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Felix ITJ, Martins BA, Dos Santos CTB, Tristão RJ, Rodrigues ARA, de Ataíde MS, Andrade AA. The Role of Trypan Blue as a Conventional and Fluorescent Dye for the Diagnosis of Superficial Mycoses by Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) Testing. Mycopathologia 2023; 188:815-819. [PMID: 37458853 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-023-00771-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Direct microscopic examination of samples using potassium hydroxide (KOH) is a fast, simple, and inexpensive method to confirm clinical suspicion of superficial mycosis. However, the lack of color contrast in this test makes it difficult to separate any fungal structures from artifacts. The sensitivity of the KOH mount technique may be enhanced using both fluorochromes and conventional stains that highlight the fungal structures when observed under fluorescence microscopy and bright-field, respectively. Here we study the possibility of using Trypan Blue (TB), an azo dye which is often used as a live/dead marker, in the diagnosis of superficial mycoses by KOH testing. TB at 0.01% displayed a fluorescent staining pattern similar to that of Calcofluor White (CFW), the conventional cell wall fluorophore. Furthermore, by adjusting the TB concentration to 0.1-0.3%, in addition to maintaining the fluorescent staining pattern, the fungal elements were stained in blue under bright-field microscopy. Thus, we demonstrate for the first time that TB has the unique property as a fungal stain that can be used in both bright-field and fluorescence microscopy for diagnosis of superficial mycoses by direct microscopic examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabella Thays Jacob Felix
- Microbiology Research Laboratory, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Arfelli Martins
- Microbiology Research Laboratory, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Celso Tadeu Barbosa Dos Santos
- Microbiology Research Laboratory, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Romes José Tristão
- Dermatology Unit, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Aldo Rogelis Aquiles Rodrigues
- Physiology Laboratory, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Meire Soares de Ataíde
- Dermatology Unit, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Anderson Assunção Andrade
- Microbiology Research Laboratory, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Praça Manoel Terra, 330 - Abadia, Uberaba, MG, 38025-015, Brazil.
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2
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Andrade AA, Paiva AD, Machado ABF. Microbiology of street food: understanding risks to improve safety. J Appl Microbiol 2023; 134:lxad167. [PMID: 37516449 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxad167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Street foods play important socioeconomic and cultural roles and are popular worldwide. In addition to providing convenient and low-cost meals for urban populations, street food offers an essential source of income for vendors, especially women, and it can reflect traditional local culture, which is an important attraction for tourists. Despite these benefits, the microbiological safety of street food has become a worldwide concern because it is often prepared and sold under inadequate safety conditions, without legal control and sanitary surveillance. Consequently, high counts of fecal indicator bacteria and several foodborne pathogens have been detected in street foods. This review provides insight into the microbiology of street food, focus on the associated microbiological safety aspects and main pathogens, and the global status of this important economic activity. Furthermore, the need to apply molecular detection rather than traditional culture-based methods is discussed to better understand the actual risks of microbial infection associated with street foods. Recognition is always the first step toward addressing a problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anderson Assunção Andrade
- Microbiology Research Laboratory, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais 38025-015, Brazil
| | - Aline Dias Paiva
- Microbiology Research Laboratory, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais 38025-015, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Barbosa Ferreira Machado
- Laboratory of Bacterial Physiology and Molecular Genetics, Center for Studies in Microbiology, Department of Parasitology, Microbiology and Immunology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF), Juiz de Fora 36036-330, Brazil
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3
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Drumond VZ, Andrade AA, de Arruda JAA, Mesquita RA, Abreu LG. Periodontal outcomes of children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent 2022; 23:537-546. [PMID: 35838891 DOI: 10.1007/s40368-022-00732-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to answer the following question: Are children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) more likely to have gingival or periodontal disease-related outcomes than their non-ADHD peers? METHODS Searches were conducted in the following databases: Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. Google Scholar and OpenGrey were also verified. Observational studies were included in which children and adolescents with ADHD were compared with their healthy peers in terms of gingival and/or periodontal endpoints. Bias appraisal was performed using the Joann Briggs tool for case-control and cross-sectional studies. Meta-analysis was