Ovicidal lectins from Moringa oleifera and Myracrodruon urundeuva cause alterations in chorionic surface and penetrate the embryos of Aedes aegypti eggs.

BACKGROUND: Lectins from Moringa oleifera seeds (WSMoL), Myracrodruon urundeuva bark (MuBL), and heartwood (MuHL) are larvicidal agents against Aedes aegypti; in addition, WSMoL is an ovicidal agent against this mosquito. In this work, we evaluated the ovicidal activity of MuBL and MuHL by determining the concentrations that reduce the hatching rates by 50% in 72 h (EC50 ). The effects of WSMoL, MuBL, and MuHL on the ultrastructure of the eggs' surface were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, the ability of these lectins to penetrate the eggs was investigated by using conjugates of the lectins with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC). RESULTS: MuBL and MuHL were ovicidal agents with EC50 of 0.26 and 0.80 mg/mL (260 and 800 ppm), respectively. SEM images of eggs treated with WSMoL for 24 h revealed discontinuity of the exochorionic network and the absence of the exochorionic cells and their tubercles. After 48 and 72 h of incubation, strong deformation and degeneration of egg surfaces were observed. In MuBL and MuHL-treated eggs, the presence of lumps on the surface of the eggs, disappearance of the exochorionic network and the decrease and deformation of tubercles were observed. Lastly, fluorescence microscopy revealed that the three lectins were able to enter the eggs and reach the digestive tract of the embryos. CONCLUSION: WSMoL, MuBL, and MuHL are ovicidal agents on A. aegypti that have differing efficiencies in terms of how they cause alterations in the chorionic surface and in terms of their ability to penetrate the eggs. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Punica granatum sarcotesta lectin (PgTeL) has antibacterial activity and synergistic effects with antibiotics against ß-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli.

The sarcotesta of Punica granatum fruit contains an antimicrobial lectin called PgTeL. In this work, we evaluated the antibacterial activity of PgTeL against five drug-resistant Escherichia coli isolates able to produce ß-lactamases. Minimum inhibitory (MIC) and bactericidal (MBC) concentrations were determined by broth dilution. Morphometric and viability analyses were performed by flow cytometry, and ultrastructural changes were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. Potential synergistic effects of PgTeL with antibiotics and anti-biofilm effect were also evaluated. PgTeL showed antibacterial activity against all isolates with MIC and MBC values ranging from 12.5 to 50.0 µg/mL and from 25.0 to 100.0 µg/mL, respectively. For most isolates, PgTeL postponed the growth start by at least ten hours. At the MIC, the lectin caused alterations in size, shape and structure of bacterial cells. The combination PgTeL-ceftazidime showed a synergistic effect for all isolates. Synergy was also detected with ampicillin (one isolate), carbenicillin (one isolate), cefotaxime (one isolate), cephalexin (four isolates) and cefuroxime (three isolates). PgTeL exhibited anti-biofilm activity against all isolates, causing ≥50% inhibition of biofilms at or above 6.25 µg/mL. The antibacterial effect of PgTeL and its synergy with antibiotics indicate that this fruit-derived molecule may have potential for future treatment of multidrug-resistant infections.

Looking for alternative treatments for bovine and caprine mastitis: Evaluation of the potential of Calliandra surinamensis leaf pinnulae lectin (CasuL), both alone and in combination with antibiotics.

This work aimed to evaluate the effects of CasuL on growth and viability of 15 mastitis isolates from cows and goats, to determine the synergistic potential between CasuL and antibiotics, and to investigate the effects on bacterial ultrastructure and antibiofilm activity. The lectin inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus isolates from either bovine (Ssp6PD and Sa) or caprine (Ssp5D and Ssp01) mastitis. The minimal inhibitory concentrations were ranged from 3.75 to 15 µg/ml. Synergistic effect was observed for CasuL-tetracycline against Sa and Ssp6PD and CasuL-ampicillin against Ssp01. No structural damage was observed under the scanning electron microscope in CasuL treatments. Flow cytometry analysis using thiazol orange and propidium iodide demonstrated that CasuL was unable to reduce the cell viability of the isolates tested. At sub-inhibitory concentrations, CasuL reduced biofilm formation by the isolates Sa and Ssp5D. However, CasuL-tetracycline and CasuL-ampicillin combinations inhibited biofilm formation by Ssp6PD and Ssp01, respectively. In conclusion, CasuL is a bacteriostatic and antibiofilm agent against some mastitis isolates and displayed a synergistic potential when used in combination with either ampicillin (against one isolate) or tetracycline (against two isolates). The results stimulate the evaluation of CasuL for the treatment of mastitis, particularly when used in conjunction with antibiotics.

