Developing biomaterials for tissue regeneration is a promising alternative for the recovery of various tissues, including bone. Atorvastatin (ATV) has a series of beneficial effects which includes bone anabolism, vasodilating, and anti-inflammatory actions. The main objective of this work was to produce and characterize polycaprolactone (PCL) matrices incorporated with ATV. Samples were prepared by the solvent casting technique. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and in vitro release studies were performed. FTIR analysis showed that no chemical bonds were formed between PCL and ATV. SEM analysis showed that the amount of ATV affects sample morphology. According to XRD and thermal analysis, the main ATV characteristics were maintained. The studies showed that PCL/ATV samples release the drug in a prolonged way since its release reaches around 50% after 15000 minutes of analysis and the model that showed the best fit for the studied matrices was the Higuchi model, with a correlation coefficient above 0.95.

Abstract Objective: To analyze the fluoride concentration in the public water supply in Manaus, Brazil. Material and Methods: Water samples were collected in 50 mL polyethylene bottles, identified, and labeled. The collection was performed from September 2016 to August 2018. For the selection of collection points, all neighborhoods of the city of Manaus, divided into four health districts (North, South, East, and West), were mapped. From each district, 30 samples were collected, totaling 120 monthly samples. Water samples were analyzed using an ion analyzer, ORION 720-A, and a specific electrode, ORION 96-09. The ion analyzer and electrode were calibrated in standard solutions. The levels were classified in intervals based on technical consensus to guide the health surveillance agencies. Results: Of the 2,874 water samples, 50.3% were within the recommended range, and 49.7% were inadequate, with 31.6% considered above the parameters and 18.1% below. Among the districts, the North had the highest percentages of unsatisfactory samples, resulting in limited action to prevent tooth decay. During the 24 months of analysis, there were large oscillations in the values in all four districts of Manaus. Conclusion: Results reinforce the importance of heterocontrol for the city to guarantee the effectiveness of this public health measure.

Fungi and bacteria are well-known pathogens for plants, fruits, and animals, including humans. In this context, the prospection of antimicrobial agents is crucial to provide new alternatives for the treatment of microbial diseases. Hence, selenium- and tellurium-containing compounds are underexploited and herein, antimicrobial activity of several organochalcogenated compounds was evaluated against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and fungi. A direct comparison between Se- and Te-containing compounds was performed, as well as structure-activity relationship studies. Among assayed compounds, secondary Se-amines LQ16 and LQ20 and secondary Te-amine LQ28 showed excellent results against a variety of fungi, while primary Te-amine LQ10 demonstrated promising results against bacteria. These results suggest organoselenides and organotellurides may be used for the development of new antimicrobial agents.

Resumo Este artigo trata de uma pesquisa quantitativa, descritiva e analítica da população brasileira em isolamento social (IS) durante pandemia do novo coronavírus, com o objetivo de identificar preditores de estresse psicossocial com dados recolhidos por questionário on-line nas redes sociais em abril de 2020. Do total de 3.836 pessoas participantes, prevaleceram: mulheres (2.821; 73,5%); faixa etária de 30 a 39 anos (1.101; 28,7%); com pós-graduação (2075;54,1%); estando em IS (3.447; 89,9%). Houve diferença significativa pelo fato de as pessoas estarem em IS: sentir medo de serem infectadas pelo coronavírus (p<0,001); preocupação se alguém precisava sair de casa (p<0,001); rotina modificada após o IS, destacando “entretanto conseguiram se adaptar à nova realidade”, comparado aos que “tiveram a rotina alterada sem conseguir se adaptar” (p<0,001); tristeza ou preocupação, fazendo outras atividades como exercício físico, práticas religiosas, atividades lúdicas (p<0,001); e não pensaram numa solução para esse problema (p<0,001); além de mudança no padrão de sono (p=0,006). Os achados revelam a necessidade de discussão ampliada dos determinantes sociais da saúde, que devem envolver não só a doença, mas levar em consideração as relações sociais, as manifestações culturais e a economia, que podem impactar a saúde mental das pessoas.

