Spondias tuberosa Arr. (UMBU): estudo fitoquímico e avaliação do potencial anti-inflamatório

Spondias tuberosa Arruda (Anacardiaceae) is a fruitful tree popularly known as umbuzeiro, tapereba or umbu. It is a native and endemic species from Brazil, widespread in Brazilian Northeast. The species is important in folk medicine of the semi-arid Northeast, where it is mainly used to treat various inflammatory conditions, digestive problems as well as viral and bacterial infections. However, despite the common use in folk medicine, there are scarce pharmacological and phytochemicals studies that afford scientific evidence to its popular use. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the chemical markers in S. tuberosa leaves extract, obtained by maceration ethanol:water (70:30, [v/v]), and evaluate its anti-inflammatory potential in vivo. The phytochemical profile in TLC analysis suggested the occurence of the flavonoids rutin and isoquercitrin. HPLC analysis enabled us to confirm the presence of flavonoids and also, were detected the phenolic acids, chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid. In addition was developed and validated a HPLC method to evaluate the content of the identified compounds in S. tuberosa leaves extract according to RDC 899/2003 of ANVISA and ICH Guidelines 2005. In order to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of S. tuberosa leaves extract, the peritonitis and paw edema models induced by carrageenan were used, administration i.p. in mice. The results highlighted the anti-inflammatory property in vivo at 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg since a decrease in leukocyte influx to the site of inflammation, diameter of the edema and the level of myeloperoxidase were observed when compared to the drug control dexamethasone (2 mg/kg, i.p. route). Taken together, the results pointed out S. tuberosa as a potential species for developing phytotherapic derivatives in according to its popular use. With regard to the characterization markers, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rutin and isoquercitrin were identified and quantified in Spondias tuberosa leaves extract so they could be used in quality control analyses of the raw material and extracts of this species.

A atuação do enfermeiro no combate à dengue e a febre chikungunya: estudo comparativo nos municípios de Parnamirim e Santa Cruz/RN

The research aimed to analyze the role of nurses in the Family Health Strategy (FHS) in the control of Dengue and Chikungunya fever in the cities of Parnamirim and Santa Cruz. It is exploratory and descriptive nature of research, with a qualitative approach, which was developed with nurses of the Family Health Strategy in the municipalities of Parnamirim and Santa Cruz. All research process followed the ethical standards laid out research in Resolution No. 466/2012 of the National Health Council about research involving human beings. Data collection was performed using a semi-structured questionnaire with open and closed questions, organized into three parts: the profile of respondents, knowledge of the disease (transmission, prevention, control) and description of practices. The actions performed by nurses are punctual performed when there is growing disease of the number of cases in order to try to reduce the number of cases. The principal methodology used for them is to talk and guidelines resulting from campaigns and home visits, using leaflets and social networks. Regarding knowledge of nurses in the city of Santa Cruz on Dengue Fever and Chikungunya, is clearly some gaps. Nursing professionals know recognize a suspected case of dengue, but get confused when trying to explain to the Chikungunya fever, exhibiting the same symptoms of dengue. Although everybody had participated in a training on Chikungunya Fever and Dengue, a very limited knowledge of nurses regarding the clinical management. It is suggested that further studies are developed on the ground a few nurses have accepted to participate in the study, so that we can identify strategies, interventions, activities and nursing actions that are consistent with the reality of working in favor of coping Aedes epidemics aegypti that have positive impact on reducing the infestation rates and may be suitable and applied in other regions.

