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Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T08:32:35Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 The interaction of enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) strains with the colonic gut mucosa is characterized by the ability of the bacteria to form robust biofilms, to bind mucin, and induce a local inflammatory response. These events are mediated by a repertoire of five different aggregative adherence fimbriae variants (AAF/I-V) typically encoded on virulence plasmids. In this study, we report the production in EAEC strains of a new YehD fimbriae (YDF), which is encoded by the chromosomal gene cluster yehABCD, also present in most E. coli strains. Immuno-labelling of EAEC strain 042 with anti-AAF/II and anti-YDF antibodies demonstrated the presence of both AAF/II and YDF on the bacterial surface. We investigated the role of YDF in cell adherence, biofilm formation, colonization of spinach leaves, and induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines release. To this aim, we constructed yehD deletion mutants in different EAEC backgrounds (strains 17-2, 042, 55989, C1010, 278-1, J7) each harbouring one of the five AAFs. The effect of the YDF mutation was strain dependent and AAF independent as the lack of YDF had a different impact on the phenotypes manifested by the different EAECs tested. Expression of the yehABCD operon in a E. coli K12 ORN172 showed that YDF is important for biofilm formation but not for adherence to HeLa cells. Lastly, screening of pro-inflammatory cytokines in supernatants of Caco-2 cells infected with EAEC strains 042 and J7 and their isogenic ΔyehD mutants showed that these mutants were significantly defective in release of IL-8 and TNF-α. This study contributes to the understanding of the complex and diverse mechanisms of adherence of EAEC strains and identifies a new potential target for preventive measures of gastrointestinal illness caused by EAEC and other E. coli pathogroups. Department of Pediatrics University of Virginia School of Medicine Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitarias Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI Instituto Mexicano de Seguro Social Centro de Detección Biomolecular Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla University of Florida Emerging Pathogens Institute Departamento de Patologia Universidade Federal do Maranhão Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia Instituto de Biociencias da UNESP Facultad de Estomatología Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla Departamento de Biología Celular Centro de Investigaciones Avanzadas Instituto Politécnico Nacional Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla Laboratory of Bacteriology Instituto Butantan Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia Instituto de Biociencias da UNESP

Limosilactobacillus fermentum (ATCC 23271) was originally isolated from the human intestine and has displayed antimicrobial activity, primarily against Candida species. Complete genome sequencing and comparative analyses were performed to elucidate the genetic basis underlying its probiotic potential. The ATCC 23271 genome was found to contain 2,193,335 bp, with 2123 protein-coding sequences. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the ATCC 23271 strain shares 941 gene clusters with six other probiotic strains of L. fermentum. Putative genes known to confer probiotic properties have been identified in the genome, including genes related to adhesion, tolerance to acidic pH and bile salts, tolerance to oxidative stress, and metabolism and transport of sugars and other compounds. A search for bacteriocin genes revealed a sequence 48% similar to that of enterolysin A, a protein from Enterococcus faecalis. However, in vitro assays confirmed that the strain has inhibitory activity on the growth of Candida species and also interferes with their adhesion to HeLa cells. In silico analyses demonstrated a high probability of the protein with antimicrobial activity. Our data reveal the genome features of L. fermentum ATCC 23271, which may provide insight into its future use given the functional benefits, especially against Candida infections.

