ABSTRACT In this study, chemical changes during the development of acerola, cultivar Okinawa, were evaluated. The biochemical alterations during the development of the acerola cultivar Okinawa were evaluated, to determine the peroxidase activity (POD) and its thermal stability. Peroxidase (POD) has been considered the main enzyme responsible for the quality deterioration of fruits. Additionally, characteristics evaluated in this study can be important postharvest quality criteria for fruit processing, screening and breeding. Changes in physiological development were evaluated by the determination of moisture content, ascorbic acid, ashes, total and reducing sugars, pectin, chlorophyll a and b, amounts of anthocyanins, flavonols and total carotenoids. These biochemical determinations may serve as a basis for further improvement of techniques for predicting and modeling the optimal harvesting time. The values of chlorophylls, anthocyanins, flavonols, and carotenoids were higher in the peel rather than in the pulp (p < 0.05). Acerola presents high levels of ascorbic acid. The development of acerola (from opening of flowers to maturation of fruits) was of 25 days. The increase of the values for total and reducing sugars, anthocyanins, carotenoids, the solubilization of pectic acid and degradation of chlorophyll suggested that physiological maturation and harvest day occurred on days 19 and 23 after anthesis, respectively. The specific activity of POD was higher in the green stage. Maximum POD activity was observed at pH 6.5 and 45 ºC. Total inactivation was not achieved, suggesting the presence of isoenzymes with high thermal resistance. A loss of 50% of activity occurred after 4 minutes of treatment at 80 °C.

Abstract Urban gardens are agricultural spaces managed by the surrounding community where they are built, whose cultivation efforts generate a variety of food and/or flowers, adding green areas to cities. This article aimed to verify, through a meta-analysis study, if urban horticulture is an activity that fits the standards of awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature, according to, SGD 12, target 12.8. Descriptive review research from 2019 to 2022. Articles downloaded from the CAFe platform, from the journals portal of the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) and from Scielo, Scopus and Web of Science databases. The results show that urban horticulture meets social indicators and contributes as an activity that fits the standards of awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature,, resulting in: improvement in the quality of life, collective relationships within the environments where projects are carried out, inclusion and social entrepreneurship, stimulation of citizenship, food and nutrition security, promotion of mental and physical health, harmony with nature, awareness of sustainable development, promotion of traditional knowledge and, function educational.

Resumo Hortas Urbanas são espaços agrícolas gerenciados pela comunidade do entorno onde são construídas, cujos esforços de cultivo geram variedade de alimentos e/ou flores, agregando as áreas verdes às cidades. Esse artigo teve o objetivo de verificar, por meio de estudo de metanálise, se a horticultura urbana é uma atividade que se enquadra aos padrões de conscientização para o desenvolvimento sustentável e estilos de vida em harmonia com a natureza, conforme a Agenda 2030 das Nações Unidas, ODS 12, meta 12.8. Pesquisa de revisão do tipo descritiva no perído de 2019 a 2022. Artigos baixados da plataforma CAFe, no portal de periódicos da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) e, bases Scielo, Scopus e Web of Science. Os resultados mostram que a horticultura urbana atende aos indicadores sociais e contribui como uma atividade que se enquadra aos padrões de conscientização para o desenvolvimento sustentável e estilos de vida em harmonia com a natureza, resultando em: melhoria na qualidade de vida, relações coletivas dentro dos ambientes de realização dos projetos, inclusão e empreendorismo social, estímulo à cidadania, segurança alimentar e nutricional, promoção da saúde mental e física, harmonia com a natureza, consciência sobre desenvolvimento sustentável, promoção do conhecimento tradicional e, função educacional.

Resumo Objetivo analisar as representações sociais, para homens e mulheres idosos, acerca da violência na velhice. Método estudo qualitativo baseado no referencial teórico-metodológico das representações sociais. Participaram 40 idosos usuários de Unidades de Saúde da Família em João Pessoa-PB, Brasil, através de entrevistas individuais, organizadas e submetidas ao software IRAMUTEQ, por meio da Classificação Hierárquica Descendente. Resultados a análise apontou cinco classes: Suscetibilidade da pessoa idosa; Prevenção da violência; Responsabilidade social; Expressão social da violência ao idoso; e Violência intrafamiliar. Os dados denotam que as representações da violência são expressas por fatores individuais, comunitários e relacionais/sociais, revelando algumas diferenças de gênero. Conclusões e implicações para a prática percebe-se que o gênero é elemento significativo nas representações. Enquanto os homens indicaram a necessidade de prevenção do fenômeno por meio da educação e responsabilização social, as mulheres apontaram noções subjetivas, incluindo abusos cometidos por familiares, e destacaram a relevância do profissional de saúde para a sua identificação. Tais aspectos apartam singularidades que carecem de um olhar apurado da enfermagem e demais profissionais das equipes da atenção básica, reconhecendo possíveis casos, notificando-os e agindo intersetorialmente para a interrupção das situações verificadas.