Abstract This is a quantitative, descriptive, and analytical study of the Brazilian population in social isolation (SI) during the novel coronavirus pandemic whose aim was to identify predictive factors for psychosocial stress using data collected by a social media-based online questionnaire administered in April 2020. Among the 3,836 participants, most were women (2,821; 73.5%), aged from 30 to 39 years (1,101; 28.7%), with post-graduate education (2,075;54.1%), and in SI (3,447; 89.9%). We found significant differences between individuals who were in SI and those who were not regarding: feeling afraid of being infected by the coronavirus (p<0.001) and worried if someone had to leave the house (p<0.001); changes in routine after self-isolating in those who managed to adapt to the new reality compared to those who could not adapt (p<0.001); feeling sad and worried while doing other activities, such as physical exercise, religious practices, or recreational activities (p<0.001); inability to imagine a solution to this problem (p<0.001), and changes in sleep pattern (p=0.006). Our findings indicate the need for further discussions about the social determinants of health, addressing not only the disease per se, but also social relations, cultural manifestations, and the economy, which may impact people’s mental health.

Resumo Este artigo trata de uma pesquisa quantitativa, descritiva e analítica da população brasileira em isolamento social (IS) durante pandemia do novo coronavírus, com o objetivo de identificar preditores de estresse psicossocial com dados recolhidos por questionário on-line nas redes sociais em abril de 2020. Do total de 3.836 pessoas participantes, prevaleceram: mulheres (2.821; 73,5%); faixa etária de 30 a 39 anos (1.101; 28,7%); com pós-graduação (2075;54,1%); estando em IS (3.447; 89,9%). Houve diferença significativa pelo fato de as pessoas estarem em IS: sentir medo de serem infectadas pelo coronavírus (p<0,001); preocupação se alguém precisava sair de casa (p<0,001); rotina modificada após o IS, destacando “entretanto conseguiram se adaptar à nova realidade”, comparado aos que “tiveram a rotina alterada sem conseguir se adaptar” (p<0,001); tristeza ou preocupação, fazendo outras atividades como exercício físico, práticas religiosas, atividades lúdicas (p<0,001); e não pensaram numa solução para esse problema (p<0,001); além de mudança no padrão de sono (p=0,006). Os achados revelam a necessidade de discussão ampliada dos determinantes sociais da saúde, que devem envolver não só a doença, mas levar em consideração as relações sociais, as manifestações culturais e a economia, que podem impactar a saúde mental das pessoas.

Abstract This is a quantitative, descriptive, and analytical study of the Brazilian population in social isolation (SI) during the novel coronavirus pandemic whose aim was to identify predictive factors for psychosocial stress using data collected by a social media-based online questionnaire administered in April 2020. Among the 3,836 participants, most were women (2,821; 73.5%), aged from 30 to 39 years (1,101; 28.7%), with post-graduate education (2,075;54.1%), and in SI (3,447; 89.9%). We found significant differences between individuals who were in SI and those who were not regarding: feeling afraid of being infected by the coronavirus (p<0.001) and worried if someone had to leave the house (p<0.001); changes in routine after self-isolating in those who managed to adapt to the new reality compared to those who could not adapt (p<0.001); feeling sad and worried while doing other activities, such as physical exercise, religious practices, or recreational activities (p<0.001); inability to imagine a solution to this problem (p<0.001), and changes in sleep pattern (p=0.006). Our findings indicate the need for further discussions about the social determinants of health, addressing not only the disease per se, but also social relations, cultural manifestations, and the economy, which may impact people’s mental health.