Punica granatum sarcotesta lectin (PgTeL) impairs growth, structure, viability, aggregation, and biofilm formation ability of Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates.

In this work, we evaluated the ability of Punica granatum sarcotesta lectin (PgTeL) to impair the growth and viability of the Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates 8325-4 (non-resistant) and LAC USA300 (MRSA strain). The effects of this lectin on aggregating, hemolytic activity, biofilm-forming ability, and expression of virulence genes (hla, rnaIII, and spa) were also investigated. PgTeL showed antibacterial activity against 8325-4 and LAC USA300 strains by interfering with both the growth (MIC50 of 6.25 and 12.5 µg/mL, respectively) and survival (MBC values of 25.0 and 50.0 µg/mL, respectively). Culture growth started only at the ninth (8325-4) and tenth (LAC USA300) hour in the presence of PgTeL at MIC50, while growth was detected since the first hour in the control. The lectin caused markedly altered cell morphology in both the strains. Although, at the MIC50, PgTeL caused structural alterations, most cells were still viable, while at the MBC it promoted cell injury and death. PgTeL showed anti-aggregation effect and exhibited antibiofilm activity against both the isolates. However, the lectin did not interfere with the hemolytic activity of LAC USA300 and with the expression of hla, rnaIII, and spa genes. In conclusion, PgTeL is a lectin with multiple inhibitory effects on S. aureus clinical isolates.

Parallels between research in mental health in Brazil and in the field of Global Mental Health: an integrative literature review. / Paralelos entre a produção científica sobre saúde mental no Brasil e no campo da Saúde Mental Global: uma revisão integrativa.

Global Mental Health is a field of teaching, research, and practice whose goal is to improve access to mental health and reduce inequalities in mental health outcomes for all people worldwide, especially proposing action in low- and middle-income countries like Brazil. Given this global scenario and Brazil's progress in health and psychiatric reforms, it is important to investigate the current status of the Brazilian mental health literature and its relationship to Global Mental Health, describing how Brazilian research deals with key topics in the Global Mental Health field. The authors performed an integrative literature review using a qualitative and descriptive approach. The article search was performed for the years 2014 and 2015 in Portuguese and English, using the terms "mental health" and "Brazil", combined with key words corresponding to the principal themes addressed by authors in Global Mental Health. The search yielded 88 articles, which were analyzed according to authorship, periodicals and regions, and the analytical categories of access, primary care, community mental health services, social determinants of health, human rights, and equity. Brazil's mental health research revealed a rich and diverse body of studies, showing parallels with the literature on global mental health, but with limited systematization. Although the review revealed efforts to generate knowledge in this field within Brazil, some barriers may be limiting Brazil's participation in the international debate on Global Mental Health.

A Saúde Mental Global é um campo de ensino, pesquisa e prática, cuja prioridade é melhorar o acesso e assegurar a equidade no cuidado em saúde mental para todas as pessoas do mundo, propondo ações especialmente em países de média e baixa renda, como o Brasil. Diante desse panorama mundial e considerando o avanço local dos processos das reformas sanitária e psiquiátrica, torna-se importante investigar o estado atual da literatura brasileira e sua relação com a Saúde Mental Global, descrevendo como a produção nacional aborda assuntos enfatizados nesse campo. Assim, adotando abordagem qualitativa e perspectiva descritiva, foi realizada revisão integrativa da literatura do período de 2014-2015, por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica em português e inglês, utilizando os termos saúde mental e Brasil combinados a palavras-chave correspondentes aos principais tópicos discutidos por autores da Saúde Mental Global. Foram encontrados 88 artigos apreciados segundo sua autoria, periódicos e regiões de publicação, metodologia e de acordo com as categorias de análise e acesso; atenção primária; atenção psicossocial; determinantes sociais da saúde; direitos humanos; e equidade. Constatou-se haver na produção científica nacional um conjunto de estudos muito rico e diversificado com paralelos com a literatura da Saúde Mental Global, mas apresenta um baixo índice de sistematização. Esses achados revelam, portanto, que, apesar dos esforços para a geração de conhecimento local, existem barreiras que, possivelmente, comprometem a participação brasileira no debate internacional.

