Abstract Numerous cultivation media currently exist, whether selective, non-selective, enrichment or identification. However, they all have a common goal, which is the growth of microorganisms; the constitution and quality of the culture medium must favor it. For this reason, an important factor that directly affects the quality of a culture medium is its production. Thus, this article investigated the use of a microwave oven in the production of Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA), and the microbial inactivation compared to the autoclave in a microbiology laboratory. The quality of the medium, time exposure, and sterilization potential were performed using fungal strains of Candida spp., Cryptococcus spp., Microsporum spp., and Aspergillus spp. The results showed that the advantages of the use of a microwave oven for the preparation of SDA are practicality, speed, lower energy expense, pH, and constituents preservation of the culture medium, resulting in a richer growth compared to autoclaved SDA. The multivariate analysis of digital images allowed the detection of melanoidins (brownish tone of medium), which are responsible for the negative influence on the microorganisms growth. This research shows the use of the microwave oven as an efficient alternative for the production of the culture medium and maintaining their best quality.

Abstract The formation of microbial biofilms in materials used in the industrial production of dairy may lead to deterioration of these foods. Yarrowia lipolytica biofilms are widely found in dairy products and can modify the final characteristics of these products. Thus, this study investigated the effectiveness of hygienization by detergents and sodium hypochlorite on the formation of Y. lipolytica biofilms in different utensils usually employed during industrial cheese production, like polypropylene, hoses, and nylon/polyethylene. The utensils were sanitized using solutions of mild and alkaline detergents, and sodium hypochlorite, according to the cheese industry Standard Operation Procedure. Results showed that in all coupons there was biofilm formation with Y. lipolytica isolates. The contact angle measurements were favored to promote the adhesion of the biofilm in the evaluated surfaces. Even after treatment with sanitizers, a significant survival rate of planktonic cells was observed in all coupons tested. These results indicate that Y. lipolytica biofilms show a significant ability to adhere to polypropylene, presenting an important impact on the quality of colonial cheese.

Candida glabrata has emerged as a common cause of serious life-threatening fungal infections, largely owing to their low susceptibility to azole antifungals. Recent guidance indicates the use of echinocandins as the first-choice drug for the treatment of systemic infections of C. glabrata; however, C. glabrata resistance to echinocandins is reportedly increasing. Herein, we present the induction of anidulafungin resistance in planktonic and sessile cells of C. glabrata and the development of fluconazole cross-resistance. MICs of 21 clinical C. glabrata strains were determined by a broth microdilution method using anidulafungin and fluconazole. Biofilm formation on a tracheal catheter was determined using 1- × 1-cm2 polyvinyl polychloride catheter fragments. Induction of anidulafungin resistance in planktonic and sessile cells and evaluation of its stability were performed by exposing the strains to successively higher concentrations of the antifungal. The induction resulted in strains strongly resistant to anidulafungin (MICs: 1-2 µg/mL) and fluconazole (≥64 µg/mL). Most of the sessile cells of C. glabrata presented slightly reduced susceptibility compared with the planktonic cells. Clinically, this cross-resistance could lead to therapeutic failure while using fluconazole in patients previously exposed to subinhibitory concentrations of anidulafungin for extended periods.

ABSTRACT Hypericum species, Hypericaceae, are recognized as a source of therapeutical agents. Purified fractions and isolated compounds have been shown antimicrobial activity. As the indiscriminate use of antifungals and the increase of infections caused by emerging species are leading to the search of new alternative treatments, the aim of this study was to continue the study with Hypericum carinatum Griseb. lipophilic fraction, rich in phloroglucinol derivatives, investigating the effect of its association with fluconazole against emerging yeasts (Candida krusei, C. famata, C. parapsilosis and Cryptococcus neoformans). The synergistic activity between H. carinatum lipophilic fraction and fluconazole was assessed by two methodologies for multiple dose–response analysis: checkerboard and isobologram. Regarding synergistic experiments, the effect of the association was higher than the effect of fluconazole alone against Candida krusei and C. famata isolates (MIC fluconazole decreased about eight and four folds, respectively), suggesting that, somehow, H. carinatum lipophilic fraction compounds are facilitating the action of this drug. On the other hand, when tested against Cryptococcus neoformans and C. parapsilosis, fluconazole showed better results than the association. Thus, against Candida krusei and C. famata, the lipophilic fraction of H. carinatum was able to reduce the MIC values of fluconazole and could be considered as a potential alternative to be used against emerging yeast species.