Resumen Introducción y objetivo: La incorporación de propóleos en los dentífricos tiene como objetivo ayudar de manera más efectiva al control y la prevención de patologías orales a través de la eliminación de los patógenos presentes en la biopelícula. Sin embargo, se sabe poco sobre la eficacia antimicrobiana de diferentes productos en el mercado de microorganismos para estas patologías. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la acción antimicrobiana de tres dentífricos que contienen propóleos sobre los patógenos orales. Material y métodos: Se utilizó el método de difusión en agar para analizar tres dentífricos basados en propóleos, que incluyen: Noplak Max®, Protta® y Forever Bright®. Se utilizó un dentífrico sin propóleos (Malvatrikids®) como control negativo. Los controles positivos fueron 0,2% de clorhexidina diluida adicionalmente al 30% para igualar la concentración de clorhexidina de uno de los dentífricos evaluados, y el extracto de propóleos (Apis Flora®) al 11%. Para la determinación de la actividad antimicrobiana se utilizaron las cepas de Fusobacterium nucleatum y Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus y Candida albicans. Resultados: De los dentífricos probados, Protta® y Forever Bright® mostraron acción inhibitoria contra S. mutans, E. faecalis y microorganismos de C. albicans. El dentífrico Nopla k® mostró baja actividad antimicrobiana, limitándose a S. mutans y E. faecalis. Cuando hubo un efecto antimicrobiano, los diámetros de los halos de inhibición del crecimiento variaron de 9mm a 28,83mm. Conclusión: El uso de un dentífrico que contiene propóleos para su uso eventual como complemento terapéutico en odontología está justificado, considerando las actividades farmacológicas. Abstract Introduction and objective: The incorporation of propolis in dentifrices aims to more effectively assist the control and prevention of oral pathologies through the elimination of pathogens present in the biofilm. However, little is known about the antimicrobial efficacy of different products on the market for microorganisms for these conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial action of three propolis-containing dentifrices on oral pathogens. Material and methods: The agar diffusion method was used to analyze three propolis-based dentifrices, including: Noplak Max®, Protta® and Forever Bright®. A non-propolis dentifrice (Malvatrikids®) was employed as a negative control. Positive controls were 0.2% chlorhexidine, further diluted 30% to match the chlorhexidine concentration of one of the evaluated dentifrices and 11% propolis extract (Apis Flora®). For the determination of antimicrobial activity the strains of Fusobacterium nucleatum and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Candida albicans were used. Results: Of the tested dentifrices, Protta® and Forever Bright® showed inhibitory action against S. mutans, E. faecalis and C. albicans microorganisms. Noplak® dentifrice showed low antimicrobial activity, being limited to S. mutans and E. faecalis. When there was an antimicrobial effect, the diameter of the growth inhibition halos ranged from 9mm to 28.83mm. Conclusion: The use of a propolis-containing dentifrice for eventual use as a therapeutic adjunct in dentistry is fully justified, considering the pharmacological activities. Resumo Introdução e objetivo: A incorporação de própolis em dentifrícios visa ajudar a controlar e prevenir patologias bucais de maneira mais eficaz, através da eliminação de patógenos presentes no biofilme. No entanto, pouco se sabe sobre a eficácia antimicrobiana de diferentes produtos no mercado de microrganismos para essas patologias. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a ação antimicrobiana de três dentifrícios contendo própolis em patógenos orais. Material e métodos: O método de difusão em ágar foi utilizado para analisar três dentífricos à base de própolis, incluindo: Noplak Max®, Protta® e Forever Bright®. Um creme dental não própolis (Malvatrikids®) foi usado como controle negativo. Os controles positivos foram 0,2% de clorexidina diluída para 30% para corresponder à concentração de clorexidina de um dos dentifrícios avaliados e 11% de extrato de própolis (Apis Flora®). Para a determinação da atividade antimicrobiana, foram utilizadas as linhagens Fusobacterium nucleatum e Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus e Candida albicans. Resultados: Dos dentifrícios testados, Protta® e Forever Bright® apresentaram ação inibitória contra S. mutans, E. faecalis e microorganismos de C. albicans. O creme dental Noplak® apresentou baixa atividade antimicrobiana, limitada a S. mutans e E. faecalis. Quando houve efeito antimicrobiano, os diâmetros dos halos de inibição de crescimento variaram de 9 a 28,83 mm. Conclusão: O uso de um dentifrício contendo própolis para eventual uso como complemento terapêutico em odontologia é totalmente justificado, considerando as atividades farmacológicas.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa has caused high rates of mortality due to the appearance of strains with multidrug resistance (MDR) profiles. This study aimed to characterize the molecular profile of virulence and resistance genes in 99 isolates of P. aeruginosa recovered from different clinical specimens. The isolates were identified by the automated method Vitek2, and the antibiotic susceptibility profile was determined using different classes of antimicrobials. The genomic DNA was extracted and amplified by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR) to detect different virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes. Molecular typing was performed using the enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC-PCR) technique to determine the clonal relationship among P. aeruginosa isolates. The drug susceptibility profiles of P. aeruginosa for all strains showed high levels of drug resistance, particularly, 27 (27.3%) isolates that exhibited extensively drug-resistant (XDR) profiles, and the other isolates showed MDR profiles. We detected the polymyxin E (mcr-1) gene in one strain that showed resistance against colistin. The genes that confer resistance to oxacillin (blaOXA-23 and blaOXA-51) were present in three isolates. One of these isolates carried both genes. As far as we know from the literature, this is the first report of the presence of blaOXA-23 and blaOXA-51 genes in P. aeruginosa.

