ABSTRACT Nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus by healthcare workers is of great clinical importance as it facilitates the contamination of medical devices and cross-transmission. However, studies regarding the epidemiology and dissemination of S. aureus and Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) within the Primary Health Care in Brazil are scarce. The current study aimed to detect and characterize S. aureus and MRSA strains from the nasal cavities of 63 healthcare working in primary health care units in order to determine the prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA, biofilm formation and resistance profile of these isolates. PCR reactions were performed for detecting mecA, icaA and icaD genes. The phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed by the disk diffusion method and biofilm formation by the Congo Red Agar (CRA) method. The MRSA isolates were typed for the Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome mec (SCCmec). The prevalence of nasal carriage of S. aureus was 74.6%, of which 72.3% were MRSA carrying SCCmec type I (24.4%), III (34.1%), IV (36.6%). Two (4.9%) isolates presented a non-typeable cassette by the performed technique. The antimicrobial susceptibility evaluation evidenced penicillin resistance in 66.1% of S. aureus, erythromycin resistance in 49.2%, while 37.3% were resistant to oxacillin, 28.8% to cefoxitin, 5.1% to levofloxacin and 5.1% to clindamycin. All isolates were biofilm producers and 96.6% of the strains contained the ica biofilm-forming genes (icaA and/or icaD). We have demonstrated a high prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA carriage among health care working in Primary Health Care units, the presence of SCCmec types I, III and IV, in addition to their high ability to form biofilm, factors that possibly contribute to the dissemination and persistence of these pathogens within the primary care services. These observations highlight the importance of broadening the perspective of Health Care-Associated Infections prevention, including all health care levels, which are currently little explored. In addition, the dynamics and resistance mechanisms of S. aureus transmission still need to be further clarified to enable the implementation of more effective prevention measures.

Biodiesel purification by water washing has been proved to be an unattractive process from an economic and environmental point of view. In this work, we propose the use of regenerated cellulose membranes from peanut shell as an alternative in the biodiesel purification. The preparation of the membranes was optimized from a central composite design, resulting in dense and non-porous membranes. However, in contact with biodiesel, the membranes undergo expansion due to the retention of methanol, water, and glycerol molecules, allowing the permeation of fatty acid methyl esters. The filtered biodiesel presents quality parameters, such as total ester content of 98.3 ± 1.4% and free glycerol content < 0.02%, in agreement with the main regulatory agencies. The regenerated cellulose membranes from peanut shell are easily prepared, with high repeatability (relative standard deviation (RSD) < 1.8%) and are presented as an economical and environmental solution for the biodiesel purification.

Abstract This study evaluated the genotoxicity, mutagenicity, antigenotoxicity, and antimutagenicity effects on biochemical parameters of oxidative stress of the Spondias dulcis bark ethanolic extract on mice. The extract was evaluated in the doses of 500, 1000, and 1500 mg/kg bw via gavage. To evaluate the protective effects of the extract, benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and cyclophosphamide (CP) were chosen as DNA damage inducers. Genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity were evaluated by the comet assay. Cytotoxicity, mutagenicity, and antimutagenicity were evaluated by the micronucleus test in bone marrow and peripheral blood. The biochemical parameters of oxidative stress were evaluated by the quantification of catalase activity (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in total blood, liver and kidney, and malondialdehyde (MDA), in liver and kidney. No genotoxic, cytotoxic, or mutagenic effect was found on mice exposed to the extract. The extract depleted the number of damaged nucleoids in total blood and the number of micronucleus (MN) in both cell types. The extract was able to increase CAT activity and GSH levels and decrease MDA levels after treatment with B[a]P and CP. The results indicate that the S. dulcis extract has potential to be used as preventive compound against DNA damage caused by CP and B[a]P.

