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The main difference between a dry cell battery and an alkaline one is the composition of the electrolyte. In zinc–carbon batteries, dry cell, the electrolyte is a paste formed by mixing ammonium chloride and zinc chloride, whereas in alkaline batteries, the electrolyte is a concentrated aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide containing a certain amount of zinc oxide, hence the name alkaline for this battery. Therefore, the improper disposal of these materials has numerous consequences for the environment, since the potentially toxic metals present in them can be leached, infiltrating, and contaminating the soil layers, the groundwater, as well as the fauna and flora of the regions nearby. Thus, the objective is to perform studies that aim to simulate and analyze the release of potentially toxic metals present in batteries found in normal environmental conditions, through leaching tests from regular batteries (Zn–C) on fertilized soil, simulating a landfill, in addition to tests on sandy soil in order to aid the identification of possible waste release.

Over the past few years, batteries have become increasingly more common in electronic devices as part of people’s daily lives. Concerns for the environment have grown due to the improper disposal of these materials which is increasing. Batteries contain potentially toxic metals in their composition, which can lead to soil contamination due to exposure to weather conditions and rain. Concerning this matter, to prove the harm that batteries cause to aquatic environments when incorrectly discarded, students decided to carry out leaching tests that consist of using collected rainwater and a simulation of seawater, to which they added alkaline L1154 batteries connected in series and lithium batteries as well. This hands-on learning experience is intended for high school students and can be adapted to be taken in the first year of Chemistry at universities. The adaptation offers a valuable opportunity for students of different educational levels to explore the environmental impacts of batteries, provoking a deeper understanding of the chemistry involving these devices.

The improper disposal of batteries has numerous consequences for the environment, since they contain potentially toxic metals that can be leached, infiltrating, and contaminating the soil layers, the groundwater, as well as the fauna and flora of nearby regions. Therefore, studies were conducted to simulate and analyze soil contamination by the release of potentially toxic metals from the incorrect disposal of alkaline batteries in the environment, in similar natural conditions, by doing leaching tests in fertilized soil resembling a landfill. Therefore, in this paper a simple experiment is proposed for sensitizing students toward the consequences of an incorrect disposal of batteries in the environment.

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of geosynthetic reinforcement on the fatigue performance of asphalt overlays using double-layered specimens extracted from experimental sections. Notched beam fatigue tests were conducted, together with Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique to assess the initiation and propagation of cracks, along with strains mobilized at the geosynthetic interface. The geosynthetic-reinforced specimen demonstrated notable improvement compared to the unreinforced counterpart in reducing vertical deformations with an increase in fatigue life by a factor of 7. DIC analysis demonstrated that geosynthetic reinforcement absorbed the tensile stresses from the crack tip and reduced the tensile strains, contributing to minimize the propagation of reflective cracks into the asphalt overlay. Overall, research findings contribute to understanding the factors that enhance fatigue life through the incorporation of geosynthetic reinforcements in asphalt overlays.

Abstract Background Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and coagulase-negative staphylococcus infections are a worldwide concern. Currently, these isolates have also shown resistance to vancomycin, the last therapy used in these cases. It has been observed that quinones and other related compounds exhibit antibacterial activity. This study evaluated the antibacterial activity, toxicity and in vivo dermal irritability of lapachol extracted from Tabebuia avellanedae and derivatives against methicillin-resistant staphylococcal isolates. In addition, its mechanism of action was also analyzed. Methods The compounds β-lapachone, 3-hydroxy β N lapachone and α-lapachone were tested to determine the MIC values against methicillin-resistant S. aureus, S. epidermidis and S. haemolyticus strains, being the two last ones hetero-resistant to vancomycin. Experiments of protein synthesis analysis to investigate the naphthoquinones action were assessed. In vitro toxicity to eukaryotic BSC-40 African Green Monkey Kidney cell cultures and in vivo primary dermal irritability in healthy rabbits were also performed. Results The compounds tested showed antibacterial activity (MICs of 8, 4/8 and 64/128 μg/mL to β-lapachone, 3-hydroxy β N lapachone and α-lapachone, respectively), but no bactericidal activity was observed (MBC > 512 μg/mL for all compounds). Although it has been observed toxic effect in eukaryotic cells, the compounds were shown to be atoxic when applied as topic preparations in healthy rabbits. No inhibition of proteins synthesis was observed. Conclusion Our results suggest that quinones could be used in topic preparations against wound infections caused by staphylococci, after major investigation of the pharmacological properties of the compounds. Studies about the use of these compounds on tumoral cells could be carried on, due to their effect in eukaryotic cells metabolism.