performed using R language. Results are reported as mean difference (MD) and odds ratio (OR). Statistical analyses were performed in RStudio. RESULTS A total of 149 records were identified in the searches. Seven studies were included. The meta-analysis showed that children and adolescents with ADHD had a higher mean gingival bleeding index (percentage) than their non-ADHD peers (MD = 11.25; CI = 0.08-22.41; I2 = 73%). There was no difference between groups for plaque index (MD = 4.87; CI = - 2.56 to 12.30; I2 = 63%) and gingivitis (OR = 1.42; CI = 0.22-9.21; I2 = 76%). Regarding the assessment of risk of bias, the major issue found in the articles was the absence of analyses for the control of confounding factors. CONCLUSION Children and adolescents with ADHD had more gingival bleeding than their non-ADHD peers, but no difference regarding plaque or gingivitis was detected between groups. CLINICAL REGISTRATION CRD42021258404.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Z Drumond
- School of Dentistry, Faculdade Pitágoras de Ipatinga, Ipatinga, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - A A Andrade
- School of Dentistry, Faculdade Pitágoras de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - J A A de Arruda
- Department of Oral Surgery, Pathology and Clinical Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - R A Mesquita
- Department of Oral Surgery, Pathology and Clinical Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - L G Abreu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Oral Health, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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de Oliveira DM, de Oliveira DBC, Nunes YRF, de Almeida Alves TM, Kohlhoff M, Andrade AA, Cota BB. Natural Occurring Phenolic Derivatives from Mauritia flexuosa (Buriti) Stems and Their Potential Antibacterial Activity against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Chem Biodivers 2022; 19:e202100788. [PMID: 35146890 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202100788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Mauritia flexuosa Linnaeus filius (buriti or aguage; Arecaceae) is a palm used by traditional medicine in Brazil to treat dysentery and diarrhea. Our group showed that the soluble dichloromethane (CH2 Cl2 ) fraction from EtOH extract from M. flexuosa stems inhibited the growth of methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and it is rich in phenolic compounds. This study aimed to isolate new phenolic compounds from CH2 Cl2 fraction from M. flexuosa stems with in vitro antibacterial activity. The crude CH2 Cl2 fraction was fractionated by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) followed by semi-preparative RP-HPLC. The antibacterial activity was evaluated using the broth microdilution method against MSSA (ATCC 29213) and MRSA (clinical isolate 155). All compounds were also tested against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli; ATCC 35218) bacteria and two fungi species (Candida albicans; ATCC 14053 and Trichophyton rubrum; ATCC MYA 4438). The chemical structures of isolated compounds were determined by analysis and comparison with literature data of their NMR and HRMS spectra and optical activity. The chemical investigation yielded seven aromatic compounds, of which four, (2S,15S)-2,15-dimethyl-2,15-dioxa-1,8(1,4)-dibenzenacyclotetradecaphane (1), (2S,5S)-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)hexane-2,5-diol (3), bruguierol E (4), and buritin (5) were previously unreported and three are known compounds identified as 6-(4'-hydroxyphenyl) hexan-2-one (2), (+)-(2R,3R)-dihydrokaempferol (6), and (+)-(2R)-naringenin (7). Compounds 1 and 7 showed antibacterial activity against MRSA and MSSA with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of between 62.5 and 31.3 μg/mL, respectively. Our preliminary findings support that CH2 Cl2 fraction from buriti, a typical species of flooded areas of Brazilian savanna, and its aromatic phenolic compounds are active against MSSA and MRSA contributing with understanding about the traditional use of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djalma Menezes de Oliveira
- Department of Science and Technology, State University of Bahia Southwest, José Moreira Sobrinho Avenue, 45206-191, Jequié, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Diego Batista Carneiro de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Pça Manoel Terra, 330, Abadia, 38025-015, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Yule Roberta Ferreira Nunes
- Ecology Laboratory and Plant Propagation, Department of General Biology, Estadual University of Montes Claros, University Campus Prof. Darcy Ribeiro, 39401-089, Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Tânia Maria de Almeida Alves
- Laboratory of Chemistry Bioactive Natural Products, René Rachou Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Augusto de Lima Avenue, 1715, Barro Preto, 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Markus Kohlhoff
- Laboratory of Chemistry Bioactive Natural Products, René Rachou Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Augusto de Lima Avenue, 1715, Barro Preto, 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Anderson Assunção Andrade
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Pça Manoel Terra, 330, Abadia, 38025-015, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Betania Barros Cota
- Laboratory of Chemistry Bioactive Natural Products, René Rachou Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Augusto de Lima Avenue, 1715, Barro Preto, 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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5
