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Objetivo: avaliar in vitro a ação antimicrobiana do extrato da própolis (EP) e do digluconato de clorexidina (DCHX) na formação de biofilme por C. albicans em resina acrílica termopolimerizada. Métodos: o efeito do EP e DCHX em biofilmes de C. albicans foram avaliados através da quantificação de Unidades Formadoras de Colônias (UFCs) e pela quantificação da biomassa por cristal violeta e polissacarídeos por safranina. Para tanto, C. albicans foram pré-aderidas em corpos-de-prova e somente em microplacas de poliestireno e posteriormente foi realizado o tratamento com diferentes concentrações de EP (221 e 443 μg/mL) e DCHX (0,25% e 0,5%). Resultados: foi demostrado uma redução significativa na formação de biofilme por C. albicans, com ambas as substâncias testadas e em todas as concentrações. Conclusão: tendo em vista as dificuldades e os vários fatores que interferem no tratamento da candidose oral com antifúngicos e ao fato de essa ter sido relatada como problema de saúde pública, com alta incidência em usuários de próteses removíveis, faz-se necessários lançar-se mão de outras alternativas que possam ser mais eficazes no tratamento desta infecção, levando-se em consideração os efeitos colaterais para o paciente, sendo bem indicado o EP, por ser produto de uso tópico e, portanto, de fácil aplicação, possuindo custo menos elevado.

The current treatment of leishmaniasis presents some problems, such as cell toxicity, parenteral route, and time of treatment. Ozone emerges as an option to accelerate the standard treatment due to the immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and wound healing activity reported in the literature. This work aimed to evaluate the efficacy of aqueous ozone as an adjuvant to the standard treatment of cutaneous lesions caused by Leishmania amazonensis in an experimental model. For in vivo experiments, mice were randomly distributed in 6 groups, which were infected with L. amazonensis and treated in five different schedules using the standard treatment with Glucantime® with or without aqueous ozone. After the last day of treatment, the animals were euthanized and were analyzed: the thickness of lesions; collagen deposition, the parasitic burden of the lesions; blood leukocyte number; NO; and cytokine dosages and arginase activity from peritoneal macrophages. All treated groups showed a decrease in the lesion, but with a significative deposition of collagen in lesions with local ozone treatment. The parasite burden showed that ozone enhanced the leishmanicidal activity of the reference drug. The reduction of NO production and blood leukocyte count and increases in the arginase activity showed an immunomodulatory activity of ozone in the treated animals. Thus, ozone therapy has been shown to work as an adjuvant in the treatment of Leishmania lesions, enhancing leishmanicidal and wound healing activity of standard treatment.