This study aimed to assess the formation of nevirapine (NVP) co-amorphs systems (CAM) with different co-formers (lamivudine-3TC, citric acid-CAc, and urea) through combined screening techniques as computational and thermal studies, solubility studies; in addition to develop and characterize suitable NVP-CAM. NVP-CAM were obtained using the quench-cooling method, and characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and polarized light microscopy (PLM), in addition to in vitro dissolution in pH 6.8. The screening results indicated intermolecular interactions occurring between NVP and 3TC; NVP and CAc, where shifts in the melting temperature of NVP were verified. The presence of CAc impacted the NVP equilibrium solubility, due to hydrogen bonds. DSC thermograms evidenced the reduction and shifting of the endothermic peaks of NVP in the presence of its co-formers, suggesting partial miscibility of the compounds. Amorphization was proven by XRD and PLM assays. In vitro dissolution study exhibited a significant increase in solubility and dissolution efficiency of NVP-CAM compared to free NVP. Combined use of screening studies was useful for the development of stable and amorphous NVP-CAM, with increased NVP solubility, making CAM promising systems for combined antiretroviral therapy., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists.)

The aim of this study was to describe the normal B-mode, Doppler, and 2D Shear Wave Elastography ultrasonographic findings of some abdominal structures in a six-month-old male Southern Tamandua (Tamandua tetradactyla). The animal was found and rescued by the environmental police after being discovered in the wild near its mother, who had died in a car accident. For the ultrasonographic exams, the animal's abdominal region was shaved, and only physical restraint was used. In the B-mode exam, the urinary bladder, small intestine, kidneys, left adrenal gland, stomach, liver, and gallbladder were located and evaluated. Doppler examination obtained spectral tracings of the arcuate and renal arteries of both kidneys. Elastography assessed the stiffness of the renal cortex, liver, and spleen. The ultrasound examination provided an adequate evaluation and novel findings of the Southern Tamandua abdominal structures without invasiveness., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Introduction: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is still a major global problem, whose drug treatment consists of prophylactic prevention and antiretroviral combination therapy for better pharmacological efficacy and control of the circulating virus. However, there are still pharmacological problems that need to be overcome, such as low aqueous solubility of drugs, toxicity, and low patient adherence. Drug delivery technologies can be used to overcome these barriers., Objective: This review summarized the latest drug delivery systems for HIV treatment. Initially, an overview of the current therapy was presented, along with the problems it presents. Then, the latest drug delivery systems used to overcome the challenges imposed in conventional HIV therapy were discussed., Conclusion: This review examines innovative approaches for HIV treatment, where various drug delivery systems have shown significant advantages, such as high drug encapsulation, improved solubility, and enhanced bioavailability both in vitro and in vivo. Strategies like cyclodextrins, solid dispersions, microneedles, and nanoparticles are explored to address challenges in drug solubility, bioavailability, and administration routes. Despite progress, obstacles like limited clinical trials and industrial scalability hinder the widespread adoption of these formulations, emphasizing the need for further research and collaboration to optimize and ensure accessibility of innovative HIV therapies, mainly in regions where access to HIV treatment is scarce and remains a challenge., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Until January 2023, Brazil recorded 37 million COVID-19 cases despite the decrease in mortality due to mass vaccination efforts against COVID-19. The infection continues to challenge researchers and health professionals with the persistent symptoms and onset manifestations after the acute phase of the disease, namely Post-Covid Condition (PCC). Being one of the countries with the highest infection rate, Brazil must prepare for a growing number of patients with chronic health consequences of COVID-19. Longitudinal studies that follow patients over extended periods are crucial in understanding the long-term impacts of COVID-19, including potential health consequences and the effects on quality of life. We describe the clinical profile of a cohort of COVID-19 patients infected during the first year of the pandemic in Brazil and a follow-up after two years to investigate the health impacts of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The first wave of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Brazil featured extensive drug misuse, notably the ineffective COVID kit comprised of ivermectin, antimalarials and azithromycin, and elevated in-hospital mortality. In the second phase of the study, Post-Covid Condition was reported by symptomatic COVID-19 subjects across different severity levels two years after infection. Long haulers are more likely to be women, previously hospitalized, and reported a range of symptoms from muscle pain to cognitive deficit. Our longitudinal study is essential to inform public health authorities to develop strategies and policies to control the spread of the virus and mitigate its impacts on society., (© 2023. Springer Nature Limited.)