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de Oliveira DBC, Silva LB, da Silva BV, Borges TC, Marques BC, Dos Santos MB, de Oliveira LF, Bolzani VS, Rodrigues ARA, Regasini LO, Andrade AA. A new acridone with antifungal properties against Candida spp. and dermatophytes, and antibiofilm activity against C. albicans. J Appl Microbiol 2019; 127:1362-1372. [PMID: 31297951 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIM The increase in the number of fungal infections worldwide, coupled with the limitations of current antifungal chemotherapy, demand the development of safe and effective new antifungals. Here, we presented the synthesis of a novel acridone (M14) and its antifungal properties against Candida and dermatophytes species. METHODS AND RESULTS A series of 17 acridones was designed, synthesized and tested for its antifungal activity. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by the broth microdilution method. Only the acridone M14 showed growth-inhibitory activity against reference strains and clinical isolates of Candida and dermatophytes, with MIC range of 7·81-31·25 µg ml-1 . Moreover, M14 exhibited fungicidal activity and prevented biofilm formation by C. albicans as well as reduced the viability of preformed biofilms, even at sub-MICs. The confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis revealed that C. albicans hyphal growth was completely inhibited in the presence of M14. Similarly, there was a severe inhibition on hyphal growth of Trichophyton rubrum. We also found that M14 has relatively low toxicity to human fibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS The new acridone M14 has antifungal properties against Candida spp. and dermatophytes, and antibiofilm activity against C. albicans. In addition, M14 is relatively selective to fungal cells compared to human normal cells. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Because of its in vitro antifungal activity, anti-Candida biofilm effect and moderate cytotoxicity towards normal human cell, M14 may serve as a valuable lead compound to develop a new antifungal agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- D B C de Oliveira
- Discipline of Microbiology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - L B Silva
- Discipline of Microbiology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - B V da Silva
- Discipline of Microbiology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - T C Borges
- Discipline of Microbiology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - B C Marques
- Laboratory of Green and Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - M B Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Green and Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - L F de Oliveira
- Discipline of Physiology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - V S Bolzani
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - A R A Rodrigues
- Discipline of Physiology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - L O Regasini
- Laboratory of Green and Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - A A Andrade
- Discipline of Microbiology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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6
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Abstract
The consumption of street food is an economical and practical alternative for the population. However, concerns regarding the safety of these foods are increasing. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the hygienic and sanitary conditions of the street food trade in Uberaba in the State of Minas Gerais. For this purpose, 30 street vending sites were evaluated using a structured questionnaire and microbiological analysis of food handlers' hands and food contact recipients and surfaces. The findings showed low adequacy of street food regarding hand hygiene and food contact surfaces. With respect to surfaces, the results for mesophilic aerobic microorganisms revealed that only 23.3% had satisfactory sanitary conditions. The level of contamination of hands by fecal thermotolerant coliforms and/or Coagulase positive Staphylococci was unsatisfactory in approximately 47% of food handlers. The conclusion drawn is that the hygienic and sanitary conditions of food handlers in Uberaba are poor. It is therefore necessary to adopt effective and permanent training programs on food safety for food handlers urgently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Carbonera de Souza
- Departamento de Nutrição, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brasil,
| | | | - Anderson Assunção Andrade
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais, UFTM, Brasil
| | - Luciene Alves
- Departamento de Nutrição, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brasil,
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Santos ML, Magalhães CF, da Rosa MB, de Assis Santos D, Brasileiro BG, de Carvalho LM, da Silva MB, Zani CL, de Siqueira EP, Peres RL, Andrade AA. Antifungal activity of extracts from Piper aduncum leaves prepared by different solvents and extraction techniques against dermatophytes Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton interdigitale. Braz J Microbiol 2014; 44:1275-8. [PMID: 24688522 PMCID: PMC3958198 DOI: 10.1590/s1517-83822013000400035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2011] [Accepted: 04/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of different solvents and extraction techniques upon the phytochemical profile and anti-Trichophyton activity of extracts from Piper aduncum leaves were evaluated. Extract done by maceration method with ethanol has higher content of sesquiterpenes and antifungal activity. This extract may be useful as an alternative treatment for dermatophytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximillan Leite Santos
