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• Reducing the transmission from asymptomatic and presymptomatic patients is critical in controlling of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 circulation. • Screening and isolation of asymptomatic health care workers using RT-PCR significantly reduces hospital absenteeism. • The reduction of virus circulation showed also a trend toward of reduction in the transmission of the infection to hospitalized patients. Reducing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic patients is critical in controlling the circulation of the virus. This study evaluated the prevalence of Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positivity in serial tests in 429 asymptomatic health care workers (HCW) and its impact on absenteeism. HCW from a COVID-19 reference hospital were tested, screened, and placed on leave. A time-series segmented regression of weekly absenteeism rates was used, and cases of infection among hospitalized patients were analyzed. Viral gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were performed on samples from HCW who had a positive result. A significant decrease in absenteeism was detected 3–4 weeks after the intervention at a time of increased transmission within the city. The prevalence of RT-PCR positivity among asymptomatic professionals was 17.3%. Phylogenetic analyses (59 samples) detected nine clusters, two of them strongly suggestive of intrahospital transmission with strains (75% B.1.1.28) circulating in the region during this period. Testing and placing asymptomatic professionals on leave contributed to control strategy for COVID-19 transmission in the hospital environment, and in reducing positivity and absenteeism, which directly influences the quality of care and exposes professionals to an extra load of stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) is an important source of essential oils with high antimicrobial activities, however the composition and antifungal potential of the decoction peels is little explored. This study assessed the peel decoction's chemical profile at the secondary metabolism level and its antifungal activity against the melon phytopathogen Fusarium jinanense. The decoction's antifungal potential was investigated using a bioassay-guided fractionation approach based on Solid-Phase Extraction (SPE) and LC-HRMS/MS analysis. Coumarins and flavones were the most abundant classes of compounds in the high-value fractions responsible for up to 61% of the mycelial inhibition of F. jinanense. Overall, this study has presented for the first time the chemical composition, the antifungal potential of the decoction of C. aurantium peels and the compounds associated with these results. This strategy can guide the exploration of under-explored food sources and add value to compounds or fractions enriched with bioactive compounds. [Display omitted] • C. aurantium peel decoction showed antifungal activity against Fusarium jinanense. • Antifungal activity increased after the SPE fractionation strategy. • LC-MS/MS dereplication annotated 65 compounds of different chemical classes. • The coumarin and polymethoxyflavone fractions showed high antifungal activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to outline the rehabilitation of a patient with a cleft involving the soft palate, necessitating an interdisciplinary approach involving medical, dental, and speech pathology professionals. The patient, a female with a diagnosis of cleft soft palate, clinodactyly in the 5th digits, and no associated syndrome, initiated her interdisciplinary treatment at one year of age with a palatoplasty procedure, continuing into adulthood. The oral rehabilitation encompassed pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, and prosthodontics. During childhood, she received palatal prostheses as part of the treatment for velopharyngeal dysfunction. In alignment with the speech therapy approach, she utilizes a pharyngeal obturator to address hypernasality. Furthermore, the patient presented with interarch and maxillomandibular discrepancies, necessitating orthodontic interventions. The study concludes that a comprehensive rehabilitation of individuals with cleft palate demands an interdisciplinary approach following a specialized center's treatment protocol. This approach is crucial for reestablishing aesthetics, phonetics, function, as well as promoting social and emotional integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ameloblastoma is a benign odontogenic tumor characterized by a locally infiltrative growth pattern within bone trabeculae. It typically affects the posterior mandible in adult individuals. The standard surgical approach, guided by clinical, radiographic, and histopathological features, typically involves excision, including the removal of normal bone surrounding the lesion. But what happens when this neoplasm is diagnosed in childhood? Does the expansive nature of this condition result in lifelong oral myofunctional sequelae? And what about the psychosocial consequences? These questions are addressed in this discussion through the presentation of a clinical case involving a 10-year-old female patient diagnosed with ameloblastoma. The focus of this discussion extends to surgical, oral myofunctional, and psychological aspects of the child's care. It emphasizes the significance of an interdisciplinary care team involving dentists, speech