The antifungals used in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis, although effective, can have side effects and high cost, which may not occur with the medicinal use of ozone. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of medicinal home ozone therapy on C. albicans. The experiment was carried out in vitro, cultivating C. albicans in 10mm Petri dishes, containing solid Agar Sabour and Dextrose (Oxoid). The in vivo experiment used 45-day-old female C57/BL6 mice and after suppression of ovarian activity, 20 µL of C. albicans suspension in sterile PBS, at a concentration of 105 yeast cells, were inoculated in a single dose under anesthesia. Distribution occurred in 4 groups: (i) Absolute Control Group (GCA): Not subjected to infection by the pathogen. (ii) Control Group (CG): Submitted to C. albicans infection, but not treated. (iii) Ozone Therapy Group (GO): Subjected to infection and treated with medicinal ozone therapy. (iv) Lavage Group (GL): Subjected to infection and subsequently treated with vaginal lavage. It was found that GC had a higher amount of CFU when compared to GO. Exposure for 600s was able to reduce the number of CFUs by 98.89% when compared to GC. The study concludes that ozone gas showed great efficacy in the proliferation of C. albicans in vitro. The best results were observed with application in liquid medium, however, ozone therapy was able to significantly reduce infection in the experimental model used. In in vivo experiments, the number of CFU/ml found was lower in the ozone-treated group. Los anti fúngicos utilizados en el tratamiento de la candidiasis vulvovaginal, aunque efectivos, pueden tener efectos secundarios y de alto costo, que pueden no ocurrir con el uso medicinal del ozono. El estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar los efectos de la ozonoterapia medicinal en el hogar en C. albicans. El experimento se realizó in vitro, cultivando C. albicans en cajas de Petri de 10 mm, conteniendo Agar Sabour sólido y Dextrosa (Oxoid). El experimento in vivo utilizó ratones hembra C57/BL6 de 45 días de edad y después de la supresión de la actividad ovárica, se inocularon 20 µL de suspensión de C. albicans en PBS estéril, a una concentración de 105 células de levadura, en una dosis única bajo anestesia. La distribución se produjo en 4 grupos: (i) Grupo Control Absoluto (GCA): No sometido a infección por el patógeno. (ii) Grupo de Control (GC): Sometido a infección por C. albicans, pero no tratado. (iii) Grupo de Ozonoterapia (GO): Sometidos a infección y tratados con ozonoterapia medicinal. (iv) Grupo de lavado (GL): Sometido a infección y posteriormente tratado con lavado vaginal. Se encontró que GC tenía una mayor cantidad de UFC en comparación con GO. La exposición durante 600s pudo reducir el número de UFC en un 98,89 % en comparación con GC. El estudio concluye que el gas ozono mostró una gran eficacia en la proliferación de C. albicans in vitro. Los mejores resultados se observaron con la aplicación en medio líquido, sin embargo, la ozonoterapia logró reducir significativamente la infección en el modelo experimental utilizado. En experimentos in vivo, el número de UFC/ml encontrado fue menor en el grupo tratado con ozono. Os antifúngicos utilizados no tratamento da candidíase vulvovaginal embora eficazes, podem ter efeitos colaterais ​​e alto custo, o que pode não ocorrer com o uso medicinal do ozônio. O estudo objetivou avaliar os efeitos da ozonioterapia doméstica medicinal sobre C. albicans. O experimento foi conduzido in vitro, cultivando C. albicans em placas de Petri de 10mm, contendo meio sólido Agar Sabour e Dextrose (Oxoid). O experimento in vivo utilizou camundongos C57/BL6 fêmeas de 45 dias e após supressão da atividade ovariana, 20 µL de suspensão de C. albicans em PBS estéril, na concentração de 105 células de levedura, foram inoculados em dose única, sob anestesia. A distribuição ocorreu em 4 grupos: (i) Grupo Controle Absoluto (GCA): Não submetido à infecção pelo patógeno. (ii) Grupo Controle (GC): Submetido à infecção por C. albicans, mas não tratado. (iii) Grupo Ozonioterapia (GO): Submetido a infecção e tratado com ozonioterapia medicinal. (iv) Grupo Lavagem (GL): Submetido à infecção e posteriormente tratado com lavagem vaginal. Verificou-se que GC apresentou maior quantidade de UFC quando comparada com GO. A exposição por 600s foi capaz de reduzir em 98,89% o número de UFCs quando comparado ao GC. O estudo conclui que o gás ozônio mostrou grande eficácia na proliferação de C. albicans in vitro. Os melhores resultados foram observados com aplicação em meio líquido, no entanto, a ozonioterapia foi capaz de reduzir significativamente a infecção no modelo experimental utilizado. Nos experimentos realizados in vivo, o número de UFC/ml encontrado foi menor no grupo tratado com ozônio.

Em dezembro de 2019, uma nova doença por Coronavírus chamada COVID-19, eclodiu na China se expandindo por todo o mundo evoluindo para uma pandemia preocupante. De acordo com o Ministério da Saúde até 31 de maio de 2022 ocorreram 30.977.661 de casos de COVID-19 no Brasil e aproximadamente 666.516 mortes foram registradas. A pandemia tem causado consequências importantes em todos os setores como altas taxas de desemprego, economia, educação, e saúde trazendo um agravo crônico subfinanciamento do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), gerando uma crise sanitária inédita. A COVID-19 é uma doença causada pelo SARS-CoV-2 (coronavírus 2 da síndrome respiratória aguda grave). Os sintomas da infecção por SARS-CoV-2 podem incluir febre, tosse, perda de olfato e paladar, dor de garganta, cefaléia, diarréia e fadiga, podendo variar de pessoa para pessoa, porém, a maioria dos infectados podem permanecer assintomáticos ou desenvolverem sintomas leves a moderados, sem necessidade de intervenção hospitalar. No entanto, alguns indivíduos podem progredir de pneumonia grave para insuficiência respiratória, Choque séptico e possivelmente morte. Neste estudo, relata-se um caso de uma mulher de 42 anos, brasileira, com diagnóstico de Esclerose Múltipla (EM) após infecção por COVID-19, alertando para associação da EM pós COVID-19. Embora o mecanismo da relação entre a EM e COVID-19 não seja estudado aqui, o estudo alerta para está possibilidade e a importância de investigar sintomas como parestesias, fraquezas musculares e sintomas visuais após infecção por SARS-CoV-2.