The historical and social vulnerability of quilombola communities in Brazil can make them especially fragile in the face of COVID-19, considering that several individuals have precarious health systems and inadequate access to water. This work aimed to characterize the frequency of SARS-COV-2 infections and the presence of IgM and IgG SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in quilombola populations and their relationship with the presence of risk factors or preexisting chronic diseases in the quilombola communities. We analyzed the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, serological status, comorbidities, and symptoms of 1,994 individuals (478 males and 1,536 females) from 18 Brazilian municipalities in the State of Sergipe of quilombola communities, which were evaluated at different epidemiological weeks, starting at the 32nd (August 6th) and ending at the 40th (October 3rd) epidemiological week. More than 70% of studied families live in rural areas and they have an extreme poverty social status. Although we found a higher number of SARS-COV-2 infections in quilombola communities than in the local population, their SARS-CoV-2 reactivity and IgM and IgG positivity varied across the communities investigated. Arterial hypertension was the most risk factor, being found in 27.8% of the individuals (9.5% in stage 1, 10.8% in stage 2, and 7.5% in stage 3). The most common COVID-19 symptoms and comorbidities were headache, runny nose, flu, and dyslipidemia. However, most individuals were asymptomatic (79.9%). Our data indicate that mass testing must be incorporated into public policy to improve the health care system available to quilombola populations during a future pandemic or epidemic., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Martins, de Souza, de Rezende Neto, Santos, da Invenção, Matos, dos Santos, de Jesus, da Silva, de Almeida, do Vale, Fonseca, Schimke, Matos, Oliveira, Ferreira, de Paula Dias, dos Santos, Barbosa, de Carvalho Barreto, Moreno, Gonçalves, de Mello Silva, Cabral-Marques and Borges.)

Brazil experienced one of the most prolonged periods of school closures, and reopening could have exposed students to high rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, the infection status of students and school workers at the time of the reopening of schools located in Brazilian cities is unknown. Here we evaluated viral carriage by RT-PCR and seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (IgM and IgG) by immunochromatography in 2259 individuals (1139 students and 1120 school workers) from 28 schools in 28 Brazilian cities. We collected the samples within 30 days after public schools reopened and before the start of vaccination campaigns. Most students (n = 421) and school workers (n = 446) had active (qRT-PCR + IgM- IgG- or qRT-PCR + IgM + IgG-/+) SARS-CoV-2 infection. Regression analysis indicated a strong association between the infection status of students and school workers. Furthermore, while 45% (n = 515) of the students and 37% (n = 415) of the school workers were neither antigen nor antibody positive in laboratory tests, 16% of the participants (169 students and 193 school workers) were oligosymptomatic, including those reinfected. These individuals presented mild symptoms such as headache, sore throat, and cough. Notably, most of the individuals were asymptomatic (83.9%). These results indicate that many SARS-CoV-2 infections in Brazilian cities during school reopening were asymptomatic. Thus, our study highlights the need to promote a coordinated public health effort to guarantee a safe educational environment while avoiding exacerbating pre-existent social inequalities in Brazil, reducing social, mental, and economic losses for students, school workers, and their families., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2022 The Author(s).)