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Vale do Rio Doce, Governador Valadares, MG, Brazil
| | - Chaiana Froés Magalhães
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Vale do Rio Doce, Governador Valadares, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Daniel de Assis Santos
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | - Marcelo Barreto da Silva
- Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, São Mateus, ES, Brazil
| | - Carlos Leomar Zani
- Laboratório de Química de Produtos Naturais, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ezequias Pessoa de Siqueira
- Laboratório de Química de Produtos Naturais, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Anderson Assunção Andrade
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Vale do Rio Doce, Governador Valadares, MG, Brazil. ; Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
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Andrade-Silva L, Ferreira-Paim K, Mora DJ, Da Silva PR, Andrade AA, Araujo NE, Pedrosa AL, Silva-Vergara ML. Susceptibility profile of clinical and environmental isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii in Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Med Mycol 2013; 51:635-40. [PMID: 23343452 DOI: 10.3109/13693786.2012.761737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii are the etiologic agents of cryptococcosis, a life-threatening disease in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent hosts. Antifungal resistance has been evaluated using different methods, breakpoints, and sizes of test populations and it is an emerging as a significant issue worldwide. A total of 176 (95 clinical and 81 environmental) C. neoformans and eight clinical C. gattii isolates were evaluated to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute method. A total of 10.5% of the C. neoformans clinical isolates were resistant to amphotericin B (AMB), and 6.2% of the environmental isolates were resistant to fluconazole (FLZ). Environmental and clinical isolates presented epidemiologic cut-off values (ECVs) of 64 and 16 to FLZ and 1 and 2 to AMB, respectively. All of the C. gattii isolates showed high susceptibility to most drugs evaluated. Clinical isolates had lower susceptibility than environmental isolates to AMB and itraconazole whereas environmental isolates had lower susceptibility than the clinical isolates to FLZ, voriconazole, and ketoconazole. However, no difference was found in the susceptibility of the two species. The MICs and ECVs to antifungals can help to select the best therapeutic option for tracking epidemiological resistance among clinical and environmental isolates of Cryptococcus spp. around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Andrade-Silva
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Triangulo Mineiro Federal University, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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9
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Ferreira-Paim K, Andrade-Silva L, Mora DJ, Lages-Silva E, Pedrosa AL, da Silva PR, Andrade AA, Silva-Vergara ML. Antifungal susceptibility, enzymatic activity, PCR-fingerprinting and ITS sequencing of environmental Cryptococcus laurentii isolates from Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Mycopathologia 2011; 174:41-52. [PMID: 22116628 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-011-9500-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2011] [Accepted: 10/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cryptococcus laurentii has been classically considered a saprophytic species, although several cases of human infection have been already reported. This study aimed to evaluate the phospholipase, proteinase and hemolysins activity, the antifungal susceptibility profile, the genetic variability by M13 and (GACA)(4) fingerprinting and the internal transcribe spacer (ITS) sequencing of 38 C. laurentii isolates recovered from captive bird droppings and surrounding hospital areas. All of them exhibited phospholipase activity, while the hemolytic activity was evidenced in 34 (89.4%) isolates. None of them exhibited proteinase activity. Twenty-seven isolates (71.1%) presented susceptibility dose dependent to fluconazole. Most isolates (94.7%) were susceptible to voriconazole, while one (2.65%) was resistant to this drug. Twenty-one (55.3%) isolates showed reduced susceptibility to itraconazole while nine (23.7%) were resistant. Three (7.9%) and five (13.1%) isolates exhibited resistance to ketoconazole and amphotericin B, respectively. Most C. laurentii fingerprinting obtained with M13 and (GACA)(4) showed high heterogeneity. By using the two primers, seven (18.4%) isolates grouped as A (CL2, CL7, and CL8), B (CL35, CL38) and C (CL29, CL30) with 100% similarity. Different from most variable surrounding hospital isolates, all but one of the pet shops strains clustered with the two primers, although they had been recovered from different neighborhoods. All isolates were identified as C. laurentii phylogenetic group I by ITS sequencing. Thus, the presence of virulence factors, a decreased antifungal susceptibility and a heterogeneous molecular pattern of the C. laurentii isolates here described suggests this species can be a potential pathogen in the context of the immunocompromised population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kennio Ferreira-Paim
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Triangulo Mineiro Federal University, Postal Code 118, Uberaba, MG, 38001-170, Brazil.
