Abstract According to a particular interpretation of quantum mechanics, the causal role of human consciousness in the measuring process is called upon to solve a foundational problem called the “measurement problem.” Traditionally, this interpretation is tied up with the metaphysics of substance dualism. As such, this interpretation of quantum mechanics inherits the dualist’s mind-body problem. Our working hypothesis is that a process-based approach to the consciousness causes collapse interpretation (CCCI) -leaning on Whitehead’s solution to the mind-body problem- offers a better metaphysical understanding of consciousness and its role in interpreting quantum mechanics. This article is the kickoff for such a research program in the metaphysics of science. measurement Traditionally dualism dualists dualist s mindbody mind body processbased based CCCI (CCCI leaning Whiteheads Whitehead science

Abstract This paper presents an eyebolt structural fault detection system, based on the analysis of multiple electromagnetic parameters through a random forest classifier trained by both measurements and high-fidelity simulated signals. The proposed methodology is completely noninvasive and does not require the disassembly of the electrical infrastructure, allowing the live-line working. The obtained results show that the proposed multi-parameter strategy achieves high accuracy and increases the system’s capability of detecting faults, improving the efficiency of the operator’s preventive maintenance routines and, consequently, increasing the reliability of the power supply and energy distribution systems. system highfidelity fidelity signals infrastructure liveline live line working multiparameter multi parameter systems s faults operators operator consequently

Cellulose derivatives still receive special attention in today biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility, ability to form resistant membranes and compatibility with various bioactive agents. In this work, cellulose acetate (CA) was used to prepare membranes with different morphologies aiming to evaluate the release profile of the drug ibuprofen (IBF). The IBF incorporation was performed by the addition of 10% of the drug in an 8% (w/w) CA/acetone solution. The morphology of the membranes was modified by the addition of water, used as porogenic agent. Drug release assays showed the effect of morphology on the cumulative drug release curves. The symmetric membrane exhibited retention of significant amounts of the drug and a slow release process that lasted for more than 50 hours. The asymmetric porous membranes presented different behavior with greater amount of drug released in less time of release. The kinetic parameters calculated from the Higuchi and Korsmeyer/Peppas models indicated release profiles controlled by diffusion/solution process in the polymer matrix. The results revealed that the interactions established between IBF, CA and the matrix morphology are significant factors for the kinetic control of the drug release process and enable to choose different applications of the membranes loaded with IBF.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi selecionar porta-enxertos, com base nos caracteres agronômicos e na qualidade de frutos da laranjeira 'Valência'. Os porta-enxertos avaliados foram: a tangerina 'Cleópatra'; os híbridos TSKFL x CTTR-013, LVK x LCR-038, TSKC x CTQT 1439-004, LVK x LVA-009 e TSK x TRENG-256 (citrandarin 'Indio'); o limoeiro-cravo 'Santa Cruz'; e os híbridos TSKFL x CTC-25-002 e TSKC x CTSW-038. O experimento foi instalado em 2010 e avaliado de 2013 a 2017. Os parâmetros altura da planta, volume da copa, eficiência produtiva, relação entre copa e porta-enxerto, percentagem de sobrevivência e tolerância à seca foram avaliados em 2017. Foram estimadas a produtividade média de cinco safras, assim como a produção anual por planta e a produção acumulada. As características dos frutos analisadas foram: massa, diâmetro, comprimento e espessura de casca, rendimento de suco, sólidos solúveis, acidez e índice tecnológico. A 'Valência' apresenta menor altura de planta e volume da copa, bem como maior eficiência produtiva, quando enxertada sobre TSKC x CTSW-038 do que sobre os outros porta-enxertos. LVK x LCR-038, TSKC x CTQT 1439-004, citrandarin 'Indio' e limão-cravo 'Santa Cruz' estimulam o aumento da produção da laranjeira 'Valência'. LVK x LCR-038 e o citrandarin 'Indio' induzem o enxerto a produzir frutos de melhor qualidade.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to select rootstocks, based on the agronomic characters and fruit quality of the 'Valência' orange tree. The evaluated rootstocks were: the 'Cleópatra' mandarin; the TSKFL x CTTR-013, LVK x LCR-038, TSKC x CTQT 1439-004, LVK x LVA-009, TSK x TRENG-256 ('Indio' citrandarin) hybrid genotypes; the 'Santa Cruz' Rangpur lime; and the TSKFL x CTC-25-002, and TSKC x CTSW-038 hybrids. The experiment was installed in 2010 and evaluated from 2013 to 2017. The parameters plant height, canopy volume, yield efficiency, scion:rootstock ratio, survival percentage, and drought tolerance were evaluated in 2017. The yield average of five harvests was estimated, as well as the annual production per plant and the accumulated production. The analyzed fruit traits were: mass, diameter, peel length and thickness, juice yield, soluble solids, acidity, and technological index. 'Valência' shows a lower plant height and canopy volume, besides a higher yield efficiency, when grafted on TSKC x CTSW-038 than on the other rootstocks. LVK x LCR-038, TSKC x CTQT 1439-004, 'Indio' citrandarin, and 'Santa Cruz' Rangpur lime increase the production of the 'Valência' orange. LVK x LCR-038 and the 'Indio' citrandarin induce the scion to produce a better quality fruit.