Fruit juices have been emerging as excellent vehicles for development of probiotic products due to their nutritional properties and presence of bioactive compounds. This work evaluated the growth and viability of Limosilactobacillus fermentum ATCC 23271 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus ATCC 9595 in bacuri juice (Platonia insignis Mart., Clusiaceae). Both strains were able to grow in bacuri juice, without any supplementation. Viability was kept after 28 days of storage, however, growth was significantly higher for L. rhamnosus ATCC 9595 (7.40 ± 0.04 Log CFU/mL). Following this, the effects of bacterial inoculum and pulp concentration on growth and lactic acid production by L. rhamnosus ATCC 9595 were investigated using a central composite rotational design. The inoculum concentration was the main factor for obtaining the most favorable relation between growth and organic acid production (G/pH ratio). Among the tested conditions, those used in assay 6 allowed the best G/pH ratio (2.13) and higher lactic acid production (4.14 g/L). In these conditions, L. rhamnosus ATCC 9595 grown in bacuri juice showed the same resistance towards acidification or addition of lysozyme than when cultivated in MRS. Finally, the anti-infective effects of fermented and non-fermented juices were analyzed using Tenebrio molitor larvae infected by enteroaggregative Escherichia coli 042. The pre-treatment with supernatants of both fermented and non-fermented juices significantly increased the survival of E. coli-infected larvae. However, only the L. rhamnosus-fermented juice had protective effects when inoculated 2 h after infection. Collectively, the results obtained in this research allowed the basis for the development of a non-dairy probiotic product from bacuri juice.