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of Ochratoxin A (OTA) in wheat grains and wheat flour samples using a new high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The experiment used six wheat grain samples from different industry storage place from Chapeco (SC), South Brazil, on August 2008. The OTA extraction was carried out using acetonitrile: water (120:80 v/v) as solvent. Thereafter, the supernatant was filtered, and applied on OTA-specific immunoafinity column to HPLC Furthermore, the column was washed with water and the toxin was eluted with methanol. The OTA wheat grains and wheat flour concentration were analyzed by a fluorescence detector coupled to the HPLC apparatus. The results showed a smaller OTA concentration than the limits set by international legislation.

El objetivo principal de este estudio fue evaluar la presencia de Ocratoxina-A (OTA) en los granos del trigo y harina del trigo realizadas por un nuevo método de determinación que usa la cromatografía líquida de alta resolución (CLAR) acoplada al descubridor delfluorimetrio. El experimento usó seis muestras de grano de trigo del lugar del almacenamiento diferente a la industria local de Chapeco (SC), Brasil Sur, en agosto, 2008. El extracto de OTA era llevado a cabo usando el acetonitrila: agua (120:80 vlv) como solventes. Después el suprenadante fue filtrado, y aplicado en la columna del inmunoafinidad específica a OTA. Además, la columna se lavó con agua y la toxina era el eluido con el metanol. La determinación del OTA se realizó por detección de fluorescencia acoplado al aparato de HPLC. Los volúmenes de OTA en los granos del trigo y harina del trigo eran entonces los determínate y los resultados mostraron una concentración de OTA menor que los límites exigidos por la legislación internacional.

Objetivo: El presente trabajo describe las características demográficas y clínicas de los individuos con tétanos accidental en Santa Catarina, Brasil. Materiales y métodos: se analizaron 291 casos de tétanos accidental reportados desde el año 1998 hasta 2008, a través de un estudio descriptivo tipo corte transversal. Con base en el porcentaje y frecuencia numérica, así como en la tasa de incidencia registrada según los formularios de notificación obligatoria. Resultados: La mayoría de los casos (73,54%) ocurrieron en los hombres que residen en Vale do Itajaí (30,24%). El grupo con mayor incidencia fue en el rango de edad de 35 a 49 años (32,30%). La historia completa de inmunización se informó en siete casos (2,40%), la lesión perforante fue la más observada, las extremidades inferiores fueron las más afectadas. Entre los casos reportados 87(62%) fueron confirmados; 114 (39,17%) pacientes murieron. Conclusiones: el tétanos accidental en Santa Catarina afecta a la población de manera significativa a pesar del hecho de que es una enfermedad prevenible. Las autoridades y los administradores deben planear estrategias para generar cambios en las políticas públicas relacionadas con la cobertura de inmunización de la población susceptible, sobre todo los adultos. Es importante advertir a la sociedad que el éxito de los programas de inmunización depende de la aplicación de tres dosis a intervalos establecidos, la aplicación de las dosis de refuerzo y el cumplimiento del calendario de vacunación.

Objetive: This work describes demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals with accidental tetanus in Santa Catarina, Brazil. Materials and Methods: 291 cases of accidental tetanus reported from 1998 to 2008 were analyzed retrospectively through a cross-sectional, descriptive and correlated study based on percentage and numeric frequency as well as on number and incidence rate (i.r.) found in compulsory notification forms. Results: Most cases (73,54%) occurred among men residing in Vale do Itajaí (30,24%). The age group with the highest incidence was within the 35 to 49 range (32,30%). Complete immunization history was reported in seven cases (2,40%), the perforating injury being the most observed and the lower limbs the most affected ones.Among the reported cases, 87,62% were confirmed; 114 (39,17%) patients died. Conclusions: Accidental tetanus in Santa Catarina affects the population in a significant way despite the fact that it is an immune preventable disease. The authorities and administrators must plan strategies to address changes in public policies related to immunization coverage of the susceptible population, mainly adults. Above all, it is important to warn society that the success of immunization programs depends on the application of three doses at set intervals, application of booster doses and compliance with the vaccination schedule.