Resumo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência do uso do solo na diversidade morfológica de colêmbolos e verificar a relação destes organismos com os atributos físicos, químicos e microbiológicos do solo. Foram coletadas amostras na região Sul de Santa Catarina, envolvendo três municípios: Orleans, Lauro Müller e Siderópolis, nos sistemas de uso do solo (SUS) de floresta nativa (FN), reflorestamento de eucalipto (RE), pastagem perene (PA), integração lavoura-pecuária (ILP) e plantio direto (PD). As coletas de solo para determinação dos atributos edáficos e a instalação de armadilhas de queda, foram realizadas no inverno e verão, nos mesmos pontos. Os colêmbolos coletados foram contados e morfotipados e os dados foram analisados por meio da abundância, diversidade de Shannon-Wiener (H') e Margalef, índice de dominância de Simpson (D), uniformidade de Pielou (J), riqueza de morfotipos e Análise de Componentes Principais (ACP). Os morfotipos de Collembola foram influenciados pelas condições de manejo de cada sistema, sobretudo o impacto dos SUS nesses organismos depende da intensidade das práticas florestais/agrícolas utilizadas, incluindo rotações culturais e preparo do solo.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of soil use on the morphological diversity of springtails and to verify the relationship of these organisms with soil physical, chemical, and microbiological properties. Samples were collected in the Southern region of Santa Catarina, involving three municipalities: Orleans, Lauro Müller, and Siderópolis, in the land use systems (LUS) of native forest (NF), Eucalyptus plantation (EP), pasture (PA), integrated crop-livestock (ICL), and no-tillage (NT). Soil samples to determine edaphic properties and pitfall traps were collected in winter and summer, in the same areas. The collected springtails were counted and morphotyped and the data were analyzed through abundance, Shannon-Wiener diversity (H') and Margalef index, Simpson dominance index (D), Pielou evenness index (J), morphotype richness, and Principal Components Analysis (PCA). Springtails morphotypes were influenced by the management conditions of each system, especially the impact of LUS on these organisms depends on the intensity of the forest/agricultural practices used, including crop rotation and soil preparation.