The use of alternative blood sampling strategies in clozapine (CLZ) therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) aims to facilitate collection and improve drug therapy and adherence. This study aimed to develop and validate two methods for the determination CLZ and norclozapine (NOR) in dried blood spots (DBS) and dried plasma spots (DPS) by high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The analytes were extracted from one 10 microliter volumetric DBS disc punch and from one 6 mm DPS disc punch with methyl tert-butyl ether: methanol (1:9, v/v) and injected into the HPLC-MS/MS with Atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) source. Separation was performed in a phenyl column, with mobile phase ammonium formate 1 mM pH 4.0 with methanol in gradient mode. The method was linear from 50 to 1500 ng/ml (r > 0.99), with accuracy between 98% and 105% in DBS and 91-101% in DPS, and intra- and inter-assay CV% from 5.23% to 9.35% in DBS and 2.22-11.36% in DPS for both analytes. The matrix effect was compensated by the internal standard, between - 5.1-6.89% in DBS and - 2.45-5.74% in DPS. The average extraction efficiency was 63-67% for CLZ and 58-69% for NOR with no significant impact of hematocrit (HCT). The analytes were stable in the dried matrices stored up to 42 °C for 26 days. The method was applied in the evaluation of clozapine therapy in 13 schizophrenic patients with mean serum levels of 401 ng/ml (43-914 ng/ml). Only 38% were within the therapeutic range, 46% below and 23% above. CLZ and NOR concentrations in dried samples were highly correlated to serum levels, with greater accuracy for DPS compared to DBS (97 versus 89%, and 99 versus 131%, for CLZ and NOR, respectively). Our data support the use of DBS and DPS as alternative sampling strategies in CLZ therapeutic drug monitoring, with satisfactory performance and logistics advantages., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Even with the current advances that have been made in regard to COVID-19, such as a better understanding of the disease and the steady growth in the number of vaccinated individuals, it remains a challenge for humanity. Dealing with the disease in prison settings has been particularly difficult. This study sought to discover whether in-person visiting affected the number of cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the penitentiaries in the state of Sergipe (Brazil). We conducted a two-phase study (when visiting was suspended and after it recommenced) in seven penitentiaries in Sergipe using immunochromatography and nasopharyngeal swab testing to evaluate whether visiting affects the number of COVID-19 cases. In the first phase ( n = 778), 57.6% of inmates reported risk factors and 32.5% were positive for COVID-19 (18.9% IgM, 24.2% IgG, 1% antigen). In the second phase, 19.6% tested positive (13.9% IgM, 7.9% IgG, 0.2% antigen). The occurrence of positive cases of COVID-19 and positive results (IgM and IgG) were significantly higher in the first phase. In the second phase, 56.7% of inmates had received visits and 18.7% were positive for COVID-19 (14% IgM, 7% IgG). Among those who had not received visits, 20.9% tested positive (13.8% IgM, 9.2% IgG, 0.5% antigen). There was no significant difference in positive cases/results between inmates that had and had not received visits. These findings suggest that, under the conditions assessed, visiting does not seem to affect the number of COVID-19 cases in prisons and reinforces the importance of sanitary measures to control dissemination.

The new coronavirus has been affecting health worldwide and essential service workers are continually exposed to this infectious agent, increasing the chance of infection and the development of the disease. Thus, this study aimed to estimate the frequency of infection and seroprevalence for SARS-CoV-2 in military firefighters in a city in Northeastern Brazil in January 2021. An observational cross-sectional study was carried out with 123 firefighters who answered a brief questionnaire to collect socio-epidemiological data and underwent RT-PCR and immunofluorescence test (IgM and IgG). The results found reveal a positive seroprevalence, with a high rate of infection in this class of workers, since they are essential service professionals who are exposed to risk due to their working hours, in addition to sharing some spaces and work materials. Besides, there were significant associations between positivity for IgG and IgM, as well as for positive RT-PCR prior to the study and the presence of IgG, with odd ratios of 3.04 and 4.9, respectively. These findings reinforce the need for immunization in this category, whose line of service hinders the adoption of distancing measures, since in many situations physical contact is inevitable.

