its location in the cell membrane, has been suggested a role in intercellular communication between tumour cells. Taking into account its high specificity and overexpression in human cancers, STEAP1 is nowadays a promising candidate to be imposed as a therapeutic target. Several strategies have been developed during the last few years for targeting STEAP1, including antibody-drug conjugates, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), DNA vaccines and small noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). This review presents the current knowledge about STEAP1 protein expression in human tissues, its biochemical properties and targeting strategies with the purpose to evaluate its potential as therapeutic agent for cancer.

Essential oils as antibacterial agents against food-borne pathogens: Are they really as useful as they are claimed to be?

Most studies evaluating the use of essential oils (EO) as antibacterial agents focus mainly on minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) rather than minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBC). In this work, we compared MICs and MBCs of EO from condiment plants commonly used in Mediterranean Europe, namely Origanum vulgare, Salvia lavandulaefolia, Salvia officinalis, Salvia sclarea and Rosmarinus officinalis, aiming to evaluate their application as disinfecting agents in minimally processed produce. Outbreaks-related pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Yarrowia lipolytica were used. Results showed that all EO were able to reduce bacterial growth in all bacterial strains tested, particularly O. vulgare. However, fewer EO exhibited bactericidal activities, and were only effective against one or two bacterial strains, hence eliminating the possibility to use them as broad range disinfectants. Furthermore, the necessary concentrations were too high for food application. Hence, our work suggests the need to evaluate MBC rather than MIC and questions EO usefulness in controlling undesired microorganisms. Overall, and despite the large volume of data published on EO, results obtained were not very encouraging for a realistic application on produce and question the viability of EOs as disinfecting agents in food.

Potential Immunomodulatory Role of Specific Anticytomegalovirus Intravenous Immunoglobulin in Heart Recipients.

BACKGROUND: Specific anticytomegalovirus (anti-CMV) intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has the potential to influence the immune response, but its complex mode of action has not been well evaluated. METHODS: An immunologic study of 6 CMV-seronegative heart transplant patients receiving anti-CMV prophylaxis with the use of ganciclovir and CMV-IVIG (150 mg/kg within 24 hours after transplantation and 100 mg/kg on days 2, 7, 14, 22, 35, 56, and 77 after transplantation) was performed in a single center. Lymphocyte subsets were evaluated by means of 4-color flow cytometry at the time of inclusion in the waiting list and at 3 months after transplantation. RESULTS: High-risk heart recipients receiving CMV-IVIG showed a clear reduction in the frequency of activated CD4+CD38+DR+ T-helper cells at 3 months after transplantation compared with a group of 27 untreated control subjects who received only anti-CMV prophylaxis with the use of ganciclovir. In this study, an increase of CD19+CD27-IgM+IgD+ naïve B cells was also observed in seronegative recipients after prophylaxis with the use of CMV-IVIG but not in control subjects. None of the CMV-IVIG-treated recipients developed acute cellular rejection during the 1st 6 months after transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: The immune modulation of activated CD4+ lymphocyte and of naïve B-cell subsets after CMV-IVIG use should be further evaluated in future prospective studies with higher numbers of patients.