therapists, and psychologists to facilitate the patient's rehabilitation and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this report is to describe dental anomalies observed in four children diagnosed with microcephaly. These patients, with an average age of 7.1 months, consisting of one male and three females, had been diagnosed with severe microcephaly and neurological damage. They were referred to our service for an evaluation of their dental arches. Upon intraoral examinations, these children exhibited developmental dental defects, including white enamel opacities on their upper and lower permanent incisors, as well as cream enamel demarcated opacities on the occlusal surfaces of their deciduous molars. Furthermore, they presented developmental disturbances related to tooth eruption, including alterations in the chronology and sequence of permanent tooth eruption. Panoramic radiographs were taken to further assess their dental conditions. However, dental agenesis, supernumerary teeth, tooth-size reduction, and taurodontism were not observed in these patients. Currently, these children are under follow-up for monitoring their dental development. It is important to note that additional studies are necessary to gain a deeper understanding of dental alterations in children with microcephaly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report aims to document the eruption timing and sequence of permanent teeth in four children with microcephaly during the early stage of mixed dentition. The patients, with a mean age of 7.1 months, comprised two males and two females, all presenting severe microcephaly and associated neurological manifestations. In intraoral examinations, three children exhibited mandibular teeth erupting earlier than maxillary teeth, while one boy, aged 6 years and 11 months, had not yet experienced permanent tooth eruption. Females demonstrated earlier maturation compared to males. The observed sequence of eruption in three children was lower incisors, upper incisors, lower and upper first molars. However, one girl, aged 6 years and 10 months, initiated the eruption of the upper first premolar. These children with microcephaly displayed a delay and alterations in the sequence of tooth eruption. Presently, these patients are undergoing continuous follow-up for dental development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to describe the oral and maxillofacial features of dizygotic twins, one of whom had microcephaly. According to the twins' pregnancy history, no infectious or viral diseases occurred during the 37-week gestational period. They were referred to our service for an evaluation of their oral hygiene. Due to neurological impairments, the 17-year-old twin, a female with severe microcephaly but without any syndrome, has been using antiepileptic drugs that can lead to developmental defects in enamel and gingival overgrowth since childhood. The dizygotic twins, a male and a female, exhibited the same vertical craniofacial growth pattern and also displayed identical dental malocclusion in their permanent dentition: Angle class II with maxillary atresia, severe upper and lower anterior dental crowding. Their mother also exhibited the same facial pattern and dental malocclusion. Given the interconnected nature of skull and facial growth, it raises the question of whether patients with microcephaly can experience structural and functional impairments. Future studies may provide insights into this matter, contributing to the development of preventive and interceptive health procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report describes the oral characteristics of drug-induced gingival overgrowth (DIGO) in five children with microcephaly. The patients, with a mean age of 7.3 months, included both sexes and had severe microcephaly. They were referred to our service for an evaluation of their oral hygiene. These children also had intellectual deficits, motor and visual impairments, sporadic seizures, and epilepsy. They had been using antiepileptic drugs for more than four years. Upon intraoral examination, it was observed that both arches exhibited gingival overgrowth, which prevented the eruption of permanent first molars through the gingival margins. Subgingival and supragingival dental plaque biofilms were also present on the deciduous molars. Dental treatment consisted of scaling and root planing, along with the topical application of 2% sodium fluoride. The therapy recommended for managing DIGO involved conventional gingivectomy and was carried out in a hospital unit. These patients are under clinical and radiographic follow-up to monitor dental development. In conclusion, it is essential for these patients to receive preventive and interceptive oral procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nullity of a graph, denoted by η (G) , is the multiplicity of zero as an eigenvalue of the adjacency matrix of G. Fiorini, Gutman and Sciriha (2005) in [5] presented an upper bound for the nullities of trees in terms of the order n and the maximum degree Δ. In our work we show that, under the same conditions, all possible nullities below that bound are attained. This result allows us to obtain an upper bound for the nullities of the (k + 1) -line graphs of a particular family of k -trees, generalizing a known result about the nullities of line graphs of trees. We also present a general characterization for the (k + 1) -line graphs of k -trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the mechanisms by which statins promote muscle disorders remain unclear, supplementation with dietary antioxidants may mitigate statins' side effects. This study aimed to investigate whether the consumption of Brazil nuts modulates serum creatine kinase (CK) activity in patients regularly using statins. The study was performed in the Ribeirão Preto Medical School University Hospital. Thirty-two patients in regular use of statins were divided according to CK activity levels (G1: increased or G2: normal) and received one unit of Brazil nut daily for 3 months. Body composition, blood selenium (Se) concentrations, erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity, oxidative stress parameters, and CK activity were evaluated before and after supplementation. In both groups, supplementation with one Brazil nut daily for 3 months contributed to achieve decreased levels of CK activity in serum, with positive changes in plasma and erythrocyte Se concentrations (p < 0.0001), and increased levels of GPX activity. Among the parameters related to curbing of oxidative stress, we observed reduced levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in both groups after supplementation. We also found a moderately negative association between CK and GPX activity (r = −41; p < 0.02). Expression of selenoproteins GPX1 , SELENOP , and SELENON after Brazil nut supplementation was unchanged. Brazil nut consumption enhanced the control of CK activity by improving oxidative stress biomarkers in patients using statins but did not modulate mRNA expression of selenoproteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To explore the factors associated with adherence and non-adherence to the pharmacological treatment of patients with T1DM in primary care setting southeast Brazil.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 158 patients attending in the primary health care in the city of Franca southeast Brazil and measure adherence to antidiabetic medication. Adherence was measure using Morisky-Green Test modified.Results: The majority of patients was adherence to antidiabetic medication (63.2%). More than one third of patients were non-adherent treated pharmacologically and comorbidities most prevalent were hypertension (63.8%), dyslipidemia (43.1%) and depression (32.8%). Depression were strongest predictor OR=2.8 (1.2-6.5) of non-adherence.Conclusion: Depression is a factor associated with non-adherence to pharmacological treatment in patients with T1DM, and in clinical practice, screening for depression and intervention as well as pharmaceutical care may improve adherence to pharmacotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let G = ( V ( G ) , E ( G ) ) be an ( n , m ) -graph. The Randić spread of G , s R ( G ) , is defined as the maximum distance of its Randić eigenvalues, disregarding the Randić spectral radius of G . In this work, we use numerical inequalities and bounds for the matricial spread to obtain relations between this spectral parameter and some structural and algebraic parameters of the underlying graph such as, the sequence of vertex degrees, the nullity, Randić index, generalized Randić indices and its independence number. In the last section a comparison is presented for regular graphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the graphs of order n having the second distance Laplacian eigenvalue of multiplicity n − 2 are determined. Besides that, this result also characterizes the graphs where the multiplicity of some distance Laplacian eigenvalue is equal to n − 2 . In addition, all connected graphs of order n where the largest eigenvalue of the distance Laplacian matrix has multiplicity n − 3 are determined. Finally, we determine some graphs with a distance Laplacian eigenvalue having multiplicity n − 3 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This note presents a new spectral version of the graph Zarankiewicz problem: How large can be the maximum eigenvalue of the signless Laplacian of a graph of order n that does not contain a specified complete bipartite subgraph. A conjecture is stated about general complete bipartite graphs, which is proved for infinitely many cases. More precisely, it is shown that if G is a graph of order n , with no subgraph isomorphic to K 2 , s + 1 , then the largest eigenvalue q ( G ) of the signless Laplacian of G satisfies q ( G ) ≤ n + 2 s 2 + 1 2 ( n − 2 s ) 2 + 8 s , with equality holding if and only if G is a join of K 1 and an s -regular graph of order n − 1 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Laryngoscope blades were analyzed, and the presence of blood, bodily fluids, and microorganisms was verified, indicating their potential as a source of cross contamination during clinical usage. The way in which the blades are cleaned and disinfected in daily practice may place the patient and health care team at risk. The aim of this study was to determine the bacterial and fungal load on this equipment. Methods Descriptive cross-sectional study. A total of 83 laryngoscope blades, ready for use, were analyzed for their bacterial and fungal load at 2 university hospitals. Results The microbiologic analysis revealed the presence of microorganisms in 76.2% of cases at institution 1 and 92.7% of cases at institution 2, with microbial loads >10 1  colony forming units in 31.2% and 44.7% of