La Salud Mental Global es un campo de enseñanza, investigación y práctica, cuya prioridad es mejorar el acceso y asegurar la equidad en el cuidado en salud mental para todas las personas del mundo, proponiendo acciones especialmente en países de renta media y baja, como Brasil. Ante el actual panorama mundial, y considerando el avance local de los procesos de reforma sanitaria y psiquiátrica, es importante investigar el estado actual de la literatura brasileña y su relación con la Salud Mental Global, describiendo de qué forma la producción nacional aborda asuntos centrados en este campo. De este modo, adoptando un enfoque cualitativo y una perspectiva descriptiva, se realizó una revisión integradora de la literatura existente durante el período de 2014-2015, mediante una investigación bibliográfica en portugués e inglés, utilizando los términos salud mental y Brasil, combinados con palabras-clave correspondientes a los principales temas discutidos por parte de autores sobre Salud Mental Global. Se encontraron 88 artículos evaluados según su autoría, periódicos, regiones de publicación y metodología, de acuerdo con las categorías de análisis y acceso: atención primaria, atención psicosocial, determinantes sociales de la salud, derechos humanos y equidad. Se constató que existe en la producción científica nacional un conjunto de estudios muy rico y diversificado, con paralelismos con la literatura de la Salud Mental Global, pero que presenta un bajo índice de sistematización. Estos hallazgos revelan, por tanto, que, a pesar de los esfuerzos para la generación de conocimiento local, existen barreras que, posiblemente, comprometen la participación brasileña en el debate internacional sobre esta cuestión.

The cardiac profile and electrocardiographic standard of at-height workers.

BACKGROUND: The Medical Control Program for Occupational Health establishes the required supplementary exams, according to the activity exercised by the worker and its inherent risks. The Regulatory Norm No. 35, recently deployed, stipulates that at-height workers must undergo electrocardiogram exams as an additional routine examination. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the electrocardiographic standard in at-height. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study, developed from May 2014 to January 2015 with male at-height workers. Anthropometric and clinical data were collected after the electrocardiogram (ECG). The workers included in the program were evaluated by an occupational medicine service of Serra Gaúcha, responsible for medical assessment and occupational tests. All workers were assessed by the researcher. RESULTS: A total of 561 at-height workers participated in the study. The average age was 35.9 ± 12.2 years. A total of 176 (31%) presented electrocardiographic changes in the analysis of the resting ECG. Regarding the amendments in the resting ECG, 15.7% were attributed to changes in ventricular repolarization, 8% as blocks conductions, and 5.8% as left ventricular overload. Demographic variables were not associated with changes in the electrocardiographic tracing. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the electrocardiographic alterations and the profile of at-height workers. These findings can help determine prevention strategies and provide warnings of possible future harms to the health of these workers.

Antimicrobial potential of Alpinia purpurata lectin (ApuL): Growth inhibitory action, synergistic effects in combination with antibiotics, and antibiofilm activity.

The Alpinia purpurata inflorescence contains a lectin (ApuL), which has immunomodulatory activities on human cells. In the present work, it was evaluated the antibacterial and antifungal effects of ApuL against human pathogens. ApuL showed bacteriostatic activity against non-resistant (UFPEDA-02) and an oxacillin-resistant isolate (UFPEDA-672) of Staphylococcus aureus with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC50) of 50 and 400 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, it showed bactericidal effect on the non-resistant isolate (minimal bactericidal concentration: 200 µg/mL). For Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis, ApuL showed fungistatic effect (MIC50: 200 and 400 µg/mL, respectively). The lectin was able to impair the viability of the microorganism cells, as indicated by propidium iodide (PI) staining. Analysis of growth curves, protein leakage, and ultrastructural changes supported that ApuL acts through distinct mechanisms on S. aureus isolates. Ultrastructural analysis of ApuL-treated Candida cells revealed malformations with elongations and bulges. ApuL-oxacillin combination showed synergistic effect on the oxacillin-resistant isolates UFPEDA-670 and 671, which were not sensitive to lectin alone. Synergism was also detected for ApuL-ceftazidime against a multidrug-resistant isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Synergistic action of ApuL-fluconazole was detected for C. parapsilosis, which was insensitive to the drug alone. Biofilm formation by S. aureus non-resistant isolate and C. albicans was remarkably inhibited by ApuL at sub-inhibitory concentrations. In conclusion, ApuL showed differential effects on non-resistant and resistant bacterial isolates, was active against Candida species, and showed synergistic action in combination with antibiotics.

The cardiac profile and electrocardiographic standard of at-height workers

SUMMARY BACKGROUND The Medical Control Program for Occupational Health establishes the required supplementary exams, according to the activity exercised by the worker and its inherent risks. The Regulatory Norm No. 35, recently deployed, stipulates that at-height workers must undergo electrocardiogram exams as an additional routine examination. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the electrocardiographic standard in at-height. METHODOLOGY A cross-sectional study, developed from May 2014 to January 2015 with male at-height workers. Anthropometric and clinical data were collected after the electrocardiogram (ECG). The workers included in the program were evaluated by an occupational medicine service of Serra Gaúcha, responsible for medical assessment and occupational tests. All workers were assessed by the researcher. RESULTS A total of 561 at-height workers participated in the study. The average age was 35.9 ± 12.2 years. A total of 176 (31%) presented electrocardiographic changes in the analysis of the resting ECG. Regarding the amendments in the resting ECG, 15.7% were attributed to changes in ventricular repolarization, 8% as blocks conductions, and 5.8% as left ventricular overload. Demographic variables were not associated with changes in the electrocardiographic tracing CONCLUSION This study demonstrated the electrocardiographic alterations and the profile of at-height workers. These findings can help determine prevention strategies and provide warnings of possible future harms to the health of these workers.