Abstract Objective to analyze the social representations, for elderly men and women, about violence in old age. Method qualitative study based on the theoretical-methodological framework of social representations. Participants were 40 elderly users of Family Health Units in João Pessoa-PB, Brazil, through individual interviews, organized and submitted to the IRAMUTEQ software, concluded by the Descending Hierarchical Classification. Results the analysis pointed to five classes: Susceptibility of the elderly; Violence prevention; Social responsibility; Social expression of violence against the elderly; and Intrafamily violence. The data show that the representations of violence are expressed by individual, community and relational/social factors, revealing some gender differences. Conclusions and implications for practice it is clear that gender is a significant element in representations. While men indicated the need to prevent the phenomenon through education and social accountability, women pointed to subjective notions, including abuses committed by family members, and highlighting the relevance of the health professional for its identification. Such aspects separate out singularities that lack an accurate look from nursing and other professionals of the primary care teams, recognizing possible cases, notifying them and acting intersectorally to interrupt the situations verified.

Resumen Objetivo analizar las representaciones sociales, de hombres y mujeres mayores, sobre la violencia en la vejez. Método estudio cualitativo basado en el referencial teórico-metodológico de las representaciones sociales. Los participantes fueron 40 personas mayores usuarios de Unidades de Salud de la Familia en João Pessoa-PB, Brasil, a través de entrevistas individuales, organizadas y enviadas al software IRAMUTEQ, por medio de la Clasificación Jerárquica Descendente. Resultados el análisis evidenció cinco clases: Susceptibilidad de los mayores; Prevención de la violencia; Responsabilidad social; Expresión social de la violencia contra los mayores; y Violencia intrafamiliar. Los datos muestran que las representaciones de la violencia son expresadas por factores individuales, comunitarios y relacionales/sociales, revelando algunas diferencias de género. Conclusiones e implicaciones para la práctica se percibe que el género es un elemento significativo en las representaciones. Mientras los hombres señalaron la necesidad de prevenir el fenómeno a través de la educación y la responsabilidad social, las mujeres señalaron nociones subjetivas, incluyendo los abusos cometidos por familiares, y destacaron la relevancia del profesional de la salud para su identificación. Tales aspectos separan singularidades que carecen de una mirada certera por parte de la enfermería y demás profesionales de los equipos de atención primaria, reconociendo posibles casos, notificándolos y actuando intersectorialmente para interrumpir las situaciones verificadas.

ABSTRACT. The present study aimed to develop and evaluate an automated cooling control system (ATCE) for sows in the farrowing phase. The experiment was conducted at the Swine Production Unit, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology, Campus Machado, Machado, state of Minas Gerais. Sixteen sows and their offspring were evaluated, eight treated and eight controls, in a randomized block design, with eight replications. Surface temperature, body temperature and respiratory rate of the animals were evaluated, in addition to floor temperature and performance parameters. The use of ATCE decreased the floor temperature (12h) and neck temperature (12 and 16h) (p < 0.10). In addition, there was a reduction in rectal temperature (12h) and respiratory rate (12 and 16h) in ATCE animals (p < 0.10). No significant differences were detected in the coefficient of variation (CV) of birth weight, but at weaning the CV of piglet weight was 26.3% lower in animals subjected to the ATCE (p = 0.079). Furthermore, the difference in CV between birth and weaning was also lower with the use of ATCE (p = 0.015). It can be concluded that the use of ATCE has a positive influence on the thermal comfort of females, in addition to improving litter uniformity.