A atuação do enfermeiro no combate à dengue e a febre chikungunya: estudo comparativo nos municípios de Parnamirim e Santa Cruz/RN

The research aimed to analyze the role of nurses in the Family Health Strategy (FHS) in the control of Dengue and Chikungunya fever in the cities of Parnamirim and Santa Cruz. It is exploratory and descriptive nature of research, with a qualitative approach, which was developed with nurses of the Family Health Strategy in the municipalities of Parnamirim and Santa Cruz. All research process followed the ethical standards laid out research in Resolution No. 466/2012 of the National Health Council about research involving human beings. Data collection was performed using a semi-structured questionnaire with open and closed questions, organized into three parts: the profile of respondents, knowledge of the disease (transmission, prevention, control) and description of practices. The actions performed by nurses are punctual performed when there is growing disease of the number of cases in order to try to reduce the number of cases. The principal methodology used for them is to talk and guidelines resulting from campaigns and home visits, using leaflets and social networks. Regarding knowledge of nurses in the city of Santa Cruz on Dengue Fever and Chikungunya, is clearly some gaps. Nursing professionals know recognize a suspected case of dengue, but get confused when trying to explain to the Chikungunya fever, exhibiting the same symptoms of dengue. Although everybody had participated in a training on Chikungunya Fever and Dengue, a very limited knowledge of nurses regarding the clinical management. It is suggested that further studies are developed on the ground a few nurses have accepted to participate in the study, so that we can identify strategies, interventions, activities and nursing actions that are consistent with the reality of working in favor of coping Aedes epidemics aegypti that have positive impact on reducing the infestation rates and may be suitable and applied in other regions.

Chapter Six – The Increase of Exotic Zoonotic Helminth Infections: The Impact of Urbanization, Climate Change and Globalization

Zoonotic parasitic diseases are increasingly impacting human populations due to the effects of globalization, urbanization and climate change. Here we review the recent literature on the most important helminth zoonoses, including reports of incidence and prevalence. We discuss those helminth diseases which are increasing in endemic areas and consider their geographical spread into new regions within the framework of globalization, urbanization and climate change to determine the effect these variables are having on disease incidence, transmission and the associated challenges presented for public health initiatives, including control and elimination.

High prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum and Fasciola gigantica in bovines from Northern Samar, the Philippines

The cause of zoonotic schistosomiasis in the Philippines is Schistosoma japonicum, which infects up to 46 mammalian hosts, including humans and bovines. In China, water buffaloes have been identified as major reservoir hosts for schistosomiasis japonica, contributing up to 75% of human transmission. In the Philippines, water buffaloes (carabao; Bubalus bubalis carabanesis) have, historically, been considered unimportant reservoirs. We therefore revisited the possible role of bovines in schistosome transmission in the Philippines, using the recently described formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation (FEA-SD) technique and a qPCR assay to examine fecal samples from 153 bovines (both carabao and cattle) from six barangays in Northern Samar. A high prevalence of S. japonicum was found using qPCR and FEA-SD in both cattle (87.50% and 77.08%, respectively) and carabao (80.00% and 55.24%, respectively). The average daily egg output for each bovine was calculated at 195,000. High prevalence and infection intensity of F. gigantica was also found in the bovines by qPCR and FEA-SD (95.33% and 96.00%, respectively). The identification of bovines as major reservoir hosts for S. japonicum transmission suggests that bovine treatment and/or vaccination, as one becomes available, should be included in any future control program that aims to reduce the disease burden due to schistosomiasis in the Philippines.

Carrapatos em animais silvestres do bioma cerrado triados pelo cetas, Ibama-Goiás

v. 17, n. 2, p. 296-302, abr./jun. 2016.