cases, respectively. At both institutions, potentially pathogenic microorganisms were found, including Candida sp, Staphylococcus aureus , Enterococcus faecalis , Streptococcus agalactiae , extended-spectrum β-lactamase–producing Klebsiella pneumoniae , multiresistant Acinetobacter baumannii , Pantoea sp, Enterobacter gergoviae , Escherichia coli , and Proteus mirabilis . Conclusions These results indicate that the use of laryngoscope blades at these 2 institutions present a potential risk. Based on these findings, action needs to be taken so a higher level of safety can be offered to patients and health care professionals who have direct contact with this equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to evaluate the correlation of facial pattern and oral functions in children with microcephaly. The population consisted of 7 children with complete primary dentition. Data collection consisted of the analysis of clinical records and front and profile facial photography. There was a predominance of dolichofacial type (100%) and vertical pattern (85.71%). All had unilateral chewing, mouth breathing, bruxism, and atypical swallowing. The proportion of severe microcephaly (-3DP) was higher in males (P =.04). There was no association between the severity of microcephaly and facial type (P >.05), although the vertical pattern predominated in severe microcephaly (100%). There was a moderate association between the dolichofacial type and the presence of orofunctional disorders (P <.05). Oral health care for these children should include dental development, the stomatognathic system, and craniofacial growth in early childhood to significantly reduce curative procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to describe the clinical and dental features of 2 children diagnosed with severe microcephaly. Brazilian children of both sexes with brownish skin color and complete primary dentition presented oral hygiene difficulties as the main complaint. During anamnesis, 3 dimension (3D) cephalic perimeter reduction in occipitofrontal circumference at birth, intellectual deficit with history of respiratory complications, controlled seizures, and motor and visual impairments were reported. Extraoral clinical and functional examinations verified predominantly oral breathing, with no passive lip sealing and atypical lingual interposition. Intraoral examination revealed grinding of teeth, the presence of a biofilm, chewing on the left side, and deterioration of the occlusal surfaces of primary molars. Knowledge of facial morphology and orofunctional disorders of patients with special care needs in early childhood will allow health professionals to perform preventive and interceptive procedures in these individuals, essential points for defining a prognosis and the elaboration of a health care protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper deals with the notions of 0-incidence and 1-incidence between edges on a directed graph associated to the line graph of a graph. The Laplacian energy and the signless Laplacian energy are obtained in a new way. From these results a relation between both energies is derived. Moreover, we obtain lower bounds for both the largest Laplacian eigenvalue and the largest signless Laplacian eigenvalue and prove that the latter is strictly greater than the first one. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this article we study the index (the largest eigenvalue of the adjacency matrix) in two special classes of trees, namely: starlike trees and double brooms. For each class, we determine conditions for the index to be integer. We examine conditions in order to compare the index of a starlike tree with , where Δ is the maximum degree of the graph. We also prove that indices of a broom-like tree and a double broom, except for some cases, are between and , characterizing when occurs one equality. Furthermore, we build in these classes, infinite families of non-integral trees with integer index. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this article, we characterize all signless Laplacian integral graphs (here called -integral graphs) in the following classes: complete split graphs, multiple complete split-like graphs, extended complete split-like graphs, multiple extended split-like graphs. All these graphs were defined by Hansen et al. [P. Hansen, H. Melot, D, Stevanović, Integral complete split graphs, Univ. Beograd, Publ. Elektrotehn. Fak. Ser. Mat. 13 (2002) 89-95]. Also, we characterize all -integral graphs of the form , where , is a complete graph on vertices. These characterizations allow us to exhibit many infinite families of -integral graphs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In recent decades, fungal infections have been increasing, as well as the indiscriminate use of large-scale antifungal. The objective of the present study was to characterize the chemical components of L. montevidensis leaf essential oil (EOLm) and evaluate its antifungal potential and fluconazole modulating activity against Candida strains. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and its chemical components were determined by Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry. The antifungal activity was determined by the microdilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration. The modulatory activity of fluconazole by the oil (EOLm) was evaluated against the four Candida strains. Our results demonstrated a predominance of β-Caryophyllene (34.96%) and Germacrene D (25.49%), while (E)-Caryophyllene (0.08%) and δ-Cadinene (0.13%) were the minor constituents. For the antifungal activity, it was evidenced that the EOLm did not inhibit the growth of Candida albicans (CA LM 77 and CA INQS 40006) and Candida tropicalis (CT INCQS 40042 and CT LM 23), but, potentiated the effect of fluconazole in particular against C. tropicalis , although the FIC index indicates indifferent modulation for all strains tested. This study strongly suggests that administration of the fluconazole in combination with plant essential oils can provide a new opportunity to improve the outcome of the drug effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The essential oil (EO) of D. ambrosioides presents anti-candidacy action. • The EO of D. ambrosioides has drug modulating action. • The EO of D. ambrosioides is able to inhibit free radicals. The oil presented the α-Terpinene as the major compound with 54.09% presence. Antibacterial activity demonstrated significant MIC against Staphylococcus aureus (256 μg/mL) and moderate against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (512 μg/mL). The modulating effect of antibiotics was significant against P. aeruginosa potentiating the effect of all the antibiotics tested. The IC 50 observed for CT LM 23 was clinically relevant (19.3 μg/mL), similar to that obtained for CA INCQS 40006 (25.2 μg/mL). The combined effect with fluconazole also showed significant results, 0.1 and 22.7 μg/mL, for CT LM 23 and CA INCQS 40006, respectively. For CA LM 77 the IC 50 was 101.9 μg/mL and for CT INCQS 40042 a value of 53.3 μg/mL. Regarding the modulation, both were considered of clinical relevance, 3.3 and 6.4 μg/mL. OEDA has low antioxidant activity (>1024 μg/mL). Therefore, the popular use against infections was corroborated by this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distance signless Laplacian spectral radius of a connected graph G is the largest eigenvalue of the distance signless Laplacian matrix of G , defined as D Q ( G ) = T r ( G ) + D ( G ) , where D ( G ) is the distance matrix of G and T r ( G ) is the diagonal matrix of vertex transmissions of G . In this paper we determine upper and lower bounds on the minimal and maximal entries of the principal eigenvector of D Q ( G ) and characterize the extremal graphs. In addition, we obtain a lower bound on the distance signless Laplacian spectral radius of G based on its order and independence number, and characterize the extremal graph. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An investigation was conducted on the production of β-galactosidase (β-gal) by different strains of Kluyveromyces, using lactose as a carbon source. The maximum enzymatic activity of 3.8±0.2U/mL was achieved by using Kluyveromyces lactis strain NRRL Y1564 after 28h of fermentation at 180rpm and 30°C. β-gal was then immobilized onto chitosan and characterized based on its optimal operation pH and temperature, its thermal stability and its kinetic parameters (K m and V max) using o-nitrophenyl β-d-galactopyranoside as substrate. The optimal pH for soluble β-gal activity was found to be 6.5 while the optimal pH for immobilized β-gal activity was found to be 7.0, while the optimal operating temperatures were 50°C and 37°C, respectively. At 50°C, the immobilized enzyme showed an increased thermal stability, being 8 times more stable than the soluble enzyme. The immobilized enzyme was reused for 10 cycles, showing stability since it retained more than 70% of its initial activity. The immobilized enzyme retained 100% of its initial activity when it was stored at 4°C and pH 7.0 for 93 days. The soluble β-gal lost 9.4% of its initial activity when it was stored at the same conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We establish a useful correspondence between the closed walks in regular graphs and the walks in infinite regular trees, which, after counting the walks of a given length between vertices at a given distance in an infinite regular tree, provides a lower bound on the number of closed walks in regular graphs. This lower bound is then applied to reduce the number of the feasible spectra of the 4-regular bipartite integral graphs by more than a half. Next, we give the details of the exhaustive computer search on all 4-regular bipartite graphs with up to 24 vertices, which yields a total of 47 integral graphs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sugarcane bagasse (SB) and rice husks (RH) are agroindustrial byproducts which can be hydrolyzed to release sugars for the production of valuable bioproducts. However, the exposure of their carbohydrates to the action of hydrolytic enzymes depends on the removal/modification of lignin by a pretreatment. Here we report a biological strategy for pretreatment of SB and RH using a crude enzyme extract rich in laccases to delignification and improvement of reducing sugars yield after saccharification. Enzyme extracts were produced by different species of fungi cultured in a medium with agroindustrial byproducts and other components in static semi-solid condition. The highest yields of laccase production were obtained by Trametes villosa (9467.8 U/L). SB and RH were pretreated with this crude enzyme extract in various conditions and the process optimization resulted in the choice of proper mediators for laccases oxidative action and an increase of