ABSTRACT: Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis caused by fungus of the Sporothrix complex, and in Brazil the main species reported is Sporothrix brasiliensis, of which the diseased cat is the transmitter. Although, its occurrence has increased in the state of Paraíba, Brazil, since 2016, data on the disease in this state are limited. Therefore, this research aimed to identify molecularly isolates of Sporothrix spp. from domestic cats from cities in Paraíba, and in this way to expand the understanding of the disease in the state. Thirty-nine samples were analyzed, obtained from skin lesions of domestic felines, from the following cities in Paraíba: João Pessoa, Pilões, Patos, Areia, Bananeiras and Guarabira. Cytological analysis was performed to screen the samples, followed by fungal culture, and the molecular characterization of the isolates was performed, using the species-specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or partial sequencing of the calmodulin gene. All isolates were identified as S. brasiliensis. The sequencing showed 100% similarity to the S. brasiliensis CBS 120339 strain. In view of this, it is concluded that in the study areas the species involved in cases of feline sporotrichosis is S. brasiliensis, its presence in Paraíba demonstrated the spread of the agent in regions distant from the epicenters in Brazil, alerting to the possible occurrence of zoonotic outbreaks similar to those found in the South and Southeast regions of the country. In addition, it highlights the emerging role of felines in the transmission of sporotrichosis in new endemic areas of Brazil.

RESUMO: A esporotricose é uma micose subcutânea causada por fungos do complexo Sporothrix, e no Brasil a principal espécie relatada é Sporothrix brasiliensis da qual o transmissor é o gato doente. Embora sua ocorrência tenha aumentado no estado da Paraíba, Brasil, desde 2016, os dados sobre a doença neste estado são limitados. Diante disso, esta pesquisa teve por objetivo identificar, molecularmente, isolados de Sporothrix spp. procedentes de felinos domésticos de cidades da Paraíba, e dessa maneira expandir a compreensão da enfermidade no estado. Foram analisadas 39 amostras, obtidas de lesões cutâneas de felinos domésticos, oriundos das seguintes cidades paraibanas: João Pessoa, Pilões, Patos, Areia, Bananeiras e Guarabira. Realizou-se análise citológica, para triagem das amostras, a seguir cultura fúngica, e posteriormente a caracterização molecular dos isolados, utilizando a Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR), espécie-específica ou sequenciamento parcial do gene calmodulina. Todos os isolados foram identificados molecularmente como S. brasiliensis. O sequenciamento demonstrou 100% de similaridade com a cepa S. brasiliensis CBS 120339. Contudo, conclui-se que nas áreas do estudo a espécie envolvida em casos de esporotricose felina é S. brasiliensis, sua presença na Paraíba demonstra a disseminação do agente em regiões distantes dos epicentros no Brasil, alertando para a possível ocorrência de surtos zoonóticos, semelhantes aos encontrados nas regiões Sul e Sudeste do país. Além disso, destaca o papel emergente dos felinos na transmissão da esporotricose em novas áreas endêmicas do Brasil.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Comprender las representaciones sociales de familiares de personas menores de edad en un Centro de Atención Psicosocial sobre este servicio. Método: Se trata de una investigación de enfoque cualitativo y exploratorio basada en el marco teórico-metodológico de representaciones sociales, desarrollada con 19 familiares en un servicio situado en el interior del Pernambuco, Brasil, después de la aprobación por el Comité de Ética (CAAE 66524717.2.0000.5196). Se utilizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas como técnica para la recolección de datos, procesadas por el software Iramuteq, con posterior análisis de contenido de Bardin para la interpretación de los datos, mostrándolos gráficamente a través del dendrograma. Resultados: Los familiares basan sus representaciones en la rutina establecida por el servicio, la cual se vuelve parte de su vida diaria y juega un papel importante en la interacción social de las personas participantes. Además, en las posibilidades que tanto la misma persona atendida como toda la familia desarrollan a través de la acogida y el acompañamiento. Por último, en los desafíos que aún quedan por delante para una atención más eficaz. Conclusión: Las personas participantes representaron al servicio como importante para establecer una rutina que, si bien modifica la vida diaria de todas las personas integrantes de la familia, juega un valioso papel en su interacción social.

RESUMO Objetivo: Compreender as representações sociais de familiares das crianças e adolescentes acompanhados por um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial Infantojuvenil acerca deste serviço. Método: Trata-se de pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa e exploratória embasada no referencial teórico-metodológico das Representações Sociais, desenvolvida com 19 familiares das crianças e adolescentes em um serviço localizado no sertão médio de Pernambuco, Brasil, após aprovação pelo Comitê de Ética (CAAE 66524717.2.0000.5196). Foi utilizada como técnica para coleta de dados entrevistas semiestruturadas, processadas pelo software Iramuteq, com posterior Análise de Conteúdo de Bardin para interpretação dos dados, expondo-os graficamente através do dendrograma. Resultados: Os familiares pautaram suas representações na rotina estabelecida pelo serviço, que passa a fazer parte do seu cotidiano e desempenha importante função na interação social dos participantes; nas possibilidades que o mesmo desenvolve na criança/adolescente e em toda a família que frequenta o espaço através do acolhimento e acompanhamento; e nos desafios que ainda se colocam para o cuidado mais efetivo. Conclusão: Os participantes representaram o CAPSij como um serviço importante por estabelecer uma rotina que, embora modifique o cotidiano de todos os membros familiares, desempenha valorosa função na interação social dos usuários.