RESUMO FUNDAMENTO O Programa de Controle Médico e Saúde Ocupacional estabelece a realização de exames complementares de acordo com a atividade exercida pelo trabalhador e os riscos a ela inerentes. A Norma Regulamentadora n0 35, implantada recentemente, estabelece que trabalhadores que exercem funções em altura realizem o eletrocardiograma como um exame complementar de rotina. OBJETIVO Avaliar o padrão eletrocardiográfico dos trabalhadores em altura por meio da realização do ECG de repouso. MÉTODOS Estudo transversal, desenvolvido de maio de 2014 a janeiro de 2015 com trabalhadores masculinos que exercem funções em altura. Foram coletados dados clínicos e demográficos e, após, realizado o eletrocardiograma (ECG). Os trabalhadores incluídos eram vinculados a um serviço de medicina do trabalho da Serra Gaúcha, destinado à realização de avaliação médica e exames ocupacionais. Todos foram avaliados pela pesquisadora. RESULTADOS Participaram 561 trabalhadores em altura. A média de idade foi de 35,9±12,2 anos, e 176 (31%) apresentaram alterações eletrocardiográficas na análise dos ECG de repouso. Das alterações do ECG de repouso, 15,7% foram atribuídas a alterações da repolarização ventricular; 8% como bloqueios de condução e 5,8% como sobrecarga de ventrículo esquerdo. As variáveis demográficas não estavam associadas com alterações no traçado eletrocardiográfico. CONCLUSÃO Este estudo verificou que a prevalência de sobrecarga de ventrículo esquerdo e alteração da repolarização ventricular, nos trabalhadores em altura, é maior quando comparada a estudos populacionais brasileiros. A associação de fatores de risco e alterações eletrocardiográficas em indivíduos difere de populações específicas.

Paralelos entre a produção científica sobre saúde mental no Brasil e no campo da Saúde Mental Global: uma revisão integrativa / Paralelismos entre la producción científica sobre salud mental en Brasil y el campo de la Salud Mental Global: una revisión integradora / Parallels between research in mental health in Brazil and in the field of Global Mental Health: an integrative literature review

A Saúde Mental Global é um campo de ensino, pesquisa e prática, cuja prioridade é melhorar o acesso e assegurar a equidade no cuidado em saúde mental para todas as pessoas do mundo, propondo ações especialmente em países de média e baixa renda, como o Brasil. Diante desse panorama mundial e considerando o avanço local dos processos das reformas sanitária e psiquiátrica, torna-se importante investigar o estado atual da literatura brasileira e sua relação com a Saúde Mental Global, descrevendo como a produção nacional aborda assuntos enfatizados nesse campo. Assim, adotando abordagem qualitativa e perspectiva descritiva, foi realizada revisão integrativa da literatura do período de 2014-2015, por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica em português e inglês, utilizando os termos saúde mental e Brasil combinados a palavras-chave correspondentes aos principais tópicos discutidos por autores da Saúde Mental Global. Foram encontrados 88 artigos apreciados segundo sua autoria, periódicos e regiões de publicação, metodologia e de acordo com as categorias de análise e acesso; atenção primária; atenção psicossocial; determinantes sociais da saúde; direitos humanos; e equidade. Constatou-se haver na produção científica nacional um conjunto de estudos muito rico e diversificado com paralelos com a literatura da Saúde Mental Global, mas apresenta um baixo índice de sistematização. Esses achados revelam, portanto, que, apesar dos esforços para a geração de conhecimento local, existem barreiras que, possivelmente, comprometem a participação brasileira no debate internacional.