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the link between preoperative parameters and oxidative stress (OS) markers in the bladder wall of men undergoing open prostatectomy. Materials and Methods: From July 2014 to August 2016, men aged ≥ 50 years and presenting with LUTS were prospectively enrolled. Preoperative assessment included validated questionnaires (IPSS and OAB - V8), lower urinary tract ultrasound and urodynamics. Bladder biopsies were taken during open prostatectomy for determination of OS markers. Increased OS was defined by increased concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and / or decreased concentration of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and / or catalase). P<0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Results: Thirty - eight consecutive patients were included. Mean age was 66.36 ± 6.44 years, mean prostate volume was 77.7 ± 20.63 cm3, and mean IPSS was 11.05 ± 8.72 points. MDA concentration was increased in men with severe bladder outlet obstruction (BOO grade V - VI according to the Schaefer's nomogram) in comparison with BOO grade III - IV (p = 0.022). Patients with severe LUTS also had higher MDA concentration when compared to those with mild LUTS (p = 0.031). There was a statistically significant association between increased post - void residual urine (cut off ≥ 50 mL) and not only higher levels of MDA, but also reduced activity of SOD and catalase (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This pilot study showed that severity of LUTS and BOO were associated with increased MDA concentration in the bladder wall of men undergoing open prostatectomy. Further studies are still needed to assess the role of non - invasive biomarkers of OS in predicting bladder dysfunction in men with LUTS.

Objetivo Reconhecer e analisar a prevalência dos achados tomográficos de pacientes submetidos a tomografia de crânio atendidos no pronto-socorro do Hospital Universitário Cajuru. Materiais e Métodos Estudo transversal pela análise sequencial de 200 laudos de tomografia de crânio incluindo todos os pacientes admitidos no pronto-socorro do Hospital Universitário Cajuru submetidos a este exame sem contraste intravenoso. Resultados Observou-se a presença de alterações em 76,5% dos exames. Destas, as mais frequentes foram: aumento de volume de partes moles extracranianas (22%), fratura óssea (16,5%), hemorragia subaracnoidea (15%), hipodensidade inespecífica (14,5%), velamento dos seios paranasais (11,5%), edema cerebral difuso (10,5%), hematoma subdural (9,5%), contusão cerebral (8,5%), hidrocefalia (8%), hipodensidade retrátil/gliose/encefalomalácia (8%). Conclusão Reconhecemos que os achados mais comuns em um serviço de urgência e emergência em outros estudos se assemelham aos nossos. Essas informações são importantes para que os profissionais reconheçam quais são as principais alterações a serem identificadas em uma tomografia de crânio e para um futuro planejamento e triagem hospitalar, a fim de obter eficiência e melhora nos serviços prestados.

Objective To identify and analyze the prevalence of cranial computed tomography findings in patients admitted to the emergency unit of Hospital Universitário Cajuru. Materials and Methods Cross-sectional study analyzing 200 consecutive non contrast-enhanced cranial computed tomography reports of patients admitted to the emergency unit of Hospital Universitário Cajuru. Results Alterations were observed in 76.5% of the patients. Among them, the following findings were most frequently observed: extracranial soft tissue swelling (22%), bone fracture (16.5%), subarachnoid hemorrhage (15%), nonspecific hypodensity (14.5%), paranasal sinuses opacification (11.5%), diffuse cerebral edema (10.5%), subdural hematoma (9.5%), cerebral contusion (8.5%), hydrocephalus (8%), retractable hypodensity /gliosis/ encephalomalacia (8%). Conclusion The authors recognize that the most common findings in emergency departments reported in the literature are similar to the ones described in the present study. This information is important for professionals to recognize the main changes to be identified at cranial computed tomography, and for future planning and hospital screening aiming at achieving efficiency and improvement in services.

Os antibióticos permanecem como a principal opção terapêutica para tratar infecções bacterianas, no entanto, existe a desvantagem de aumentarem a resistência bacteriana, e como alternativa, destaca-se a pesquisa de antimicrobianos de origem vegetal. Neste trabalho objetivou-se determinar in vitro a atividade antibacteriana do óleo essencial de Origanum vulgare L. (Lamiaceae) (orégano), sobre bactérias multirresistentes isoladas de materiais biológicos. Foram usadas 24 linhagens de bactérias de origem hospitalar, divididas em seis espécies distintas, que foram inibidas pelo óleo essencial no "screening" preliminar, realizado utilizando-se a técnica de difusão em ágar. A CIM foi determinada pelo método de microdiluição, partindo-se de soluções com as concentrações finais: 8 até 0,125% com os seguintes resultados: As quatro amostras (100%) de Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis e MRSA foram inibidas pelo óleo essencial na concentração de 0,125%. Três amostras (75%) de Acinetobacter baumannii por 0,125% e uma amostra (25%) por 0,5%; Klebsiella pneumoniae (75%) por 0,125% e 25% por 0,25%; Pseudomonas aeruginosa (75%) por 0,5% e 25% por 0,25%. A CIM variou de 78 a 83%. Concluiu-se com base nos dados obtidos, que não houve diferença na concentração bactericida mínima (0,5%) do referido óleo tanto para os microrganismos Gram positivos quanto para os Gram negativos.