Síndrome de Sjögren Primário

A Síndrome de Sjögren (SS) é uma das três patologias autoimunes mais frequentes na população mundial, ainda assim frequentemente infradiagnosticada. Esta síndrome é uma doença autoimune crónica que afeta as glândulas exócrinas, particularmente as glândulas salivares e lacrimais. A SS primária (SSp) afeta especificamente as glândulas exócrinas, enquanto que a SS secundária (SSs) aparece associada a outras patologias autoimunes sistémicas. A SS é caracterizada, histopatologicamente, por um infiltrado inflamatório linfocitário que interfere com a função glandular normal. Afeta 0,5% da população mundial, sendo claramente mais predominante em mulheres (9:1 versus homens), principalmente por volta dos 50 anos (após a menopausa), ainda que também possa aparecer depois da menarca (entre os 20 e os 30 anos). Considera se que a etiologia da SS é multifatorial. Fatores genéticos, ambientais, hormonais e virais estão implicados na sua etiopatogénese. É muito importante o papel dos Médicos Dentistas no diagnóstico da SSp, uma vez que na maior parte dos casos são eles quem detetam os primeiros sintomas, mais propriamente a boca seca. Diversos testes auxiliares são utilizados para o diagnóstico desta doença, tais como: o teste de Schimer, o teste de Rosa Bengala, a Sialometria, a Sialografia, a Biópsia das glândulas salivares, entre outros. A SSp, regra geral, tem um curso não doloroso, sendo a boca seca e a secura ocular as suas duas características clínicas mais salientes. A maior parte das manifestações orais que se apresentam nestes pacientes são resultado de hipofunção das glândulas salivares (da boca seca), tais como: a cárie dentária, a doença periodontal, as infeções fúngicas, entre outras. Esta doença também se pode associar a problemas a nível sistémico, que podem ser subdivididos em não viscerais (pele, artralgia, mialgia) e viscerais (pulmão, coração, rim, sistema gastrointestinal, sistema endócrino e sistema nervoso central e periférico). O tratamento é empírico, sintomático e direcionado a tratar as complicações da doença mais inicial, que consiste em limitar os danos da xerostomia e da queratoconjuntivite. A prevenção dos sintomas a nível oral e ocular é fundamental em pacientes com SSp, para assim terem maior qualidade de vida.

Air fungal contamination in ten hospitals’ food units from Lisbon

A descriptive study was developed to monitor air fungal contamination in ten food units from hospitals. Fifty air samples of 250 litres were collected through impaction method. Samples were collected in food storage facilities, kitchen, food plating, canteen and also, outside premises, since this is the place regarded as reference. Simultaneously, environmental parameters were also monitored, including temperature and relative humidity through the equipment Babouc, LSI Sistems and according to the International Standard ISO 7726.

Assessment of fungal contamination in a Portuguese maternity unit

A descriptive study was developed to monitor air fungal contamination in one Portuguese maternity. Sixty air samples were collected through impaction method. Air sampling was performed in food storage facilities, kitchen, food plating, canteen, pharmacy, sterilization areas, genecology wards, intensive care unit, operating rooms, urgency and also, outside premises, since this was the place regarded as reference. Besides air samples, forty three samples were collected by swabbing the surfaces using a 10 by 10 cm square stencil. Simultaneously, temperature, relative humidity and particles counting (PM10) were registered. Twenty three species of fungi were identified in air, being the two most commonly isolated the genera Penicillium (41,5%) and Cladosporium (28,4%). Regarding yeasts, only Rhodotorula sp. (45,2%), Trichosporon mucoides (51,6%) and Cryptococcus neoformans (3,2%) were found. Thirteen species of fungi were identified in surfaces, being the most frequent the Penicillium genus (91,6%). Concerning yeasts found in surfaces, four species were identified being Rhodotorula sp. (29,1%) the most frequent. There was no coincidence between prevailing genera indoors and outside premises. Moreover, some places presented fungal species different from the ones isolated outside. In the inside environment, Aspergillus species were isolated in air and surfaces. There was no significant relationship (p>0,05) between fungal contamination and the studied environmental variables. Keywords: air, surfaces, fungal contamination, environmental variables, maternity.

Desenvolvimento de um iogurte suplementado com Spirulina platensis: aaracterização físico-química, microbiológica e sensorial