ABSTRACT Objective: To understand the social representations of family members of children and adolescents with mental disorders about the Psychosocial Care Center. Method: This was a qualitative and exploratory research based on the theoretical and methodological Social Representations framework developed with 19 family members in a service located in the middle backlands of Pernambuco, Brazil; this happened after the Ethics Committee (CAAE 66524717.2.0000.5196) approval. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews processed by the Iramuteq software; they were later interpreted through the Bardin's Content Analysis, displaying them graphically through a dendrogram. Results: The family members base their representations on the routine established by the service, which becomes part of their daily lives and plays an important role in: the social interaction of the participants, the possibilities that the service develops for the child/adolescent and in the whole family that attends the space through welcoming and monitoring, and the challenges that are still faced for a more effective care. Conclusion: The participants represented the service as important for establishing a routine that, despite the fact that it modifies the daily life of all family members, plays a valuable function in the user’s social interaction.

The inhibitory activity of thirty-one sesquiterpenes identified from Brazilian essential oils (Copaifera langsdorffii Desf., Croton cajucara Benth. and Siparuna guianensis Aublet.) were analyzed by in silico molecular docking. The compounds were characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography with flame-ionization detection (GC-FID), and then, applied against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) proteins and human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2). Applying molecular docking and AutoDock Vina software, a total of 496 individual interactions were detected for sesquiterpenes along with SARS-CoV-2 proteins and hACE2 human angiotensin converting enzyme-2 protein. The findings showed considerable binding affinity of sesquiterpenes with the tested macromolecules. In that, β-selinene from C. langsdorffii displayed the best energy (−7.2 kcal mol-1) and showed strong interactions with the amino acids of the SARS-CoV-2 M-Pro protein. Spathulenol from C. cajucara strongly interacted with human ACE2, with a binding energy of −7.1 kcal mol-1. Meanwhile, γ-eudesmol from S. guianensis presented the lowest binding energy (−7.5 kcal mol-1) by interacting with the SARS-CoV-2 M-Pro complex. Additionally, measurements were performed aiming to evaluate the best sesquiterpenes binding interactions with the main proteins and its homologue files. According to results, these Brazilian essential oils hold antiviral potential being a rich source for further in vitro and in vivo studies focusing on herbal therapeutic adjuvants against SARS-CoV-2 infections.

ABSTRACT The germplasm characterization and the analysis of genetic divergence are fundamental requirements to determine the genetic diversity available and peppers have considerable variability not most explored and quantified. Thus, the aim of this study was to characterize morphological and agronomically pepper accessions and their genetic divergence. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse of the Department of Agronomy of the Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, between the months of December 2014 to June 2015. Thirteen pepper accessions in pots were sown, the experimental design was a randomized block with six replications, and the experimental unit consisted of three pots. Seedling, leaves, plant and fruit characteristics were evaluated. For the analysis of genetic divergence, the Mahalanobis distance and the UPGMA method were used. It was observed the formation of three distinct groups, being fruit width the trait that most contributed to the genetic discrimination of the accessions. Group I presented larger fruits, Group II showed heavier and wider fruits and Group III had mostly smaller, lighter and thinner fruits. There were differences for most of the evaluated characteristics, showing great morphological and agronomic variability among the accessions. The peppers have a high potential to be exploited in breeding.

Abstract Yellow mombin juice was microencapsulated by spray drying. Optimum operating conditions were selected from the outcomes of tests carried out according to a central composite rotatable design, using air inlet temperature (90 to 190 °C), feed flow rate (0.20 to 1.00 L/h) and 15 DE maltodextrin concentration (10 to 30%) as the independent variables, while powder moisture content, water activity, hygroscopicity, total carotenoids retention, and process yield as the responses. As expected, water activity, moisture content and yield of samples were significantly reduced by spray drying. The powder prepared under optimum conditions, whose reconstituted nectar was the most appreciated by panelists in sensory analysis, was partially characterized in terms of physicochemical properties. It exhibited an apparent density of 0.59 g/mL and a solubility of 81.49%. Particles generally occurred in clusters and exhibited spherical shape and smooth surface. The antioxidant activity was shown to be weak to intermediate.