La Salud Mental Global es un campo de enseñanza, investigación y práctica, cuya prioridad es mejorar el acceso y asegurar la equidad en el cuidado en salud mental para todas las personas del mundo, proponiendo acciones especialmente en países de renta media y baja, como Brasil. Ante el actual panorama mundial, y considerando el avance local de los procesos de reforma sanitaria y psiquiátrica, es importante investigar el estado actual de la literatura brasileña y su relación con la Salud Mental Global, describiendo de qué forma la producción nacional aborda asuntos centrados en este campo. De este modo, adoptando un enfoque cualitativo y una perspectiva descriptiva, se realizó una revisión integradora de la literatura existente durante el período de 2014-2015, mediante una investigación bibliográfica en portugués e inglés, utilizando los términos salud mental y Brasil, combinados con palabras-clave correspondientes a los principales temas discutidos por parte de autores sobre Salud Mental Global. Se encontraron 88 artículos evaluados según su autoría, periódicos, regiones de publicación y metodología, de acuerdo con las categorías de análisis y acceso: atención primaria, atención psicosocial, determinantes sociales de la salud, derechos humanos y equidad. Se constató que existe en la producción científica nacional un conjunto de estudios muy rico y diversificado, con paralelismos con la literatura de la Salud Mental Global, pero que presenta un bajo índice de sistematización. Estos hallazgos revelan, por tanto, que, a pesar de los esfuerzos para la generación de conocimiento local, existen barreras que, posiblemente, comprometen la participación brasileña en el debate internacional sobre esta cuestión.

Global Mental Health is a field of teaching, research, and practice whose goal is to improve access to mental health and reduce inequalities in mental health outcomes for all people worldwide, especially proposing action in low- and middle-income countries like Brazil. Given this global scenario and Brazil's progress in health and psychiatric reforms, it is important to investigate the current status of the Brazilian mental health literature and its relationship to Global Mental Health, describing how Brazilian research deals with key topics in the Global Mental Health field. The authors performed an integrative literature review using a qualitative and descriptive approach. The article search was performed for the years 2014 and 2015 in Portuguese and English, using the terms "mental health" and "Brazil", combined with key words corresponding to the principal themes addressed by authors in Global Mental Health. The search yielded 88 articles, which were analyzed according to authorship, periodicals and regions, and the analytical categories of access, primary care, community mental health services, social determinants of health, human rights, and equity. Brazil's mental health research revealed a rich and diverse body of studies, showing parallels with the literature on global mental health, but with limited systematization. Although the review revealed efforts to generate knowledge in this field within Brazil, some barriers may be limiting Brazil's participation in the international debate on Global Mental Health.

Microgramma vacciniifolia (Polypodiaceae) fronds contain a multifunctional lectin with immunomodulatory properties on human cells.

In this study, we report the purification and characterization of a multifunctional lectin (MvFL) from Microgramma vacciniifolia fronds as well as its immunomodulatory properties on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). MvFL (pI 4.51; 54kDa) is a glycoprotein able to inhibit trypsin activity and that has sequence similarities (32% coverage) with a plant RNA-binding protein. Hemagglutinating activity of MvFL was not altered by heating at 100°C for 30min, but was reduced in alkaline pH (8.0 and 9.0). Fluorimetric analyses showed that this lectin did not undergo marked conformational changes when heated. However, the MvFL conformation changed depending on the pH. MvFL at 6.25-25µg/mL was not cytotoxic to lymphocytes present among PBMCs. The PBMCs incubated for 24h with the lectin (12.5µg/mL) showed increased TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-10, and nitric oxide production. MvFL also stimulated T lymphocytes from PBMCs to differentiate into CD8+ cells. The activation (indicated by CD28 expression) of these cells was also stimulated. In conclusion, MvFL is a heat-stable and multifunctional protein, with both lectin and trypsin inhibitor activities, and capable of inducing predominantly a Th1 response in human PBMCs as well as activation and differentiation of T lymphocytes.

CasuL: A new lectin isolated from Calliandra surinamensis leaf pinnulae with cytotoxicity to cancer cells, antimicrobial activity and antibiofilm effect.

This work describes the isolation of a lectin (CasuL) from the leaf pinnulae of Calliandra surinamensis and the evaluation of its cytotoxic, antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties. Proteins from pinnulae extract were precipitated with ammonium sulphate (60% saturation) and submitted to Sephadex G-75 chromatography, which yielded isolated CasuL (purification factor: 113). Native CasuL is an acidic protein (pI 5.82) with a relative molecular mass of 48kDa. This lectin is also an oligomeric protein composed of three subunits and mass spectrometry revealed similarities with a Sorghum bicolor protein. CasuL did not undergo unfolding when heated but changes in conformation and hemagglutinating activity were detected at basic pH. CasuL did not reduce the viability of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells but was toxic to leukemic K562 cells (IC50 67.04±5.78µg/mL) and breast cancer T47D cells (IC50: 58.75±2.5µg/mL). CasuL (6.25-800µg/mL) only showed bacteriostatic effect but was able to reduce biofilm formation by Staphylococcus saprophyticcus and Staphylococcus aureus (non-resistant and oxacillin-resistant isolates). CasuL showed antifungal activity against Candida krusei causing alterations in cell morphology and damage to cell wall. In conclusion, the pinnulae of C. surinamensis leaves contain a thermo-stable lectin with biotechnological potential as cytotoxic, antibiofilm, and antifungal agent.