O ozônio (O3) é uma molécula alotrópica que foi descoberta em meados do século XIX. Possui uma estrutura cíclica composta por três átomos de oxigênio que normalmente está presente como gás. O uso do ozônio na prática clínica foi introduzido no século passado por alguns clínicos pioneiros que desenvolveram trabalhos focados principalmente na área de ozônio medicinal aplicada localmente. Desde então, o uso terapêutico em medicina foi estendido a muitas doenças. O objetivo deste estudo é revisar a ação do ozônio sobre variados microrganismos. Para o cumprimento desse trabalho foi realizada uma revisão de literatura na qual foram utilizados artigos os quais abordam temas a respeito do ozônio em diversos aspectos biológicos. O ozônio inativa os microrganismos ao reagir com suas enzimas intracelulares, material nucleico e componentes de seu envelope celular, revestimentos de esporos ou capsídeos virais. Foi constatado que o ozônio é uma excelente opção para múltiplos usos, desde o tratamento de sanitização, quanto para uso medicinal de agentes patogênicos e também de purificação da água.

Pain is a frequent complaint in Parkinson disease (PD), but also in general elderly population. Its impact on daily life is considered to be high. The McGill Questionnaire (Br-MPQ) is an instrument developed to measure the magnitude of pain impact on life quality. Objective. Measure the pain impact on life of old patients with and without PD. Method. Br-MPQ was applied in a group of PD patients (GI=15) and in age-matched controlled subjects (GII=15). Results. Pain was reported in 53% of GI (n=8) and in 47% of GII (n=7). A small increase of Br-MPQ negative answers about social and daily life activities in GI was observed, but without significant statistical differences in none of Br-MPQ items (p>0.05). Conclusion. In face of recent literature, these data are dissonant, but it is important to note that the sample is small and no generalizations are permitted. It is possible, however, to speculate that other PD major dysfunctions might overcome the pain impact measured by Br-MPQ or, perhaps, this instrument could not be suitable. A possible bias resulted from differences of educational level of the studied subjects and the great difference sex-related between GI and GII should be also considered.

O gênero Candida é o mais comumente associado ao desenvolvimento de infecção nos tecidos orais, denominada candidose oral. O manejo terapêutico dessa patologia é bem complexo e inclui a utilização de agentes antifúngicos de aplicação tópica ou sistêmica, dependendo da severidade da infecção. Nesse contexto, o objetivo desse estudo foi, por meio de uma revisão de literatura, avaliar a ação antifúngica do ozônio sobre leveduras do gênero Candida, visando aplicação em cavidade oral, pelo fato de o ozônio ser sugerido como terapia alternativa devido a sua ação oxidante. Para tanto, foi realizada busca pelo termo “ozone and Candida” nas bases de dados PubMed, SciELO e BVS por artigos publicados até abril de 2020. Após avaliação foram selecionados 23 artigos que se enquadram nos critérios. Pode-se concluir que o ozônio apresenta uma significante ação antimicrobiana sobre leveduras do gênero Candida. O presente estudo sugere que o seu uso tem a possibilidade de atenuar a resposta curativa dessa infecção, visto que inúmeros estudos tenham relatado melhora nos quadros infecciosos e diminuição de unidades formadoras de colônia. Todavia, novas investigações e comparações de perfil de toxicidade são necessários para estabelecer corretos protocolos de uso clínico.