O iogurte é um produto lácteo que é obtido a partir da acidificação controlada ou espontânea do leite, sendo o seu processo de fermentação desencadeado pela ação de culturas láticas. Este produto apresenta propriedades benéficas para a saúde, como é o caso da regulação do balanço da microflora intestinal, melhoramento da resposta imunitária, redução dos sintomas alérgicos, redução do colesterol sérico e níveis séricos de glicose. Em relação à alga S. platensis, esta apresenta benefícios cardiovasculares, é eficaz no tratamento de certas alergias, cancro, doenças virais, hiperglicemia, imunodeficiência e processos inflamatórios. Esta dissertação teve como objetivo desenvolver um iogurte suplementado com a microalga Spirulina platensis, com posterior caracterização do produto final, em termos físico-químicos, microbiológicos e sensoriais. Foram efetuadas várias experiências de receitas de iogurte até chegar à formulação final, tendo sido testadas diversas variantes. Na avaliação da qualidade físico-química, o iogurte produzido com Spirulina apresentou ao longo do tempo sempre valores mais elevados nos seguintes parâmetros: teor de proteína bruta, teor de lactose, teor de fibras e hidratos de carbono. Foram detetadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os parâmetros e o tipo de iogurte nos seguintes casos: teor de matéria gorda, teor de proteína bruta, teor de humidade, hidratos de carbono, valor energético e pH. Foram detetadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os parâmetros e o tempo de produção apenas no teor de cinzas. Na avaliação da qualidade microbiológica, o iogurte produzido com Spirulina não se destacou por apresentar valores mais elevados. Quando avaliados os fatores tipo de iogurte e tempo de produção, não foram detetadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas em nenhum dos parâmetros microbiológicos. Na avaliação da qualidade sensorial, no iogurte produzido com leite meio gordo com lactose, foi possível verificar que todos os parâmetros sensoriais analisados e as amostras de iogurte são independentes. Em relação ao iogurte produzido com leite meio gordo sem lactose, verificou-se que os parâmetros doce e ácido não são independentes das amostras de iogurte. Em termos de preferência, 71% dos provadores escolheram o iogurte com agar. Relativamente à prova afetiva, não foram detetadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre a amostra preferida e qualquer um dos fatores avaliados (idade e género do provador). Em termos de preferência, 66% dos provadores escolheram o iogurte sem lactose. No que diz respeito à prova triangular, não foram detetadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre as escolhas da amostra diferente e amostra preferida em relação ao género do provador. Apesar de 63% dos provadores terem preferido a amostra com 0 dias, apenas 44% conseguiram distinguir entre o iogurte com 0 dias e com 30 dias, o que sugere que mesmo ao fim de 1 mês, o iogurte continua agradável. Com base em todos os resultados obtidos, conclui-se que o iogurte produzido com S. platensis é um produto inovador e saudável, pelos inúmeros benefícios presentes no iogurte, conjugados com os benefícios da microalga.

Fungal contamination in one hotel room: Does carpet coating in the floor enhance fungal contamination?

Study developed in order to know the carpet influence when used in the floor of a hotel room. Twelve air samples of 250L (six in a room with carpet and six more in a room with wood floor) were collected through an impaction method with a flow rate of 140 L/min onto malt extract agar (MEA) supplemented with chloramphenicol (0.05%), using the Millipore air Tester (Millipore), during cleaning activities. Outdoor sample was also performed to be used as a reference. Surface samples from floor and desks, taken at the same time, were collected by the swabbing method. to 7 days. Besides fungal contamination, we also assessed particulate matter contamination in both rooms during the same cleaning tasks. In the analyzed sur- faces, isolates belonging to Aspergillus fumigatus complex were the only fungi found in the carpeted room, whereas in the other room we found Penicllium sp. (63.6%) and Aspergillus sp. (13.6%) as the most frequent genera. In the case of particles the room with carpet obtained significant higher values for both metrics (PMC and PNC), showing that carpet may has influence on particles’ contamination of the room.

Specific serology for emerging human coronaviruses by protein microarray

We present a serological assay for the specific detection of IgM and IgG antibodies against the emerging human coronavirus hCoV-EMC and the SARS-CoV based on protein microarray technology. The assay uses the S1 receptor-binding subunit of the spike protein of hCoV-EMC and SARS-CoV as antigens. The assay has been validated extensively using putative cross-reacting sera of patient cohorts exposed to the four common hCoVs and sera from convalescent patients infected with hCoV-EMC or SARS-CoV.