RESUMO A educação médica tem mudado bastante nos últimos anos, principalmente pelo surgimento de novos conceitos relacionados aos processos de ensino-aprendizagem que preconizam o emprego de métodos ativos, tais como a Aprendizagem Baseada em Equipes (ABE), do inglês Team-Based Learning (TBL). A monitoria é uma estratégia bem estabelecida para atividades de ensino que tem sido utilizada em vários cursos de graduação. Esse artigo descreve o teste piloto de um novo modelo de monitoria desenvolvido por meio da adaptação do ABE, então denominado método “PAL-TBL”. O método foi aplicado durante as aulas de Fisiologia Humana com os estudantes do primeiro ano do curso de Medicina da Universidade de Pernambuco – campus Garanhuns, Brasil. O método PAL-TBL foi delineado como uma modalidade de ensino-aprendizagem para contribuir para a formação acadêmica dos estudantes de Medicina. Nesse sentido, a dinâmica organizacional e o desenvolvimento das atividades deram-se durante os anos de 2016 e 2017. A metodologia utilizada foi a seguinte: (i) momento I ou de preparação de material (contexto/cenário) e estudo/análise desse material pelos participantes; (ii) momento II de verificação do conhecimento prévio (teste individual e em equipe), levantamento de dúvidas e feedback e (iii) momento III de aplicação dos conceitos. Vale ressaltar que o momento II contou com momento avaliativo do trabalho das equipes e do material preparado. A produção do material, contexto, questões e devolutiva, foi realizada por meio da interação entre os estudantes monitores e o professor, com o intuito de inserir as experiências vividas previamente, bem como elucidar a importância do uso de métodos ativos durante a formação acadêmica para o desenvolvimento de competências úteis para a prática médica. O desenvolvimento da metodologia proposta levou os estudantes a refletirem mais sobre os problemas apresentados durante as discussões em sala de aula, permitindo uma rica experiência de aprendizagem. Aplicações futuras do PAL-TBL com estudantes de anos mais avançados do curso serão realizadas para ampliar os benefícios da estratégia desenvolvida para a formação médica.

ABSTRACT Medical education has been significantly changing in the last years, mainly due to new conceptions of the teaching-learning processes that advocate the employment of active methods of learning, such as Team-Based Learning (TBL). Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL) is a long-established strategy that has been used in several undergraduate courses. This study describes a pilot test of a new model of PAL developed with an adapted TBL strategy, that was called “PAL-TBL method”. The test occurred during Human Physiology classes with first-year Medical undergraduate students from Universidade de Pernambuco - Garanhuns Campus, Brazil. The PAL-TBL was designed as a teaching-learning methodology to improve academic education. Here, the organizational dynamics and the design of the activities carried out from 2016 to 2017 are reported. The resulting PAL-TBL methodology is characterized as the following: (i) timing I or material preparation (context/scenario) and study/analysis of the material by the participants; (ii) timing II or verification of prior knowledge (individual and team test), questioning and feedback and (iii) timing III or applying the concepts learned. It is worth mentioning that the end of timing II consisted of a moment for evaluating the team’s work and the materials used. Material production happened through the interaction between student-tutors and the (supervising) professor, aiming to share experiences as well as to elucidate the importance of using active methods during the academic development of useful competencies for medical practice. The methodology developed allowed students to reflect extensively on the problems presented in the class discussions, allowing for a richer learning experience. Further applications of PAL-TBL in advanced years of the course will be done to confirm the benefits of this hybrid strategy for medical education.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo adaptar e validar a Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) - Short Form para adolescentes brasileiros. Participaram do estudo 426 adolescentes de 12 a 18 anos (M = 14,91; DP = 1,66), sendo 264 meninas (62%) e 162 meninos (39%), de escolas públicas da cidade de Porto Alegre-RS, que responderam a uma versão adaptada, nomeada Escala de Depressão, Ansiedade e Estresse para Adolescentes (EDAE-A). As subescalas demonstraram níveis adequados de consistência interna, variando entre 0,83 e 0,90. A análise fatorial confirmatória indicou que o melhor modelo foi o de três fatores, confirmando o modelo original com as dimensões depressão, ansiedade e estresse. No escore total e por fatores, houve diferença por sexo, com maior média entre as meninas em todos os escores. Conclui-se que a EDAE-A apresenta qualidades psicométricas favoráveis, mostrando-se um simples e adequado instrumento de levantamento de sintomas de depressão, ansiedade e estresse para adolescentes brasileiros.

Abstract This study aimed to adapt and validate the short form of the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) for Brazilian adolescents. The participants were 426 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years (M = 14.91, SD = 1.66), 264 girls (62%) and 162 boys (39%), of public schools in the city of Porto Alegre-RS, who answered an adapted version named Escala de Depressão, Ansiedade e Estresse para Adolescentes (EDAE-A). The subscales showed suitable levels of internal consistency, ranging between 0.83 and 0.90. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the best model was the three factors confirming the original model with depression, anxiety and stress dimensions. In the total score and factors, there were differences by sex, with highest average to girls in all scores. We concluded that the EDAE-A presents favorable psychometric qualities, being a simple and suitable survey instrument for identifying symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress in Brazilian adolescents.