To evaluate the susceptibility of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii to mycocins produced by Wickerhamomyces anomalus and to verify the cytotoxicity of these compounds. Three culture supernatants of W. anomalus (WA40, WA45, and WA92), containing mycocins (WA40M1, WA45M2, and WA92M3), were tested on A. baumannii using broth microdilution methods, solid medium tests, and cytotoxicity tests in human erythrocytes and in Artemia saline Leach. W. anomalus was able to produce high antimicrobial mycocins, as even at high dilutions, they inhibited A. baumannii. In a solid medium, it was possible to observe the inhibition of A. baumannii, caused by the diffusion of mycocins between agar. Finally, the three supernatants were not cytotoxic when tested on human erythrocytes and Artemia salina. According to the evidence in this study, the mycocins of W. anomalus have been effective and could be used in the development of new antimicrobial substances.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), caused by the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb), is the most prevalent systemic mycosis in Latin America. There are few reports in the literature about the disease damages during pregnancy and the consequences to the fetuses and breeding. This study evaluated the implications of PCM during pregnancy on offspring and mothers in Wistar rats. Groups of rats were submitted to systemic Pb infection, by intraperitoneal infusion, and mated 30 days after the infection date. Immediately after birth, rats and neonates were sacrificed to obtain organs for standard histological examination, morphometric analysis, fungi recovery by plating (CFU) and dosing of anti-Pb antibodies by ELISA. There were no stillbirths or miscarriages, however, the fetuses from infected pregnant rats had lower body and organ weight but the fertility rate was 100%. The largest number of CFU was recovered from the organ of pregnant rats, the pathological examination revealed more severe infection in the same group, further on the largest number of granulomas and fungal field. It can be concluded that the PCM was more severe in the group of pregnant rats, with implications to the weight of offspring. Paracoccidioidomicose (PCM), causada pelo fungo dimórfico Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb) é a micose sistêmica de maior prevalência na América Latina. Há poucos relatos na literatura sobre os danos da doença durante a gestação e as alterações para os conceptos e reprodutoras. O estudo avaliou as implicações da PCM durante o período gestacional sobre a prole e genitora em ratas Wistar. Grupos de ratas foram submetidos à infecção sistêmica por Pb, por meio de infusão intraperitoneal e acasaladas, 30 dias após a data da infecção. Imediatamente após o nascimento, as ratas e neonatos foram sacrificados para obtenção dos órgãos para exames histológicos padrão, análise de morfometria, recuperação de fungos por plaqueamento (UFC) e dosagem de anticorpos anti-Pb por ELISA. Não houve natimortos ou abortos, porém, os conceptos advindos de prenhas infectadas apresentaram menor peso corporal e dos órgãos, entre os grupos e a taxa de fecundidade foi de 100%. O maior número de UFC foi recuperado dos órgãos das ratas prenhas, o exame anátomo-patológico revelou infeção mais grave, no mesmo grupo, além do maior número de granulomas e fungos por campo. Pode-se concluir que a PCM ocorreu de modo mais grave no grupo de ratas prenhas, com implicações sobre o peso da prole.

Caulobacter crescentus (NA1000 strain) are aquatic bacteria that can live in environments of low nutritional quality and present numerous genes that encode enzymes involved in plant cell wall deconstruction, including five genes for β-xylosidases (xynB1-xynB5) and three genes for xylanases (xynA1-xynA3). The overall activity of xylanases in the presence of different agro-industrial residues was evaluated, and it was found that the residues from the processing of corn were the most efficient in inducing bacterial xylanases. The xynA1 gene (CCNA_02894) encoding a predicted xylanase of group 10 of glyco-hydrolases (GH10) that was efficiently overexpressed in Escherichia coli LMG194 using 0.02 % arabinose, after cloning into the vector pJet1.2blunt and subcloning into the expression vector pBAD/gIII, provided a fusion protein that contained carboxy-terminal His-tags, named XynA1. The characterization of pure XynA1 showed an enzymatic activity of 18.26 U mL(-1) and a specific activity of 2.22 U mg-(1) in the presence of xylan from beechwood as a substrate. XynA1 activity was inhibited by EDTA and metal ions such as Cu(2+) and Mg(2+). By contrast, β-mercaptoethanol, dithiothreitol (DTT), and Ca(2+) induced recombinant enzyme activity. Kinetic data for XynA1 revealed K M and V max values of 3.77 mg mL-(1) and 10.20 μM min-(1), respectively. Finally, the enzyme presented an optimum pH of 6 and an optimum temperature of 50 °C. In addition, 80 % of the activity of XynA1 was maintained at 50 °C for 4 h of incubation, suggesting a thermal stability for the biotechnological processes. This work is the first study concerning the cloning, overexpression, and enzymatic characterization of C. crescentus xylanase.