Resumo A Caatinga é a maior região de floresta tropicalmente seca da América do Sul e abriga uma diversidade biológica impressionante. Porém, os esforços no estudo de diversos grupos de organismos, principalmente aquáticos, são muito escassos se comparados a outras regiões brasileiras. O estado do Ceará destaca-se pela grande concentração de águas superficiais no semiárido e a flora de diatomáceas é praticamente desconhecida. Realizamos um estudo taxonômico pioneiro e extenso sobre as diatomáceas cêntricas da Caatinga, documentando a variação morfológica das espécies encontradas, ampliando sua distribuição geográfica e revisando aspectos taxonômicos e nomenclaturais quando relevantes. O estudo baseou-se em amostras planctônicas e perifíticas coletadas em quatro bacias hidrográficas localizadas na região noroeste do Ceará, nordeste do Brasil. Quinze táxons de diatomáceas infra-genéricos foram identificados, descritos e ilustrados usando microscopia óptica e eletrônica de varredura. Discostella stelligera foi registrada pela primeira vez para o nordeste do Brasil e D. woltereckii é um novo registro para o país. Diatomáceas cêntricas diminutas estão bem representadas nas amostras e sua taxonomia é discutida. Terpsinoë musica ocorreu em uma população com alta plasticidade fenotípica e se discutiram as implicações taxonômicas relacionadas. Palavras-chave: Bacillariophyta, corpos d’água intermitentes, semiárido, taxonomia.

Abstract The Caatinga is the largest tropical dry forest region in South America and harbors an impressive biological diversity. However, efforts in the studies of many groups of organisms, especially aquatic ones, are very small compared to other Brazilian regions. The state of Ceará stands out due to the major concentration of surface water in the semi-arid region, and the diatom flora is virtually unknown. We performed a pioneering and extensive taxonomic study on the centric diatoms from the Caatinga, documenting the morphological variation of the species found, expanding their geographic distribution, and reviewing taxonomic and nomenclatural aspects when relevant. The study was based on planktonic and periphytic samples collected in four hydrographic basins located in the northwestern region of Ceará, northeastern Brazil. Fifteen infrageneric diatom taxa were identified, described, and illustrated using light and scanning electron microscopy. Discostella stelligera was first recorded for northeastern Brazil and D. woltereckii is a new record to the country. Diminutive centric diatoms are well represented in the samples and their taxonomy is discussed. Terpsinoë musica occurred in a population with high phenotypic plasticity and we discussed the related taxonomic implications.

Abstract To what extent are non-human alterities inscribed into contemporary Brazilian literature? How have some Brazilian writers dealt with the paradoxical relations between humanity and animality, as well as with ethno-ecological problems proper to our time? This article addresses the presence of non-human beings in works by Nicanor Sena, Astrid Cabral, Olga Savary, Sérgio Medeiros and Josely Vianna Baptista, in the light of a transdisciplinary theoretical framework that includes thinkers such as Ailton Krenak, Eduardo Viveiros de Castro, Dominique Lestel and Donna Haraway. The article also deals with the cultural and textual hybridity that cuts through the works of some authors of our literary repertoire. I thereby show how they present a liminal nature, with a strong transnational bent, as they are shot through by mythological and zoological elements, indigenous legends, diverse literary references, and different geographical and linguistic spaces.

Resumo Em que medida as alteridades não humanas se inscrevem na literatura brasileira contemporânea? Como alguns escritores brasileiros têm lidado com as relações paradoxais entre humanidade e animalidade, bem como com os problemas (etno)ecológicos do nosso tempo? Este artigo aborda a presença dos seres não humanos em obras de Nicanor Sena, Astrid Cabral, Olga Savary, Sérgio Medeiros e Josely Vianna Baptista, à luz de um referencial teórico transdisciplinar, que inclui pensadores como Ailton Krenak, Eduardo Viveiros de Castro, Dominique Lestel e Donna Haraway. Outro tópico desenvolvido é o hibridismo cultural e textual que atravessa os trabalhos de alguns dos autores incluídos no repertório literário, de forma a mostrar como eles apresentam um caráter fronteiriço, com um forte viés transnacional, por estarem atravessados por elementos zoológicos e mitológicos, lendas indígenas, referências literárias diversas e diferentes espaços linguístico-geográficos.