Abstract Abstract: Specimens of Leptogium collected in ten localities from the State of Rio Grande do Sul were studied. Sixteen species were found of 28 records mentioned to the state, which represents around 57% of the Leptogium diversity known for Rio Grande do Sul. Leptogium exaratum is proposed as a new species. Leptogium atlanticum, L. milligranum and L. vesiculosum are reported for the first time to the state. The lectotype of L. javanicum is reported here and detailed descriptions are provided to the examined specimens. An identification key is showed with all the 28 mentioned species of Leptogium. It is the first published taxonomic key for Leptogium from Rio Grande do Sul, the State with the highest diversity of this genus in Brazil.

Beauveria bassiana is an entomopathogenic fungus that has been well known for its capacity to act as biopesticide on various disease vectors. The analysis of organic extracts of strains CG71 and UNI40 led to identification of cyclodepsipeptides beauvericin, beauvericin A or F, beauvericin E and bassianolide by ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry in tandem mode (UHPLC-HRMS/MS). The larvicidal activity on 3rd instar of Aedes aegypti revealed LC50 0.9887 and 0.4653 ppm in 24 and 48 hours (CG71 methanolic extract), LC50 0.7834 ppm in 48 hours (CG71 ethyl acetate), LC50 0.7834 and 1.8149 ppm (UNI 40 for ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts, respectively) in 48 hours. These findings highlight the potential of B. bassiana metabolites for controlling the vector of Dengue and Zika diseases.

RESUMO Introdução: Helicobacter pylori é uma bactéria encontrada nas células epiteliais do trato gastrointestinal humano. Sua infecção relaciona-se com diferentes patologias, como gastrite crônica, úlcera péptica, linfoma gástrico e adenocarcinoma. A infecção por Helicobacter pylori está presente em mais da metade da população mundial. Objetivos: Detectar a presença de H. pylori e comparar os métodos diagnósticos do teste rápido de urease (TRU) e reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). Materiais e métodos: No estudo, realizado entre abril e julho de 2015, três biópsias foram coletadas de cada paciente. Duas foram usadas para realizar PCR e uma, para TRU. Resultados: Oitenta e cinco amostras foram coletadas dos pacientes por meio de endoscopia, sendo 56 (65,88%) mulheres e 29 (34,11%) homens. Do total dos indivíduos sujeitos ao TRU, 15 (17,64%) foram positivos e 70 (82,35%), negativos. Na PCR, na detecção do gene 16S ácido ribonucleico ribossômico (rRNA) de H. pylori, 66 (77,64%) apresentaram resultados positivos e 19 (22,35%), negativos. Para a análise da presença do gene UreA em todas as amostras, resultados positivos foram encontrados em 70 (82,35%) e negativos em 15 (17,64%). De acordo com os resultados, o TRU e o teste molecular apresentaram diferenças estatísticas. Conclusão: A PCR é um método útil na rotina laboratorial para detectar H. pylori em tecido de estômago devido à sua alta sensibilidade e especificidade, mas é necessária maior atenção na análise e na padronização.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium found in human epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract. Its infection is related to different diseases, such as chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, gastric lymphoma and adenocarcinoma. The infection by H. pylori is present in more than a half of the world population. Objectives: To detect H. pylori and to compare the diagnostic methods of the rapid urease test (RUT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Materials and methods: The study was conducted between April and July, 2015. For such, three biopsies were collected from each patient. Two were used for PCR and one for RUT. Results: A total of 85 samples were collected from patients undergoing endoscopy, with 56 (65.88%) females and 29 (34.11%) males. From the total samples subjected to RUT, 15 (17.64%) were positive and 70 (82.35%), negative. In PCR for detection of gene 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) of H. pylori, 66 (77.64%) presented positive results and 19 (22.35%), negative results. For the analysis of the presence of UreA gene in all samples, positive results were found in 70 (82.35%), and negative in 15 (17.64%). According to the results, RUT and the molecular test presented statistical difference. Conclusion: PCR is a useful method in the laboratorial routine to detect the presence of H. pylori in the stomach tissue, due to high sensitivity and specificity, but it requires a more careful analysis and standardization.