Resumen Este estudio tuvo como objetivo adaptar y validar la Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) - Short Form para adolescentes brasileños. Participaron del estudio 426 adolescentes entre 12 y 18 años (M = 14,91, SD = 1,66), siendo 264 de sexo femenino (62%) y 162 de sexo masculino (39%), de escuelas públicas de la ciudad de Porto Alegre-RS, que respondieron a una versión adaptada nominada Escala de Depresión, Ansiedad y Estrés para Adolescentes (EDAE-A). Las sub-escalas demostraron niveles adecuados de consistencia interna, oscilando entre 0,83 y 0,90. El análisis factorial confirmatorio indicó que el mejor modelo fue el de los tres factores, lo que confirma el modelo original con las dimensiones depresión, ansiedad y estrés. En el resultado total y por factores hubo diferencia con relación al sexo, con mayores medias entre el sexo femenino en todos los resultados. La EDAE-A presenta cualidades psicométricas favorables, siendo un simple y adecuado instrumento de levantamiento de síntomas de depresión, ansiedad y estrés para adolescentes brasileños.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of terpinen-4-ol, tyrosol, and β-lapachone against strains of Coccidioides posadasii in filamentous phase (n = 22) and Histoplasma capsulatum in both filamentous (n = 40) and yeast phases (n = 13), using the broth dilution methods as described by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of these compounds. The mechanisms of action of these compounds were also investigated by analyzing their effect on cell membrane permeability and ergosterol synthesis. The MIC and MFCf these compounds against C. posadasii, mycelial H. capsulatum, and yeast-like H. capsulatum, were in the following ranges: 350-5720 µg/mL, 20-2860 µg/mL, and 40-1420 µg/mL, respectively for terpinen-4-ol; 250-4000 µg/mL, 30-2000 µg/mL, and 10-1000 µg/mL, respectively, for tyrosol; and 0.48-7.8 µg/mL, 0.25-16 µg/mL, and 0.125-4 µg/mL, respectively for β-lapachone. These compounds showed a decrease in MIC when the samples were subjected to osmotic stress, suggesting that the compounds acted on the fungal membrane. All the compounds were able to reduce the ergosterol content of the fungal strains. Finally, tyrosol was able to cause a leakage of intracellular molecules.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar o impacto das atividades antropogênicas da cidade de Belém pela comparação da qualidade da água e das comunidades de larvas de peixes em dois igarapés que desembocam no rio Guamá. Um dos igarapés atravessa um subúrbio pobre e populoso de Belém, enquanto o outro é localizado em uma ilha de Belém, declarada Área de Proteção Ambiental desde 1997. Dois pontos de coletas foram definidos em cada igarapé e monitorados durante oito horas, a cada três meses e durante um ano. O igarapé em região urbana apresentou fortes alterações na qualidade da água, durante o ano todo e em todas as marés, e isto deve se essencialmente a presença de um elevado número de coliformes termotolerantes. Poucas larvas foram encontradas. A água foi considerada imprópria para uso e atividades humanas, assim como para a vida aquática. O igarapé da ilha apresentou primeiros sinais de contaminação por nutrientes e bactéria durante o período chuvoso, parcialmente decorrente de fontes de poluição difusa. Em ambos os córregos, as comunidades larvais foram quase exclusivamente compostas de clupeiformes. Todos os estágios de desenvolvimento larval foram encontrados. Densidades e proporções mais elevadas de larvas recém eclodidas foram registradas durante a estação seca e associadas à presença de nitrato. Resultados apontam a necessidade de desenvolver um sistema de drenagem urbano para esgoto e água pluvial na maior brevidade, e recomenda um estudo de monitoramento integrado do igarapé na Área de Proteção Ambiental.

