High yield of functional metagenomic library from mangroves constructed in fosmid vector.

In the present study, metagenomic technique and fosmid vectors were used to construct a library of clones for exploring the biotechnological potential of mangrove soils by isolation of functional genes encoding hydrolytic enzymes. The library was built with genomic DNA from the soil samples of mangrove sediments and the functional screening of 1824 clones (~64 Mbp) was performed to detect the hydrolytic activity specific for cellulases, amylases (at acidic, neutral and basic pH), lipases/esterases, proteases, and nitrilases. Significant numbers of clones, positive for the tested enzyme activities were obtained. Our results indicate the importance and biotechnological potential of mangrove soils especially when compared to those obtained using other soil metagenomic libraries.

Evaluation of the biodegradability of petroleum in microcosm systems by using mangrove sediments from Camamu Bay, Bahia, Brazil.

We investigated the biodegradability of oil in mangrove sediment from Camamu Bay and measured its effect on the bacterial community. Microcosms of mangrove sediment were contaminated with 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, and 5% (w/v) oil, and the microbial activity was compared to that in uncontaminated sediment. The evolution of CO2 and gas chromatography showed the mineralization of oil compounds, which could reach 100%. Bacterial diversity was determined by polymerase chain reaction using a set of primers for the V3 and V6-V8 regions of 16S rDNA. The band profile obtained by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of the amplicons that were obtained for the V3 region showed a negative correlation between band number and oil concentration, whereas that of the V6-V8 region showed a positive correlation between band numbers and oil concentration. The latter also gave similar results for microcosms that were contaminated with 2 and 5% oil. These results demonstrate the mangrove sediment's capacity to recover from oil contamination (in vitro) and suggest that native mangrove microorganisms contain enzymes necessary for the catabolism of oil.

Initiation and s uppression of sperm motility is osmolality dependent in two South American fish species: streaked prochilod (Prochilodus lineatus) and piracanjuba(Brycon orbignyanus)

Solutions to induce or suppress the initiation of sperm motility in fish ha ve been used to improve reproductive success during artificial fertilization and preservation techniques . The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of three solutions (NaCl, glucose , and BTS™) - each prepared with 10 different osmolalities - on the initiation and suppression of fresh sperm motility in Prochilodus lineat us and Brycon orbignyanus . Sperm was diluted in each of the 30 solution s and immediately observed under a light microscope to determine which solution s trigger ed or suppress ed the initiation of sperm motility. When present, motility rate ( % motile sperm ) w as determined at 0, 30 , and 120 s post - activation and the motility quality score ranging from 0 ( no movement ) to 5 ( rapidly swimming sperm) was determined at 0 and 30 s post - activation . Osmolality , but not solution composition , significantly affected both motility rate and quality score . Solutions at osmolali ties up to 270 mOsm/kg in P. lineatus and up to 180 mOsm/kg in B. orbignyanus induced motility in at least 60% of sperm , with a minimum quality score of 3.0 , and were therefore classified as activating agents. The greatest motility at 0 , 30 , and 120 s post - activation was observed with solutions ranging from 135 to 225 mOsm/kg for P. lineatus and at 135 mOsm/kg for B. orbignyanus . On the other hand, solutions ranging from 360 to 450 mOsm/kg in P. lineatus and 270 to 450 mOsm/kg in B. orbignyanus suppressed motility in at least 95% of sperm and were classified as immobilizing media . The osmolality of the surrounding medium is the key factor in the initiation or suppression of sperm motility in P. lineatus a nd B. orbignyanu.

Análise da utilização de medicamentos antimicrobianos sistêmicos em crianças e adolescentes em dois hospitais de ensino / Analysis of the use of systemic antimicrobial drugs in children and teenagers in two teaching hospitals

A farmacoterapia pediátrica exige uma variedade de formas farmacêuticas adequadas às diferentes fases do desenvolvimento da criança. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar os antimicrobianos utilizados em dois hospitais e verificar se realmente havia adequação das formas farmacêuticas aos pacientes pediátricos. Os antimicrobianos foram identificados pelo sistema informatizado das farmácias. Os medicamentos foram analisados, levando-se em consideração a necessidade de transformação da forma farmacêutica, o fracionamento e a porcentagem de desperdício. Verificou-se que 97,2% dos medicamentos analisados foram considerados inadequados para utilização em recém-nascido prematuro; 82,5% foram considerados inadequados para uso em recém-nascido a termo e 68,1% foram considerados inadequados para lactentes. A falta de formulações adequadas para essas faixas etárias acarreta frequentes manipulações, o que pode comprometer o uso adequado dos medicamentos, principalmente dos medicamentos parenterais. Identificou-se, também, a necessidade de transformação dos medicamentos sólidos de uso oral. Essas atividades, sem dúvida, elevam o risco de contaminação e/ou de inexatidão da dose. Os resultados mostram uma falta de formulações farmacêuticas de antimicrobianos adequadas para utilização nas diversas faixas etárias pediátricas, sendo, portanto, necessárias ações das autoridades sanitárias para assegurar a disponibilidade de formulações apropriadas, contribuindo para a promoção do uso racional de medicamentos em pediatria.

Pediatric pharmacotherapy requires a variety of drug dosage forms suited to different stages of child development. The aim of this study was to identify the antimicrobial drugs used in the pediatric units of two hospitals and to examine whether the drug dosage forms used were really suitable for pediatric patients. The antimicrobial drugs were identified through the computerized system of the hospital dispensaries. The medicines were analyzed regarding the need to transform or split the drug dosage form and the amount wasted. A total of 92.7% of the medicines analyzed were inappropriate for use with a preterm neonate, 82.5% were unsuitable for a term neonate and 68.1% were unsuitable for infants. The lack of suitable formulations for these age groups may lead to more frequent compounding of drugs, hampering the correct use of medicines, especially parenteral drugs. A need to transform solid oral drug forms was identified. Such activities certainly increase the risk of drug contamination or inaccuracy of dose. The results showed a lack of pharmaceutical formulations of antimicrobial drugs suitable to be given to various pediatric age groups. Therefore, health authorities should ensure the availability of appropriate drug dosage forms for children, in order to promote the rational use of drugs in pediatrics.