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infections in two returning travellers in the Netherlands, May 2014

Two patients, returning to the Netherlands from pilgrimage in Medina and Mecca, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, were diagnosed with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in May 2014. The source and mode of transmission have not yet been determined. Hospital-acquired infection and community-acquired infection are both possible.

Histoplasmose em Portugal: infeção rara?

O Histoplasma capsulatum é o agente etiológico da histoplasmose, apresenta duas variedades com caraterísticas epidemiológicas diferentes var. capsulatum e var. duboisii endémicas no continente americano e no continente africano, respetivamente. Nas últimas décadas têm sido descritos casos de histoplasmose na Europa e em países asiáticos como a China, onde esta infeção não é considerada endémica. A facilidade de movimentação das populações tem contribuído para alterar o padrão epidemiológico desta infeção. Este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar o número de casos registados em Portugal e chamar a atenção para a importância de melhor se conhecer a epidemiologia desta infeção no nosso país. A histoplasmose não é uma doença de declaração obrigatória, os casos de histoplasmose existentes resultam de diagnósticos clínicos observados no âmbito dos internamentos hospitalares. O número médio de episódios de internamento hospitalar referenciados nos Base de dados de Grupos de Diagnóstico Homogéneo durante o período de 2009 a 2014 foi de 23 episódios/ano. No mesmo período foram descritos na literatura dez casos de Histoplasmose em Portugal, tratando-se sobretudo de apresentações clínicas de interesse científico em que algumas se referem a casos com período de latência de 40 anos após exposição. Apesar de ser considerada uma doença rara na Europa, clínicos e microbiologistas devem estar em alerta e aumentar o seu conhecimento sobre a patogenicidade, os métodos de diagnóstico diferencial, o tratamento e a evolução do padrão epidemiológico desta e de outras infeções fúngicas.

Caracterização da diversidade parasitária em carníveros silvestres e implicações na conservação

Recolher dados para actualizar os conhecimento da diversidade parasitária dos mesocarnívoros mais abundantes nas regiões do sul de Portugal e relacionar a dispersão parasitária, a conservação e a saúde humana constituíram os principais objetivos deste estudo. Raposas (Vulpes vulpes), sacarrabos (Herpestes ichneumon), fuinhas (Martes foina), ginetes (Genetta genetta) e texugos (Meles meles) atropelados foram os carnívoros-hospedeiros em estudo. Um grupo de raposas caçadas foi também considerado parte da amostra. A informação geo-referenciada de todos os animais serviu para executar a análise espacial. Realizaram-se necrópsias meticulosas e procedeu­ se à recolha, identificação e preservação dos parasitas encontrados. Pela primeira vez em Portugal é registada a presença do parasita da gineta Ancytostoma martinezi. A correlação entre os factores humanos e ambientais e, a riqueza de espécies foi determinada estatisticamente. Densidade populacional, disponibilidade de égua, tipo de uso de solo e distância mínima às sedes de concelho não apresentaram uma relação estatisticamente significativa com a infecção parasitária das raposas. Os resultados obtidos relativamente à presença de parasitas zoonóticos nos animais silvestres em estudo fomentam o trabalho multidisciplinar entre a Biologia da Conservação e as ciências médicas. ABSTRACT; The aim of this study was to collect data in order to update the information related to the parasitic diversity of the predominant mesocarnívores in the southern regions of Portugal and to establish relationships between the parasite dispersal, conservation and human health. Road killed foxes (Vulpes vulpes), mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon), stone marten (Martes foina), common genets (Genetta genetta) and euroasian badgers (Meles meles) were the considered carnivore-hosts. A sample of hunted foxes was also regarded.AD the animals had geo-reference information, ultimately used for spatial analysis. Thorough necropsies were performed and macroparasites collected, identified and preserved. For the first time in Portugal Ancylostoma martinezi, a common genets parasite.is recorded. Statistical species richness and correlation between human and environmental factors were determined. Human population density, water drainage, soil use, minimum distance to head council cities and the infection status of foxes proved no significant statistical relation. Results obtained on zoonotic parasites present in wild animals enhance the necessity of multidisciplinary work between Biology conservation and medical sciences.