Abstract This study investigated the impact of anthropogenic activities in Belém City, Brazilian Amazon, by comparing water quality and fish larvae communities in two creeks that flow into the Guamá River. One creek crossed a poor and crowded suburb of Belém while the other was located in an island section that was declared an Environmental Protected Area in 1997. Two sampling points were set in each creek and monitored over eight hours once every three months over a one-year period. Strong variations of water quality were registered all year long and at all tides in Belém's mainland creek, along with, among other things, a very high number of thermotolerant coliforms. Few larvae were found. The water was considered unsuitable for human use and activities as well as for aquatic life. The island creek presented early signs of bacterial and nutrient contaminations during the rainy season, probably partly related to non-point source pollution. In both creeks, larvae communities were almost exclusively composed of clupeiforms. All larval development stages were encountered. Higher densities and proportion of newly hatched larvae were registered during the dry season and associated with the presence of nitrate. The results of the study show that adequate sewage and drainage systems must be developed in the city and suggest that it would be useful to conduct an integrated ambient monitoring study in Combú Creek.

Abstract Since, there is no study reporting the mechanism of azole resistance among yeasts isolated from aquatic environments; the present study aims to investigate the occurrence of antifungal resistance among yeasts isolated from an aquatic environment, and assess the efflux-pump activity of the azole-resistant strains to better understand the mechanism of resistance for this group of drugs. For this purpose, monthly water and sediment samples were collected from Catú Lake, Ceará, Brazil, from March 2011 to February 2012. The obtained yeasts were identified based on morphological and biochemical characteristics. Of the 46 isolates, 37 were Candida spp., 4 were Trichosporon asahii, 3 were Cryptococcus laurentii, 1 Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, and 1 was Kodamaea ohmeri. These isolates were subjected to broth microdilution assay with amphotericin B, itraconazole, and fluconazole, according to the methodology standardized by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of amphotericin B, itraconazole, and fluconazole were 0.03125–2 µg/mL, 0.0625 to ≥16 µg/mL, and 0.5 to ≥64 µg/mL, respectively, and 13 resistant azole-resistant Candida isolates were detected. A reduction in the azole MICs leading to the phenotypical reversal of the azole resistance was observed upon addition of efflux-pump inhibitors. These findings suggest that the azole resistance among environmental Candida spp. is most likely associated with the overexpression of efflux-pumps.

ABSTRACTThe antifungal activity of some statins against different fungal species has been reported. Thus, at the first moment, the in vitro antifungal activity of simvastatin, atorvastatin and pravastatin was tested againstCandida spp. and Cryptococcus spp. Then, in a second approach, considering that the best results were obtained for simvastatin, this drug was evaluated in combination with antifungal drugs against planktonic growth and tested against biofilms ofCandida spp. and Cryptococcus spp. Drug susceptibility testing was performed using the microdilution broth method, as described by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. The interaction between simvastatin and antifungals against planktonic cells was analyzed by calculating the fractional inhibitory concentration index. Regarding biofilm susceptibility, simvastatin was tested against growing biofilm and mature biofilm of one strain of each tested yeast species. Simvastatin showed inhibitory effect against Candida spp. andCryptococcus spp. with minimum inhibitory concentration values ranging from 15.6 to 1000 mg L-1 and from 62.5 to 1000 mg L-1, respectively. The combination of simvastatin with itraconazole and fluconazole showed synergism against Candidaspp. and Cryptococcus spp., while the combination of simvastatin with amphotericin B was synergistic only againstCryptococcus spp. Concerning the biofilm assays, simvastatin was able to inhibit both growing biofilm and mature biofilm ofCandida spp. and Cryptococcus spp. The present study showed that simvastatin inhibits planktonic cells and biofilms ofCandida and Cryptococcus species.

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a atividade antifúngica de extratos de M. oleifera frente a fungos isolados de camarões, cultivados em água doce, e testar a toxicidade dos extratos em larvas de Macrobrachium amazonicum. Os extratos etanólicos de vagens, sementes, folhas, caules e flores e o extrato clorofórmico de flores de M. oleifera foram testados contra 14 cepas de Candida spp. e 10 cepas de Hortaea werneckii isolados da água de cultivo e do trato digestório de M. amazonicum. A atividade antifúngica foi determinada por microdiluição, com base nos documentos M27-A3 e M38-A2 do CLSI. A toxicidade foi avaliada por exposição das larvas de M. amazonicum a concentrações entre 10-1000 mg mL-1 dos extratos, realizando contagem de larvas mortas (CL50), após 24 horas. Os melhores resultados foram verificados com o extrato clorofórmico de flores, agindo frente a todas as cepas testadas, com concentrações inibitórias mínimas variando entre 0,019-2,5 mg mL-1. O extrato etanólico de folhas, flores e sementes agiu ante 22/24, 21/24 e 20/24 cepas, respectivamente. O extrato de vagens foi eficaz contra cepas de Candida spp. (14/24) e o extrato de caule apenas contra quatro cepas de H. werneckii (4/24). Os extratos de sementes, flores (fração clorofórmica), caules e folhas apresentaram baixa ou nenhuma toxicidade, enquanto que extratos de vagens e flores (fração etanólica) apresentaram toxicidade moderada. Assim, observou-se atividade antifúngica dos extratos em Candida spp . e H. werneckii com uma ampla margem de segurança para as larvas de M. amazonicum, demonstrando ser promissor para o manejo sustentável dos efluentes do cultivo de M. amazonicum