Resumo A proposta do trabalho é analisar a relação entre os poderes executivo e legislativo a partir da comparação entre o sistema presidencialista adotado no Brasil e o sistema semipresidencialista que vigora em Portugal. A pesquisa procura identificar se sistemas de governo diferentes produzem resultados também diferentes na capacidade do poder executivo em intervir e direcionar a produção legislativa. Para produzir comparação entre os dois países utilizou-se, como variável de análise, a prerrogativa do presidente brasileiro em produzir Medidas Provisórias e no caso português a produção de Decretos-Lei de iniciativa do Primeiro Ministro. A pesquisa compreendeu o período pós- democrático nos dois países percorrendo 26 anos no Brasil e 37 anos em Portugal. Os resultados encontrados demostram a alta capacidade que o Primeiro-Ministro português encontra para direcionar a produção legislativa, mas isto não tem se mantido estável ao longo do tempo. No Brasil, a capacidade do Presidente em conseguir apoio do legislativo para os projetos de sua iniciativa é bastante precária, mas este recurso tem se mantido estável ao longo do período analisado.

Abstract The purpose of the paper is to analyze the relationship between the executive and legislative branches from the comparison between the presidential system adopted in Brazil and the semi-presidential system in force in Portugal. The research seeks to identify whether different systems of government produce different results in the capacity of the executive branch to intervene and direct legislative production. To produce a comparison between the two countries, the prerogative of the Brazilian president to produce Provisional Measures was used as an analysis variable and in the Portuguese case the production of Decree-Laws initiated by the Prime Minister. The research comprised the post-democratic period in the two countries, covering 26 years in Brazil and 37 years in Portugal. The results found demonstrate the high capacity that the Portuguese Prime Minister finds to direct legislative production, but this has not remained stable over time. In Brazil, the President's ability to obtain legislative support for his initiative projects is quite precarious, but this resource has remained stable throughout the analyzed period.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The aac(6’)-Ib-cr and bla KPC genes are spreading among Enterobacteriaceae species, including Providencia stuartii, in some countries of world. METHODS: These genes were investigated in 28 P. stuartii isolates from a public hospital in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, by PCR and sequencing. RESULTS: The aac(6’)-Ib-cr gene was detected in 16 resistant isolates, and the bla KPC gene was seen in 14. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of these genes in P. stuartii multi- and extensively drug-resistant isolates indicates that the resistance arsenal of this species is increasing, thus limiting the therapeutic options.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the phenotypic and molecular patterns of biofilm formation in infection and colonization isolates of Acinetobacter spp. from patients who were admitted in a public hospital of Recife-PE-Brazil in 2018-2019. For the biofilm phenotypic analysis, Acinetobacter spp. isolates were evaluated by the crystal violet staining method; the search of virulence genes (bap, ompA, epsA, csuE and bfmS) was performed by PCR; and the ERIC-PCR was performed for molecular typing. Amongst the 38 Acinetobacter spp. isolates, 20 were isolated from infections and 18 from colonization. The resistance profile pointed that 86.85% (33/38) of the isolates were multidrug-resistant, being three infection isolates, and two colonization isolates resistant to polymyxin B. All the isolates were able to produce biofilm and they had at least one of the investigated virulence genes on their molecular profile, but the bap gene was found in 100% of them. No clones were detected by ERIC-PCR. There was no correlation between biofilm formation and the resistance profile of the bacteria, neither to the molecular profile of the virulence genes. Thus, the ability of Acinetobacter spp. to form biofilm is probably related to the high frequency of virulence genes.

Abstract Carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa (CRPA) has become a serious public health problem and the biofilm formation aggravates this problem. The study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of β-lactamases and quorum sensing (QS) genes in CRPA isolates, analyze production of biofilm, evaluate the response against meropenem (MPM) and∕or polymyxin B (POL B) and its association with azythromicin (AZT) using quantum dots (QDs) and proteomic analysis. Six CRPA isolates were analyzed. β-lactamases and QS genes were search using specific PCRs and were tested for biofilm production by quantitative technique. A CRPA isolate, containing blaKPC gene and biofilm-producing, was selected to assess its response to therapy using QDs and the MALDI-TOF. The β-lactamase detected was blaKPC in 66.7% of the isolates. All isolates were biofilm producers and carriers of the QS genes. QDs-MPM conjugates triggered the formation of biofilm and the association with AZT inhibited this effect. Proteomics analysis showed that treatments with MPM or POL B suppressed the expression of the transglycosylase protein, while combined therapy with AZT induced expression of the RpoN protein. Thus, this study shows that the use of fluorescence combined with the proteomics analysis was promising to understand how a CRPA strain reacts to antimicrobial treatment.