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Cruz RA, Filadelpho MC, Castro MPP, Andrade AA, Souza CMM, Catunda T. Very low optical absorptions and analyte concentrations in water measured by Optimized Thermal Lens Spectrometry. Talanta 2011; 85:850-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2011.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2011] [Revised: 04/05/2011] [Accepted: 04/06/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R A Cruz
- Institute of Physics of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, C.P. 369, Brazil
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Sampaio JA, Filadelpho MC, Andrade AA, Rohling JH, Medina AN, Bento AC, da Silva LM, Gandra FCG, Nunes LAO, Baesso ML. Study on the observation of Eu2+ and Eu3+ valence states in low silica calcium aluminosilicate glasses. J Phys Condens Matter 2010; 22:055601. [PMID: 21386346 DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/22/5/055601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The optical, magnetic and structural properties of Eu doped low silica calcium aluminosilicate glasses were investigated. The optical absorption coefficient presented two bands at 39,246 and 29,416 cm(-1), which were assigned respectively to the [Formula in text], and [Formula in text] transitions of Eu(2+). The fluorescence measured at 300 K on a sample doped with 0.5 wt% of Eu(2)O(3) exhibited a broad band centered at 17,350 cm(-1), which is attributed to the [Formula in text] transition of Eu(2+), whereas the additional peaks are due to the [Formula in text] transitions of Eu(3+). From magnetization and XANES data it was possible to evaluate the fractions of Eu(2+) and Eu(3+) for the sample doped with 0.5 and 5.0 wt% of Eu(2)O(3), the values of which were approximately 30 and 70%, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Sampaio
- Laboratório de Ciências Físicas, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Avenida Alberto Lamego 2000, CEP 28013-600, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil.
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12
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Andrade AA, de Pilla Varotti F, de Freitas IO, de Souza MVN, Vasconcelos TRA, Boechat N, Krettli AU. Enhanced activity of mefloquine and artesunic acid against Plasmodium falciparum in vitro and P. berghei in mice by combination with ciprofloxacin. Eur J Pharmacol 2007; 558:194-8. [PMID: 17214980 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2006.11.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2006] [Revised: 11/16/2006] [Accepted: 11/21/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The antimalarial activity of combinations of mefloquine or artesunic acid with ciprofloxacin and other synthetic fluoroquinolone was tested in vitro against Plasmodium falciparum using a strain (BHz26/86) partially resistant to chloroquine and a resistant clone (W2); both are sensitive to mefloquine. Inhibition of parasite growth was measured in relation to controls without drugs, either by counting parasitemia in Giemsa-stained blood smears or by measuring the reduction in [(3)H]-hypoxanthine uptake. Combinations containing artesunic acid or mefloquine with ciprofloxacin had significant in vitro activity, inhibiting by more than 90% of the growth of both strains of P. falciparum at doses significantly lower than those of the antimalarials alone. When tested in mice inoculated with P. berghei chloroquine-sensitive parasites (NK65 strain), ciprofloxacin was inactive, whereas mefloquine and artesunic acid were active (IC(50)=2.5 and 4.2 mg/kg, respectively); combinations containing mefloquine at an equivalent dose of 0.5 mg/kg reduced parasitemia by 59% and artesunic acid activity was also improved by ciprofloxacin. Our data support the idea that ciprofloxacin in combination with antimalarials may be useful in the treatment of chloroquine-resistant human malaria, allowing the use of lower doses of these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anderson Assunção Andrade
- Laboratório de Malaria, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou/FIOCRUZ, Avenida Augusto de Lima, 1715, 30190-002-Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil
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Andrade AA, Glória PM, d'Angelo JVH, Perissotto DO, Lima RA. Evaluation of white water reuse in the bleaching process for reducing fresh water consumption. Water Sci Technol 2007; 55:199-204. [PMID: 17486852 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2007.229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The main objective of this work is to study the technical viability of using the effluent generated in paper machines (white water) in the wash presses of the bleaching stage, reducing fresh water consumption. As a case study, the industrial process of Ripasa S.A. Celulose e Papel was evaluated. White water rate is about 700 m3/h and it is not possible to reuse all this volume in the bleaching stage without causing operational problems (fouling in tubes and clogging in the screens). A mass balance of the bleaching unit was developed in an electronic spreadsheet in order to evaluate the possibility of reducing fresh water consumption, using only a fraction of the available white water in the wash presses. To achieve this objective some physical-chemistry properties of the white water stream and of other streams of the process were determined. The maximum concentration of some non-process elements (Si, Ca, Mn and Fe), which could accumulate in the process, were determined in order to establish some parameters to allow process integration of the streams involved, considering operational constraints. The results obtained have shown that it is possible to reduce approximately by 13% the consumption of fresh water and this methodology has been satisfactory.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Andrade
- Department of Chemical Systems Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, State University of Campinas-Unicamp, Rua Albert Einstein, 500, Barão Geraldo, Campinas, SP, 13083-052, Brazil.