This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of M. oleifera extracts against fungi isolated from farmed prawns and test the toxicity of the extracts on larvae of Macrobrachium amazonicum. The ethanol extracts of pods, seeds, leaves, stems and flowers and chloroform extract of flowers of M. oleifera were tested against 14 strains of Candida spp. and 10 strains of Hortaea werneckii isolated from farming water and the digestive tract of M. amazonicum. Antifungal activity was determined by microdilution, based on the M27-A3 and M38-A2 CLSI documents. Toxicity was evaluated by exposing larvae of M. amazonicum at concentrations between 10-1000mg mL-1, counting dead larvae (CL50) after 24 hours. The best results were verified with the chloroform extract of flowers, acting against all tested strains, with MICs ranging from 0.019 to 2.5 mg mL-1. Ethanol extracts of leaves, flowers and seeds acted against 22/24, 21/24 and 20/24 strains, respectively. The extract of pods was only effective against strains of Candida spp. (14/24) and extract of stem only against four strains of H. werneckii (4/24). Extracts of seeds, flowers (chloroform fraction), stems and leaves showed low or no toxicity, whereas extracts of pods and flowers (ethanol fraction) showed moderate toxicity. Thus, the antifungal activity of these extracts agaisnt Candida spp. and H. werneckii was observed, a wide margin of safety for larvae of M. amazonicum, demonstrating to be promising for the sustainable management of effluents from M. amazonicum farming

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o papel do camarão Macrobrachium amazonicum como carreador de Candida spp. do ambiente aquático, por meio da análise da correlação entre Candida spp. isoladas desse camarão e do seu ambiente (água de superfície e sedimento) através das técnicas de M13-PCR fingerprinting e RAPD-PCR. Para tanto, 27 cepas de Candida spp. foram avaliadas. Essas cepas foram recuperadas a partir do trato gastrointestinal de M. amazonicum adultos (7/27), oriundos da lagoa do Catú, Ceará, Brasil, e do meio aquático (águas superficiais e sedimentos) desse lago (20/27). A comparação molecular entre as cepas de camarões e o ambiente aquático foi conduzida por M13-PCR fingerprinting e RAPD-PCR, utilizando os iniciadores M13 e OPQ16, respectivamente. A análise molecular revelou semelhanças entre os padrões de bandas de oito isolados de Candida com o iniciador M13 e 11 isolados com o primer OPQ16, indicando que elas estão presentes no trato digestivo de M. amazonicum e no ambiente aquático, onde esses camarões habitam. Portanto, essa espécie de camarão pode ser usada como sentinela para monitoramento ambiental através da recuperação de Candida spp. do ambiente aquático, a partir do seu trato gastrointestinal

This study aimed to evaluate the role of the Amazon River prawn, Macrobrachium amazonicum, as carrier of Candida spp., by analyzing the correlation between Candida spp. from these prawns and their environment (surface water and sediment), through M13-PCR fingerprinting and RAPD-PCR. For this purpose, 27 strains of Candida spp. were evaluated. These strains were recovered from the gastrointestinal tract of adult M. amazonicum (7/27) from Catú Lake, Ceará State, Brazil and from the aquatic environment (surface water and sediment) of this lake (20/27). Molecular comparison between the strains from prawns and the aquatic environment was conducted by M13-PCR fingerprinting and RAPD-PCR, utilizing the primers M13 and OPQ16, respectively. The molecular analysis revealed similarities between the band patterns of eight Candida isolates with the primer M13 and 11 isolates with the primer OPQ16, indicating that the same strains are present in the digestive tract of M. amazonicum and in the aquatic environment where these prawns inhabit. Therefore, these prawns can be used as sentinels for environmental monitoring through the recovery of Candida spp. from the aquatic environment in their gastrointestinal tract