Evaluation of antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and hemolytic activities from venom of the spider Lasiodora sp.

This study characterized the protein/peptide profile of venom isolated from the spider Lasiodora sp. (Mygalomorphae, Theraphosidae) found in northeastern Brazil and determined its antimicrobial activity, toxicity against human cells, and hemolytic activity. Protein concentration of the Lasiodora sp. venom was 4.53 ± 0.38 mg/mL. SDS-PAGE showed proteins with molecular masses up to 75 kDa, some of which contained disulfide bridges. RP-HPLC analysis separate at least 12 peaks that were identified by mass spectrometry as peptides U1-theraphotoxin-Lp1a (lasiotoxin-1), U1-theraphotoxin-Lp1c (lasiotoxin-3), U3-theraphotoxin-Lsp1a (LTx5), and ω-theraphotoxin-Asp3a as well as the proteins phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and hyaluronidase. The crude venom exhibited bactericidal effect against Aeromonas sp., Bacillus subtilis, and Micrococcus luteus and fungicidal effect against Candida parapsilosis and Candida albicans. In addition, the venom exerted bacteriostatic effect against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus and fungistatic effect against Candida tropicalis and Candida krusei. The minimum inhibitory (MIC), minimum bactericidal (MBC), and minimum fungicidal (MFC) concentrations ranged from 3.9 to 500 µg/mL. The Lasiodora sp. venom decreased the viability of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by 50%-90% at concentrations of 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 µg/mL, promoting apoptosis of these cells. On the other hand, the venom showed weak hemolytic activity against Mus musculus erythrocytes (EC50: 757 µg/mL). In conclusion, the Lasiodora sp. spider venom is a rich source of antimicrobial agents. Future studies will focus on identifying antimicrobial agents present in this venom and evaluating whether these agents contribute to its cytotoxic effects against PBMCs.

Grasses and legumes as cover crop in no-tillage system in northeastern Pará Brazil / Gramíneas e leguminosas como plantas de cobertura para o sistema de plantio direto no nordeste do estado do Pará

Studies to select one or more species of coverage plants adapted to Amazonian soil and climate conditions of the Amazon are a promising strategy for the improvement of environmental quality, establishing no-till agricultural systems, and thereby reducing the impacts of monoculture farming. The aim of this study was to assess the persistence time, half-life time, macronutrient content and accumulation, and C:N ratio of straw coverage in a Ultisol in northeastern Pará. Experimental design was randomized blocks with five treatments and five replicates. Plants were harvested after 105 days, growth and biomass production was quantified. After 84 days, soil coverage was 97, 85, 52, 50, and 15% for signalgrass (Brachiaria brizantha) (syn. Urochloa), dense crowngrass (Panicum purpurascens), jack bean (Canavalia ensiformes), pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum) and sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea,), respectively. Signalgrass yielded the greatest dry matter production (9,696 kg ha-1). It also had high C:N ratio (38.4), long half-life (86.5 days) and a high persistence in the field. Jack bean also showed high dry matter production (8,950 kg ha-1), but it had low C:N ratio (17.4) and lower half-life time (39 days) than the grasses. These attributes indicate that signalgrass and jack bean have a high potential for use as cover plants in no-till agricultural systems in the State of Pará.

Estudos que visem à seleção de espécies, ou de grupos de espécies de plantas de cobertura do solo adaptadas as condições edafoclimáticas amazônicas parece ser uma estratégia viável para a melhoria da qualidade ambiental por propiciar o estabelecimento do SPD atenuando problemas relacionados ao monocultivo. O objetivo foi avaliar o comportamento de plantas de cobertura, no Nordeste paraense, quanto a persistência, tempo de meia vida, teor e acúmulo de macronutrientes e relação C/N na palhada, em Argissolo Vermelho Amarelo. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos e cinco repetições. As plantas foram cultivadas a partir do mês de julho e cortadas aos 105 dias de cultivo e então foi feita a avaliação da produção. Ao final dos 84 dias a percentagem de cobertura do solo correspondeu a 97, 85, 52, 50 e 15%, para a braquiária (Brachiaria brizantha) (syn. Urochloa), capim colônia (Panicum purpurascens), feijão de porco (Canavalia ensiformes), milheto (Pennisetum americanum) e crotalária (Crotalaria juncea,), respectivamente. A braquiária apresentou maior produção de matéria seca (9.696 kg ha-1), elevada relação C/N (38,4), alto tempo de meia vida (86,5 dias) e grande persistência no campo. O feijão de porco apresentou alta produção de matéria seca (8.950 kg ha-1), porém menor relação C/N (17,4) e tempo de meia vida (39 dias), quando comparada as gramíneas. Por estas características, a braquiária e o feijão de porco são espécies com potencial utilização como plantas de cobertura no SPD no estado do Pará.