Antibiotics are considered the main therapeutic option to treat bacterial infections; however, there is the disadvantage of increasing bacterial resistance. Thus, the research of antimicrobials of plant origin has been an important alternative. This work aimed at determining the in vitro antibacterial activity of the essential oil of Origanum vulgare L. (Lamiaceae) on multiresistant bacteria isolated from biological materials. 24 strains of nosocomial bacteria were used and divided into six different species that were inhibited by the essential oil in the preliminary "screening" which was accomplished by the diffusion technique in agar. MIC was determined by the microdilution method, beginning with solutions with the final concentrations: 8 up to 0.125% with the following results: The four samples (100%) of Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis and MRSA were inhibited by the essential oil at the concentration of 0.125%. Three samples (75%) of Acinetobacter baumannii at 0.125% and a sample (25%) at 0.5%; Klebsiella pneumoniae (75%) at 0.125% and 25% at 0.25%; Pseudomonas aeruginosa (75%) at 0.5% and 25% at 0.25%. MIC varied from 78 to 83%. It was concluded through the obtained data that there was not difference in the minimum bactericidal concentration (0.5%) of the referred oil for Gram positive as well for Gram negative microorganisms.

A amiloidose traqueobrônquica é uma forma pouco comum de amiloidose localizada, caracterizada por depósitos amilóides limitados à traquéia, brônquios principais e brônquios segmentares. Nós apresentamos o caso de um homem aposentado de 67 anos com dispnéia progressiva de longa data, sibilância e dor torácica. O diagnóstico de amiloidose traqueobrônquica foi realizado após três fibrobroncoscopias e confirmação histopatológica com coloração vermelho congo.

Tracheobronchial amyloidosis is an uncommon localized form of amyloidosis, characterized by amyloid deposits restricted to the trachea, main bronchi and segmental bronchi. We present the case of a retired 67-year-old man with long-term progressive dyspnea, wheezing and chest pain. A diagnosis of tracheobronchial amyloidosis was made after the third fiberoptic bronchoscopy and histological confirmation through Congo red staining of tissue samples.

A eficácia antimicrobiana in vivo não pode ser definida exclusivamente pela atividade de um antibiótico determinada por um teste de sensibilidade in vitro. O conhecimento da farmacocinética e farmacodinâmica dos antimicrobianos, assim como de todos os fenômenos que ocorrem entre agentes antimicrobianos e microrganismos é fundamental na interpretação de alguns resultados. Os parâmetros farmacodinâmicos (PD) mais frequentemente usados nos estudos do efeito dos antibióticos incluem os seguintes relacionamentos: a concentração livre máxima (fCmax) com relação à concentração inibitória mínima (CIM), a área livre sob a curva (fAUC/CIM) e a duração do tempo em que a concentração livre excede a CIM (fT> CIM). A utilização dos dados conhecidos de farmacocinética/farmacodinâmica devem ajudar a otimizar o resultado dos tratamentos adotados, especialmente com relação à resistência emergente entre as bactérias Gram-positivas e Gram-negativas. Os estudos clínicos no campo da farmacodinâmica dos antimicrobianos ainda são relativamente escassos, e muita informação é necessária para permitir estratégias de dosagem relevantes para todos os tipos de antibióticos contra a todas as infecções e microorganismos comuns. Nesta revisão, os padrões distintos da atividade antimicrobianabaseado em parâmetros de farmacodinâmica são discutidos. Vários antibióticose patógenos bacterianos podem ser usados como modelos para demonstrar a utilidadede parâmetros de farmacodinâmica em predizer a eficácia in vivo da terapia antimicrobiana. E finalmente, o uso da modelagem computadorizada utilizando a simulação de Monte Carlo em determinadas populações podem realçar ainda mais o valor preditivo e a eficácia antimicrobiana quando se utilizam parâmetros de farmacodinâmica nas interpretações.