Introdução: Com o crescimento do uso de drogas imunobiológicas (IBD) ampliamos o conhecimento sobre sua eficácia e segurança.Objetivo: Analisar as reações infusionais imediatas (RII) às IBD endovenosas - infliximabe (IFX), rituximabe (RTX), abatacepte (ABT) e tocilizumabe (TCZ) - no tratamento de doenças autoimunes.Método:Avaliamos 2.126 infusões feitas no CID (Centro de Infusão) em 268 pacientes. A droga usada, a indicação clínica, o tempo de infusão e o uso de pré-medicação foram determinados pelo médico prescritor. Foram consideradas RII todas as intercorrências apresentadas durante a infusão e/ou período observacional de 30 minutos. A conduta adotada nas RII seguiu os protocolos do CID.Resultados: Em relação ao tipo de IBD, as infusões foram distribuídas em: IFX (1.584; 74,5%), TCZ (226; 10,63%), RTX (185; 8,7%) e ABT (131; 6,16%). As RII foram descritas em 87 procedimentos (4,09%): 77 no grupo IFX e 10 no grupo RTX. Não foram descritas RII nos grupos de ABT e TCZ. A maioria foi considerada leve (n = 5; 41,17%) ou moderada (n = 50; 58,81%) e não houve reações graves. Das infusões interrompidas, 79 (92,9%) foram reiniciadas e concluídas com êxito. Apenas seis (0,28%) não foram concluídas por causa das RII.Conclusão:Apesar da diferença entre o número de procedimentos por droga, trata-se de uma análise de "vida real", na qual a incidência de RII foi semelhante à descrita na literatura. A baixa incidência de RII corrobora os dados de segurança tanto de forma quantitativa como qualitativa e ressalta a importância do acompanhamento médico especializado durante a infusão.

Introduction:With the increasing use of immunobiological drugs (IBD), the knowledge about their effectiveness and safety has increased.Objective:To analyze the immediate infusional reactions (IIR) to intravenous IBD: infliximab (IFX), rituximab (RTX), abatacept (ABT) and tocilizumab (TCZ) on the treatment of autoimmune diseases.Method: 2126 infusions performed in the Infusion Centre - CID in 268 patients were analyzed. The used drug, its clinical indication, infusion time, and use of premedication were determined by the prescribing physician. All intercurrences presented during infusion and/or during a thirty minutes observation period were considered as IIR. The approach adopted in IIR followed the protocols of the Infusion Centre - CID.Results: Regarding the type of IBD, the infused drugs given were: IFX (1584, 74.5%), TCZ (226, 10.63%), RTX (185, 8.7%) and ABT (131, 6,16%). IIR were described in 87 procedures (9.4%): 77 - IFX group and 10 - RTX group. IIR were not described in ABT and TCZ groups. Most were considered as mild (n = 5; 41.17%) or moderate (n = 50, 58.81%) reactions; there were no serious reactions. Regarding to discontinue infusions, 79 (92.9%) were resumed and completed successfully. Only six (0.28% of infusions) were not completed because of IIR.Conclusion:Despite the differences between the number of procedures per drug, ours is a "real life" analysis, where the incidence of IIR was similar to that described in the literature. The low incidence of IIR corroborates the safety data, both quantitatively and qualitatively, and underscores the importance of specialized medical support during infusion.

The extensive use of azole antifungal agents has promoted the resistance of Candida spp to these drugs. Candida glabrata is a problematic yeast because it presents a high degree of primary or secondary resistance to fluconazole. In Brazil, C. glabrata has been less studied than other species. In this paper, we compared the activity of three major classes of antifungal agents (azoles, echinocandins and polyenes) against fluconazole-susceptible (FS) and fluconazole-resistant (FR) C. glabrata strains. Cross-resistance between fluconazole and voriconazole was remarkable. Among the antifungal agents, the echinocandins were the most effective against FS and FR C. glabrata and micafungin showed the lowest minimal inhibitory concentrations.