Purpose: Several interactions exist between the GH/IGF axis and the immune system, including effects on innate immunity and humoral and cellular response. Acquired GH deficiency (GHD) has been recently proposed as a risk factor for severity of COVID-19 infections. However, acquired GHD is often associated to other factors, including pituitary tumors, surgery, radiotherapy, and additional pituitary hormones deficits and their replacements, which, together, may hinder an accurate analysis of the relationship between GHD and COVID-19. Therefore, we decided to assess the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and the frequency of symptomatic cases of COVID-19 in adults subjects with untreated isolated GHD (IGHD) due to a homozygous null mutation in the GHRH receptor gene., Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 27 adult IGHD subjects and 27 age- and gender-matched local controls. Interview, physical examination, bio-impedance, hematological and SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies were analyzed., Results: There was no difference in the prevalence of positivity of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies between the two groups. Conversely, no IGHD individual had a previous clinical diagnosis of COVID-19 infection, while 6 control subjects did (p = 0.023)., Conclusion: The production of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was similar between IGHD subjects due to a GHRH receptor gene mutation and controls, but the evolution to symptomatic stages of the infection and the frequency of confirmed cases was lower in IGHD subjects than in GH sufficient individuals.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in an asymptomatic population in the state of Sergipe, Brazil.
., Methods: This cross-sectional study with stratified sampling (sex and age) included serological immunofluorescent tests for IgM and IgG on samples from 3 046 asymptomatic individuals. Sample collection was performed in wet-markets of the 10 most populous cities of Sergipe, Brazil. Exclusion criteria included symptomatic individuals and health workers. The presence of comorbidities was registered.
., Results: Of the 3 046 participants, 1 577 (51.8%) were female and 1 469 (48.2%) were male; the mean age was 39.76 (SD 16.83) years old. 2 921 tests were considered valid for IgM and 2 635 for IgG. Of the valid samples, 347 (11.9% [CI 10.7%-13.1%]) tested positive for IgM and 218 (8.3% [CI 7.2%-9.4%]) tested positive for IgG. Women over 40 had the highest prevalence for IgM (group C, p=0.006; group D p=0.04). The capital Aracaju displayed the highest prevalence for both antibodies; 83 (26.3% [CI 21.6%-31.6%]) tested positive for IgM and 35 (14.6% [CI 10.4%-19.7%]) for IgG. The most prevalent comorbidities were hypertension (64/123 individuals) and diabetes (29/123).
., Conclusions: A high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was found among asymptomatic persons in Sergipe. Women over 40 showed the highest rates. The capital, Aracaju, displayed the highest seroprevalence. Surveys like this one are important to understand how the virus spreads and to help authorities to plan measures to control it. Repeated serologic testing are required to track the progress of the epidemic.

Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels (Myrtaceae) has been traditionally used to treat a number of illnesses. Ethnopharmacological studies have particularly addressed antidiabetic and metabolic-related effects of extracts prepared from its different parts, especially seed, and pulp-fruit, however. there is a lack of studies on phytochemical profile and biological properties of its leaf. As there is considerable interest in bioactive compounds to treat metabolic syndrome and its clustered risk factors, we sought to characterize the metabolic effects of hydroethanolic extract of S. cumini leaf (HESc) on lean and monosodium L-glutamate (MSG)-induced obese rats. HPLC-MS/MS characterization of the HESc polyphenolic profile, at 254 nm, identified 15 compounds pertaining to hydrolysable tannin and flavanol subclasses. At 60 days of age, both groups were randomly assigned to receive HESc (500 mg/kg) or vehicle for 30 days. At the end of treatment, obese+HESc exhibited significantly lower body weight gain, body mass index, and white adipose tissue mass, compared to obese rats receiving vehicle. Obese rats treated with HESc showed a twofold increase in lipolytic activity in the periepididymal fat pad, as well as, brought triglyceride levels in serum, liver and skeletal muscle back to levels close those found in lean animals. Furthermore, HESc also improved hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance in obese+HESc rats, which resulted in partial reversal of glucose intolerance, as compared to obese rats. HESc had no effect in lean rats. Assessment of ex vivo glucose-stimulated insulin secretion showed HESc potentiated pancreatic function in islets isolated from both lean and obese rats treated with HESc. In addition, HESc (10-1000 μg/mL) increased glucose stimulated insulin secretion from both isolated rat islets and INS-1E β-cells. These data demonstrate that S. cumini leaf improved peripheral insulin sensitivity via stimulating/modulating β-cell insulin release, which was associated with improvements in metabolic outcomes in MSG-induced obese rats.