AIM To evaluate the presence of bacteria in permanent teeth with intact crowns (without caries, periodontal disease or dental trauma) in patients with sickle cell anaemia (HbSS genotype) by analysing their clinical, imaging and microbiological parameters. METHODOLOGY This is a case series study nested in a cohort. In the first follow-up of this cohort study (Journal of Endodontics, 2013, 39, 177), 10 HbSS patients with at least one tooth with an intact crown and clinically diagnosed with pulp necrosis by pulse oximetry adapted for dentistry and a cold pulp sensitivity test (n = 27 teeth) were selected. Changes in the pulp chamber, root and periodontal ligament were identified in the tomographic analysis. Bacterial culture, staining for live and dead bacteria, and real-time polymerase chain reaction with 16S rRNA primers were used to identify the presence of bacteria. Culture sample collection was performed immediately after access to the pulp chamber. The microbiome was analysed with a MiSeq sequencer (Illumina, San Diego, CA). RESULTS The diagnosis of pulp necrosis was confirmed clinically in 82% (22/27) of the teeth. The amount of bacterial load identified was less than 100 copies μL-1 in 23% (5/22) of the teeth with intact crowns and pulp necrosis. Thirteen bacterial species were identified that are commonly found in urinary tract infections, septicaemia and infective endocarditis. Only one of these species, Granulicatella adjacens, has also be found in primary endodontic infections. CONCLUSION Prospective clinical, imaging and microbiological analyses suggest that pulp necrosis of teeth with intact crowns in HbSS patients is not associated with the presence of bacteria.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial action of filamentous bacteria isolated from the Byrsonima crassifolia leaf. An endophytic bacterium has been identified by classical and molecular techniques as Streptomyces ansochromogene. Screening for antibacterial action against pathogens with medical relevance (Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 700603, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15692, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Corynebacterium diphtheriae ATCC 27012, Mycobacterium abscessus, Cryptococcus gattii ATCC 24065, and Cryptococcus neoformans ATCC 24067) demonstrated activity against the bacterium P. aeruginosa ATCC 0030 with inhibition diameter zones (IDZ) of 17.6 ± 0.25 mm in the preliminary screening in solid medium. After fermentation in liquid medium, an IDZ of 19.6 ± 0.46 mm and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.5 mg/mL were detected. The antibiofilm action was observed with 100% inhibition of biofilm formation at a concentration of 0.250 mg/mL. When the infection curve was prepared, it was observed that the metabolite was effective in protecting the larvae of Tenebrio molitor. The metabolite does not show toxicity for eukaryotic cells. The leishmanicidal activity demonstrated that the metabolite presented a dose-dependent effect on the promastigotes forms of Leishmania amazonensis growth and the estimated IC50/72 h was 71.65 ± 7.4 μg/mL. Therefore, it can be concluded that the metabolite produced by the endophytic bacterium Streptomyces sp. is promising for future use as an alternative strategy against bacterial resistance.

Infectious diarrhea is the second most common cause of morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years of age in the underdeveloped areas of the world. Conventional treatment consists of rehydration, which may be coupled with antimicrobial agents in more severe bacterial infections or with antiprotozoal agents. In the last few decades, research on the use of probiotic strains, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ATCC 53013 (LGG), Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and Saccharomyces boulardii, has gained much attention to prevent and treat diarrheal diseases. However, they are rarely used in the clinical routine, perhaps because there are still gaps in the knowledge about the effective benefit to the patient in terms of the reduction of the duration of diarrhea and its prevention. Furthermore, only a few probiotic strains are safely indicated for usage in pediatric practice. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the antimicrobial mechanisms of probiotics on distinct enteropathogens and their role in stimulating host defense mechanisms against intestinal infections. In addition, we highlight the potential of probiotics for the treatment and prevention of diarrhea in children. We conclude that the use of probiotics is beneficial for both the treatment and prevention of diarrhea in children and that the identification of other candidate probiotics might represent an important advance to a greater reduction in hospital stays and to prevent infectious diarrhea in a larger portion of this population.

Background: The definitions of urinary tract infections (UTI) and asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU) are problematic to apply in patients with neurogenic bladder (NB). Here, we carried out a comparative analysis of the main clinical and laboratory data of NB patients with UTI and ABU.Methods: One hundred ninety five patients with neurogenic bladder were evaluated in the Urology Sector at a neurorehabilitation hospital. Patients were divided into either ABU or UTI group based on clinical and laboratory data. The sociodemographic data, clinical history, and laboratory test results were collected and used in the comparative analysis.Results: Of the patients evaluated, 161 (82.6%) had ABU. Patients of different age groups were affected, predominantly young adults (20-39 years). The median time of bladder involvement was 8.9 years (0-35). Neurogenic bowel was observed in 97.5% of cases and renal lithiasis in 11.3%. The main underlying pathologies leading to urologic involvement were spinal cord injury, myelomeningocele, stroke, and neoplasms. Only 16.4% of patients were not on intermittent catheterization, in which the risk of recurrent infection was higher than in patients who were under for intermittent bladder catheterization (p = 0.016, OR 2.65). Infection rates were significantly different between patients with histories of recurrent urinary tract infections (asymptomatic bacteriuria 29.8% vs 52.9% infection, p = 0.016). Leukocyturia was frequent in both groups, however, our data suggested that only values ≤ 30 cells/high power field excluded infection.Conclusions: In summary, intermittent catheterization was observed to be essential in the prevention of recurrent UTI, as well as the need to adjust the reference values for leukocyturia in the definition of the infectious condition.