Antimicrobial efficacy in vivo is not exclusively defined by the activity of an antibiotic as determined in the in vitro susceptibility test. Knowledge of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of antimicrobials and all phenomena occurring between antimicrobial agents and microorganisms is imperative. The pharmacodynamic (PD) parameters most often used in studies of antibiotic effect include the following relationships: the maximum free concentration (fCmax) to minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ratio, the free area under the curve (fAUC/MIC) ratio and the duration of time the free concentration exceeds the MIC (fT>MIC). Utilization of known pharmacokinetic/ pharmacodynamic surrogate relationships should help to optimize treatment outcome, especially in the face of emerging resistance among Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Clinical studies in the field of antibacterial PD are still relatively scarce, and much information is needed to enable relevant dosing strategies for all types of antibiotics against all common infections and microorganisms. In this review, the distinctive patterns of antimicrobial activitybased on PD parameters are discussed. Various antibioticsand bacterial pathogens can be used as models to demonstrate the utilityof PD parameters in predicting the in vivo efficacy of antimicrobialtherapy. And finally, the use of computer modeling with Monte Carlo populationsimulations can further enhance the predictability of antimicrobial efficacywhen using PD parameters.

Pseudomonas sp. é um bacilo gram-negativo ubíquo de vida livre e freqüente em ambientes hospitalares. Bactérias produtoras de metalo-betalactamases (MBLs) são em grande parte resistentes aos betalactâmicos de largo espectro, incluindo cefalosporinas e carbapenens. Este trabalho objetivou detectar cepas de Pseudomonas spp. resistentes ao imipenem e à ceftazidima, assim como identificar aquelas produtoras de MBLs. Foram estudadas (entre junho de 2002 e junho de 2003) 311 cepas isoladas de diversas amostras clínicas no Hospital Geral de Fortaleza (HGF), bem como foram realizados testes de identificação e sensibilidade pelo sistema de automação MicroScan®/WalkAway, sendo as cepas multirresistentes confirmadas através do método de difusão em disco. A triagem para detecção de amostras produtoras de MBLs foi realizada pelo método de dupla difusão, utilizando discos com mercaptoacetato de sódio. Entre essas amostras, 24 (7,71%) demonstraram produção de MBLs e padrão de multirresistência entre as cepas estudadas. Os antimicrobianos para os quais as cepas apresentaram maior sensibilidade foram a piperacilina/tazobactam com 255 (82%) de sensibilidade, seguido da piperacilina isoladamente, com 229 (73,63%); imipenem com 195 (62,70%); ticarcilina/ácido clavulânico com 193 (62,05%); e ceftazidima com 138 (44,37%). A detecção dessas amostras configura um problema emergente, com importantes implicações na terapêutica antimicrobiana.

Pseudomonas sp. is a ubiquitous gram-negative bacilli, of free and frequent life in hospital environment. Metallo-betalactamases (MBLs) productive bacteria are largely resistant to betalactamics of wide spectrum, including cephalosporin and carbapenem. The objective of this work was to detect Pseudomonas spp. strains resistant to imipenem and ceftazidime, as well as to identify the MBLs producer ones. It was studied 311 isolated strains from several clinical samples at Fortaleza General Hospital (FGH), from June 2002 to June 2003. Identification and sensibility tests were done by the MicroScan®/WalkAway automation system. The multiresisting strains were confirmed by the diffusion method in disk. The triage to detect MBLs productive samples was accomplished by the double diffusion method, using disks containing sodium mercaptoacetat. Among these samples, 24 (7.71%) indicated production of MBLs and multiresistance standard in the midst of the studied strains. The antimicrobials to which the strains presented larger sensibility were piperacillin/tazobactam, with 255 (82%) of sensibility, followed by isolated piperacillin with 229 (73.63%); imipenem with 195 (62.70%); ticarcillin/clavulanic acid with 193 (62.05%); and ceftazidime with 138 (44.37%). The detection of these samples configures an emerging problem, with important implications in the antimicrobial therapeutic.