Exercise training (ET) is an important intervention for chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus (DM). However, it is not known whether previous exercise training intervention alters the physiological and medical complications of these diseases. We investigated the effects of previous ET on the progression of renal disease and cardiovascular autonomic control in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DM. Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups. All groups were followed for 15 weeks. Trained control and trained diabetic rats underwent 10 weeks of exercise training, whereas previously trained diabetic rats underwent 14 weeks of exercise training. Renal function, proteinuria, renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) and the echocardiographic parameters autonomic modulation and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) were evaluated. In the previously trained group, the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio was reduced compared with the sedentary diabetic and trained diabetic groups (p<0.05). Additionally, RSNA was normalized in the trained diabetic and previously trained diabetic animals (p<0.05). The ejection fraction was increased in the previously trained diabetic animals compared with the diabetic and trained diabetic groups (p<0.05), and the myocardial performance index was improved in the previously trained diabetic group compared with the diabetic and trained diabetic groups (p<0.05). In addition, the previously trained rats had improved heart rate variability and BRS in the tachycardic response and bradycardic response in relation to the diabetic group (p<0.05). This study demonstrates that previous ET improves the functional damage that affects DM. Additionally, our findings suggest that the development of renal and cardiac dysfunction can be minimized by 4 weeks of ET before the induction of DM by STZ.

Context: Gastric neoplasia is the second most common cause of death by cancer in the world and H. pylori is classified as a type I human carcinogen by the World Health Organization. However, despite the high prevalence of infection by H. pylori around the world, less than 3% of individuals carrying the bacteria develop gastric neoplasias. Such a fact indicates that evolution towards malignancy may be associated with bacterial factors in the host and the environment., Objectives: To investigate the association between polymorphism in the region promoting the IL-8 (-251) gene and the H. pylori genotype, based on the vacA alleles and the presence of the cagA gene, using clinical and histopathological data., Methods: In a prospective study, a total of 102 patients with stomach cancer and 103 healthy volunteers were analysed. Polymorphism in interleukin 8 (-251) was determined by the PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism reaction and sequencing. PCR was used for genotyping the vacA alleles and the cagA in the bacterial strains PCR. Gastric biopsies were histologically assessed., Results: The H. pylori serology was positive for 101 (99%) of all patients analysed, and 98 (97%) of them were colonized by only one strain. In patients with monoinfection, 82 (84%) of the bacterial strains observed had the s1b/m1 genotype. The cagA gene was detected in 74 (73%) of patients infected by H. pylori. The presence of the cagA gene was demonstrated as associated with the presence of the s1b/m1 genotype of the vacA gene (P = 0.002). As for polymorphism in the interleukin 8 (-251) gene we observed that the AA (P = 0.026) and AT (P = 0.005) genotypes were most frequent in the group of patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. By comparing the different types of isolated bacterial strains with the interleukin -8 (-251) and the histopathological data we observed that carriers of the A allele (AT and AA) infected by virulent strains (m1s1 cagA+) demonstrated a greater risk of presenting a degree of inflammation (OR = 24.75 CI 95% 2.29-267.20 P = 0.004) and increased neutrophilic activity (OR = 28.71 CI 95% 2.62-314 P = 0.002) in the gastric mucosa., Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that the interaction between polymorphism in the interleukin -8 (-251) gene, particularly with carriers of the A allele and the infecting type of H. pylori strain (s1m1 cagA positive) performs an important function in development of gastric adenocarcinoma.