Candida yeasts are generally found in the vaginal microbiota, however, disruption of the balance maintained by host factors and microorganisms results in vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). This study evaluated the antagonistic activity of vaginal Lactobacillus spp. on Candida albicans to verify whether active compounds of Lactobacillus spp. had antifungal and antivirulence activity. The antagonism assay showed that 15 out of 20 Lactobacillus strains had an inhibitory effect on C. albicans. Biosurfactants displayed surface-tension-reducing activity, with the best value obtained for Lactobacillus gasseri 1. Lactobacillus rhamnosus ATCC 9595, Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356, and Lactobacillus paracasei 11 produced biosurfactants that decreased C. albicans adhesion and disrupted biofilm formation. The best results were obtained in the pre-incubation assay for L. gasseri 1 and L. paracasei 11. Overall, Lactobacillus strains showed significant anti-Candida activity, and their biosurfactants exhibited considerable anti-adhesion and antibiofilm activity against C. albicans. To be considered safe for use in vivo, the safety of biosurfactant (BS) should be investigated using cytotoxicity assays.

Wound healing can be delayed following colonization and infection with the common bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. While multiple therapies are used for their treatment, these are ineffective, expensive, and labour-intensive. Thus, there is an enormous unmet need for the treatment of infected wounds. Cinnamaldehyde, the major component of cinnamon oil, is well known for its antimicrobial properties. Herein, we investigated the effects of sub-inhibitory concentrations of cinnamaldehyde in the virulence of P. aeruginosa. We also assessed its healing potential in P. aeruginosa-infected mouse skin wounds and the mechanisms involved in this response. Sub-inhibitory concentrations of cinnamaldehyde reduced P. aeruginosa metabolic rate and its ability to form biofilm and to cause haemolysis. Daily topical application of cinnamaldehyde on P. aeruginosa-infected skin wounds reduced tissue bacterial load and promoted faster healing. Lower interleukin-17 (IL-17), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nitric oxide levels were detected in cinnamaldehyde-treated wound samples. Blockage of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1, the pharmacological target of cinnamaldehyde, abrogated its healing activity and partially reversed the inhibitory actions of this compound on VEGF and IL-17 generation. We suggest that topical application of sub-inhibitory concentrations of cinnamaldehyde may represent an interesting approach to improve the healing of P. aeruginosa-infected skin wounds.

This study evaluated the effect of airborne-particle abrasion with niobium phosphate bioglass (NbG) microparticles on the bond strength (μTBS) and longevity of an adhesive system to different dentin substrates. In this study, 18 Caries-free molars were used, of which 12 were microbiologically processed for caries induction. The dentin surfaces were evaluated in three groups: (1) Control – Healthy Dentin; (2) Partial removal of carious tissue; (3) complete removal of carious tissue. Half the teeth in each group were submitted to airborne-particle abrasion with NbG microparticles (15 s/1 cm/5 bar). After this, the adhesive Clearfil S3 was applied and composite buildups were constructed incrementally; and specimens were longitudinally sectioned to obtain bonded sticks (1.0 mm2) to be tested in tension (0.5 mm/min) immediately or after 6 months of storage in water. The fracture patterns were evaluated by stereomicroscope (40×) and then by scanning electron microscopy. The data were analyzed by the Kru...