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de Magalhães JC, Andrade AA, Silva PN, Sousa LP, Ropert C, Ferreira PC, Kroon EG, Gazzinelli RT, Bonjardim CA. A mitogenic signal triggered at an early stage of vaccinia virus infection: implication of MEK/ERK and protein kinase A in virus multiplication. J Biol Chem 2001; 276:38353-60. [PMID: 11459835 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m100183200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccinia virus (VV) triggers a mitogenic signal at an early stage of infection. VV-induced proto-oncogene c-fos mRNA with kinetics paralleling that stimulated by serum. The VV virokine, or vaccinia virus growth factor (VGF), was not crucial for c-fos induction because it was observed upon infection with the virokine-minus mutant VV (VGF(-)). Furthermore, c-fos expression did not require infectious virus particles, as it occurred even with UV-inactivated VV and was equally induced by the different multiplicities of infection, i.e. 1.0, 5.0, and 25.0. c-fos expression was preceded by VV-induced DNA binding activity and was mediated via the cis-acting elements serum response element (SRE), activating protein-1 (AP-1), and cAMP-response element (CRE). VV activated the protein kinases p42MAPK/ERK2 and p44MAPK/ERK1 and the transcription factor ATF1 in a time-dependent manner with kinetics that paralleled those of VV-stimulated DNA-protein complex formation. The mitogenic signal transmission pathways leading to c-fos activation upon VV infection were apparently mediated by the protein kinases MEK, ERK, and PKA. This assumption was based on the findings that: 1) c-fos transcript was down-regulated; 2) the SRE, AP-1, and CRE binding activities were significantly reduced; and 3) the activation of p42MAPK/ERK2, p44MAPK/ERK1, and ATF1 were drastically affected when the viral infections were carried out in the presence of specific protein kinase inhibitor. Moreover, the mutant VV (VGF(-)) was also able to activate ERK1/2. It is noteworthy that virus multiplication was equally affected by the same kinase inhibitors. Taken together, our data provide evidence that the early mitogenic signal triggered upon VV infection relies upon the activation of the protein kinases MEK, ERK, and PKA, which are needed for both signal transduction and virus multiplication.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C de Magalhães
- Laboratório de Virus-Grupo de Transdução de Sinal, Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Gkonos PJ, Ashby MH, Andrade AA. Vasoactive intestinal peptide stimulates prostate-specific antigen secretion by LNCaP prostate cancer cells. Regul Pept 1996; 65:153-7. [PMID: 8884983 DOI: 10.1016/0167-0115(96)00086-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The secretion of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) by prostate cancer provides an important tool in the diagnosis and management of this disorder. While androgens are required for PSA synthesis, the neuroendocrine regulation of PSA secretion is less understood. Human prostate is extensively innervated with vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-containing neurons, while both normal and malignant prostate cells contain VIP receptors. Therefore, we investigated the effects of VIP on PSA secretion by LNCaP prostate cancer cells. We found that 1-4-h VIP treatment produces 60-100% increases in PSA secretion by LNCaP cells. Increases in PSA secretion were seen with as little as 10(-10) M VIP with maximum effects at 10(-7) M. The predominant acute effect of VIP was to increase the secretion of stored PSA without increasing PSA mRNA. VIP's effect on PSA secretion involved the production of intracellular cAMP since all doses of VIP which increased secretion were associated with increased cyclic AMP and since dibutyryl-cyclic AMP treatment increased secretion similarly to VIP. These results suggest that VIP regulates PSA secretion by prostate cancer cells and also suggest a role for VIP to regulate PSA secretion by normal prostate epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Gkonos
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Miami VA Medical Center, FL 33101, USA
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Abstract
Exposing dichromated gelatin holograms to microwave radiation considerably increases their resistance to heating, either for wide or narrowband holograms. No wavelength shift was observed for the former and only a small shift was observed for the latter. This behavior can be explained in the framework of Chang's models, taking into account the effects of microwaves on polar molecules and the potential positions of the water molecules within the medium. These results and their interpretation suggest further experiments to measure the different environments of the water molecules inside the gelatin and to use microwaves at the resonance frequencies of the water.
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