Ultrastructural characterization of the hemocytes of Lasiodora sp. (Koch, 1850) (Araneae: Theraphosidae).

This paper is the first descriptive review of hemolymph cell types in the circulation of the tarantula spider Lasiodora sp. These animals are more long-lived than other arthropods, and may live for approximately twenty years. Such remarkable longevity may result from a highly successful immune system, which in turn is directly correlated with hemocyte function. Since the literature on the genus Lasiodora sp. is limited, the main goal of the present study was to identify the different cell types by optical and transmission microscope. Six hemocyte types were characterized and called prohemocyte, granulocyte type I, granulocyte type II, spherulocyte, oenocytoid and plasmatocyte. Prohemocytes presented a large nucleus, elongated granulocytes type I showed the nucleus with the same cell format, elliptical granulocytes type II showed the central nucleus of identical shape, spherulocytes exhibited the nucleus filling almost the whole cell, oval oenocytoids showed eccentric nucleus and less dense cytoplasm, and irregular plasmatocytes showed a nucleus and no granules in cytoplasm. These polymorphic granulocytes presented a round, elongated, elliptical, oval or irregular profile with large and varied numbers of granules, except for plasmatocytes, that were agranular. Different densities and different concentrations of these granules were found at the periphery of the cell. The possible reasons and implications of differences and similarities between arthropods hemocytes are discussed. It can be concluded that there are six cell types in Lasiodora sp. This study is of the first step in the elucidation of the role these cells play in the circulatory and immune system in spiders.

Análise espacial e sazonal da leptospirose no município de São Paulo, SP, 1998 a 2006 / Spatial and seasonal analysis on leptospirosis in the municipality of São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil, 1998 to 2006

Objetivo: Analisar a distribuição espacial e sazonal da leptospirose, identificando possíveis componentes ecológicos e sociais para a sua transmissão. Métodos: Foram georreferenciados 2.490 casos em cada distrito do município de São Paulo, SP, registrados de 1998 a 2006. Os dados foram obtidos do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação. Foram realizados mapas temáticos com as variáveis taxa de incidência, letalidade, taxa de alfabetização, renda média mensal, número de moradores por domicilio, abastecimento de água e rede de esgoto. Para identificar o padrão espacial (disperso, em aglomerado ou randômico), foram analisadas pelo Índice de Moran global e local. Foi utilizado o coeficiente de correlação de Spearman para testar associações entre as variáveis com padrão espacial em aglomerados. RESULTADOS: O padrão espacial em aglomerados foi observado nas variáveis taxa de incidência de leptospirose, taxa de alfabetização, renda média mensal, número de moradores por domicílio, abastecimento de água e rede de esgoto. Foram notificados 773 casos no período seco e 1.717 no úmido. A incidência e a letalidade estão correlacionadas com as condições socioeconômicas da população, independentemente do período...

Spatial and seasonal analysis on leptospirosis in the municipality of São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil, 1998 to 2006.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the spatial and seasonal distribution of leptospirosis and identify possible ecological and social components of its transmission. METHODS: A total of 2,490 cases registered in each district of the municipality of São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil, between 1998 and 2006, were georeferenced. The data were obtained from the Notifiable Diseases Information System. Thematic maps were made, showing the variables of incidence rate, lethality rate, literacy rate, average monthly income, number of residents per household, water supply and sewage system. To identify spatial patterns (dispersed, clustered or random), these variables were analyzed using the global and local Moran indices. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to test associations between variables with clustered spatial patterns. RESULTS: Clustered spatial patterns were observed for the variables of leptospirosis incidence, literacy rate, average monthly income, number of residents per household, water supply and sewage system. There were 773 notified cases in the dry season and 1,717 cases in the rainy season. The incidence and lethality rates correlated with the population's socioeconomic conditions, independently of the period. CONCLUSIONS: Leptospirosis is spread throughout the municipality of São Paulo, and its incidence increases during the rainy season. In the dry season, the localities where cases appear coincide with the areas of poorest housing conditions. In the rainy season, it also increases in other districts, probably due to the proximity of rivers and streams.

[Door-to-electrocardiogram (EKG) time: an indicator of efficacy in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction]. / Tempo porta-eletrocardiograma (ECG): um indicador de eficácia no tratamento do infarto agudo do miocárdio.