Many Clostridium species are found as commensal members of the intestinal microbiota. However, imbalances of the microbiota may lead to certain infections caused by these microorganisms, mainly Clostridium butyricum, Clostridium difficile, and Clostridium perfringens. In many cases, infection recurrence can occur after antibiotics, indicating the need for novel therapeutic options that act on the pathogens and also restore the microbiota. Herein, the in vitro antimicrobial activity and probiotic potential of clinical and reference strains of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus were investigated against Clostridium species. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by the agar spot test and inhibition of gas production. Then, the probiotic potential of selected strains was assessed by analyzing their coaggregation ability, adhesive properties to host cells and mucin, tolerance to acidic pH and bile salts, and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles. Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 8014 was the most promising strain based on its inhibitory activity against Clostridium spp. Also, this strain met criteria to be considered a probiotic based on its coaggregation ability, adhesive properties, and tolerance to harsh pH and bile acid salt conditions. The results indicate that among the studied strains, L. plantarum ATCC 8014 presents probiotic potential for controlling infections induced by the studied Clostridium species and should be further evaluated in in vivo animal models.

Background The purpose of this study was to assess the association between chronic kidney diseases (CKD) and dental caries. Material and Methods 107 patients with CKD and 107 with no systemic alteration were randomly included. DMFT (decayed, missing, and filled teeth), plaque index, colony-forming units (CFU) of Streptococcus mutans and salivary composition (IgA total, IgA anti- Streptococcus mutans, calcium and urea) were evaluated. McNemar and Wilcoxon tests were used to compare test and control groups. Spearman test was used to correlate time of hemodialysis and variables studied. Associations between variables were evaluated by logistic regression analysis. Results The number of filled teeth, the amount of IgA anti-Streptococcus mutans, salivary urea, education level, monthly income and the amount of CFU of Streptococcus mutans were statistically different between groups. There was a positive correlation between the duration of hemodialysis (Hd) and the amount of IgA anti-Streptococcus mutans, urea in saliva, and the number of CFU of Streptococcus mutans. In the adjusted model, a higher incidence of CFU mutans streptococci, elevated salivary urea, smaller number of filled teeth, lower DMFT, and less calcium salivary were associated with CKD. Conclusions Programs to prevent and treat oral problems and regular follow-up at the beginning of dialysis are necessary to increase patients’ awareness of their condition. Key words:Renal disease, chronic, dental caries, renal dialysis.

Thioredoxin plays an essential role in bacterial antioxidant machinery and virulence; however, its regulatory actions in the host are less well understood. Reduced human Trx activates transient receptor potential canonical 5 (TRPC5) in inflammation, but there is no evidence of whether these receptors mediate bacterial thioredoxin effects in the host. Importantly, TRPC5 can form functional complexes with other subunits such as TRPC4. Herein, E. coli-derived thioredoxin induced mortality in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) injected mice, accompanied by reduction of leukocyte accumulation, regulation of cytokine release into the peritoneum, and impairment of peritoneal macrophage-mediated phagocytosis. Dual TRPC4/TRPC5 blockade by ML204 increased mortality and hypothermia in thioredoxin-treated LPS mice but preserved macrophage’s ability to phagocytose. TRPC5 deletion did not alter body temperature but promoted additional accumulation of peritoneal leukocytes and inflammatory mediator release in thioredoxin-administered LPS mice. Thioredoxin diminished macrophage-mediated phagocytosis in wild-type but not TRPC5 knockout animals. TRPC5 ablation did not affect LPS-induced responses. However, ML204 caused mortality associated with exacerbated hypothermia and decreased peritoneal leukocyte numbers and cytokines in LPS-injected mice. These results suggest that bacterial thioredoxin effects under LPS stimuli are mediated by TRPC4 and TRPC5, shedding light on the additional mechanisms of bacterial virulence and on the pathophysiological roles of these receptors.