more than 10-fold in reducing sugars concentration in the saccharified samples (291 mg/g of sugars were obtained from SB and 193 mg/g from RH) when compared to the control (non pre-treated). Results of MIR-ATR suggested that RH were less susceptible to enzymatic pretreatment than SB and partial removal/modification of lignin was sufficient to improve saccharification. • Sugarcane bagasse induced the production of laccase by Trametes villosa. • Enzyme extract rich in laccases was effective in modifying the lignocellulosic matrix. • Tween 80 and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid significantly improved enzymatic pretreament • Reducing sugars yield increased more than 10-fold after pretreatment and hydrolysis. • Glucose was the main sugar present in SB and RH hydrolysates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Thirteen fucosterol derivatives were prepared. • Antibacterial activity was evaluated against Gram(+) and Gram(-) bacterial strains. • The most active compounds were investigated by molecular docking. Thirteen fucosterol derivatives were prepared by structural modification at the hydroxyl group in C-3 and catalytic hydrogenation at the carbon–carbon double bond in C-5(6) and C-24(28). The structures of all compounds were established based on their spectral data (IR, MS, and NMR). Fucosterol (1) and its derivatives (2-12, and a mixture of 13a and 13b) were evaluated for their in vitro antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 10031), Escherichia coli (ATCC 10536), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442), Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 0046) and Staphylococcus aureus using the microdilution method. Among them, 1, 8, 9, 10, and a mixture of 13a and 13b exhibited the best antibacterial activity. The derivative 7 was inactive against all bacterial strains evaluated (MIC ≥ 2.327 mM). In addition, the investigation of binding interactions of more active compounds (1, 8, 9, 10, and mixture of 13a and 13b) to appropriate proteins was performed using molecular docking. This paper registers for the first time the in silico studies on the antibacterial activity of compounds 1, 8, 9, 10, and mixture of 13a/13b, and the spectral data of compounds 4, 6, and 7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To determine the prevalence of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus who meet the glycemic and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors goals and the frequency of screening for diabetic complications in Brazil according to the American Diabetes Association guidelines. Research design and methods: This was a cross-sectional, multicenter study conducted between December 2008 and December 2010 in 28 public clinics in 20 Brazilian cities. Data were obtained from 1774 adult patients (56.8% females, 57.2% Caucasians) aged 30.3±9.8 years with diabetes duration of 14.3±8.8 years. Results: Systolic blood pressure was at goal in 40.3% and diastolic blood pressure was at goal in 26.6% of hypertensive patients. LDL cholesterol and HbA1c were at the goal in 45.2% and 13.2% of the patients, respectively. Overweight was presented in 25.6% and obesity in 6.9%. Among those with more than 5 years of disease, screening for retinopathy was performed in the preceding year in 70.1%. Nephropathy and feet complications were screened in 63.1% and 65.1%, respectively. Conclusions: The majority of patients did not meet metabolic control goals and a substantial proportion was not screened for diabetic complications. These issues may increase the risk of chronic complications and negatively impact public health. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Let be the family of graphs with n vertices and m edges, when n and m are previously given. It is well-known that there is a subset of constituted by graphs G such that the vertex connectivity, the edge connectivity, and the minimum degree are all equal. In this paper, S(a, b)-classes of connected (a, b)-linear graphs with n vertices and m edges are described, where m is given as a function of . Some of them have extremal graphs for which the equalities above are extended to algebraic connectivity. These graphs are Laplacian integral although they are not threshold graphs. However, we do build threshold graphs in S(a, b). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization is a major risk factor for infection. Studies have suggested an epidemiologic shift in the methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains that circulate in Brazil. We conducted cross-sectional studies of MRSA carriage among 1) children and adolescents in community daycare centers, 2) an outpatient clinic, and 3) hospitals in a large Brazilian metropolitan setting. There were 1.500 study subjects, 500 from each locale: 768 (51.2%) carried S. aureus whereas 150 (10%) of these were colonized with MRSA. The most common lineages were the Southwest Pacific (SWP) and the Pediatric clones in all three groups. Roughly 50% of SWP carried Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) (p < 0.01) genes while 63.3% of the Pediatric clones were resistant or intermediately resistant to erythromycin (p < 0.01). This study describes a clonal change of the Brazilian epidemic clone (BEC) to the Pediatric and SWP lineages in Brazil. This finding has implications for clinical management of MRSA infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]