This investigation aimed to measure door-to-electrocardiogram (EKG) time in patients with acute myocardial infarction who were attended at the emergency room of a General Hospital. This is a cohort study which evaluated the time of arrival, EKG, nursing and thrombolytic care. Data were obtained from records from March to July of 2006. The sample was composed of 53 patients with an average age of 61.1 +/- 12.2 years, 64% male. The first attendance was performed by the nurse staff 50% of the patients were treated in eight minutes and the door-to-EKG time was within 20 minutes. There was no difference between the door-to-EKG time and the mean of transportation used to get to the hospital (P = 0.39). The shift and the medical specialty did not influence the EKG time (P = 0.23) and (P = 0.14). The study results show an increase in time for EKG performance. However it was not possible to identify the factors that delayed the EKG

Tempo porta-eletrocardiograma (ECG): um indicador de eficácia no tratamento do infarto agudo do miocárdio / Door-to-electrocardiogram (EKG) time: an indicator of efficacy in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction

Esta investigação objetivou mensurar o tempo porta-eletrocardiograma (ECG) nos pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM) atendidos na emergência de um hospital geral. Estudo de coorte que avaliou os tempos de chegada,de realização do ECG, de atendimento de enfermagem e de trombolítico. Os dados foram extraídos de prontuários,entre março a julho de 2006. A amostra foi composta por 53 pacientes com idade média de 61,1 + 12,2 anos, 64%do sexo masculino. O atendimento inicial foi realizado pela enfermagem, sendo que 50% dos pacientes foram atendidos em oito minutos e o tempo porta-ECG foi de 20 minutos. Não houve diferença entre o tempo porta-ECG e o tipo de transporte até o hospital (P=0,39). O turno e a especialidade médica não influenciaram no tempo do ECG, P=0,23e P=0,14. Os resultados do estudo demonstram um tempo porta-ECG elevados, porém não foi possível identificar com este estudo os fatores que retardaram a realização do ECG.

Análise espacial e sazonal da leptospirose no município de São Paulo. 1998 - 2006 / Spatial and seasonal analyses of leptospirosis in São Paulo city. 1998 to 2006

A leptospirose é causada por uma espiroqueta patogênica do gênero Leptospira e é uma das zoonoses mais difundidas no mundo. Pode ser adquirida pelo contato com reservatórios animais ou ambiente contaminado por sua urina. No nosso meio, esta zoonose reflete, principalmente, a baixa qualidade de vida da população e apresenta nítida variação sazonal, ocorrendo maior número de casos nos meses do verão. Devido ao crescimento desordenando da cidade de São Paulo, muitos de seus bairros apresentaram problemas de saneamento básico e condições ecológicas favoráveis à proliferação de roedores que são os grandes portadores da Leptospira. Objetivo: Analisar a distribuição espacial da Leptospirose no município de São Paulo nos períodos chuvosos (úmido) e de estiagem (seco). Metodologia: Foram georreferenciados 2.490 casos pelo distrito de residência. Foram realizados mapas temáticos com as variáveis taxa de incidência, letalidade, taxa de alfabetização, renda média mensal, número de moradores por domicílio, abastecimento de água e rede de esgoto. Foram analisadas por Índice de Moran Global e Índice de Moran Local para identificar o padrão espacial: Disperso, em aglomerado ou randômico. Foi utilizado o coeficiente de correlação de Spearman para testar associações entre as variáveis com padrão espacial em aglomerados. Resultados: Houve padrão espacial em aglomerados nas variáveis taxa de incidência de leptospirose, taxa de alfabetização, renda média mensal, número de moradores por domicílio, abastecimento de água e rede de esgoto. Foram notificados 773 casos no período seco e 1717 no úmido. A incidência e a letalidade estão correlacionadas com as condições sócio-econômicas da população independente do período. Conclusão: A leptospirose se distribui por todo o município de São Paulo, aumentando sua incidência no período das chuvas. No período seco, os locais de aparecimento dos casos coincidem com as áreas de piores condições de moradia e, durante o período úmido, além destas...

Os benefícios do acolhimento na atenção básica de saúde: uma revisão de literatura

Este trabalho foi realizado após um levantamento bibliográfico, o que subsidiou as diversas vantagens da prática do acolhimento em nosso dia a dia. . A partir de um primeiro levantamento bibliográfico e leituras, foi possível criar uma estrutura organizadora do trabalho. O profissional deve estar ciente do caráter voltado para a responsabilidade e para resolutividade sinalizada pelo caso em questão, sendo assim todos temos condições de desenvolver o acolhimento, desde que desenvolva a competência para isto. A principal proposta é de implantação do acolhimento no hospital municipal de pequeno porte, no qual trabalho como enfermeira RT., há expectativa de que através da prática do acolhimento iremos atingir a satisfação do cliente, pois qualificaremos nosso atendimento, além de minimizar a distância entre o cliente e o profissional, além de fortalecer o vínculo entre os mesmos.