Anacardium occidentale L., Anacardiaceae, is frequently used to treat infections. We evaluated the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of extracts obtained from aerial parts of the plant in comparison with the extract prepared with the flowers. Ethanol extracts of the leaves (EEL), stem bark (EEB), and flowers (EEF) were prepared separately. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by agar diffusion and broth dilution methods. The minimum bactericidal and fungicidal concentrations were determined against: Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, Salmonella choleraesuis, Candida albicans, and Candida tropicalis. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated based on their scavenger capacity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyle. The phytochemical profile was analyzed by colorimetric methods and by HPLC with UV detection. All extracts exhibited antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Although, the EEF was the most effective since it inhibited the growth of all 14 microorganisms tested. Anacardic and galic acids were identified in all extracts as well phenolic compounds, triterpenes, flavones and xanthones. In conclusion, the extracts obtained from the aerial parts of A. occidentale, mainly the extract of flowers that was the most effective, are rich in bioactive metabolites that exert a potent antioxidant and antimicrobial effect. Taken together, the results indicate an important biotechnological potential of A. occidentale as a source of compounds with broad-spectrum antimicrobial and of antioxidant activity to be used in the food and cosmetics industry.

O uso de alimentos contendo bactérias pro bióticas foi recentemente considerado uma possibilidade de prevenção contra a instalação ou atenuação de um processo infeccioso, principalmente as espécies pertencentes aos gêneros Bifidobacterium e Lactobacillus que predominam na microbiota gastrintestinal e que são amplamente utilizadas em alimentos funcionais. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo fazer um levantamento das pesquisas já desenvolvidas, analisando as potencialidades e a evolução das competências tecnológicas de probióticos associados a leite humano. A prospecção foi realizada no Banco Europeu de Patentes, no Banco da Organização Mundial de Propriedade Intelectual e no Banco de dados do Instituto Nacional de Propriedade Industrial do Brasil. A classificação internacional mais abundante nessa prospecção foi a Subseção A61 e principalmente na Subclasse A61K. Dentre os maiores depositantes estão Estados Unidos e Alemanha. Os dados demonstraram uma área promissora, com crescimento relevante de patentes depositadas.

The hydroalcoholic extract of Punica granatum (pomegranate) leaves was previously demonstrated to be anti-inflammatory in a rat model of lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced acute peritonitis. Here, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of the ethyl acetate fraction obtained from the pomegranate leaf hydroalcoholic extract (EAFPg) on the LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI) mouse model. Male Swiss mice received either EAFPg at different doses or dexamethasone (per os) prior to LPS intranasal instillation. Vehicle-treated mice were used as controls. Animals were culled at 4 h after LPS challenge, and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung samples were collected for analysis. EAFPg and kaempferol effects on NO and cytokine production by LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages were also investigated. Pretreatment with EAFPg (100–300 mg/kg) markedly reduced cell accumulation (specially neutrophils) and collagen deposition in the lungs of ALI mice. The same animals presented with reduced lung and BALF TNF-α and IL-1β expression in comparison with vehicle controls (p<0.05). Additionally, incubation with either EAFPg or kaempferol (100 μg/ml) reduced NO production and cytokine gene expression in cultured LPS-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Overall, these results demonstrate that the prophylactic treatment with EAFPg attenuates acute lung inflammation. We suggest this fraction may be useful in treating ALI.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits to the host when they are ingested in adequate amounts. The strains most frequently used as probiotics include lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria. These microorganisms have significant potential as therapeutic options for a variety of diseases, but the mechanisms responsible for these effects have not yet been fully elucidated. In general, new probiotic strains for human use are sourced from human intestinal flora and breast milk. This study sought to survey the existing research regarding the potential for and development of technologies regarding infant stool-associated probiotics. The study was performed using information from the European Patent Bank, the Bank of the World Intellectual Property Organization and the database of the National Institute of Industrial Property of Brazil. The most abundant international classification prospected was Subsection C12, particularly class A61N. The Republic of Korea has the most patents filed. The results indicate a promising area with significant growth in the number of patents.

