Microbe Interactions within the Skin Microbiome.

The skin is the largest human organ and is responsible for many important functions, such as temperature regulation, water transport, and protection from external insults. It is colonized by several microorganisms that interact with each other and with the host, shaping the microbial structure and community dynamics. Through these interactions, the skin microbiota can inhibit pathogens through several mechanisms such as the production of bacteriocins, proteases, phenol soluble modulins (PSMs), and fermentation. Furthermore, these commensals can produce molecules with antivirulence activity, reducing the potential of these pathogens to adhere to and invade human tissues. Microorganisms of the skin microbiota are also able to sense molecules from the environment and shape their behavior in response to these signals through the modulation of gene expression. Additionally, microbiota-derived compounds can affect pathogen gene expression, including the expression of virulence determinants. Although most studies related to microbial interactions in the skin have been directed towards elucidating competition mechanisms, microorganisms can also use the products of other species to their benefit. In this review, we will discuss several mechanisms through which microorganisms interact in the skin and the biotechnological applications of products originating from the skin microbiota that have already been reported in the literature.

Usuário da estratégia de saúde da família: conhecimento e satisfação sobre acolhimento / Family health program user: knowledge and satisfaction about user embracement

Objetivo: Analisar o conhecimento e a satisfação dos usuários de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde acerca da estratégia do acolhimento. Métodos: Estudo descritivo com abordagem qualitativa, realizado em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde, Fortaleza-CE, Brasil, onde eram efetuadas as atividades práticas do Programa de Educação pelo Trabalho para a Saúde da Universidade de Fortaleza. Participaram 58 usuários do serviço, estabelecendo-se como critérios de inclusão: estar presente no período da coleta de dados, idade acima de 18 anos, independente do sexo, e a participação voluntária. A coleta de dados ocorreu em dezembro de 2009, por meio de entrevista semiestruturada. Os dados associados à identificação dos usuários foram processados no Microsoft Office Excel 2007, sendo organizados estatisticamente em tabela. Os dados relacionados aos aspectos qualitativos foram analisados conforme a técnica de Análise de Conteúdo. Resultados: 56 (97%) eram mulheres, com faixa etária variando entre 21 e 40 anos; 34 (59%) eram casadas; e 53 (91%) alfabetizadas. Sobre a renda familiar, 55 (95%) recebiam menos de dois salários mínimos por mês. Com o objetivo de facilitar o entendimento das falas dos usuários, estas foram avaliadas sob a perspectiva de duas categorias: conhecimento sobre acolhimento e satisfação com o acolhimento. Conclusão: Os usuários têm uma visão limitada do que vem a ser o acolhimento e sua magnitude para prover o cuidar. Apesar de satisfeitos com o atendimento, os entrevistados relatam como aspectos negativos: a carência de profissionais; a relação profissional-usuário prejudicada, devido aos constantes atrasos do profissional; e a desumanização no atendimento.

Objective: To assess the knowledge and satisfaction of users of a Basic Health Unit about the strategy of embracement. Methods: Descriptive study with qualitative approach, carried out in a Basic Health Unit, Fortaleza, Brazil, where practical activities of the Education Program of Work for Health of the University of Fortaleza were performed. Fifty eight service users were involved, following inclusion criteria: being present during the data collection, age over 18, regardless of sex, and voluntary participation. Data collection occurred in December 2009, through semi-structured interview. The data associated with the identification of users were processed in Microsoft Office Excel 2007, being organized statistically in table. Data related to qualitative aspects were analyzed according to the technique of content analysis. Results: 56 (97%) were women, with ages ranging between 21 and 40 years, 34 (59%) were married and 53 (91%) are literate. On family income, 55 (95%) received less than two minimum salaries per month. In order to facilitate understanding the speech of users, these were evaluated from the perspective of two categories: knowledge about embracement and satisfaction with embracement. Conclusion: Users have a limited view of the significance and magnitude of the embracement to provide the care. Although satisfied with the service, respondents report as negative aspects: the shortage of professionals, the professional relationship with user impaired due to constant delays of the professional, and the dehumanization of

Neonatal iron treatment increases apoptotic markers in hippocampal and cortical areas of adult rats.

Oxidative stress, cellular damage, and neuronal apoptosis are believed to underlie the progressive cognitive decline that accompanies natural aging and to be exacerbated in neurodegenerative diseases. Over the years, we have consistently demonstrated that iron neonatal treatment induces oxidative stress and memory deficits in adult rats, but the mechanisms underlying these effects remained undefined. The purpose of this study was to examine whether neonatal iron overload was associated with apoptotic cell death in adult and old rats. We analyzed Par-4 and caspase-3 immunoreactivity in specific brain areas including the hippocampus CA1, CA3 and dentate gyrus (DG), the adjacent cortex and the striatum in adult (3 months-old) and aged (24 months-old) rats from control (vehicle-treated) and neonatally iron-treated groups. Neonatal iron treatment consisted of a daily oral administration of 10 mg/kg of Fe(+2), for three consecutive days, from post-natal 12-14. Control aged animals showed increased levels of both markers when compared to untreated adult animals. When adults were compared, iron-treated animals presented significantly higher Par-4 and caspase-3 immunoreactivities in CA1, CA3 and cortex. In the DG, this effect was statistically significant only for Par-4. Interestingly, when control and iron-treated aged animals were compared, a significant decrease in both apoptotic markers was observed in the later groups in the same areas. These results may be interpreted as an acceleration of aging progressive damages caused by iron overload and may contribute to a better understanding of the damaging potential of iron accumulation to brain function and the resulting increased susceptibility to neurodegeneration.