A paracoccidioidomicose (PCM) é causada pelo fungo dimórfico Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb) e corresponde à micose sistêmica de maior prevalência na América Latina. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a dose resposta de leveduras do fungo para padronização do modelo experimental de artrite séptica. Os experimentos foram realizados com grupos de 14 ratos que receberam doses de 103, 104 ou 105 células de P. brasiliensis (Pb18). Os fungos foram injetados em 50 µL de solução salina em tampão fosfatado (PBS) diretamente na articulação do joelho dos animais. Os seguintes parâmetros foram analisados neste trabalho: a formação de edema nos joelhos infundidos com as células das leveduras e alterações radiológicas, anatopalógicas além de titulação de anticorpos por Elisa. Após 15 dias de infecção, os sinais de inflamação foram evidentes. Aos 45 dias, algumas características de dano e necrose foram observadas na cartilagem articular. A disseminação sistêmica do fungo foi observada em 11% dos animais inoculados, concluiu-se que o modelo experimental é capaz de mimetizar a PCM articular em humanos e que a dose de 105 leveduras representa a dose padrão para o desenvolvimento do modelo. Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is caused by the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb) and corresponds to prevalent systemic mycosis in Latin America. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the dose response effect of the fungal yeast phase for the standardization of an experimental model of septic arthritis. The experiments were performed with groups of 14 rats that received doses of 103, 104 or 105 P. brasiliensis (Pb18) cells. The fungi were injected in 50 µL of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) directly into the knee joints of the animals. The following parameters were analyzed in this work: the formation of swelling in knees infused with yeast cells and the radiological and anatomopathological alterations, besides antibody titer by ELISA. After 15 days of infection, signs of inflammation were evident. At 45 days, some features of damage and necrosis were observed in the articular cartilage. The systemic dissemination of the fungus was observed in 11% of the inoculated animals, and it was concluded that the experimental model is able to mimic articular PCM in humans and that the dose of 105 yeast cells can be used as standard in this model.

AIMS: To evaluate the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy with Brilliant Blue G in the treatment of an experimental model of arthritis by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (P. brasiliensis). METHODS: After the induction of experimental arthritis with isolated from P. brasiliensis of lineage Pb18 in the knees of Wistar rats, the animals were divided into groups and submitted to photodynamic therapy with intra-articular Brilliant Blue G photosensitizer and laser therapy only, without Brilliant Blue G. All groups received their respective treatments from the seventh to the 11th day. For edema analysis, the knee lateral-lateral diameter of each animal was measured daily and after the treatment period the animals were sacrificed for experimental knee dissection and blood collection for analysis by ELISA, in order to quantify levels of anti-P. brasiliensis antibodies. RESULTS: The results showed that the application of photodynamic therapy was able to prevent the formation of edema when compared to the control (p>0.005), as well as the production of anti-Gp-43 antibodies from P. brasiliensis (p=0.001). In the anatomopathological examination it was possible to observe a higher degree of synovitis and a greater presence of granulomas with the fungus inside the group that did not receive treatment when compared to the groups that received the photodynamic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Photodynamic therapy was effective in attenuating the experimental arthritis induced by P. brasiliensis in the proposed joint model.

Caulobacter crescentus is able to express several enzymes involved in the utilization of lignocellulosic biomasses. Five genes, xynB1-5, that encode β-xylosidases are present in the genome of this bacterium. In this study, the xynB2 gene, which encodes β-xylosidase II (CCNA_02442), was cloned under the control of the PxylX promoter to generate the O-xynB2 strain, which overexpresses the enzyme in the presence of xylose. In addition, a null mutant strain, Δ-xynB2, was created by two homologous recombination events where the chromosomal xynB2 gene was replaced by a copy that was disrupted by the spectinomycin-resistant cassette. We demonstrated that C. crescentus cells lacking β-xylosidase II upregulates the xynB genes inducing β-xylosidase activity. Transcriptional analysis revealed that xynB1 (RT-PCR analysis) and xynB2 (lacZ transcription fusion) gene expression was induced in the Δ-xynB2 cells, and high β-xylosidase activity was observed in the presence of different agro-industrial residues in the null mutant strain, a characteristic that can be explored and applied in biotechnological processes. In contrast, overexpression of the xynB2 gene caused downregulation of the expression and activity of the β-xylosidase. For example, the β-xylosidase activity that was obtained in the presence of sugarcane bagasse was 7-fold and 16-fold higher than the activity measured in the C. crescentus parental and O-xynB2 cells, respectively. Our results suggest that β-xylosidase II may have a role in controlling the expression of the xynB1 and xynB2 genes in C. crescentus.