INTRODUÇÃO E OBJETIVOS: Muitos estudos têm demonstrado possível relação entre a expressão de oncogenes e a agressividade histológica dos tumores tiroidianos. O presente trabalho investiga as alterações moleculares existentes nas variantes do carcinoma papilífero de tiróide (CPT), através da análise da expressão de proteínas relacionadas à tumorigênese, correlacionando-a com o prognóstico. METODOLOGIA: 32 casos estudados de CPT foram selecionados de peças cirúrgicas, entre 1987 e 2000, sendo 5 homens e 27 mulheres com idades médias de 52,6 e 46,5 anos, respectivamente. Foram estudados anticorpos monoclonais anti-MIB-1, p53, c-erb-B2, bcl-2 e receptores de TSH e TGFb. RESULTADOS: Dos casos analisados, 11 foram considerados de melhor prognóstico (variantes microcarcinoma e encapsulado) e apresentaram elevada expressão de TSHR2 e TGFbR2 (100%), bcl-2 (81,8%), c-erb-B2 (90,9%) e menor expressão de p53 e MIB-1 (18,2%). Nos 13 casos classificados como de prognóstico intermediário (variantes clássica e folicular), a expressão de TSHR2 foi de 100%, TGFbR2 e bcl-2, 92,3%; c-erb-B2, 76,9%; p53, 23,1% e MIB-1, 69,2%. Finalmente, os 8 casos de pior prognóstico (varintes de células altas e de células colunares) mostraram expressão de TSHR2, bcl-2, c-erb-B2, em 100% dos casos, TGFbR2 em 87,5%, p53 em 75% e MIB-1 em 37,5%. CONCLUSÃO: As neoplasias mostraram-se bem diferenciadas em virtude da elevada expressão de TSHR2, TGFbR2, e baixa de p53. Em todos os grupos, a taxa proliferativa foi ausente ou baixa (<1,5%), com positividade maior nos tumores de prognóstico intermediário, sendo mais elevada (>1,5%) nos carcinomas de pior prognóstico. Além disso, a positividade para a proteína bcl-2 foi progressivamente maior com a piora do prognóstico.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Studies investigating the molecular pathogenesis of common thyroid neoplasms have shown some association between oncogenes expression and histological aggressiveness of thyroid tumors. We have investigated molecular changes in variants of thyroid papillary carcinoma (TPC), by analyzing the expression of proteins related to its tumorigenesis, and further, its own relationship to the prognosis. METHODS: We examined 32 surgical specimens of TPC obtained from 5 males and 27 females (mean ages of 52.6 and 46.5 years, respectively). Monoclonal antibodies anti-MIB-1, p53, c-erb-B2, TSH receptors, TGFb receptors and bcl-2 were detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: 11 of the 32 cases had a better prognosis (microcarcinoma and encapsulated tumors), with high expression of TSHR2 and TGFbR2 (100%), bcl-2 (81.8%), c-erb-B2 (90.9%) and lesser expression of p53 and MIB-1 (18.2%). In the 13 cases with intermediate prognosis (classic and folicular), the expression of TSHR2 reached 100%; TGFbR2 and bcl-2, 92.3%; c-erb-B2, 76.9%; p53, 23.1%; and MIB-1, 69.2%. The 8 cases with the worst prognosis (tall and columnar cells) expressed TSHR2, bcl-2, c-erb-B2, in 100% of them; TGFbR2 in 87.5%; p53 in 75%; and MIB-1 in 37.5%. CONCLUSIONS: These neoplasias have shown to be well differentiated, due to the high expression of TSH and TGFb receptors, and low expression of p53. In all groups, the proliferation rate was absent or very low (<1.5%), with high positives in the group of intermediate prognosis. Proliferation rate was higher among the most aggressive variants. Furthermore, the positivity to bcl-2 was highly related to the worsening of prognosis.