Aim: To establish whether virulence factor genes vacA and cagA are present in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) retrieved from gastric mucosa and dental plaque in patients with dyspepsia., Methods: Cumulative dental plaque specimens and gastric biopsies were submitted to histological examination, rapid urease test and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays to detect the presence of cagA and vacA polymorphisms., Results: Detection of H. pylori from dental plaque and gastric biopsy samples was greater by PCR compared to histological examination and the rapid urease test. DNA from H. pylori was detected in 96% of gastric mucosa samples and in 72% of dental plaque samples. Sixty-three (89%) of 71 dental plaque samples that were H. pylori-positive also exhibited identical vacA and cagA genotypes in gastric mucosa. The most common genotype was vacAs1bm1 and cagA positive, either in dental plaque or gastric mucosa. These virulent H. pylori isolates were involved in the severity of clinical outcome., Conclusion: These pathogenic strains were found simultaneously in dental plaque and gastric mucosa, which suggests that gastric infection is correlated with the presence of H. pylori in the mouth.

Resistance of Helicobacter pylori to clarithromycin is characterised by simple point mutations in the 23S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene and is responsible for the majority of cases of failure to eradicate this bacterium. In this paper, we characterised the variability of the 23S rRNA gene in biopsies of patients with gastric pathologies in the eastern Amazon (Northern Region of Brazil) using PCR and sequencing. A total of 49 sequences of H. pylori strains were analysed and of those, 75.6% presented nucleotide substitutions: A2142G (3.3%), T2182C (12.9%), G2224A (6.45%), T2215C (61.3%), A2192G (3.3%), G2204C (6.4%) and T2221C (6.4%). Of the mutations identified, four are known mutations related to cases of resistance and 16.1% are not yet described, revealing a high prevalence of mutations in the H. pylori 23S rRNA gene among the strains circulating in the in the eastern Amazon. The high prevalence in individuals with gastric pathologies in the Northern Region of Brazil demonstrates the need for characterising the profile of these strains to provide correct therapy for patients, considering that mutations in this gene are normally associated with resistance to the primary medication used in controlling H. pylori infection.

The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection was investigated in blood samples from 100 children aged 1 to 12 years and from their mothers, by means of the indirect hemagglutination and anti-CagA methods, using ELISA assays. From these 100 children, 79 stool samples were obtained and bacterial antigens in the stools were investigated using capture ELISA. The antigens were detected in 54.4% (43/79) of the children, and serum antibodies in 43% (34/79). These methods presented similar performance, with greatest disagreement among the children aged 1 to 4 years. The seroprevalence was 50% (50/100) among the children and 86% (86/100) among the mothers. Infected mothers represented a risk factor that was 19 times greater than that of seronegative mothers, with regard to infecting their children (p < 0.05), especially the mothers with CagA+ strains (p < 0.05). Direct person-to-person contact may be a transmission method for this infection.

Helicobacter pylori is a pathogenic agent with a worldwide distribution and is involved in the development of many gastrointestinal diseases. Nowadays infection with the virulent strain CagA+ of H. pylori is considered one of the main etiological factors in the development of gastric ulcer. Based on this information, we investigated the seroprevalence of virulent strains among patients with gastric ulcer from one region, using serologic tests to detect antibodies against H. pylori and CagA protein. Infection by the virulent strain was found in 82% (40/55) of the patients, and among these, 89% (40/45) presented an increased degree of inflammation in the gastric mucosa, with a dense infiltration of leukocytes in the tissue, which probably favored the formation of gastric ulcer. We concluded that the presence of the virulent strain is related to the development of an increased inflammation in the gastric mucosa.