In the present work, the gene xynB2, encoding a β-xylosidase II of the Glycoside Hydrolase 39 (GH39) family, of Caulobacter crescentus was cloned and successfully overexpressed in Escherichia coli DH10B. The recombinant protein (CcXynB2) was purified using nickel-Sepharose affinity chromatography, with a recovery yield of 75.5 %. CcXynB2 appeared as a single band of 60 kDa on a sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel and was recognized by a specific polyclonal antiserum. The predicted CcXynB2 protein showed a high homology with GH39 β-xylosidases of the genus Xanthomonas. CcXynB2 exhibited an optimal activity at 55 °C and a pH of 6. CcXynB2 displayed stability at pH values of 4.5-7.5 for 24 h and thermotolerance up to 50 °C. The K (M) and V (Max) values were 9.3 ± 0.45 mM and 402 ± 19 μmol min(-1) for ρ-nitrophenyl-β-D-xylopyranoside, respectively. The purified recombinant enzyme efficiently produced reducing sugars from birchwood xylan and sugarcane bagasse fibers pre-treated with a purified xylanase. As few bacterial GH39 family β-xylosidases have been characterized, this work provides a good contribution to this group of enzymes.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), a disease caused by the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb), is highly prevalent in Brazil, where it is the principal cause of death by systemic mycoses. The disease primarily affects men aged 30-50 year old and usually starts as a pulmonary focus and then may spread to other organs and systems, including the joints. The present study aimed to develop an experimental model of paracoccidioidomycotic arthritis. Two-month-old male Wistar rats (n = 48) were used, divided in 6 groups: test groups EG/15 and EG/45 (received one dose of 100 μl of saline containing 10(5) Pb viable yeasts in the knee); heat killed Pb-group HK/15 and HK/45 (received a suspension of 10(5) Pb nonviable yeasts in the knee) and control groups CG/15 and CG/45 (received only sterile saline in the knee). The rats were killed 15 and 45 days postinoculation. In contrast with the control rats, the histopathology of the joints of rats of the test groups (EG/15 and EG/45) revealed a picture of well-established PCM arthritis characterized by extensive sclerosing granulomatous inflammation with numerous multiple budding fungal cells. The X-ray examination revealed joint alterations in these groups. Only metabolic active fungi evoked inflammation. The experimental model was able to induce fungal arthritis in the knees of the rats infected with metabolic active P. brasiliensis. The disease tended to be regressive and restrained by the immune system. No evidence of fungal dissemination to the lungs was observed.

O comprometimento do sistema imune, que pode ser apresentado por indivíduos com doenças crônicas, leva à baixa resposta imunológica. Um dos tratamentos utilizados para lesões agudas em tendões é o laser de baixa potência, contudo há uma lacuna em relação ao seu uso em imunodepressão. O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar se o laser de baixa potência é eficaz para o tratamento da dor em ratos imunodeprimidos submetidos a trauma tendíneo. Foram utilizados 23 ratos, machos, da linhagem Wistar, divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos: grupo controle, placebo e laser. Os animais foram imunodeprimidos (por administração de Ciclosporina A) e submetidos à lesão no tendão calcâneo direito, com impacto de cerca de 0,40 J. Para o tratamento, utilizou-se laser de baixa potência, 670 nm, 30 mW e dose de 2 J/cm², durante 3 dias. A avaliação da dor foi realizada pelo teste de incapacidade funcional e por filamento de Von Frey digital. Os resultados apresentaram valores significativos para o grupo laser, com diminuição de dor funcional e da dor à pressão na superfície plantar e no local lesionado (tendão calcâneo direito). Portanto, concluiu-se que o laser de baixa potência é eficaz para reduzir a dor em ratos imunodeprimidos submetidos a trauma tendíneo.The commitment of immune system, which may be presented by individuals with chronic diseases, leading to a low immune response. One of the treatments used for acute injuries in tendons is the low-power laser, however there is a gap in relation to its use in immunosuppression. The objective of this study was to analyze if low-level laser therapy is effective for the treatment of pain in immunosuppressed rats subjected to trauma tendon. We used 23 male rats of Wistar strain, divided randomly in three groups: control group, placebo and laser. The animals were immunosuppressed (by administration of Cyclosporin A) and underwent right Achilles tendon injury, with impact of about 0.40 J. For treatment, we used low-level laser, 670 nm, 30 mW and 2 J/cm², during 3 days. Pain assessment was performed by the functional incapacitation test and von Frey filament digital. The results showed a reduction of functional pain and pressure pain on the plantar surface and the injured site (right Achilles tendon) for the laser group. Therefore, we concluded that the low-power laser is effective for reducing pain in immunosuppressed rats subjected to trauma tendon.