Bactérias produtoras de metalo-beta-lactamases (MBLs) são em grande parte resistentes aos betalactâmicos de largo espectro, incluindo oximino-aminotiazol cefalosporinas e também aos carbapenens. O objetivo deste trabalho foi detectar cepas de Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistentes ao imipenem e à ceftazidima, assim como identificar aquelas produtoras de MBLs. Foram estudadas 198 linhagens não-repetitivas isoladas de diversas amostras clínicas, hospitalares e comunitárias, identificadas bioquimicamente por técnicas de rotina. A triagem para a detecção de amostras produtoras de MBLs foi realizada pelo método de dupla difusão proposto por Arakawa et al. (2000) e modificado por Nakajima et al. (2001), utilizando discos contendo mercaptoacetato de sódio. Foi detectado um percentual de resistência de 19,7% (39/198) ao imipenem e de 15,2% (30/198) à ceftazidima, com 10,1% (20/198) de resistência cruzada aos dois antimicrobianos. Entre estas amostras, 2% (4/198) demonstraram produção de MBLs e padrão de multirresistência. A detecção destas amostras configura um problema emergente, com importantes implicações na terapêutica antimicrobiana, necessitando, portanto, de maior investigação através de metodologia molecular, para melhor caracterizar a extensão do problema.

Producers of metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs) have been shown to confer resistance to carbapenems. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the presence of resistance to imipenem and oxymino cephalosporins, as well as MBLs production among clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in João Pessoa-PB, Brazil. A total of 198 non-repetitive strains of P. aeruginosa identified by routine techniques were studied. These strains were screened for MBL production, using the double disk diffusion test previously described by Arakawa et al. (2000), as modified by Nakajima et al. (2001), using disks containing sodium mercaptoacetate as inhibitor of MBL. Strains were considered to be MBL producer when they demonstrated a typical expansion in the inhibitory zone by the presence of thiol compound. A total of four strains (2%) showed positive results among the isolates tested. Our findings indicate that the appearance of metallo-beta-lactamase in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains is an emerging problem, with important therapeutic implications, and this fact needs further investigation including the use of molecular methodologies to fully characterize the extent of the problem.

To investigate the clonal diversity of Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated at João Pessoa, State of Paraíba, Brazil, digested genomic DNA were studied by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) in nine methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA) and three methicillin-sensitive strains (MSSA), selected among 67 isolates based on their antimicrobial susceptibility and epidemiology. The isolates were obtained between April and November 1992 from the Hospital of the Federal University of Paraíba, located in João Pessoa. Two MRSA isolates from the Oswaldo Cruz Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil, including an epidemic strain previously detected from different hospitals at the country were used as control. Five different patterns, were demonstrated by MRSA isolated in João Pessoa and these patterns were described in several epidemiologically unrelated hospitals in São Paulo. Our results suggest the interstate dissemination of a MRSA clone in João Pessoa which is similar to that described in other cities of Brazil.

Considerando a infecção de ferida cirúrgica como uma freqüente causa de infecção hospitalar, o presente estudo relata um levantamento feito a partir de 45 casos deste tipo de infecção no Hospital Universitário da UFPb, tendo como finalidade investigar o prolongamento do tempo de internação do paciente com infecção de ferida cirúrgica. Identificouse a etiologia bacteriana destas infecções, determinando-se também o padrão de sensibilidade aos antimicrobianos com finalidade de propor medidas de prevenção e controle destas infecções, com a participação efetiva do enfermeiro.

Considering the surgical wound infection as a frequent cause of nosocomial infection, this study reports a sampling made from 45 cases of these infections at the University Hospital of UFPB, to investigate the prolonation of the internation time of the patients with infected surgical wounds. It was identified the bacterial etiology of these infections, and also determinated the drugs sensibility patterns to propose guidelines to prevention and control of these infections with effective participation of the nurse staff.