Prevalência de hepatite B e C e identificação do perfil epidemiológico de cem moradores de rua de São Luís-Maranhão. Objetivos: Caracterizar o perfil epidemiológico dos indivíduos portadores dos vírus das hepatites B e C; Analisar a prevalência e vulnerabilidade a ISTs em moradores de rua em São Luís- MA;. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico do tipo transversal, descritivo-analítico de população de risco, ou seja, de moradores das ruas. O projeto foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Universidade Ceuma com seguinte n° de parecer: 769.163. Resultados:. Na amostra com 105 moradores de rua de São Luis encontrou-se as seguintes prevalências: Hepatite C (3,8%) e não foi encontrado dentro do espaço amostral nenhum caso de hepatite B. Consumo de drogas: Crack(21,9%), Crack e Cocaína(40,0%), Cocaína(19,0%), Maconha(12,4%), Ignorado(6,7%). População composta em sua maioria (53,3%) por homens, (100%) heterossexuais, (59,5 %) não brancos. Conclusão: os dados obtidos demonstraram uma grande vulnerabilidade desse grupo populacional quanto as ISTs o que torna preocupante e de extrema importância a assistência a essa parcela da população de São Luis tanto no esclarecimento das medidas preventivas das ISTs quanto na detecção precoce dessas doenças que podem se manifestar de forma silenciosa tais como a Hepatite B e C impactando assim na qualidade de vida desse grupo negligenciado pelas políticas públicas.Palavras-Chave: Hepatite B; Hepatite C; Moradores de Rua; IST; Prevalência

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) suffer from pain and joint disability. The transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channel expressed on sensory neurones and non-neuronal cells mediates pain transduction and inflammation and it has been implicated in RA. However, there is little information on the contribution of TRPA1 for human disease. Here, we investigated the expression of TRPA1 on peripheral blood leukocytes and the circulating levels of its endogenous activators 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in RA patients treated or not with the anti-rheumatic leflunomide (LFN) or the anti-TNFα adalimumab (ADA). We also assessed whether TRPA1 expression correlates with joint pain and disability, in addition to the immune changes in RA. TRPA1 expression on peripheral blood leukocytes correlated with pain severity and disability. TRPA1 levels on these cells were associated with the numbers of polymorphonuclear and the activation of CD14+ cells. No correlations were found between the lymphocyte population and TRPA1 expression, pain or disability. Patients recently diagnosed with RA expressed increased levels of TRPA1 on their leukocytes whilst treatment with either LFN or ADA down-regulated this receptor probably by reducing the numbers of polymorphonuclears and the activation of CD14+ cells. We suggest that the activation levels of CD14+ cells, the numbers of PMNs in the peripheral blood and the expression of TRPA1 on peripheral blood leukocytes correlate with RA progression, affecting joint pain sensitivity and loss of function.

A hundred Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains from several clinical specimens from five hospitals in Sao Luis-MA were evaluated for biofilm production, prevalence of the gene algD, adhesion to HEp-2 cells and antimicrobial susceptibility. The most affected clinical specimens and hospital sectors were also evaluated. Most isolates were obtained from the tracheal aspirate (21.0%) and the most affected hospital sector was the ICU (43.0%). The antibiotics with the highest sensitivity rate were amikacin, piperacillin/tazobactam, fluoroquinolones, gentamicin and meropenem and the ones with the highest resistance rate were aztreonam, ceftazidime and cefepime. All samples were sensitive to polymyxin B. In relation to the expression of the gene for ESBL, 50.0% (17/34) of the multiresistant strains showed the enzyme TEM. Most strains showed high hydrophobicity and 96% of the isolates produced biofilm on a polystyrene microplate, 52% were capsule producers, 19% showed mannose-sensitive fimbriae and 39% expressed the gene algD. We observed adhesion to HEp-2 cells and to the coverslip. These factors may be reported in the pathogenesis of this bacterium, what represents a potential risk for colonization of medical devices which favor the establishment of chronic nosocomial infections.