Introduction: Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is caused by the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Infection occurs mainly through the upper airways of the host by inhalation of spores or propagules of the micro‐organism that settle initially in the lungs. Here, we describe a clinical case report of PCM acquired by a researcher following a scientific laboratory accident; to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of infection with the yeast form of P. brasiliensis. Case presentation: A 40‐year‐old, white, healthy, male researcher, while undertaking experimental activities in a laboratory environment with P. brasiliensis fungus infection in guinea pigs, pierced the thumb of the left hand, with a 1 ml syringe containing 50 μl of a suspension of P. brasiliensis at a concentration of 1×106 c.f.u. ml−1. Seven days after the accident, the region had local swelling, redness and pain on stimulation. He was started on medical treatment and opted for surgical removal. A biopsy revealed an inflammatory infiltrate, numerous epithelioid granulomas and a discrete quantity of yeast organisms on the dermis, some with multiple budding yeast cells presenting characteristics of viability, with conclusive diagnosis of PCM. After 90 days of itraconazole treatment at 200 mg day−1, he reported healing with scar formation. Conclusion: The yeast form of P. brasiliensis is able to cause infection. According to our knowledge, this is the first time that this has been reported in the medical literature.

Introduction Herein, we report a one-tube, semi-nested-polymerase chain reaction (OTsn-PCR) assay for the detection of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Methods We developed the OTsn-PCR assay for the detection of P. brasiliensis in clinical specimens and compared it with other PCR methods. Results The OTsn-PCR assay was positive for all clinical samples, and the detection limit was better or equivalent to the other nested or semi-nested PCR methods for P. brasiliensis detection. Conclusions The OTsn-PCR assay described in this paper has a detection limit similar to other reactions for the molecular detection of P. brasiliensis, but this approach is faster and less prone to contamination than other conventional nested or semi-nested PCR assays.

O comprometimento do sistema imune, que pode ser apresentado por indivíduos com doenças crônicas, leva à baixa resposta imunológica. Um dos tratamentos utilizados para lesões agudas em tendões é o laser de baixa potência, contudo há uma lacuna em relação ao seu uso em imunodepressão. O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar se o laser de baixa potência é eficaz para o tratamento da dor em ratos imunodeprimidos submetidos a trauma tendíneo. Foram utilizados 23 ratos, machos, da linhagem Wistar, divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos: grupo controle, placebo e laser. Os animais foram imunodeprimidos (por administração de Ciclosporina A) e submetidos à lesão no tendão calcâneo direito, com impacto de cerca de 0,40 J. Para o tratamento, utilizou-se laser de baixa potência, 670 nm, 30 mW e dose de 2 J/cm², durante 3 dias. A avaliação da dor foi realizada pelo teste de incapacidade funcional e por filamento de Von Frey digital. Os resultados apresentaram valores significativos para o grupo laser, com diminuição de dor funcional e da dor à pressão na superfície plantar e no local lesionado (tendão calcâneo direito). Portanto, concluiu-se que o laser de baixa potência é eficaz para reduzir a dor em ratos imunodeprimidos submetidos a trauma tendíneo. The commitment of immune system, which may be presented by individuals with chronic diseases, leading to a low immune response. One of the treatments used for acute injuries in tendons is the low-power laser, however there is a gap in relation to its use in immunosuppression. The objective of this study was to analyze if low-level laser therapy is effective for the treatment of pain in immunosuppressed rats subjected to trauma tendon. We used 23 male rats of Wistar strain, divided randomly in three groups: control group, placebo and laser. The animals were immunosuppressed (by administration of Cyclosporin A) and underwent right Achilles tendon injury, with impact of about 0.40 J. For treatment, we used low-level laser, 670 nm, 30 mW and 2 J/cm², during 3 days. Pain assessment was performed by the functional incapacitation test and von Frey filament digital. The results showed a reduction of functional pain and pressure pain on the plantar surface and the injured site (right Achilles tendon) for the laser group. Therefore, we concluded that the low-power laser is effective for reducing pain in immunosuppressed rats subjected to trauma tendon.

Uma das tarefas mais importantes do sistema do controle postural humano é a manutenção do equilíbrio do corpo sobre a base de apoio fornecida pelos pés. Como um sensor de gravidade, o sistema vestibular é uma das ferramentas mais importantes do sistema nervoso no controle da postura. Quando há um desequilíbrio neste sistema o indivíduo passa a apresentar um conjunto de sintomas no qual a vertigem geralmente é preponderante. Objetivou-se no presente estudo avaliar e correlacionar o controle postural de adultos jovens através da posturografia dinâmica Foam-Laser (FLP) e plataforma de força. Para a realização do estudo participaram 31 voluntários (19 homens e 11 mulheres) sendo submetidos à avaliação do controle postural através da posturografia dinâmica Foam-Laser e plataforma de força simultaneamente. Para análise dos dados registrados na plataforma de força, utilizou-se o programa MATLAB® 7.4. Os resultados da FLP foram obtidos através da fórmula matemática para cálculos de ângulos de oscilações apresentados. Os resultados revelaram que houve forte correlação entre os valores obtidos nos testes de organização sensorial (SOT) e a área de deslocamento do centro de pressão (CP) registrada pela plataforma de força em todos os SOT. Nos SOT III, V e VI, respectivamente, observou-se forte correlação entre os resultados dos exames da FLP e plataforma de força, com r = -0,78, r = -0,70 e r = -0,80. Conclui-se que a FLP é um método eficaz para avaliação do equilíbrio, e seus resultados demonstraram forte correlação com a área de deslocamento do centro de pressão One of the most important tasks of the human postural control system is to keep the body balanced on the base of support provided by the feet. As a gravity sensor, the vestibular system is one of the most important tools of the nervous system in the control of the posture. When there is a malfunction in this system the individual starts to present a group of symptoms in which the vertigo generally is preponderant. The present study had as objective to correlate the results of the postural control evaluation in young peolple obtained through the Dynamic Posturography Foam-laser (FLP) and platform force. For the accomplishment of the study were invited 31 volunteers (19 men and 11 women) that were submitted to the evaluation of the postural control through the Dynamic Posturography Foam-laser and power platform simultaneously. The results reveled that there was strong correlation among the values obteined in the tests of sensorial organization (TOS) and area displacement pressure center (PC) at power platform in all TOS. In TOS III, V e VI respectively, correlation was observed strong enters the results of the examinations in FPL and power platform, with r = - 0,79, r = 0,70 and r = - 0,80. This study concludes that the FLP is a very useful method for evaluation of the balance, and this results show strong correlation with pressure center displacement area

A dor e definida como uma desagradavel experiencia sensorial e emocional associada a um dano atual ou potencial do tecido, ou descrita em termos deste dano, recebendo a denominacao de ”5o sinal vital”. Objetivou-se, neste estudo, avaliar a influencia da intensidade da dor sobre as respostas nas escalas unidimensionais de mensuracao de dor em idosos e adultos jovens internados no Hospital Universitario do Oeste do Parana. Foi avaliada a dor de dois grupos de pacientes, idosos (GI) e adultos jovens (GII), contendo 100 individuos cada grupo, do periodo de abril a julho de 2006, que foram selecionados conforme criterios de inclusao e exclusao da pesquisa. A avaliacao da dor foi realizada atraves das escalas: Escala Visual Analogica (EVA), Escala Visual Numerica (EVN) e Escala de Faceis (EF). Os resultados apontaram forte nivel de concordância entre as escalas no grupo GII, apresentando significância estatistica (p

One of the most important tasks for the human postural control system is to maintain body balance on a small support base provided by the feet. As a gravity sensor, the vestibular system is one of the most important nervous system tools in posture control . The objective of this work was to study the influence of the vestibular system on the young adults’ balance control through Dynamic Posturografy Foam-laser (FLS). Participated in the study 30 young adults from the UFSM’s physical education undergraduate course, who volunteered to go under postural control evaluation through the FLP and platform of power, simultaneously, during the Sensorial Organization Test (TOS) I and V. Results showed that there was a moderate and strong rate of correlation between TOS I and V values and the area of displacement of the pressure center (CP) registered by the platform of power. They also showed that the FLP is a very useful method for balance evaluation, showing a good correlation with the CP displacement area .